運命が割り当てれば

Yuku Sue Unmei

CHAPTER ELEVEN

No one said a word as they all looked at each other.

"You know why I'm here," Renet whispered. "Don't you, Nick?"

The teen nodded, solemnly. "You're here to take me back."

"Take you back?" Mikey asked, looking between the two. "Take him back where?"

"Nicky needs to go back to his own time, Love," Renet replied. "He knew he had no reason to be here and yet…here he is. I know you, Niccolo; I can see it in your eyes. You know you don't belong here."

"It doesn't matter now, Renet," Donnie said, standing determinedly next to his son. "The truth's already out. There's nothing to hide anymore."

The young blonde rolled her eyes. "I won't even act surprised by the fact that he's probably told you everything by now."

"Dude," Mikey chuckled. "When you carry around a sign like Nicky boy here did, you can't exactly miss the calling card, you know?"

"Nick isn't the issue here," Leo replied.

"Oh really?"

"The issue is all the lies that have been told to us," the leader continued. "Nick tells us that his father is going to die; you tell us that's not necessarily the case."

"Wait," Mikey piped up. "What? When did she tell us that?"

"What are they talking about?" Nick whispered. "My father is dead…isn't he?"

"Perhaps," Master Splinter replied, the first time speaking since Nick's announcement and Renet's arrival. "As I told Niccolo, the beginning is the best way to start one's tale."

Renet heaved a great big sigh, knowing it would probably come to this. "We lied to you," she whispered, turning her blue eyes to her nephew.

"You mean…" Mikey began. "We're not dead?"

Again, the time mistress sighed. "Donnie is dead," she said, with finality. "However, he didn't die the way Nick thinks he did." Looking at Nick, she began her tale. "I don't know what you told them, though I have a fairly good idea if they believe they are all dead. Your father wasn't attacked by the forces of Lord Hebi, though you might consider his death to be indirectly tied with that slimy bastard."

"You told me Lord Hebi's minions murdered my father."

"Your father and uncles were doing what they did best," continued Renet. "Protecting the city, one person at a time. Lord Hebi, who once dispatched an assassin to kill the ronin Usagi here to New York, did so again, this time, going after the guys, more specifically Don. The house of Lord Roshi had been infiltrated by one of Hebi's people, but the would be traitor had fallen in love or something with one of the staff. He told the king, who was by then on his deathbed.

"Your parents and uncles, along with the people of the land, were keeping a look out for any sign of trouble. Only there wasn't any. A few days went by, then a few weeks," Renet took a breath. "Then a month. And still nothing came about. You were approaching your first birthday and that was why the guys were here, in the city."

"We were going to buy presents," Donnie whispered, the reason for his death seemingly clear.

The blonde nodded. "I guess you ran into a mugging or something," she mumbled. "At the same time, Hebi's guy was looking for you. I don't know what happened, only the aftermath." Looking at her nephew, she said, "So you see, what we told you was true, from a certain point of view."

"A certain point of view?" Nick asked, irritated. "You lead me to believe that my father was murdered while defending off Lord Hebi's forces!"

"And he did!" Renet exclaimed. "Just not the way we told you. When you would ask, when you were younger, it was easy to distract you with other things. But when you got older, you were more persistent. Your uncles never talked about it, and why would they? They had lost a brother and there was nothing I could do to stop it or reverse time. By telling you what we did, we were hoping you'd remember the great guy your father was."

"You did not want him to blame himself," Splinter mentioned. "You did not want him to think that it was his fault, that his father and uncles had gone out because of him." The aged master nodded, slowly. "Admirable," he continued. "But misguided. Surely, as a son of Donatello, young Niccolo sees and knows many things that we ourselves do not. To underestimate that knowledge only strive to discredit him and his father."

The young blonde conceded to the wise master. He had never steered her wrong, despite her knowing what would happen in the future. She only hoped what she would tell the turtles next wouldn't cause her oldest nephew to run his chances at a happy life back in their dimension.

