It had been a whole year since they met and they were given permission to spend the first half of the day they saw fit, so naturally both Raphael and Kira slept in. By the time they managed to drag themselves out of bed breakfast had already been served and cleaned up so they were on their own, which was no big loss to him as it happened to be Leonardo's turn to cook and that normally meant the food was Organic and Healthy. Needing to get at least an hour's workout in that morning Raphael threw on his brown jacket and headed into the kitchen and grabbed himself a cup of coffee and a Pop-Tart before heading off to the Dojo leaving Kira to take her time at getting ready for their morning off topside at the Skate Park under the Brooklyn Bridge.
"Very Nutritional Raphael!"
Raphael simply shrugged as he popped the last of his pop-tart into his mouth before entering the Dojo where Leonardo was still working on his Katas "At least it ain't Rabbit Food!" He quipped in good humor as he walked past in order to begin stretching out.
"I thought you two would be gone by now!" the elder brother remarked offhandedly at his brother's presence in the Dojo.
"We over slept after staying up most of the night talkin''" he replied simply "She's busy getting ready so I thought I'd get a quick workout in."
Leonardo nodded a he finished up and walked over to the bench to take a drink from his water bottle "Anything the matter?" he inquired simply wanting to check in on things with the two.
Raphael shrugged indecisively "Hell if I know, I've just about given up on trying to figure her head out! One minute we're good, next she's talking 'bout taking things another step but when I try, she clams up and runs off!" he confessed remembering how Kira mentioned that she could 'talk' to Leonardo about things and figured he'd give it a shot.
"She's probably just nervous, give her time I'm sure she'll come around!" Leonardo suggested not really knowing what else to say but when he seen the defeated look in his brothers' amber eyes along with his slouched posture, he felt really bad for him. Wracking his brains for a moment he came up with an idea, it was a long shot but it just might work "Hey, where are you two planning on heading to when you get topside?"
Looking up at his big brother skeptically "The Skate park under the Brooklyn Bridge, why?" Raphael inquired raising an eye ridge "Why? What are you thinking of doin' Leo?"
Holding up his hands defensively he tried not to chuckle "Easy Raph, I was just checking, we have to leave for the Nexus Dimension this evening, remember" He replied stretching the truth a little.
Relaxing Raphael sighed and rolled his eyes "Relax will ya! I gave Pop my word that we'll be back before then and we'll also have our Shell-cells on us."
Leonardo chuckled as he held his hands up in surrender "I simply wanted to make sure you remembered that's all."
Raphael barked in laughter. "How could any of us forget with 'Mr.' Battle Nexus Champion reminding us every 30 Seconds"
'T minus 7 hours Till the BATTLE NEXUS CHAMPION RETURNS TO RECLAIM HIS TITTLE'
Both elder brothers just shook their heads as Michelangelo made his countdown announcement over a bullhorn, they had no idea on how he had gotten his hands on.
Just then Raphael's shell cell went off, flipping it open he was confused as to why Kira was calling him since she was in the bathroom. "What's up Babe?", 'I need you in here now, no questions asked!', " K, I'll be there in a sec!", 'Hurry!'
Leonardo watches his puzzled brother hang up "Everything alright?" he asked worriedly as this was something Kira had never done before.
Shrugging Raphael jogged out of the Dojo and threw the lair and to the only bathroom, giving the door a soft knock, he waited until the lock clicked and the door was opened before slipping inside. Keeping his back to the room, he shut the door quietly "What's going on Babe?" he asked nervously not knowing what to expect from this strange request.
"I ahh, oh God this is awkward…" Kira's voice spoke up from early being the shower curtain "I forgot to grab a towel…"
Straightening up Raphael raised an eye ridge more than a little confused "A towel? How is that a 'No questions asked'?"
"Because I need your help!" She confessed sounding a bit off kilter. Grabbing a clean towel from the shelf he walked over and started to pass it threw the curtain to her "Can you hold it open for me please?"
