- Chapter 43 -
Tyger Tyger
Karai was seated on Shredder's throne, looking at the picture she took from Kasumi's funeral shrine, when Rahzar and Tokka entered. She quickly hid the picture before they could see it as they walked up to her.
"Karai, with all due respect, are you insane?!" Tokka demanded. "Attacking Kasumi Lee in her own home? How'd you think things would go?!"
"I was thinking that she's gotten away long enough," Karai shot back.
"You're nowhere near ready to face her, or Hamato Yoshi," Rahzar pointed out. "You're lucky she showed mercy. When Master Shredder hears of this-"
"He never needs to know. Because you two will keep your mouths shut."
"You think we will lie to the Shredder for you?" Tokka asked. "You really are insane."
Karai scowled, glaring at her. "Tell me, Gina, are you aware of the chain of command?" She jumped to her feet. "It's the chain I take out and beat you with until you understand that I'm in command here!"
"You answer to Master Shredder like the rest of us!" Rahzar snapped. "And I, for one, can't wait until he gets back and kicks you back in your place."
"You..." Before Karai could do anything, the throne room doors were thrown open. The three spun around to see Shredder himself walk in, a gray-and-black feathered falcon perched on his shoulder. Tokka and Rahzar immediately bowed as Shredder made his way forward, sparing the latter a glance.
"You look terrible, Bradford," he said simply.
Rahzar just looked down. "The psychic exposed me to mutagen a second time. But this new form has far more benefits, Master. I assure you of that."
Shredder was silent as he made for his throne. Karai stepped away, bowing.
"Father, I..." she began, "I did not expect you back so soon."
"Obviously not," Shredder replied as he took back his throne, sitting down upon it. "But I have returned. And brought new, powerful warriors to finally crush the Turtles!"
"Excellent news, Master!" Tokka exclaimed.
"...The bird is one of them?" Rahzar let out.
Shredder glared at him. "No, you idiot. This 'bird' is my pet falcon Koya. Nakumo has been taking care of her in Japan."
"Oh…" Rahzar remarked before snapping to attention. "So… who are these warriors, then?"
"I'm glad you asked. Summon the others. It is time I introduced them."
-X-
It wasn't long before Fishface, Stockman, and Hun were called in, everyone standing at attention along the walkway to Shredder's throne.
"It would seem that in my absence, insubordination has run rampant," Shredder mused. "Thus, I have brought in some new soldiers to help destroy the Hamato Clan, and whip the Foot back into shape."
The first newcomer eventually came striding in. To everyone's surprise, it was a three-tailed fox with yellow fur and strange red markings on its face. It shimmered briefly, becoming a beautiful Japanese woman with long hair and the same red facial markings, dressed in an elegant black kimono with red flame patterns.
"What the hell is that?" Tokka demanded. "Another mutant?"
The woman chuckled. "No. I am simply... a Kitsune."
"Kitsune is one of the most powerful witches in Japan," Shredder informed his subordinates. "She has loyally served the Foot Clan for years."
"A witch?" Stockman asked, skeptical. "As in, actual magic?"
"There was a time where your science was considered sorcery," Kitsune informed him. "Do not be so skeptical, Baxter. There are things in this world you cannot begin to imagine."
"If you've served the Foot for years, where have you been all this time?" Tokka asked.
"Biding my time. Refining my craft in the years since Oroku Kaiji's tragic passing."
"Kitsune…" Karai mused before remembering. "You're Shinigami's mother. Is she… here?"
"As a matter of fact, my dear..." Kitsune replied, looking up at the window. On cue, a small black cat jumped down from the window, landing briefly on Karai's shoulder before jumping down in front of Kitsune. It shimmered as well, forming into a young girl around Karai's age with long black hair and golden-brown eyes, a beauty mark on the right side of her upper lip. She was dressed in a black bodysuit, as well as a witch's hat.
"Shini!" Karai exclaimed, only to fall silent after Shredder gave her a pointed look. "I mean... welcome, Shinigami."
"It is a pleasure to be at your side once more, milady," Shinigami bowed.
"Kitsune will be serving as my advisor," Shredder explained. "Her skills and those of her daughter's will be ideal for our cause. And they are not the only forces I have brought. Allow me to introduce the most feared assassins in all of Asia."
