A/N: I know most of you are probably eager to see how Leo and Karai's reunion unfolds, but I thought we'd take a little break and see what's goin on back in New York. Not to worry though, the next chapter is soon to follow. Enjoy your read and please review!

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Chapter 15 (Intermission)

3 dark figures race across the rooftops of NYC in search of their oldest brother. Leonardo had been missing since the night before and his family, despite the recent hostility between them, had begun to worry.

In fact, they were more worried than usual. If a Leo in his right-mind was missing, they wouldn't have been in such a hurry to find him. But a Leo-on-edge called for additional concern.

Mikey slowly comes to a stop, gasping for breath as his two brothers follow suit. Raph punches the roof's air vent in frustration, breaking the silence of the city. "Damn dat bastard! We've been lookin all night and haven't found zip. He yells at US for bein immature and he can't even deal with one lousy screw-up! So what if he wants to pick another fight instead of comin home? Why should we waste our time lookin for 'im? He's probably gettin the ass-kicking he deserves!"

Raphael's angry rant echoed accusingly through the city, but no reply came. Neither Mikey nor Donnie disagreed with him, but they felt guilty about it. Finally, Donnie voiced the reason why they were all out here searching in the first place: "But what if Leo's bitten off more than he can chew? Do you honestly think you'd stand by and watch Leo get beaten, no matter how much of a jerk he's been lately? Leo's always been there for us; making sure he doesn't kill himself is the least we can do."

"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya." Raph replied sulkingly, "But don't say I didn't warn ya when we find im and as all he does is give us the cold shoulder. Hell, he's probably already back home ready to chew us out for not 'trainin' instead!"

But even while he said it, Raph didn't really mean it. He felt weird, like he had switched places with Leo or something and was searching for himself instead. Anxiety tugs at his stomach and Raphael silently wonders if this is what Leo felt like whenever HE got in a fight. But Raph quickly pushes those thoughts away, feeling like he one was just one step away from making a revelation he wasn't ready to accept yet.

Mikey, who had been strangely silent the whole time, caught his brothers off guard when he spoke up. "Guys…let's hurry up and find Leo already." It was a typical Mikey whine, but completely serious. After a second of surprise, both Raph and Donnie nod, understanding their little brother's determination to see Leo safe and sound.

As they set out again, Raph reassures Mikey's fears as well as his own, "Don't worry, Mikey. We'll find im. We'll definitely find him."

…..

Meanwhile at Foot Headquarters, a lone foot soldier kneels before the Elite Guard. Ryota, the self-appointed leader, steps forward. "What news do you bring of Mistress Karai?" he asks. The foot soldier hesitates, but only for a moment, before replying, "Still missing, sir."

Silence hangs over the room as the foot soldier holds his breath. "Increase the search patrols till you find a lead," Ryota finally commands, "If nothing is found within 24/7 hours, you will be replaced."

"Hai!" The foot soldier rises, bows, and quickly exits the room. He gathers different squads together and hurriedly relays instructions as if his life depends on it. Because it does.

…

Back in the room, the Elite guards discuss their Mistress's predicament. "It is un-like her to be so rash. I cannot believe that she would take revenge against the turtles without the Foot. Are we not also entitled to avenge our master against those vile creatures?" one Elite questions.

The others nod their head in agreement. "Ever since the Master's death, she has been obsessed with the turtles, especially the one named Leonardo. This is all just a personal vendetta to her."

Ryota speaks, silencing the others, "Karai has gone on too long without check. She has been blind and forgotten the original plan of the Master's: total control of New York. We have stood by idle, but now is our opportunity to rise. We will take New York, kill the turtles, and make the Foot Clan great again!"

The Elite shout in agreement and raise their weapons enthusiastically. Ryota smiles and adds ruthlessly "If Karai IS still alive and dares to return, she will only find a grave prepared for her."

TBC…