A/N: Here is chapter six! One chapter closer to one that will probably crush you all in feels.

I OWN NOTHING!

Enjoy!

Chapter 6

"Fear cuts deeper than swords."

― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

He still wasn't sure he should do this. In fact, he was re-thinking his decision upon accepting Oroku Saki's deal. At the time, he thought it would have been good for Leonardo to learn his ways, to finally grow out of his childlike innocence. But after he had gone out into the forest to seek out his son and Saki's daughter, Karai, he had seen something that stopped him in his tracks…

Leonardo and Karai had already become friends.

They were holding hands and playing together, splashing around in the lake and laughing, not caring if they got wet or sick later in the day. In fact, they seemed to not have a single care in the world. And later that afternoon, after Leo had impressed Karai with his knowledge of various languages such as Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese, (making Tiger Claw roll his eyes; boys will be boys), she and Leo had gone over to where Saki had parked their car, and the girl had brought out a red portable radio, telling Leo that he could have it, much to his delight as the two jumped up and down, laughing together.

Watching them throughout the day, made Tiger Claw think. How could one possibly ruin such innocence within these two children, who wanted nothing more than to play, make friends, go on imaginary journeys together and simply live life the way they had always wanted to? How could Saki wish for his daughter to only learn destruction and death for the sake of merely eliminating enemies? Tiger Claw never did what he did out of pleasure, he only did it to survive; he would never dare tell Leonardo the real meaning behind his work, or how exactly he got his pay to buy the things they needed, though he had no idea that the young turtle actually aspired to one day be like him.

His considerations were challenged further when it was time for Leo and Karai to bid farewell. Leo had bowed respectfully to Saki, following his father's example once again, but when he was about to say goodbye to Karai, he was nearly knocked over when she suddenly rammed into him and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck and nearly crushing him with her strength (in fact the boy was nearly lifted off his feet, since she was about an inch or two taller than him).

"I'll come back and visit you again real soon, okay Leo?" she giggled as she finally released him, and she held up her right hand and stuck out her little finger, "Pinky Promise?"

Recovering from her suffocating hug, Leo grinned as he held out his hand…then blinked once as he stared at it. "Um…I-I don't really have a pinky," he said, wriggling his smallest finger as he smiled bashfully. Behind him, he heard Tiger Claw Chuckle, making him blush harder.

Despite his obvious embarrassment, Karai giggled. "That's okay! We can always do this!" she said, and before Saki could object, she spat into her hand, and held it out to Leo again. "This is called a 'Spit Shake'! It's even better than a Pink Promise because it lasts even longer!" she declared. "Now you've gotta spit into your own hand, and then we shake on it!"

Tiger Claw's eyes widened as she shared a look with Saki, who only groaned and pinched the space between his brows. Leo stared at her in bewilderment at first, but he grinned as he then proceeded to spit into his own hand, and then the two of them shook hands, making the two adults inwardly cringe. "Deal, Karai!" Leo said as they shook on it.

Karai's smile could not be matched.

The two finally waved goodbye as she and her father got into their car and drove away down the dirt path. As soon as they were out of sight, Leo wiped his wet sticky hand on Tiger Claw's hakama, and before the tiger could get his hands on him, the boy was already running and laughing back into the house. Tiger Claw smiled as he watched his little cub run and hide from what was soon about to become his fate.

Maybe he could put his thoughts at bay for a little while longer.

After all, there was no rush in introducing the boy into his world, now was there?

He wasn't expecting the message to come so soon. Why now? Why only three days after he had made the deal, did a message have to come? Was Oroku Saki testing him? Did he want to see if he would keep to his word? Saki – or also known to his servants and enemies as The Shredder – was known as a man with trust issues, not that he could really be blamed; he was a ninja after all. But even so, sending him and his son on such a mission so soon? Was Leonardo really ready for such a thing?

He quickly reread the details of the mission. It had come to him on a shuriken launched from somewhere in the forest and imbedded in the wall of the house. He knew what it was instantly, and he plucked it out of the wall before Leonardo could see it from where he was sat, music playing from his new radio after Tiger Claw had taught him how to use it. He read it again…and again…he let out a small snarl through his fangs.

The Shredder didn't want him to make the final kill. He wanted Leonardo.

