Hey, there. You guys must be wondering how Splinter knows the Neo Ninjas' sensei, right? Well, I'll tell ya... When the right time comes. I know this is Evil, but it's for the best. I'm sure you guys wanna see the turtles and the Neo Ninjas kicking some butt, huh? Let the show begin! R&R! This chapter is dedicated to spootycup, my most loyal reader, and kayceeronin from DeviantArt, for drawing the Neo Ninjas. On with the show!
A/N: The following chapters take place between The Way of Invisibility and Fallen Angel.
Chapter 5: Past Evil. Part One.
Tiff was running along the rooftops while thinking how good her life with her new family was despite everything that happened during the last months: they faced weird Mouser robots, moved away to a new lair, fought street punks and mysterious ninjas not to mention the new friends they met: April and Casey.
April was nice. Sure, she freaked out when she first met them but Tiff couldn't really blame her. After all, it's not everyday you meet four giant turtles, a giant rat, three kids with wings and a glowing girl. After getting over her surprise, April turned out to be not only a great ally and her family's link to the outside world but a really good friend as well. She was almost like the big sister Tiff and never had.
Now, Casey... It was a bit different. Not that she didn't like him. Casey might be a whackbag, like Chris used to say, and even more hotheaded than Raph sometimes, but Tiff knew he meant well and she had to admit: he was loyal and trustworthy. The only thing she disliked was that he was always calling her "Cappy" because of her cap though she nearly beat the crap out of him for calling her that the first time they met at the Central Park.
Tiff smiled at those memories. She had a sad past, but thanks to her family and friends, her present was great and her future seemed bright.
Unknown to Tiff, a shadowy creature was following her every move...
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Mikey and Kimi were watching TV when the News started.
Reporter: -The police still has no clues on the mysterious attacks to young girls at night. Yestarday, another girl was found unconciuous in an alley. Like others victims, she said the last thing she saw was two strange figures holding something made of metal. The police advises caution.
That caught the others' atention.
Raph: -Another girl was attacked? That's the tenth this month.
Ryan: -The weird part is that nothing was stolen and the girls had only a few scratches.
Leo: -Don, do any of these girls have something in common?
Don: -According to the police, all victims were around sixteen, had brown hair and were wearing some kind of cap when they were attacked.
Mikey: -That sounded like you were describing Tiff, Donnie. By the way, where is she?
Splinter: -Tiffany has gone to Ms. O'Neil's house, my son.
Kimi: -Yeah, I remember now. She said something about showing April some drawings.
Chris: -Well, we don't need to worry. Tiff knows how to take care of herself.
The others agreed.
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April was cleaning some antiques when she heard someone knocking on the back door. She opened it and smiled when she saw Tiff.
Tiff: -Hey, April. Sorry I'm a bit late.
April: -It's okay, Tiff.
Tiff: -Say, you look a bit worried. Something wrong?
April: -Well, I heard the news and...
Tiff: -Another girl was attacked?
April nodded while she let Tiff in.
Tiff: -Don't worry, April. After all, I'm a ninja.
April: -All right. If you say so... Did you bring it?
Tiff: -Sure. Just a minute.
Tiff picked a white sketchbook from her backpack and handed it to April.
Tiff: -Here.
April opened it and started looking over Tiff's drawings. Most were of places or animals, but one caught her atention. It showed the turtles, Splinter, Tiff's siblings, Casey and herself. It almost looked like a photography.
April: -Hey, Tiff, this one is really beatiful.
Tiff: -This? It's my newest drawing. It's not complete yet. Maybe I'll color it when it's done.
April: -You could even frame it when you finish it, Tiff. It's even better than a photo!
Tiff: -You really think so?
April: -Sure. It's well made and you really put your love on it.
Tiff smiled.
Tiff: -Thanks, April. This means a lot to me.
April smiled back.
April: -You're welcome, Tiff.
Suddenly, Tiff had a strange feeling as if someone was watching her and April. Knowing better than ignoring her instincts, Tiff drew her spears. April noticed that there was something wrong.
April: -Tiff?
Tiff: -There's someone out there... April, stay here. I'll go check it out.
April: -Be careful, Tiff.
Tiff: -Don't worry, I will.
Carefully, Tiff opened the door and closed it quickly before she walked around in the alley. The lights were off and nobody was there. Her body started glowing a bit. Tiff knew what that meant: trouble.
