5 Years Later...

Leo felt his lungs burning as he ran after Alopex, his legs almost numb beneath him, but he didn't slow his pace down. The fox was fast sure, but he was faster. Putting on an extra burst, he shot past the fox, his laughter ringing out through the air. "And you thought turtles were slow!" Her amber eyes narrowed as she scowled at him, attempting to regain her lead but to no avail. The turtle's face hurt from smiling so much as he kept ahead of her.

The turtle managed to stay in the lead all the way back to the Foot HQ, giving the fox a cocky smirk. "Never...call a turtle...slow...again." Leo huffed out, fighting off laughter as he caught his breath.

Alopex rolled her eyes. "Whatever..." She brushed past him towards the door. "Let's just get back in before someone notices we're gone."

"Yeah, yeah." Leo said, crossing his arms behind his head as he followed her. "But the only ones who'd know we're out are busy having their own fun in the city. No reason we couldn't either."

"The Shredder might have found it." Alopex pointed out.

"Nah, the guy might be a great ninja master, but he's too busy to worry about us sneaking out every now and then. It's kinda funny."

Alopex smirked at him. "Let him hear you talk about him like that and we'll see about that."

Leo shivered, sending her a glare. "He'd skin you before he'd do anything to me."

"Probably." Her ears flattened. "But it wouldn't be easy."

"True." Leo patted her shoulder. "I've seen you giving Tiger Claw trouble and that's saying something. Remind me never to piss you off."

The fox smiled at him genuinely, making Leo beam. She rarely smiled like that, and it never failed to put the turtle in a good mood. "I have to admit he's still too much for me." Alopex said, still smiling. "But I've gotten a few hits on him that I think have left marks."

"Are you kidding me?" Leo scoffed at her. "You've gotten more than a few hits on him Alopex. And I know he's felt them, cause I did too and I wasn't even fighting."

Alopex rolled her eyes. "You are so dramatic."

"Guilty." He said with a flourished bow, making the fox laugh; another rare occurrence. "So what're you going to do now?"

She shrugged. "Probably clean up. My fur got a little singed. And after that I'm going to sleep."

Leo nodded. "Yeah you smell like you could use a shower."

Alopex hit him upside the head, but he only laughed. "You're such a brat." She growled.

"True." He winked at her. "But you love me."

The fox crossed her arms as she stalked away, fighting off her blush. Leo merely laughed at her as he headed to his own room. Sometimes it was just too easy to rile her up. Karai had taught him well.

As soon as the turtle reached his bed, he collapsed on it, rolling over onto his shell. The smile on his face hadn't left as he lay there, sighing in content. It had been a good night, he mused.

It hadn't started out all that well, with Lotus and Karai going out to enjoy themselves, leaving their mutant siblings behind. Leo didn't blame them for having some fun though, after all they deserved it. And he didn't want to ruin some rare free time they had just because he was jealous. Of course he had started brooding as soon as they had left, but Alopex had quickly swooped in, no doubt knowing he would be feeling a bit down. Her 'remedy' of course, was sneaking out and causing some trouble across town.

They hadn't been out in awhile, he realized. Over the years, the two had continued going after the Kraang, but they saw fewer and fewer of the mechanical men as time went on. In the past year, the two hadn't seen the Kraang at all. It must have been luck that tonight they would find the Kraang again, he thought with a smile. Leo let out a content sigh, closing his eyes and ignoring the slight discomfort of his gear digging into his skin.

A knock on his door made Leo frown as he lazily opened his eyes. He debated ignoring it, letting whoever it was know he didn't want to be bothered. But it was probably important and he didn't want to risk any sort of punishment for laziness. With a sigh, Leo pushed himself off his bed and walked towards the door. He opened it, eyes dulled as he looked upon the Foot ninja in front of him.

The ninja quickly bowed. "Master Leonardo, my apologies for disturbing you."

