Shiro and Shre`Ard are enemies

-A Big Changes A bigger Risk-

Yoshi had heard the commotion just above him on the city streets and came running down the tunnel with his rat Shiro still on his shoulder. Then to his surprise there to his left hand side was four little turtles crawling around a pill of leafs, garbage and old newspapers. Yoshi laughed as he bent down to pick the four of the little guys up. Yosh turned to his pet rat and commented. "Looks as if you've found you some friends my Shiro." Shiro however didn't take too kindly at first to the new green arrivals and simply hissed at the green hard shell creatures in response.

Suddenly without warning from the pipe above them came this thick and slimy green glowing ooze; Yoshi, his rat and the four found turtles were covered all over from head to toe.

Yoshi slowly struggled to try and get himself clear from this thick substance, pulling a thick strand from off himself and flicking it to the floor, but then he screamed out in pain and dropped the turtles. Yoshi put his hand to his shoulder, however the pain the second time around was much much worse; it shot through his whole entire body. He dropped to the floor and blacked out instantly. The rat came close and nudged his nose; then suddenly Yoshi and Shiro had morphed together, mutating into one soul creature.

He opened his eyes; Yoshi couldn't be truly sure just how long he had been out for; it could have only been a matter of seconds or many thing up to a whole hour. As he started to come around, things coming into focus much more he heard the faint sounds, to Yoshi it sounded much like that of a baby's burble laughter. He just for a split second simply put it down to the stresses of the day.

Yoshi then all of a sudden to his own amazement could by some means actually recall two time line of events in his mind; that of his own and the other of his own pet Shiro. He looked down at his hands; something truly strange yet incredible had occurred to him; has he saw a set of pink like claws rather than a plain human hand. He felt his nose twitching from side to side and also the movement between his legs of a tail. Yoshi turned to catch sight of his face in a shard of the broken canister; he couldn't believe what he was seeing looking back at him. It was still him in away, but with noticeable changes; Yoshi was still dressed in his clothes, but his body was fully covered in fine brown fur; his mouth and nose was more of a muzzle style shape; his teeth were those of a rodent. It was clear to him that he had become a rat. 'I am no longer Yoshi it seems; what as happened to me.'

Yoshi slowly with the seconds of realisation took some comfort in his new metamorphose as he recognised the presence of Shiro in the face that was looking back at him in the glass. "I am now Shiro I can no longer consider myself as the man Yoshi Hamato." he said to himself; coming to some kind of terms with himself as to what had happened.

'It must be the effects of the green substance that as caused all this! The ooze as merged me and Shiro together as one.' His line of though was interrupted as he felt the touch of a three fingered hand on his leg Shiro looked down with a smile; at the sight of the four turtles.

These four small pet turtles had also been seriously affected by the ooze in a similar fashion; they were mutated into four anthropomorphic toddlers with intelligence and emotion resembling those of humans.

Back above the sewers the blacked out van had made there way through the dark lit streets of the city, escaping the pursuit of the police and returned to the clan's base. The soldiers inside saw their master stood waiting for them to return. "Just keep your heads up fellas; we did nothing wrong... and our master needs to believe that!"

Shre`Ard was very disappointed when he was presented with the news that his soldiers had failed to retrieve the canisters from the T.G.R.I lorry shipment. "This can not be so, the odds were stacked in your favour, how could you have let this happen damn you?" snapped Shre`Ard looking for an answer, his eyes blaring down on them.

"Were did what we could master, there were unseen circumstance... Cops hot on the scene; the green stuff was lost... Nothing we could do but to fight another day in the name of the clan!"

He grabbed hold of a soldier by the scruff of his uniform and pulled him close, close enough so the Shre`Ard could feel the soldiers cold sweat through his mask. "I needed what was on that truck; what was in those green canisters as you likely put it would have given us the edge.' The head of the clan looked down at the red face of the soldier, he ended by stating. 'It would have given the clan an army of great power, only the bravest of soldiers would have been chosen to feel the touch. I alone would have been able to show the entire underworld of this town our power! Would have set us on top and you have simply let that slip through our fingers." Shre`Ard forced the soldier down to the floor in a death gripe.

Shre`Ard released his grip; down on his knees the soldier looked up at his master; arms out in forgiveness. "Master I ask that you give us another chance; I understand we've let you down but...' he paused as he struggled to catch his breath, pulling at his collar. 'Another chance to strike on another convey. The clan will still flourish as soon as I bring you those green filled canisters, I shall not let you down!"

"No more pleading from you; it won't help you."

"Master please let me stand strong in front of you... I will bring you what you wish!"

"Oh you are correct... You won't happen again; if you fail me soldier then you will pay the ultimate cost and I will not hesitate to end your miserable little life with a snap of your scrawny little neck.' replied Shre`Ard standing above him. The soldier lowered his head and Shre`Ard struck the soldier across the face. 'Now leave."

The soldier stood up, bowed to his master and as he held in the pain stated firmly. "Next time I will deliver I will show you my worth. The clan is my home, my loyalty is with you master, I stand before you greater than the others. I want nothing more than to serve you!"

"I don't need your loyalty boy I just want results now go bring the clan it's success. Now leave, I will not speak of this failure again! Come back when you are successful to me!" The soldier lowered his head, he knew where he lines and with that the soldier turned and left the room without hesitation.

Shre`Ard knew that the thugs he was gathering around him needed to be better skilled; he turned to his high ranking officers; Takehiko and Khan. He spoke to them firmly, he wanted to stamp his growing power over them even further. "I must have the ooze! That military enhancer will help provide us with the winning edge over the police and crime boss in this city. It will increase our soldier's size, strength and intelligence. I will not rest until it is mine!" Shre`Ard deep down knew the costs he had to bear for choosing the path.

"You let my chosen soldiers out with my orders; however they have failed me, because of your will to train them to give them the skill to win! Takehiko Khan bring me soldiers that can deliver or you too will have to answer to me!"

"Our master you have watched over my dojo and have been the way I rule over each student; I will do more if that is your wish."

Takehiko bowed to his master. "I have stood by you from the very beginning Shre`Ard... An unbreakable bond lays between us... We come from the old ways master; I embed that in each of your soldiers."

Across town back at the crash site, the area had been cornered off by the police and now the T.G.R.I cleaning crew in full protective white body suits were clearing up the green ooze from the road. The police were on site carrying out there investigation of the crash; a young police officer showed Arnold his badge and said his name. "My name is Officer John Stern, please now son tell us what happened today. Just how did you get in the middle of the road" The officer spoke clearly and calmly to reassure Arnold.

Arnold out of fear of what Mason could do to him looked away and to save his own skin. "Come on kid your not in any danger here, I just have my duties to follow... Answer a few questions then you can go!"

He choice however not to answer too many of Officer Stern's questions and in the end Arnold actually lied about Mason's involvement to the officer stating. "Look I left the store, couldn't quite carry my present and fall over my feet and into the street!"

"But other's say over wise. You wouldn't be trying to lie to me."

Arnold quickly shook his head. "Lie to police are you joking... Just know the people around here will say just about anything if it could lead to time on the telly, nothing more nothing less."

"Blast you kid your free to go for now, but if you ever remember some of the truth about today just give us a call; maybe someone needs watching over!" He nodded in reply and got up and left.

Following Stern's questioning Arnold was then taken to the T.G.R.I clean-up crew; he stood in front of the people in white protective suits as he was scanned a number of times by different devises. The young 11 year old truly didn't understand what was going on around him.

After the events of the day Arnold returned home to his father in a two bedroom apartment in the rough streets on New York. "Hey son!" his father called out, who was still looking at the TV.

"Hi dad, just off to my room!" Arnold called out.

"Okay, look how's your day... You got what you wanted with your money?!"

"Yeah dad, I did thanks. Everything was great." he lied holding in his sorrow as he ran to his room.

Down in the sewers below street level Shiro had heard voices heading his way, "Got to mix this entire mess."