Tiff: -I can feel someone's presence... This can't be good...
Suddenly from the darkness, someone grabbed her around the neck making her drop her weapons and stoping her glow. Tiff tried to break free, but whoever was holding her was really strong. Another figure stepped out of the shadows, but it didn't look human. It was a robot. It was holding a shock stick and some sort of communicator.
Robot: -Target found, doctor.
Tiff knew she was about to panic. She had a feeling where this whole thing was gonna lead her and she didn't like it. She heard a voice coming from the communicator.
: -Excellent. Bring her to the lab at once!
Tiff frozed. She knew that voice! Now she was sure she was in deep trouble!
Robot: -Roger.
She saw red. There was NO WAY she was gonna let them do whatever they please with her! Using every bit of her strength, Tiff broke free and threw the other robot over her shoulder. Without wasting time, she grabbed her spears, hissing.
Tiff: -I'm not going down! Not without a fight!
The robot with the shock stick tried to hit Tiff, but she easily blocked it with one spear and used the other one to knock it off balance. The other robot got up and tried to grab her again. She jumped and flipped over its head and was now standing behind him. Pulling both spears around, she landed a blow to the robot's side. It went down, but didn't stay there. It was soon up and attacking again with the other one. Tiff growled as she tighetened her grasp on her weapons. Those robots weren't gonna give up.
After fighting for good twenty minutes, things were about to take a turn for the worst. Tiff had been focusing too much on the robots in front of her to notice another one behind her. Too late she heard the shock stick charging. The shock stick connected with her neck while the other two robots kicked her hard sending her flying into a wall.
April: -Tiff?!
April, despite Tiff's order to stay inside, saw the whole thing and rushed to help her.
April: -Tiff? Tiff! Are you okay!? Please, say something!
Tiff: -A... April... Get out... of here... Now!
April: -No! I can't leave you! You're hurt!
Tiff knew April was right. Her whole body was numb from the shock, she had hit her head pretty hard and was having trouble focusing.
Robot: -Any resistence is futile. You and your friend are coming with us!
Tiff narrowed her eyes. She was hurt alright but that wasn't gonna stop her from protecting her red-head friend from harm no matter what! She tried to get up, but her body was still numb and she was loosing conscience.
The robots were about to grab Tiff and April when they heard a familiar voice.
Casey: -Yo, bonehead! If ya mess with my friends, ya mess with me!
Tiff nearly whooped with joy when she saw Casey standing behind the robots with his mask on and ready to bust some skull. April was glad to see him as well.
April: -Casey!
Robot: -Warning! Any interference shall be punished!
Casey: -Oh yeah? Come and get some, punk!
The three robots jumped at Casey but the vigilante was ready. With a good swing from his hockey stick, Casey shut them down for good.
Casey: -That will teach ya!
Casey made his way to the two. April blushed a bit, smiling.
Casey: -Ya two okay?
April: -Yeah... Thanks, Casey.
Casey blushed a bit. Luckily for him, his mask was still on so April didn't notice it.
Casey: -It was nothing.
Tiff couldn't help but giggle at the situation. For some reason, she believed April and Casey had a thing for each other even though they were always at each other's throats. However, by doing so, her head started hurting again and she groaned.
Casey noticed Tiff was hurt and kneeled to check her.
April: -Tiff...
Casey: -Hang on, Tiff. You're gonna be ok.
Tiff smiled at them before everything went black...
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Chris was pacing forth and back. Anyone could tell the young boy was worried.
Ryan: -Chris, calm down.
Mikey: -Yeah. Worrying like this won't do you any good, you know.
Chris: -I know that, but I can't help it... She should've been back by now. It's just not like her to be away for a long time without at least calling or something!
Kimi: -You're right... Tiff would never do something like that... I'm getting worried...
Leo: -Tiff would've called us if she had run into trouble... Then again...
Raph: -Something's really wrong here.
Don: -Maybe we should go look for her.
The others nodded in agreement.
Leo: -Let's go to April's. She might know what...
Leo was cut off by a scream coming from the lair door.
April: -GUYS!!!
Everybody jumped up.
Chris: -April?! What the shell?!
The gang ran to the lair door and saw April, looking both scared and worried, and Casey carrying a limp Tiff in his arms. Everybody gasped.
Ryan: -Tiff?!
Kimi: -She's... She's...
