Casey and Mikey entered the Mutanimals' pad, which was an abandoned warehouse in the backstreets of Brooklyn. The place was dark and dingy and a couple of battered sofas they'd salvaged from the dump was their only furniture. A gas stove was in the corner and Casey and Mikey detected the scents of onions and tomatoes. The Mutanimals had clearly recently had dinner.
"To what we do owe this honor?" Leatherhead said, leaving his position by the space heater.
"Mikey needs a place to stay," Casey said. "He's been exiled from the lair for betraying his family. Raph was attacked in the cruelest manner by Shredder and found comfort with Leo…"
"Raphael is injured?" Slash said fearfully, his eyes widening in shock. "Is he okay? Can I see him?"
"He's recovering and you can see him soon," Casey said.
Mikey trembled and thought, they're not going to want me here when they learn what I've done. I don't blame them, but I have nowhere else to go.
"So how did Michelangelo betray his family and why?" Mondo Gecko asked.
"Mikey's in love with Leo and was furious and jealous when Leo and Raph Leo got together," Casey said. "He decided he'd get rid of Raph by giving him to the Shredder and he did. If it wasn't for Tiger Claw's kindness in getting him out of there, he'd have died. As it is, Raph has numerous injuries and will be confined to bed for a few days. What Mikey did is unforgiveable and the family agreed on banishment. I'd have ordered his death personally. How could he have betrayed the family, especially Raph, who's always been there for him. That shit has no concept of family and what a brother really is. There's nowhere else for him to go but here, so here he is."
"I don't want that bastard here!" Slash growled, his eyes flashing. "He betrayed Raphael and his family. I can't even look at him."
"I fully agree," Leatherhead said. "But the kid has nowhere to go."
"How is that our problem?" Slash demanded. "And who's to say he won't betray us if he can so easily betray his brother?"
"Yep. I agree," Mondo Gecko said and glowered at Mikey. "Nope. He can fend for himself."
"Damn straight," Man-Ray said. "I don't want him here and I don't feel sorry for him. Poor Raphael must have gone through hell. What exactly did Shredder do?"
"He raped Raph and beat him up," Casey said. "And there's a chance Raph may become gravid with his babies, because he's intersex, so you can imagine what a mind fuck it's doing to my pal."
"You fucker!" Slash roared, lunging at Mikey, picking him up by his belt and then throwing him against the wall.
Mikey screamed, as he hit the wall with a sickening crack and then crumpled to the ground.
"How could you!" Slash yelled and planted his foot on Mikey's neck. "My poor Raphael! The agony he must have endured. You're a horrible piece of shit, Michelangelo!
"Get off of me," Mikey wept. "Please. I'm so sorry. If I'd known Raph could have babies, I wouldn't have done what I did. I swear I'm sorry. If I could undo the damage I've caused, I would. I'm so sorry. I'll spend my life making up for…."
"Nothing could make up for what you've done," Casey spat. "Nothing."
"Get off of him, Slash. He isn't worth it," Leatherhead said. "Really. What he deserves is a lifetime of solitude to mull over his actions. He sure as heck isn't staying with us. I love the Turtles and they're my dearest friends, but I cannot and will not tolerate Michelangelo. I can't find it in my heart after all I've learned."
A figure had been reclining on one of the sofas and hadn't said a word throughout everything. Now she rose and approached her friends.
"Do you remember when you betrayed Raphael, Slash?" Mona Lisa said. "You were jealous of his relationship with his brothers, especially of Leonardo, whom you thought was very controlling of Raphael and poisoned him against you? You ambushed Donatello and imprisoned him for weeks before handing him over to the Foot. He was then beaten and he nearly died. The Turtles managed to rescue him and it took a long time, but Raphael and his brothers did forgive you. Don't you think Michelangelo deserves forgiveness? Not now, but further down the line?"
"It's not the same," Slash said crossly, but he removed his foot off of Mikey's neck.
"It is! It's still betrayal and you, Leatherhead," Mona Lisa said. "You were initially enemies with the Turtles until they rescued you from a mad scientist. Mondo, same story and as for me, I sold them down the tube as well and I was forgiven, so don't you think we should show some heart here? Look, what he was did was despicable, but everyone deserves another chance."