This wasn't a test to see if they were loyal to him. It was a test of how true Leonardo's skills really were as a ninja that was going to work under the clan of The Foot. But why? He was only a boy, and he had never left the forest itself ever before. Was Shredder going to the same to his young daughter Karai, who had probably never seen death before either? Was that really the ninja's way? He sighed heavily through his nose, stuffing the paper into his obi as he stood up from where he sat at the table. It seemed that the mutant tiger had no other choice. Perhaps now was the time he taught Leonardo the truth.

It was time for him to learn the price of being a warrior.

He stepped out onto the wooden platform, where Leo was still sitting next to the radio, gently swinging his legs back and forth and humming along to the song. Tiger Claw recognized this song. It was something he listened to as a child; Michael Jackson: Bad. He smiled down at the humming turtle. Now that was a classic tune.

Remembering the task at hand, he shook the thought off and cleared his throat, gaining the attention of his pupil as he turned to turn off the radio, and then stood up and turned back to the tiger. "Hai, Sensei?" he said, standing with his hands by his side.

Tiger Claw let out a sigh. It was now or never. He kneeled down on one knee so that he was eye level with the boy. "Leonardo, I have…I have something to tell you, my son," he began.

Leo tilted his head, his brows creasing in confusion. "What is it, father?" he asked.

Tiger Claw placed a large furry paw on his shoulder. "…tonight, I will be taking you with me on one of my missions, by the order of Mr. Saki, Karai's father. He wants to test your skills as a warrior. And I am going to show you…what an assassin really is."

His reaction was exactly what Tiger Claw expected as the child beamed at him, his smile wide and his eyes filled with excitement as he bounced on the spot. "No way! Really, Sensei? You're gonna teach me how to be an assassin like you?! You're gonna show me how to protect the humans too?! Oh that sounds so awesome! Where are we gonna do it? Are we gonna go soon?!" he babbled happily before Tiger Claw finally stopped him by clamping his jaws playfully on his head, as a tiger would do with his cub in the wild. Tiger Claw would usually do this whenever Leo sassed him under his breath, or whenever he refused to go to bed on time, and he never dared to apply any more pressure; with his strength, that would undoubtedly kill Leo. Leo laughed as he tried to get his fathers' jaws off his head, but he knew he wasn't going anywhere. "Owowowowow! Okay, okay, okay! I'll stop! Leggo dad!" he giggled, and he was finally released as Tiger Claw licked the top of his head affectionately.

Tiger Claw smiled down at his young cub. "We will go very soon, my son," he said, standing up and folding his hands behind his back, "so go and prepare yourself."

Still grinning, Leo bowed to his father. "Hai Sensei!" he piped up, and then dashed off to get ready. Tiger Claw watched him go, and his smile slowly turned into a frown as he stared down at the red radio. He was still very unsure about all of this. He doubted that either of them were ready for this. But he knew it had to be done.

He couldn't hide the truth of the cruelness of the world fromhis young cub any longer.

"I'm ready!"

Tiger Claw was snapped out of his reverie as he turned to find Leonardo stood with his back straight and his hands plastered to his sides, and fully dressed in his gear. His gear consisted of wooden knee and elbow pads, white bandages around his feet and wrists, tape around his palm and fingers, belts strapped across his waist and right shoulder that connected to the scabbards of his twin Katanas. Around his neck, he wore a scarf the same colour of his mask with the tails trailing down the back of his shell. He smiled eagerly up at his sensei as he stood to attention. Tiger Claw smiled back at him as he nodded his head. "Well done. Now let me go and prepare myself, and then we will leave. We will be going into the city first to meet Karai's father," he said as he walked towards his room to gather his weapons.

Leo nodded, "Okay! Hurry up so we can go! I can't wait!" he giggled.

On the other hand, Tiger Claw had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"…so this is what they call the sewers?"

"Yes, my son, it is. This where the humans send all of their dirty water and waste."

"…ew."

Tiger Claw chuckled despite his own nervousness. "I agree with you on that one."

