Morning had come quickly. Raphael was the first of his brothers to stir. He woke with his head at an awkward angle, his neck stiff and sore. Dragging his legs off the computer desk, his feet landed on one of the fuzzy bathmats that sat on the floor and he couldn't help but marvel at the level of comfort the fuzzy material provided for his calloused soles.
He stood and stretched with a groan, twisting his neck from side-to-side until he could move it freely. Cracking his back, he glanced over at Mel's bed, only to find it empty. Panic filled him as he glanced around the room. Picking up the journal from the desks' surface, he flung it at the still sleeping form of his younger brother, startling him awake.
"Not the dirty socks!" Michelangelo yelled, sitting upright in bed.
Raphael looked at him with confusion but decided it best not to say anything. Donatello began to stir after hearing his youngest brothers' outburst and sat up with a yawn.
"Wake up. Mel's gone," Raphael said quickly, tucking his Sais back into his belt and leaving the room.
The brothers lay back down with a grumble, but as soon as their minds registered what they had just been told they were on their feet, following their brother down the stairs.
Turning on the living room lights, the three brothers briefly glance around downstairs before heading straight for the kitchen. Perhaps Mel had gotten hungry during the night and decided to grab a quick snack. Sure enough, there she was.
Donatello and Raphael both paused in the entry to the kitchen. Their hearts seemed to quicken when their eyes landed on her seated at the round kitchen table, a cup of coffee wrapped in her hand. Despite her battered appearance, she still managed to take their breath away.
Mel and Leonardo chatted happily with one another, neither of them noticing the three turtles lurking in the doorway. Raising the cup to her lips, Mel took a sip of her coffee. She winced faintly, the hot liquid burning her already raw throat. Setting the mug down without a sound, her eyes landed on three very familiar figures by the door. Her eyes brightened at the sight.
She opened her mouth to speak but before she could even get a sound out, she found herself firmly enveloped in the arms of the orange clad turtle. Pain erupted once more but she bit her tongue to keep from making any sound of discomfort. Michelangelo pulled back, holding her out at arms' length as he examined her. Lower lip quivering and blue eyes filling with tears, he pulled her back in for another hug.
"I was totally worried about you, Mel! Do you know you scared the shell out of me?! We searched for you everywhere but we couldn't find you, and then you turn up here all beaten and bloody and I couldn't help but panic! And then you wouldn't wake up but I had a feeling you would and...and...and..."
The words tumbled out fast, in a single rushed breath. Mel pulled away from the embrace and smiled as she wiped a few tears from the turtles' cheeks.
"Chill, Mikey. I'm fine," she assured him with a grin.
"That's good," Mikey pulled out a chair and sat as close to her as physically possible, staring at her face with great intensity.
Mel blinked at him a few times before smirking, "what ya doin' there, Mike?"
"I'm never letting you outta my sight again," Mikey replied with such seriousness, Mel couldn't help but laugh to herself.
"Kay, well, good luck with that," Mel smiled and turned her attention to the other two brothers' still standing in the doorway. She shifted in her seat, slinging her arm over the back of the chair, and smirked, "I haven't looked in the mirror yet, so give me an honest opinion, Raph. How bad do I look?"
Raphael glanced over at Donatello before turning his attention back to the tortured beauty before him. Crossing his arms, he mirrored her smirk. He wanted to give her compliment, but what came out of his mouth was anything but a compliment.
"I can't notice a difference really. Ya were already ugly ta begin with."
His face, along with his siblings', fell as he realised what he had just said. That was certainly not what he was wanting to say. For some reason he had panicked and simply allowed the first words to enter his mind slip past his lips. Opening his mouth to apologize, he was silenced by a sudden giggle.
Mel had her hand over her mouth, trying to contain the sound, but soon found out that she couldn't. She soon found herself in hysterics and didn't bother trying to contain the laugh she had kept hidden for so long.
The turtles' stared in disbelief, for none of them had heard such a laugh before. Of course they had heard tiny giggles slip past her lips, or a short rusty sounding laugh that seemed to be forced, but nothing like what they were hearing now. This was a genuine, heartfelt laugh that made them want to laugh along with her. It was loud and quite unusual, but highly entertaining and contagious.