"Sure," closing his eyes he held the towel open and felt something pressing into it "You want me to go now?" he asked nervously. During the time that Kira had been living with them he had always respected her privacy when it came to her getting showered and or dressed.
Pulling the towel around her securely "I also kinda wanted to ask you a serious question about our trip to the Nexus Tournament, Raphie and it seemed easier to ask it if we both were already in an awkward position..." She explained nervously not wanting to let on that she was literally worried sick about his or the others reaction.
Diverting his eyes, he didn't question her logic as it was no different than his youngest brothers at times, "Yeah, sure, whatever way works for ya! Go ahead and shoot…" he replied supportively as he moved to stand with his back to her.
"I want to fight in it!" Kira blurted out now gripping onto the edge of the large sink tightly for physical support with her eyes clenched shut in anticipation of the loud violent reaction against the idea.
"That it? You got me in here with you in nothing but a towel just to tell me you want in?" He asked turning around as he was trying to figure this all out. All nervousness was gone as he walked over to lean back against the sink next to her with his arms crossed over his plastron "I'll see what I can do!"
Kira's eyes shot open at his unexpected answer "No joke? You're gonna try to get me in?" she gapped in total disbelief.
Lowering his head seriously he nodded "Leo told me how you had faced Hun solo in order to save my ass and how proud Pop looked in those moments. I seriously think you would stand a decent chance in the Tournament…" he paused mid-sentence in order to turn and look deeply into her Grey eyes "… as my proxy!"
Kira was stunned at this but couldn't help but give him a confused look as she waited to hear him explain.
Exhaling heavily, he dipped his head shamefully "I know how intense them fights get, an' I lost my temper a couple times, mostly against Mikey! But… ever since that fight with Hun an getting hurt like I did ... I'm scared I'll have another episode and do some serious damage out there… I'd rather give my place to you than go in myself and have things go to shit!"
Stepping up close to him Kira reached up and cupped his cheek lovingly "I'd be honored to take your place Raphael!"
Reaching out Raphael held her waist firmly as he leaned down and kissed her deeply before resting his forehead against the top of her still wet hair "I'll go talk to Pop about it now while you get dressed Babe!" he whispered happily before kissing her again except this one had them pulling the other closer with Kira wrapping her arms up around his neck while he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other took hold of her ass cheek and lifted her off the ground. Only breaking apart to catch their breaths from their heady kiss, Raphael set her back down and stumbled backwards as he felt the overwhelming need to leave the bathroom before doing something he'd regret.
Standing there looking at the bathroom door a moment Raphael eventually turned and mindlessly headed into the kitchen where he could hear a stifled laugh. Looking up he came face to face with his brother Donatello who had a very amused look in his hazel eyes "You were… um. Not in there very long?" Donatello struggled to say in a hushed voice earning a confused look from Raphael. Casually pointing down at his lovesick brother's lower plastron Donatello had to cover his mouth to keep from bursting out in laughter.
Looking down to where his brother was pointing Raphael's eyes went wide in shock before he was tossed a kitchen towel to cover the noticeable bulge from the painful erection that was threatening to poke out from the slit that concealed it with in its protective pouch. Taking a seat at the table Raphael buried his head into his arms muttering to himself "What the fucks wrong with me, I can't go thirty fucking minutes without popping a fucking boner around her… Shit, fuck… I hope to hell she didn't notice that…"
Taking pity on him Donatello pulled himself together and took a seat next to him at the table "Think you could be in heat?" he inquired going into his Medic mind set.
"Fuck no… I went through that last month!" Raphael replied lifting his head up to look at the family genius for help "What's fucking wrong with me Donnie?"
"There's nothing wrong with you Raph!" Donatello reassured him reaching up to give his jacket covered shell a pat "Remember back before Leo and Usagi figured out they loved each other and how strange Leo had been acting?" he asked using what he figured would be the best way to get it threw Raphael's thick skull.
Raphael started to laugh hard "How could I forget, Fearless spacing out with a goofyass grin on his face before bolting up to his room and locking himself in there for the rest of the day and next cause he popped full wood while meditating in the Dojo!"