On cue, two more imposing figures walked in. One of them was a mutant tiger dressed in an outfit consisting of a light blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and a brown shirt vest over it. A double chain bullet bandolier and belt with a jetpack decorated the ensemble, as well as a blue scarf around his neck. He wore brown pants with pouches for a pair of pistols on his thighs and belted bottoms that stopped at his ankles. The other was a seemingly human man, dressed in a black bodysuit with a red tengu mask covering his face. This man was recognized almost instantly by all, including a stunned Rahzar.
"Hattori Tatsu!" Rahzar exclaimed, bowing respectfully.
"Bradford?" Tatsu let out, removing his mask to reveal the face of a bald Japanese man with a mustache and completely blank white eyes. "What has become of you?"
"He is a victim of Krang's mutagen, just like me," the tiger informed him before addressing the group as a whole. "You may call me Tiger Claw."
With that, Tiger Claw looked around the room, taking note of the Foot before him. "This is the Foot Clan you promised me? I must say, Master Shredder, I am disappointed."
Karai glared at him before noticing that he had a mere stump of a tail. She crossed her arms and smirked.
"Sensitive subject maybe, but shouldn't tigers have tails?" she questioned.
"Don't mock me, child," Tiger Claw growled. "It was a rival who sliced off my tail. One day I will find her, and she will pay the price!"
Karai rolled her eyes.
"Well," she let out, "don't expect me to pity you just because you got your-"
"Karai, I don't think you understand the situation here," Shredder cut her off. "Tiger Claw is not your new subordinate. He is my new second in command, and you will show him respect."
Karai was flabbergasted, whirling on her father. "What?! You're choosing a mutation over your own daughter?! This is outrageous! It's unfair! I earned that job! Not some overgrown cat in a scarf!"
Shredder glared at her, his voice cold. "You deliberately disobeyed my orders while I was gone. You have failed to defeat the Turtles and their allies again and again, and you made the foolish decision to go after Kasumi Lee alone."
Karai gasped. "H-how did you-?!"
"You think I do not have eyes and ears in my own home?" Shredder asked. "You think I am unaware of what transpires within these walls? I know everything about what you have been up to since I have been gone, Karai. You are too quick to temper. You are rash, insubordinate, and out of control. And you have earned nothing."
Karai sputtered to come up with a response, then gave in, realizing there was no point in arguing.
"Now then," Shredder began, "it is past time that Hamato Yoshi and his ilk are dealt with. Tatsu, Tiger Claw, you two will seek out the Turtles and their human allies. Destroy them at any cost."
The two of them bowed.
"Hai, Master," they replied.
"Come, little cub," Tiger Claw said to Karai. "Show me these creatures that have bested you time and again."
Karai slowly followed him, grumbling to herself in anger and humiliation.
At Murakami's noodle shop, the Hamato teens had settled down and ordered several servings of pizza gyoza. Much to the Turtles' surprise, Oyuki came out in a waitress uniform, setting out their plates and a side of mochi (1).
"Oyuki, you work here?" Tai asked.
"I didn't even know Murakami was hiring," Vee mused.
"Yeah, I needed some cash," Oyuki explained, "and something to keep me occupied. So Murakami-san hired me as a waitress."
"Have you tried the pizza gyoza yet?" Mikey questioned.
"Oh yeah," Oyuki smiled. "Best dumpling I ever had."
"Technically, they're potstickers," Donnie began. "Not-"
Hisako shoved a gyoza in his mouth. "Nobody cares."
"He do this a lot?" Oyuki asked.
Kagome nodded. "All the time."
Oyuki chuckled. "Well, take your time and enjoy."
"Oh, we will," Tai assured. "We've more than earned it."
-X-
Unbeknownst to the gang, Tiger Claw and Tatsu were spying from a nearby rooftop as they ate. As they paid the bill and exited, Tiger Claw's attention was drawn to Hisako.
"Krang's Project Oracle," he mused. "So she did fall in with Hamato Yoshi."
"She goes by Hisako these days," Karai informed him.
"Enduring child… fitting. A shame she chose the wrong side. Her power would serve the Foot well."
"Can she be turned?" Tatsu asked.
"No," Karai shook her head. "They're fiercely loyal. She'd sooner die."
"Admirable," Tiger Claw noted. "Then I shall grant her wish."
He drew a blaster, taking aim...
-X-
On the ground, Hisako perked up.
"Guys," she began, looking up and pointing. "I think we-"
Before she could finish, Tiger Claw fired, and a light blue energy beam hit her, encasing her in ice on the spot. She was left a frozen statue, much to everyone's horror.