Mel soon stopped laughing, clutching her side, her face contorted in pain, though she still managed to keep a smile on. "Ow. Damn, don't make me laugh, Raph. It hurts and I'm barely holding together as it is."
Raph held his hands up in surrender, "Hey, how was I 'sposed ta know that'd make ya laugh? Ya got a weird sense of humour...and laugh."
"You're just full of the compliments today, ain't ya?" Mel gave him a slight smirk then turned her attention to Donatello, who was now seated across from her and staring at the area where her arm used to be.
Her right hand automatically went up and wrapped around the fresh piece of gauze where her left arm should be. Donnie's eyes flicked to Mel's face and he wanted to kick himself. There was no denying the fact that his staring had made her feel suddenly embarrassed and self-conscious. Her face was flushed; the hand wrapped around the gauze trembled as she brought it back down to her lap.
Before he had a chance to explain, Mel was on her feet.
"Anyone like some coffee or somethin'?" She asked in an obvious attempt at avoiding the awkward situation.
"I want some milk," Mikey said, earning a smack on the back of his head from Leonardo. Mikey frowned and rubbed his head, "ow! What?"
Leonardo shook his head, a disapproving look upon his face. Turning his attention to Mel, his features softened. "I don't want you pushing yourself too hard, Mel. You should relax. I'll get the drinks."
"Nah, man, it's cool. I ain't one to stay in bed all day and have people wait on me hand and foot," she gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "'Sides, I already lost an arm, I ain't gonna lose the use of my legs either."
Mel grabbed Mikey's favourite mug from the overhead cupboard and placed it gently on the counter. The mug had a painted picture of his favourite superhero on the front; Silver Sentry. He had told Mel that is what his most cherished possession because Silver Sentry himself had signed the mug for him. Opening the fridge, she grabbed the pitcher of milk and began filling the glass, careful as to not spill any.
"Good morning, my sons," Splinter greeted as he entered the kitchen. It always warmed his heart to see his sons eating together and getting along. The four turtles greeted him in their own unique way. His eyes travelled over to the counter where he found the young girl pouring a glass of milk. He was surprised to find her up and walking about, but was equally as pleased to discover that she was alright...nearly alright. Her body seemed to be trembling faintly, which appeared to be making a simple task such as pouring a drink somewhat difficult. Her body kept going to hunch over until she forced herself to straighten up. She winced as she stopped pouring and placed the pitcher back onto the counter.
Upon hearing him enter, Mel smiled at the old rat over her shoulder. "Morning, Master S."
"Good morning, Miss Fletcher," he seated himself at the table, setting his walking stick aside. "You gave us all quite a scare the other day. How are you feeling this morning?"
"Better than I was a few days ago," she turned to him holding a small teacup. "Tea?"
"Please."
Facing the counter, she set the teacup down and opened the fridge. Momentarily forgetting that she only had one arm, she kept the fridge door open with her knee and reached for the pitcher of milk, but ended up knocking that, and the two cups, over in the process. It all happened so fast, yet seemed to go by in slow motion as the milk poured down the counter and the cups shattered into a million pieces. Mel let the fridge door swing close on its' own as she stared at the mess at her feet.
"Oh no, no, no, no, no," Mel mumbled to herself, shaking her head slightly. "This ain't good."
"Aww that was my favourite cup," Mikey stared sadly at the chunk of Silver Sentry's face floating in a puddle of milk. Tearing his gaze away from the shattered pieces, his brow furrowed at the horrified expression on Mel's face. "Mel? You ok?"
Mel was in a world of her own as she took in the mess she had created. Images of Shredder flashed through her mind. His voice rang loudly in her ears. For a moment, she could've sworn she felt the shock collar tighten around her throat as it sent bolts of electricity through her body. Mel fell to her knees and began scooping up the shattered pieces with her hand.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Mel repeated over and over again like a broken record.
The four turtles' glanced at one another in surprise before silently watching the young girls' meltdown.
"Mel...?" Donnie took a cautious step forward.
When she didn't respond, Master Splinter rose from his seat and made his way over to her.
