You guys are positively saints for being so patient with me. Thank you all so much for your continued support and reviews. I did try to respond to the reviews from last chapter but for some reason Fanfiction just wasn't allowing me to. I'm not sure if anybody else experienced this problem or not, but I am really sorry. If I never reply to you then just assume there is some technical error because you guys know I always respond. (Unless you're a guest and I don't really have a way to send you a message! Just know I appreciate your reviews as well!) Thanks once more! Also, fans of Undertale should easily be able to catch a reference in this chapter.
Chapter 13: Encounter
Noelle stood on the edge of one of the buildings in China Town, feverishly rubbing her hands together to keep away the late night chill that was seeping through her clothes and into her skin. She'd grabbed a navy blue hoodie earlier to try and stay warm while blending in easier with her surroundings, but it wasn't a helpful factor when it came to warming her thin jean-clad legs. Her stomach churned nervously in anxiety while she took deep breaths to calm her pounding heart, occasionally sharing a smile with Mikey to try and override every apprehensive nerve fluttering around her mind.
Nearly two weeks had passed since Felix departed for his business trip, leaving his daughter desolate in the reticent home. While the two of them usually didn't carry on a conversation or share familial embraces, Noelle did miss her dad's presence. Spending so much time alone after everything that had happened to her and her mother didn't exactly soothe her to sleep every night, so she'd had no choice but to drown her actively comprehensive evening thoughts with boisterous movie scores while producing art or working on homework. Fortunately, April had been more than kind enough to come over and be a study buddy, which proved to be the perfect distraction every time a gloomy thought attempted to corrupt her mentality. The red head had even stayed on a Friday night to keep the blonde company, and they both ended up having a good time engrossing themselves with older animated movies and popcorn.
School and training were also useful diversions, exhausting her both mentally and physically. Noelle practiced meditation every day, and even found herself looking forward to the peaceful exercise. It gave her a serene mind, and made staying alone a tad bit easier. Of course, there had been the couple times when Mikey completely caught her off guard in the middle of her self-reflection, usually causing the human to jump off the ground with a face that matched the color of her hair. The energetic terrapin laughed for a second before sincerely apologizing, and after those incidents he would knock on her window every time he saw her in deep concentration.
Mikey and Noelle had become inseparable. Every day they talked, whether it was in person or through text messages and phone calls. A single day didn't go by without them speaking to each other. He always walked her home after training, unaware of the watchful eyes of his brothers and father. Noelle found herself speaking to him without difficulty, and sometimes would give him little art lessons, usually easy ones that displayed numerous tricks to drawing animals, parts of the human body, and exploring different perspectives. She demonstrated how he could use a variety of simple shapes to form the frames of him and his brother's bodies, along with manipulating the forms into active poses. They seemed to be the happiest when around each other, and their friendship was as close as Donnie and April's. The little fear in the back of her mind that Mikey and his brothers would leave her had diminished greatly, and all she could do was hope that it would eventually disappear one day.
"Hey guys, you see anything yet?" Leo inquired from the opposite end of the building. He had one knee jutted out and the other one straightened as he relaxed a foot on the bulge protruding out of the roof's edge. As soon as they'd arrived he'd immediately taken a look-out stance, keeping a trained eye on the alleys and streets below. The hour was late, so there weren't as many civilians around, but he knew from experience that this was the time criminal activity usually took place.
Mikey lay upside down with his legs pressed against the walls of the building adjoined with theirs and yawned in boredom. "Dude, nothing is happeninggg. Why can't we just go home?"
Leo looked over and scoffed when he saw his little brother not taking the situation seriously. "Because we need to make sure the Kraang and Foot Soldiers are off the street. Besides, Sensei wants Noelle to practice patrolling with us so she can get an idea of how to fight our enemies."