Casey: -She passed out.
Splinter: -Mr. Jones, please place Tiffany on the couch. Kimberly, go get a glass of water for you sister.
Kimi: -I'm on it!
Kimi rushed to the kitchen while Casey gently placed Tiff on the couch. Chris stared at him and April, clearly concerned when Kimi returned with some tea.
Chris: -What happened?
April: -Tiff was ambushed...
Raph: -By the same guys who's been attacking girls lately?
April: -They're not humans... They're robots.
Mikey: -Robots? Are you sure, April?
April: -I saw them... Tiff felt there was someone wacthing us so she went to investigate. While outside, one of those creeps grabbed her. Another one showed up using a communicator. A voice said something about bringing Tiff to some lab. When she heard that, Tiff broke free and started fighting... Until a third robot came out of nowhere and hit her with a shock stick and the other two kicked her into a wall...
Chris clenched his fists, angry. Whoever hurt his sister was going to pay for that!
Casey: -I was patroling the hood when I saw those weirdos threatening both Tiff and April.
April: -They would have taken Tiff and me if Casey hadn't interfered...
Kimi: -Aw, man... Is Tiff gonna be alright?
Don: -Hmm... She hit her head pretty hard, but I don't think she got a concussion. From what I can see, she had some minor injuries on her back, legs and arms too.
Ryan: -She's gonna have a bad headache when she wakes up. Besides that, nothing serious.
Mikey: -That's a relief, but I'm totally confused... Why would somebody build robots to attack girls and bring them to some kind of lab against their will? This isn't right.
Leo: -You're right, Mikey. Something weird is going on here.
A small groan interrupted the conversation.
Raph: -Hey, I think she's waking up!
Slowly, Tiff opened her eyes, confused. Her vision was a bit blurry.
Tiff: -What happened? Where am I?
Splinter: -Save your strenght, my daughter, no harm will come to you.
Tiff: -Sensei?
Tiff blinked several times until her vision became clearer. She sat down and looked around. Kimi offered the glass of water.
Kimi: -Drink this, Tiff. You'll feel better.
Tiff took the glass and drank some water. Smiling, she returned it to Kimi
Tiff: -Thanks, Kimi...
Leo: -How are you feeling now, Tiff?
Tiff: -A bit sore, but I'll be fine.
The elder Neo Ninja rubbed her head. She winced when she touched the spot where she hit the wall.
Tiff: -Ow... This is gonna make a bump in the morning... Anyway, how did I get here?
Raph: -Casey and April brought ya here after you fainted.
Tiff: -I see... Thanks, both of you.
Casey: -Don't mention it, Tiff. It was nothing.
Tiff smiled but she looked worried.
Splinter: -Something wrong, my daughter?
Tiff: -I'm afraid so, Master... I... I believe I've seen those robots that attacked me before...
Ryan: -What?! But how, Tiff?
Tiff was about to answer when the TV screen started getting fuzzy.
Kimi: -Huh? Hey guys, check this out!
Everybody turned their atention to the TV. The screen became clear as a man with long dark grey hair that covered half of his face revealed himself. The Neo Ninjas gasped.
Neo Ninjas: -Doctor Isaken!?
The others just stared in disbelief. They all knew what that meant.
Isaken: -Greetings, you four troublemakers. I know you are somewhere in this city and I'll find you! Your sister may have escaped this time but we shall meet soon! Very soon!
Isaken laughed like a maniac as the screen faded.
The room fell silent. After what it felt like forever, Kimi fell on her knees, sobbing.
Kimi: -No... This can't be true... Please...
Ryan wrapped his arms around himself as he started shaking. He was pale and he looked like he was about to break down in tears at any moment.
Ryan: -Why? Why did this have to happen?!
Chris slammed his fist on the table. A small tear rolled down his cheek.
Chris: -Just when things were finally getting better... This monster had to show up and ruin everything... Again!
Tiff lowed her head. She knew they would react that way.
Tiff: -We managed to run from him for so long... But now... What are we gonna do...?
Raph: -We're gonna put an end to this once and for all!
The four Neo Ninjas stared at him. Leo, Don and Mikey nodded.
Leo: -Raph's right. It's time to stop his evildoings for good!
Don: -We won't let him hurt you guys!
Kimi wipped away some tears on her eyes and got up.
Kimi: -You guys really mean it?