"Miss Fletcher? Miss Fletcher? Amelia." The firm tone used made her hand stop. "Look at me."
A demand. He had demanded that she look at him. Another wave of fear coursed through her and she received another shock by the collar no longer there when she didn't immediately obey his order. Reluctantly, Mel raised her head, only to find Shredder looming above her. Splinter stepped up to her and reached for her; she flinched as if he had raised a hand to strike her, and fell backwards onto her butt, a slight whimper escaping her lips as she gazed up at him in horror.
Despite her reaction, Splinter continued to advance towards her. Mel had squeezed her eyes shut as he rested his hand on the top of her head. Feeling a hand gently stroke her hair, her body relaxed and she opened eyes. Shredder no longer loomed above her. Instead, Splinter knelt in front of her, concern etched into his old features. Glancing around, she took in her surroundings finding that she was in the safety of the turtles' lair. Her eyes flicked to the mixed expressions of the turtles', the mess still on the floor, then finally resting upon the face of Splinter.
She bowed her head, shame plastered across her face, "Crap, I'm...I'm sorry. I dunno what just happened."
"You have been through a very traumatic ordeal, Miss Fletcher. It is no surprise if you begin suffering from some form of PTSD. There is nothing to be ashamed of," he assured, giving her shoulder a tiny squeeze. "Come, you should rest some more."
Mel allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and led into the living room by Leonardo and Raphael. They lay her down on the sofa, propping her back against a large cushion and draping a blanket over her body. Splinter and Leo sat in the two armchairs opposite each other while Donnie and Mikey made themselves comfortable on the floor beside the sofa. Seeing nowhere to fit, Raph remained standing, until he noticed Mel pulling her legs up, making room for him at the end of the sofa. Raph lowered himself onto the cushion, all the while feeling a certain brothers' eyes watching his every move. Smirking to himself, Raph relaxed back into the cushions and pulled Mel's feet onto his lap. Keeping one hand resting gently on top of her ankles, he slung his free arm over the back of the couch, sending his purple-clad brother a smug smile. Donnie felt his features twitch as he fought to keep a blank expression, but Raphael had managed to catch the look of jealousy in his eyes.
"I'm sorry 'bout your cup, Mikey," Mel spoke quietly as she avoided eye contact with the orange-clad turtle.
Mikey shrugged his shoulders with a grin, "it's no biggie, dudette. It was gonna end up becoming trash someday anyway."
Mel smiled despite herself at the turtles' words. Lizzy used to have the exact same attitude towards such things. Whenever she had broken or damaged one of her things she would simply shrug her tiny shoulders, grin, and move on to the next thing.
"Oh my God!"
Mel jumped at the shrill outburst coming from the lair's entrance. April stormed through the lair, Casey right behind her, though still struggling to keep up. Before Mel could fully come to terms with what was happening, she was pulled into a rough embrace, suddenly unable to breathe as her face was pressed against someone's chest. April hung over the back of the couch, arms wrapped tightly around the young girls' head. Mel's head began to spin as the scent of April's perfume became overpowering.
"You poor thing," April said, smothering Mel with kisses. "Thank God you're alright. I was so worried."
"Ugh, gross, O'Neil!" Mel stuck her tongue out. "You're gettin' slobber all over me."
Though she made a point of complaining, Mel was actually enjoying the sign of affection from the older woman. She had never had another person fuss over her before. Growing up, she had always been the one to look after Lizzy since their 'mother' was too busy living the life of a single woman.
April pulled away and cupped the young girls' face in her hands, "I'm so sorry this happened to you. I should've gone with you."
Mel frowned, "this ain't your fault, O'Neil."
"Yes it is! I took on the role of your Big Sister. I'm supposed to protect you and I didn't!"
"This ain't your fault," Mel repeated, her voice taking on a firmer tone.
April looked upon her with sadness, "but look at what's happened to you. You're injured-"
"The only one that should be blamed is me," Mel's eyes grew dark the same time as her hand clenched into a fist. "Being stupid enough to get captured."
"You should not be blaming yourself, Miss Fletcher," Splinter said. "The only one to blame is the one who is responsible for this."
