True Trust and Love that can't be Broken (Story 1)

by Sweetbaby162016

The first story came, thinking about, 'What if Karai wasn't who she seems to be. And what if she's taking orders from a master, who wasn't Ch'rell aka Utrom Shredder. But someone on the good side' That's what the story, and others after it, will be.

9. Chapter 9 Breakfast Banquet (part 1)

Here's the next chapter.

…

Chapter 9: More Secrets from the Past/ True Origin/ Family Bonding-2 part

In the kitchen of the Hamato clan's lair-with Leo- at 8:15 am

Earlier, with trusting his father knows what he is doing. Leo, once showering, headed to the kitchen, finding Don talking it up with April. Knowing from Mikey of Don and April were back to communicating. Leo wasn't shocked by this, that's why he told them both that he was happy for them; with their friendship and secret blooming relationship. Where Don had said, "Thanks, but like I told Mikey. I rather keep mine and April's relationship from Raph, for he will tell Casey."

Which Leo didn't mind keeping silent of them, cause he's keeping his own relationship from Raph too. But, he's not gonna hide, he and Karai are friends. Choices he informs, April and Don before the two ended their call and Don left to get ready.

Soon as Don was gone. Leo handled his cleaning duty for the kitchen. Thereafter he came back, from dropping off the cleaning supplies in the broom closet inside the laundry room. Finding Mikey inside the kitchen, who said, he just got off his cell with Angel, telling her, they were ready and who was coming. Once Mikey said that he remembered something he forgot and ran out of the kitchen to get it. Barely a few minutes after that did the security system go off, having Leo rushing to the computer in Don's laboratory. Only to see Don was already there; checking to see who triggered the alarm. Which Leo and Don found it had been Tora who was there to pick them up.

Not long later, Don asked Tora why he and the other 'Acolytes' were the Foot Elite Guards. And despite Tora glanced to Leo with a puzzled look before looking to Don. Tora waited until Mikey was back before telling what Leo didn't tell his brothers about Tora and the other Acolytes' relations with the Ninja Tribunal. However, during Tora's explaining. Leo's two younger brothers weren't the only ones learning new information. Leo did too, where, through Tora, he discovered Tora, Adam, Faraji, and Joi's parents were killed for their link with the Ninja Tribunal by paid assassins from the 'Heralds' (in disguise as the 'Foot Mystics').

Furthermore, after their parents' deaths, each of them was sent to Hashi(Oroku-Tang) Akemi. Who the three turtles learn is Joi's grandmother, an elder member of the Oroku clan and high-rank Foot teacher and Karai's nanny within the Foot, -which Karai to this day sees her as a surrogate grandmother. But beyond all that, the brothers learned, after Tora and the other 'Acolytes' was sent to Joi's grandmother. She took them to the Ancient One to be taught under him. And since the Ancient One was in the middle of starting Karai's training at that time. Tora and the other Acolytes, trained alongside Karai. Thereby later, Karai and Faraji had started dating. Which Tora quickly informed Leo, who was 'shell shock' at this news. That their relationship didn't last, for Karai, after a few months, broke it off with Faraji. Where they became good friends afterward, that, along with Tora himself, Adam and Joi, developed a strong surrogate sibling bond.

A bond that later in years, had Tora and the others coming to Karai's aid, after her near death experience with Khan. Where they became the new Foot Elite under Karai. Therefore, Don and Mikey had knowledge of Khan being the former Foot Elite leader as well as him being the unnamed gang's command leader. Also, Leo found, the timeline of Tora and the others becoming the new Foot Elite, wasn't the same timeline Karai told him.

In fact, according to Tora, they became Elites long before he and his brothers met them. And even though Tora said he didn't have much knowledge of the event that had Khan leaving the Foot and the other former elite dead before they took their place. Leo had a feeling Tora knew but keeping it to himself for a reason. The same reason Leo's sure Karai told him a different time of the event of Khan's 'would-be-take-over' the Foot.

But despite all that... Leo's still more focus on Karai's past relationship with Faraji, to really worry about anything... Therefore, Leo was still a little uneasy about not knowing, his Karai and good friend Faraji had a history together. Fortunately, a part of him reminded him that their relationship, though short as it was, was in the past. Reminder helping his raising jealous to stay put. And trusting his heart's right; there's nothing romantic between Karai and Faraji anymore. And he's all Karai wanted. Had him calm when Tora revealed to him and his brothers, of how he got in the lair once they all were on the outside of the lair's entrance...

So Leo, his two youngest brothers, were currently traveling inside a bubble, floating through the sewers, heading for the Foot's headquarters.

Now, eyes closed behind the white tinted eye-holes to his mask, Leo stood quiet, leaning against the wall in the back, within the bubble they're in. Mikey, shouldering an orange back-pack, with a childlike innocent/excitement on his carefree face, was moving from one side to the other looking at everything they passed by in the speed the bubble's going; which is pretty fast-. While Don, from Leo's hearing, asking again about their transportation bubble as well the creation of the device bracelet Tora's using to navigate the bubble.

"So you're saying, the device on your wrist, that created this bubble, made with Utrom technology, but also from the cache of crystal that was hidden in our former home. A former home that been destroyed by the Foot and Karai?"

"I'm sure is what I had said, Donatello-san before we left," Tora replied.

The Asian man's dressed in what looks like as a new Foot Elite Guard outfit; It's like the former style, but blend a little of the older style. But the colors weren't the same. Where it uses to be black all over it was a dark purple, and where it was gray it was black. And unlike the former Elite uniform that had the Foot's symbol (upside down toad foot) in red. This one's the Foot symbol's upside down in green. But the same headgear was still a black texture. All in all, it looks similar to Karai's bodyguards' ninja wear. But with the Foot Elite style attire and new Foot symbol. A wolf mask was on the top of his head, while the headgear hat -with a string around his neck-, rested against his back. The only thing missing is the cape the former Elite Foot Guards wore.

"I'm sorry as I'm sure the others are, from keeping so much from you guys," Tora added, regretfully. "But I learned from my first master that one can't dwell on things that were out of their hands. But instead, try to-"

"Forgive and live for the now and the future." With Leo's words, both Don and Tora looked back to him. He's still leaning against the bubble with arms folded over his chest, but eyes reopened behind the tinted eye-holes. "Wasn't those the Ancient One's way of living?" It was Leo's calm expression, making Tora nod to him, smiling. Showing the man, Leo wasn't still in a bad mood.

"That it is, Leonardo-san."

"You never told how long the Ancient One trained you guys?" Leo asked, stepping away from his position against the wall.

"Well, unlike Karai. I and the guys were trained under him until we left for different colleges. And thanks to Akemi who home school all of us during our training. We were all able to reach the career we wanted pretty quick."

"I wonder if Raph knows Joi's aunt is really her grandmother?" Was what Leo's going to ask next. But didn't get the chance.

"WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!"

For at that moment Leo's words were lost in his throat by Mikey, who gave out a girly scream jumped into his arms. "Mikey get off me!" Leo ordered, but Mikey didn't move from his eldest brother.

No, he instead took hold of Leo's head and turned him toward the front view of the bubble to see that they were heading straight for a wall.

"Like I said before WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!" Now with both Leo and Don aware of the danger, they too were freaking out. Therefore, Mikey, who had been thrown from Leo's arms, snatched Tora's shoulders shaking the poor guy.

"Tora man do somethin'!"

"It's okay Michelangelo-san-"

"No, it's not! We're gonna be pancakes!"

"No, Michel-"

"Don't worry Mikey," Leo said pulling out his katanas, getting in a striking pose. "I'll just break the bubble!"

"No Leonardo-san you don't have to-" But Leo not listening, attacked the bubble, which after he did, nothing happen.

"My attack did nothing..."

"That's because, with the magic writing carved in each traveling bracelet, it makes the bubble impossible to break from outside and the inside." Tora turned back to the front, which showed that they were still heading straight for the solid wall. "Also with this bubble you can go through anything."

As Tora spoke this, Leo and his brothers saw the bubble was going through the wall like it wasn't there. And as soon as it did, the turtles watch the bubble start to give off light, which showed them they were still moving on, but now was inside the wall itself.

"This bubble is the fastest transportation, along with the bracelet of course, that the Foot have, and maybe in all existence on earth."

Donatello being the first to get over his shock, after hearing Tora's statement, spoke. "The Foot has a device like this... Do all the members have this kind of device? And if they do. Do they also know how to get to our lair?" Hearing the concern, and also the interest in the Foot's developing technology from Don had Tora thinking over what he was going to say.

"No," Tora said finally after they came out from the other side of the wall to enter another one a second later. "Only Madam Karai, Young Madam Angel, the Elite Foot, and higher up doctors and professors of the developing tech and research departments, have a traveling device bracelet. And except now, nobody but the head tech professor knows the location to your lair. It's him that's allowing me, only for today, to use the coordinates to and from your lair. But I will give them back to him after I bring Master Splinter to the headquarters."

"And who is 'the head tech professor' that has directions to our home?" Don questioned not feeling good that someone knows how to get in his family's lair. "It's not Dr. Chaplin-"

"No. It's not the former head 'tech' professor." Tora stated, stopping Don from finishing. "But I can't tell you right now, who the head professor is, because you'll meet him very soon. And I promise once you're aware of who he is, you won't be bothered with him being in control of the coordinates to your lair." The Chinese man added before turning his attention back to the front, making sure they were still going the right way.

A while later, within seconds of leaving the lair

"We're here my friends." Logging the number into his travel bracelet, Tora had the bubble lowering itself to the ground in the center of the platform inside the Foot headquarters' ground level. "What you're looking at is the headquarters' basement floor." He added as the bubble open up to allow them to get out, once it stopped floating and landed on the cement platform.

The basement floor was an underground chamber with two wide spaces. One area had four tunnels with three high-tech vehicles looking like subways stationed at each tunnel. The second area was a widespread platform with bench seats and an elevator in the back wall of the area. Screen monitors mounted to the stone poles holding up the ceiling over the platform, that usually had many transit maps on them showing where the transit-vehicles' stops were around all New York. However, the screens were showing black backgrounds with the Foot logo in green and upside down, which seem odd to the turtles being that the Foot logo looks like the Tribunal Ninja's symbol as it does on Tora's outfit.

"Unlike me and other higher rank members who are able to move around in travel bubble. The other members use these vehicles to get around, also those vehicles can't go through solid objects as the travel bubbles do." Tora said once he left the bubble for it to shift like water before turning into a liquid and entering the travel bracelet on his right wrist. Afterward, he started leading the turtles to the elevator.

"But how does the transportation-system not interfere with the New York's subway system, if they don't go through walls?" Tora wasn't surprised by Don's question.

"Easy. Our transportation system routes don't evade with the City's because we don't take the same routes."

"How's that," Leonardo asked, knowing it wasn't possible to avoid the rapid transit system around New York without encountering even one subway train.

"Again easy. Our route system is the old subway system. Originally as we were cleaning up and rebuilding the city. We stumble on the underground abandoned subway routes, that are beneath the current subway-system. But thanks to the Utrom technology the Foot has. Our tech-scientists were able to design transportation vehicles. And with the same ability as the travel bubbles making the travel tunnels for the vehicles under the current subway-system, the paths never interact with each other." Tora along with the turtle brothers following him stopped in front of the elevator. Tora pressed a button, where the elevator opened. "But unlike the travel bubbles that hold only ten people including the user of the device. The transport vehicles carry more than 100 people each trip." Hearing this Don started asking more questions, like him, his brothers and Tora entered the elevator.

"But just like your travel device, can those transports lead to-"

"To your lair." Tora smiled at knowing what Don was thinking. He went on once the elevator started moving. "Don't worry the transports don't reach your lair or other lairs within the underground tunnels."

Other lairs? Does he mean Leatherhead's to-?

"Anyway, I'm taking us to the main lobby floor. Because Young Angel and Karai have requested to see you two," He pointed to both Leonardo and Michelangelo. "once you arrived." He stated. "And the only way to get there is taking the personal elevator on the main lobby. Meanwhile, since I have to go back to get Master Splinter. Donatello-san, there is someone else who will give you the tour of the building." Donatello nodded to this, for he was hoping to get a tour and maybe find who the head professor was and find out how this professor knew where their lair and Leatherhead's was.

While Michelangelo knowing Angel was giving him a tour of the headquarters, and Leonardo, rather see Karai and talk about what Tora has already filled him in on, then take a tour. Didn't objected to what Tora said to them, as they all continued waiting to reach the 1st floor, as Tora went over all the shops, stores and restaurants that the Foot own or link too.

On the main lobby

Adam McKay, wearing a white lab coat, was standing there as the elevator doors open on the main lobby floor. Which Don was surprised and happy to find the 27-year-old man was going to be his tour guide; starting with showing him the labs and meeting all the professors and doctors while at it. Despite he now had a chance to finally see who is the head professor of the Foot headquarters. That wasn't the reason the brainiac of his turtle brothers was happy to see Adam. It actually had to do with not hanging out with him for a while. In fact, it's been months since he last saw Adam. Mostly since Don had overfilled himself with projects and an online job; the last one being done to give April a birthday gift. But despite that information, Don wasn't the only one to blame, for Adam had been busy also with the hospital. But Don was sure now Adam wasn't just busy working at the hospital but also having his time here in the Foot's headquarters.

Nevertheless, Don didn't hesitate to follow Adam to another elevator in the lobby that was going to lead them to the Foot's dojo floor before taking the express elevator to the 1st lab. Catching up, Don and Adam started talking, speaking 'technobabble' as they left for the labs.

Meanwhile, Tora and the other two turtles, as the tech-geeks were speaking 'big-high level-words', didn't dare say a word. And didn't speak until both Don and Adam was gone.

"Okay, why always when Don-boy and Adam speak to each other my brain shuts off."

"It wasn't already?" Tora commented, making Michelangelo shoot him a come-back.

"Hey, I don't keep it off all the time." This only had Tora blinking at his goofy friend, while Leo gave a quiet snicker, before speaking up.

"So which elevator leads to my Karai- I mean Karai and Angel." Leo was trying, but failing with his slip-up blushed. Fortunately, Tora catching Mikey getting ready to tease his elder brother, figured maybe he save Leo from being more embarrassed than he already was.

"I'll show the one that will let you see your girlfriend." Immediately Michelangelo became a fit of giggles.

Oh well. I did say 'maybe' I'll save him. Tora thought while shrugging his shoulders, as he leads a laughing Mikey and a beyond blushing Leo, to the personal elevator.

Angel's place- main hall

With the sound of a ding, elevator doors to Angel's floor open. Letting out Michelangelo and Leonardo.

Mostly Leo who literally left the elevator in a haste, with his baby brother nagging and pressuring him, since they both stepped into the elevator on the main lobby, in telling of what all really happen once Karai turned off her surveillance cameras in her office last night after his greeting to her.

Which thanks to Angel, Michelangelo knew about. That's why the orange wearing turtle was now bringing up Leo's 'wet' dream with Karai, resulting in him asking for details of that said dream. That's made Leo's green skin face change in color texture from blushing so hard before he left the elevator and whipped his head back to his baby brother, shouting.

"Enough Mikey!" A turtle can take so much before they snap, even a compose turtle like Leonardo.

However, regardless of how annoying he was being to his brother. Mikey didn't let up as he drops his backpack at his feet.

"Come on, Leo. I not gonna quiet bugging until you tell me-." stated Michelangelo.

" I told you before that. 'Some things you don't tell anyone, not even brothers'. No matter how annoying they can be!" Leo shouted again and glare at his brother at the last part, before turning, walking away to make some distance from the younger turtle who was still near the elevator in the main hall.

Suddenly, before the orange bandana wearing turtle could follow his older brother to continue bothering him until he gives in to his request. Michelangelo heard a familiar voice; he not too long talk with on his cell.

"Leo!" Angel said, coming out of her conversation room. "I thought that was your voice." Seeing the young, but lovely Angel coming up, had Leo smiling at her, friendly.

"Hey, Angel." Angel giving a kind smile approached Leo and gave him a friendly hug which he returns.

"It's good to see you, again." She spoke once they release their hug. "Sorry about our last encounter."

"No harm done. You were just protecting your sister. I respect that."

"Of course you do... Now that you and my sister are an item."

Naturally, Leo would pretend he didn't hear that comment, but the smirk look Angel was showing told him it would be a waste of time denying his relationship with Karai to her.

Mostly when Raphael is the only one against the relationship so far. While Angel like others just wanted to tease him. That's why he didn't see any reason to hide. Furthermore, he had enough of the annoying teasing.

"Part of it is." Leo held a smirk of his own back, shrugging when he saw Angel's shock expression at his response. "But I respect anyone who sticks up for their siblings." He added. "Even if they are up against a stronger opponent." He leans a bit back, folding his arms. "Because like Karai said the other night, I could of took you down without trying." Knowing this information Angel nodded.

She knew if it wasn't Leo she went up against, she would have been defeated and almost killed. Therefore, Angel bowed to the humanoid turtle.

"Then I thank you for going easy on me, last night." She straightened back up afterward. "But with all due respect. I rather you've attacked me than show pity next time. According to my sister, you can't learn from your opponent or yourself by holding back in a fight rather it's a friend or foe."

"She's right," Leo stated. "It's a lesson from the Ancient One."

"You mean Oroku Haru."

Man, this is going to take a while before I'm used to calling the Ancient One that. Leo thought before speaking.

"Yeah him."

Not needing Leo to shout it out loud that it'll take time for him to call his second master by Oroku Haru or let alone 'Master Oroku'. So Angel overlooked this and continued on while showing Leo it was okay to not be ready to refer to the Ancient One as anything but the name you're familiar with.