"And… what just happened to you?" Donatello asked raising an eye ridge knowingly at his brother who groaned and slammed his head down on the table "Exactly my point Raph. We all know you're in-love with her, just tell her how you feel… in your own personal way!... Or would you rather I tell Mikey?"
Snapping his head up Raphael glared threating at him and spoke with a low growl "Don't you fucking dare tell that Loudmouthed Knucklehead I pulled 'a Leo'! I'm still pissed at you for that patch on my damn shell I gotta hide now…"
Being immune to his threatening glare on the matter of the ironically shaped patch on his Shell Donatello sat back in the chair and simply crossed his arms over his chest "I was referring to the fact that you don't have the balls to tell Kira how you feel and get over this stupid insecure faze you're going through Raphael! Do you think I'm 'THAT' twisted that I would tell Mikey about how your 'little' brains draining the blood flow from your head?" he countered raising an eye ridge pointedly at him.
"Yes!" Raphael stated flatly meeting his brothers gaze "And I'm gonna fucking tell her when the times right!"
"Tell who what? What'd I miss?" Kira inquired appearing to be completely clueless as to the conversation the two brothers were having after walking out of the bathroom fully dressed.
Sitting back in his chair Raphael crossed his arms over his chest as well without breaking eye contact with Donatello "That the Brainiac here is a Twisted Extortionist!" he replied bluntly.
Kira couldn't help but to chuckle as she walked over and placed a chaste kiss on her boyfriend a cheek "It's not Extortion when he's speaking the truth 'Babe'" She whispered pointedly into his ear slit "I could hear you two in the bathroom and I suggest we get going soon if we're going to get in a few runs at the skate park before we go."
Still keeping eye contact, Raphael stood up and threw the kitchen towel in Donatello's face before taking her by the hand and leading her away while his brother shot the towel away from him in revulsion. Giving her hand a squeeze, he nudged his head towards his father's Shoji "Go get our gear and I'll meet you up top, I gotta talk to Pop really quick!"
Giving him a knowing smile, she nodded "Alright, don't be too long" she replied returning the squeeze before letting go and jogging up the stairs to the second level as he turned and walked over to the paper covered door.
Giving it a soft knock, he waited until he heard Splinter granting permission to enter before he opened the sliding door and closed it behind him before walking over and kneeling in front of their father. "Kira an' I are heading out to the skate park now Masta Splinter, but I got somethin' important ta ask ya… it's about the Tournament." He spoke in a hushed voice while he picked at his knee pad nervously.
Opening his eyes, the old Rat smiled softly at his second eldest son "What is it you wish to ask me my son?"
Looking up Raphael swallowed hard before coming right out with it "I am able to help get us in but I don't feel stable enough to participate in the actual Tournament and I was thinkin' maybe I can bow out before it starts and let a Proxy take my place!"
Looking deeply into his son's amber eyes, Splinter could see his fear about having an episode in middle of a fight along with a confidence he held most likely for the fighter he already had in mind to take his place. Exhaling slowly, he nodded "And is this Proxy you wish to have aware they will be facing the best fighters in several Dimensions and not one easily enraged opponent, Raphael?" he inquired having a good idea of just who he had in mind to take his place.
"They been told about our fights from the last Tournament by Me, Donnie and Leo! Sensei, is there any way we can make this happen? As much as I'd love to take that title away from Mikey, just being able to give this a shot at this kinda means a lot more to them." Raphael replied explaining his reason the best he could while trying to keep Kira anonymous for fear of her being rejected simply cause she's not at their level.
Stroking his whiskers and beard Splinter gave his sons words serious thought "Am I to guess the reasoning behind the anonymity of your proxy, or with your asking me in place of the new head of our Clan is due to the automatic rejection they would most likely receive upon their simply asking to fight alongside their Clan members?" he inquired with a hint of humor in his voice.
Raphael ducked his head knowing he been figured out and nodded "Yes, it is. It took a lot of courage just to come to me about fighting in the Tournament!" he replied still keeping Kira's name or any gender defining words out of it just in case his brothers were listening in. "I know they're inexperienced but I know they can do this Dad… Please..."