"Yeah just thing if the doctor's formula actually touches an alligator or something; gosh then the New York times will have a field day running that headline."

"Yes remind me to put in for time off if that ever happens.' they laughed. 'But I'd put my name down for the examination team. Cutting out the brute seeing just how the liquid had changed him."

Shiro walked down the pipe line; he spots the shadows on the surface of the pipe. He backs off a little only catching a glimpse of the cleaning crew heading through the piping system; four people in protective suits Shiro seeing the letters T.G.R.I and before they could get the chance to see him in his new form knew he had to get away.

'In this form I have no chance at all of being accepted by the outside world. I fear that if I and the newly formed turtles are found then no doubt we would be taken by the T.G.R.I unit and dissected. Yes I must find a place to hide until I can figure out away to fix this mess.'

A Company and A Standing-

Shiro quickly ran back to the turtles, the water splashing under his feet. He knew he had to act fast and with fear in his eyes he gathered the turtles and processed further down into the sewers. This could have been down to his rat instinct kicking in perhaps, which told him to look further underground for a new dwelling place to hide.

The following morning Arnold left his bedroom and joined his father in the kitchen; his father had made himself a cup of coffee and had placed a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange in front of his son on the table. Arnold was still dressed in his pyjamas and he had bed hair; even though it was clearly time for him to get off to school soon. "Come on now son.' his father stated looking up at the clock on the kitchen wall. 'Times a ticking; you'll be late for school for sure."

"I don't feel too good this morning; a headache or something think I may need the day off!" he put on an ill and crocked voice in the hopes of fooling his father, Arnold was truly worried about the events of the other day and that no doubt Hunter and his gang would be waiting for him at every turn; 'They could pick their chances' he stopped to think. 'either do it early at break time, wait they could wait until lunch where their beat down could be longer or they could even pre-long their beating making me wait all day until for after school, where they knew that they would be any teachers to run too.'

Arnold raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through his completely insane bed hair as he waited for a response from his father. "Oh come off it.' was Cody's response. 'Do you truly think I was born yesterday!? You get yourself back into your room and get dressed, sort out that hair and get yourself off to school."

His father laughed it off, he wasn't having any of Arnold's fake attempts and took a sip of his coffee, then flicking over a page of his paper. "I was young once too remember Arnold."

"Oh come on dad, can't you just tell them have just one day off... Just call school tell them that I've got some kind of food poisoning and that you've had to drive to the hospital. They'll totally believe that, and hey besides dad they probably don't really care if I'm there or not!" Arnold shrugged.

However his father merely chose to ignore him and headed to the skin and washed up his cup. "You're going to school son and that's final, now you better get dressed or you'll be late."

Arnold slumped into a chair at the table and picked up the bowl of breakfast cereal and started to eat it standing up. He looked up at his father and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and stated when his mouth was empty. "But dad I don't need school; I've got my drawing. I beat the greats didn't go to school."

His father shook his head. "Look drawing won't always be there son, besides school isn't just about learning you can have fun too you know!"

"Fun, schools no fun.. I think I'm burning up. Please check my temperature."

"Just march yourself to your room, I'm trying to do my best here!"

Arnold rolled his eyes, an action which was noticeable by his father. "I saw that Arnold, but it won't change things!" his father growled.

Arnold resisted commenting back and he reluctantly turned around and with his head to the floor returned to his room. "I'll go, besides I've got to face those demons someday, and hey as you said have fun fun fun." But his father didn't quick upon the irritation in his voice, just honesty. Arnold's actions surprised Cody; he actually expected him to put up much more of a fight than that.

Arnold arrived at school on time and walked through the halls to his locker, looking at every turn over his shoulder hoping not to see Hunter. Arnold was relieved to have made it to his class room for first lesson. His heart sank however when Hunter and his other followers entered the room; Arnold lowered his head behind his books. However Hunter knew straight away that he was there. "Don't you go threating now Arnold; your time will come soon enough!" he lip worded to Arnold.

At lunchtime Arnold sat as always alone in the lunch room eating his lunch far away from anyone else; again looking over his shoulder in wait for Hunter's strike. He could see that Mason Hunter and a few others had gathered around a table in the far corner of the lunch room and from time to time a member of his gang would look in his direction whispering something to another member and laugh amongst each other. Arnold didn't dare rise to it, he just sat there minding his own business, concentrating on the picture he was drawing.

Then no doubt acting on orders of Mason one of the gang members left their table, walked to where Arnold was sitting and then all of a sudden purposely spilt water all over Arnold's drawing. "Oops, hey sorry there kid my bad!" he heard the kid say not even trying to attempt to hide his laughter.

Arnold looked up from his ruined note pat to see Mason pointed over in his direction; he then draw his hand across his neck and worded. "Chicken it seemed you've kept your month shut! The police walked right by my home; that's our little thank you." Arnold didn't show any anger even though he was boiling up inside; deep down he knew that they were merely trying to push him to act.

Arnold knew that there was no real adult supervision to step in to stop the bullies beat down, so he lowered his gaze and kept his head down for the rest of the lunch hoping to avoid any further trouble.

The bully stood around for a second in hope; he then shrugged his shoulders back at Mason; he was soon called back by the others when they saw that their plan had failed.

As the afternoon bell rang Arnold looked sharply to his left to the far door of the lunch room; Arnold's heart was racing as he got to his feet and then left the lunch room walking down the corridor to wait for his final class of the day.

Over the next few days following this event Arnold day's seemed to be quiet; everyday after his last class he would just rush home and stayed in his room; he felt defeated and disheartened with truly no way out.

Inside his room the growing teenager would mainly study or draw; he would only come out when he heard his father call him for eat at around about seven o'clock each day. In return his father would stay out of his way and watched TV mostly sports; either hockey or basketball. He didn't want to push his son he reckoned that Arnold had been through a lot these past few months and that in time he would come and talk to him when the time comes.

Over the next few months Shiro and the young turtle's had been forced to make the sewers their home; he had ventured upon an abandoned subway station big enough for him to build a home in. In this point in time it wasn't the most inviting and appealing place to live; what with leaky pipes, bad smell, pitch dark surrounds and dirty water under their feet Shiro even found it hard calling it home.

Shiro would still leave the sewers at night full and head up topside to continue his battled with the force of the Shibano Ni clan. Shiro had gotten so use to his new forum by this point, he could never even remember a time before it. Up on prowl through the dark streets of the city, it was clear to the rodent that crime and poverty ruled these streets.

His attention was caught by the ring of a set of security alarm. "Looks like there's a robbery in progress." Shiro made his way down to the bank and came to a smashed window. He period through the window Shiro could see a number of clan members moving around in the shadows. Shiro could make out that there were about six guys in total. 'I better tread carefully on this one, take them down one at a time I think.' he though rubbing his shoulder where he had last been caught off guard.

The clan stood back as the door to the vault had been blown open; it was totally pitch black inside a clan member actually switched on his torch light and shone it around the vault. He soon switched it off when he was hit on the arm by another clan member. "I do worry sometime damn it!' the member whispered. 'Now get in there and fill up your bag." This light gave Shiro the opportunity to caught a full glimpse inside the bank and he knew he had to act fast as they entered into the vault.

Shiro was posed about to make his move through the window, but was stopped in his tracks when he heard a clicking of a com-link. "I hear you boss, we'll be back straight away." Came a voice just about him on the roof.

Shiro looked up suddenly to see a further four members of the clan that had now gathered on the roof. He then heard a large blacked out van come driving down into the alleyway. 'This seems to be a big job, no doubt its going to bring Shre`Ard a lot of money.' Then to his surprise the guy from the roof abseiled down on a black rope. Shiro had to act quickly, as he knew he couldn't be seem. Shiro had managed to get out of the way pressed tightly up against the wall as the clam member landed on the window ledge and then leaped through the window entering the bank.

Just like that the members of the clan leaped through the window. "What's going on?" Shiro heard a clan member call out in some surprise as he turned around to see the guy from the roof walk towards him.