While Leo and Angel continued talking. Michelangelo who recently gripped one of the straps on his back-pack, shouldering it, walked up to the two further in the main hall.

Although Michelangelo knew Leo was talking to Angel, he couldn't see her with his brother blocking his view. So when he stepped up to them and Leo wasn't blocking his view anymore. Mikey, stared in wonder, with his mouth hanging open as he took in Angel.

She was in a white full-length silk sleeveless floral qipao, with dark orange flowers and soft yellowish-pink butterflies printed on the white background, and a thick peach fabric as her waist belt, with a brown rope around it.

Although the dress was a qipao, it was modified (like all her Asian clothing) to allow a far wider range of movement than a generic qipao. And with the dress's slits, on either side, going from the waist down to the ankles. It was easy to see the orange pants-like-tights with a yellowish pink cheetah printed on each pants leg. Include, for Michelangelo, notice the slight developing muscles in her thighs and legs, and her tone arms and upper body. Some of her dark black hair's in a hairstyle of 'ox horns', with silk white brocades, gold accents and white ribbons in gold detail at the end, while the rest of her hair, with honey brown high lighting, trailed down her back. White high-heeled knee-length boots were on her feet.

Only real trinket displayed, was a triple chain necklace(similar to Joi's) resting around her neck; the first chain was a white leather choker with a yellowish pink cheetah head pendant/ w gold gem eyes, the second chain, attached to the first on either side, was a bit longer, with a light peach butterfly on left end and an orange dragonfly on the right end, each bug was in a climbing-down position, while the third chain/ w Peridot leaf vines were wrapped around it, with at the end of the last chain was a pale pinkish-orange gem shape into a blossoming lotus flower.

Michelangelo knew it was Angel standing there, talking it up with Leo, not aware of him yet. But he couldn't get over how much she has changed. Gone was the cute little punk girl who used to help him do pranks on many of they're friends. But in her place was now a slender, shapely female beauty of fifteen.

Still unaware of the attention she was getting from Michelangelo or he was there at all. Angel asked Leo if Mikey decided not to come.

"Well," Leo, knowing his baby brother was alongside him but apparently out of Angel's view, stepped away to reveal the orange-clad turtle. "Ask him yourself."

"Mikey!" She exclaimed, the excitement dancing in her eyes. "It's been a while! I thought I never see you, and now you're here!" She added. He was so quiet I didn't know he was there. Oh well, now that I do. I can't miss this opportunity. She thought as she rushes over to him, grinning from ear to ear. While Leo stepped behind his frozen brother.

Mikey for some reason felt shy while his green cheeks change a different texture showing he was blushing. He didn't know why but there was something about the way she looked that made him feel all quivery inside.

Therefore, once Angel came closer, Mikey stepped back a bit from her, only for Leo to push him forward.

"Don't be shy, Bro. Say hello to Angel." He whispered to his brother, smirking to himself. Pay back's a bitch.

"Uh hey, Angie." Wait did I call her 'Angie'?Mikey shook his head at his slip-up. "I mean Angel."

No longer able to hold back. Angel started making the distances from her and him disappear as she moves closer, opening her arms to him.

Although Michelangelo began to step back again, Leo, 'to be so kind again', pushed his baby brother into Angel's embrace.

However, once he moved away from them. Leo saw Mikey's eyes -despite his bandanna- pleading to him of what to do, as it seems though Angel was hugging him. Michelangelo was unable to move; including hugging the 15-year-old.

Therefore, while refraining from slapping his forehead, Leo demonstrated with his arms, how to hug someone to his baby brother. After months of missing her and now she's right in front of you. Hugging you no less, and you pick now to be a goof-ball! Leo thought this before twitching, Shell! I sound like Raph.

Doing what Leo showed him. Mikey finally hugged the girl, which she embraces him more with nuzzling her head into his shoulder as she felt his strong arms encircle her. He's gotten taller, Angel thought, leaning on her tip-toes, moved her face to his neck. "I sure missed you... Thank you for coming."

Hearing the delight words, Michelangelo's face tilt to the side at the young girl, making eye-contact with her -despite it's behind his orange bandanna-. Right there Mikey knew he wasn't just falling for Angel anymore. He's deeply in love with this young girl, that's grown quickly in the short months they hadn't seen each other. It's almost hard to see the cute little girl was, in fact, this amazing creature that seems to be having dazzles lights floating around her, in his vision.

Knowing this Mikey embrace the young teen more, whispering to her. "I missed you too..." Shocking the girl for a split second, she'd became speechless by his words and tender embrace.

That's why Angel hid her face into the turtle's neck again as she felt her cheeks become warm. The two teens unknown of what their words and closeness meant to the other, kept up the embracing hug. Neither wanted to let go.

"So Karai's floor is where?" Until Leo choose that moment to remind the two, they weren't alone.

"Sorry Angel, but Tora wasn't high on detail of that information," he added, which Angel glance over, smiling a bit, shaking her head to him. Before looking back up to Mikey.

"Go ahead to the great room and wait for me. It's the first room on the right." She said while ending their hug. " Once I get back we can go on your tour." She suggested, while Mikey, hiding his uneasy behind a calm smile though small as it is, nodded, then exit the main hall in a haste. That didn't go unnoticed to both Leo and Angel.

"Now," Angel started once she saw Mikey enter the great room.

"Come on lover-boy. My sister awaits." Adding this, Angel pushes Leo towards the direction of the door that will lead to Karai's floor.

Inside the great room

Walking into the room Angel told him, Mikey took in the room that seems to be a modern/contemporary look to it. 4 white looking circle-shape sofa, a set of two, was on one side of the room. Along with a white/pink ottoman/coffee table in the middle of them. This seating area faced the wall with a defined silver/gray fireplace. In the center of the room, was a pink S-shape sofa, with another pink/white ottoman/table. On the other side of the room, was a wall-mounted wide screen TV, with a built-in bookcase.

It's here, looking at all the artwork in the room, especially a jungle scenery painting above the doorway, Mikey's thinking about his strong feelings for one of his best(human) friends. Feelings he chose to keep hidden. Being he feared Angel be troubled being, she will think about how saddened he be with her not returning his feelings. Basically, he felt like this because she could never feel the same way; despite the chemistry, he felt with her recently. For he couldn't accept someone beautiful as Angel, attracted to him; a big silly turtle.

Nonetheless, of this decision. Didn't stop his mind, thinking about her. Such as how good it felt, holding her after so many months unable to see her. But now with her newly developing body, it's pretty hard not feeling how her breasts had felt against his chest, or those unexpected curves and narrow hips. Although those were interesting details. Mikey has been more fixed on Angel's eyes, but also her freckles above her nose, that he'd counted 16. For some reason, those little detail Mikey found to be so adorable about Angel, causing his feelings earlier, making him seem like a silly fool around her -

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Snapping from his thoughts, Mikey turned from observing the yellowish pink /white cheetah in the jungle painting, -reminding him of the one on Angel's pants leg- hearing Angel's voice. She was walking in, with around serving plate full of what look like rolls with glaze frosting on them.

"But I stop by the kitchen to bring us a snack. Knowing you, you're probably starving."

As if Angel could read Mikey's stomach. The sound of a loud rumbling coming from it echoed in the room. Causing the 15-year old's laughter to reach Mikey. Making a blush form on his cheeks as he made his way over to the sofa, rubbing the back of his head.

Coming back from directing Leo to her sister's floor. It gave Angel time to measure over what she didn't notice during her reuniting with Mikey -Except him growing taller-. Such as he hasn't changed in appearances much (which she liked just fine). But his personality's a different story. For she was able to tell he been nervous and shy, but not fully uncomfortable, being he did hug her (even if it took him a split second to do so). A sign telling, Mikey's attracted to her, but timid with his feelings. Feelings that's either stronger friendship or (hopefully) something more. But she couldn't pinpoint which one.

Normally Angel's unable, to pick up these signs, even with their friendship history. But thanks to the ongoing training by Karai; in both fighting and business. She can read a person's emotion and body language, almost to a T. So, with her acknowledge of Mikey's self-conscious, that he's hidden behind a fake smile. Angel came to the decision, of holding back, exposing her feelings to Mikey. Only to give Mikey time and space to relax again around her, so their friendship won't suffer and so she can find which feel he's showing.

Fortunately, Angel's okay with this choice, with believing 'something so serious as her feelings being return by the turtle' was worth waiting for him to make the 'first move'.

Accepting this idea. Angel chose to get a snack for them; delaying the tour if just for a little bit. Cause despite Mikey's behavior around her at the moment, Angel wanted a little more alone time with him. Therefore, witnessing Mikey's flush face before he hid it a second later. Angel pretends not to notice.

"Before you think I made these. A member called Hashi Akemi had dropped these sweet lemon glazed orange rolls off before you got here..." She said, placing the plate on the coffee/ottoman in front of the s-shape sofa, while Mikey took a seat on it. "She's a head teacher from Japan, that, along with two others, came to teach the untrained ninjas. Her and Master Splinter will be co-headteachers to the Foot."

"That's cool Angel." He replies, fighting the butterflies in his stomach at her closeness and her radiative face. At that moment Angel's foot touches something alongside the coffee/ottoman.

"What's this?" She spoke, bending down to pick up what seems to her was an orange color back-pack. Seeing Angel holding up his back-pack -he drops on the floor after entering the room- reminded him of the gift he brought.

"It's mine." Before he could go on, Angel began giggling.

"I should have known this belonged to you." Her giggling got stronger. "Orange is so your color." With her giggle sounding like sweet bells and her eyes looking like they are sparkling to him. Mikey gave an uneasy laugh, as he reached out for the bag, where Angel kindly handed over to him. "But can I ask why you have that bag with you? Did you think there be a sleepover later tonight?" Adding this comment with teasing within it. Angel smiled sweetly his way.

Stopping his blushing and controlling the heavy fluttering butterflies, Mikey licked his lips as he felt how dry his mouth felt, before speaking.

"You remember me telling you of me, Don and April went to your family's house for clues of yours and your grandmother's disappearing."

"Yeah. You said since you couldn't find any clues. You, Don and April took some items back to the lair." She responds while quietly studying Mikey's odd behavior towards her, making her feel that she went too far with the teasing. However, while he went back to talking it seems he was slowly relaxing enough for her to take a seat on the sofa, though she left some distance between them for him.

"Yeah, but I took a big locked chest. I found it in an empty room." Placing the bag on the sofa between them, he started unzipping it. "But I didn't bother to open it, until after talking to you, today." Then lift it upside down and begun dropping the items from it onto the sofa. As he did this a thick white envelope slipped out of a green album and onto the floor, which Mikey seeing this in the corner of his eye. Picked the letter up to find it was addressed to Angel. "Hey, Angel this envelope has your name on it."

Hearing this, Angel reached over to Mikey. And overlooking not only Mikey's blushing but herself; being she felt the warmth on her cheeks when their hands brush against the others as she took the envelope. She stood up once she had a good look at it, letting out a gasp of shock.

"This is my grandmother's handwriting."

Opening the envelope with shaky hands, Angel found a few pages in it; making up a long letter for her. Sitting back down on the sofa, Angel began reading the first page but chose to read it out loud once she saw, for a moment, the curious nature that was part of Mikey's personality.

"My dearest granddaughter, if you're reading this. Then I'm no longer with you. What I'm about to tell will be shocking and hard to take in. But I know you're strong enough to get through it. So here goes...

Meanwhile in the 110th: main laboratory floor

Taking one of the express elevators before his turtle friend. Adam's waiting for Donatello to reach the 110th floor he's on.

"What's taking him so long? I showed him the access codes to put in to reach this floor. So what's-" Adam cut himself off when he heard the elevator gave a hissing noise that it was opening. Which shortly after it did Adam saw the purple-clad turtle was standing in it with a baffled look. The same look Adam saw take-up Donatello's face before he left on the two-floor dojo(2nd-3rd).

"Hey, Don you there?"

As the one-person elevator gave Don access to the floor. He still comprehension of the effect from the foot ninjas, in the dojo, had on him. For he has been taken for a loop when the ninjas stop their morning basic training, to turn and bow to him in respect, once Adam addressed who he was to them. Not use to having praises or cheers, let alone respect given to him by so many humans. It left the turtle with a weird feeling as he left the dojo, but a good weird. Cause he's somewhat flattered, if not proud to be recognized for the things he and his brothers did. And the foot ninjas showed that to him and even thanked him for becoming their ally. That experience was having Don more and more on board with the allied agreement.

Hearing his name called, didn't wake him from his stump state. But a slight slap upon his shell-back from Adam did the job. "Huh?" Blinking his eyes behind his bandana, Don let a sheepish smile come to his lips. "Sorry, Adam. It's just the foot ninjas' reaction to me, was a little. No. Was a lot awkward." Adam chuckled as he began walking with Don following.

"I can guess it was 'uneasy' as much 'awkward' for you. For being thanked for what you and your brothers have done for the world by more than our friends and me." Adam said, before suddenly stopping and turning to Don causing the turtle's eye ridge to raise as he paused in his tracks. "Anyway, forget that. I've waited for this day to come where I could say this." Adam placed a hand on Don's shoulder and threw out his other arm to the air. "Donatello buddy. Welcome to the Foot's seven-floor laboratory." Taking in his surroundings Don's jaw could have dropped right there. Astounding...

The first lab he and Adam were on, was a tech-geek like dream for Don. The layout of the floor, split into two sections. The first section, that's wrapped around the second section, has everything to do with communication and surveillance, from the many equipment monitor screens and sensors showing sector images of all New York and all its outskirts too. Including even other sector image screens of plenty of places around the world. While other screens showed off-world planets with their own sector images like the Utroms' homeworld; Theta.

The second section was surrounded around colorless glass railing -that match most the walling on the floor-, for within this area there wasn't any floor foundation. In fact, the design was similar to the layout of Don's family's main entrance floor that opened up to the upper floors of the lair. But unlike the lair's access to the upper floors through stairs or jumping. This floor's only access to the next floors was by some hover-disks created on a round platform stationed at the only opening to the railing.

I mean that was what Don assumed with watching people in lab coats or some kind of scientist attire, line up for the platform. Which they stepped upon the platform and a yellow light hover-disk rise from the platform under their feet. Then the hover-disk than flies into the air, taking the person to many of the rooms or tunnels within the 7 level upper floors. Questioning Adam of his theory. Don found he was right, but something didn't add up to him.

"But neither of them say where they want to go. So how's the hover-disk-"

"Technically it's called the hover plate," Adam added, smiling. "But I like hover-disk better," Don smirked at the last part.

"Right the hover plate. Anyway, how's the device, abstains knowledge where they want to go?"

"That's easy." Pausing, Adam slipped a hand into his lab coat's pocket, pulling a device, resembling a typical 'Bluetooth' mobile phone headset. Except the center logo's the Foot symbol upside down. He attached it to his right ear. "This device reads your thoughts, that once you step on the platform it already processes your direction to the hover plate," Adam explained. " We're in motion of going to the next level with it, where you'll be able to access files and programs without the need to speak it or handle it. But it'll only be for the laboratory's staff. And only ones with authorizes will be able to access stuff like confidential files." He added before going back to why Don wanted to come to the labs first. "Well let's get you to seeing the head professor." As they began walking again, Don started asking something that popped into his mind.

"Do you work full-time here or part-time like Tora?"

"None. To be honest. With my shifts at Lenox Hill Hospital and the Foot's hospital beneath the former TCRI building-"

"Wait? A Foot hospital operating beneath the former TCRI building?"

"Oh yeah. I guess you're not familiar with that detail." Adam said, figuring by now Tora didn't tell anything of the Utroms' involvement with the Foot...or not all of it.

"You can say that," Donatello said, stopping and folding his arms. "Could you speed me up on that info?"

"Well since there was a bunker size room below the former TCRI building, that was originally the techno-organic room which held the transmit that now resigns in the 3rd lab."

"Whoa hold it," Don spoke in, waving arms in the air. "The transmit let alone the entire techno-organic room survived the implosion device Ch'rell set. Although the Utrom Shredder did survive the blast." Don said and went silent at his last words, thinking over some more. But Adam decides to help a little in Don's unsolved questions.

"How the Utrom Shredder lived through that event I have no knowledge of. That said, I do know how and why the room and transmit came out without a scratch or it was underground before being moved to this building. And it's cause the Utrom learned, from their former mistake when the transmit on the spaceship that crashed them here centuries ago, been destroyed through the crash. So they worked hard and one of their main professors, Professor Perry created a transmit that's indestructible, but it's still in Tokyo, Japan where the Utrom, that stayed behind when most of them escaped to New York, hide it in an underground base that was station as the secret royal guardian HQ. And it's that transmit, which Professor Perry used to transport himself here to make the twin transmit. Then once constructing a techno-organic room to put it in. They made sure the room wasn't attached to the rest of the building, so if something might happen in the future. The room's able to slip into the basement, of the building where it would stay until needed or moved to the next location."

"Astonishing. The Utrom's always one step ahead even to their enemies." Donatello stated as they continued their walking while several people, moving around checking and observing the monitors, not even gave a glance to the mutate ninja turtle strolling beside Adam. Except a few did look his way, but it was either to nod or bow a 'hello', to him or a simple wave. But not once did they throw a dirty look or disgust. Same similar feeling he got in the dojo. So Donatello's feeling more welcome each minute here.

As Don was realizing this, Adam went back to talking.