The very mention of conflicting with the creatures that kidnapped her mom sent an unpleasant shiver coursing up her spine. Earlier that evening, Splinter had called all of his sons, along with Casey, April, and Noelle into the dojo to inform them of his plan; he wanted Leo and Mikey partnered up with Noelle so she could view how their enemies fought, along with how each of the turtles engaged in combat. For the next week she would patrol with them, constantly switching partners so she would know how to work with each of her allies in battle. He specifically stated that Noelle was to hide if they came across any of their foes, and was to use violence only when necessary. She was given a belt similar to Donnie's, which would secure one weapon to her back so she didn't have to hold the Jitte everywhere she went.
"Looks like we've got some Purple Dragons." Leo alerted his partners as he drew out both Katanas and gestured down with the tip of one of his blades. Noelle and Mikey joined him at his side and studied the small group of four men suspiciously lugging bags into what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse.
The freckled terrapin exasperatedly groaned. "Ugh. Didn't we fight them just a few days ago?"
"Who are the Purple Dragons?" Noelle recognized the name, but she couldn't remember what the group was. All she knew was that sometimes she say their logo graffiti on the side of some buildings.
"They're some dumb gang that think they're cool. My bros and I have kicked their butts so many times that it's just become super lame." Mikey explained in an annoyed huff while pulling out his Nunchucks.
Regardless of how little of a threat he deemed them, Noelle still felt incredibly nervous. She knew that the brothers would be able to handle themselves, but she definitely had no chance. She suddenly appreciated Master Splinter having her go up to the surface, otherwise she would be completely helpless in a battle with little to no knowledge about an actual fight.
"Noelle, Mikey and I are gonna take them on. You stay up here, okay?"
All she could do was silently nod.
"We'll be back. Hold up the fort!?" Mikey playfully nudged her and grinned before he and Leo vaulted off the roof and cantered after the thugs. Noelle sat on the cold surface and tucked her legs into each other while she observed the brothers chasing after the troublesome men and wasting absolutely no time in attacking. The gang members attempted to stab at the reptiles, but with little to no avail. Even from where she sat she could hear the yelling and grunts of the thieves as they were delivered sharp kicks to the sides and blows to the face. The two ninjas didn't hold back in their attacks, even when some extra members ventured out from inside of the disregarded structure to back up their allies.
She suddenly heard a metallic sound behind her that put her in an alert Splinter's lesson on being aware of her surroundings, Noelle drew her Jitte out just in case and scanned her surroundings, pointing the edge of the weapon threateningly in front of her while trying to control her shaking arms. When she couldn't spot anything unusual, she turned back around to focus on the battle below, feeling as if she was safe for the moment.
A blade of silver shot past her face, cleanly slicing off several strands of her hair and barely grazing her cheek. She froze as panic spread through her body.
"So you're their little new friend, huh? I've gotta say, I'm not impressed."
Taking a shaky deep breath, Noelle hesitantly turned her around and was met with a pair of beautiful but threatening golden eyes that belonged to an ivory skinned girl who appeared to be the same age. Judging by the armor, weapons and confident aura she emitted, the unfamiliar girl was entirely familiar with fighting and seemed able to hold her own in a battle.
[Fire in Brooklyn Theater]
"The name's Karai. Why don't we play a little game?" Her scarlet lips lifted into a mischievous smile as she pulled out her Naginata. "How about... tag?"
Noelle stiffened when she heard the name, recalling the story Splinter had told her about his daughter being brainwashed by Tang-Shen's killer. A part of her really wanted to try and talk without resorting to violence, but as she cautiously eyed her opponent's weapon she knew that the best thing she could do was find the brothers. She timidly stared at Karai for only a few seconds before she spun around and forced her shaking legs to run.
The female warrior grinned in excitement as she disappeared into the shadows and commenced the chase, giving the blonde only a few extra seconds to gain ground before she pounced. "Now that's more like it!"