"Yeah man, explain yourself.' snapped another equally taken aback. 'Your job was to wait in the van and drive us back to base."

"Just leave the money!' was his reply. 'Master wants us back right away!"

"Yeah right are you bloody mad, look around youa this is easy pickings!"

"Yeah this is our chance our chance to please Master Shre`Ard! We're not leaving without the cash..."

"Well it seems we've got other orders bigger fish to try tonight! Master Shre`Ard as new orders and we are needed; the clan needs to work as a unit."

There was still some hesitation amongst some of the members; he grabbed hold of the group's leader. "Look if we're called back then we're called back; it's not our place to argue damn you."

"Yeah okay I get ah... Time for us to go... Ours ain't to question why, ours is to do or die!" joked the clan member sounding rather ticked off.

"Yeah something like that,' he stated letting go. 'now let's get going I don't want to loose my head for questioning his wished."

Not arguing any longer they calmed back up the rope and quickly headed down to the van below, Shiro saw for himself that they had left empty handed. He found this to be very strange indeed after all why take the risk they had to; break into the bank then to leave suddenly like this without money. Something Shiro thought was rather odd indeed. "Time to trust my instincts and see what is about to happen!" He chose then to stick with them tracking the group of members across the skyline, keeping his distance not to be seen.

The clan members had lead him to a mansion building just on the edge of the city. 'I've not been here before; this maybe there main base of operations.' Shiro though. 'Well there's no point in go inside, it'll only lead to my end... No if this is their main base the whole clan will have gathered and there'll be just to many of them. Time to wait it out it seems, see where the night will take me!'

Shiro stood in the shadows waiting for about fifteen minutes before he saw movement yet again from the building he was stacking out, he carefully moved in closer hoping to hear anything on what was going on. Two clan members were talking and Shiro was able to caught parts of what was being said. "Well I wouldn't want to be a member of the security team tonight at the T.G.R.I lab's; Shre`Ard as given us orders to shoot on sight."

"Yeah no questions asked as long as we bring home a canister of that ooze." Shiro knew that he must stop them; even if that actually meant destroying the oozed itself Shre`Ard just couldn't gain the contents of the ooze as only bad may come from it. However he had realised that the clan would have the vast head start in their van to the lads and that he couldn't keep up with them, so he made his way back down into the sewers and made his way through the system below to the T.G.R.I building.

By the time Shiro had arrived at the T.G.R.I building the clan members had broke through the main gates and were successfully holding back the security team, he could clearly see Takehiko standing at the back of the battle line shouting out the orders.

'A true warrior Takehiko would be leading the battle from the front; not standing back and merely shouting out orders while his troops are hurt in battle for you.' Shiro found himself thinking. He knew that he couldn't allow himself to be distracted by his thoughts. Shiro saw clan members move in and taking out a number of guards; he knew that he must get inside the lab and fast. He moved in close and in the shadows hoping to get inside first. Shiro however saw his path back by a clan member; seeing that there was no other away around tiptoed up and came in with a right hard hit without ever being seen.

The clan soldier turned around with a swinging for-arm blow; Shiro was able to duck his arm and for one second their eyes meet. "What the hell are you?" was his question. There was no need for Shiro to answer; he merely kicked the guys in the chest winding him, the clan member grabbed his chest in pain; Shiro then moved in and hit him with a hard chop to the back of the clan members neck and then took him down to the ground with a throw.

Shiro quickly moved on and took out a further three more members of the Shibano Ni Clan before making the decision. 'Its no use, there's no way I can take them all; the fight would be too great! No it's important now that I get to the ooze and destroy it before the clan can get their hands on it.'

So Shiro made his way through the shadows and inside the building. As Shiro made his way down the corridor he heard a loud explosion behind him. "They are inside.' he said. Shiro felt the effects of the blast; then smoke quickly flowed up the corridor. 'Time for me to get a move and fast."

Shiro could see figures move through the smoke and that they were heading towards him; he was just able to see through the grey and black dust filled smoke that the clan's men were in fact wearing black gas-masks and respirators, so that they could still breath and move easily through the smoke filled corridors.

The effects of the smoke had started to take their toll on Shiro; coughing and gasping for air as it clogged the back of his throat. He tried to cover his mouth with his sleeve, but it was no use. He looked up and down the corridor hoping for a way out; Shiro saw a air-vent opening above him in the corridor ceiling not so far away. It may have been difficult, but the only way to stay alive. Shiro took a little run up and in this more agile form Shiro had managed to leap up from wall to wall, pulling open the vent hatch and making his way up into the air-vent.

The vent system was small and narrow; however Shiro managed to crawl on all fours through the cramped space making his way through the air-vent of the facility, so that he couldn't be affected by the Japanese gases that the Shibano Ni clan had used.

As he came to an opening in the vent pipe further down Shiro saw down through grid into a lab; the lab was filled with canisters full with the same green liquid that had changed him all those months before. 'I've got to get down there, no doubt this is what Shre`Ard's clan is looking for.' He then knocked down the grid panel that would allow him into the lab and lowered himself to the floor below.

-A Chosen A Fallen-

The laboratory was empty of all personal; no doubt they had left the lab at the first sign of danger. Shiro acted quickly trying to destroy all the information that he could on the ooze liquid, until he happened to hear banging on the glass wall of the lab behind him. In his hast it seemed that Shiro had been negligent and allowed himself to be seen; the rodent had been seen by a clan member.

Shiro spun on the spot in startlement to see the figure all in black from head to toe staring back at him; his heart truly sank. 'I have been blinded by my need to stop the clan; I can not let this happen again.' he though, but he knew now that he only had a matter of minutes to act before the clan member would gain access into the lab.

Shiro broke open the large freezer case and with his cane smashed each and every last glass canister of ooze. As he made his was over to the filing cabinet; the clan member had bypassed the lock system and Shiro heard his muffled view. "I'm going to have you stuffed for your blasted interference creature!"

To try and ruin all that he could to stop all chances of the clan from gain even the slightest piece of information on the ooze Shiro continued on; he pulled out all the files. Again he heard muffled shouts and movement from the locked door. "Don't you bloody dare! I'll make you pay for this rodent." Shiro still paid him no attention; throwing and discarding documentation all over the place. There was then a low bleep and in the corner of his eye Shiro saw the light of the lock turn from red to green.

Shiro looked back to the vent. 'My only escape, they may have seen me. However, there is no way Saki can recreate a power like me.' he then ran over to the vent opening, Shiro got up onto the desk and took a high leap to the opening.

Jumping back once again up into the revelation system getting out of arms way just in time; Shiro crawled as fast as he could; has he made his way through the vent system and back the way he came his rodent's ears could just pick up the conversation between two clan soldiers back below in the lab. "Hey man what are you looking at?"

"You're just not going believe it if I told you; there truly is some crazy stuff happening!"

"Come on man look around you; we better got out of here and fast! This whole damn place is messed up pretty bad; there's no way we can get this ooze now for Master Shre`Ard." stated the second member pulling back on the first man's suit.

The first clam member shook his head and shrugged him off. "There's got to be something left in this lab blast it or he would have done this!" The clan member had picked up a pile of paper off the floor.

"He? He who man, look around you there's no one here! Get a grip all ready; everyone with a bit of sense have already left and we better do the same thing." Truly sounding doubtful now.

The clan member who had watch Shiro destroy the lab didn't pay his warning much attention, his attention was draw to the documents before him; he started to rummage through the discarded paper which he had laid now out on the desk trying to find some order.

The other member saw flames burning in the corridor behind him, by the second getting stronger and stronger, and then the glass panelled wall shattered in due to the immense heat. The two clan members ducked for cover as glass flow across the lab; cutting the upper back and right shoulder of the second soldier. "Well I'm sorry man, but you're on your own I'm not staying to find it. This fire is spreading fast, my life comes first." he stated as he ran back out of the lab.