"You're such a softy, Mona Lisa," Leatherhead said.
"I'm not. I'm just being logical. No one's perfect and everyone deserves another chance if they're sincere about their apology. Allow Michelangelo to stay here. I'll ensure he gets what he needs."
"Mona has a point," Mondo said. "We all did horrific things, but were given chances. I guess he can stay if he stays out of my way."
"Fine," Slash said reluctantly.
Leatherhead nodded and said, "Very well."
"Thank you," Mikey said gratefully and sat up. "I won't be a problem. Oh. Thank you. And I am sincere. Really. I hope my brothers, especially Raph can forgive me someday. I'd give anything for that."
"I'm out of here," Casey said. "Bye, guys. Catch you on the flipside."
Slash, Mondo and Leatherhead positioned themselves by the heater and left Mona to look after Mikey.
"Do you want anything to drink or eat, Michelangelo?" Mona asked, helping him to his feet.
"No, thanks. I just want my family," Mikey said mournfully, his eyes brimming with tears. "I miss them so much already and the thought of never seeing them again hurts like hell."
Mona led Mikey to a corner of the room, where they could talk more privately.
"Time has a way of healing wounds," Michelangelo," Mona said. "Raphael is a noble and compassionate creature. I have no doubt he'll forgive you in time."
"You had a crush on Raph, didn't you?"
"No. Truthfully, my eye was on someone else when I met you Turtles," Mona said, looking at him intently and making him blush. "I always liked you, Michelangelo."
"Me? Really?" Mikey said, his eyes wide in astonishment.
"Yes," Mona said and smiled. "Why is that so hard to believe? You're smart, caring, funny and I felt butterflies when you were around. I'm reserved and being around you helped me come out of my shell more. No one else has been able to do that. Raphael was good to talk to, but I was never interested in him and I could tell he wasn't interested in me. You're the goofball to them, but I found you charming and fascinating. You are, you know, and you're so cute."
"Wow. I can't believe you liked me."
"Like, Michelangelo," Mona said, a twinkle in her eye. "But I know you don't feel the same way. You like Leonardo."
"Yes. I do love Leo. I'm sorry. You're stunning, but...I don't feel the same way. I'm so sorry. You're great and amazing, but…"
"It is okay. I don't expect you to like me back, but I do have a proposition for you. I am returning home tomorrow. You're welcome to join me or you can stay here with the Mutanimals."
"But I'd be leaving my brothers behind and who knows when I'd see them again?"
"I know that, but the change of scene would do you good and who knows you may like my planet and meet someone you really like when you're ready? Think about it and give me an answer in the morning."
If I leave, I may never see my brothers again, Mikey thought. But If I don't, I have to face the hostility of the Mutanimals every day and their contempt and it's not likely Raph will forgive me anytime soon. I can't stomach the contempt and Mona's right. Maybe a change of scene will do me good and time does heal wounds, so I'll go with her and will make a fresh start there.
"No need. I'll go with you, Mona," Mikey said.
"Great. Sal Commander will be here tomorrow morning. I usually sleep on that sofa, but you may have it tonight if you wish."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Of course I am."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
Mikey lay down on the sofa, closed his eyes and thought, I hope they forgive me soon. I'm missing them like crazy.
XXXX
Meanwhile, a horny Shredder had visited Raphael for a five a.m. screw and had discovered that he was missing. Incensed, he'd searched for Tiger Claw to demand answers, but was stunned that he was also absent.
Does Tiger Claw have something to do with Raphael's disappearance, Shredder thought? No. Tiger Claw would never betray me. I'm like a father to him. Someone else betrayed me. I will find out who and they'll pay!
Shredder summoned his men and Karai to his throne room.
XXXX
Shredder's henchmen and Karai stood nervously before the villain, their hearts pounding and their insides churning in dread. It was never good when they were called to see him and they had no doubt that something sinister was going to happen.
"I want answers," Shredder said. "Where the fuck are Raphael and Tiger Claw? Karai, you're chummy with Tiger Claw. Where is he?"
"I don't know, Father," Karai lied. "I haven't seen him all night. Maybe someone else has."