Noelle's heart pounded as she darted to the roof's ledge and helplessly looked around for a way down. The only possible way she could safely get off was by jumping the gap between the building she was currently on and the one directly across. Without wasting time, she took few steps back, tucked her weapon away, and scaled towards the other roof with her hand extended so she could grab onto the structure's edge.
She managed to make it, but barely. With a grunt she pulled herself up and stumbled forward as she scampered over to the other side. Relieved at seeing the fire escape, she hurried over and clambered down the steps until she reached the street. She burst ahead towards her friends' direction, only to be stopped by her pursuer.
"You're not very good at this, are you?"
Noelle sprinted over to the right, wondering what she could have possibly done to make such an enemy. Her whole body shuddered as she literally ran for her life, nearly getting hit by a car as she crossed the street, and attempted to hide against the side of a building so she could catch her breath. There was absolutely no way she could outrun Karai, so all she could do was cloak herself in the shadows until the coast was clear.
"Boo."
[+]
Before Noelle could scream and take off once again, she was thrown carelessly to the ground. Karai hunched over her and pushed the blade against the side of her neck, analyzing how the blonde trembled with a quivering lower lip while her eyes filled with tears.
It was truly a pitiful display.
"This was too simple, you know. You're lucky I'm not the Kraang." There was almost something empathetic in Karai's voice as she studied the girl beneath her. "I'm trying to prove to you how serious the situation is. You need to stop being so weak and get your butt into gear if you really want to rescue your mom. Not everybody gets that chance."
Noelle gazed up at the other girl, her shaking immediately ceasing over the slightly dismal tone.
"Karai, get off her, man!" Mikey yelled as he charged towards the girl with Leo in tow and Nunchucks spinning above his head.
With an irritated sigh Karai stood up and backed away with her arms crossed her chest. She smirked, clearly unafraid of the two brothers. "Well, it's about time you guys showed up. I was getting pretty bored."
Leo took a defensive stance in front of Noelle while Mikey quickly bent down and placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his eyes worriedly roaming over her to check for injuries. "Are you okay? Did she hurt you? Man, I'm totally going to whoop her butt!"
Noelle leaned against Mikey, relieved that she was safe and able to see her friends again. "I'm fine. Actually, I think she was trying to help me." It was a funny way to look at the situation considering that not even two minutes ago she was running for her life, but Karai seemed to be teaching her a lesson on what actual combat was like, and for that she was appreciative, no matter how terrified she'd been.
Mikey blinked in disbelief. "Help you with what? That didn't look very helpful."
"Actually, she's right," Karai calmly defended, earning a raised brow from Leo. "I was giving her a taste of what she's going up against, and if she can't even handle me then she has no chance against a whole army of Kraang. They may seem like mindless idiots, but I know first-hand just how powerful their technology is, not to mention how dedicated they are to taking over Earth. "
"It doesn't matter what your attentions are," Leo barked. "I thought you would act civilized towards Noelle, not pretend like you're going to kill her!"
"Yeah dude! There was nothing cilivicized about what you just did!"
"Civilized," Noelle politely corrected.
"Yeah, that!"
"Mikey, take Noelle home," Leo ordered without taking his eyes off Karai. "I'll meet you back at the lair later."
"Will do!" Mikey hunched down so Noelle could take her seat on his shell before he escalated up the nearest wall, leaving his older brother and adopted sister alone in a tense atmosphere. The two stared at each other for only a few seconds before Leo's shoulders sagged and he sheathed his weapons.
"Were you actually trying to help her, or were you just being a bully?"
Karai shrugged with a smirk. "What do you think?"
"I think you actually had good intentions but went about things the wrong way. This isn't a game. We've only been training her for about two weeks, so of course she won't be able to beat you right away."
"Okay, then when are you guys planning to actually do something about the Kraang?" she snapped. "With each passing day they get one step closer to achieving domination and killing everybody! We have maybe three months left and that's it unless you actually do something!"
"I get that you're worried, but you have to understand that we need to be careful about all this. We will stop them. I promise."