"Yeah, yeah." Leo waved him off. "What do you need?"

"Master Shredder requests your presence."

Of course he does. "Thanks. I'll head up there. You're dismissed."

The ninja bowed again and left, leaving the turtle to his thoughts. Leo pulled out his phone hooked onto his belt. 1:43am it read, making the turtle sigh. It was too late for this. Or early, he thought dryly. Chuckling to himself, Leo headed up to see the Shredder, more annoyed than curious as to what the man wanted. It never was anything too exciting or interesting, so he wasn't expecting much.

Leo entered the throne room, trying to hide the boredom that would have been plainly displayed on his face. He kneeled in front of the armored man, eyes meeting the ground. "You called for me Master Shredder."

"Leonardo. I have been informed of something gravely important. There have been sightings of ninjas in New York."

Leo frowned, surprised yet confused. Ninjas in New York? He hadn't heard much of any ninjas other than the Foot Clan in Japan, so what would ninjas be doing halfway around the world? And why was this so important? "Master Shredder, if I may." Leo looked up at the man. "Why is this such a concern that you would tell me?"

The Shredder's blazing eyes narrowed, something unreadable filling them. "These are no ordinary ninjas. A shuriken of theirs was found. It bared the mark of the Hamato Clan."

Leo froze, breath hitching as he heard the words. Hamato... Bewildered blue eyes met golden, and the turtle realized the emotions running through his father. The only Hamato to survive was Hamato Yoshi, the man who had murdered Oroku Saki's wife. And Karai's mother.

The Shredder stood, turning towards the window to look out on the lit up night sky. "No doubt you realize the severity of the situation. Hamato Yoshi is alive and hiding in New York City like a coward. He must be destroyed." The man's fists clenched at his sides.

The turtle, still shocked, shook his head to clear it. This was...insane. After all these years, the stories of a murderer that had seemed like out of a book, were reappearing. The scars that had been buried beneath years of grief were rubbing raw and fresh. What would Karai say? Leo's eyes widened. Karai should know about this. This was the man that had killed her mother, she needed to know. "K-Karai Master Shredder. Does she know?"

"No." The Shredder said, turning to face him. "Call her and tell her to return immediately. She must know as soon as possible."

Leo nodded shakily. "Hai Master Shredder. I will do it at once." He quickly stood and bowed, preparing to leave.

"Wait Leonardo." The turtle halted in his tracks, turning to face the Shredder. The man descended the stairs, stopping in front of the confused turtle. He placed a hand on the turtle's shoulder. "We will be departing to New York as soon as we can. You should know this will be unlike anything you have ever done. But as my son, I know that you will do whatever must be done to take revenge on Hamato Yoshi."

Leo felt himself perk up despite the dark mood. In his entire life, he had only been recognized by the Shredder as his son a handful of times. Each moment was incredibly precious to the turtle, but he fought down the proud smile he dearly wanted to sport, determination lighting up his eyes. "Hai father. I will do whatever it takes to help you and Karai get your revenge."

"Good. I expect you will. Now, go and tell Karai. We will be leaving in several hours."

"Of course." Leo bowed, leaving quickly.

His heart was pounding as he traversed the quiet hallways, stopping when he knew he was quite a ways from the throne room. With slightly trembling hands, the turtle grabbed his phone and quickly called Karai. Each ring without an answer left him feeling more tense, but finally she picked up. "Hey little brother, are you missing me that much?" He could practically see her smirk. But now wasn't the time for teasing.

"Karai. You need to get back here now."

Leo's demand seemed to surprise her, as she took a moment to respond. "Uh Leo, are you okay? What's going on?"

"I can't tell you over the phone." He said shakily, already dreading her expression to the 'news'. "Just get back here."

"Okay, okay." The confusion in her tone was evident. "I'll be there soon."

The turtle sighed. "Hurry." He hung up without another word, and started towards his room, knowing Karai would look for him there first.