"To finish your earlier question. I'm so busy with both hospitals, I don't have much time to be here on my schedule. I'm not even an on-duty Elite Guard here anymore, or Joi, Tora, and Faraji either. That said, my shifts at the hospitals don't start until after breakfast is over, being all the ninja members in the city of the Foot have breakfast together each day. Though it's not counting the small businesses Karai invested in through the process of rebuilding New York. However, I'm not even considered a high-rank professor or doctor here. Those ranks belong to the ones, like myself, have been dying for your visit."

"They have? But why and who are they?" As Adam's mouth opened to answer Don. Someone else spoke up for him.

"I believe my colleagues and I can answer that question for you, Donatello." Shifting his head to the right once hearing a familiar slightly robotic voice. Don could have sworn his eyes were playing tricks on him as he was looking at a high-tech upgrade looking Professor Honeycutt and a familiar Mortu in his exo-suit (it was clothed) and some other guy, who seems to be in his mid-40, with them, walking up in lab coats.

"Captain Mortu? Professor Honeycutt?" Don was still having trouble with believing his sight that he took off his bandanna and wipe his eyes before placing it back on.

"Sorry for the secrecy, Donatello," Mortu exclaimed. "But it is great to see you again. And its Professor Mortu now. I'm no longer Captain anymore."

"Um...okay. Cap- I mean Professor Mortu." Donatello shook his head. " It's wonderful to see you and Professor Honeycutt too. But why are you here and with the Foot?"

"Actually I think the head professor can help us answer all that and more." The man with short gray hair and pushing his glasses against his nose as his grayish blue eyes reflected behind his frames said. "By the way, my name is Jordan Perry. But everybody calls me Professor Perry." He stuck his hand out to the brainy ninja turtle. "It is a true honor to finally meet you, Hamato Donatello."

"You're the Utrom that created the transmits and the person Mikey was speaking of," Don states, before shaking the scientist's hand. "You told him to keep hid Karai's history with the royal Utroms."

"I did. But-"

"Hey, I know Donatello wants and deserves answers. But can we take him to the head professor, being I promise him once we got here I would introduce Don to him." Adam said before Mortu spoke up.

"Well, that's what we were doing." He started speaking to Adam. "You was taking too long, so we figured we come to see what was delaying you." Mortu continued saying to Adam before turning on his heel and going back where he and the other scientists came from. "Come this way, Donatello." He added, speaking over his shoulder to Don, still making his way.

All agreeing to the idea, the other scientists followed behind Don as Mortu led him further until they came up to an open room with comfortable chairs in a circle, and behind the chairs was a high-tech colorless console with a big mast size monitor screen above it. With the image on the screen showing a Triceratops in 'general' attire talking to a person concealed by a hovering black chair, that also was above the desk, facing the screen and not the scientists and Don approaching.

Though Don didn't note the Triceratops on screen at first glance. He did when the Triceratops shifted its attention to him saying,

"It is a pleasure to meet one of my former commanders, Sir Donatello."

Easy to say Don caught on the Triceratops was, in fact, Zog, despite his formal attire. But before Don could reply back to the Triceratops. The concealed person in the floating chair turned to its arrivals, resulting in the smarter turtle of his brothers, eyes to bulge nearly out of his head, stepping back slightly. "Leatherhead!?"

The now revealed massive humanoid crocodile in a lab coat with a white shirt, red tie, and blue pants. Wasn't affected by Don's disbelief reaction to his presence there. "Hello, my friend..."

119th: Karai's private quarters.

Once hung up with Joi. Karai, -learning from her surrogate grandmother- didn't trust store bought produces. So she went to her dry room where she kept all her dry herbs and spices.

Only, discover she's out of dry jasmine leaves -being she use the last ones for the last nights. So wanting Master Splinter to have his special jasmine tea -that she was taught this recipe by her surrogate grandmother during her childhood- for the feast breakfast along with her surrogate grandmother's tea too. Karai went to the greenhouse, attach to the dry room, for some jasmine leaves (three leaves and one bud).

The greenhouse wasn't a regular one. Like everything outside/inside the skyscraper building, involving the Utrom science. The green house's modified to not only hold, several produces; herbs, spices, vegetable, and fruits, within the many climate sections it had, but like the many in the 3rd laboratory, it's within a portal room, along with the dry room.

Karai, now, inside the mudroom - outside the portal room- removed her green garden boots, hat, and gloves, that she'd used during being in the greenhouse and placed back on her pink short kimono dress. But decide to leave her slippers to walk bare feet; being her whole 2-floor apartment is floor heated. Then left the mud room and went through the metal sliding door, to enter the dining room overlooking the sky view, where, despite its high-tech hologram cloak ceiling-to-floor windows. Sunlight's shining in.

Mind recalling the conversation with Joi and their shared-stories of their turtle men; which lead giving Joi permission to tell Raph everything she wanted him to know, including their deep friendship and sister bond. Karai's thoughts drifted back to her surrogate siblings and how they became so close mostly her and Joi.

It was within one year of training under Oroku Haru, -she was 14-, that Karai met the 'Acolytes' -who at the time she didn't know they were related to the Ninja Tribunals- when her surrogate grandmother Akemi brought them to be trained by Haru. At first, with still getting over her whole ordeal with the Foot, Khan, her father, and her daughter's death. Karai didn't trust her master's new students. But within the time they all became like a family with Haru like the father -she always wanted in her father-, Akemi the mother figured and Adam (16) and Tora (16) -with their older brother acts toward her- became the big brothers she only dreamed for in secret.

While both Joi (14) and Faraji (15) in beginning had been more to her than just family. For Joi and Karai, at first, didn't get along. Being they didn't want to share their 'grandmother with the other. Karai because Akemi was the only mother figure she ever had, and the woman who took her to the hospital when she had gone in labor. While Joi didn't want to share her because Akemi was all Joi had of her family. However, Akemi noticing both girls' disliked each other, had placed both in the same room. Giving them no choice but to get along. Which sooner both girls built a friendship and later became a strong sister-bond as time went by...

Faraji, on the other hand, became Karai's first crush. Crush that formed first and quickly with Karai being impressed with his sword skills. And although Faraji returns her feelings that started a cute relationship thereafter. It didn't last long. But fortunately, since they agreed they're better as friends than a couple. They soon created a brother-sister bond with each other. In fact, besides Joi. Karai has stayed in touch with Faraji more than her other surrogate brothers. Faraji even told Karai to tell Leo about her feelings after he brought up, that it been her who convince him to ask his college friend and business partner; Zaire Taife last month on a date. Leading in them becoming a couple and couldn't be happier. Resulting in him spending more time in Africa than here. Thus giving up his position as head leader of the 'Elite Foot', but still a foot member.

Round & round the planets revolve around the sun. And we always seek after love and place. (Forevermore). Growing, growing woe baby we can work it out. Look up the sky. (Every Heart) is shining all today. Goes & goes the time goes on, we are not alone. We live on together and we will find some precious things. Sometimes we will smile, sometime we will cry somehow.

Continuing through the dining room, Karai was listening to a song called 'Every Heart' finishing off from her Japanese/English mix play-list coming from the surround sound speakers in the walls that are connected to the computer stationed in her bedroom. She'd had turned on her play-list a moment before leaving her bedroom. And since she places it on shuffle mode, she didn't know what to expect will play.

Furthermore, the play-list having Japanese/English version of songs and music. Had to do with her falling in love with each version thanks to Joi. Who, back when they were forming a friendship, introduce Karai into many kinds of American music, language and some of its cultures (among other things?) being Karai only knew, at the time, traditional Japanese life and music since that's all the Foot clan taught her. While Karai did the same for Joi with Japanese cultures, songs and etc. She even helps Akemi teach cooking to Joi also.

That's why as Karai skirted past the sunken style dining room, she heard the lyrics to the English version of 'Song of Love' which had her, while humming to the song, drifting off to a couple of years ago, where she and Leo began their secret meetings on the water tower building.

*********************************Flashback****************************************

Two days after- Rogue in the House

"What are you doing here?"

Karai sitting on the edge of a roof with her legs dangling over it. Didn't know she would encounter him when she decided to sneak out of the Foot headquarters to get a breather from her father's watchful eye and Dr. Stockman's new assistant and fan-boy, Dr. James Chaplin's one-sided crush on her.

She closed her eyes. "I didn't know particularly what roof I was on. I'm just taking a break, from an earlier run through the city." then shrugged her arms. "Although I must admit it's not Tokyo. But New York has..." She paused in her sentence to turn around to the blue-clad wearing turtle standing behind her. "Its own interests and mystery." Karai's intense gaze never left Leo's. "But also many beautiful wonders within it," she added, smiling almost mischievously.

Karai could tell she was getting under the turtle's 'shell' because she wasn't hiding she's intrigued with him. However, knowing that, Karai saw Leo was having a conflict with his thoughts. She was sure he was having trouble in choosing if to attack or let her be on the rooftop.

It wasn't long until she heard him reply.

"Did you run around in Tokyo also?"

"Every chance I could."

"Do you miss it?" Catching on to what the turtle was doing, Karai didn't mind as she continued going along with his investigation.

"Very much so." Karai waited a moment as she saw Leo nod to her answer. "Though I'm finding myself to be liking this city and what it has to offer."

"Is that so?" Even with him talking calmly, Karai knew he was on guard as he was every second checking out his surroundings when he didn't think she noticed. "You mean another city of innocents to take over. Or like the Shredder. Kill." There was no hiding the turtle's bitter tone, no matter how hard Karai tried.

Nevertheless, Karai wasn't taking this encounter as coincidence, therefore she was going to make the best of this unexpected situation with the one person (or turtle) her father told her to keep her distance from, after he found, by Hun, she deliberately didn't kill Leonardo, even though the turtle gladly gave her a chance too.

"Believe what you want. But I'm nothing like my father. You said so yourself."

"But you are loyal and take orders from him."

"As you are for your own father." Leo went silent for he couldn't make a counter to her true statement. "Look, Leonardo-san. If I was anything like my father." She rose from her spot and stepped up to the turtle, looking down at him. "I would have killed you, back on the ship, as he told me too."

"I know that," Leo admitted though it seems it was hard for him to say.

"Furthermore as a warrior that follows the Bushido way, as myself. You should know you don't judge one by where they come from or their family. But by their actions." Karai testing the waters, place her hands on the top part of his shoulders. "Have I once gave you a reason to believe I see you as an enemy?"

Though she tried not to, Karai felt her heart flutter right there as Leo raised his sight to hers, almost like he was trying to read her, before facing his eyes away from her stare.

"No, you haven't. And you're righ-" Suddenly Leo, growling under his breath, shook his head. "No, we shouldn't be speaking like this." Leo though gently, removed Karai's hands from his shoulders.

"Like what?" Karai stood back, folding her arms. "Like friends?" She narrowed her eyes at him when once again he looked away from her, but this time he faced his whole body away from her. "I thought I was stating that was what we are." Karai getting enraged at how this was turning out, roughly turned him around to her. "Friends who bonded over the way of an honorable warrior. Was that all a lie?" Leo didn't respond until he got free of Karai's grip on his arms.

"You're Shredder's daughter. That makes you the enemy."

"So if I wasn't my father's daughter. -"

"There would be no trouble between us."

Shaking with anger, Karai giving a snarl, glared at the turtle. Before without a word, begun taking off all her ninja garb. Where Leo's, witnessing what she was doing, eyes grew in size at each piece of Karai's outfit fell to the ceiling floor. Until she was left in nothing but her black bodysuit and boots.

"There! To show you I'm not your enemy. I took everything off that states me as a Foot ninja."

Leo took in all her weapons, metal guards, protected gear and her redhead bandana, that she places in a pile at their feet. Although the Foot logo was showing on her bodysuit, Leo could overlook that; what with it being on the chest of the suit.

"And I only do all this, because I like you. Honestly, I like you a lot. I never met someone like you." She said on a sigh, as the turtle stiff-up and became unreadable. "Call it coincidence or even fate for this meeting. Call it whatever you want. I just can't overlook a chance to really get to know you, away from the Foot, my father... and your family." Though not able to read the turtle fully, thanks to his blue mask, Karai could see Leo look like he was having trouble with responding to her. "Maybe we are enemies and I'm just fooling myself in believing otherwise or maybe we can be the first to break the cycle between your family and mine-"

"I'm sorry Karai. I can't see that happening." Leo said cutting her off before turning on his heel and walking away. "While you're with the Foot and side with the Shredder. We will never be anything but enemies."

"So just like that, you're labeling us as enemies." Though Karai knew he was hearing her. Leo didn't stop in his walking motion.

"I guess there are some things you don't follow in the Bushido way," Karai questioned, and when the turtle did nothing but keep going.

It had her rethinking about believing Leo was different from everybody else; that he was that someone who held honor to heart as much as she does. " You said you and I will understand each other someday. How can that be, if we don't take the first steps in that direction?" She murmured, bending down to her belongings on the floor. Karai had accepted, though she didn't want too, that this was how it's going to be between them. ' Thought you were one of a kind-'

However, as she was starting to place her gear back on, Karai had to withdrawal her hands quickly from her stuff while breaking from her thought as two katanas join her stuff. With these unexpected items in the pile, Karai lift her head up to see Leo there and he was in the process of removing his blue bandanna, where a second later he was a partly naked mutant turtle (he still had his belt) and not a ninja for all the stuff that consider him a ninja including his ninja bands and wraps was sharing the ceiling floor with Karai's possessions.

"From a warrior to another. I know the feud between our families' won't end anytime soon."

The whole time Karai looked up at him in surprise. She wasn't doing it cause of what he's saying and his actions, that had her stun nonetheless. It was the chocolate brown eyes -that she finally got to see what his eyes look like under that mask-, releasing all the turtle's emotions; concern, nervous, interested and determination. Emotions that were overflowing Karai as Leo was still speaking.

"But that doesn't mean we can't. Because being a warrior of Bushido I shouldn't judge you on being the Shredder's daughter. But on finding out who you really are. By first starting over."

For a minute Karai didn't understand what Leo meant with 'starting over'. That was until he said,

"Hi, I'm Hamato Leonardo." and stuck out a hand for her to take. "It's nice to meet you."

Realizing what he was doing for both of them. Karai didn't remove her eyes from those chocolate orbs that she, unaware, was falling deep into their pools.

"Oroku Karai." She took his offering hand, smiling. "And the pleasure is all mine."

Thereafter

Once they re-introduce each other. Leo led Karai to the water tower; that Karai found Leo had fixed up after her and her aids blew it up. She and Leo had started small with things such as; likes, dislikes and so forth. Although Karai had held back her doings with the Utroms and the Ninja Tribunal. She had also kept the knowledge that Zog was alive and being treated in Tokyo when Leo brought the Triceratop's death up in one of his dislikes.

Though she was able to save the Triceratops when she had Cole and Han looking for survivals after the battle on the freighter ship. Karai's real purpose of having her aids searching the sinking ship was for two reasons at first and not the Triceratops.

First one was she wanted to make sure her father didn't add more deaths to his overfilled crime record.

The second one was -once her leaving prior to her father's battle against the Hamato clan and the Triceratops (Zog)- She wanted Cole and Han looking for Leo and his family since she wasn't sure about the outcome of the battle for the Hamato clan, after picking up her father from the sea. That's why she, with taking her father back to the re-build HQ, told her father she was going to have her aids search for Dr. Stockman for him. And she only said that to her father to keep him blind to her true purpose; find if the Hamato clan got away safely. However instead of finding any sign of the turtles and their rat father. Cole and Han discovered Zog's badly wounded, but alive body. So after dropping off Dr. Stockman in his water tank tube at the HQ. Karai, secretly behind her father's back, had Cole and Han, with Zog on a gas-breather machine, sent back to Japan to give the Triceratops over to Professor Perry to treat. Which within a week after starting her secret meetings with Leo and before she was captured by Bishop? Zog recovered fully.

Not long after that she wasn't just warned by her father and the NT to keep her distance from the eldest turtle brother of the Hamato clan. But also Joi who told her, -once Karai emailed her of what process when she first met the Hamato turtle brothers and started a secret meeting with Leo- she was crazy to be intrigued with the leader or any of the turtles for that matter. Being that well...their turtles.

*****************************End of Flashback***************************************

Recalling Joi's negative reaction to the whole 'turtle crush' Karai developed on Leo. Had Karai laughing to herself, of how Joi's behavior changed once meeting a certain hot-tempered clad in red, turtle. He did not just turn her way of looking at life different. But he, from what she told me, has changed her whole sex-life. Karai thought, smiling, listening to the last lyrics. But maybe she's both? I mean she seems to be having her eye on April...Or am I looking at their quick developed friendship wrong?

Born is this night. What is reflected, in your eyes? Lashed by the lukewarm wind. What will I leave behind? There's power in this place now. Flowers in the fields. Love in my heart...

As the song ended and the player went through shuffle mode, Karai, pulling herself away from her puzzle thoughts, took the three steps that split the dining room from the kitchen, heading into her Asian chic/modern kitchen...

The kitchen was big, earth-friendly, right down to the granite and lava stone counters that emit zero toxins. Bamboo flooring and stainless steel appliances round out the eco-chic look. The two-tiered breakfast bar, that Karai had modeled after a sushi bar as well as most of her cook space namely the half hot-sleek cooking surface on the island brought out a part of the Asian look as well show a master chef station. Each seating spot in the kitchen had red lazy Susan that allows for family-style meals; like her, Angel and sometimes Joi have together; despite the dining room. This part of detail to the kitchen begun the modern feel.

Traditional Shoji screen concealed her storage pantries and wine closet. The rich and cool greenish blue-colored glass tiles are used to create a stunning counter-to-ceiling backsplash. Karai chooses smaller tiles to use around the three hoods -within the kitchen-, where the set tiles vertically mimic the look of bamboo. The color combination of cherry red, green, greenish blue and stainless is enough to evoke the full Asian style in this kitchen. Therefore, the kitchen lives up to Karai's green design taste, with low-voltage light fixtures and appliances that help save energy and money.

