Chapter 15: Take a Hint (Victorious cast)

With the next Round not set to start for some time yet Michelangelo and Donatello were busy sightseeing, Leonardo and Usagi were off somewhere in privet doing what all mated couples do after a long absence, Raphael and Kira had just been chased out of the Palace kitchen by a very pissed off cook and were now out in the market place looking for something to eat. All seemed to be going perfectly this time around at the Battle Nexus Tournament, a little to perfectly as none realized the danger hiding within the shadows.

Laughing as they tried to catch their breaths after being chased out of the Palace kitchen both Raphael and Kira were now walking through the Market Place together with his left with his arm wrapped down her back, holding her close by the side of her chest he smiled happily as she rested her head against him. It felt good to be able to walk freely out in the open like this with her and not have to conceal his appearance beneath layers of constricting human clothes, outside of the brown jacket he now wore. They still received the occasional dirty looks from those who kept silent with their disapproval of their relationship simply because of the fact he was a Humanoid Turtle and she a disfigured Human girl who dressed in nontraditional female clothing and fought in the Tournament. Raphael couldn't help but laugh inwardly thinking of how they would react if the Usagi they were accustomed to bent Leonardo back and kissed him hard right then and there.

"What's so funny?" Kira asked after hearing what sounded like a snort of laughter coming from above her head.

"I was just thinking about the narrow-minded assholes here would think if they saw Leo an Usagi making out considering the looks we've gotten a few times already!" He snorted keeping his reply hushed and between them.

Slapping his plastron firmly Kira stepped back a bit and gave him a mock look of disappointment "How could you even think of subjecting them to these unfortunates, whom are unworthy to witness, something so beautiful!"

It only took Raphael a moment to pick up on what she meant "Come on Babe, let's just find someplace to get a drink!" he replied laughing as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and continued their way "Call it beautiful all ya want, but watching my Bro making out with anyone is far from "beautiful" in my opinion!" he shuttered with a faint smirk as she once again slapped him.

Just across the bridge leading outside of the Palaces fortification, both Leonardo and Usagi sat close together within the tree line out of site, sweaty and breathing hard from their coupling. Both were smiling contently as they rested their heads together enjoying what little time they would have together before needing to go back inside the walls for the next part of the Tournament.

Looking over at his Companion, Usagi couldn't help but to notice the worried expression that slowly had grown on Leonardo's face. Reaching up to cup his cheek he looked deeply into his blues eyes "What troubles you my Mate?"

Shaking his head clear Leonardo leaned his head into his Mates furry hand as he spoke "I just had a disturbing feeling come to me, like things are going along too perfectly!"

Thinking a moment Usagi nodded in agreement "Yes, I too have had that feeling. I believe it's time we returned and checked on the others!" agreeing on their course of action both Leonardo and Usagi parted and began to redress themselves as to return and search the Market Place for the others.

Finding a small bistro style place, Raphael left Kira waiting outside at their table while he went in to order their drinks and a lite snack not thinking there would be any issues with it. Only while she was sitting quietly alone minding her own business a strange hunched over cloaked figure slowly made their way over and took a seat near her without speaking permission alarming her instantly. Pulling herself back away from this heavy breathing hooded stranger, Kira slowly reached down to her right boot in order to pull the hidden Tanto her Mother had given her months prior.

"Please, do not be alarmed beautiful young warrior, I mean you no harm..." the soft almost snake like voice spoke up reassuringly "… I only wish for a moment of your time."

Narrowing her eyes suspiciously Kira remained as she was not willing to move her hand away from the wrapped handle of the concealed blade "Look Dude, ya best get to walkin' before my Guardian finds out and personally sends you on your way!" she advised him threateningly as he just plain gave her the creeps.

Sounding almost like he was chuckling to himself, the hooded stranger leaned in closer to her and gave her a long sniff before speaking in a tone that sounded as if he were smiling in amusement "That lowly Terrapin you're with, he does not concern me! You are pure as fresh fallen snow and deserve a 'Mate' worthy of your... exotic beauty!"