Mikey: -Of course we do, Kimi! We promised you that, remember?
The four Neo Ninjas just smiled. They weren't alone anymore.
Casey: -What do you know about this guy, anyway?
Ryan: -Well, he's a brilliant scientist and a madman too. His lab was developing several projects related to robotics, bioengineering and genome analisis as far as I can remember.
Tiff: -No wonder those robots looked familiar to me... We saw them being tested when we visited the lab that day.
Ryan: -Bingo. After what happened, I heard the lab was closed 'cause the police suspected Isaken was connected to master Akira's death and our disappearance but without any real evidence he couldn't be arrested or judged. No one heard of him after that... until now.
Chris: -That doesn't help us much...
Don: -Maybe it helps more than you think, Chris. If he's really here in New York, my guess is that he has a secret lab here somewhere.
April: -That makes sense. He'd need a lot of equipment to broadcast that message.
Raph: -I think I got your point.
Leo: -Me too. If we find this lab and shut it down for good...
Mikey: -We'd be able to stop him!
Kimi: -There's one problem: this city is huge! How are we gonna find it before he finds us?
Leo: -The same thing we do when we need to get something done, Kimi: working together.
Ryan: -That's right, but it's getting late now... We'd better rest up and start tomorrow early. And April, maybe it would be better if you spend the night here. Just in case, you know.
April: -Maybe you're right...
Casey: -Well, I'm going. I'll see you guys tomorrow
Tiff: -See ya, Casey.
Casey: -Oh, and take care, Cappy.
Tiff glared playfully at him. Casey grinned and left
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Later that night, Tiff sighed. No matter how tired and hurt her body was, she just couldn't sleep. She glanced at April who was fast asleep on the bed next to her. Since the Neo Ninjas started living with the turtles Tiff's been sharing a room with Leo. She didn't mind it though. She was used to share rooms with her siblings since she was little. But this night, Leo was sleeping on the couch because he had let April stay on his room with Tiff.
Quietly, Tiff got out of the bed and floated out of the bedroom to check her siblings.
She first made her way to Mikey and Kimi's room and peeked inside: the room was a bit messy, which didn't surprise her. Mikey was snoring lightly while Kimi was sleeping peacefully. Without making any noise, she moved to Don and Ryan's room. Both were sleeping soundly just like Mikey and Kimi. Finally, Tiff went to Raph and Chris' room to check them. Just like others, they were fast asleep. Tiff smiled. They all looked so innocent.
Tiff landed on the living room and went to the kitchen. Maybe some tea would help her sleep. She was a bit surprised to find Leo there, still awake.
Tiff: -Leo? What are you doing up so late?
Leo: -I was gonna ask you that, Tiff. You should be resting.
Tiff: -No need to worry, bro. One good thing about being a Neo Ninja is that our wounds heal faster than normal people's. My only problem is this headache...
Leo offered her a cup of tea.
Leo: -Maybe this will make you feel better.
Tiff: -Maybe... Thanks, Leo.
Tiff took the cup and sipped some tea, before sighing.
Leo: -There's something else that is not leting you sleep, isn't there?
Tiff: -I can't really hide anything from you, can I, Leo? Well, you're right... I'm worried...
Leo: -About tomorrow?
Tiff: -About the future... I can't help thinking something bad may happen. Just like before...
Leo: -Tiff... Listen, no matter what happens, we'll be okay. Even if you're human and I'm not , we're a family. And nothing is gonna change that.
Tiff: -I know that Leo... And that's what worries me. After all the kids and I've been through, having a family again is like a dream come true... I don't want Isaken to take that away from us again...
Leo hugged his sister.
Leo: -That won't happen, Tiff. We've been through all types of dangers together and together we pulled through them. This battle is no different. As long as we stick togheter, there's no problem we can't overcome. You just need to believe.
Tiff: -Just... believe...
Finally, Leo let go of Tiff. He was glad to find the Neo Ninja smiling.
Tiff: -Thanks, Leo. You always have the right thing to say.
Leo: -Hey, what are brothers for? Now, come on, we better get some rest.
Tiff giggled. She knew that "big brother" voice tone.
Tiff: -Okay. You won. Good night, Leo.
Leo: -Night, Tiff.
Tiff started floating again and flew back to her room.
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The next day, everybody woke up early. While the turtles and the Neo Ninjas were training, April was trying to use Don's computer to track Isaken's signal.