Although Karai didn't need to save money -being the sole heiress to the Oroku clan's wealth and all that comes with its empire like; head leader of the whole Foot clan-. But being around the Utroms for so long has made her not buy unnecessary things. Mostly when she knows her money could go for greater things; like the secret organization for the greater good in Japan, and slowly, but growing, here in the US. Also being a secret (royal) guardian she, like many others, have vowed to protect the earth and it inhabits; plants, animals, and people, that the royal Utrom family fell in love with while on the planet.

Karai washing up at the sink before rooting through her bag holding the produce she harvested and got from both the greenhouse and dry room to clean off the dirt and soil from them. Continued back to her memory of her and Leo's first meeting, while starting on washing the produce. Resulting in her discovering at that meeting. Though she didn't have much knowledge of how deep her interest in the blue-clad turtle was back then, Karai did believe that their first meeting was the beginning of something wonderful between them. Where if it was just being friends or something else. Karai wasn't sure, but she felt the strong connection to see it through. Despite what others thought. However, the recent soft smile that was brought from the last song played and her memories that came with it. Slowly slipped away as the song 'Dangerous Mind' -by Within Temptation- filled Karai's ears, causing her eyes to narrow as her mind brought up the event that had an unexpected person popping up after her first secret meeting with Leo.

I fear that soon you'll reveal. Your dangerous mind. It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. I fear your smile and the promise inside. It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. I fear your presence; I'm frozen inside (inside). I'm searching for answers. Not questioned before. The curse of awareness. There's no peace of mind. As your true colors show. A dangerous sign.

******************************* Flashback******************************************

She had just left Leo back at the water tower- that they promise to come to see each other the same time tomorrow- and was heading back to the Foot headquarters when she caught she was being followed a roof after leaving the water tower. However, she didn't do anything until she passed 6 rooftops and only 4 of them to go before reaching HQ. At first, Karai feared it was a Foot member who was on her tail. But canceled that idea when the stalker was making too much noise to be a Foot member or any kind of ninja for that matter. Even now as she stood on a roof, with the person causing sound in the quiet twilight morning. Karai knew her follower was hiding behind the red brick building on the rooftop.

Taking out her katana, being she left her chain-whip back at HQ, Karai cried out, "You shall show yourself! I've already been aware, for hours, of you following me. So come out immediately!"

With emerald stone eyes on the brick building, she watches a young slight buff guy in a red tank-top and blue sweatpants, and his sneakers -that was the noise that gave him away- was blue on top and white on the bottom. He was wearing big tan gloves also, and his black hair was long to reach past his chin but greasy to know it doesn't get wash often and cared for. Making Karai believe the guy would be bald by the time he reaches his 40s the way he's going. Noticing her 'stalker' was a friend of the turtles; mostly Leo's temper brother Raph. Karai put away her sword. However, when she caught that all familiar lust/flirting look most guys give her taking up his face, she kept her guard up.

"Why are you following me, Mr. Jones?"

"So ya remember me." The expression of disgust popped on Karai's face when a lecherous grin took up Casey's still lust/flirting appearance.

"Not by much." She started earning her a frown from Casey. " And that's not the answer I asked you." Karai didn't have time for this. The sun was coming up and she needed to get back to HQ before she's missed.

"I been lookin around for ya, babe." He was throwing her a now cocky smirk. "I thought ya changed your mind with my last offer."

Instantly Karai rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe he was trying again after she'd already said no.

"Wasn't interested then and still not now. If you shall excuse me, I must get going." Saying what she needed to say. Karai turned and begun to leave.

"I wouldn't leave so soon, not if ya don't want the Shred-head ta know about ya little play-date with a green little turtle." Freezing in her step, Karai looked back to the guy who was grinning again at the ordeal he just places her in.

But Karai not wanting to look defeated by someone like Casey Jones. Placed an unreadable mask over her face, as she turned fully back around and started walking across the roof to the guy that was looking more of a pest than even Dr. Chaplin.

"I don't know what you are talking about?" She said, narrowing eyes at him once she was face to face with him.

"Yeah ya do." Slowly his grin was forming into a nasty smile. Causing Karai to raise her hand to slap him, only surprisingly he caught her wrist, now glaring at her. "So I got another offer for ya." Karai jerked her wrist back, making Casey release her. With both of them glaring at each other this time.

"Excuse me! Are you blackmailing me?!"

"Not blackmailing. Just offering a deal. Ya, a sexy, smart and hot ninja. What more can a guy want." Seeing red, Karai suddenly slops down and leg sweep Casey to the ground. "Ohff!" With him on his back, Karai hovered her head over his.

"I don't know who you think you are, obnoxious oaf! But if you weren't friends with the Hamato clan. I would make you less of a man." Karai, pulling out her katana again, pointed the pointy end to his crotch. "Got it?"

"Crystal clear."

"Good." Karai shielded her sword before speaking. "Anyway that blackmail of yours, won't work, cause if you tell my father. The turtles will know mostly Splinter-san." As Casey, pissed now, got up to his feet. Karai, now smirking, took off. But not before hearing.

"No broad rejects Casey Jones. Ya will be mine!"

Months later

Taking this threat as nothing if not just harmless as Dr. Chaplin's obsession crush. Karai continued her secret meetings with Leo; though she kept her guard up when she got wise to Chaplin copying the fighting styles that learned to her by all her ninja masters; Cole, Han, Oroku Haru and the Ninja Tribunal.

From there (with the meetings), Karai even agree with Leo when he stated their first kiss on Bishop's train was nothing but the 'heat of the moment'. However, Karai agreed only because she had sense Leo had been debating his feelings for her if not questioning what they were to one another that time on the water tower building. She also figured he was believing she couldn't see beyond him being a mutant, as well as a turtle.

But with her busy handling her mission in getting her father back to space so the Utrom could capture him. She pushed her feelings for Leo to the back of her head until the star-ship event. Where she had to choose between her father or her secret love. In the end, it was Leo who she picked, -despite she later had to become his enemy, by the Ninja Tribunal orders, and pretend to go after the Hamato clan for 'vendetta' for her father when her true intentions weren't even close to what she allowed them to believe-.

But besides all that and before she took 'vendetta' on Leo and his family. Karai, after the Utrom sent her back to earth (after the Utrom Shredder was exiled); where they transported her to the underground basement beneath the former TCRI base building. Had gone back to the Foot HQ (in New York) only to find that Khan had taken leadership after her father left (during the star-ship event), and demanded loyalty from Karai and the Japan Foot or death would be their fate. Needless to say, like they were taught within the Oroku clan; they rather died standing than live on their knees forever. And of course, Khan didn't take this lying down. So he along with his followers including the other three Foot Elite Guards went to war against Karai and her loyal members.

Fortunately, Karai predicted Khan would do this once she came back without her father and Dr. Chaplin was in prison -which was where the Utrom transported him- and she wasn't. So she, after releasing a strong smoke bomb when Khan and his followers started attacking, fled along with her loyal members. But instead of using a plane of some kind. Karai, once reaching Professor Perry back in Japan, lead all her members to the transmit machine (inside the basement below the former TCRI building) that took them all to Tokyo. Which thankfully since the Utroms' transporter machine was indestructible and was still intact after the TCRI base was destroyed. It was also unfortunately or fortunately for Karai that her father was saved (just barely) by this. For the room the transported was in, floor pulled the room into the underground basement to keep safe and concealed from the humans and creatures not connected with the Utroms, well except the Hamato clan and...at the time Professor Leatherhead also...Although that didn't stop the bomb from affecting her father during the blast.

******************************* End Flashback**************************************

Knowing where her mind's path was going in her memories now, Karai's head shook, to get rid of the thoughts before they could go any further. That's why she tunes out the rest of the song as she continued on her task with washing the produce before starting on her main tasks that morning.

It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. I see the truth that you've buried inside. It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. There is no mercy, just anger I find (I find)

Once done cleaning the produce, Karai, leaving the other wet produce inside the sink, took the jasmine leaves and crossed the kitchen to the counter holding a device.

A device, that's the only appliance in Karai's kitchen that was Utrom made. This hans-technology machine looks somewhere between a slow-cooker and toaster oven design. Its purpose is to dry quickly while keeping the climate temperature intact for others, herbs after being harvested.

Usually, Karai wouldn't use the device, mostly since it takes precise 2 hours and ½ before even one leaf is fully dried. But because it takes days to dry herbs naturally, especial jasmine leaves. Karai has no choice but to use the device if she wants to be able to serve Master Splinter's favorite jasmine tea to him. Fortunately, she only needed one jasmine leaf to be dried all the way.

So she placed the leaves into the device, putting the herb type in; displaying on the screen to the machine, and settled the machine to dry one leaf, while leaving the others the same. Before returning back to separate the produces from the rest of the ingredients for Splinter's tea, in the sink. Karai storage the non-used produces in their rightful places inside the refrigerator, the storage closet and some on the counters. While the remaining ingredients of Splinter's tea were left to the side for later chopping. She even prepares her chopping area on the counter near the sink for less mess to clean up.

I just have to know, while I still have time. Do I have to run, or hide away from you? It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. I see the truth that you've buried inside. It's in your eyes, what's on your mind. There is no mercy, just anger I find (I find).

Yeaaaaaaah! x2

As Karai was doing this task and the last song ended. She almost froze up when the beginning lyrics to 'Won't Back Down' -by Fuel- hit her hard as her mind open an unwanted memory that prior to her recent dream (with Leo), gave her no peace of mind at night causing her to have sleepless nights or worst waking up screaming, soaked in tears. And despite how Karai fought it, the unwanted memory rears its ugly head against her will, that happened once she left the TCRI basement. Event to this day Karai wants to keep Leo from knowing about, being she fears he will react just like Angel did when she told her. Although she is in the process of taking her revenge on the two culprits that ruin sleep and darkness for her.

I know what darkness means (and the void you left for me). The isolation stings (So think it wants to bleed). The echoes in my brain (Of the things you said to me). You took my everything. Now I'm coming for you!

********************************Flashback******************************************

Almost 3 years ago- (after the Exodus part 2) Underneath the former TCRI base building: inside the basement.

Karai made sure she programmed the right coordinates for Japan in the transmit for all her Japan members and some loyal New York members as Professor Perry instructed on the phone to her before she left the Foot HQ. However, when she was getting ready to send her aids/teachers to Tokyo they started refusing when she said she was staying back.

"We're not leaving you here, Madam Karai-"

"Yes, you are. That was an order, Han." Karai stated in a voice that wasn't being swayed from her choice. "Cole and you need to get our soldiers back to Tokyo and our HQ. And I need to distract Khan and the Elite Guards from finding this place. I'll lock down the underground base once you and Cole are through the transmit." She said, giving both of them a quick group hug. Before, as soon as they were on the platform, sent them to Tokyo...

Later within the sewer tunnels

Rushing down the sewer, holding her bleeding left arm. Karai quickly came to a two-way tunnel.

"I think she went down this way, Master Khan."

"Well don't just stand there! You and Satoish go after her!"

Hearing this and then haste running feet not too long later. Karai took a rock inside a crumbled piece of paper and toss it down the tunnel on the right and hid inside the left one. Which as soon as she did, she heard two of the Foot Elite Guards take off down the right tunnel as they failed for the oldest trick in the book.

Idiots...She thought as she sighed, resting her back against the tunnel's wall as she took her headband and wrapped around her upper arm to stop the bleeding. Afterward checking to see if there were blood spots done by her arm and seeing none. Karai continued her journey to reaching the Hamato clan's lair.

Shortly Karai, placing the underground base on lock-down; that will stay that way until she reaches the royal guardian stationed outside New York where she would be able to unlock the New York base at. She, with the sewers being how she got all her members to the base without being spotted, decided to take the sewers system to get to the outskirts of New York, so Khan wouldn't see her leave the Utroms' abandoned TCRI, and where she was going, also to avoid the public while quickly slipping out of the state.

Unfortunately, once she left the basement and entered the sewers, 6 Foot members that, showing their loyalty to Khan, attacked her with no hesitation that resulted in her killing them with her fighting fans. But before she could escape. Khan and three of the current Foot Elite popped up with one of them hitting her with a dagger. Which oddly, not long after throwing her last smoke bomb, has rendered her unable to heal as quickly as she usually does since her blood had been mix with Utrom blood.

Therefore, she hasn't been able to reach the outskirt of New York before she would either pass out from exhaustion or die by blood lost; that her headband wasn't doing a good job at keeping her arm from bleeding with all the strain she was putting on it, as well as the few open scars on her body. Either way, she would be easy prey for Khan. Something that wasn't an option in Karai's book.

That's why she now, with no other choice, was heading for Leo and his family's lair. Hopefully, they would let her stay until she can heal herself or enough to get to the next base. She was even willing to reveal everything to the turtles if she had too, despite what that might do for all their destinies. Not to mention tick off the Ninja Tribunals.

Nevertheless, remembering the layout she learned from Leo during one of their secret meetings. Karai had taken another right tunnel before realizing she was only 11 tunnels away from Leo and his family. Although their last encounter wasn't so pleasant. Karai couldn't lose the smile appearing on her lips as her thoughts went to the blue-clad turtle that it had been doing since she laid eyes on the turtle.

It wasn't any longer something she could overlook anymore. Her picking Leo over her father was enough for her and even her father to know she was far gone in her feelings for Hamato Leonardo to let her father kill him. Though she had, herself, injured the said turtle.

Recalling the shock and sadness look he expressed, before the pain in his upper carapace took him into unconsciousness, replay in her mind's sight as if he was right there in front of her. Made a frown pop on the battered ninja, while fighting tears that wanted to be free, as she kept on her path.

After a while passing four tunnels and not seeing any sign of the Khan and his minions. Karai begun to relax, however as she did her senses, unknown to her, were slowly leaving her and her body was starting to weaken with each step until she suddenly stumbled and fell to the cement ground. Fighting her state her body was in, Karai got to her feet and continued her walking, despite her stumbling.

"I have to reach Leonardo-"

But as soon as the lighting of the tunnels was leaving more and more with each step she took. Karai lost her footing and fell again. Or so she thought. Cause as she lifts herself up as good as she could she found to be looking up to an unknown Foot member. Seeing this she started freaking out as she tried to get up and get away.

'How did this member know I was coming here -'

Karai was brought out of her thoughts as the member snatched her up by her torn bodysuit. Although she could see the member wasn't wearing a head mask. Unfortunately, with almost no lighting in the sewer. She couldn't identify the member's face. However, even now in her dreadful situation, Karai tried to struggle and fight back. But soon than later she was thrown to the sewer's cement floor and before she could try to get up or scream out from the new pain taking over her already aching body. The member began kicking her, shouting.

"Really thought runn' ta those green freaks would save ya. They rather see ya iced!"

The member stopped his kicking and lift Karai up by her wounded arm and slammed her back against the wall with him holding his arm against her neck. Close as he was, Karai could smell his breath that had an aroma of beer, blood (that she was sure came from her bloody nose) and for some odd reason pepperoni, green and red peppers and pineapple and applesauce; toppings that was not only her favorite on a pizza since her last secret meeting with Leonardo, but also his too, mostly when it was Leo that introduces her to the odd tasty pizza.

When Leo came to mind, Karai pulls some fight from within and started moving her legs. Making the man put more weight on her neck, before pressing his body against hers, almost crushing her back into the sewer wall, causing her to scream out before suddenly being strike by the member in the stomach.

"I guess ya not gonna have any more of those meeting's' with sword-shell." Since the person was using some kind of voice change adapter, she wasn't able to recognize his voice, just knew it was a man who knew her involvement with the turtles especially Leonardo.

Aware of this Karai stared into the shadows of the member's face. Whom a moment later removed his arm from her neck only to hold her wrists over her head as he cuffs them with some handcuffs he had. That's when she took her chance by, despite her battered body, shifted herself up before lifting her legs and with as much strength as she could muster, kicked the man in the face. Causing the man to draw back as he yelled while holding his face.

"Ya pay for that ya BITCH!" Despite the threat. Karai now free, though still cuffed, took off down the sewer once again. But not before hearing the man's voice trail off the sewer walls. "Ya hear me, Karai? Y'all pay for this!"

Awhile later

Three tunnels to go before she reaches the lair, Karai, smiling, fought burning legs as she picked up speed and rush down the tunnels only to suddenly be stopped by the two recent Foot Elite members she tricked.

Of course, usually, she'd be able to take them out no sweat. But with her wounded arm and injuries from that member finally taking a toll on her body that wasn't fully healed yet. It wasn't long until she's defeated. With her hands still cuffed behind her back, one of the Elite forced her to her knees while the other one joins the third Elite, who was standing at attention on the right side of the tunnel they brought her too and had her facing, where she watched Khan come around the corner of the tunnel, clapping casually-like.

"Karai-chan, Karai-chan." Karai's blood boiled at the pet-name Khan gave her back in Japan. "I applaud you on getting this far, even after all your coward men left you here to die." Forcing her pain down, Karai broke free of the Foot Elite member, but as she was about to jump Khan, despite her hands were still tied behind her. Two thin wires came out of nowhere and snaked around her neck, stopping her would-be attack on Khan.

With her now being held up by the wires that were used by the two Elite foot that had been standing on the sides of Khan recently, that they were now controlling the deadly wires that were breaking the skin of her neck each time she struggled. So Karai stopped moving and just glared at the smirking monster in front of her.