This infuriated Kira like nothing had before, pulling her Mothers' Tanto she stood up ready to fight "Get the fuck away from me ya no good creep! Like it or not I'm already taken and that ain't about to change…" she growled dangerously.

This made the hooded figure laugh "Don't think me a fool, Beautiful one!" he replied warning her back "You're taken by no one or you'd already reek of that… things… stench!"

"I believe my Charge has demanded you to leave, Stranger!" Kira's eyes relaxed when she heard her Guardians distinct voice.

Turning around, the stranger came face to face with both Miyamoto, Usagi and Hamato, Leonardo; each with a hand upon the hilt of their weapons, as Raphael also walked into view with both Sias in hand.

"You best leave now before I allow my Brother the... Honor of defending his 'Mate'!" Leonardo then spoke up in a calm but highly dangerous tone that he only used on the rare occasion.

Seeing that the lone human female was clearly well protected, the mysterious figure backed away and retreated down the street and vanished around a corner.

Putting their weapons away the two Turtles and Rabbit walked over to where Kira stood in order to see if she was alright. Wrapping his arm protectively around her shoulders, Raphael leaned down and placed a lingering kiss to the top of her head before escorting her away from there with his older brother in the lead and his companion directly behind them with his hand still resting upon the hilt of his sword.

"You alright Baby?" Raphael asked in a concerned hushed voice that was masked by the deadly look that filled his face.

"I'll live, the creep pissed me off more than anything! Ain't nothing new over here…" Kira replied making a confident show for the passersby that she wasn't the least bit shaken up as she walked with 'Her' Turtle.

"Mind filling us in on that Sis!" Leonardo demanded in a hushed but strict voice of authority as Head of their Clan.

Exhaling she nodded "Half way threw my last time here I got fed up with life in the palace and snuck out away from everyone, including Usagi, to have some free time. Well, when I found my way down to the Market place, I was checking out this cute shop when some high on himself asshole calling himself the "Ultimate Ninja" started making small talk with me. He thought that by bragging about himself and his accomplishments that I'd fall madly in love with him… blaghhh" Kira made a motion like she was gagging in disgust.

Both Turtle growled hearing this but made sure to keep their composure while out in public "What'd ya do?" Raphael inquired straining to keep his cool and not flip out into a murderous rage.

Kira smirked at the memory "I told him to get stuffed and walked off back towards the palace where Usagi was looking for me. I told him some conceded prick was bugging me but when I went to point him out, he was gone"

"Why did you not tell me it was the Daimyo's Son, Kira-kun?" Usagi quickly spoke up with a hurt edge to his voice.

"Because I didn't know that's who that jerk was, Usagi-kun. If I had known, I would have told you and Lord Daimyo!" She explained apologetically to her close friend.

"It's alright Kira, you didn't know..." Leonardo spoke up stepping in order to ease the hurt between his Companion and his sister. "That 'jerk' has had it out for me since I was about 16 because apparently, I was the best Swordsman in the Multi-Verse. He was the one who tried to kill me our first time around in the Tournament, and how I got to meet Usagi-kun" he explained flashing his Lover a quick smile.

Rolling his eyes in annoyance Raphael cleared his throat warningly "So 'Fearless' what's the plan? That Asshole's after my Mate…"

"Easy Raph, until we know exactly just what's going on here, we continue acting like we have been since we got here. We'll speak to Father and the Daimyo privately the first chance we get, but until then you gotta trust me on this Bro. Usagi will do everything he can to keep her/your Kira safe." Leonardo spoke softly to the couple before directing his attention solely on his sister "The next Round is about to start up here soon Sis. It's up to you if you want to chance it and compete where none of us can watch your back or if you wish to pull out and stick close to Dad and Raph. The choice is yours!"

"I'm not going to let this prick stop me from competing in this Tournament!" Kira spoke up hiding the small level of fear that she was feeling.