When the night finally came, Casey arrived on the lair, ready to rumble.
Chris: -Now that's nightime, what are we gonna do?
Splinter: -A wise strategist gathers as much information as possible before making a move, my son. You would do well to investigating the city.
Tiff: -That's right. The best way to find Isaken's lab is if we split up and search different areas of the city while April tries track down his signal.
Leo: -Let's split up into groups: Casey and Raph can check the North side while Mikey and Kimi go check the West side. Don and Ryan can check the South side while Tiff, Chris and I go to the East side to investigate it.
Casey: -Sounds good to me.
Don: -Yeah. We can cover a large area in a small time this way.
Ryan: -Oh, that reminds me... I think these belong to you guys.
Ryan handed three cell phones to Tiff, Chris and Kimi while Don handed the Shell Cells to the other turtles.
Kimi: -Our cell phones?
Ryan: -Yep. Last night, Donnie and I installed a new tracking system on them. This way, we'll be able to track each other faster in case one of us runs into trouble and needs help.
Raph: -That might come in handy.
Leo: -True. Nice job, you two.
Tiff: -April, if you have any luck contact us.
April: -I will, Tiff. Now be careful, guys.
Splinter: -Good luck, my children. May you return safely.
They all nodded and waved good bye before leaving.
And so, the search started. Raph and Casey were checking the North side on their bikes. Mikey and Kimi took the Battle Shell to check the West side. Don picked the Glide-Pack and went to investigate the South side of the city with Ryan. Leo, Tiff and Chris were running along the rooftops on the East side.
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Leo, Tiff and Chris kept running. They've been searching for clues and nothing.
Chris: -Man, this stinks... We got nothing 'til now!
Tiff: -Patience, Chris. I'm sure the others are having better luck.
They leaped across a rooftop and stopped for a few moments.
Chris: -Speaking of which, weren't we suposed to meet them before we head back home?
Leo: -You're right. Let's go find them.
Tiff: -You two go ahead. I'll take another look around.
Chris and Leo stared at her, taken aback by her decision.
Chris: -I don't think this is a good idea, Tiff. We should stick together.
Tiff: -Don't worry, Chris. I'll stay on the rooftops this time.
Leo: -Tiff... Fine. I won't argue with you this time, but be careful.
Tiff: -I will, Leo. Keep an eye on Chris for me, okay? I'll meet you guys at the lair.
Leo: -Roger. Let's go, Chris.
Chris: -Fine... Take care, Tiff.
Tiff nodded and turned to the other side, taking off at a swift run. Leo and Chris stood there for a few seconds before they left to find the others.
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Raph and Casey stopped in an alley. It was a few blocks from the lair so it would be a safe meeting spot for they.
Raph: -What's taking them so long?
Casey: -Hey, chill out, Raph. I'm sure the others are gonna show up soon.
Ryan: -Maybe sooner than you expect.
They both looked up. Ryan and Don were hovering above them.
Raph: -Hey, about time you two showed up. So, any luck?
Don: -No. We searched the whole area, but we found nothing unusual. What about you?
Casey: -We got nothing either.
Don and Ryan landed. The Earth Neo Ninja sighed.
Ryan: -Man, we haven't got any luck so far. I hope the others are having better luck.
Suddenly, they spotted the Battle Shell approaching. The truck stopped near them and Mikey and Kimi jumped out of it.
Mikey: -Hey, guys! Boy, looks like you guys didn't find anything.
Don: -Yeah... I suppose you two had the same luck, didn't you?
Kimi: -Bingo... Now what?
Before, anyone could answer, Leo and Chris jumped from a nearby rooftop and landed near them.
Leo: -Let's head back to the lair and see if April found anything. It's all we can do for now.
Raph: -Hey, where's Tiff? I thought she was with you.
Chris: -She was. She said she was gonna take another look around. She'll meet us at home.
Ryan: -It's not a good idea she going out all by herself like this.
Chris: -Tell me something I don't know already, Ryan. You know Tiff. When she makes up her mind, she does things her way. It would be pointless argue with her now.
Kimi: -Good point. Tiff can be really stubborn sometimes.
Don: -In that case, we better go back.
Everybody agreed. Raph and Casey got on their bikes while the other got into the Batlle Shell and left.
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Tiff sat by a bulding edge, sighing. She had looked everywhere but nothing.