"You will pay for this! My men will kill you and your followers!" Not affected by Karai's threat. Khan with a motion of his hand, had the two Elite members release the wires around Karai's neck before the one on her left took a hold of her once again, but tighten its grip more this time.

"Either way. You will be dead before they come back. And they will join you. Because unlike you and them, I'm loyal to the lord Shredder, not the Oroku clan's ways."

"I don't need to be told of your betrayal and wrongs against the Oroku clan. BECAUSE I WATCHED YOU, YOU REIKETSUKAN. KILL YOUR OWN PARENTS FOR MY FATHER! -" Karai's shouting was silenced by Khan hauling off and slapping her face. With the impact of the slap making her head turn to the right and a bruise form on her left cheek, as well as a busted lip.

Beyond enrage with her words, Khan suddenly snatched her up to bring her to his eyes.

"How dare you! You watch your tongue!" Keeping a hold on her. He strikes her face again. "The one who betrayed anyone is you! FOR BETRAYING LORD SHREDDER! AND I SHOULD KILL YOU RIGHT NOW FOR CALLING ME A COLD-BLOODED PERSON." He brought Karai, whose face was so swollen it was slightly puffing up, to his face again. "Cause you're the only one here that's been sleeping with any cold blood creatures!" Khan slapping her, for the third time, enough to cut her right eye, which Karai didn't wince in pain once. Which seeing her strong will had Khan angrily tossing her to the ground and smiled when she hit the ground hard, but frowned when she got up with no trouble.

"I never betrayed my father-" Though Karai said this in a whisper. Khan heard her and in a yell, kicked her in the face. Causing her to hold in a scream before falling to the floor again. Which Khan crouching down, roughly gripped her hair and stared in her blazing eyes.

"Don't give me that shit. Dr. Chaplin, that I had to bail out of jail no thanks to you. According to him, Lord Shredder isn't dead, just exile! Not only that but you not only side with the Hamato clan, but he said that Shredder disowns you as his DAUGHTER FOR YOUR BETRAYAL TO HIM!" By now Khan was shouting in Karai's face. "YOU NEVER DESERVED THE TITLE LORD SHREDDER GAVE YOU! ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU NEVER SEEN EYE TO EYE!"

Karai demanding herself to hold back her pain as she jerked her hair from his grasp. Let a bitter chuckle leave her lips as she got to her knees with no trouble though her body within was crying for her to stop putting it through this agony.

"Believe what you want, Khan. But I never said my father was dead. Just gone from the earth. Furthermore, for your information I didn't nor could I betray my father. Though I admit me and my father didn't agree with how the clan was done. But my loyalty and honor stood and always has been with my father, despite he is in exile off earth now. And Chaplin only told you those lies because he was getting back at me for breaking off our engagement a week before father's starship's launch." Karai knew what she was saying was mostly nothing but lies.

For Chaplin didn't just know about her betrayal to the Utrom Shredder but he knew what occurred back on the Utroms' home planet, with being in the cell beside hers and the Utrom Shredder's shared cell. So he saw and heard her father claiming of her betrayal to him and said she was allied with the turtles and she wasn't any daughter of his before striking her inside their cell. And if it wasn't for the Utroms pulling her out of the cell. Her father would have killed her.

Fortunately for her with Chaplin unable to claim she was lying, being that Han had while escaping with the 'Heart of Tengu' and the others, knocked Chaplin against a wall. And from Karai's knowledge of the impact of the hit she was almost certain Chaplin would be out for days if not months. Therefore, with her being the only one knowing the truth. Karai, despite her injured lip and bloody state, smiled at Khan and stood up on her own without showing any discomfort at doing so. Which Khan in a growl stood back up, glaring hatefully at Karai and her cocky smile.

"As for the turtles, that you keep saying I'm infectious with. I didn't side with them. In fact, I happily injured the elder turtle Hamato Leonardo with his own katana." Although her heart hurt with this truth, Karai continued on not once waving away from what she was saying. "When he dares tried to hurt my father. I don't know what Chaplin is feeding you, cause the only one who's to blame for all this is the Hamato clan, Bishop and Baxter Stockman!" Feeling her injuries resealing and her body healing, though in a still slow pace, Karai started to shifting her wrists against the cuffs holding her hands together, until a hidden knife slip from her sleeve arm to her hands where she started working the lock to the cuff while keeping everybody distracted with her speaking. "That said. Once I return back to Japan I'm going to find a way to bring my father back to earth and have all of them eliminated for their crimes on him." As soon as Karai said this. She unlocked the cuff and without hesitation, released her fighting fans on the Elite members but didn't kill them but just wound them enough to be down for a while. Leaving her and Khan the only ones to still be standing.

"Now Khan let us finish our battle the honorable way through a one on one." Taking her stance, she waited for Khan to take his own. "Winner will be the head leader of the entire Foot clan until father returns-"

"Big words for a little girl who couldn't even save her own daughter-"

"You'll pay for that!" Seeing red Karai rushed at the smirking Khan, ready to strike him in the left arm. Only to be stopped by a bullet hitting her side, and then slammed into the wall by someone afterward.

Before she could find who her new attacker was. The person started beating her repeatedly, and with the new bullet wound in her side hurting and bleeding freely trailing down her leg, and the person's fists having really strong power behind them. Karai couldn't do anything but be used as a punching bag for a while.

Eventually, her attacker stopped where Karai was only able to fall to the ground. Therefore, as she was laying there unable to move, with her body going through all it went through that day. Her body's movement completely shut down, with the only thing that was showing she was alive was her difficult breathing and she could see and hear the unknown person shouting at her, revealing it was the man from earlier.

"Ya stupid bitch! That's for my face!" Karai gripped her teeth as she felt a strong kick hit her ribs, making her spit up a little blood. "Ya the only one here who's payin' for her doings. But I'm gonna have some fun first. That's if I can..." Karai, lifting her head, saw with her good eye, the back of the unknown member's head as he looked to Khan who shrugged. Before she couldn't hold her head up anymore, where a second later her face hit the cold floor of the sewer again. However, her ears were still able to hear them. Which she heard Khan and that unknown member's conversation.

"Do what you want with her. I've had my fun in the past. Just make sure she tells us where the Heart of Tengu is before you kill her after you're done with your fun. You don't want her getting pregnant and your Little Red finding out or even the turtle freaks for that matter. Didn't you say they came back just this morning?"

"Yeah, they did. Ruin my trip I had planned for me and my babe on the farm. They came back like wrap up mummies or somethin'. And would ya guess April's feelin' sorry for them? That she invited them to stay with us on the farm, without askin' if I was fine with it."

"Sucks to be you, Vernon. But what about your weasel cousin blabbing about your grandmother's hidden treasure to Hun."

"No sweat... Jerome and his group got that covered."

"The ones I stationed in the Purple Dragon to watch Hun's doing?"

"The same. My blockhead cousin told them where to find where the loot is stashed."

"But didn't Moira find it and spent it on her house and car, a year after your grandmother's death?"

"Yeah, mom did. But I got an idea how to take care of Sid. Jerome's gonna make it look like an accident."

"Well I'll be shorthand until you come back from Northampton, I guess."

"Just for a month or two. Depends if I finally get laid."

"Speaking of getting laid. Why don't you go ahead and take your revenge? I mean you've earned it. What with it wasn't for you. I wouldn't have known she would come this way."

Not able to hear anymore, what with knowledge from Leo of who April is to know that the unknown member was Casey Jones. Someone who's supposed to be friends with the turtles but was speaking like they were a burden to him.

"Casey Jones, you monster!" Karai cried out, though slightly muffled by her face pressed into the floor. Instantly she was turned on her back thereafter by Khan as Casey's now revealed face came into her view as he hovered over her, smirking.

"Ya just can't erase me from your mind, enough to forget my name. Do ya know how hot that is?" He stated, taking off the voice change adapter seeing he didn't need it anymore.

"Drop dead Jones! How can you be working for Khan!?" That earn a twist of her wounded arm by Khan as he, sitting over her, took the soaked bloody headband off her arm and holding her wrists above her head, tied the headband around her wrists to keep her from escaping while Casey forcefully, cut her bodysuit from above her wrapped breasts, and begun removing her bodysuit, before removing his own lower clothing. "Release me!" Khan covered her mouth with his hand, while Casey assaulted her body with rough hands causing bruises to form where ever he touches her before without warning started raping her.

Resulting Karai to bite down hard on Khan's hand; being she wasn't wet for the intruding on her person. While after Karai bit him, Khan jerked his hand away revealing she had broken the skin, causing it to bleed. Actions that had him hauling off and slapping her face, upside down. Then with, no remorse ripped the wrapping covering her breasts. Exposing her full chest to him and Casey causing a groan to come from Casey, which Khan chuckled at his reaction and Karai's red furious face.

"I told you. Female ninjas conceal behind bandage wraps to hid what they hold."

This only earns Casey to thrust more into Karai, before grabbing her breasts roughly, while staring with cold lust blue eyes into her angry ones. But not one tear fell nor did she show any real positive reaction to what he was doing to her. In fact, this had him thrusting rougher into her and gripping harder to her breasts to get a good action out of her.

But Karai shut her body off from her mind as she did a long time ago with Khan. Unfortunately, Khan caught on to what she was doing, had, once the other Foot Elite were awake, shouted to them to come to hold her down as he pulled out a knife and stab her side where her father had struck her, and though the old wound was sealed and healed. Khan created another that caused Karai to scream out as he twists the blade deeper.

"AHHHHH!" Despite the woman under him was bleeding now from multiple wounds (her arm and both her sides.). Casey, lost in his 'enjoyment' and her plump breasts bouncing with each thrust he gave her, started assaulting Karai's body again and again until she couldn't take it anymore.

"Get off me, Jones!" She shouted, using her legs to move him from her, by struggling under him and moving her legs around halting the assault on her, which had the other Elite having trouble with holding her down, while Casey was fighting her legs.

"When I get fre- AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

That was before the sound of bone breaking like a twig filled the depth of the sewer. But not as loud as the scream that pours from Karai's mouth that overpowered the sound of Casey breaking her left leg.

"Now stay still or I'll break ya other one."

"Break all my bones I don't care! I will not stop fighting."

To prove her point Karai went back to struggling, despite her broken leg, weak body, and Khan and the others back in holding her down, but better after Casey broke her leg. However, Casey not having this took the knife -he used to cut Karai's bodysuit- off the floor where he left it and jabbed it into Karai's side where the bullet wound was, causing the bullet to launch deeper in. Making Karai scream out in new unbearable agony pain.

Unfortunately, this gave the oaf time to forcefully re-enter her again, resulting in Karai having more pain, while Casey, enjoying his thrusting actions, kept going.

"That'll teach ya, not ta take me lightly, Karai." Hearing Casey says this, Karai laid there for a while as the oaf resume raping her, with her form moving lifeless under him. She just wanted it all to end.

"Ya better start 'saying my name'. Ya should be lucky I went through all this to get ya." Karai at this time had been looking up at the ceiling refusing to look at any of them. But hearing what Casey said had her lowering her head, locking her almost black and blue un-shut eyes to him, before, on a frustrated breath, closed her eyes and inhaled before shouting to the top of her lungs into the air.

"LEONARDO!"

Instantly as Karai felt another painful stab, but into her stomach below her belly button by Casey this time. She knew he wasn't thrilled having her calling out someone's name that wasn't his. But mostly Karai saw in his eyes pure rage, as he, leaving the knife in her stomach, started raping her again as he spoke in a disgusted tone while grunting.

"He can't save ya. And if he could." He leans down to her ear, covering his body over hers, where their skin was touching fully. Which Karai wanted to do nothing but throw-up with how his sweaty body felt and smelled was making her sick. "He rather watch than lift a finger to help you." He added, which Karai couldn't refrain from tearing up as a sob left her swollen lip for she was pretty sure Casey was right.

"Ya better dead than alive. If ya have just took my offer I wouldn't of went this far. All this is all ya fault, babe." Covering his mouth over hers and she didn't fight him as her body went limp under him (again), Casey figured she had finally gave-in. That's why he got deeper in his sloppy kissing Karai's lips, where he roughly rubbed his hands up and down her body, falling more into the woman under him that he's secretly in love with (more like lust for).

Therefore, too far gone in his 'loving her'. He wasn't prepared for the sting that came when Karai suddenly bit into his tongue, making his taste-buds filled up with the metal texture of blood. Instantly when Casey shot up, holding his bleeding mouth, crying out in pain, resulting in the Elites and Khan forgetting about Karai as they all rush over to the jumping around screaming Casey. And with all this going on, Karai, once untying the headband with her teeth from her wrists, started, on her arms and using her good leg, crawled away from the ninjas and Casey. Where as soon as she reached the next tunnel, but couldn't go any further. She took the last of her energy and shouted until her voice and throat hurt.

"LEONARDO!" She was desperately hoping with all her heart that the sword turtle could hear her and come to her rescue. "PLEASE LEONARDO HELP ME! I'M SORRY-"

Unfortunately, before she could finish her plead. She was snatched up from the back by an enrage Casey, who shifted her on her back, and saddled her before, without pausing, slammed his fists into her with a passion of rage. Making her body even more bloody than it already was (if that's possible).

"That's enough! If ya not gonna enjoy this, then I'll make you feel nothin' but PAIN! YA SICK BITCH, DIE!"

By now Karai wasn't hiding her tears or holding in her cries of pain. There was no reason to keep being tough... Her strength was long since gone. But Casey wasn't stopping, despite Khan had reached them and was shouting at the madden man, turning Karai into a bloody mess that it was hard for even Khan to recognize her anymore. But he could see for the first time true fear covering and shaking Karai's whole form, despite all the torture him and her father put her through for years.

"Hey, Vernon! Don't kill her yet. I need her to tell me where she hid the 'Heart of Tengu' -"

"This bitch not gonna tell us shit." Casey not letting up on his beating to the still screaming Karai -despite her busted teeth-, shouted back to Khan. "It be a waste of ya time! It's better to just kill her now, and be done with her. Right bitch." He asked Karai the last part, before slamming his fist into her face.

Khan seeing the state Karai was in and saw it wouldn't be long until she was dead. Stepped to the sideline with the other ninjas watching the scene with some joy. Eventually, with Karai constantly screaming, but not just screaming, but screeching out Leonardo's name. Casey wasn't able to take any more of Karai calling out to Raph's brother, and with remembering April stopping everything to nurse the turtles, mostly Donatello and ignore him. Casey let out a scream of his own, before, with no hesitation or remorse laid more in on her with swing punches after punches until Karai couldn't see out of both her eyes. But she was still screaming out Leo's name, which just filled Casey's already growing wrath. Resulting in Casey letting up on his punches to start strangling her.

"I TOLD YA, YOU WOULD PAY! NOBODY SAYS NO TO CASEY JONES!" By now Karai's screaming became whimpers, but Leo's name still slips through her destroyed lips. Which just added to Casey's anger as he went to bashing her head into the ground, causing a blood puddle to appear under Karai's head. "THAT FREAK NOT GONNA COME TO YA RESCUE! YOU WILL DIE CAUSE YA CHOSE an ANIMAL OVER YA OWN KIND, YA SICK BITCH!" This was what was ringing in Karai's ears as Casey was killing her, by repeatedly thrashing her into the sewer's floor that her blood was painting.

Therefore, it wasn't long before Karai felt her mind shutting down as her body had done long ago. But before the blackness of death became her true friend and her body became fully numb and cold from so much blood loss. She heard a strong roar shake the area, blood curling screams around her and Casey releasing her throat, before taken into the darkness...

Thereafter

What occurred next was Karai surprisingly, found herself waking up, floating inside a big water tube, with on the outside of the tube was a mutant crocodile in a lab coat working on her.

It was later, after the crocodile saw she had awakened, that he took her out of the tube once he was sure all her wounds were healed enough to leave the tube. Afterward, it was there she found out that the crocodile wasn't just friends with the Turtles and the Utroms. But that he was the crocodile she met and befriend back in Japan during her training with Master Oroku where she met the royal Utrom family. Which Leatherhead had been there as their 'bodyguard' but guise as a pet. So throughout the small reunion between her and Leatherhead. Karai learned from him that he had heard her cries for help and went to her aid. Where he had killed the three Elite, but both Khan and Casey got away, but not without the first being injured at the neck.

However, when Karai decided to go back to Japan and leave the New York Foot to the next in line for leadership; being that Khan went into hiding, resulting in him stepping down.

That choice didn't become hers to make when the Ninja Tribunal got in-touch -while she was still recuperating in Leatherhead's lair- with her where they reminded her about her 'wrongdoing' to them by letting the Utrom Shredder (her father) leave earth and be imprison off the planet, and about her 'almost' revealing everything to the turtles if she'd reached their lair.

Thereby she was ordered to take her father's place as the new Shredder. Where she would keep the 'Foot Mystics' under control so they wouldn't set the demon Shredder free. Still, Karai did try to get out of it by saying the Foot members didn't want her with being a woman, which was true.

Unfortunately, the Ninja Tribunal had already thought ahead and sent Karai's surrogate sister and brothers- Joi, Adam, Tora, and Faraji, early to New York to become the new Foot Elite -during her time in Leatherhead's care-.

Thereafter with her surrogate siblings becoming the new Foot Elite. Karai took over the New York HQ, and therefore to keep both the NY-Foot members happy and the Ninja Tribunal. She had pretended to go after the Turtles for vendetta for her father; after the Ninja-Tribunals were aware of Leo's mental state. But before all that with the 'vendetta'. Karai was going to give Dr. Chaplin the 'boot' once he woke within a week after she became the leader of the NY-Foot (she has already held leadership in Japan-Foot).

However, unluckily, again the Ninja Tribunal interfere in her choice by forbidden her from releasing Dr. Chaplin.