The clan member looked around him, he realised that he couldn't stay any longer or it would be his life; he then quickly snatched a handful of sheets of paper from off the desk, saw a memory stick and then before poured a little amount of the green ooze into a test tube and ran. "Damn it, I hope this stuff can deliver Shre`Ard some results or my head will no doubt be for it!"

Before dawn Shiro made his way down through the sewer system heading back to the lair; he had hoped that he had managed to do enough to thwart Master Shre`Ard's plan's involving the ooze even if it was merely for the time being.

The clan members had started to make their way back to the head-quarters in the shadows of dusk, then the guy in the passenger seat turned to the driver and asked him. "Hey man pull the hell over, I'm getting out of here!' The driver took his eyes of the road for a second and shook his head. 'Look I said pull the damn thing over!" he snapped angrily at the driver as he tried to take the wheel.

The driver shoved him aside and called out. "Hey now what's the big idea... What the hell are you thinking off; keep off the wheel!" The other member's looked concerned from the back of the van.

"We have failed our order's yet again... I wont to keep my head, no doubt if we go back then we're all done for!"

"Don't you think he will anyway!' called out another member. 'If we go then Shre`Ard will have us hunted down damn it"

The clam member is the front shook his head in disbelief. "I've got to try... I'll keep running go into hiding! I wont my head." again he stated his his mask for now hiding his true fear.

The van suddenly broke off and pulled to the side of the road. "Why the hell are you stopping the van! We've got to report back to Takehiko or he will no doubt have all our heads; so I'm not messing him about." came a voice over the com-link.

"Don't answer just let's get out of here!' he said leaning over and placing his hand over the receiver. 'Just look around you; wake up we have no place there now!" as he then opened his door.

He stepped out of the van and then looked back as the back door slide opened also. Other members followed suit and moved out of their seats, one member actually pulled off his Shibano Ni Clan mask; he placed a hand on a fellow members shoulder to stop him to try to talk them out of it. "We have to go back... Try and keep fight the clan is my home; damn it aren't we not a worthy if we state with the clan!" but the fallen member just shrugged him off and stepped away.

It was no use, he realised that he couldn't get through to them, it was clear that there minds had been made up. "Fine then go! Don't be apart of the only thing that could have surely led to us all getting out of the gutter!" He watched as the others then also through down their masks, discarding them in the road as they ran up the road. Now left alone he ran around to the driver's seat and sped off down the street.

The van soon came into line once again and drove up the the mansion; the clan member looked around he saw Takehiko looking out from a window. He pulled open the door and ran straight to the high ranking member. The clan member kept his head low informing Takehiko of what had happened. "No one throws down the clan mask and lives; I will see to them boy."

"Sir there is more, I didn't fail though..."

Takehiko was saw the clan member hold up a handful of paper. "What do you think you've got there boy?"

"I know it isn't the prize our master was looking for Takehiko, however in here there is something that can led the clan to a great future!" He commented as he handed the documents over to Takehiko.

Takehiko raised an eye brow as he read through the papers that were headed to him. "You are a brave and fortunate one, these shard of retrieved documents could aid Shre`Ard greatly yes. Come now boy what is your name?"

The clan member smiled under his mask; at this point he raised his head watching Takehiko's gaze. "Jason... Jason Bryant!"

"Well then Jason no doubt I have taught you well these past months and now Shre`Ard must hear of your successful act."

"Thank you sir" bowed Jason in respect. Takehiko lead Jason out of the room and down a corridor.

Takehiko went to see Shre`Ard; he stood before his master and informed him that a prospective candidate for the clan's elite had successfully retrieved documentation on the ooze. Shre`Ard agreed to met with the boy stating. "This better be to my advantage Takehiko; I can not afford to have any more setbacks!"

Jason stepped forward to address the great leader of the Shibano Ni Clan Shre`Ard for the first time; deep down he was truly nervous, but he did all that he could to hide it well by presenting a show of confidence and dignity with his head held high. "You have not let me down like those cowards who have turned their life on me. I can assure you they will soon be found and severely punished for their error of judgement."

"Master Shre`Ard I almost lost my live to deliver you this in the mass confusion of the battlefield." Takehiko stepping forward and handing over the information Jason had received from the burning lab.

"Understand Jason that is actually no concern of mine, you serve the clan. And therefore as part of the clan boy your life will never be your own again; you have lost your meaning. The clan under my guidance as saved you from yourself!"

The cold harsh reality being revealed to Jason. 'Meaning I am only as great as my last mistake.' Takehiko stood strong at Jason's side, Jason looked to him for help, but none came.

'Well then if that's the case I've got to show him now more than ever that I am strong. Be bold tell him what you've found with no excuses.' he reckoned that would be the right view to get Shre`Ard's approval like he had gained Takehiko.

"Sir in the mass confusion of the battle I came through triumphant and was able to found the lad as your informant had said it would be; and used the pass word and entered the lab. In the burning rubble I discovered the information you had asked for. I master took a sample and gathered all the information as I could on the young Professor Perry; the data on the ooze is now yours because of me!"

Shre`Ard brought a fist to his mouth contemplating what he had just heard. "You have done well; if this works this will not be forgotten. I can promise." stated Master Shre`Ard turning his back on Jason and Takehiko. Takehiko placed his hand on Jason's shoulder and lead him out of the throne you.

The soldier paused for a second and looked Shre`Ard directly in the eyes. He gulped, but did not turned away and continued with a cleared throat. "However Master Shre`Ard there is something I feel I should report; a figure... I saw a figure inside the lab through the smoke, he had a features of what can only be described as a blasted rat! The rat was as big as a human he had smash the canisters and destroy documents; he was out to get us sir."

Master Shre`Ard held his figure in the air pointing directly at Jason. "What is the nonsense you speak of boy? A rat do you think I would place belief in such mas tails?"

"Master I tell you what I speak of is the honest truth, this figure was clearly not human nor animal; I tried hard to get in there and stop him. However the rat clearly had his aims and was out to get us... It had smash canisters and destroy documents. By the time I did eventually gained access inside; there was smoke everywhere all I could see was its claws.' Jason could tell that he had hit a nerve here and that maybe Master Shre`Ard had come to realise what he was talking about was truth. 'However the figure I'm sorry to inform you this had managed to get clean away."

"Truth Jason is sometime harder to believe than a lie; once again I thank you for your actions... You can come through for the clan, but the mission did not go as I had ultimately wished I am still at a stand still needing more time to stamp the clan's power of other's who wish to disrespect us!"

"Master Shre`Ard member's you can rest assure like Jason will stand by you and follow through with your aims and will!"

Shre`Ard nodded in agreement. "Go now Takehiko, I must get this information correctly looked at."

"We both thank you for your time our master." stated Takehiko placed his right hand on Jason's right shoulder and led him out of the throne room. "We both thank you for your time our master." stated Takehiko placed his right hand on Jason's right shoulder and led him out of the throne room.

When they had left the throne room Takehiko turned Jason around to look him directly in the eyes. "I hope I did well Takehiko; I do not wish to let you down and that our efforts are one day rewarded by our master."

Takehiko stated in reply. "I will do all that I can Jason I promise, today know this you have served the clan well, that will not be forget by me!" his soft tone of voice. There was something in his tone that put Jason off, but he was truly grateful by Takehiko's show of confidence in him and in respect Jason found himself bowing to Takehiko thankful and left.

-A Name A Meaning-

A few months late back down below in the old abandoned subway station Shiro was happy in the believe that for now he had halted the clan's plans; and had decided to now start work on fixing a home for himself and the four growing turtles. Shiro had been working hard when he could to fix the place; tightening up leaky pipes, draining way the water, clearing out all the mess and junk, dusting out the cobwebs, rewiring the electricity points, setting up lighting, setting up some kind of ventilation system and gaining items that he felt would be needed to make it a suitable place to stay.