Since Tokyo was still very bright and busy, even at this time of night, the two mutant were forced to take a different route to Shredder's headquarters, which meant trekking their way through the disgusting, fowl smelling underbelly of the sewers. Usually, Tiger Claw would have been able to simply sneak into the city and use the shadows and alleyways as his cover. This time however, he had his cub with him, and even though his skills in stealth were excellent, he wasn't yet ready to let him put his skills to the test; he would without a doubt become distracted by the lights, the cars, and above all, the millions upon millions of humans. Yes, there were going to be humans in Shredder's lair, but at least he would know (once he told him of course) not to interact with them. With so many humans on the streets, Leo would be all too tempted to go down and talk to them.

He would learn very quickly that not all humans were like his best friend – his only friend – Karai.

Lifting his head, Tiger Claw sniffed the air, pushing away the obvious smells and singling out one particular scent. They were getting close to the HQ. Now would be a good time to tell him. He stopped in his tracks and turned to his son, who looked up at him expectantly. "Leonardo," he began, using the tone he normally used when they were training, "you must be on your very best behaviour when we enter the building. There may be other humans there, but do not talk to them. When we meet Mr. Saki, you must do what I do. Do not speak to him unless you are spoken to, and you are to address him as Master Shredder. Wakarimasu ka?"

Despite his confusion, Leo's expression became firm as he nodded. "Wakarimashita," he said.

Hiding the smile of pride, Tiger Claw nodded back as he turned towards the wall, where a ladder was positioned against it, and he climbed up as he removed the manhole cover. He poked his head out of the hole as he scanned the surrounding area. There were no other humans as far as he could see, and he sensed no one else. Taking in a deep breath, he nodded to himself once before he climbed out, extending a hand to help Leonardo out as well. Once Leo was on the ground, Tiger Claw quickly slid the cover back on and took Leo by the hand as they hurried into an alleyway next to the building. Making sure no one was around one last time, he crouched down. "Leonardo, we are going to fly up to the top floor, so I need to carry you. Do not make a sound."

Keeping quiet, Leo nodded as he allowed Tiger Claw to pick him up in his arms, and without warning, he activated the metal contraption on his back – Leo remembered it as something called a Jet Pack – and they were lifted off the ground and flying along the side of the building. Leo let out a squeak as he held on tightly to Tiger Claw's chest, and he looked down in awe upon the city. It was just as beautiful as Karai said it was; there were lights everywhere, and he could hear the music and other strange noises coming from down there. And in the very distance, he could see the peak of Mt. Fuji itself, its outline accented by the light of the full moon hanging above. He let out a little sigh, never taking his eyes off the sight as he rested his head against his sensei's chest.

He wished he could go down there one day…

Tiger Claw finally reached to top floor of the building, and he hovered just in front of a large metal double door. There was a small metal box on the right-hand side with a set of numbers on it. Holding Leo tighter in his left arm, Tiger Claw typed in the code he had memorized by heart, and the code turned green as the double doors swished open. He flew through the doors as they shut behind him, and he lowered himself to the ground, where he finally set Leo down on his own two feet as the boy looked at their new, darker and less pleasant looking surroundings. It appeared that they were in some kind of long hallway, with dimmed lights along the walls, which were painted black, but had the symbol of the Foot Clan along the line. At the very end of the hallway, standing just in front of a large window that beheld the view of the city below, was a large stone throne of sorts. And sitting upon it, was an armoured man with a metal breast plate, bladed shin and shoulder pads, shining gauntlets around his wrists, and a bladed helmet upon his head, covering his facial features…apart from his eyes, which stared at them emotionlessly from where they stood.

Leo felt a shiver run down his spine. Was that really Karai's father? That was the man that had been so nice to him the other day? It couldn't possibly be the same man; he was far too scary looking to be him.

"Tiger Claw, Leonardo," Shredder said, his deep voice now low and slightly menacing as he addressed them, "Come forward."

Leo swallowed as he looked up at his father, who wordlessly nodded his head as he walked towards the throne. Watching his father walk so fearlessly up to the scary man, Leo squared his shoulders and flattened his expression as he followed him, remembering what he had been told before they had arrived.

"When we meet Mr. Saki, you must do what I do. Do not speak to him unless you are spoken to, and you are to address him as Master Shredder…"

Tiger Claw stopped when he was about a meter away from the throne, and he bent down on one knee before the Shredder, one hand on the ground and the other resting on his knee, keeping his head bowed. Leo saw this, and he instantly mimicked his position, keeping his eyes on the floor at all times; he was too afraid to look at the bladed man anyways.