Chuckling softly, he nodded his head "I will see what I can do once we reach the Daimyo's Palace in the Nexus Dimension Raphael. Let your Proxy know that I grant their wish to remain anonymous until the Tournament begins!"
The largest smile the old Rat has ever seen grew on Raphael's face, "Thanks Pop… I mean Sensei…" he replied correcting himself from his slip up.
"Now I believe you have a date to escort to the skate park…" Splinter smiled as his now ecstatic son bowed respectively before standing up and rushing out the Shoji door nearly knocking Leonardo over as he seemed to have been ready to knock.
"I've never seen Raph that happy before…" the Clan leader and eldest brother exclaimed as he entered the room "Anything I need to know Dad?" he asked curiously as to the reason for his brother's unusual visit.
Chuckling Splinter shook his head "We were just speaking about his leaving on his date, Kira's returning to the Nexus Dimension with us for the Tournament and of his concern over experiencing an episode while we are there" he replied simply.
Keeping his suspicion that their Father was once again up to something to himself, he crossed his arms over his chest he smiled and nodded "It's too bad she's not joining us in the Battle Nexus Tournament, I think she would stand a decent chance with her impressive skill with that Rope Dart of hers if she pairs it up with her sliding blade for defense!" Leonardo noted purposely to his father as he technically was her Sensei after all and it wasn't like he had just been standing outside the Shoji doors listening to their entire conversation.
"I agree! Her dedication in learning every possible use of it under the tutelage Donatello has exceeded my expectations though her skills in hand-to-hand combat still remains to be a challenge." Splinter also noted as they compared each of their assessments on his female student.
"It is a challenge she refuses to back down from even when faced with eminent defeat in sparing. But if I remember correctly, we were no different" Ducking his head Leonardo tried to hide his smile "It's still not too late if she changes her mind on joining us. She's got my support if she does." He noted offhandedly before bowing and walking off to check on his youngest brother as he had become a little too quiet.
Topside, Raphael was dressed in his street clothes and driving down across Manhattan on his Red Kawasaki Ninja with Kira riding in front of him and the bag holding their gear tied to the back. It was the fastest way to get there and back with the time limit they had available. He hadn't said a word to her about his talk with Splinter but the ecstatic smile he had plastered on his face and the quick passionate kiss he greeted her with when he reached the garage above were enough for her to figure out it went well.
During the ride he would lower his hand down onto her thigh now and then when he could let it rest a bit as he preferred for her to ride in front of him solely due to his habit of opening it up and going as fast as he could. The first time he had taken her for a ride he could feel her struggling to hold on when he turned a corner or weaved through traffic and she gladly accepted the offer of riding in front of him even if it meant being sandwiched between him and the tank. They also simply enjoyed being close together and enjoying the freedom riding offered them after being cooped up bellow.
Pulling up near the skate park, Kira looked out to check if anyone was looking before Raphael could remove his helmet and put on his knit hat and sunglasses as well as pull his hoodie up to conceal his appearance before they walked in. Once she had her gear on and he his blades they dropping in down a ramp and had fun with the other kids and teens that were there, some of which they knew from the indoor park Michelangelo had introduced them to. Both were having fun trying to one up the other with tricks that neither realized just how long they had been gone nor did they notice the figure watching them from the other side of the park.
Finally, when Raphael's shell-cell went off he stopped and waited for Kira before answering it and when he did, he was glad he had it on speaker in front of them.
"T-MINUSE TIME YOU TWO GOT YOUR SHELLS… WELL BUTTS BACK HERE! THE BATTLE NEXUS TOURNAMENT WAITS FOR NO TURTLE OR HUMAN…."
Both rolled their eyes and chuckled "We're on our way oh Mighty Returning Champion! Just keep your Shell on…" Kira spoke up for them as Raphael held his hand over his eyes shaking his head muttering 'Just great, inflate his ego a little more why don'tcha…'
"Just hurry… back Splinter wants to talk to all of us before we head out!" Donatello's voice spoke up in a much softer voice.