As the year came to an end Shiro had done it; he had managed to create a suitable lair out of the crumbling station for himself and the turtles; who were now at this point walking upright, their front feet had grown fingers and they had started to walk clumsily around upon their hind legs. Their face had also started to look even more human as such; oval and finer. The turtles had even started to slowly learn some words and nothing could have prepared Shiro for the day he heard one of the turtles answer him correctly and clearly. "Yeah papa rat as you wish." They were starting to act like four young boys. Shiro then decided to help them to grow and develop.

Shiro smiled happily when he came to the realisation that these turtles were intelligent with emotion and thoughts resembling those of humans; he had decided that he must help them to learn and develop as people. They were his family in America; the four t-boys demonstrated their emotions to Shiro with hugs, smiles and laughs.

However, Shiro found himself needing eye in the back of his head, they were never quiet and often a handful to control. If he was attending to one of the turtles then within seconds another one would come over to jump on my back. Shiro would stay by the side of the four turtles by day and now they were five years old.

Shiro would stay by the side of the four turtles by day and now they were five years old, coming on six. He had treated them like his pupils and the turtles had under his help and teaching had grew up; little by little developing their intelligence and knowledgeable, feelings and emotion true as any human. 'I will raise them as my students each one becoming ninjas and I will stand as their sensei; teaching them in the fine art of ninjutsu.'He nodded at this thought, it resting well with Shiro. 'They will learn how to use the shadows and will gain the skills and moves, so that they have the ability to fight back if the time calls for them to do so!'

On fine day Shiro stepped into the main hub of the lair; he found one of the turtle on the couch in front of the TV. The young turtle had this growing curiosity with the box and how it worked; he was playing around with the TV controller, changing the channels, language setting and audio.

He looked around to see another turtle in the kitchen cooking, this growing turtle had a joy for life, food and play. The cooker was on and he had a number of pots on the go all at the same time, choking up food and pulling items out of cupboards; the kitchen was full of life and the turtle was enjoying what he was putting together for his brothers and for Shiro.

The final two turtles could be found locked together in a skirmish play fighting; getting each other in headlock, forming each other down on the ground and hitting each other fast and hard.

It was then so clear to Shiro that each of the four turtles under his teaching had grew up and it was oh so clear to his that each of the four turtle had their own look, style and character, and he wanted to best show that in the names he had chosen for each of them. Shiro had gathered the four turtles together and had explained that today they would be given names in a naming ceremony; he had hoped he had now got the perfect names.

The first to be named was the tall fern green box turtle. "I name you my student Leiko, which means arrogant." addressed Shiro.

However the newly named Leiko pulled a face, as he heard the sounds of a slight chuckle behind him being held back by another turtle. "Now please.' stated Shoro silencing the other three. 'I do have my reasons. I have chosen to call you this name Leiko on the soul reason as I feel that it is something you truly must overcome if you are to better yourself."

Leiko stood before his sensei and nodded holding his head low as he thought over the personal accepts of his naming.

Shiro then saw him warming to terms with his name a little more and with an unseen smile replied. "With your guidance sensei I know that I can over come anything!"

"That you soon will, you do have a tranquil nature within you; Leiko you prove yourself in time and will take the other's soon into battle." Leiko inhaled sharply at Shiro's remarks. The image of him as the leader; taking the other's into whatever awaits them in the future, it excited him.

Shiro called to the brownish green box turtle to step forward. "You have truly become my great one, great in mind and thinking,' the turtle welcomed Shiro's comments. 'Always putting something together or working something out. Therefore the name that suits you best I feel would be Dai. A name of shortness yes, but trust me my son it's a name, which means so much more."

"Thank you my teacher." stated the brownish green turtle now with a name.

"And now to my third student." said Shiro with a switch of his nose and a figure pointing to the red-eared slider turtle, who was to the dark green in colour.

The turtle stepped forward, without even looking back at the others at his side and stated. "My sensei will I be of help to you?"

"That you will my student that you may!' Shiro said to the young turtle as he stepped forward bowing respectively to his sensei. 'Each of you will have different skills and abilities, but you will all shine in your own way."

"I then Sensei Shiro will accept any name that you have kindly chosen to give me."

"I have been watching you these past few years with a keen eye I can tell you and young one I have witness you growing colder and I see that deep down you need to find some light inside of you soon before you find yourself to have gone too far!" Shiro pointed at the stocky shamrock green turtle with a slight smile.

However Rin chose not return the smile, he stood proud and strong in front of his sensei. "I call you Rin and truly hope that you don't live up to be as cold as the meaning of what your name is."

"Hey cool name there Rin or should that be a cold name!" laughed the forth grass green turtle out of turn. Rin stepped back not once saying a word or even laughing in response; the dark green turtle simply pushed and nudged the final turtle aside as he retook his place back in line with the others.

Shiro was seen rubbed his chin by the still unnamed turtle as he heard the muffled laughter, as their gaze met the turtle quickly held a hand over his mouth. "Err always the joker there aren't you little one...' he stated point at the seconded red-eared slider turtle. 'But now that just leaves you it seem!"

The more olive drab colour green turtle stepped forward still keeping the smile on his face. "I strongly feel that I must give you a name with a meaning to play with, a simple name just wouldn't do. I am therefore now gladly going to name you Miyuki."

"Mmmm.' Miyuki's smile grow as he tried to figure out the meaning. 'So then err Shiro what is the great meaning, what does Miyuki mean?" he asked in intrigue as he slowly started to warm up to his new name. 'King, warrior, knight... Or even Ninja?' he though tossing meanings around in his young head.

"Miyuki your name means deep snow silence; I know that would please you will little one. Now doubt you'll question why I gave you such a name as that my student!"

Each of the turtle turned to look at Shiro and Miyuki; the youngest turtle truly looking totally puzzled. The turtle even asking Shiro the question. "Hey now Shiro, I hope that this doesn't mean you wish for me to be a silent hermit?"

"No my student far from it, all I wish for is that you my student tread carefully through life and don't like the words that you speak get yourself into trouble."

"Oh I'm glad… You actually had me truly worried then for a second there sensei." wiping a hand over his forehead, wiping dry the sweat.

"Always the wise cracker hey Miyuki." addressed Leiko, calling his brother by his name for the first time.

Shiro smiled, but the sensei knew that he had to be serous for a second. "Now my students I hope that you come to cherish your names, they did not come easy and neither will the life's we lead.' stated Shiro. 'I wish to start you off on the ways of the ninja, as there is much darkness in this world above us that I hope to stop and I ask you my young ones to help me do so."

Stepped forth first from the others was Leiko. "Our grand noble sensei we will be your students and will do what it takes to learn from you guidance."

"Hey now way to speak for us all there Leiko." snapped Rin at Leiko.

"But it looks like he's already done that hasn't he sensei?" chipped in Miyuki.

"Rin we are all one team, and nothing will ever ever break us apart!" said Leiko turning his head to look at Rin.

"That is so true Leiko; you are truly a great student. And with any team it is important to have a leader to count on and to follow; I truly feel at this time that Leiko will be a great turtle to lead our little group." Shiro saw the look Rin cast over Leiko and he sensed that he would have to keep a very watchful eye of Rin and his seemly quick temperament and train him to see why Leiko would be the groups best chance as leader.

-A Weapon A Calling-

They were now his students, all ready to strike the clan and with this Shiro started their training them in the honourable ways of the ninja. "Honour, integrity and mind; these are the ideals that drive all ninja's my students."

Shiro looked across at his students Leiko and Rin as their eyes which were firmly fixed on their sensei Leiko nodding at ever word that Shiro said. "I will teach you those ways; each one of you. You maybe young, but you Leiko, Dai, Rin and even you Miyuki' as the sensei saw the youngest turtle pointed at himself in question. 'will grow up to be strong in skills of battle and strong in skills of mind! Those three ideals I will be proud to teach you."

"What are we going to start with sensei Shiro!?" was Leiko's response, a look of wonderment on his face as Leiko was very eager to begin his training.