"Yes, well," she sighed. "That's all well in good. However, taking Nick back home wasn't the only reason I came. I needed to warn you guys about those pajama people you're always chasing."

"You mean The Foot?" Leo asked.

The time mistress nodded. "I figured I'd keep tabs on the frequent flyer here," she smirked, pointing at the teen turtle. "And while I was checking on him, I ran across the Foot. They're up to something pretty bad, if you get my drift."

"Well?" Raph asked, rather annoyed at the cryptic undertones. "What're they up to?"

Renet shrugged. "They're making some kind of sword or something," she said. "I have no idea, but I wanted to tell you that while I was here and now that I have, c'mon Nick. Time to go."

"Wait," Nick pleaded. "You said they're making a sword of some sort? What kind of sword? And why would the Foot be making swords when they have the ability to get any type of weapon they wanted."

"I don't know," Renet huffed. "Anyway, there's your heads up. C'mon Nicky."

"Hey," Raph said. "The kid's got a point. The Foot don't need to make any conventional weapon. That's…I dunno, beneath them or something."

"You don't think they're trying to remake the Sword of Tengu, do you?" asked a worried and deservedly scared Mikey.

"But it was destroyed," Leo muttered. "What use could Karai use it for? We have a truce."

"Bro," Raph growled. "It's Karai. You know, the Shredder's kid, became the Shredder in an attempt to kill us. This ring any bells?"

"We have a truce!"

"Honor means nothing to that spoiled little b-"

"Raphael!" Splinter admonished.

"Brat," the hot headed turtle mumbled. "I was gonna say brat. Honest."

The two elder brothers stared at each other in their usual stand offish way. "Regardless of what she or the Foot have planned," Leo said, staring at his immediate younger brother. "We need to check this out."

"So we're taking advice from her now?" Raph asked, indicating the time mistress with his head.

"We've already discussed this, Raph," the leader whispered. "You know why she's a help to us."

"I'm going with you."

All eyes turned to Nick, as he stood ready to leave. Renet quickly shook her head, but Nick quieted her. "I know what you plan on telling me," he said. "That I'm not supposed to be in this time. Not because I'm trying to change the past, but because I'm in the wrong dimension. But it doesn't matter, does it? Either way, Hamato Donatello is my father, regardless of time, space, and where ever our paths will meet. I might not be able to save my own father –"

Turning to look at Donnie. "But I can at least try save at least one Hamato Donatello."

Renet sighed. "Your mother is going to have your head."

"And my tail," the teen snickered. "You must let me do this."

"Even if something goes wrong?"

"The only thing that could go wrong," Nick stated. "Is if I fail in my task."

The time mistress bowed her head, knowing she was outvoted and knowing that trying to get him to change his mind, even with a calm and decent conversation would never sway him. He was adamant about saving his father. "The least I can do is take you to the scene of the crime, so to speak."

"You mean whatever they're doing is happening now?" Mikey asked.

"If I timed it right," she said. "I may manage to get you there before it even takes place." Raising her scepter, she said, "All aboard. You guys know the drill."

"Are you sure you know how to work that thing?" Raph asked, suspiciously.

Renet gave a smirk to her brother in law. "I've had years of getting the hang of it," she joked. "Don't worry. No more landing in pre-historic times or deserted islands. Though, there are times when that can come in handy." She gave a Mike a wink, causing the younger turtle to look at her strangely. Giving a twirl of the scepter, the time mistress and five turtles were developed within a blue tinge, signaling their transport to where Renet had last seen the Foot.

The group found themselves on the same rooftop as the night previous, overlooking the seemingly abandoned warehouse. "This is where you saw them?" Leo asked, looking down and not seeing any type of movement.

"In the warehouse," she said, watching as the others scanned the area. Turning to Nick, she whispered. "Last chance to go home. There's no turning back after this."

The teenager looked at his aunt, realizing all the trouble he had put her through on this quest of his. He had taken her away from her family – their family – for months at a time; who knew how long this mission of his had going on. "I'm sorry I kept you away," he said. "And for…for putting you through what I have. I…I know the risks and I'm sorry."