"I hear ya, we'll be back in five, well fifteen depending on traffic!" Raphael replied before hanging up and sighing "Well our times up, did you have fun Babe?" he inquired softly as he pulled his girlfriend into his side as they walked back to his Motorcycle.
Kira smiled happily as she looked up at his face "I loved it! It's been the best anniversary day ever… I love you Raphael" she replied letting her head rest against him until she noticed a black cloth bundle resting on the Motorcycles tank "Um Raphie… that wasn't there before!" She whispered nervously pointing it out to him.
Holding her protectively behind him, Raphael walked over to investigate the bundle only to release the breath he had been holding when he seen the red symbol belonging to The Foot "Looks like yer dear old Mom has been by Babe!"
Moving around him to look for herself she picked up the bundle and opened it, inside was a letter written in Japanese and two individually wrapped items "I can't read this!" she exclaimed nervously holding it up for him to look as well.
Mumbling under his breath he grunted in annoyance "It figures, I can only make out your name and hers! Let's get this back and let Pop figure out what it says." He recommended before attaching the gear bag onto the back of his bike. Getting on first he helped Kira on in front of him before putting their helmets on and driving off back towards the lair as she clutched onto the letter and bundle tightly as his erratic driving always made her nervous. Once they pulled into the garage neither wasted any time in riding themselves of their helmets before going right to the lift down to the Lair where they practically ran directly towards the TV area where Splinter was currently watching his soaps.
Kira was still clutching the package tightly to her chest while Raphael had his one hand firmly on her back as they walked over and she knelt next to the old rat's arm chair. One look at the distressed look upon his Daughters face and the TV as forgotten "What has happened my Children, you both look deeply troubled" he inquired giving them both his full attention.
"This package was left on the tank of my bike Father, the letter in it is written in full Japanese and I believe it's from Karai!" Raphael spoke up with a dangerous edge to his voice as his newly acquired trust in the Foot Clans Mistress was quickly waning.
Nodding understandably as his son's protectiveness he turned to Kira, "Let me see this package and letter!" he asked gently with his hands held out for her to hand it over to him.
The remaining three Brothers were also gathered around to see what was going on the moment Karai's name was mentioned.
Opening the bundle carefully Splinter read the letter before passing it up to Leonardo as the head of their Clan stood next to him "What do you think Leonardo? You are the head of our Clan I leave this in your hands!" the old rat replied with both a face and tone that gave nothing away.
Leonardo read the letter three times to himself before passing it back to Kira "The Letter simply whishes you luck in the Battle Nexus Tournament and that these two gifts are a token of luck for you to use. She also wrote directly to me stating that if you so whish, you have her blessing in representing herself, and not Oroku Saki, if there are any problems if you did decide to enter." He explained simplifying the translation of the lengthy letter to her. Seeing her hesitation, he squatted down to be more at her level "I am not aware of a participant limit if this is something you wish to compete in. You and your Mother are the only two of the Saki Clan and she has been doing everything in her power to rebuild your families honor outside of the Foot Clan. You don't need to decide now Kira, she simply whished for you have this opportunity."
Smiling as a wave of relief washed over her Kira nodded "Thank you for clearing it up for us Leo, I feel better knowing that is what this as about. How did she know I was going with you though?" she asked curiously as she hasn't seen nor spoken to her Mother since that night at the Docks fighting Hun.
Ducking his head Leo snorted an awkward laugh "She has asked about you and Raph when we've met up since that fight and I would let her know your both well and of the progress you've made in training. I've also informed her that we would be going to the Tournament so she wouldn't worry." He confessed to her.
Raphael snorted in annoyance as he rolled his eyes" Geash Leo, you're beginning to become a more annoying Mother Hen than April!" Everyone chuckled at that.
"Dude, so like Kira's going to coming after my Title too? Ahh man…" Michelangelo groaned thinking it was already bad enough he'd have to go up against his Brothers but now his Sister to.