"Yeah sensei I hope it will be kicks and punches?" questioned Rin, taking his stands and swinging in with a sharp left gab then a hard right hook.

"NO… NO… NO, I hope it will be throws and take downs!' snapped in Muyiki. 'Oh Shiro if I'm to be a great ninja please let it be that; as I think that I'd be tremendously good at mastering those!"

"Well to tell you the truth guys I'd rather we start with grappling and ground ninja moves, that's what we should start with, sensei by my calculations that would be the perfect skills to lead us all well in combat!" that's what Dai wanted to know.

Shiro however merely shook his head and then simple squatted down on the floor with is legs crossed and his hands flat of his knees; the four turtles glanced across at each other quickly; Miyuki even shrugged his shoulders not really knowing what was happening. "No my students, I wish to start you all from the very beginning, just like the wise Kenshin started with me and that's with breathing. So when you have mastered the art of control your breathing then my students I will move on to the connection between the body and the mind!"

The four turtles again looked at around each other in turn slightly confused by their sensei's actions; Miyuku simply scratched the top of his head, Rin shrugged his shoulder, whereas Dai looked over to his leader Leiko to see what his next move would be.

Leiko had quickly picked up on his fellow turtle's continued confusion and had even noticed Dai's look of guidance; knowing that he must merely dismiss this Leiko knew what he must do and followed Shiro by sat down joining his sensei on the floor with is legs crossed and his hands flat of his knees just like Shiro.

Shiro sat waiting for the others with his eyes closed before he continued. As he sensed the others join him on the floor Shiro stated. "Very good, now your training to become a ninja starts now!" Shiro was pleased to see the four of them welcome being treated as his pupils; through his teaching and training he will hope to show them the honourable ways and skills of a ninja.

Shiro would treat each one equally teaching and training in the honourable ways and skills of a ninja. The four would become almost as skilled as Yoshi was at their age under the guidance of Kenshin. Leiko would shine through and out of the four turtles Leiko is more devoted to is studies of martial arts, becoming the most skilled fighter out of the four turtles. Shiro had brought his four pupils before him a second time and induced Leiko as the groups fine leader; the rat rest well knowing that it would be him who will eventually lead the others into battle.

As their training continued over the next year Shiro knew that it was time for the four turtles to take up arms. "My students I want you to choose your weapons wisely and use them with the up most care. Your chooses will reflect your unique style; your weapon are more than just a tool to aid you in battle my students. It must be an extension of yourself."

His students bowed respectively to their sensei; each turtle shared an exciting look to each other before turning to the table; which Shiro had set upon it with weapons. Shiro had also show them demonstrations of some of the more complexed weapons, but they had never been given the change to practise with the real thing. Shiro watched on carefully as his students were all but ready to pick their weapons; he was confident enough that it was time.

The four surveyed the weapons before them; all the turtles had been anticipating this moment, none more so than Rin, who had ever since Shiro had started their basic training with wooden weapons only months before.

Rin had never take too kindly about behind handed a wooden sword and had made his feeling known to Shiro on a number of occasions; calling them child toys. And now the wait was over the turtle was going to be handed a real weapons and continue their training.

Leiko was the first to be called forward by Shiro; the first student nodded and stepped forward to the table of weapons; his brother were still surveying the table from over his shoulder. Leiko had already made up his mind which weapon he preferred to fight with. Straight away he picked up the Japanese Katana blade from the table. The fern green turtle had picked this type of weapon solely because of tradition and to honour the ancient ninjas of the past. He held his sword and spun it around in his three fingered hand a few times as he got the feel of his weapon.

Leiko would listen to everything Shiro had to teach him, after training alone Leiko would read books and stay up late practising in his part of the station. Leiko develop his sword skills, spiritual and personal qualities through Shiro's learning and guidance.

Leiko learned to use the blade of his sword effectively; he would learn the best way to defend himself and how to attack his opponent, he would swipe or stab his blade at his opponents to cut through their flesh. The moderate curve in the blade allows for a more effective thrust for Leiko in battle.

Shiro showed Leiko how to hold the hilt of the sword with two hands, but he could also fight one handed. Leiko would place his black-handled sword in the belt on the left side, with the blade edge upward. Shiro smiled warmly as he watched Leiko handle his weapon well; Leiko the eldest was the master swordsman of the group, it was no surprise to him that Leiko would have picked the Katana as he weapon of chose.

Dai is truly the knowledgeable one of the turtles and somewhat of an inventor, engineer and technological genius. He is perhaps the least violent amongst the four turtle, preferring to use his wits and knowledge to solve conflicts rather than heading out solely to fight. It was Dai's turn to chose next; the turtle had looked back over the past few weeks at his practise sessions with Shiro and the percuss of carrying a weapon into combat.

Dai thought in turn about each weapon; looking that them logically and practically. Dai placed his hand over the bo-staff and graciously picked it up off the table. The wooden staff was six foot length and would allow Dai to use the bo-staff to disarming his opponent while allowing him to remain at a safe distance. Other technique Dai used included a wide variety of blocks, strikes, sweeps and entrapments.

Shiro would teach Dai how to hold the bo-staff correctly; "So my student when held the staff horizontally in front it is important to have the right palm is facing away from your body,' Shiro stood besides Dai and placed his green hand in the proper manner on the bo-staff and then moved on the placing that left stating. 'and the left hand my dear Dai must be facing the body, enabling you to rotate the bo-staff like so."

Dai with his sensei's support correctly pulled off the twirling in hand of the long wooden staff. "You see Dai the power is generated by the back hand pulling the bo-staff, while the front hand is used for guidance in turn making the perfect manoeuvre and when you come to strike an opponent it is important to keep your wrists twisted like so!" and with that Dai manoeuvred the bo-staff in a striking blow attack.

Dai would often incorporate mathematics to improve his combat skills, in doing so this enabled him to pull off a better strike move or a stronger swipe if he held the bo-staff at certain degree or angel. Dai also learned a skill of his own; he could use his bo-staff as a pole vault for leaping over his opponent, to get out of battle or to keep a distance from his opponents weapon.

Shiro would see Dai's chose as one of the most wisest; out of all his student's; to his sensei Dai is the least violent and would from time to time seem out of place in training and the bo-staff would enable Dai to had a little bit of thinking and logic to combat; as Dai looked at ease as he wielded the staff in a complicated ways, which his brothers would only barely defend themselves against.

Rin would become the team's bad boy; he has an aggressive nature and seldom hesitates to throw his fists always taking the first punch. He is an intense fighter. His personality is seen as alternately fierce and sarcastic, and often times delivers dead-pan humour. Still, he is intensely loyal to the team and sensei.

After Dai it was now Rin turn to come to the table; Shiro watched as he had pushed his way past his three brothers. Rin just like Leiko thought about his chose and how he wanted to show honour to the ninjas of the past; Rin at first with that though in mind eyed up the wakizashi sword, but as he looked at the table of different weapons he stopped and turned back to his sensei. "Is anything the matter there my student?" asked Shiro coming close and placing a hand reassuringly on Rin's right shoulder.

Rin looked to his sensei and nodded. "Sensei I would so such like to pick the wakizashi blade, but trust it wouldn't suit me."

"You are your own fighter and turtle Rin!"

Again Rin nodded in agreement with his sensei's wise words. "I that Shiro and feel that I am clearly a brawler and that in our training I like to get in close in combat. I'd still like to hold a weapon that gives thanks to the ninjas of old, but would also holds a torch to your teaching and my own skills and self!"

Shiro smiled he truly respected and understood Rin's view. "I my student fully understand your feelings.' he nodded. 'A ninja goes into combat with a purpose to aid the good, I truly hope that none of you forget that as you hold your weapons to fight against any few. I therefore Rin have two fine options for you to consider the Tonfa or the Sai; both weapons will aid you to fight close in combat and also enable you to uphold the traditions of the ninja." Shiro held up both weapons for Rin.

