A/N My usual thanks to my ever loyal reviewers and followers. I really appreciate the support and kind words. Here's ch 18 for you all to enjoy.
Ch 18 Uncertain Times
Meanwhile back at the Shredder's lair trouble was brewing. The Shredder was furious that his plan to make Tang Shen had failed. In addition he had received some serious injuries due to being thrown into the cement wall. "Master what do you wish us to do?" Tiger Claw asked, kneeling beside Shredder's bed. Due to his injuries to his back the Shredder was unable to get out of bed.
"I am not giving up," Shredder declared. "I will make Tang Shen mine no matter what I have to do!"
"Father I think you should focus on getting well again," Karai suggested from her place beside the Shredder's bed. "You've got some serious injuries to you back near your spinal cord. If you don't rest it could be very bad." Shredder glared at his daughter and was about to speak.
"F-forgive me for saying so Master but your daughter is correct," Stockman stammered, rubbing his hands together nervously. "If you're not careful then you could cause more damage to your back. You could become paralyzed or even die."
"You've made your point," Shredder said as he leaned back into the pillows. "But my plan will go forward."
"Father what do you mean?" Karai asked, dreading the answer.
"Bradford!" Shredder bellowed. Moments later Bradford came running into the room and knelt alongside Tiger Claw.
"What do you require of me Master?" the brown bearded man asked, bowing his head.
"I want you to take some Foot Soldiers to find Xever," Shredder ordered. "I heard he's back in the city and living in little Brazil. Tell him I have a mission for him."
"Yes Master," Bradford and Tiger Claw said as they stood and exited the room.
"Stockman!" Shredder thundered.
"Y-yes Master?" Stockman stammered.
"I want you, Tiger Claw, and Karai to go to the TGRI building," Shredder commanded. "I want those supplies I require."
"Yes Master," Stockman said with a bow.
"Yes Father," Karai said as she also bowed. Even though Karai didn't want to go she knew better than to argue with Shredder. That would be deadly. So the teen reluctenly left with Stockman and some Foot Soldiers in tow.
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Meanwhile back at the lair Elizabeth and Leo had returned. "Michelangelo should be just fine," Elizabeth declared, earning sighs of relief from the group. "I am concerned about his kidney," the doctor continued. "The blade that pierced it was quite sharp and I'm concerned that it could cause the kidney not to function properly. I'll have to keep a close eye on him for a few days to make sure everything is alright."
"I can do that," Donnie offered. "You probably wanna get home to your sons anyways."
"Yeah your dad has already called twice," Will said. "Jack is refusing to go to sleep without saying goodnight to you and Hector is refusing to go to sleep until his brother does."
"I should call them," Elizabeth said, taking out her phone and dialing her father's number. After a few minutes the group could hear Elizabeth saying, "Alright Jackie be a good boy for Grandpa and go to sleep. I love you. Goodnight my sweet boys." With that Elizabeth ended the call. "Sorry about that," she said, turning to the group. "Three year olds can be very finicky."
"I have been there myself," Shen said with a smile. "But I cannot ask you to stay away from your boys any longer than you need to."
"I'll go get the boys tomorrow," Will offered. "That way Elizabeth can stay her and monitor Michelangelo."
"I can handle things here," Donnie insisted. "Really I can. You should get home to your kids."
"I appreciate it Donatello," Elizabeth said with a smile. "But this is a lot for a fourteen year old to handle. I know you are quite capable but I would feel better if I stayed just in case."
"You should rest my son," Yoshi said, putting his hand on Donnie's shoulder. "We have got thing taken care of and we will come and get you if you are needed." Donnie began to say he was fine. But he was interrupted by his oldest brother's voice.
"You really should rest Donnie," Leo said, his voice full of concern. "You look exhausted and April you should go home and be with your Dad."
"Right," April said after a minute. "He's probably wondering what's taking me so long. I told him I was going to the library. I'll see you all later." With that April waved and left the lair.
"I'm gonna sit with Mikey," Raph declared as he headed to Mikey's room.
"I must insist that you both get some rest," Shen said, looking at Leo and Donnie who opened their mouths to protest. "And no arguing. Now go." The two brothers let out sighs of defeat as they knew they wouldn't win an argument with their mother. So they went to their respective rooms for the night.
"I think I'm going to head out," Will said with a yawn. "I'll pick up the boys in the morning. Unless you want me to stay darling?" Will looked at Elizabeth when he said this part.
"I'll be fine Will," Elizabeth said with a laugh. "I'll walk you out. Then I'm going to check on Michelangelo before retiring myself." With that the Turners were gone leaving the Hamatos alone.
"Alright Yoshi I want answers," Shen said, turning towards her husband.
"About what?" Yoshi asked, surprised by his wife's question.
"I want to know who you called earlier," Shen demanded. "And what did you mean by 'reinforcements'?"
"I called Reo's sons," Yoshi informed his wife. "You remember Riku and Kaito?" Shen nodded and Yoshi continued. "They are more than willing to help us and they are coming here as soon as possible. But they did tell me some distressing news."
"And what is that?" Shen asked, dreading the answer.
"Haru is working with Saki," Yoshi informed his wife. "When I speaking with Riku he told me that Haru had tried to persuade him and Kaito to join him and Saki in their quest to kill me and our boys."
"I cannot believe this," Shen said, shaking her head sadly. "Haru must have been helping Saki all along."
"I fear he has been," Yoshi said. "And if what Riku said is true then Haru is just as much our enemy as Saki is."
"I agree," Shen said. "But we..." Just then her phone began to beep as she received a text. Reaching in her pocket Shen pulled out her phone and read then text. Then her eyes got wide.
"What is wrong Shen?" Yoshi asked, alarmed at his wife's expression.
"This text is mot alarming," Shen said. "It is a warning. But from whom I do not know."
"What kind of warning?" Yoshi asked.
"It does not say," Shen said, as she read the text again. "It is in Japanese though and says: 'Beware of Saki. He will make you his at any cost'."
"Do not worry Shen," Yoshi said, pulling his wife close. "I will not let anything happen to you. I will protect you with everything I have."
"I know you will Yoshi," Shen whispered, burying her face in her husband's chest fur. With that the husband and wife held each other until Elizabeth came back.
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Meanwhile Karai was riding in the van staring at her phone, wondering if she had done the right thing. She had gotten Tang Shen's cell number by using a phone cloning device she had. She wanted to be able to warn her of her father's plans without revealing it was her. After a minute Karai sent another text telling Shen what was happening at TGRI. She sent the text and tucked the phone back in her pocket. But when she looked up to her surprise Karai found herself looking into the angry face of Tiger Claw.
"Caught you in the act girl," the assassin snarled.
A/N well folks ch 18 is complete. I hope you all enjoyed it and as always reviews are always welcomed and appreciated.