Karai sighed and gazed up at the full moon hovering over the city. Leo followed her trail of vision as frigid breeze whispered across their skin. "I hope you're right, Leonardo."
[][][]
Noelle had remained quiet the entire two minutes it took for them to reach her bedroom window. Mikey had hummed cheerfully, permitting a calming atmosphere contrary to the chaos that had just ensued. She waited until they had reached her room before she decided to voice what had been plaguing her mind since they left the alley.
"Mikey, do you think Karai is a good person?"
His cheeks swelled up with air that he gradually let out while thinking of an answer. "Uh, well, I hope so. I don't think she's super bad like Shredder or the Kraang, but she's done some mean things in the past that make me wonder about her. I just feel bad for Leo, ya know?"
Noelle sat cross-legged on her bed and attentively leaned forward with a pillow squished into her lap. "What do you mean?"
"He seriously likes her. He isn't as bad as Donnie is with April, but you can really tell he just wants to hug her sometimes. It's a little weird though, what with her being our sister and all."
"Oh." She suddenly felt bad for Leo as well. She couldn't imagine finding out that the person she liked ended up not only being on the enemy's side, but a sibling as well. "You're not related by blood though, right? Technically, Leo could be with her without things being strange."
"I guess so." Mikey rubbed the back of his head. "Not sure what Sensei would think though."
Noelle smiled softly. "I think that he would be okay with it. He knows what it's like to be in love, so I'm sure he would understand."
"Yeah, maybe." He lay on the bed in front of her with his feet hanging off the edge and eyes focused on the ceiling. "I almost think that being in love might be like being sick, you know? Donnie acts like such a weirdo around April, and sometimes his face looks so red that I think he might have a fever or something. Isn't love supposed to be a good thing?"
"Yeah," she dreamily murmured, trying to imagine what the feeling would be like. "I've never been in love so I'm not sure what it's like, but I bet it's a good feeling."
"Ugh, this love sick stuff is making me feel kinda gross." He blew a raspberry into the air, grinning as Noelle giggled. "Dude, when does your dad come back?"
"In two days, so I'll probably visit my grandma tomorrow. I haven't seen her since the night of the kidnapping." Her smile twisted into a remorseful frown. "I bet she's worried."
"Pfft! I'm sure she's fine!"
[][][]
"Oh, I'm glad to see you again! I was so worried!"
Sandra enveloped Noelle into a tight embrace, which only fueled the teen's guilt at having stayed away for so long. "Sorry for just now stopping over, grandma. A lot has happened."
The elderly woman pulled back with a smile and cupped Noelle's cheek. "Nonsense. I'm just glad you seem to be doing okay. Come in."
They stepped into the living room and Sandra closed the door behind them. Nick's house was a lot like Felix's, except he had a garage and extra bathroom. Pictures of her aunt, uncle and cousin were scattered across ivory walls, making the house seem very homey.
"Where is everybody?" Noelle asked when she noticed just how quiet it was. Usually her little cousin would've come in to greet her by now, or her aunt would've offered some sort of snack.
"They've gone out for the day. I was invited to go, but I'd much rather be here with my drawings." Sandra gestured towards the opened sketchbook, which had a detailed bird in the process of flying through a field of flowers. Noelle smiled warmly and picked the book up so she could admire her grandmother's work in better detail.
"You draw these birds a lot. What are they?"
"A black-capped chickadee. Adorable little things that I've seen in parks and in the backyard here. They just melt my heart." The older woman's eye twinkled fondly. "I envy them, to be able to fly and see so much of the world and all the sights it has to offer. Of course, they don't fly too far away, but I bet it's lovely from their height."
Noelle thought of how Mikey had carried her up the tall building so she could see all the lights of the city. It had been a moment she wouldn't forget, or that failed to bring a fond smile to her face.
"Well, you certainly look happier than I've seen you in a long time."