Rin slowly eyed up the silver glint of the sai; he had seen Shiro use this weapon a few days earlier and inside he had made his chose and had picked the sai as his weapon, because of the violence that is associated with the Sai and the simple effect he can pick them up and place them in his belt until they are needed. He grinned widely as he clinched them in his hands.

Rin's choose had not surprised Shiro in the slightest, he had watched Rin practise Rin had liked close combat and the sai was an extension of the way he fought.

The Red-eared Slider Turtle enjoyed taking his training further with the sai; stepping out onto the train mat and with guidance from Shiro be taught how to use the Sai as an affective weapon. Rin could pick them up, run in fast and pull off a number of hard hitting close moves in seconds.

Rin could use his sai primarily to strike, stab, block, trap or he could use the shaft of the sai to punch. Shiro watched from the side of the mat as Rin used his sia as a striking weapon for short jabs into the solar plexus of the training dummy.

He chose to carry three sai around with him in combat at all times. Rin could fight with two or one, throw one long range and then still fight with the remaining two; they were simply affective and then he can place them in his belt until they are needed again. As a weapon Rin could also thrown his sai, has a deadly range anywhere from 20-to-30 feet. Another reason why Rin likes fighting with sai's is because they make the perfect weapon to defend against sword attacks.

Miyuki is the youngest of the four Turtles, this Red-eared Slider Turtle as an easy-going and free-spirited of the four brother's. Miyuki provides much of the comic relief when his brothers seem to need from time to time; and also on some occasions even when they may not. The young turtle would also show to have an adventurous and creative side about him as well; pulling of daring stunts or just sitting down with pencil and paper and coming up with characters and stories.

Shiro had noticed that Miyuki was taking sometime in picking his weapon at the table; Miyuki had turned his back from the table for a second to watch his brothers interacting with the weapons of chose. Shiro then stepped forward and warmly placed a hand on his should and looked down at the young teen with a smile. "Don't worry my student everything is going to be okay, your chose today you know doesn't have to be final. Now please Miyuki simply pick the weapon that you like and could actually most feel comfortable with."

The turtle smiled back with a understanding nod; he was happy to know that his sensei understood the pressure. Miyuki's young eyes darted between each weapon in turn; there was still too many to choose from and then his hands finally hovered over a set of well worn Nunchakus.

Miyuki had once scanned a book on the Nunchakus and saw the particle use of the Nunchakus, as they were easy to carry around with him. He looked to gain Shiro's approval. "You once told me sensei that they were an advance weapon; aren't they dangerous?"

"My student a weapon is only dangerous when in untrained hands.' he answered wisely. 'Miyuki know this it doesn't take a lot of skill to use the Nunchaku, but never forget it does however take a great ninja warrior to master their effectiveness!"

"Got yourself some work ahead of you there then hey Miyuki." chipped in his brother Rin, with a cheeky grin on his face.

Miyuki could use his Nunchakus in offense and defense; he could strangle an opponent or even execute joint locks with the chain. Miyuki could use his weapon to defend himself against most any weapon from a bo-staff to a sword. Miyuki totally enjoyed the fact that he could trap the blade of Leiko's sword with the chain between the two sticks to either entangle or disarm a sword-wielding attacker; something that didn't rest to well with Leiko one bit.

Like Rin's sai Miyuki could also carry his set of nunchakus easily in his belt. Miyuki liked the fact that he read once that the art of nunchaku is known as "the sweet skill," but skill Shiro was pleased with the young turtle as master nunchakus were the easiest of tasks.

Shiro was happy that now the four turtles he had been training and learning in the heart of ninjutsu had now rested up on their weapons. Shiro beamed proudly as he watched over his student's as they gained the relevant skills and moves to use these weapons correctly and offensively. He was vindicated that he had made the decision in letting them choice their weapons at this stage in their progressive learning.

Still each night after their train sessions Shiro would leave the growing teenage turtles down in the station and would alone venture out of the sewers to continue his battle against the forced of the clan; and if Shiro would take out one clan member another two of Shre`Ard fighters would step out of the shadows to fight on and on.

However the clan under the leadership of Shre`Ard would battle on getting stronger and stronger, through its leaders ever growing thrust for power and greed. The Shibano Ni Clan gained new fighters from the darker streets of the city, thanks to Shre`Ard's second in command Takehiko and through Khan a young karate master and his links with a street gathering called the Purple Dragon's.

Shre`Ard had needed to speak with Takehiko. Takehiko left his duties and found Shre`Ard the person he once knew as Saki in his chambers sitting in front on an open fire; two seats had been brought in close and two glasses were placed on the table between them. Takehiko eyeing up the constance in the large jug. Shre`Ard always the leader puts his mask on as he guided his second in command to a chair, but had unclipped the mouth piece open in front of his closest of soldiers.

After taking a sip from his glass and placing it back on the table Shre`Ard looked across at his high ranking member stating. "My trusted ally you have truly been a strong presents by my side from day one; I feel confident that you can raise to my next challenge."

"Go on master I will except any role you have for me!" Takehiko followed suit and took a drink from his glass.

Shre`Ard welcoming those words as he continued. "I need you to take my ways right to their hearts. I demand that all my soldiers learn to eat, live and sleep the ways of the Shibano Ni Clan.' Takehiko nodded to his leader in agreement, fully understanding what his master was asking of him.

'Takehiko I need them to feel that my new darker path that I have lined before them is all that they ultimately crave in life. It is a path specialising in burglary, espionage and assassination. The clan I control will become their family; I must be seen their all their everything; and most of all they must lay down their life's for me! Is that clear?" ended Shre`Ard stating his wishes.

Shre`Ard held his glass in his hand waiting for Takehiko; Takehiko held his sip for longer than ever needed buying himself sometime to mull over his master's request. "Oh yes indeed Great Master; our clan father Sama would be prove of your accomplishments. The clan stands before you here in this country a new, growing and striving to be better at every turn; I promise you most certainly that I will have every person that I bring to the clan will be skilled and fighting with the same heart and spirit as you set out for them." Takehiko's gaze never wavered; he fully believed in the ways of the clan. Together they finished of the jug, the fire growing weaker casting darkness in the room before Takehiko took his leave.

Over the next ten years, Shiro raised and instructed the young turtles in the martial arts of ninjutsu; the rodent did this as the months went on to enable the turtles to have the right knowledge and skill in order to one day help their master in take down the Shibano Ni Clan or to change its ways. "You my students must understand that a true ninja is not merely one of great body, but is also one of great mind and soul. Yes I have taught you how to fight, but I have also taught you mentally as well. Showing you all how to use these skills wisely in battle and in defense." Eventually, the turtles even young Muyiki would surpass his teaching and become true ninjas.

Shiro could sense that his turtles were wanting to know more that just the surrounding over the sewers; Dai would from time to time explore the lines and pipes; stopping just in ear shot of human contact, Miyuki wanting to get out to seek adventure and Rin craving the need to fight now. Following a night topside taking down a number of clan members he was met to his surprise by both Rin and Miyuki. "What is wrong my students? Why are you up so early!" Shiro asked them as he caught the looks on their faces.

"Top-side Shiro, we wish you would allow us to see more to come with you." they replied not knowing what their sensei's response would be.

"You see sensei we have merely seen the world through Dai's telebox and now Shiro we just wanna see it for ourselves." said Rin making eye contact with their sensei.

"Yeah that's all Shiro there's so much we haven't seen yet or been apart of!" chipped in Miyuki, not really making eye contact as he was to nervous.

"You are safe here in the sewers, as for now top-side is a dangerous plan for you my young student's, but know that I fully understand your need to see more of this world and for you four to find yourselves a place in it. I will not allow you to venture to the surface without a way to protect yourselves and with my training my student's soon that day will fall upon us." The wise sensei smiled; taking hold of Miyuki's hand. Rin flinched a little following his sensei's word, but deep down knew that his teacher was correct for now. Miyuki and Rin was calm for now that they had learnt that their sensei would soon let them go top-side; in the mean time the turtles would follow their sensei's teachings.