For they figured he could be useful later in the future. Namely, unknown to her, with the demon Shredder (which he was) since he was the only 'person' able to understand Dr. Stockman's unfinished blueprint projects; like the instructions to create a device that can work with magic and science combine.

Nevertheless, Karai wasn't going to go along with this, mostly with Dr. Chaplin's crush had just got worse as time went on, especially when he reminded her of her father offering her hand to him a couple of days before her captured by Bishop (despite she had broken it off beforehand). However, despite all that, she did change her mind when the doctor revealed to her that he had the equipment by a blueprint from Stockman's non-finish work that would not only give Karai location and surveillance of her father's ice prison but also make it possible at this 'long-distance', able to tell he's still alive within the ice.

Yet it's a different story now, especially after the demon Shredder was destroyed and Chaplin started acting as if he was the boss of everybody -not including herself. And although he didn't say much to her about her choice in appointing Leatherhead as her personal doctor and the head professor as he was head tech doctor, making them co-partners over the entire many level floor laboratories. Or the Utroms becoming a part of the Foot. She did know, however, for a long time even before Leatherhead and other members of the Foot informed her of Dr. Chaplin's disrespect towards members especially the non-human members and Angel. Something that didn't or doesn't bold well with her. Mostly when she is aware of the insulting names Chaplin had thrown at Leatherhead all this time. That she's pretty sure Chaplin was lucky Leatherhead hadn't reaped his head off by now.

*****************************End Flashback********************************

On a frustrated yell, Karai closed her eyes, rubbing between them and fought for composure, despite her face was slightly pale and she felt slightly light-headed if not a bit frightened.

However, when she had the urge to brush her hands over her lower sides and below her belly button where, under a tattoo, were the scars of proof she wishes weren't there. She controlled herself by making her mind come back to reality and far away from those terrible memories.

Where -with her mind in the present- she was reminded of the arrange long waited for revenge she has in motion for both Khan and Casey.

Revenge that has an investigator watching all Casey's moves and whereabouts since she became the Foot leader. Thereby she's been informed early that morning -before Angel came to her floor- that Casey has left on his 'police' training; that really is a concealed camp for the Dun's in-training-thugs. And with what her informer told her. She knows Casey's there to watch over the Dun heiress; Sydney Dun, who is expecting.

Unfortunately, Karai's informer had been on vacation at the time Sydney would have got 'knocked-up'. So Karai didn't have any idea who was the father to the heiress's child. Though Joi has her reasons of who the father is, and was going to reveal who it is and so much more today. But the situation with the Hamato clan has put that on hold until tomorrow. That is if everything goes right today with Leo and his brothers as Oroku Haru, Akemi and Master Splinter wants.

However, thanks to the scout spying on Khan and another watching the head leader of the Dun mob family. Karai is aware that Khan's -who goes by 'Bradford Xever Hu' now of days- been spotted with Kenzo Dun lately. News that hasn't sit well with her being that while Khan is causing trouble and deaths, along with the Purple Dragon, with the citizens of New York. Kenzo Dun - whom grabbed up all her father's gangs and crime operations once she cut them from payroll a few months ago (showing the Foot clan was no longer involved with illegal businesses)- is known secretly as the new crime lord in NY's underworld, even bigger than the small fry 'Big Boss'(his older brother).

Fortunately, although letting go of her father's most investment; the bloody criminal gangs and his black market station near the docks, had put a big gap in her father's empire. She was able to fill that lost spot, with new investment in many small establishments (stores, business, restaurants and etc.) within New York and outside it.

Which has not just tripled in royalty more than the gangs her father had on the payroll in the past. But with the terms, she made with each establishment to allowing her Foot members to be welcome in their stores and etc. Including non-human and mutant members. It gave Leatherhead and the other non-human; the Utroms, peace of mind, to go to these places without trouble or judgment. Not to mention she gives security and safety to all the establishments from those former gangs by the hidden cameras station all over the stores and all around the city.

But besides all that. She has kept all the rest of her father's investments, especially with the investments being legal such as owning a part of the New York's Central Park, an investor in the state's NYPD, academies schools, NY college and a handful of hospitals; not counting the conceal buildings that are coated courtesy of the Utroms.

All the scars that never heal. All the wounds that will not seal. I will not forget the day. These memories never fall... I've come to bring you hell (I've come to bring you hell) x4

Karai went to a cabinet and pulled out a jar tin filled with the blended mix that will make up Akemi's tea. Which thanks to Karai making the ground ingredient mixes last night during preparing the peace offering for the Hamato clan, she didn't have to wait like she's doing for Master Splinter's tea. Thereby with the blended mix and tea leafs ready, Karai putting them in a teapot, poured the boiling water -from the electric thermos pot- into it. Where she left to sit on the counter as she times a timer for 10 minutes.

It was at that moment Karai heard the sound of upbeat drums from the first song she had, in the past, taught Joi to sang, fill the speakers. Which had her happily moving her hips slightly to it, to the music, when she began to sing along with the singer while closing her eyes a moment later. But soon Karai realized this memorable Japanese anime song had her not thinking about her teaching Joi to sing the song in Japanese. But instead, each word described hers and Leo's developing relationship from day one, mainly now.

Sakura no haha ga saki kaishi suruto watashi no kodokuna heya de, koko de watashi no au watashitachiha, jonetsu-ippai no fantajio, mistsukeru koto gadekimasu soshite kondo wa, watashitoisshoni taizai shimasu. Wareware no mae ni shitte iru subete no fuko anata ga watashi no doa, ni aru toki ni hanarete todomaru watashi no kokoro wa no, ev'ry yawarakai tatchi de utaimasu soshite, a, anata wa bai no watashi o o susume shimasu.

Resulting in Karai's thoughts to bring those chocolate browns to the surface that belong to a strong and built mutant turtle man once again. So lost in the music and memories of her history so far with her turtle man. Karai wasn't aware of the said turtle coming through the kitchen door.

Ai no shin jigen anata o matte daitan' na boken, ai no shin no jigen koto hiko. Migotona nagame. Watashitachiha tsumori sore o subete no, hoho o toru kotoda watashitachiha, yume, ga so so jissaku tte ageru hi-goto ni okina kiseki, o sansho shite kudasi. Sonogo, wareware wa kanijite glourious nan kanki no hoshi o oshitetekudasai.

Prior to leaving Angel's place, going up the staircase to get to Karai's floor. Leo went through the Zen garden -where he could tell the garden would be great for meditations. Afterward, as he came to the 'genken', he would have waited there to be invited by Karai. But since Angel told him to go right past it cause Karai was expecting him. Leo kept going. Though not before leaving his swords and blue bandana upon the wooden freestanding cabinet.

He then bypasses the 'washitsu' to enter the room that seems like a living room to him. So far by then, Leo thought Karai's décor style wasn't too far from his taste. Seeing the spiral stairs going up into the ceiling had Leo figuring that was where Karai would be. But changed his mind as he had felt her presence behind the sliding door in the back of the living room. Therefore, sliding open the door - discovering it was the kitchen- Leo found Karai with her back to him, moving about around the kitchen.

At first glance, Leo thought he was seeing things, cause Karai from behind, in her attire, looked almost similar to the woman he kind of encountered by saving her within the Utroms's past through the pod chambers. However, that thought left his mind or more like he was pulled from it by hearing a familiar but unfamiliar voice.

Familiar because it was Karai's voice. Unfamiliar cause she was doing something he never witnesses her doing. She was singing and in Japanese at best. Which she didn't sound too bad either.

Although Leo knew through their meetings that Karai likes singing. He was still speechless to hear her, mostly since he's never heard her before. Therefore, instead of making his presence known, Leo kept quiet for he found it would be a shame to intrude on her fun as well as watching the nice scene he came in on. Especially when Karai's simple getup was hugging her so nicely as she danced around.

Mosugu, haru no hajimari ni watashitacha, watashitachi no kokoro ga, henka shite iru shitte iru yo haigo ni kizutsui o nokosu watashi wa shinsetsu hontodearu to shimasu anata ga kore made ni todoi naru.

Thanking the Ancient One in his head for teaching him Japanese. Leo was able to understand the lyrics Karai was singing. While her low cut short kimono swaying along with her slim curves' movement, those sexy long legs, that perfectly shape ass, and the amount of cleavage showing nearly had him drooling on the spot. Which had him pushing the questions of Karai's history with Faraji to the back of his head as he was remembering how soft her skin felt against his hands during his dream.

Being a dragon together was something... But I rather have the beauty I'm staring at... Shell, she's a fox.

Wareware wa kore made ni naku ka, tatakau tame ni hitsuyo wa arimasen nanika, ware wa sora ga tadashi koto ga dekimasu watashi ni kattatta kohani ni horo no jubun'na watashi wa anata o wasureru koto wa dekimasen. Kore wa unmeidesunode, naze furi anata ga hitsuyo to suru yuiitsu no 1 ni narudeeshou anata no mottomo fukai akogare rido doko ni so iku. Ai no shin jigen anata o matte daitan'na boken, ai no shin no jugen koto hiko. Migotona nagame.

Still unaware of the attention she had, Karai, who this whole time still had her eyes shut, spin in circles and moved her hands around herself letting the song take her away as the guitar bass raised in vol while her mind was bringing up more moments good and some bad of her and Leo.

Therefore, it wasn't long until Karai's mind was showing last night's dream... Causing a blush to spread across her face with the dreamy thought of how it felt with being in Leo's arms -including once he turned back from his dragon spirit to his true self; a turtle-. The always warmth he gave off -despite being cold-blooded- and strength that made her feel shielded from the outside world and its problems. This reflection just made her crave to feel his closeness again.

Watashitachina tsumori sore o subete no hoho o toru kotoda watashitachiha, yume ga so so jissaku tte ageru hi-goto ni okina kiseki o sansho shite kudasai. Sonogo, wareware wa kanjite eiko nan kanki no hoshi o shitetekudasai. Mamonaku, 4 tsuki no soyokaze-chu wareware wa me'ries iki motarasu hai watashitachi, wa kakushin shite ire subete no suriru o mochikaeru lovlier made sorera subete o okonaimasu.

It had been a long time since she had sung. In fact, Karai and Joi use to sing along with any song they learn from Akemi while cooking with her. However, being that was their usual fun with Akemi. Karai stopped singing altogether once Joi and her other surrogate siblings went off to college.

But for some reason, she couldn't resist singing this song. And she was glad she did because she felt spiritual good. It gave her that released she needed like when she was younger...Unlike the one, she wanted to release going on through the lower part of her body. Making her rethink about wanting to be close to Leo with every thought being on him, instead of the rest of the tasks she left unattended. It's a good thing Leo isn't here... She thought while resisting from touching the rising heat coming from between her thighs as she concentrates on finishing singing the song. An action that didn't get overlooked by Leo's trained eyes.

Sakura no hana ga saki kaishi suruto watashi no kodokuna heya de, koko de watashi ni au watashitachiha, jonetsu-ippai no fantaji o mitsukeru koto ga dekimasu soshite kondo wa, watashitoisshoui taizai shimasu. Wareware no more ni shitteita, subete no fuko anata ga watashi no doa ni aru toki ni hanarete todomaru watashi no kokoro wa no ev'ry yawarakai tatchi de utaimasu soshite, anata wa dekirudake oku futatabi watashi o o susume shimasu. Wareware we kore made ni naku ka, tatakau tame ni hitsuyo wa arimasen nanika, wareware wa sore ga tadashi koto ga dekimasu watashi ni katatta kohani ni horo no jibun'na watashi ga tameshitakeredomo, watashi wa anata o wasureru koto wa dekimasen. Kore wa unmedesunode, naze furi anata no me wa futatabi watashi ni kisu tojiru watashi wa itsumo anata ga hitsuyo to suru yuiitsu no 1 ni narudeshou anata no mottomo fukai akogare rido doko ni so iku...

With the song fading off, Karai reopened her eyes, letting out a sigh. And rested herself against the island station half way in the center of the kitchen. The player was beginning its shuffle once more when Karai caught she could still feel her growing urges within her body. Making her thankful again Leo was nowhere in sight.

It was becoming obvious her feelings and desire for the turtle was getting stronger after last night and her popping in his dream. She had figured as much, but not this bad that she couldn't even have a thought without him at first center in her mind. And oddly she had mix feelings about it.

One, she was frustrated at how a simple moment of letting Leo know of her love for him and him returning them fully has made her become somewhat a love-sick woman that everything reminds her of him.

Sure in the past Karai forms an attraction to Leo and yes many picked up on it. But it wasn't this bad that she can't even focus on a simple task like finishing making both Akemi and Master Splinter's offering teas. And although it was nice to sing again in a kitchen like when she was younger. With the aftermath leaving her more relax on the outside as usual. But that wasn't the same within, because it left a new hunger urge of desire then the past collected feeling she uses to get after singing.

At that moment, Leo chose to make his presence known by clapping his hands, speaking.

"Great voice."

The clapping and familiar voice catching her ear, had Karai breaking from her thoughts, turning in the direction of the source of both sounds to lay her eyes on the cause of her less focus on anything that doesn't concern him.

What the hell is he doing here?!Was what's going through Karai's head as she, unaware, was taking in her turtle boyfriend as she began walking over to him.

Usually, Leo didn't look much different; though last night she did pick up on that he has grown a bit taller than when they had been battling the Demon-Shredder. In fact, she noticed, that night, the top of her forehead had come above his chin nearly touching his lips. And as she was approaching him, last night's height didn't change. She still came to his mouth. But besides all that, she was a bit puzzled to see him without his mask or swords. I mean sure he did that every time during their past secret meetings, but now he has no reason to hide his ninja wear; even if Karai likes to be able to read his emotions through those deep browns instead of through white tinted eye holes. Nevertheless, she wanted Leo to feel comfortable in the tower. However finally catching what he had said, she responded, while a new song started.

"Thanks." She said, "I guess it was only a matter of time before you hear me sing." Karai stated, feeling her face become warm by the heavy gaze that Leo was giving as well as the lyrics to the song now playing; making her wish that she didn't allow Joi to put it in her play-list or computer for that matter. Cause it was hard not to be affected by the words while standing facing her now tempting turtle boyfriend in her kitchen.

Baby, I don't know when the danger came. I wanna find someone that I can blame. Call the doctor 'cause I'm sick in love and I can't help it.

"Then I'm glad Angel showed me how to get here." His eye ridge rose at the last comment in a teasing tone. "I hope this won't be the last time I heard you. I could get used to hearing something sweet and nice." He said more than aware of Karai blushing...and what he was doing to her, if her eyes scanning over him, a second ago, in hunger meant anything - that he saw was being hidden by well skilled ninja's talent now, which he wouldn't be able to spot without his own akin sight-. However, her trying to hide her desire unlike in his dream. Leo figured he plays along for now.

Baby, I'm worried about my mental state, don't know if I'll recuperate. Think it's serious. Gone from bad to worse. And I'm in trouble...

Reminding herself to have a word with Angel later. Karai pushed her craving for the turtle, down, to be able to have a simple conversation with him like in the past. Which she was only doing this to get through her undone tasks that morning. Seeing him this soon and resisting herself from jumping his shell wasn't part of her morning tasks.

"Sweet and nice?" Showing a small, but tight smile, Karai casually talking, started walking back further into the kitchen. "I didn't know 'that song' was supposed to be sweet and nice. By the way where are your ninja bandana and katanas?" Only to be halted in her movement by Leo taking her wrist and despite his grip was gentle, Karai knew well enough that she couldn't get out of his hold.

(ooh) I think I'm coming down with something. (yeah) I know it gonna need your medicine. (oh) So help me out, I'm freaking out lover (Uh-oh)

"Hey, it sounds sweet. And I took off my bandana, katanas and left them in your 'genken' because I don't wear shoes and old habits are hard to break. " Despite Leo's words, he was laughing within, as the recent musk scent that reaches his nose(beak) during Karai's dancing, that now had become stronger the longer he stood there in the kitchen with her, made a slight smirk pop on his face.

But he had another reason why he wanted Karai close, besides to smell her more. "Anyway I see something missing on you..." pausing he reaches over with his unused hand, and stroked her unblemished flawless skin on her neck, showing last nights' cuts or scars wasn't there. "...your neck bandages are gone so are the cuts I gave you. How?" He said not concealing the regret and guilt in his voice, being reminded of what he almost did to her the night before.

Hearing the emotions behind his words, Karai couldn't keep this from Leo. Even if she was kicking herself for forgetting to redress her neck, after her shower, once noticing it was healed fully. However so, that didn't mean Karai would overlook what he said before he spotted her healed neck.

This love is serious (everybody knows I'm mad for you). You got me seriously out of my mind. And I'm so into us (not gonna let no one get hold of you). Baby, baby, 'cause this love is serious, we're seriously onto something.

"I understand 'old habits', but you have no reason to leave your belongings at the door, though you're a guest here. But I still appreciate you respecting my culture by leaving your mask and weapons in the 'genken' anyway. But for a future reminder, please don't think you have to do such things. I want you to be comfortable. We're no longer sneaking around in water towers. We have no reason too."

Lover, you love me like. No one can. So if I'm crazy hope you understand. Hurry doctor come, need to get me some. You know what time it is-

"And your neck?" Leo questioned again, pointing it out. Causing Karai to hold back from rolling her eyes, while she, in a commanding voice, told her computer to shut off her playlist. Before turning her attention back to Leo, answering him.