"Unless you got this way by crawling back to the Dragons'," Casey spoke for the first time since arriving. "Then yeah, you would be pretty stupid."
The room grew silent. Everyone turned to Casey with angry eyes, including Donnie and Mikey which was a surprise for the human male. Biting down on her tongue to keep from crying in pain, Mel forced herself into a sitting position, much to the disappointment of Raphael, and narrowed her eyes.
"Ya know, even though my arm ain't there anymore...I can still feel it. And in case ya were wondering-" Mel's green orbs flicked up to meet the iciness of his blue orbs "-I'm giving ya the finger right now."
Casey had no response for the young girl. Instead he crossed his arms and silently fumed as he took a seat by the armchair Leonardo currently occupied. Mel had a satisfied smirk on her face before turning to the others with a serious expression.
"Ya know, Shredder was the one to do this to me."
Time stood still once those words left her lips. Everyone's bodies became rigid at the mention of Shredder's name.
"What would Shredder want with you?" Leonardo was the first to break the silence. "And how would he even know who you were?"
Mel gave an almost unnoticeable shrug of her shoulders. "Dunno, but I'm guessing that big oaf, Hun, told him 'bout me."
April looked close to tears as she looked down at Mel's still bruised face, though the swelling on her eye had gone down, thank heavens. "But why would Shredder do this to you? He doesn't even know you."
"He knows I'm friends with the turtles," Mel glanced at the four reptiles. "That's why he took me. He wanted me to rat you guys out to him. Tell him the location of the lair, ya know?"
"Wait, what?" Leonardo shook his head as her words slowly sunk in. "Shredder tortured you to gain information about us? You were tortured because of us?"
"No!" Mel shook her head quickly. She didn't want them getting the wrong idea. What happened was not their fault at all. "This ain't your fault. Shredder tortured me 'cause he's a total psychopath!"
The turtles exchanged guilty glances. Mel was taken hostage by their most hated enemy; Oroku Saki. She was then beaten and tortured by him, and why? So that he could find out the location of their lair. They had taken her in. It was their job to protect her and they failed. This was their fault. Despite what Mel said.
Mel glanced at the hot-headed turtle sitting beside her when she heard a vicious growl escape his beak. His six fingers dug deep into the seat cushion as he fought to control his rising anger. A tentative hand rested on his shoulder.
"Raph? Ya look like you're 'bout to pop a blood vessel. I think ya need to chill."
"Chill?" Raphael laughed bitterly. "You're an idiot."
Mel's hand slipped from his shoulder and she frowned, "why? What'd I do?"
"It's what ya didn't do! Ya shoulda told Shredder where we were!" The red-clad turtle snapped as he sprang from the sofa.
Mel threw the blanket from her body, staring at him in disbelief. "Why the hell would I do a stupid thing like that?" She turned her attention to the other mutants, who silently sat watching the two. "Can ya believe this guy?"
Donnie glanced around nervously before also getting to his feet. "To be honest, I actually agree with Raph on this one." At her stunned expression, Donnie held up his hands, "let me explain-"
"No," Mel cut him off sharply. "I don't need explanations on anything, kay? Ya really wanna know why I didn't turn all of ya in? Huh?" She closed her eyes and released a heavy sigh before looking to each individual mutant. "I didn't say anything 'cause I didn't want any of ya to die 'cause of me."
Mel sat back down on the edge of the couch and ran a hand through her hair. "Lizzy died 'cause of me, I know that for a fact. And when she died I just became...well, we all know what I became. Anyway, I cut myself off from everyone else and I put up this barrier so I wouldn't get close to people, and they wouldn't get close to me. But then I met one very pushy broad-"
"Hey!"
"-and four very bizarre, yet oddly fascinating, mutant reptiles which happened to change that. I started to let my guard down and, well believe it or not, I actually kinda care 'bout ya all. So, when Shredder tried forcing me to tell him where the lair was I knew he was gonna kill ya, and I couldn't bear the thought of that."
