Alright time for another chapter! I just want to say thanks to all who review, it is always appreciated and makes my day with all the support. And please don't worry guys. I may take a little longer than I normally do getting chapters out, but I won't abandon this story. You have no reason to fear. I will finish it! :] Anywho, please enjoy this next chapter and let me know what you think!
Leo didn't know what to do. He wanted to help them both, but it seemed there was nothing he could do, but stand there. Everyone else had similar ideas. Karai however looked at him for a moment before she hopped off the table and slowly and unsurely up to Master Splinter. Finally when she was close enough, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his robes.
Master Splinter broke from his revere and hugged her back, losing the strength to stand. They both fell to the floor in tears of happiness and joy at finally being reunited.
Leo heaved a sigh of relief and looked around the room. April was hugging Donnie as she misted up and Donnie was smiling too. Casey and Raph had their arms crossed but were smiling and Mikey threw himself onto Leo hugging him as he once again wailed like a baby, happiness radiating from him. Leo gestured for everyone to leave the room so that father and daughter could have some alone time together and they all nodded.
They entered the main room and all sat down in the pit. "We need to come up with a plan to stop the Shredder and the Kraang from raising that Demon Shredder."
"Agreed, but how exactly are we going to do that?" Donnie said. "Our team has grown, sure, but we are still a bunch of teenagers and a mutant rat against a whole clan of ninjas plus a race of demon slaves. We're a little outnumbered."
"That may be true, but we now have Karai on our team." Leo said. "Someone who knows that clan inside and out and a way to stop it and prevent the Foot from interfering. And there may also be more information about the Demon Shredder that we don't know about."
"That's a good idea, Leo." April said placing her hand on her chin in thought. "I could head down to the library and see if I find anything."
"I'll go with you." Donnie said quickly, "I know you can take care of yourself," He added seeing her protesting face, "But it still isn't safe for you to go out by yourself yet."
"Donnie's right April." Leo said nodding. "Until we know for sure what they want with you, you really best lay low."
"You know I can talk to some of the street gangs." Casey said drawing everyone's attention, "Everyone on the streets know something big is about to go down. Maybe someone knows a little more."
"That's a good idea." Leo said nodding. "Just be careful. We don't need to be wasting time if one of us get into trouble."
"Why do you always say that to me?" Casey asked looking offended.
"Because you're de 'one of us' dat always gets into trouble." Raph answered shoving him gently.
"Oh yeah." Casey said with a toothy smile.
They all chuckled before they heard footsteps joining them. Looking over they saw it was Master Splinter and Karai walking into the room. "Master Splinter. Karai." Leo said standing. Everyone stood as well.
"Are you guys okay now?" Mikey asked gently.
Master Splinter smiled at him, "Yes Michelangelo. We are well."
"But please." Karai began holding up her hands, "Don't call me Karai anymore. I want nothing to do with that man. Call me Miwa."
Everyone nodded and April walked up to her and held out her hand, "It's nice to finally meet you, Miwa and welcome to the family. I've heard nothing, but good things from both your boys."
Miwa smiled a little unsure about April's phrasing, but shook her hand and nodded. "Thank you. It's nice to finally meet you as well…"
"April." She supplied. "I'm dating the cute one with the brains and purple zip up jacket."
Donnie smiled stupidly at her comment while Miwa nodded. "Good to know."
"Well it's not dat hard to figure out, dey are practically together all de time." Raph said crossing his arms and earning a glare from both April and Donnie. Miwa chuckled subtly and the next hour or so was spent introducing and catching her up on everything.
"Miwa," Leo began, "We need to stop the Shredder. Do you know how? What his plan is?"
Miwa shook her head, "No I don't. He didn't tell me anything other than what he wants to do. I don't even know how he plans on absorbing the demon's power." She answered throwing her hands up in exasperation.
"Um," Casey began unsure, "I may not know much about spiritual stuff in your Chi stuff, but aren't demons evil? And absorbing one, isn't that a bad idea?"
"Yes it is." Master Splinter answered. "Saki does not know what he is doing, nor what he is inviting. However," He went on stroking his chin hair thoughtfully, "When someone adopts the name or mantle of someone else, a piece of that mantle is transferred to the person." He then looked to Leo and the other three changelings. "That is how you are able to change. You were chosen to take the mantle of the brave turtle and warrior and their souls reside in you when you activate your Chi."
"So the Shredder is planning on using his own Chi to meld with the demon Shredder?" Donnie asked.
Master Splinter nodded, "I believe so. However, in order to do so, he must have something symbolizing that bond."
"The Kuro Kabuto." Miwa breathed.
"The whaty-what?" Mikey asked confused.
"The Kuro Kabuto." She repeated. "The helmet. It's been in the Oroku family for generations. Each leader of the clan, a Shredder in their own right has worn it."
"That would work." Master Splinter agreed.
"We need to get it." Leo nodded.
"Okay not ta be Mr. Negative here, but doesn't he wear it on his head?" Raph stated. "How de heck are we supposed ta get it?"
"He doesn't wear it all the time. When he's training, he puts it on its mantle in the throne room." Miwa answered.
"The throne room?" Casey questioned.