"For my neck being healed. Has to do with one of the scientists in the developing department. He created a cream that does not just treat scars and cuts but completely heals them. That is if you're a Utrom or have Utrom blood like me-"

Leo could have asked who the scientist was or many other questions flowing around in his head, but the irresistible woman in front of him was more appealing than talking. Therefore, not saying anything, Leo leans in and started kissing her neck. And with his kisses soft and sensuous Karai's sentence ended with her not caring one bit. In fact, she encourages him to keep going as she pulled his head closer to her neck, resulting in Leo wrapping his arms around her, gripping fists into her kimono.

However, the sound of a beeping coming from the timer for the teapot had Karai forcing herself to pull away from Leo, to take care of her morning tasks.

"Sorry Leo, but I have things to get done before the feast." Leonardo holding in his disappointment releases his hold on her and took a seat in one of the island's chair stool, waiting patiently for Karai get her tasks done.

However, he found that gave him time to recall that he wanted answers of what he learned from Tora; mainly about Karai's history with Faraji. That's why while his girlfriend was moving around the kitchen busy. Leo took that opportunity to ask her.

"So that scientist that made the cream to heal your scars."

"Yeah what about him?" In the middle of her tasks, Karai was able to stay collected and calm while speaking to Leonardo. However, keeping her back to him helped too.

"Will I meet him at the feast?"

"Of course. All the head-foot rank members will be there. Including the three teachers from Japan. One of them will be a co-head teacher with Master Splinter. -"

"You talking about your surrogate grandmother, Hashi Oroku Akemi." Immediately Karai had to stop herself from dropping the teapot she was in the middle of transporting to a tall thermos to take later to the feast. Trying to stay calm while finding her voice, Karai spoke hoping Leo couldn't pick up on her nervousness. But he did.

"How you know about who the head sensei from Japan is or she's my Saroeto-sobo? I don't remember telling you any of that last night."

Or many other things either. With that way of thinking, Leo mentally shook the thought away, but he didn't move his sight from Karai, making him see each of her quick reactions; shock, slip into angry and stop back into her collected self in a split second of the time it takes to blink ones' eye. But luckily Leo was able to read all of them. Therefore, he was aware that Karai didn't want him to know this. Causing him to keep studying his girlfriend as he went on with his plan.

"Tora told us, while we were coming here." Watching, Leo caught Karai turned from him, but not before he witnesses frustration take up her expression. And though he could say more he wanted to wait for Karai's respond... Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long.

"And what all did he tell you?"

"Enough to know you were holding back last night with what you told me." By now Leo was trying to, but the hurt and bitter showed in his voice. Having Karai gripping her clutched fists against the counter, leaning her head over it. She didn't need this kind of situation so early.

"And what do you 'think' I held from you last night, that needed to be said at that time?" Although Karai's body was a rock with her back facing Leo. Her voice was a different story; it was slightly shaky. But that didn't stop Leo. In fact, it only edges him on as he leans a bit in his chair with his finger tapping against the side of his chin, giving the notions he was thinking this over (like Donatello does).

"Hmm, I don't know..." But even though Karai couldn't see it, she knew Leo didn't need to think about it. He was just being sarcastic. That's why she didn't flinch when the sound of his fist met the island's top surface took up most the sound in the kitchen along with his shouting voice. "How about finding out that the woman I love had dated my best human friend! And didn't tell me!"

Despite the shouting reaching her ears coming from her pissed turtle boyfriend, Karai kept her emotions in tack and resumed her eyes from meeting his. While going, teapot in hand, to the sink to soak it.

"Last night, I was revealing the reasons for my wrongs to you and your family in the past. My past relationships had no meaning to be brought up. Though I did reveal Faraji and the others are related to the Ninja Tribunals. That didn't mean you needed to know further than that at that time." At stating this, Karai by then, had the teapot soaking, before bringing her attention to the forgotten produces, needing to be chopped up for Master Splinter's tea. She's just begun chopping them when she heard Leo start speaking.

"What do you mean 'had no meaning to be brought up'. It had every reason to be said." Leo said, not overlooking, Karai's purposely avoiding looking to him. "How can I trust you if you're still keeping secrets from me. What kind of relationship is that?!"

Those last hurtful words had Karai stopping in mid-chop, for they were repeating over and over in her head. Causing her to disregard the rest of her morning tasks and finally turn to Leo while leaning her back against the counter with her arms folded and her strong green emeralds making eye-contact with his deep chocolate ones.

"Everything that occurs last night wasn't my full intentions. My goal that night was to tell you of my double agent life with both the Utroms and Ninja Tribunal. The other things that happen were unexpected. I was just making peace with you and hopefully the rest of your clan." Karai said, being that it had been planned -a few days before last night- that Akemi and even Splinter was going to tell about her links to the NT's descendants. So Karai wasn't fully prepared to speak of that part of her past when it had ties with the event involving Casey Jones.

But she guesses if she's letting Joi tell all to her turtle man. Then she should tell Leonardo what he wanted to know. But despite she was choosing to 'tell-all'. Karai, regardless of anything, wasn't telling him about Casey in all this no matter what.

"But you discovering my true feelings wasn't part of it, nor was telling you about what all happen on that star-ship." For a second, that could have been missed by an untrained eye, Leo saw Karai glance to his left shoulder before trailing her eyes back to his where he could see empathy and regret before determination taking up in them lastly. "That said, what do you want to know. As of right here and now I'll tell you anything you want to know if I have an answer for it." She exclaimed. "Although I thought it is easy you find all this out at the feast by-"

Although it was obvious his words hit her hard where Karai was in a bad mood. Leonardo's logic side and, though he tried to control it, his jealous side was making it impossible for him to let this go.

"Is Faraji gonna be there?"

"What?" Was all she could say as she blinked her eyes a couple of times.

"You said I can find all you kept from me so far, at the feast. So is Faraji-"

"No. He's in Africa." Being his point was made, Karai had cut him off answering him... Seeing she was going to be answering a lot of questions, Karai thought she has something to drink. "I'm thirsty, you want something?" She asked making her way to the refrigerator -after seeing Leo nodding to the offer- and opening it up, pulling out a filled curve/teardrop glass shape tea pitcher.

"What's that?" Though Leo wasn't forgetting his questions. He couldn't overlook the dark cyan liquid in the pitcher as Karai places it on the table. "Some health drink? If it is I'll take some of the left-over tea from yesterday, instead. By the way, when were you gonna tell me about you and Faraji dating." With his eyes watching Karai's movements this whole time. Leo saw Karai stiff up a moment before continuing what she was doing, while responding. It seems she had hoped he had forgotten about that.

"Relax, Leo. It's my morning tea. And I don't consider my past relationship with Faraji as dating. More like puppy love than anything. Because the closest we got was one kiss, that had me breaking up with him afterward. Being I felt nothing through the kiss. And as for Master Oroku's favorite tea from last night... " Leaving the pitcher on the island, Karai went over to one of the kitchen cabinets, taking out two glass mugs. "we drink it all. And I don't have time to dry any more tea leaves this morning, seeing I'm already waiting two hours and 20 minutes on Master Splinter's jasmine leaves." She stated once glancing at the remaining time on the unique dry machine. "Anyway with that said, would you like to try my morning tea?"

"Sure," Leo said, a little relief to hear(finally) from Karai that her and Faraji's past history wasn't something to worry about in the future, though Tora said something of the same. Although that still didn't mean Faraji's is the only person she had a history with. "Was Faraji the only guy you have history with." He added before a second rethinking his choice in trying the tea when Karai started pouring the green looking tea into one of the mugs. "Aren't you gonna heat it up first?" His last question, Karai shook her head no, then slide the filled mug over to him, while answering his first question.

"The only one out of two I allowed to happen, if that's what you mean-" Karai explained before trailing off as she was watching Leo giving his filled cup a dirty look as a child would act after being told to eat something that looked disgusting on their plate.

She was even almost tempted to watch to see if Leo was going to throw a fit after he said: "I don't like cold drinks, you know that." But didn't as she took 'his' mug from him and took a sip, while a similar scene like this came to thought.

"You're right I do know that. But I remember one time a certain turtle telling me, 'don't knock it till you try it' when I refuse to taste his odd topping pizza..." The time Karai was speaking of, had been their last secret meeting before the star-ship event.

Back than Karai had chosen to come to the water tower earlier than Leo. Therefore, she didn't expect Leo to come through the entrance of the opening in the tower, carrying a pizza box and a six-pack of hot root-beer with him. But his surprise in seeing her on his face was enough to tell Karai that he takes this time to eat and remove his ninja stuff before she usually arrives. Especially since when she arrives they always have a friendly spar before going into the water tower; that is after they remove their ninja gears at the makeshift entrance door.

Therefore, at first, she had decline Leo's offer in trying his abnormal topping pizza -that she was sure he would have had gone before she got there.

But unknown to Leo then. Karai had come to see him earlier was because she wanted to tell him the good news about her father leaving the earth -by saying 'they soon won't need to keep seeing each other in secret. That they won't have to hide any longer'. And though she knew Leo didn't understand fully what she had told him. She saw he still seem to be in an upbeat mood than usual. But maybe that had something to do with him being right. That odd topping pizza was good. In-fact Karai almost ate the whole pie herself if Leo didn't stuff down four slices for himself. Not to mention they both drinking all the hot root-beer by dipping pizza crusts in them.

Then again he could have been happy cause she took every chance she could to brush a hand or even a leg against him in some way without making it seem like some accident or just friendly. Or it could've been the strong good-bye hug and peck on the cheek she gives him afterward. Or it was all the above. Either way that last meeting was hard to let go of.

Although Karai realized her thoughts had drifted off to that memory, briefly as it had been. She notices Leo's mind wandered also to the event as she saw blush coming to his face as he raised a hand to his right cheek. The same cheek she had kissed at that last secret meeting. Catching his eyes showing signs he was coming out of his memory, Karai went on talking like she had been speaking this whole time.

"But since I ate up half your pizza than." Stepping up, Karai kissed a certain right cheek of the silent Leo. "I'll let you off the hook..." She said kissing his nose(beak), hiding the giggling bubbling within. "...this time."

That said, Karai went back to the same cabinet, pulling down what looks like to Leo as a round clear glass bowl with an odd opening similar to a vase. And just got odder when Karai put it on the table, placing a tea candle inside it, lighting it up. But soon Leo realized the odd bowl was a tea warmer once Karai rested a glass teapot -displaying the tea through it- on the warmer, where the simple tea candle began heating up the liquid.

Thereby as it did, a blended aroma of cardamom, clove, and ginger lift up from the tea's spout. But it was the smelly fruity aroma of herbal tea brewing that caught Leo's attention where he felt weird cause the aroma smells were familiar like a rare tea he remembers when he was little. This can't be? After searching through many teas. This can't be-. Shaking off his thought, because Leo had been fooled in the past by the fruity smells to be disappointed once tasting it to find it wasn't his tea. Therefore, he wanted to taste this tea before labeling it 'his tea'.

Waiting for the tea to heated up fully, Leo's eyes were on Karai who was topping off her ice tea with whip-cream and sprinkles of cinnamon and oddly, blueberries she got from the refrigerator.

"So you've been in a relationship with someone besides Faraji? Who is he?" Pushing down the berries in her mug with a spoon, Karai bit her bottom lip, showing she was nervous to Leo's watchful view.

"The second one wasn't a he," Karai revealed, avoiding Leo's eyes. Which if she wasn't. She would see the widened shape they were taking with a nearly-on-the-floor-mouth to complete the turtle's expression.

"Does that mean..." Leo just let it linger in the air, waiting for Karai to catch it. Karai didn't let it stay in the air long, while in the process of scooping a bit of whip-cream on her spoon.

"Yes, Leonardo. I have been with a girl." Again with her sight on anything but the turtle beside her. Karai let the girl's name leave her lips before she brought the spoon to her mouth. " And that girl was Joi." Leo's eyes nearly bulged-out, with his face becoming warm for the image that popped in his head, before quickly shaking his head of the naughty image. Which he was thankfully Karai didn't see his reaction, as she kept speaking. "But before you think I'm into females or both for that matter. Let me stop you there." Stirring her spoon in the mug became a fascinating and a distraction for Karai to keep going on. "I was young and curious, and even though she was more serious into it. I wasn't. Though I still love her as a sister to this day... and thanks to Raphael, she also realizes what was between us wasn't serious. Though I'm sure she's still into both sex." Thinking the last part, Karai finally gazed her eyes over to Leo -where he saw nothing but passion, love and devotion dancing in them- before she went to make him a cup of the tea after it showed it was done. "I guess you can say I'm a unique woman. And I have a unique taste, but not only that. I want someone that sensuality my body while also enlightening my mind. Not just one of the two. You, Leo, do both for me." She started, sliding his mug filled with hot tea over to him, and then lean against the island, back to twirling her spoon in her own mug.

Once hearing this, Leo's doubts slowly were disappearing as he brought the steaming mug to his lips. Only to, soon as he sips the tea, falls into his childhood. For the tea's familiar flavors and amazing aromas sent him 14 years back where he first tastes the same exact tea. Resulting in the turtle downing his whole mug in one gulp. Where Karai witnessing all this, slightly lift her eyebrow, and didn't lower it even when Leo's eyes met hers after he let out a satisfied sigh.

Afterward, silence fell over them awhile, which stayed that way a bit longer as Karai rush over to the two-double oven, oven mitts on hand, and pulled out a tray sheet filled with cookies, that she left overnight to cool. As she dumps the cookies in a waiting severing plate, she decided to end the silence, while placing the plate on the island table.

"So I take it, you like this tea." She started, hoping she was going the right way to get him to speak.

"Enough to ask if I can have some more?" Giggling a little at his request, Karai pours some more hot tea into his mug, where Leo this time just took a calmer sip then last time. But had the same enjoyment expression on his face after the sip. "Thanks. Sorry about how I was acting."

"That's fine. But can you explain why you shove it down like a beer?" Karai asked, setting a cover lid over the cookies. Cookies that look to be sugar cookies with brown powder on them. I mean that is what Leo thought they were as he was buying his time to come up with a good answer to his recent behavior brought on by the green color tea.

"I didn't mean too. But I already had a feeling of Deja-vu when I saw the tea had a teal green to it and smelled blend spices of; cardamom, ginger, clover, and cinnamon as it heated. But it wasn't until I taste it and it tastes like blueberry and sour green apple pie that I was sure it was the same tea I had in my childhood."

"Really?" Karai asked, unsure. Cause there was no way he had been able to try this tea in his childhood; despite he was dead on how it tasted. However not wanting to start something with telling this. Karai chose to let Leo keep talking by asking him to explain his first time trying a somewhat similar tea. Which he did.

Thereby he said he had been 6. When Master Splinter, on Father's Day, had got a package with a couple of items from Japan.

One, in particular, was a box sample of different kinds of teas. Which Splinter chose to share the teas with Leo and his brothers. But Leo's brothers weren't into teas that much at that time. However, Leo on the other hand, not wanting to hurt his father's feelings, took the one label in Japanese 'Mayonaka-tirusupaishiti'. Where he, -experiencing a soothing blend of sweetness, a bold kick of spices that gave the tea a pleasant combination taste, that left a juicy clean finish in every cup- became hooked on the tea.

Hooked enough to beg Master Splinter to get him some more when he ran out. Which Master Splinter agreed only if Leo earns it by helping him gather supplies in the sewer when need be. Which of course Leo did this. Unfortunately, his tea being sent, stopped when his family moved from their first lair, thanks to rat trap robotics. Therefore, Leo had no choice but to find a substitute tea to satisfy his taste. Which it leads him to an Asian-Indian grocery store in Chinatown and instant Masala chai. Where though it wasn't too similar to that flavorful tea. Leo adding honey to the instant Masala chai tea brought it somewhat closer than any other tea he tried.

Focusing on sipping her ice cold tea within Leo's speaking. Karai stayed silent while she absorbed what he was telling her. Halfway in doing so, Karai finally got Master Oroku's odd requests from her during training under him a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, Karai felt it better to slowly ease in this discover to Leo. Especially since even though she did not once take her sight off him. Leo had long since lowered his to the island-table, hiding his embarrassment to the tale of his love for a tea.

Spoon in hand, she stirred the sinking-whip-cream in her mug forming a whirlpool within the liquid.

"From what I heard. I have a few questions of my own to ask if I might?" Not moving his attention from the interesting island, Leo just gave a slight nod to her question.

"When you discover Master Oroku was the one sending Master Splinter those packages?" This time Leo did lift his head up to have his eyes lock with Karai's smiling ones. He knew he could ask how she knows the Ancient One was the sender but didn't. Instead, Leo went on answering her, cause maybe she'll reveal what store in Japan carries that tea so he can get it.

"Master Splinter told me a week after we had to leave our first lair, once it was destroyed by Baxter Stockman's 'rat-trap-robots...But the Ancient One later told me, he couldn't get any more from his supplier..."

Knowing of the event involving the turtles first encounter with Dr. Stockman, through hers and Leo's secret meetings. Karai wasn't surprised or lost when Leo brought the trap machines up, as she refilled his mug with the last of the hot version while he continued going on. And before Leo was done speaking, he asked if Karai could tell him the store that sells the tea in Japan and if he was lucky to order it online.

"Sorry to say, but you can't buy this tea. Cause it's not in any stores in Japan or anywhere."

"You have the same tea I had in my childhood-"

"Yea that's true. But again it didn't come from any store anywhere; now or in your childhood-"

"But-"

"Leo let me finish before you respond. I'm sure you're like the answer." Karai said, and begun once more after she moved closer to Leo, while still not taking a seat at the island. "Anyway, what I was going to say was. This and all the tea I have here is not instant nor can you buy them in stores. For all of them are homemade. But unlike Master Splinter's and my Saroeto-Sobo's teas. I personally created 'Mayonaka-tirusupaishiti' meaning-"

"Midnight Teal Spicy Tea," Leo said for her, before frowning a bit. "But how could you make the tea back then?"