Mel was quick to brush away the tears that started to roll down her cheeks. Her face brightened from embarrassment as she spoke. "So yeah, that's why I didn't tell him 'cause I care 'bout you stupid mutants way too much to lose you. I don't regret my decision, and if I had to do it again I would. So go ahead and call me stupid or whatever-"
Her words were cut off and replaced by a grunt of surprise when Michelangelo threw his arms around her small frame, pulling her hard against his plastron. She was surprised by the sudden contact but what he said next surprised her even more.
"Shredder will pay for this, Mel."
The seriousness in his voice sounded so foreign to her ears. "Mikey..."
"He's right. Shredder can't get away with this," Donnie said. The anger in his eyes was plain to see and Mel felt a pang of guilt punch her in the stomach.
"No," Mel whispered. "I don't want you guys risking your lives for me."
"You almost got ganked 'cause of us. It's time we settle the score," Raphael glared, though Mel couldn't tell if it was directed at her or not.
Leonardo nodded in agreement from his place in the armchair. "We cannot, and will not, allow Shredder to get away with hurting you, Mel."
Mel gently pushed Mikey away and shook her head while staring at the blue-clad turtle. "I don't get it. Why are putting your brothers lives at risk for me? I kept my mouth shut to keep your family safe!"
"Which is exactly why we have to deal with Shredder," Leo said, rising from his seat. "You're a part of our family now, Mel. And nobody messes with our family."
"Wow...thanks, Leo," Mel muttered shyly.
"Aww I think she's blushing," Mikey teased, prodding Mel's cheek with his finger.
Mel couldn't help but laugh as she swatted his hand away. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, reptile. You're lucky I'm too sore to get up and kick your ass. Oh," she turned to Master Splinter with a serious expression. "Master S? Is it still possible to learn ninjutsu?"
Splinter glanced at her missing limb briefly and frowned. "To be honest, Miss Fletcher, I would not recommend getting back into training anytime soon."
"But Master-"
Splinter held up a hand, instantly silencing her. "No buts, Miss Fletcher. Teaching you ninjutsu would not be the wisest decision for you right now. I think your time would be better spent on focusing on how to handle day to day activities. And even then, ninjutsu may not be the best option."
Anger began to stir inside the young girl. The constant shake her body has had for the last few days became noticeable to everyone in the room as she glared at the old rat. "You don't think I can do it? That it, huh? 'Cause I'm a cripple now?!"
The room grew silent. The turtles and their two human friends glanced apprehensively between Mel and Splinter. Splinter's whiskers twitched in mild agitation. He was not expecting such a response; and he was not the only one. Mel had even surprised herself at the sudden angry outburst. It was not her intention but his words had made her feel weak and useless, just like Shredder had told her she was.
"I apologise if I have somehow offended you, Miss Fletcher. Believe me, it was never my intention. I think you are capable of many wonderful things, but as of right now you need time to recover. Not only for your physical wounds but for your mental wounds as well." He peered at her with gentle eyes. "Understand, Miss Fletcher, I am only doing what I think is best for you, not because I find that you are incapable."
Mel's heart sank. Deep down she knew he was only trying to help. He wasn't to blame for anything that had happened, so why take out her anger on him?
"I know you are, Master S. I'm sorry," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "I dunno what's going on with me."
He bowed his head, a smile grazing his lips, "It's quite alright, Miss Fletcher. I understand that this is a...confusing time for you."
Mel jumped when a cautious hand fell upon her shoulder, but she soon relaxed when she saw April sending her an apologetic smile. April wordlessly held out a bottle of water, which Mel took with a forced, tight-lipped smile. Just as she was about to settle back onto the couch, a loud crash from Donatello's laboratory made her scream and jump off the couch. Without realising it, Mel had ended up in the supportive arms of Donatello.
"It's ok, Mel. It's ok," he repeated while rubbing his three-fingered hand up and down her back in attempt to comfort her. "Look, it was only Klunk."
Reluctantly turning her head to the side she saw the orange and white kitten emerging from the lab. Klunk licked one of his paws and meowed before pouncing up the stairs and into the safety of Michelangelo's room.
Mel pulled away with tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked around the room at the five mutants, April, and Casey. Shame and embarrassment punched her straight in the stomach as she realised they had all seen her lose it for the second time this morning. If it wasn't for Donnie still holding her waist then she'd be on the floor in a heap right now.