She hadn't put much thought into it, but her grandma was right. She had gone to bed crying so many nights that after a while she didn't really notice anymore. However, ever since she'd met the turtles, April, and Casey, she'd been laughing and smiling more than she had in years.
"I'm sad that mom is still missing, but I am happy I was able to make new friends who are willing to help me find her. It honestly almost seems too good to be true."
"Is there somebody you've grown especially close to?"
Noelle's face lit up, and her cheeks felt warm as she thought about some memories that she and Mikey shared. "His name is Michelangelo, but we call him Mikey for sure. He's a very silly but kind person; he even went to the museum with me! He always makes me laugh and we did a painting together and we also have a secret place that nobody else has gone to and-"
"My goodness!" Sandra chuckled in amusement. "It certainly seems like this Mikey person is very important to you."
The blonde intertwined her fingers together and stared down at them softly, unable to keep the smile off her face. "He's very important to me. He's my best friend. " She said nothing for a moment as pleasant thoughts floated through her head and Sandra watched with a knowing smile. "Oh, I've also made another good friend. Her name is April and we go to school together. She's really skilled at math so she helps me out while I assist her with English. There's also Casey, who is a really funny hockey player. I've seen him skate before and he's amazing at it. There's Donnie, who is extremely smart and..."
Sandra couldn't believe just how much her granddaughter had changed. The usually timid girl in front of her was now talking non-stop, which was quite a welcoming metamorphosis. Something was different about her, as if she'd become stronger and seemed to believe in herself a little more. She was tempted to make sure her new life with Felix was going okay, but she didn't want to interrupt such a flow of cheerful thoughts.
Hopefully Savannah will be able to witness this soon.
[][][]
A couple hours had passed by before Noelle left, feeling jovial and pleased that she'd been able to catch up with her grandma. Even though Sandra hadn't really said anything, it was obvious that she missed her daughter terribly, and it broke Noelle's heart. She needed to find Sandra as soon as possible, but she knew that Karai's earlier words about not being able to handle the Kraang were true, and if she didn't start training more than she'd have no chance at all. The Kraang wouldn't just patiently wait for her to get better; she had to push herself.
Filled with determination, Noelle pulled out her T-Phone and dialed a number, ignoring her nerves in the process. She still had to get used to calling people and talking over the phone, but her anxiety in doing so had significantly decreased.
After two rings the other line was picked up, followed by the sound of a surprised Raph.
"Hello?"
"Oh, uh, hi Raph."
There was an awkward silence. "...Hi? Do you need something?"
She immediately chided herself for making the atmosphere awkward, and forced herself to speak clearly without sounding intimidated. " I was wondering if you could help me. I need to get stronger, and I'll do whatever it takes to do so. I know I'm not the most skilled person but-"
"Say no more. Meet us at your dad's and we'll get started." He hung up, sounding pleased at her request. Something told Noelle that she was about to be in for a rude awakening, but it was too late to back down now.
She briskly cantered towards her temporary home, feeling more hope than ever before. "Don't worry mom. I'm going to do my best and get you out."
[][][]
"She seems to be settling in okay," Donnie observed as he analyzed Noelle's room, impressed with how organized she was. He'd never viewed her as a sloppy person, but he'd always imagined an artist's space to be cluttered with far too many brushes, along with smears of paint everywhere and pencil shavings scattered across the floor. He definitely hadn't given her the credit she deserved.
"What do we have here?" Raph coyly grinned and poked Mikey on the shell while he gestured at the hand painting on the wall. "Anything you wanna tell us little bro? Seems like you and Noelle have gotten pretty close, huh?"
Instead of getting flustered or embarrassed like his older brother had hoped, Mikey instead placed his hands behind his head and beamed at the artwork. "I mean, isn't it obvious? We're, like, best friends now. Don't be jealous of our masterpiece, bro."
"Jealous?! I'm not jealous!"
"Are too. You need an elevator to get to our level of skill. Ding ding."
