Bō

Shadow of a Doubt

Robin was now certain that New York City had no need for a Titans branch, because it had skilled mutant ninja Turtles guarding it already. (Meanwhile, Beast Boy finds a kindred spirit within this new team, and enemies team up to bring them all down...)

A/N: Sorry about that cliffhanger and subsequent absence. Real life's been insane. Hopefully this sort of makes up for it.

"LEONARDO!"

Beast Boy stopped as fast as he could, morphing back to his human form and rushing over to the fallen Turtle. Starfire had already arrived by his side, kneeling by him with worry and apprehension etched into every line of her face.

"Friend, are you alright?"

"Ngg...I'm fine," Leo grumbled, twisting his head to look at his back. An arrow protruded from his shell, inches away from his neck. "That was way too close for comfort, though."

"Allow me to help you...Beast Boy? Is something wrong?"

Beast Boy blinked, not turning back to them. "Gimme a minute," he responded gruffly.

His pupils had blown wide, leaving barely any hint of his green irises, allowing a maximum amount of light to flood in, and he was staring at the adjacent rooftop, wary of all the shadows that dared move. His nostrils flared, trying to pick up a scent similar to that of the arrow, while his ears twitched, picking up every noise that could be the mysterious would-be assassin. Finally, a shape moved, and a familiar smell invaded his nose. A faint chuckle made its way to his ears, and he growled, startling Leonardo and Starfire, who had just pulled the arrow out of the other's shell.

"Katarou."

Cyborg grumbled about slowing down as he raced after the red-masked Turtle. Raphael, meanwhile, was grinning like a maniac, bright green eyes glancing back at the half-robot every now and then.

"C'mon, keep up, Tin Man!"

"Shouldn't we be stopping every now and then to survey the area?" Cyborg panted, his sensors working overtime. Raphael simply chuckled.

"Relax, I got it. This is an area with little activity from either the Foot or the Kraang...so why the heck did Leo have to make ME come here...?"

Cyborg wisely ignored the muttered end of the sentence, simply focusing on the task at hand. "I wonder how the rest are doing..."

As the Kraang placed the final piece of the cargo into their truck, the humanoid robots stumbled backwards as it became encased in a dark energy. The cargo - a collection of tin and wooden crates - was fully lifted out of the truck, spun in the air, and finally landed as a menacing shadow emerged from the ground.

"Kraang, what is the meaning of this."

"I am unsure, Kraang."

"And you're also about to be knocked unconscious," Raven hissed as her form fully emerged from the shadow. Michelangelo swiftly landed next to her, nunchaku spinning.

"Kraang, it is one of the ones known as 'The Turtles'."

"Along with an unknown female human with demonic power."

"Aaand, GOODNIGHT!"

Mikey leapt, bringing his nunchaku down hard on an unsuspecting Kraang. The other one moved to strike, but was encased in black energy and thrown into a nearby wall. Raven watched as a small brain-like creature popped up from a hatch on the chest, squealing and scuttling away. Another creature did the same from the robot Michelangelo took down.

"Well that was anticlimactic. And easy."

Mikey shrugged noncommittally, opening one of the crates. "Yeah, I know. Now, what-"

The Turtle froze, blue eyes wide, and Raven arched an eyebrow. "Michelangelo?" When no response was heard, her heartbeat quickened against her will, and she floated down to peer into the crate. Dozens of glowing green vials greeted her vision, and she pulled back. For the first time in a long time she felt...frightened.

"Michelangelo...what is this?"

"...Mutagen."

April O'Neil did not often surprise Hamato Yoshi, but today she did, strolling in and startling him from his peaceful meditation.

"Hello, Master Splinter," she murmured respectfully, bowing. Yoshi bowed his head as well, rising from his position on the floor. The redhead was looking around, curious. "Where are the guys."

"Out on patrol. Did they not tell you?" A shake of her head, and he sighed. "Well, Miss O'Neil, you may stay if you wish, either wait for them to return or perhaps join me in meditation. Or you can feel free to return home."

April blinked, thoughtful. "If you don't mind...I'd like to join you in meditation."

"Of course." He watched as she sat down across from him, and he settled into a comfortable position once more. He couldn't help his tail from twitching in slight concern, though.

He had an odd feeling that his sons were fine, but someone was on to their secret. It was only a matter of time...

"Robin...how hard is Katarou to beat?"

Robin blinked, looking over at Donatello. "Come again?"

Donnie sighed, twirling his staff out of habit. "I mean...you all think he's a big threat, but he has no powers or anything. Is...is he really that skilled? That ruthless?"

Robin blinked, frowning. "I..." he sighed, wondering how to explain this. "I had to beat him on my own once. The only reason I managed to was because I had help. I was exhausted and was lucky to have lasted so long. The second time we crossed paths he had knocked out several of my teammates from across the globe with varying powers before he was finally weakened enough that Bushido and I could take him down."

"So...pretty bad."

"Yeah," Robin breathed, surveying the glittering lights of New York City once more. "Yeah, you have no idea."

"...Do you think we'll be able to beat him?"

Robin turned to the Turtle, and saw the fear swimming in the chocolate eyes. But there was also such...power, determination, and Robin found himself nodding.

"Without a shadow of a doubt."