A knock at the door startles them. It's the former sensei. Rose opens the door to him, and he steps inside, scanning the area. He sees Shredder, and his face falls.

"What are you thinking?! What of your assignment?!"

Rose swiftly ushers him back through the door, leaving Shredder looking on. He starts creeping towards the door, with the intention of eavesdropping on the (rather noisy) conversation. His communicator activates suddenly, and he hurries to retrieve it.

"What is it Krang?"

"What's taking so long Shredder?! Why haven't you...What's going on? Where's your helmet? You failed, didn't you? That's why you're still there; you're going to keep trying until you win."

"But I did win Krang."

Krang is silent for a time, then says, "Be serious."

"I am being serious Krang. I won."

Krang's eyes widen in surprise.

"You actually succeeded at something?!"

"There's no need to be like that."

"So why are you still there? Why haven't you brought the prize back with you? What exactly is the Heart of the Rose anyway?"

"See for yourself."

And Shredder creeps to a window, holding the communicator out so Krang can see Rose.

"I don't get it."

"That's Rose. Her heart is the prize."

"Were you hit very hard in the head? Is that why you're not wearing your helmet?"

"No Krang, I was going to kiss her."

"And she slapped you so hard your helmet came off."

"I took my helmet off because I was going to kiss her."

Wide-eyed, Krang asks, "And she was going to kiss you back?!"

"Yes!"

Krang is stunned into silence. When he eventually finds his voice he says, "When are you bringing her back?"

"Actually, I hadn't thought about that."

"Well think about it; I'd like to meet her. Having someone such as her on our side could be very beneficial. What kind of mutant is she anyway?"

"She's not a mutant, she's an angel."

Krang's eyes widen again.

"And she's fallen for you?!"

"I can hardly believe it myself to be honest."

"Bring her back as soon as possible; I definitely have to meet her."

"Alright Krang."

The discussion outside suddenly ceases, and Shredder hurriedly deactivates the communicator and puts it away. Then Rose returns, looking very unhappy. Shredder takes her in his arms and asks, "What's wrong?"

She leans into him, enjoying the closeness.

"I don't want to carry out my assignment any more."

"Why not?"

"I can't bring myself to."

"Why not?"

"I just can't."

"Can I help?"

"No one can help. And I wouldn't want anyone to help anyway."

"Will someone else be given the assignment?"

"Possibly, but I had the best chance of success; anyone who tries now will fail."

"Will you face punishment?"

"I don't know. Can we drop it now please?"

"Of course my dearest."

Rose's head snaps up at the endearment, and she smiles. Then Shredder again lowers his head towards hers.