"Why you little-"
The bedroom door suddenly swung open and Noelle entered, looking a little surprised when she saw all four turtles in her bedroom. She'd obviously known that Raph would show up, and maybe with Mikey, but to see all four of them was a little unexpected. It wasn't unwelcome, although she did feel a bit worried to see Raph in the process of holding Mikey in a headlock. The two parted, and the freckled terrapin waved at his friend.
"Dude, this is great! We're totally gonna help you kick butt!"
Leo folded his arms with his brows furrowed together. "Noelle, please don't feel like this is something you have to do, and definitely don't push yourself too hard."
"If you feel nauseous or tired let me know. Overworking your body's core muscles can really backfire on you in the future," Donnie advised, making the blonde feel not as certain as she had before. The thought of running or training until she threw up or passed out from exhaustion was not an appealing idea.
"O-okay. I promise, and I'm doing this because I have to if I want any hope of fighting the Kraang."
Raph simpered in encouragement. "That's the spirit! Let's get going!"
Leo sighed, knowing that the whole Karai incident had probably really affected her. All he could do was believe that Noelle wouldn't obsess over the idea to the point where she could hurt herself. As Leader, she would be his responsibility when Splinter wasn't around, so he needed to keep an eye on her. He'd been the same way when April first started training on the surface with them, and she'd proven herself time and time again, so there was a probable chance that Noelle would show the same results.
At least, he hoped.
[][][]
When Noelle collapsed on her bed later, she thought she'd never be able to move again.
Two hours of running over alley gaps and climbing the side of buildings like some sort of spider had challenged her body in ways she'd never thought possible. Her fingers ached from gripping bricks, railings, and window sills, and her leg muscles felt like they were burning off. She knew she wasn't in top shape, but she definitely didn't think she was that out of shape!
Raph hadn't been merciless in his encouragement, starting her off with smaller buildings to cross and slim alley spaces to leap over so she would gradually not worry about falling as much. Leo would wait at the top of the building to help her climb up if she needed it or grab onto her after jumped while the brothers waited beneath her in case she fell, which miraculously didn't happen. She had definitely come close a few times when she grabbed onto something that seemed secure but was instead rickety or unstable. She was thankful that the mutant terrapins had called out tips or places she would grab onto when she was stuck, but for the most part she was able to figure it out on her own. Although the training had been a little intense for her, Noelle couldn't deny that she'd really enjoyed herself in the process. She would prefer to be outside over the indoors any day.
When Mikey and the others dropped her off at her house, she almost felt like she would topple over. Donnie opened the window for her while Mikey climbed in and held out an arm for her to grab onto. She'd given a little apologetic smile and seated herself at the edge of her bed.
"You did good today. We'll bump up the difficulty next time," Leo complimented with a proud grin, geeked over the idea of more training.
Noelle tried not to cringe at the thought of exhausting herself again, and instead forced her lips to turn up. "Thank you. I look forward to it."
"Good. Well, we'll see ya later." With that the eldest brother nodded and escalated up the exterior wall and out of sight. Donnie repeated the gestured and trailed after his leader, leaving behind Mikey and Raph. Noelle watched the hot-tempered ninja rub the back of his head with a frown, as if he was utterly perplexed about something.
"So, uh, I'm not complaining or anything, but why did you call me and not Leo? He's the so-called "Fearless" one. "
The blonde teen was confused over why Raph sounded so stumped about her reaching out to him. "Well, because I know how hard you push yourself and that you wouldn't take it easy on me. I need to be stronger."
Mikey seemed thrilled that his best friend was getting along with his brother so well. "Aw! She likes you Raph! That's awesome bro! It's not often that happens!"
"Shutup Mikey," Raph grumbled, but he didn't sound too angry. If anything, he looked a little pleased that she'd recognized just how intensely he worked out and trained, not to mention he'd managed to one-up his brother.