"I saw him!" Stockman piped up to Karai's horror. "He said Raphael had died and that you'd ordered him to bury him someplace off of the property. Tiger Claw left with him in his vehicle."
"THAT IS UNTRUE!" Shredder shouted, his eyes flashing, as he realized what had actually happened. Tiger Claw had betrayed him and freed his prisoner. "I did no such thing and that blasted Turtle was alive when I last saw him. Find Tiger Claw. He's clearly betrayed me. Karai, you're no longer his friend and your loyalty lies with me. I want you, Stockman, Bebop, Rocksteady and everyone else to seek him out and to bring him and Raphael here. I will not rest until they're here. Get going!"
"Father, no!" Karai wept and threw herself at Shredder's feet. "Don't. I implore you. Tiger didn't mean to betray you. He felt sorry for Raphael. That is all. Please have mercy on him and Raphael, who's just a kid. Father, please."
"Have mercy?" Shredder said sneeringly. "Have mercy on my enemies? NO. You will find them or I will disown you, girl, and then what will you do? You have nowhere else to go."
Karai raised her head, summoned up courage, looked at her dad defiantly and said, "I will not look for them. I love Tiger Claw and I will not look for Raphael. If you want to disown me, so be it, but I will not betray the man I love. Banish me or kill me if you wish, but I will not."
"You've become soft, you pathetic girl," Shredder said contemptuously. "Love. Is your love worth more than my love for you?"
Karai stood and said, "Yes. I was taken aback when Tiger said we should show some compassion to Raphael and that he belongs with his family, but he was right. Raphael is a kid and despite all he's done, he didn't deserve the abuse you meted out to him. It's unspeakable, immoral and I find it sickening. I'm glad Tiger freed him and if I have to choose between you and him, I know who'll I'll choose. I was behind you before, but after some thinking, I….I can't, Father. I choose love. My love for Tiger and my honor. You have no honor. You're a cold hearted bastard, who'll stop at nothing to get what he wants, even defilement of a child and I cannot support you any longer. My love for Tiger and my conscience don't allow me to."
Shredder's eyes blazed. Never had his daughter spoken so candidly and been so outspoken to him. She'd always been respectful and had known her place and now she was siding with his damn enemies after all he'd done for her.
"I will allow you to live out of the love I once had for you," Shredder said icily. "But I will never forgive you and I will never allow you back home. Consider yourself no longer my heir and daughter."
"So be it. Goodbye, Father," Karai said and stalked out of the room, the others gawking at the scene that had unfolded. They'd never heard Shredder addressed in such a manner before and had been convinced that Karai would be murdered for her audacity.
XXXX
Karai left the compound, yanked out her cell, when she was several blocks away and made a call.
"Tiger?" Karai said.
"Karai, why are you calling me? I thought you hated me."
"No. Listen, I stood up to Father and I've left home for good. Can we meet up and talk?"
"You're serious? Karai, have you any idea what that means?"
"Yes, but I don't care, Tiger. I love you and I…I want to be with you and you were right about Raphael."
"Of course. Tell me where you are and I'll come get you. I love you too."
Karai told him where she was and then she disconnected the call.
Tiger Claw met her ten minutes later, rapture on his face when he saw her.
"Karai!" Tiger Claw said happily, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm so glad. I can't believe it."
"Believe it. I'm never going back. All I want and need is you, my love. Please forgive me for being such a bitch. You were right. I realized it when he ordered me to betray you. How could I do that to my sweetheart? You were right about Raphael. He doesn't deserve it and he never did. I…I always swore never to be like my father and I was like him. I'm glad I realized and that it wasn't too late to mend things with you and to get out of that place. I suppose in some ways I can credit Raphael for saving my soul and you of course."
"Of course I forgive you," Tiger Claw said and kissed her soundly.
Karai wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, knowing she'd made the right decision. She belonged with Tiger Claw and nothing or no one would tear them apart, though she knew her dad would try to find Tiger Claw, so they'd spend their lives on the run.
I'm so happy, Tiger Claw thought. My love is back with me and I'm going to see Alopex tomorrow. I know Karai and I will have our challenges, but we'll overcome them with our love.
A/N So Karai does have a heart. Next up is Alopex.