"HISAKO?!" Leo shouted.
"Where did that come from?!" Raph demanded.
"Up there!" Jade pointed to the roof.
On cue, Tiger Claw jumped down from the building to confront them.
"Greetings, Turtles and friends," he greeted. "Master Shredder sends his regards."
"Oh, great," Mizuki groaned. "Shredder's back in town?"
"And he brought Tony the Tiger with him," Mikey remarked.
"You will address me as Tiger Claw," Tiger Claw spat.
"Aw man…" Mikey grumbled. "I was so gonna call you Tiger Claw."
"You won't be joking after tonight," growled the tiger mutant. "Master Shredder summoned me specifically to kill you all... and I'm not alone."
That's when Tatsu jumped down as well, landing next to the tiger. Jade froze up at the sight of him, staring at him wide-eyed.
"You..." she managed. "No, no, no..."
"Jade?" Leo asked.
"It's him," Jade gasped. "The man who murdered my sister… Tatsu."
"Ah, the Liu youngest," Tatsu greeted. "Rejoice. Tonight, you will rejoin your sister in the afterlife."
Jade found her mind drifting back to that very day. Screams and images filled her tortured psyche, the sight of her beloved sister with her chest cut open, bleeding out before Tatsu. After a minute, she scowled in pure rage before taking a step forward.
"I've been waiting for this day, Hattori Tatsu," she growled.
Tatsu smirked. "I admire your bravery. Come, I will give you a warrior's death."
Jade's hands shook as she saw red. "You cut down Sumi in cold blood, Tatsu! Now I'm gonna return the favor!"
"She was a strong warrior, just foolish in her choice of allies. All who oppose Master Shredder must die."
"The only one who's dying tonight is YOU!" Jade shrieked.
"Jade, WAIT!" Hana screamed, but it was too late. Jade charged Tatsu in a berserk rage, screaming all the while. Tatsu blocked every strike with relative ease, then let loose a multiple pressure point attack that dropped Jade to her knees. She was breathing heavily, still glaring at him.
"You took my big sister away from me…" she let out. "My whole world!"
"Then sending you to join her will be a mercy."
As this was going on, Erika hurried over to the frozen Hisako. She summoned the blade in one of her tonfas, chipping away at the ice freezing the psychic to the ground. Once she freed her feet, she stowed her weapon, trying to pick up the statue. Unfortunately, it weighed too much for her to handle alone.
"Donnie, help me get her inside!" she shouted. "We need to get Hisako warmed up before it's too late!"
Donnie hurried over, helping her pick up Hisako and ushering her into Murakami's shop.
"Please be okay…" he pleaded.
Meanwhile, Raph clashed with Tiger Claw, dodging blaster shots left and right. As this went on, Jade pulled herself up, glaring at Tatsu before trying again. And once again, Tatsu dodged her every strike.
"Your bravery is commendable," he remarked. "But as long as you keep telegraphing your attacks like the novice you are, you'll never land a blow."
"Shut up!" Jade snapped. "Don't act like you care!"
She drew her staff. "If it takes me a hundred years, Tatsu, I'm gonna make you pay for taking Sumi's life. I'm gonna destroy you slowly... and when you start begging me to end it— I'm gonna remind you of one thing. You killed my sister, one of the people I love most! And for that you're gonna DIE!"
Tatsu smirked in response. "Are you sure you're of the Hamato Clan? You sound more like a Foot ninja."
That really set Jade off. With a scream, she charged. Tatsu dodged and sliced her arm with his sword. A thin spray of blood squirted out from the wound and Jade cried out in pain, dropping her staff and collapsing to the ground. Before Jade could pull herself up, Tatsu walked over and landed a solid kick to her ribs, sending her rolling to the other side of the street. She clutched her stomach, coughing up blood.
"Is that… all you got?" she wheezed, wiping her mouth as she tried to stand up.
"Just do yourself a favor and stay down, girl," Tatsu advised. "You lost this fight the second I started trying."
"Jade, fall back!" Tai ordered.
"Tai, I can't-!" Jade objected.
"That's an order!"
"This is my fight! I won't run away!"
"Then call it a tactical retreat! MOVE!"
Jade opened her mouth to object, only to let out a wet cough, blood staining the pavement. She sighed at that.