But how was he supposed to tell her that the man who had killed her mother was still alive? It felt like something heavy was pressing down on his shoulders as he rushed to his room. He was so preoccupied in his thoughts, he bumped into someone. He uttered a quick apology without looking up as he kept walking.

"Leo?" Alopex's voice surprised him as he spun around. She looked a bit ruffled from being bumped into, but she didn't seem irritated at all. Instead worry filled her amber eyes. "You okay there?"

Leo opened his mouth, but felt it dry. "I can't tell you." He admitted, shuffling his feet. "I need to tell Karai."

A tinge of anger flashed through the fox. "You won't tell me, but you'll tell Karai?"

He quickly shook his head. "It's not like that Alopex. It's...it's super big." His voice dropped to a whisper. "It's about Karai's mother..."

Alopex's eyes widened. She wasn't clear on the whole story, but she knew Karai's mother had been murdered. But what would ruffle the turtle up about a woman that's been dead for years? "Leo what-"

"Just come back to my room. I'll explain there when Karai gets back."

Leo lead the fox back to his room, shutting the door behind him. He began to pace nervously, awaiting his sister's arrival as Alopex watched him warily. Normally she would threaten to bite him for being so fidgety, but concern replaced her usual irritation. It took a lot to make the turtle this nervous.

It felt like hours had passed when Karai suddenly pushed the door open, a frown marring her features. Lotus was right behind her, confused as well. Leo immediately stopped his pacing. Karai crossed her arms. "You look fine to me Leo. What's going on?"

"I..." Leo's mouth felt too dry. "You may want to sit down Karai."

The girl's golden eyes flickered with unease as one of her brows shot up, but she complied, sitting on his bed. "Okay? Seriously Leo, what's up?"

"Your call sounded urgent." Lotus said, still standing by the door.

Leo nodded, but couldn't find the words to continue. He took a deep breath, meeting Karai's eyes. "Karai, it's..." He swallowed, gaging her expression. "I was called by the Shredder awhile ago. There was this news story, about ninjas in New York."

Karai narrowed her eyes at him. "I get that that's weird Leo, but why are you so riled up about it?"

"It's not just any ninjas though Karai." Leo's voice was barely a whisper. "It was...Hamato Yoshi."

The reaction was immediate. Karai paled, her eyes widening as if she had seen a ghost. And in a way, she had. Lotus stiffened from her position at the doorway, brown eyes moving from the turtle to the younger human.

Alopex tilted her head, confused at the exchange. "Look, I sort of know the story but, who is Hamato Yoshi?"

Karai flinched at the name, causing Lotus to move to the younger's side, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. Leo looked over to the fox. "Hamato Yoshi was the one who..." He paused, glancing back to Karai. "He killed her father."

The fox's ears flattened, watching Karai. Alopex and Karai didn't always get along that well, but concern for the human flooded through the fox.

"There's more." Leo said, surprising the three.

Karai blinked and met his gaze. "W-what more could there be?" She said shakily.

Leo wanted to rush over and gather her in his arms, but he restrained himself. "We're going to leave for New York in a couple hours."

A chill settled into the air as the teenagers regarded each other. The four hadn't been out of Tokyo, let alone Japan. Now they were going to go halfway around the world?

"All of us?" Lotus asked quietly.

Leo shrugged. "He didn't specify, but I know Karai and I are going for sure." His blue eyes returned to the shocked girl. "We need to get ready as soon as possible."

Karai nodded, taking a deep breath as she shakily stood. "Got it." She whispered before making her way towards the door, resembling a zombie as she walked. Leo and Lotus watched her with concern as Alopex regarded her with an unreadable expression.

Lotus turned towards the two. "I'll go with her."

Leo nodded at her, watching the two leave. He let out a troubled sigh, fists clenching at his sides. A furry paw rested on his shoulder, bringing his gaze upwards. Alopex gave it a slight squeeze. "You okay?"