"Not everyone knows he's crazy so he has ta make a big deal about it." Raph answered with a big grin. This brought them and Mikey to tears laughing so hard.
"Yame!" Master Splinter cried suddenly, sobering them up. "This is a serious matter. Not the time to be making jokes." He told them sternly.
"Yes Master Splinter." They chorused looking a bit ashamed.
Leo however couldn't blame them. The Shredder did have too big a head for his own good.
"How do you suppose we get it?" Mikey asked surprisingly bringing them all back on track.
"I think-" Miwa suddenly yawned. "Sorry." She apologized. "I was going to say-"
"No." Master Splinter said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. Miwa along with everyone else looked up at him confused. "It is late." He explained. "We can discuss this more in the morning after everyone has had a goodnight's sleep." They all were about to protest when he held up his hand to silence them. "This is not up for debate." He ordered, "You have all had a tiring day and need your rest. We will resume our discussion in the morning after a proper rest and meal."
"Yes Master Splinter." They all said, too tired to really argue a point they all agreed with.
"Miwa, you can sleep in my room tonight." Leo said, "I'll sleep on the couch." Miwa nodded and he led her to his room as everyone said their goodnights and headed to bed. Casey said he would come over around nine and departed. They reached his room and he flipped on the light. "Sorry if it's a little messy, but you're welcome to anything." Leo began, "There are extra clothes under the bed and another blanket if you get cold."
Miwa nodded and looked at him, "Do you really live here?" She asked curiously. She knew he had his own place where he was supposed to live with his parents that were still out of the country.
"Most days." Leo answered truthfully. "I'd rather be here than in an empty home where there's no one there when you come home. The extra clothes are there just in case. You don't have to use them if you don't want to." He added quickly remembering they were his clothes. They may have been dating for a little over a month now, but after everything that happened they may not be dating anymore and she might not feel comfortable with that.
At some point when it was appropriate, he really needed to ask her where they stood.
Miwa smiled slightly and shook her head at his concern. "No, Leo it's fine. Thank you."
"Of course."
They were silent for another moment not really knowing where to go from there and Leo opened his mouth to speak, but Miwa beat him to it. "Thank you for not giving up on me too." She said.
"What do you mean?" He asked confused. Of course he wouldn't give up on her.
"When I made a fool of myself and chose to believe that… monster over you." She went on hugging her arms and looking away from him to the ground. "I was such a stubborn idiot, but you didn't give up on me. Even after all that I did."
Leo smiled warmly at her and took the necessary steps forward so he could take her in his arms and hug her to him. Miwa melted into his embrace and happily hugged him back. "Of course I didn't give up on you." He began softly, "Miwa, I've told you before, but I will happily tell you again." He leaned back and looked into her eyes, "I really care about you. I wasn't ever mad at you, I was just worried. I didn't want you to continue to live with someone as dangerous as the Shredder and be continually lied to. I just want your happiness." He added sincerely.
Miwa smiled at him, "And now thanks to you, I am. Ever since I met you Leo, things have been different for me. I'm happier than I've ever been before. And now thanks again to you, I have my real father with me. I can never repay you enough for that."
"You don't need to repay me." He said shaking his head. "I was and am happy to do it for you."
"Still, I think some payment is due." She argued with a suggestive smile.
"Like what?" He asked confused. Miwa continued to look at him. He still didn't get it. "What?"
She shook her head, "I'll never understand it, but your naiveté has always attracted me, even if it does annoy me." She added with a smirk.
"Miwa, what are you talking-" She cut him off quite efficiently with a roll of her eyes and kiss to the lips. He was shocked at first, but that didn't last long as he happily kissed her back. They continued for a few moments before she pulled away, her devious smirk still in place. "Oh." Leo said hoarsely, now understanding.
"So, you think you can forgive me?" She asked. "Can I still be your girl?"
Leo smiled down at her. "I think that can be arranged." They both leaned in again and kissed each other. At least now he knew where they stood.
The sound of someone clearing their throat made them pull apart. Looking around they saw, there standing in the doorway was none other than Master Splinter looking at them pointedly with his arms crossed.
Miwa simply looked at him, while Leo smiled sheepishly. That was right. Master Splinter was Miwa's dad. He probably didn't want to see his only daughter whom he just got back, making-out with a boy. Even if he knew the boy and trusted him. Luckily, Master Splinter gave them one last look that spoke volumes before walking away and leaving them with the silent warning.
"I hope he won't always be like that." Miwa said softly. "I like kissing you."
Leo felt his cheeks grow hot at her comment, but forced himself to focus. "He won't." He assured. "He's just naturally protective. It won't be like this forever." Miwa looked down saddened, "What's wrong?"
"You know so much about him already." She began softly with a bit of a shrug. "I just wish… things were little different. That's all."
Leo smiled, "Don't worry. Soon enough you'll know just as much about him as I do." He said encouragingly. "Who knows? Maybe even more. I mean, he is your father after all." He added with a happy grin.
Miwa smiled, "Yes he is." She leaned in and they kissed once more, "Goodnight Leo."
"Goodnight Miwa." Leo said kissing her back before heading out.