Shredder spoke again, "I am certain you have read my invitation, Tiger Claw," he said, "You are aware of the circumstances, are you not?"

Tiger Claw nodded, raising his head to look up at the Shredder. "Yes, Master Shredder, I am well aware. The target will be eliminated before dawn arrives. I will ensure it."

Shredder nodded once at the tiger, and then he stood from his throne, his armour rattling as he slowly approached the two mutants. He stopped once he was in front of Leonardo, who's eyes widened ever so slightly as the man's shadow fell over him. He dared not look up. Shredder narrowed his eyes at the young turtle in thought. "And what of Leonardo?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the boy as he addressed Tiger Claw, "Does he know of what he is to do on this mission?"

Still bowed before him, Tiger Claw shook his head. "No, Master Shredder, he doesn't. But when the time is right, I will tell him."

Shredder hummed in thought as he continued to stare down at the boy. "Very well. Leonardo. Stand up."

Leo's breath hitched in fear, but he did as he was told as he slowly stood up, standing straight with his hands by his side as he finally looked up. The soulless eyes seemed to pierce him as the Shredder bore his gaze into him.

Shredder could sense his fear; he could practically smell it. And he should be afraid, but his attempt at hiding it was admirable for a boy his age. He knelt down before him so that they were eye level with each other. Leo bit his lip to supress the squeak of fear that threatened to come out.

"Leonardo," Shredder said firmly, "this will be your first mission under my command as the leader of The Foot Clan. You will not fail me. Understand?"

Leo's hands were trembling as he clenched them into tight fists. "Y-Yes, Master Shredder," he said quietly.

Shredder narrowed his eyes. "Speak up when you are spoken to, child," he growled.

Leo squeezed his eyes shut. "Yes Master Shredder!" he said, louder this time. Next to them, Tiger Claw resisted the urge to swipe his claws at the Shredder for daring to frighten his cub in such a way, but he knew his place.

Shredder continued, "You are not in the forest now, turtle. This is not a training session, or a game. You are working for me now, and you will do as I command. You will learn respect and discipline under my authority. This mission is of the greatest importance. If you dare fail me, you will be punished by my hand. Do you understand me?"

His eyes still glued shut, Leo nodded. "Yes Master Shredder!"

Shredder nodded once, and then stood up. Tiger Claw followed suit as Shredder spoke to him, "I will send a dozen of my soldiers along with you as a distraction for the guards posted outside, whilst you and Leonardo take care of business inside the building. Dispatch anyone that gets in your way. As for the main target…you know what you must do."

Tiger Claw bowed, and he shot a glance at Leonardo for him to do the same, which he did without hesitation. "It will be done, Master Shredder," he said.

"Do not let appearances fool you, Tiger Claw; he may seem like a normal wealthy dealer, but he is well versed in the ways of martial arts himself. But surely you and your son will be able to handle him, correct?"

Tiger Claw nodded. "Do not fear, Master. He will be dealt with."

With that, Shredder turned his back on them and walked back to sit on his throne. "Very well. You are dismissed. Do not disappoint me." He said. In response, Tiger Claw bowed once more, and he looked down at Leonardo, tapping him on the shoulder and beckoning for him to follow, which he once again complied without hesitation. Once they were outside again and Tiger Claw lowered themselves back to the ground, Leo let out a rush of breath, panting as if he had been holding it. Tiger Claw was instantly at his side, placing his hands on his shoulders.

"Leonardo, are you alright? What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.

Leo didn't answer right away as he swallowed a lump in his throat. "…I'm…I'm o-okay, s-sensei," he stuttered. "He…h-he just scared me. But I'll get over it. We can still do this mission, right?"

Now Tiger Claw was more than torn. The poor boy was terrified of that man, and rightly so. His parental instincts were screaming at him to take him home and tell Shredder that he had made the kill…but that would do none of them any good. This was Leo's chance to prove himself as a warrior fit to work under the Foot Clan. He had to push the fatherly side of him away for now, and focus only on the warrior.

Standing up, Tiger Claw placed a hand on his cub's head. "Yes. We can continue."

Leo smiled and nodded.

A/N: Oh boy...