The turtle shrugged her off. "Not really. But I will be." He buried his face in his hands. "This is all so messed up..."

"Yeah." She agreed quietly. The two stood in silence, not knowing what to say, but taking comfort from the other's presence.

Leo nodded to himself as he finished double-checking that he had packed what he needed. He didn't necessarily have a lot, just some extra garb, wrappings, and a variety of weapons. A ninja would be by to grab his things so he wouldn't have to worry about carrying the bag, only heading over to the airport with his family. With a final glance at his room, Leo closed the door behind him with a sigh.

The turtle noticed Karai's door open, prompting him to walk over. He peered in, seeing the girl sitting on her bed. She looked so small, nothing like her usual self. Leo stepped in and she looked up. "Oh hey Leo. Is it time to go yet?" Her voice sounded dull.

Leo shook his head. "Not yet. Someone will come grab our stuff and we'll head out." He sat beside her. "You need anything?"

"A nap." Karai sighed. "Maybe a rewind button."

The turtle gave her a small smile. "Sorry, I can't do that." He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in.

Karai leaned into the embrace and sighed. "This is messed up."

"Yeah. But we'll get through this."

"I know."

The two sat in silence for a moment, before they both stood. Karai gave her brother a small smirk. "So you ready for a field trip?"

Leo scoffed at her, rolling his eyes. "I wouldn't necessarily call it that, but yeah. I could use the fresh air."

"Well then let's get going. I can't stand being around mushy you for too long." She pinched his cheek, making him frown.

"I am not that mushy." He pouted at her, shoving her hand away. Karai merely laughed and walked away. He rolled his eyes. She was never down for too long.

"Hurry up slowpoke." Karai's taunting voice made Leo smirk. No one called a turtle slow.

The Shredder stood in front of the three, facing away from them. Karai and Leo were ready to go, just waiting on their father. Alopex stood nearby, waiting for them to depart. Lotus was no where to be found in the garage, worrying the turtle. He had wanted to say good-bye, since he wasn't sure how long they would be gone.

Lotus suddenly appeared, with a Foot ninja at her side, carrying several bags. Leo's eyes widened. "You're coming too?"

The older ninja nodded. "Yes. The Shredder believed my poisons and stealth expertise would be vital to have." Karai nodded at her while Leo gave her a smile. Having their older sister around would make it a whole lot easier.

The fox, on the other hand, looked miffed. "What? Lotus gets to go too but I have to stay here?" Her blazing amber eyes turned to the Shredder. "Am I not good enough to go?"

The Shredder turns towards her, narrowing his eyes. Leo shared a startled glance with Karai. This wouldn't be good... "You are to stay here and secure the Clan with Tiger Claw."

Alopex looked ready to snap at him, but Tiger Claw suddenly appeared beside her, placing a paw on her shoulder. "At ease. Your skills are needed here in Japan." The tiger turned to the Shredder, nodding. "All will be well here Master Shredder. I believe it is about time for you to leave."

"Indeed." The Shredder gave the fox a final glare before turning away. "Come." He started towards the limo, as the three going with him gave a final glance towards Alopex. Tiger Claw nodded at the three, and walked towards the elevator.

"We'll see you soon Ali-cat." Karai smirked at her. Lotus gave her a nod and smile, and the two girls followed after the Shredder.

Leo hesitated, meeting her amber gaze. He quickly ran over and hugged her, surprising the fox. "I'll miss you." He whispered quietly.

Alopex patted his shell as she leaned in. "I'll miss you too, but I need to ask you to do something for me."

The turtle pulled away, tilting his head in confusion. "What is it?"

She turned away. "Could you keep an eye out for the Kraang?"

Leo's eyes widened. "Wha-"

"I know it's crazy sounding." The fox cut him off. "But they basically left Tokyo and I just know they're still out there." Her amber eyes met his blue. "Please Leo. New York City is big enough to hide them like Tokyo has. They have to be there."