-A Belief A Truth-

Up topside the same boy, Arnold Jones who had dropped the turtles all those years ago had now grown up; the 15 year old had heard his father call out to him from the living room. "Come on Arnold; you're going to miss the big game!"

Arnold was a little taken aback by the excitement in his father's tone and found himself looking back to his door twice, but had no idea what he was going on about. "The game?" he questioned scratching his head as he entered the living room.

His father turned to face his son; his jaw dropped almost to the floor when he saw his kids confused look; he was real astounded. "Oh come of it me boy; where have you been living under a rock or somethin? I've been talking about it for days now and you're saying you truly have no idea about the big game; the Dares' versus the Red's; for the play off's? Have I not taught you anything!?" he ended shacking his head.

Arnold merely shrugged his shoulders and scuffed his trainer on the carpet. "Look you know I'm not really into sport's; maybe I'll stay in my room you know keep out of your way, I've got some sketches I want to develop on further."

His father stood up from the sofa, at first it truly looked as if he was about to have a heart attack or something, Arnold watched as his father took a couple of long deep breaths; inhale exhale before saying calmly. "Boy it won't kill you to just once come and spend the day with your old man okay and watch the game with me!"

Arnold smirked, he actually thought for a second that his dad was joking, but soon saw however that he truly serious and so Arnold joined his father on the couch. "So who are we cheering for then? The red's!"

"Oh son, you've definitely got a lot to learn!' he shook his head. 'We're the Dares' all the way good or bad!"

"I'll try and watch the puck then dad!" joked Arnold with a little chuckle.

His father turned up the volume, grabbed a hand full of crisps from the bowl on the table in front of them as the hockey puck was dropped on the ice. Sitting by his father watching the game got him out of his room for one afternoon and slowly out of his shell. "You've gotta see my lad this isn't just a game. There's truly much more to hockey than just a bunch of man with sticks trying to hit the black circle puck into the goal!" He said after the Dares had scored their first goal and they had cheered and shouted.

His father had continued to explain as the game continued. "Oh yes it's a lot more than that Arnold; hockey is about discipline, skill and talent! You've gotta be a master of all three; then and only then will you be a pro on the ice."

"As a master you learn that everyone out there on the ice as a job to do and if they don't perform, well then they let the rest of the team and us fan's down! Its about encouragement, making sure they are doing their best to achieve their goal."

He was actually talking less about sport's and more to his son. "You see becoming a man is hard, but doing something that helps you grow is good trust me I've played them all; football, hockey, basketball and I was pretty good on the field... I even cricket, which to tell you the truth I was no good at that."

His dad had turned away from the screen not watching the big game looking more to his son Arnold; who had reacted to seeing the Red's almost scoring.

Arnold was impressed with the game and what he was hearing from his father. Arnold was feeling a little bit brighter about his future and so to try and stop himself from being bullies by Mason Hunter and his other lackies; Arnold after school the following evening had walked down to the local youth centre.

Arnold scanned the community notice board; as he had heard some talk about a couple of new classes. There Arnold came across two fliers that caught his eye; the first about a new karate dojo and the second advertising was a hockey classes; he quickly took down the information before getting back on his bike riding back home.

It was Wednesday night, Arnold had walked in his whole entire body was shaking he was so nervous. Inside the ice-rink hall he was grated by the coach who was running these classes and Arnold was guided into the locker room to get ready for practice. Arnold kept his head down and young teens moved around him; he got dressed into his sports kit his father had rushed out to buy him as soon as he heard his that his son was actually joining these classes.

Arnold looked at himself in the mirror on the back of the locker room door; he messed around with his hair a little to try and smooth out the ruffles and took a few short sharp breaths. 'You can do this... First time on the ice you're going to be fine; tonight's just the start of the class there going to be no greats out there...' and with a shack on the head Arnold pulled open the door.

Arnold's breathing was soon brought under control as he heard Coach John Frankford talk about the class in most aspects he talked about the same aspects as his father did during the game. "Being here today will aid you in life; I strongly believe that you will learn and understand other skills in life, because out on the ice you are a team and everyone out there around you as a job to carry out. If they don't achieve the tasks ahead of you, then you will let yourself and the rest of your team down!" The team soaked in every word that their new coach had to say.

"As you train and play hockey you will see and discover that you will take away such stills as sportsmanship, hard work, co-ordination, appreciation and team play; skills that you will use on and off the ice!"

John could recognise from the young teens faces that his words were taking effects, he can tell that each one was still ready and eager to take to the ice and that they now fully understood the need to be a team. "So in time your team will be your only goal; encourage each other and most of all make sure that everyone is doing what they are support to; that it the key!"

Arnold had just finished his first hockey lesson and he just couldn't wait to get home to tell his father how good it was. His opened the door to their apartment and kicked it shut behind him with his heel, he found his dad was sitting in the living room with the T.V on when Arnold came in with a beaming smile on his face. "Hey dad! Just let me put my stuff in my room; what a night so much to tell you." said Arnold quickly pulling the strap to his bag back on over his shoulder as it had slipped down a little.

"Okay son." shouted his father from the sofa; as Arnold ran past the living room door.

Cody waiting for his son; switching the T.V off as Arnold entered the room, his father felt happy for his son when he saw the glowing smile on Arnold's face something which to be truthful he felt was long over due. "Well son it seems to me like you've had a great time."

"Oh yeah dad it was truly the best, I had so much fun and there's loads to tell you!" His father listened to every word Arnold had to say as he explained the events of the first class.

"Well to tell you the truth I was a bit wobbly at first; you know trying to just keep my balance and all. However in no time at all dad I soon got the hang of it though and hey I don't want to brag, but I totally topped all the others on the skates. Coach Frankford even said I was a natural out there!' Arnold was smiling from ear to ear. 'Soon the others caught up and coach had us all skating with hockey stick and how to handle them correctly by the end of the class."

His father welcomed Arnold's excitement, but wanted to see if Arnold had really taken to the sport. "And so Arnold what about the facts game and its rules?"

"Oh Coach Frankford said that he'll teach us that dad in next weeks class; I think all he wanted to do in his first class was just to show us all the ice first, you know get the true people wanting to learn first." To which his father Cody nodded understandingly.

"Well again it seems that you've had a lot of fun' stated Cody ruffling his son's hair; Arnold flapping to try and stop him. 'and hey that's the main thing, and then you've got your karate lessons in a few day's."

"Yeah Friday, things are looking up!' expressed Arnold. 'I so can't wait for that and hey dad if I'm good enough to be picked for the team you've gotta come and watch right?"

Cody smiled and said. "Yeah son I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Oh great and who knows you may even pull, there were some good looking single mums who may just catch your eyes." He said this last part with a smile and a wink.

His father just laughed this off quickly however. "Look like I said I'll come to the games and watch you play; we'll talk about the ladies another time; and anyway aren't you still a bit too young to be talking about girls."

"Oh dad I'm 15 now." said Arnold pulling at the collar of his t-shirt.

"Look 15 or not, run to the shower and then off to bed with youa Arnold!" Arnold smiled and with a yawn walked off to the bathroom.

Friday night soon came around quickly; it was soon time for Arnold's first introduction to Karate and Arnold's dad dropped him off at Kathan Dojo. Kids of all ages and size were standing ready on edge of the white mat, bear footed and in their white uniforms. A tall and slender man stepped out, he too was in a white uniform and he had a black belt around his waist.

Joe Armstrong stood in front of the class and introduced himself to Arnold and the others, he spoke in the hypnosis kind of way, his voice was calm, firm and demanding; the classes obedience were soon to obey. "My students who do you serve?"

"We shall all serve you Master Armstrong!" replied his class.

"My student who teaches you?"

The class spoke again as one. "You teach us all Master Armstrong."

He grinned happily, the master truly relishing the respect he was forcefully gaining from his students from the very start. "As it should be my students; as it should be." The students stood in their places listen to what Joe had to say.