Tiff: -This is gonna be harder than I expected... but I can't give up! There's just too much at stake. I can't afford losing another loved one to that madman!
She got up, clenching her fists.
Tiff: -If only there was a way to track him... Well, moping here won't do me any good. Better go home. The others must be there already.
She was about to leave when she spotted something coming out of the alley bellow her. Quickly, she hid in the shadows and watched as a strange character appaered. Tiff hissed. She knew who it was.
Tiff: -It's one of Isaken's robots... They are probably after me and the others... Wait a minute! That's it! If I follow that giant trash can, I'll find Isaken's lab!
Tiff could feel herself smiling. It was a dangerous plan, but if it meant a safe and bright future for her and her family, that was a risk she was more than willing to take.
The robot started walking away. Tiff took a deep breath and started following it. Being a trained ninja, she had no trouble following the robot without being seen until it reached the East River and vanished in an old drain tunnel.
After a few seconds, Tiff came out of her hideout and inspected the tunnel.
Tiff: -I don't really like the looks of this... Oh well, here I go.
Tiff ventured into the tunnel and kept following the robot's shadow through the sewers. She was determined to not lose her sight of it.
After traveling for what seemed several miles, Tiff found herself at an abandoned subway tunnel. She saw the robot vanishing inside a whole in the ground.
Tiff pulled out her Neo Cell.
Tiff: -It's time to call for back up...
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Leo and the others have arrived at the lair and were greeted by Splinter and April.
Splinter: -Welcome back, my children... Where's Tiffany?
Casey: -Huh? She ain't here?
April: -I thought she was with you.
Mikey: -She told us she'd meet us here.
Don: -Shouldn't she be back by now?
Chris cracked his knuckles.
Chris: -Crud, not again... I'm going after her!
Ryan: -Hold it, Chris. I'm going with you.
Kimi: -Count me in too.
Leo: -Easy, guys. I know you're worried, but you can't go out by yourselves.
Raph: -That's right. We're going too. After all, Tiff's our sis, too.
Suddenly, Leo's Shell Cell started beeping. He picked it up.
Leo: -Hello?
Tiff: -Hey, Leo.
Leo: -Tiff! You alright?
Tiff: -I'm fine.
Everybody smiled, relieved.
Mikey: -Gee, you really like to worry us, don't you, Tiff?
Tiff: -Sorry. I didn't mean it.
Leo: -Either way, where are you?
Tiff: -I'm not sure. Looks like a subway tunnel. This one looks pretty old though.
Raph: -A subway tunnel?
Don: -Now I remember. This place is full of subway tunnels built at the turn of the century that were later abandoned. These underground tunnels lead to places all over New York, so they're great for getting around without being seen.
Tiff: -I see... That explains a lot.
Kimi: -But how did you get there, Tiff?
Tiff: -Well, I was on my on way back when I spotted one of Isaken's robots. I followed it 'til it went into a drain tunnel at the East River and somehow I ended up here. There's a whole in the ground that I think it might lead to Isaken's lab.
Ryan: -Of course! Why didn't I think of that before?
Chris: -Yeah. What better place for a mad scientist to have a secret lab than underground?
Tiff: -I guess so. Anyway, you guys think you can track me down?
Don: -That shouldn't be a problem.
Leo: -We'll meet you there, Tiff.
Tiff: -Roger that. I'll be waiting.
Tiff turned off her Neo Cell.
Casey: -Well, we better get going.
Kimi: -You're going too?
Casey: -Of course.
Ryan: -This is gonna be dangerous, Casey. Are you sure you want to come?
Casey: -Hey, you guys are gonna need every help ya can get.
Chris: -Suit yourself. Let's move out.
Splinter: -Good luck, my children.
April: -Be careful, guys.
Leo: -We will. Let's go.
The turtles, Casey and the Neo Ninjas left.
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Tiff inspected the hole where she last saw the robot. It was so dark that even with her powers she couldn't see where it would lead.
Tiff: -Leo and the others should get here soon...
Too bad she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the ground around her slowly crumbling until it finally gave away. Without time to use her powers, Tiff vanished into the dark hole...
A few minutes later, the gang arrived.
Mikey: -No one's here.
Leo: -Are you sure this is the place, Donnie?
Don: -I'm sure Tiff's signal is coming from here.
Ryan: -And I'm sure the the tracking device we installed is working...