"Come. You should sit," Donnie said quietly as he sat her back down onto the couch. He picked up the bottle of water from the ground and placed it in her hand. Mel sniffed and sat the bottle in between her knees as she tried twisting the cap off, but it wouldn't budge. Blinking stupidly at the still closed bottle between her knees she tried giving it another twist. It remained unchanged.
"Here, let me open that for you," Leonardo said as he reached for the bottle, though his hand froze mid-air when Mel pulled away with growl.
"I can do it myself!"
Determined to prove herself capable of doing things on her own, Mel crushed the bottle tightly between her knees and gripped the cap and pulled and twisted as hard as she could. Still the cap wouldn't come off.
You're pathetic! Look at you, struggling. Can't even open a bottle by yourself.
Shredder's taunting voice rang in head, which only angered her even more. Mel placed the bottle in her mouth and attempted biting the cap off with her teeth. Though that was another failed attempt.
How does it feel to be so weak, Amelia? Hmm? So useless and needy? You know people won't stick around for someone that is in constant need of assistance. It's so...pathetic.
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Mel screamed, startling everyone in the room.
Face it, Amelia. You're nothing but a burden. A pathetic, worthless little burden that will never amount to anything.
Trembling in anger, she gripped the bottle forcefully. Biting back the pain in her body, she mustered up whatever remaining strength she had left and threw the bottle across the room. The others watched in stunned silence as Mel stormed away from the living room, stomped up the stairs and into her bedroom, where she slammed the door behind her.
"What exactly did Shredder do to her?" April whispered to herself, though the others shook their head in response.
"Nothin' good," Raphael muttered darkly, his own anger building up.
"Ya guys know what ya should be askin'?" Casey said from his place on the floor. When nobody answered him he spoke again, "ya should be askin' why Shredder let her go in the first place. I mean, he ain't exactly the type of dude to just let people go. So what gives?"
For once, Casey had a point. Shredder would never allow a prisoner to leave, and in the condition Mel had arrived at the lair there would be no chance that she escaped on her own. Something was not right about this. But what could it be?
3rd POV (After Mel's escape)
Sitting on his throne, Oroku Saki narrowed his eyes as he looked at the trembling Foot soldier in front of him. Karai and Rena stood obediently on either side of his throne watching as their Masters' long, agile fingers tapped the arm of his throne in silent irritation. Hun stood behind the Foot soldier with his large hand clutching onto his shoulder, forcing him to kneel. The soldier, known as Eiichi, swallowed the giant lump that had formed in his throat. His mind raced as he thought of reasons as to why Shredder had summoned him, but his mind was coming up blank. He stared fearfully into the face of his Master, hoping to gain some insight as to why he was there, but his Masters' dark, impenetrable eyes and inscrutable expression gave little away. Eiichi took a sharp intake of breath as he noticed his Masters' fingers cease there irritable tapping and rise from his seat.
Oroku Saki slowly strode down the three steps towards Eiichi. Stopping before him, Oroku tore the mask from the soldiers face and tossed it aside. Eiichi's mop of black hair stuck to his forehead due to sweat and his pale grey eyes stared up at his Master in terror.
"Amelia Fletcher..." Oroku growled at him. "Where is she?"
Oh. That's why he was there.
Eiichi shook his head wildly, his voice trembling, "I don't know, Master Shredder."
"You don't know?" Oroku repeated, tilting his head to one side as he narrowed his eyes. He folded his arms behind his back and began to pace, his shoes clicking quietly against the wooden floor. "You were supposed to be guarding her cell, were you not?"
"I-I was, b-but then I was r-relieved of m-my post," Eiichi stuttered as his mouth became dry. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face and he fought the urge to wipe it away.
Oroku stopped mid-pace and glanced at him over his shoulder. "Is that so? And who relieved you of your post, Eiichi?"
Eiichi answered in a small voice, "Hyousuke did, Master Shredder."
"Hyousuke..." Oroku turned his body around so he was facing him. He could see Eiichi trying not to flinch as Hun tightened his grip on his shoulder. "And who gave him permission to relieve you?"
"I don't know! I honestly don't know, Master. I never thought to ask."