"Because it was then, while training under Master Oroku, I created the tea." She stated, in the motion of returning to the refrigerator to retrieve the tea pitcher. "Although if it wasn't doing to Saroeto-sobo cooking lessons. I wouldn't have been able to create my own tea recipe or able to make her tea recipes – Gorudenredidorgon and Shirubashadoudoragonjasumin cha-."

"'The Golden Lady Dragon' and 'Silver Shadow Dragon Jasmine Tea'"

"Interesting names, right. My Saroeto-sobo has always had a weird way of naming things, rather it's her recipes or any of her students' like me and Joi who she taught to cook..." Karai refilled the teapot and was in the process of emptying the last bit of the cold tea left in the pitcher into her mug.

"You and Joi? She taught Joi too?"

"Joi she taught cooking during my time with Master Oroku. But she taught me earlier, that's why I had time to learn to create my own tea."

"You said earlier. The Shredder let her teach you something like cooking?"

"Not at first," Karai said. "Especially when I just decline my father from becoming my ninja sensei. But Akemi convinced him to let her train me in her specialty; witchcraft, and spells. Being she is descendant to an Oroku clan member who was a witch, shape-shifter and also played an integral part in keeping the Oroku clan in hiding through feudal Japan. And it's through that past ancestor. That Akemi's the only Foot member that knew my father was a Utrom. But why she chose to hide his identity is beyond me."

"Feudal Japan?" Leo said taken-back. "So she might be older than even the Ancient One?" All Karai could do is give a shrug.

"She's never said. Though I do know, like Master Oroku, she is a secret (royal), guardian. Meaning she doesn't look her age. Anyway with the Foot's powerful member offering to teach me. My father was on board, even though I wasn't. But soon I found she wasn't going to teach me spells. It was only to get my father's approval to become my nanny. She instead taught me how to cook so I could learn many recipes from the Oroku clan's." Adrift look came to Karai. "Thereby she became a Saroeto-sobo to me as much as someone to look up too."

By now Karai was beside Leo, though she wasn't sitting, just bent over the table with her hands cupped together on it. "It was even her who hid me from Khan while I was pregnant..." Refraining the tears from leaving behind her eyes. Karai tried to casually turn her face from Leo's knowing eyes. But Leo didn't let her as he gently covers his hands over hers on the table. "...and the one who got me to the hospital when I went into labor..." She finally got out, which Leo brought her hands to his lips, kissing them, before gazing into her eyes. "She even gave me this kimono on my 8th birthday."

Feeling her body's reaction to his sweet affection and kindness, proved she needed to get back to her unfinished task before she won't be able too, as her body was becoming flush(again) that she crossed her legs to halt the return heat forming between her thighs. Thereby she bit her lip to hold in a groan that she is pretty sure Leo caught but didn't care as she reluctantly removed her hands from his, and straightening up, went to the counter holding the undone, but half chopped ingredients.

"A kimono that even though it doesn't fit me no more..." Not daring to look behind her, Karai faced the ingredients and resume her task by chopping a half-done red apple. Missing Leo narrowing his eyes on her.

"...I still wear it to this day. But as a house robe, like now." She added, keeping her back to Leo, which she didn't catch him get up from his seat and begin walking towards her as she went on talking. "Out of all the people I met in the past. Hashi Akemi will be the one I look up to the most." Back to thinking about her surrogate grandmother, a small smile crawl on Karai's lips still not aware of the silent turtle approaching. "And it's thanks to her I didn't follow my father's ways growing up. Instead, she taught me to understand what wrong and right are in life. And despite my loyalty to both the royal Utroms and the Ninja Tribunals before. I still can't forget her teachings. That's why I'm honor she chose to come here and teach the rookies, along with Master Splinter, about the true way of the Oroku clan..." Suddenly she stopped in her sentence as a thought came to mind. "Come to think of it. My relationship with my Saroeto-sobo is similar to yours and Master Splinter..." She got out a second before hearing a chuckle reach her ears, and feel and see strong warm green arms against hers, where she watches the big hands attach to these arms, stretching over her hands, gently gripping them, and felt a warm breath tickling her ear, causing exciting shivers to take over her back, as she was sure the racing of her heart was loud enough that Leo could hear it.

"That's cool to know." He whispered, purposely touching his lips to her ear, as he, guiding her hands with his over them, help Karai chop the ingredients. "I hope you don't mind 'me' helping out." Keeping to whispering near her ear, Leo silently smirks as he could sense she was getting aroused again by the slight aroma of her natural scent he could pick-up on. Because the sooner these tasks are done...the sooner you're all mine." Thinking the last part to himself. Leo knew his Karai wasn't going to follow her desire while her tasks weren't finished. Which Leo kept his 'find' to himself while keeping his attention on the chopping motion...although he didn't refrain from teasing a bit by leaning close to her neck, letting his breath brush a little upon her skin. Which affected Karai enough for Leo to see in the corner of his eye, her lick her lips a second before allowing her hands to be guided by his.

Which Karai didn't mind his assistants, especially with his impressive quick chopping skills that cut the usual time it takes her to complete this task in half. Although that also ended this moment sooner than Karai wanted.

Thereby she almost whimpered when Leo moved away to get some bowls, being she told him to get them, for the finish chopped ingredients. Instead, she asked him where he learned to chop like some chef. Which she got a shrug from him, before he replies, coming up to her with bowls in hand.

"I didn't really learn it anywhere. I guess it comes with having skills in swordsmen? " Taking this as a good answer. Karai filled each bowl with chop pieces of fruits and flowers while catching on she was more relaxed around Leo than when he arrived. Stepping up to him, she pecked his cheek.

"You know this is another thing we have in common." Karai shouldn't have been surprised when Leo look to her after she kisses his cheek in 'thank you', and then stroll his gaze down to her lips before moving them back to her eyes, with a smirk slowly finding its way onto his face.

"What's that?" Karai was sure he wasn't asking just saying, that she immediately felt the warmth come to her face once he stroked a finger along her cheek. Making Karai close her eyes enjoying his simple touch. "The chopping skills."

Leo knew he was teasing her with his touches, but he couldn't help it. He just loves seeing how he can affect her like this. However, that backfired when he saw her eyes flutter open, locking her gaze to his. Leaving him speechless for the moment it took Karai to say "I love you touching me," before she, feeling a stronger shiver of hunger and excitement trail across her body, and now nothing holding her back, whip her arms around Leo and hugged him. And for a split second Leo didn't know what to do when Karai in a blink of an eye was in his arms. But getting over it fast, he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend.

Which Karai filling his warmth and strength shielding her from the outside world. Snuggled up to him, before pressing her lips against his neck, making the pace of Leo's breath quicken. Feeling the hot skin under her lips, let the tip of her tongue touch his green skin, as she continued her slow deliberate kissing over his neck to his jawline, that caused him to hold her tighter, but not enough to be uncomfortable for her.

"Mmmmm, Karai..." Hearing the groans leave her turtle man's lips was sweet music to Karai's ears as she could feel his pulse speed up from her actions to his neck. Encouraging her to keep up her treatment, Karai, moving her treatment further up to his ear-hole, making circle motions, resulting her to feel Leo's fists grip her kimono from her back as he gave a little jolt.

Not able to take any more on this side, Leo moving Karai back from him a little, kissed her tenderly, before deepening the kiss.

Just as Leo's lips touch hers. Karai felt like melting as his kiss had brought on the similar effect his kisses did for her last night. For that reason, it wasn't long for her eyelids to lower on their own as his kiss was strong, powerful, but also soft, sweet and passionate. Hence why her legs buckled under her as they became weak as the rest of her body did, where even her arms felt like noodles that they hang on either side her, as a whimper escape her lips only to be muffled by Leo's.

Fortunately expecting her legs to give out under her, after recalling last night's situation. Leo wrapped an arm around her waist in time to keep her up as her legs gave way. The whole time through that process, their lips didn't break apart. Nor did they when Leo, his arm remaining on Karai's waist, slightly move forward making Karai walk backward until her back was against the island.

Still not letting up on their kissing, Karai's hands automatically grip the island-counter behind her, while Leo's big hands covered hers a second later on the table-surface, with their bodies press a little against the other, causing Karai to feel herself become wetter again.

Letting their tongues linger against the others. A low moan escape from Karai, while Leo, removing his hands from over hers, slowly begun caressing her body; one hand trailing up her thigh and the other stroking up the back of her head, where his hand, a second after roaming into her hair, undid the golden ribbon holding her hair up, releasing it. Where her hair moment later flowed down her back with her bangs covering her right eye; which Leo pushed back to see her entire face, before returning to kissing her, making a sweet purr leave her trapped mouth.

Catching the noise, she made, struck Leo's heart like a jolt of electricity; the same reaction he got when he touches her hand. Breaking their kissing and a bit tongue action, Leo moved his lips up to Karai's ear.

"We should pick up where left off last night?" he inquired then nibble her earlobe while brushing a finger across her covered breast nipple showing like it's twin, hardness through her clothing. "What you say?" He added, before laying tender kisses over her face, though he stopped at her jawline, before bringing his sight to hers.

"I'm yours, Leo." It wasn't a question now. Karai was listening to her desires for the turtle facing her.

Leo knew, curved his lips slightly, with his browns staying on her green enchanted ones, as he, teasing one breast, started doing the same thing to its twin. And enjoyed Karai's reaction by her arching her back, tilting her head back, while keeping her hands gripping the stone surface behind her, moaning.

Watching the sight, Leo didn't want Karai fighting her pleasure desires, although he couldn't say the same thing for himself for he was fighting his urges. Urges that was coming from within the bottom of his shell. But thanks to the belt still secured around him. He had no worries about his manhood 'getting out'. But that didn't mean he was going to refuse his girlfriend her pleasure, especially since he can give them to her and it had him overlooking his needs a lot easier...for the moment.

Thereby wanting her to feel more and also for himself to finally see the beauty under those clothing than just a glimpse; like in his dream. Leo brought Karai into another deep kiss that she was happy to return, as he begins to remove her kimono robe. But just as she stiff up a little, Leo recalled how special the kimono was to Karai. Thereby he draws back from their kiss to brush his lips over her forehead, before reassuring her by saying "Don't worry, I understand. I'll be careful."

Seeing she was calm by his words, Leo covered her lips with his, while, begin carefully, slid the robe off her shoulders and down her arms, until it was left at her waist where, with the gold color obi, it was secure around her waist. He went to undo the obi, -not breaking their kissing mind you- but Karai stopped his actions.

"Leave it for now."

Karai catching the lost and suspicions covering Leo's face to her words and odd actions. Immediately reached behind her and undid her cami bra, hoping to distract Leo from wondering her reason for leaving the kimono robe where it was. However not thinking about what she was doing, had her fighting her nervousness, as she quickly closed her eyes as the cami bra was making its way to the floor at her feet.

Meanwhile when the cami bra left Karai's body, exposing her breasts. Leo not once dropped his eyes to the erotic sight that was the beauty he was lucky to see. And although a small voice told him not only did Mikey see this vision, but also others. That didn't stop Leo from swallowing down the water stream that wanted to escape his mouth as his heart was beating like a heavy drum in his chest.

He had dreamed many times in the past about what -if he was lucky- his dream girl would look like naked. None of his images had come close to the lovely-ness he was staring at. And despite he saw and loved her in her dragon form. He could tell that; like he did for himself with replacing his male 'tool' with a natural male dragon tool. That he did the same to Karai as he, with his mind, removed her armor, added an image of what was behind it. Therefore, he was seeing that what the images, wasn't close to what Karai looks like unclothed.

So much better than her dragon form...so much better. He thought, still refraining from drooling, as he drinks in the lovely, sexy creature that was his girlfriend.

Her hair slightly tousled, her kissable lips; though puffy from their heavy kissing, milky cream soft skin. Not big or small, but medium firm round breasts with perky hard nipples at the end like they were waiting to be touched again. And as Mikey said, Leo could see the tattoo amulet of the 'Acolyte' between her luscious breasts. However, he notices another tattoo on her that Mikey didn't mention; it was a green Foot symbol on the upper right of her arm, though the Foot tattoo was upside down like the many he had seen throughout the HQ today and on Tora's uniform.

Passing her lovely upper body; although most of it was mainly concealed by the kimono still hanging around her waist. He took in those sexy full athletic legs. Her slender physique frame was feminine, and while muscular, she was soft in all the right places for it to work. The only thing missing to complete this gorgeous figure that was his Karai. And that was her enchanted emerald eyes. All in all, Leo like what he was seeing...very much-

Suddenly Karai reopens her green eyes, and it was at that second Leo couldn't just stare at her anymore. He needed to touch, taste, feel her. She's hotter and she was already pretty hot.

During Leo gawking. Karai had her eyes still closed, because at that second when she felt air touch her sensitive nipples as her cami bra wasn't any longer hiding her. She for the first time, worried about someone's opinion on her body. And it was an overwhelming emotion that had her questioning 'was she sexy or even turning Leo on.' 'Or would she turn out to be not appealing to him. Although in that second she took off her cami bra and closed her eyes. Karai tried to convince herself she was being silly; Leo loved what she had to offer in a lifetime lover. But then she reminded herself that this will be the first time Leo was seeing, though it was just her upper body at the moment, her not hide from him. Allowing him to see all of her; her pale skin, tiny breasts, her too skinny upper body that showed too much of her ribs, and with the many battle scars covering her skin, it wasn't flawless, not to mention the others she was keeping behind her kimono from him. That's why, all in all, Karai believed Leo would be disgusted with what he sees.

However, Karai wouldn't back down when her fears try to take over like it tried many times in the past. She, pushing down her fear, reopened her eyes to face the negative reaction Leo was going to throw at her. Despite his former actions so far. Feeling this she almost started raising her hands to shield herself.

But she didn't get that chance too. For what happens next when she opens her eyes back up, wasn't what she was expecting.

"Shell, you're beautiful." Or hear for that matter.

Cause once she heard Leo say that in a low deep voice. She found herself swoop up off her feet by those strong arms as she felt Leo's lips on hers, making her moan when his tongue push into her mouth caressing hers.

But her tongue wasn't the only thing being caressed. Still holding their lip action in-tact, Leo lowered her on the island's counter top table. In the process of all this, Leo was and still is, caressing her body from her back, covered sides and hips down to her full legs, creating more moans from her that were muffled by Leo's mouth. While the deep groaning she could hear from the turtle man -that he let out before attacking her neck- was telling her all she needed to know. Her turtle man was happy with what she has to offer. Relegation that made her feel stupid for questioning Leo's feelings for her.

It wasn't long thereafter before Leo's attention moved from Karai's neck to journey south, massaging and licking her breasts, sucking her nipples, causing Karai to tightening her arms on his head, moaning her singsong, having her closing eyes in surrender to the sensuous he was having her experience as the world fell away, and she found herself gasping like she was underwater.

Keeping up his desire to please his girlfriend. He searched through his memories for the details from the chapters within those erotic books he readied many times -before giving them to Don-, before taking this 'foreplay' to the next step, without stopping his treatment on her breasts.

A smooth hand kept touching her back and butt, teasing the flesh. Karai pulled her lips in, stifled a moan. This hand on her burning flesh felt so good, so nice. So needed. Another hand just as smooth went to her inner thighs -underneath her kimono- and stop there. Here Leo broke his actions on her breasts, lifting his gaze to hers

"Can I touch your sweet spot?" Was what Leo asked.

That was one trait that Karai couldn't help but to love. Despite his heavy hungry desire and needs. He always asks if he can touch her. Even back in his dream where one of her main reason being there was to have sex with him. He still asked if he was able to touch and lick parts of her. Not to mention he made sure she was ok through the whole time they were making love. So she shouldn't be too surprised he was asking if he was allowed to keep going with his treatment on her, especially since it was getting nothing but heavier.

Therefore, as a response, Karai leans a bit back and not losing Leo's steady gaze, slipped her hands under her kimono, and with a little wiggling, pulled her boy-shorts panties off her hips, down her thighs and legs, and before she got them to her ankles. Leo stopped her to pull them off the rest of the way himself, where once he did, he brought the drenched garment to his face, inhaling the aroma musk, but sweet smell to his system that had his belt-tightening, reminding him of his own needs. But disregarded them, as he slipped the soaked garment in his belt, and return to Karai to find she was more than waiting, but begging with her eyes for him to touch her. And that's what he did.

Feeling him brush a finger across her lower lips, sending more shivers through her body. Karai pulled her face to his for him to kiss her again. Her tongue wiggling against his mouth for contact with his tongue. Not even a second went by when he complies to her request. However, this time his lips never completely pressed against hers, an action letting their tongues twist and play with the others' causing a trail of saliva to slid down the side of Karai's mouth.

Breaking their tongue action, Leo pulled his hand from between Karai's thighs to their face view, where he, rubbing two of his fingers, showed wetness on his green digits to her.

"You know I never got to taste you in my dream." without another word, he slides his wet fingers into his mouth, licking the juice off of them, tasting her on his taste-buds that somehow mixed well with the spicy aftermath of his tea. "Mmmmm good ..." Smirking, Leo brought his eyes back to Karai only to see the sight of her wide eyes and blushing face again. Resulting in him wearing a laughing grin. "You wanna stop..." He licked his lips, gazing in her eyes with heat filling his.

To prove she didn't want to stop, Karai spread her legs open, scooting closer to the edge of the island's surface, exposing herself more to his hand as it felt the heat coming from her. "Does that answer your question?"

-To Be Continued...-