Casey: -Maybe she went to check the place by herself.
Chris: -No way. Tiff always looks before leaping.
Kimi: -Yeah. It's not like her to face danger without any back up.
Raph: -She said something about a hole in the ground, right? Maybe she's up ahead.
Leo: -Okay. Let's take a look around. Watch your step.
They ventured into the tunnel searching for their elder sister.
After some minutes, Kimi spotted a hole. When she got closer, she found a white cell phone and a black cap. Kimi frozed. That meant trouble.
Kimi: -Oh no... GUYS! OVER HERE! I FOUND SOMETHING!
Everybody rushed to where Kimi was.
Mikey: -What is it Kimi?
Kimi: -Look!
She showed the cap and the cell phone. Everybody nearly gasped.
Ryan: -Tiff's Neo Cell...
Chris: -And her cap...
Don: -She must have fallen in that hole. The ground around it looks unstable...
Mikey: -Whoa... It's really dark in there...
Raph: -Let's stop wasting time here and go down.
Leo: -Right. Be ready, guys. Who knows what we are going to find down there.
One by one, they made their way into the hole without knowing what kind of dangers they where about to face.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Tiff rubbed her head groaning when she realized that something was missing.
Tiff: -Crap! My cap is gone... And so is my Neo Cell...
She got up and dusted off her clothes before scanning her surroundings. She was on the edge of really tall cliff and in front of her there was a huge fortress.
Tiff: -Holy... This must be it! It's gotta be Isaken's lab! I better take a closer look. Maybe I'll find a way in.
Tiff gently glided her way down and stopped in front of the fortress. Everything was quiet. Maybe too quiet...
Isaken: -Long time no see... Tiffany.
Growling, Tiff drew her spears and turned around. She was facing none other than Isaken himself.
Tiff: -Doctor Isaken...
Isaken: -Not exactly. What are you seeing it's just a hologram. I'm currently inside my lab. I knew that, sooner or later, you'd come. I have a proposal to make, young lady.
Tiff gave him a sarcastic look.
Tiff: -Oh, really? About what?
Isaken: -Your mutation.
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Finally, Leo and the others reached the cliff where Tiff landed. They all stared at Isaken's fortress in awe.
Mikey: -Whoa... That thing is huge!
Ryan: -Yeah, but I don't see Tiff anywhere... She could be hurt or...
Kimi: -I don't think so, Ryan.
Don: -Why that, Kimi?
Kimi: -'Cause Tiff's down there with Isaken!
All: -WHAT?!
Everyone looked down. Tiff was standing in front of Isaken with her spears ready.
Casey: -What on Earth Tiff's doing?
Raph: -Looks like they're talking about something.
Leo: -Let's watch for now. If something happens we'll jump into action.
Chris: -Fine, but that creep better not do anything with Tiff!
Leo: -We know, Chris. Now, be quiet.
They all became quiet as they listened to Tiff's conversation.
Tiff: -My mutation? What do you mean?
Isaken: -Tell me, Tiffany, have you ever wondered why my creation affected you in a different way from your three siblings? Instead of wings and power over some force of nature, it gave you the ability to float in the air and glow.
Tiff: -Yeah, so what?
Isaken: -That happened because your mutation is incomplete.
Tiff: -Incomplete?
That caught everybody's atention as well.
Kimi: -Could that be true?
Chris: -No way. That guy's probably lying!
Ryan: -I'm afraid not, Chris... Tiff's still mutating...
They all turned to Ryan. He sighed, but remained silent.
Isaken: -Due the fact that your siblings are still kids, their mutation reached its final stage a few weeks after the incident. On the other hand, since you're much older than them, your mutation has been developing much slower, thus giving you different abilities.
Tiff: -You mean I can still mutate?
Isaken: -Precisely. When you least expect it, it will reach its final stage and when that happens, neither your body nor your mind will survive it.
Tiff: -What?!
Everybody gasped.
Don: -This can't be right... If what he said is true then...
Raph: -How did you two know about that?
Ryan: -Tiff asked us about her mutation a few weeks ago. We did some exams and found out that she was still mutating at a slow pace.
Don: -She was aware that this could happen but, like us, she thought it would take longer...
Tiff crossed her arms.
Tiff: -I suppose that proposal you said is that you can prevent that from happen, am I right?
Isaken: -Exactly. I can help you fully develop your powers if... you work for me.