"Well, Eiichi..." Oroku started slowly, his eyes growing even darker than before. "Due to your inability to ask questions, Hyousuke is now dead. One of my best soldiers was murdered because you failed to perform your duties."
Within an instant, Oroku had Eiichi by the throat and raised him off the ground. "I shall give you a chance to redeem yourself, Eiichi. Tell me, how do you suppose Amelia escaped, hmm?"
Eiichi coughed as he tried prying his Masters' fingers from his throat but his grip only tightened. "I don't...know, Master. She...seemed t-too weak to actually...f-fight back."
"Which means what, Eiichi?"
"Which would...m-most likely m-mean...that she...had...help."
Oroku released his hold on the mans' throat, dropping him to the ground in a convulsing heap. So it appears he had been right in the beginning. Amelia had an accomplice. And there's only one person that would have any reason to help that girl.
Oroku faced the two women standing on either side of his throne. He gestured for them to come and stand before him. The women bowed respectfully, stood before their Master and knelt on the ground at his feet.
"I'm interested in knowing which one of you gave Hyousuke permission to relieve Eiichi of his duties," he circled them, like a lion would his prey. He already knew Karai would never betray him. She had proven herself loyal on numerous occasions. Though in all honesty, Rena had also remained loyal, but this situation is unlike any other. "So, which one of you gave the order?"
The women glanced at each other briefly before directing their attention back to the floor. "Not me, Master."
He stopped in front them with his back turned. "Interesting...Eiichi? Who do you think gave the order?"
Eiichi glanced nervously between the two women, then back at Shredder. Instead of answering he shook his head side-to-side uncertainly. Oroku inaudibly sighed and scratched his temple with his index finger.
"Useless..." he muttered beneath his breath. "Karai, I already know where you were when this happened. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for you, Rena."
"I was spending the night with Tetsu, Master." She lifted her eyes from the floor to meet his cold gaze. Feeling unintimidated by him, she fluttered her eyelashes and smirked beneath her mask, "If you must question him, you'll find that he is sleeping peacefully in my chambers. It appears as though I wore him out quite a bit."
Oroku seemed less than impressed with her answer, but only because she now had an alibi. He remembered hearing other soldiers complaining about the...sensual noises coming from her chambers.
Karai kept glancing at Rena from the corner of her eye, a frown on her face, though she remained quiet. She had her suspicious that something wasn't right, but without proper evidence than her word meant nothing.
"One of you is lying to me," Oroku said, beginning to walk again. "Karai, Rena; you both know of the consequences if I discover you're lying to me."
Oroku turned to his adoptive daughter as he noticed her shooting an accusatory glance at the older woman beside her.
"Karai? Are you aware of something I am not?"
"Not completely, Master. I guess you could say I..." she frowned at Rena, who stared back at her with an indifferent expression. "...have my doubts."
Rena laughed at that and rolled her eyes.
Karai narrowed her eyes, "What is so amusing?"
"Nothing," she said, shaking her head slightly. "I just find your accusations of disloyalty quite humorous seeing as how you have been the one to stray on numerous occasions."
Karai raised herself from her kneeling position. Rena followed her lead, her smirk hidden by the mask she wore. Oroku watched the exchange between the two women in silent interest.
"I have done no such thing," Karai defended herself.
"Oh no?" Rena rested her hand on her hip casually. "Need I remind you that all our plans we've had to dispose of those disgusting turtles have been foiled because of you? Now why is that, Karai? It couldn't possibly have anything to do with a certain blue-clad turtle that goes by the name of Leonardo, could it?"
In a flash of movement Karai had her blade held threateningly at Rena's throat. Rena's eyes glistened in triumph.
"Ooh, seems I've struck a nerve," Rena noted with obvious pleasure. She moved the tip of the blade aside with her index finger, a faint smirk appearing at the corners of her mouth. Turning her attention towards her Master, Rena bowed her head respectively.
"With all due respect, Master Shredder, it is not my loyalty you should be questioning."