Noelle wasn't sure if she'd said the wrong thing or not, but Raph rubbing her head drove off any self-doubt she had. He smirked at her before he advanced towards the open window. "You did good today, kid. " He exited the room without another word.
"Dude, I'm totally glad you two are getting along! He doesn't like too many people, but he totally wants to be your friend! Girl, you got some charm!" Mikey pulled her into a brisk hug and laughed while she smiled
"I don't know if I have charm, but I'm glad he and I are friends. I like all of your brothers."
"But I'm still your favorite right?" He grinned at her with puppy-dog eyes that absolutely melted her heart.
"Of-of course."
"Darn right! Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow. See ya later, dude!" Mikey held out a fist for her to bump before he also left, allowing her to finally go shower. As soon as she returned to bed, she had barely turned the lights off before she succumbed to a deep sleep.
[][][]
Karai stood outside her father's lair, knowing he would want answers as to where she had been the entire day. He knew of her curious nature and previous interactions with the turtles, so his mistrust in her had increased quite a bit, regardless of her saving him when the turtles had betrayed their deal. Lately she'd been confused with her life. Leo absolutely insisted that their mutant rat of a father was in fact her biological dad, and that Shredder was the one who had killed her mother. It was almost an insane thought that completely went against everything she'd been raised to believe, and yet when Leo spoke he sounded so sincere and looked her straight in the eyes to show how genuine his words were. Shredder, of course, disregarded the words as blatant lies, which only continued to make her feel torn and unsure. She told no one of her dilemma, and instead attempted to focus on finding out what the Kraang were up to. They were the bigger threat at the moment, and one that needed to be erased from existence.
"Karai. I know you're out there. Step inside."
She sighed at her father's booming voice, knowing he eventually would have figured out that she was lurking outside his throne room. She took a deep breath, and pushed the vast doors open.
Fishface's head was above the thin stream of water parallel to the corridor's walkway, a toothy and sly grin on his face that made Karai want to rip his fins off. Him and Razhar were excellent at getting under her skin, and took great pleasure in watching the Shredder interrogate her. The slim mutant dog sat loyally in front of his master's throne,appearing just as pleased as Fishface. She shot him an annoyed glare before she looked up to face the menacing figure of the Shredder.
"Father."
"Have you made any progress in your pursuit of the turtles?"
"No."
"What is taking you so long?"
She stood her ground as his deep voice rumbled at her, displeased at her lack of progress. Karai hadn't searched for the turtles' lair in a long time, and knew that one day Shredder would lose patience when she didn't turn up results. "The Kraang are more of an enemy tha-"
"I don't care what you think! I gave you an order and I expect you to follow it!"
"I'm not one of your little soldiers you can boss around!"
"Get out of my sight! Now!"
She spun on her heel and traipsed out of the uncomfortable room with dignity, refusing to give him the benefit of the doubt. She didn't face his two little minions who were probably simpering in pleasure at her lecture, and she definitely didn't look back at her father. She used to think he was the most powerful and intimidating man on the face of the planet, somebody who she could respect and look up to. Now, he was just a scarred and angry man hiding behind a helmet and obsessing over an old enemy and his mutant sons. He didn't care what happened to her or the planet.
Well, if he wasn't going to do something, then she would.
Shredder watched his adopted daughter slam the doors shut, his hands gripping the arms of his throne in an attempt to control his rage. He had asked her to do one thing, and she hadn't so much as tried or acted like she cared. She had reached an age where she was rebelling and doubting his words, and he wouldn't allow it.
"Shall we do anything, Master Shredder?" Razhar growled from the bottom of the steps.
Shredder considered his options carefully. "She is up to something, and I want it stopped. You and Xavier are to keep an eye on her, and report back to me if you find anything out about her and the turtles. Some actions might have to be taken."
The mutant dog's mouth widened, revealing a set of sharp fangs that threateningly glinted in the moonlight. "As you wish."