Tiff closed her eyes.
Casey: -If that guy really thinks Tiff's gonna work for him, he's crazier than he looks!
Mikey: -You said it, dude!
Chris slammed his fist against his palm. He had enough.
Chris: -That's it! I've had enough of that creep! First, he took Master Akira, now he's trying to take Tiff from us! No way I'm gonna let this happen!
Chris was about to leap in action when Raph and Leo both grabbed the kid's arms.
Raph: -Easy there, kid. I know you wanna help but we can't rush into things like this.
Chris: -Never thought Raph would say something like that...
Leo: -Anyway, he's right, Chris. Tiff might get hurt. Let's keep watching. If things get out of hand, we'll be ready to help her, okay?
Chris: -Okay...
The others agreed. Tiff opened her eyes.
Isaken: -Well, Tiffany? What's your answer?
Tiff just looked at Isaken, smirking.
Tiff: -Sorry, doc. My answer is no and that's final!
Isaken: -What?! Do you realize that you mutation may threaten you very own existence?!
Tiff: -Of course I do, but I'm not afraid of facing it. You say I won't be able to take it when it reaches it's final stage. Well, for you information, I'm not the same girl you met one year ago! My body is stronger and so is my mind! I'll find out my true power without your help!
Isaken didn't look happy with Tiff's decision. Her siblings and Casey, on the other hand, cheered on that.
Kimi: -Alright! Way to go, Tiff!
Mikey: -That's the Tiff I know and love!
Ryan: -Tiff is always true to herself...
Don: - There was no way she'd work for that creep!
Tiff looked at Isaken with a serious expression. Now that she had declined Isaken's offer, she was unsure about what could happen to her.
Isaken: -You talk with the same courage that fool Akira...
That was enough to anger Tiff. She narrowed her eyes.
Tiff: -Don't you dare to insult my Master!
Isaken: -I see... Even after all this time you are still attached to him. Well, your beloved master was quite an opponent, he single-handed defeated all my security team, plus my battle robots. He was a menace to my plans so I have to get rid of him myself.
That nearly made Tiff drop her weapons. The others were also shocked with that.
Ryan: -I can't believe it...
Kimi: -How could he?!
Chris: -He's a monster...
Finally, Tiff got over her shock as she was about to lose her temper.
Tiff: -So it was you... You are the one who shot my Master!
Isaken: -It's true. He was so busy fighting that he never saw it coming.
Tiff: -I can't believe you! Not only you tried to make money at the cost of other people's suffering but you also shot my Master on his back! You have no honor!
Isaken: -Ha! Who needs honor when you can have power?!
Tiff: -I always knew you were rotten, but I never thought anyone could be so despicable as you, Isaken!
Isaken: -Enough of this! If you're not willing to work for me, I'll just have to take some more drastic measures...
Isaken snapped his fingers. The Fortress' gates opened. Tiff quickly turned around only to face several jellyfish like robots.
Tiff: -What the heck...?!
Isaken: -The robots you met are not my only creation. Behold, my Battle Drones!
Tiff got into a fighting stance.
Isaken: - Battle Drones, attack!
Laughing, Isaken's hologram vanished. Several Battle Drones lunged at Tiff. Thinking fast, she jumped out of the way while slashing a few robots. Unfourtunately, that didn't stop a Drone to hit one of the injuries on her left leg with a tentacle. She winced in pain and fell on her right knee but tried her best to not show any weakness.
Leo: -We gotta help her! Let's go!
Chris: -Finally!
Everybody leaped out of the edge and landed in front of Tiff. Quickly, they took out some drones, making the others back off.
Tiff looked up both surprised and relieved to see them.
Tiff: -Guys! You... came for me?
Chris grinned as he held out his hand to his sister.
Chris: -Of course we did. You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun, did ya?
Tiff giggled as Chris helped her up. The others approached her.
Leo: -You okay, Tiff?
Tiff: -I am now... Thanks guys.
Mikey: -Hey, don't sweat about it, Tiff.
Isaken's voice rang ouy through the cave.
Isaken: -So, these are the ones that's been hiding you and your siblings... Well, they're just freaks like you.
Chris: -As far I'm concerned, the only freak here is you, Isaken!
Isaken: -You were always a brat, Christopher. Let's see how you handle these! ATTACK!
Everybody drew their weapons, the real fight was about to start.
TO BE CONTINUED...