"I know," she said, placing a hand on his cheek. "You're a good kid, Nicky. You were a good kid, despite the headache you gave me at times."

"Nothing compared to those hellions of yours."

"Blame their father," she chuckled. "Not me."

"Hey," Raph hissed. "You comin' or what?"

"Go," Renet whispered. "Go and keep your dad safe."

Nick nodded, giving her a confident smile before hurrying over to the edge where his uncles and father were. Renet sighed, this time a much sadder one than she had ever given to her wayward nephew. She knew the outcome of this meeting and she didn't think she could be here when that outcome came to pass. She wouldn't be able to stop it, wouldn't be able to prevent it, even though she wanted to. Saying a silent goodbye to the turtles she saw before her, she waved her scepter in the air and disappeared in the night.

Kenshin Yoshibito knew a lost cause when he saw it. He was a member of the foot, a rather high rank as a member of the new Elite guard, taking the place of the mystical beings that had been guard to former Shredder. He now served the Mistresses Karai, whom he found to be a fair, if not hard master. Especially for a woman. She was heir to the throne of the Foot, despite opposition from Japan.

Kenshin had been a member of the Foot who had originally been loyal to Karai, from their days and dealings in Japan. They had always been honorable in their dealings, despite the knowledge that they were a gang or mafia. It was only when they had reached the United States and thus the immediate employment of the Shredder did things seem to go downhill.

After the disappearance of their leader, Karai took the mantle and thus began a power struggle within the organization, one that the konuchi didn't see or didn't care about. Kenshin had seen the woman so mad and…well, unhinged before. Every effort was made to destroy the turtles, no matter how and how long.

Then suddenly, the Foot was working with known enemies – Stockman, Bishop, Hun, the Purple Dragons, and even the turtles – to defeat an evil greater than they had ever faced. Since then, things had been quiet, almost eerily so. Kenshin knew they were trying to rebuild, that Mistress Karai had gone back to Japan with the red headed American scientist. Upon their return, Karai told them that the turtle could wait, but that she wanted to ensure that they had 'insurance' regarding them.

She gathered those closest to her – those that had been under her within Japan – as well as her scientist and outlined her plan. She wanted to find or reconstruct the Sword of Tengu, as a back up plan in case the truce between her and Leonardo were to ever waiver. The scientist – Champion or Chapman or something – was against it immediately. Only those close to Karai could see this had been discussed between them before hand.

Kenshin, who had always been good at reading people and their emotions, could see the tendrils of revenge were still heavy within the woman. The turtles had taken her father and clan tradition stated there must be payback. While they had attacked the turtles and while Leonardo had turned and attacked Karai, their feud would never be over as long as one or both of them lived.

It just could not be.

There needed to retribution.

The scientist – Chaplin, that was his name – was not Japanese and thus, did not understand the old ways. He wanted to be done with the turtles; Karai had said the Foot would be doing legitimate business now. There would be no more thefts, no more deceit, if they could help it. He wanted her to let go. Again, he did not and could not understand.

There were of course problems with this idea of hers; the sword, so they thought, had been destroyed. And if they could manage to find even pieces of it, they did not have the gauntlet in order to protect themselves from the weapon's magic. But Karai was not to be deterred. Immediately after the defeat of the Tengu Shredder, she had sent members who still lived to go over the area, looking for any sign of the evil being, should it still be in existence.

What they found was the hilt of the Tengu Sword, as well as some of the blade, though both were in pieces. Apparently, not even that Chaplin fellow knew pieces had been recovered. There had been tension at the end of that meeting, but there had been some urgency as well; a sense that said they would hold the cards if that sword was once again put together.

So over the last few months, they had gone to find those pieces to finally, making them from scratch. There had been an old warehouse that used to house a blacksmithing company. For whatever reason, the company was no longer in business, but some of their equipment still resided within. There was something to be said about those members of the Foot who had been under Karai's leadership.

They were skilled.