Chuckling deeply Splinter smiled at his youngest Son, "That decision has not been made as of yet Michelangelo! But I suggest that you all go prepare for our trip as we will be leaving shortly"
"Yes Sensei!" the five teenagers replied in unison before getting up and running off to get their things.
"One moment Kira" Splinter called out before she had gone too far "You forgot your Mothers gifts!" he pointed out meeting her part way to hand the bundle over.
"Thanks Sensei, so um… did Raphie say anything about his concern about having an episode while competing?" She inquired in a hushed voice after checking to make sure no one else was listening.
Splinter nodded "Yes he has, we also discussed the options he might have as I am unsure of the rules on this matter, I told him that I would see what I could do for him." He explained wording his response carefully. Kira nodded silently while bighting her gotten lip nervously making him chuckle softly "It might be wise for you to bring extra clothing with you this time" he noted as he started walking away "… Something comfortable that you could move easily in!" he recommended off the top of his head leaving her to think it over.
When she finally caught on to what he meant Kira ran up to the second level and into her room in order to pack and change for the trip. The last time she as at the Daimyo's she had been severely injured and in a sorry state that left a sorry impression with everyone she came in contact there. Now she was healthier and stronger than ever and she wanted to make a better first impression this time and she had just the outfit picked out to do it. She also would be representing two Clans, the Turtles and her Mother and she didn't want to disappoint either with a bad impression.
Ripping off her grungy skater clothes, Kira dug threw her dresser in order to find the outfit she had in mind when Raphael walked in unexpectedly without knocking "Raph, don't just stand there shut the door!" she whispered loudly not bothering to cover the boy shorts and sports bra she had on as he stood there dumbfounded.
"Ahh, right!" he replied shaking his head clear not expecting her to have been in middle of changing. Closing her door, he walked over to her in order to keep his brothers from hearing what he wanted to say as he watched her go back to searching her dresser for something "If you did want to represent yer Mom it's cool with me! Cause I Love ya a lot an' I ahh support whatever ya want to do…" he whispered a bit awkwardly to her.
Stopping her search Kira jumped into Raphael's arms unexpectedly and kissed him excitedly over and over "That is the sweetest thing I've ever heard Raphie…"
Putting her back onto the floor as his cheeks burned with how hard he was blushing he scuffed his toes and nodded "Yeah, well it's true and I best not hear ya blabbing that all over the place while we're there!" he replied warningly as he took a seat on the bed watching her get ready "What we you doing anyway?"
"Changing and I can't find the top I wanted!" she huffed now throwing her clothes behind her "Last time I showed up there I was an unconscious bloody mess!" She pointed out frustrated.
Chuckling deeply, he stood and moved up behind her to take a look "Just put on something Red, a pair of jeans, black calf high boots and yer black leather jacket! Ya don't need to dress fancy fer a fight" He suggested simply while pulling out the suggested items. Ducking his head down next to her head he nuzzled her neck tenderly "Just be yerself Baby!"
Smiling she stepped back into his plastron "That's easy for you to say, I'm not a Mutated Nudist Turtle!" she giggled mischievously earning a firm swat to the ass.
Stepping back Raphael started for the bedroom door "Just hurry up and get dressed ya smartass!" he chuckled before stepping out of the room and headed down to the main floor to wait for her.
When it was time to leave Splinter and the four Turtles were already waiting for Kira at the bottom of the stairs by the time, she left her room. Dressed in the exact outfit Raphael had picked out for her, plus a double row studded belt holding her new weapons pouch low on her right hip and her dirty blond hair hanging down almost to the middle of her back, she walked down the stairs smiling. The Brothers all looked stunned at her chosen look for their trip but had nothing against it as it just seemed to fit her. Stepping over to her Donatello pulled out her completed sliding blade and helped her strap it on her stump arm beneath the jacket sleeve before quickly showing her how it worked. Once everyone was ready the Portal was opened, Splinter led the way through followed by Leonardo, Michelangelo Donatello then finally Kira and Raphael who all landed safely in a forest of the Nexus Dimension ready to face their challengers in the preliminary round.