"Oh but I must, Rena. Even though you have never given me reason not to trust you, I'm afraid this is no ordinary situation." Oroku slid his hand into one of his pockets and withdrew the silver necklace he had taken from Amelia's neck. Holding it out in front of him, Rena's eyes widened slightly. "This was around Amelia's neck. It used to belong to you, yes?"
"Yes, Master. It did."
Oroku slid the necklace back into pocket and folded his arms behind his back. "This is the reason why I have to question your loyalty to me. I need to make sure that you're not going to go back on your oath just because your daughter is here."
Rena rolled her shoulders, stood in front of Oroku and looked him straight in the eye. "Sixteen years ago I pledged my allegiance to you, Master Shredder. I am committed to you, now and forever. My very being belongs to you, and only you. I am no longer the same woman I was all those years ago. Elora died in that apartment, and Rena was born. All previous relationships I had in my past life mean nothing to me. This girl, Amelia, is not my daughter, and I refuse to acknowledge her as such. If you require, I shall recite my pledge to you again to prove where my loyalties lie."
She knew by the way his shoulders relaxed and his brow evened out that he believed her. "That will not be necessary." His dark eyes glanced over her shoulder and down at Eiichi, who still trembled by Hun's feet. "It appears we have our traitor. Karai, Rena, you're dismissed for now."
The pair bowed simultaneously and left the room. Once outside the throne room, Karai grabbed hold of Rena's wrist. Rena looked at her curiously.
"Don't think you're off the hook so soon, Rena. I know you're the one responsible for this, and I'm going to prove it."
As soon as those words left her lips, Karai found herself pinned up against the wall. An unusual gurgling sound rose from her throat as Rena's grip on her neck tightened. Karai felt a tiny sliver of fear as she stared into Rena's eyes. They were empty. It was almost as if she were staring into the eyes of the deceased. Her usual bright green orbs were ominously dark as they bore deep into her own frightened eyes.
"You need to learn how to control that tongue of yours, Karai." Her voice became eerily low, almost demonic, as she spoke. "Or someone, someday, is going to wind up cutting it off for you; I'd hate for that someone to be me." She tightened her grip a little bit more; raising Karai slightly up a little so only her toes touched the ground. "I suggest you stay out of my way from now on, Karai. Because the next time you piss me off, you're going to end up a hell of a lot worse than Eiichi in there. Do I make myself clear?"
Karai struggled against her hold but ended up nodding once. The pressure on her throat was lifted and she fell to her knees, gasping for a breath. Panting heavily, her narrowed eyes watched as Rena disappeared around the corner.
Walking swiftly down the multiple hallways, Rena arrived at her room. Sliding open the door, she stepped inside and closed it behind her. Her hands slammed down on the surface of the dressing table, causing the many beauty products atop it to tumble over and roll off the side. She ripped off her face plate and removed her hooded cape, throwing them both on top of her empty bed. Her raven black hair tumbled over her shoulders in luscious curls, a dark curtain on either side of her face. She gently grabbed a piece of hair and twirled it around in her fingers as she thought of Amelia.
Her daughter. She, too, had hair as black as hers, though it was shorter than she would have liked. A smiled grazed her lips as an overwhelming joy filled her heart. Her daughter, even though she was gravely injured, was alive. Hopefully those turtles are looking after her.
Rena stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes lingered on the Foot emblem on the front of her uniform and she repeated the clan oath in her head.
I pledge my life and honour to you, Oroku Saki; leader of the Foot clan.
I shall obey every command, and fulfil every duty to the best of my abilty and without question or hesitation
The protection of your life is my main priority. I shall defend you, kill for you, and if need be; give my life for you.
Never shall I lie to you or attempt to hide something from you.
Nothing and nobody shall interfere with my obedience to you.
If by any means my oath is broken, I shall accept whatever punishment my Master deems necessary.
Rena frowned and tore the emblem from her chest and slammed it down onto the dresser. The minute she laid eyes on her daughter, she knew her oath would be broken. If Shredder found out she had betrayed him, he would kill her. She couldn't let that happen. Not now. She was going to do whatever it took to see her little Tomoe again. Even if it meant playing Shredder's sick little game a little while longer.
Rena stared back at her reflection and smirked.
"Soon, Tomoe," she whispered. "Soon we shall be reunited once more."