The turtle sighed. "You always say the craziest things." He smiled at her. "But sure, since you said please."

Alopex swatted him. "You are so cheeky."

Leo laughed. "True." He let out a sigh, turning around. "Well I'll see you soon." He gave her a final wave and rushed off, not wanting to be left behind. New York was waiting for him.

The plane was huge, but Leo hardly paid any attention to its size. His nerves were going haywire as he boarded it alongside his family. This was it.

The ascent barely bothered him as he peered out the window. Tokyo in all of its glory lit up the night sky, Mount Fuji glistening in the moonlight as a sort of backdrop. It was beautiful, he mused, looking at it fondly. A pang of homesickness hit him already. He didn't know when he'd see it again. Be positive. He told himself. No one was a match for his family. They'd be back in Tokyo before he knew it.

A hand on his shoulder startled him out of his trance. Lotus's brown eyes regarded him warmly. "I'll miss it too. I've never been outside the country."

Leo gave her a small smile before looking back to the window. "I've never even been out of the city." He remarked quietly.

"Think of it like an adventure." Karai suddenly appeared, giving him a smirk.

"An adventure in another big city?" Leo scrunched up his nose. "More pollution and noise. Great."

Karai scowled at him as Lotus laughed. "That's not what I meant three-toes."

Lotus rolled her eyes, expression turning serious. "Just don't forget why we're really going."

"Like I could." Karai grumbled. "But it's no use being so down about when we're not even there yet."

"Only 13 hours then." Lotus smirked at her, making the two younger ninja groan.

"13 hours?" Leo whined as Karai grumbled "13 hours is too damn long."

The older girl rolled her eyes fondly. They were too impatient. "So," Leo turned to her. "How long do you think we'll be gone?"

Lotus tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I'm not sure."

"I'd give it three months tops." Karai yawned. "We've got more than enough firepower."

Leo nodded, as Lotus rolled her eyes. "I guess that is one way to put it. But three months does sound appropriate. Perhaps I can find a few ingredients in New York for some poisons I've been working on."

"Sounds like fun Lotus." Karai grinned. "Nothing like deadly poison crafting to burn through time."

Lotus merely shrugged. "We have different senses of fun. You can waste your time off doing something troublesome."

Leo laughed, but Karai's glare shut him up. "You get into a lot of trouble too three-toes."

"Only because of you." He scoffed.

Lotus rolled her eyes. "Well you two have fun arguing. I'm going to get some sleep." She walked off, leaving the two who sat quietly for a moment.

"I hope we won't be gone too long." Leo sighed quietly.

Karai lightly punched his shoulder. "You have no sense of adventure, but I get what you mean. This would be a lot better under different circumstances."

"You think Alopex will be okay alone?"

"She's got the old tiger for company." The kuniochi pointed out. "I think she'll be just fine beating the snot out of everyone else."

Leo laughed. "True. But she better call." He crossed his arms as he pouted. "She never uses her phone."

Karai grinned at him. "I'm sure she will for her cute little brother." She pinched his cheek, causing him to glare at her. She merely laughed, walking away. "Well I'm going to take a nap too. Bye squishy."

The turtle rubbed his sore cheek while grumbling, returning his gaze to the window. He let out a sigh. Three months huh? He could do that. Just three months and all this would be behind him. Maybe they would all be happier, he mused, with Hamato Yoshi dead. The thought slightly perked him up as he nestled into his seat. Yeah, just three months and everything would be as it should back home.

But it wouldn't be that easy. Nothing would prepare him for what was going to happen. His life was about to change, and it would take longer than three months...

Uh oh, but hey, the story is picking up a bit. Also this is a short chapter compared to the others, but I hope you enjoyed it regardless. If you did, I'd appreciate if you left a review or favorited/followed. It does improve my day!
In the next chapter, we finally get to New York.