Many had 'normal' jobs along with doing work for the organization. Unlike those of the United States faction, who seemed to live and breathe the Foot and their dealings, the Japanese faction had other talents – many worked in business and go do business while their American counterparts could not; many worked in dojos, either learning or teaching; and some, had weapon making experience.

It was these members whom Karai trusted to carry out this plan of hers. And on this night, it was with these members that she accompanied. She had sent several competent, yet younger members of the Foot to this very warehouse earlier in the week, only to be attacked by the turtles and the masked vigilante. However, those that escaped did say there was a fifth turtle, unknown to any of them and that was the added reason Karai came with her company that night.

It was a little after sundown, when the people are New York had gone home for the day or were taking their last walks of the evening. No one was ever near this part of town, the primary reason the previous building's company had gone out of business. The warehouse had been nearly abandoned, with some of the equipment still left over without thought or removal. The leader of the Foot was determined to set her torment right and to avenge her father. The vengeance she held against Leonardo had never truly faded, despite the fact that, in another life or another time, they may have been friends.

Their truce after the defeat of the original Shredder was honor bound, that was true. She had seen things during that time she had never known before, making her rethink some of what she had been striving for. Life seemed…different somehow. Her former self seemed to reemerge in the aftermath; she and Chaplin had returned to Japan to just get away for a while. It had been a wonderful month abroad and she never thought she could be so close to someone. Chaplin was so far removed from her; the young leader had always imagined herself with some who held the same beliefs and honor that she did – someone like Leonardo, for example – so it was strange that this red headed genius should invoke the type of feelings she got around him.

But she hadn't forgotten what happened around this time of year, when her father tried to leave the planet Earth; when the turtles had stopped them and had delivered her father into the hands of the Utroms, who in turn sent her father off to some distant planet, never to be seen again. She and Chaplin had been sent to human prison, cast off by those whom she had once considered allies. Her father was trying to return to his world, they didn't need to interfere! The scenes of destruction she had seen from the man that had raised her were…disheartening, of course. But…he was her father! Certainly, the great Splinter had done deeds his sons would not be proud of. Who were they to judge her or her father? These thoughts ran rampant through her mind, until the only recourse was that Leonardo had turned on her; had betrayed her.

It was this thinking that still clung to her, after all this time. It wasn't as great as it had been, but it was still there, still there in the hopes that she would be seen as the dutiful daughter who had avenged her father. It was part of clan rules. It was sadly something that Dr. Scott Chaplin did not share. She had been privy and awed at his transformation from budding assistant of Dr. Stockman to coming to his own during the fight against the Tengu Shredder. All in all, Karai found that she…enjoyed the company of this young scientist.

However, he did not and could not understand the emptiness which she still felt.

For now, Karai oversaw the construction of a new sword. She knew she wouldn't be able to recreate the powers the weapon originally had, but she had her sources and they also knew of people who could perhaps make sure that this weapon was indeed as deadly as it had been before. They had been there for an hour already, her minions working placing together the blade, while she oversaw their work. For some reason, the air felt thick, as though something was going to happen.

And suddenly something did.

The new leader of the ninja thieves was not at all surprised to see the turtles standing in the middle of the warehouse, thou she was surprised at seeing a new turtle that stood beside Donatello. Surely none of them could have the time to have a child at that age, seemingly a teenager in his own right. It didn't matter. If they had somehow managed to get obtain another brother, she was still within her rights to bring down this clan's leader as they had brought down hers.

Karai never once paid any attention to the fighting, her eyes and emotions trained solely on Leonardo, who was making his towards her as she stood guard over their weapon maker. "How much longer?" she asked, impatient at this interruption.

"Not long, my mistress," replied the blacksmith. "A few minutes at best."

"See that it's a few seconds," she hissed. "I want to have the sword ready to defeat my enemies and bring honor back to our clan and our father. The turtle Leonardo fights his way to me as we speak. I will not give him the satisfaction of besting me again."

"Yes Mistress," the man murmured, working quickly. "A few more moments."

Karai, as she always did when coming up against the turtles, studied them as they fought. Her attention was mostly on this new fifth turtle that had appeared. Who was he to them? Where did he come from? How long had they had this turtle? His fighting style was the same as the others, though she could see that each of the turtle must have had some influence on him – his style mixed the aggression of Raphael, with the calmness of Leonardo and the acrobatics of Michelangelo. Strange she did not see Donatello's signature, though she supposed this turtle was as technological as the purple branded turtle.

Donatello was always more of the brains and not the muscle.

"Ah!" came a cry behind her. "It is done."

Reaching behind her, she felt the handle being placed in her gloved hand, and not a moment too soon. Griping the sword, she used it to parry the attack that came from Leonardo as he appeared before her. "Why?" he asked, an almost desperate plea to his voice.

"You know very well why."

"We had a truce, Karai!"

"An unwanted truce, Leonardo," she sneered. "Did you think I would just forget what has happened? That I would just let go of the pain and torment you have put me through?" She laughed, rather shrilly. "You are naïve, turtle. I would have believed your brother having trouble grasping the concept, but not you. Have I stirred your heart so deeply?"

The leader growled, baring down with one sword while quickly grabbing the second. Karai mirrored his movements, the Sword of Tengu in one hand and a tanto in the other. How dare she! After all he had done for her, after all he had tried, and it always came to this; to the two of them battling each other, trying to get the upper hand. She was so blinded by her own grief, her own hatred, she could see nothing else in front of her. Leo knew and understood this.

Karai had taught him that, years ago, that he trusted too easily, thought the best of people, and thought they could change if only given the right path, the right choices. But he had tried to give all of that to the female warrior and for what?

For them to be right back where they were now.

Nick found they weren't making such easy work of these ninjas as they had the previous night. These were clearly not of the newly initiated; these were members who had been with the clan for quite some time. The teen turtle was finding his opponent to be neither new nor naïve when it came to the style of fighting. He was actually managing to put the kame at a disadvantage.

"Heads up, Nicky boy!"

Nick ducked instinctively, not knowing why, nor bothering to ask. It had been the right decision, as a member of the Foot went sailing over his head and collided with the ninja he had been battling. Standing, Nick caught a wink from Mikey as he somersaulted over one ninja before bashing the other in the head with his nunchuck and knocking him out.

Surveying the scene, Raph and his father seemed to holding their own, as was Mikey, but in viewing things around him, he had lost sight of Leo. He had last seen his uncle fighting off two ninja, while making his way towards the back of the warehouse. Seeing that things seemed to be handled, Nick went to where he had last seen his uncle.

When he reached the spot the leader had been in previous, things seemed to suddenly frighten him. There was a sense in the air he hadn't notice before, but now seemed so overwhelming, he didn't know how he could have missed it. The arrival of dread washed him like a cold shower, alerting all his senses to where he was and what was going on around him.

Before him, he could see Leo battling with the Asian woman he had seen earlier, plus three other ninjas. His uncle was no slouch, he was perhaps the best swordsman in their lands next to Miyamoto Usagi, but against four opponents was no easy feat. Raph and Donnie must've sensed the same thing because they were rushing towards their brother.

Nick was closer and he started to move, though it felt like he was moving in quicksand. He was reach Leo first and draw off two of the ninjas; however his eyes moved to the true enemy. The female ninja had all but disappeared from the circle and now had her eyes on the brothers that were coming to aid.

It didn't matter to her which one died; it was only a small price for Leonardo to pay, but this night he would pay for his betrayal years earlier. Karai would've preferred the leader herself, but she was going to hurt him first before she would eventually kill him. Raphael was his second, but Donatello she felt was his favorite, though the death of Michelangelo would hurt all of them, he was too far away and the other two were coming towards her.

Time, which had been against him from the start of his trip, seemed to obey him now; he felt as though wings were on his feet and the air rushed by him in a flash. And there he was, standing in between his father and his would be murderess, striking down the sword that would have removed his head from his neck.

Then there was pain.

"NOOO!"