"Tactical retreat…" she conceded. "I can live with that."
She hobbled away, nearly collapsing before Hana ran over, supporting her on one side.
"You idiot…" the pink ninja sighed. "Come on."
"Get her to Erika," Tai ordered.
-X-
Hana and Jade burst into the front door of the shop just as Erika and Donnie were setting the frozen Hisako down next to the sink. Oyuki came over, helping Hana set Jade down.
"Jesus, what happened?" she demanded.
"Tatsu happened," Hana replied. "Jade charged him and got her ass kicked."
"The bastard needs to pay," Jade insisted. "He killed Sumi... I can't let him get away with it."
"Well, you can't fight him like this," Oyuki said. "Seriously, even I can tell you're messed up."
"It's just a bunch of bruises and flesh wounds... I've had worse."
"Oh, really?" Oyuki raised an eyebrow before suddenly jabbing her hand into Jade's wounded stomach. Jade let out an agonized scream, slamming her fist on the table with enough force to crack it.
"Aunt Oyuki, what the hell?!" Hana demanded.
"I barely touched you," Oyuki explained. "You're not going anywhere."
"Oyuki, get over here and help Donnie with Hisako," Erika ordered.
As she came, the younger girl handed her the faucet. "Remember, we have to thaw her slowly with cold water. If she warms up too fast, her heart'll stop."
"Right," Oyuki took the faucet. "No one's dying tonight."
Using the spray nozzle from the large sink, the two worked to thaw Hisako as Jade silently fumed, allowing Erika to come over and start treating her wounds.
"Hana, get back out there," Erika adjusted her glasses. "I got this."
"You sure?" Hana asked.
Erika nodded. "They need backup."
"Right," Hana turned to go.
"Hana." Hana stopped, turning back. Jade's expression steeled. "Give Tatsu a couple hits from me."
"I'll do my best." Readying her weapon, she made her way back out into the fray.
-X-
As soon as she was out, Hana jumped into the fray with Leo, Kagome, Tai, Mizuki, and Vee, who were all fighting Tatsu. He effortlessly parried their attacks despite being vastly outnumbered. Meanwhile, Raph, Mikey, and Makoto were clashing with Tiger Claw, who kept firing on them with his freeze ray and a laser gun.
"You reptiles are cold blooded," he mused. "I'm sure it would be... horrific if I froze you in your tracks!"
Mikey drew a shuriken and threw it directly into the barrel of the freeze gun, plugging it up.
"Well, we're not gonna find out, Tigger!" he declared.
"Impudent brat!" Tiger Claw activated his jetpack and rocketed towards Mikey, knocking him to the ground. Even in the face of this, Mikey had time for commentary.
"A jet pack?! Aww, why do the bad guys always get the cool stuff?!"
"MIKEY!" Raph shouted.
"Right!" Mikey flipped back onto his feet, spinning his chucks. "Come and get me, Stripes!"
He quickly got his wish. Tiger Claw charged him and pinned him to the wall, one furry claw around his throat as he drew his blaster with his free hand, pointing the barrel directly between Mikey's eyes.
"Let him go, you bastard!" Mizuki shouted, nocking an arrow.
"Ah, ah, ah," Tiger Claw admonished. "I hold the cards here." Everyone looked at Mikey nervously as Tiger Claw turned towards Leo. "I propose you summon your master and his friend for assistance."
Everyone immediately whirled on Leo.
"No way!" Raph shouted.
"Don't do it, Leo!" Kagome pleaded. "It's a trap!"
"Of course it's a trap!" Leo replied. "Tell me the part where I have a choice."
Tiger Claw smirked as Leo pulled his T-Phone out of his pocket and began dialing...
Down in the lair, Splinter and Kasumi were both in the midst of a meditation session. They were both perfectly still and serene... until a large novelty phone shaped like a wheel of cheese began to ring. Splinter's eyes snapped open, his head turning sharply.
"The cheese phone!" Splinter realized. "Truly, an emergency."
He wasted no time rushing over to answer it. "Moshi moshi... (2)" He paused, his expression going grave. "Leonardo, what is the problem?" He listened as Leo outlined their dire situation, his expression getting worse. "Do not fear, my son. We are on our way."
He hung up the phone, turning to Kasumi.
"Yoshi, what's wrong?" Kasumi demanded. "Did something happen to the children?"
"Hattori Tatsu is in New York," Splinter informed her. "Our children are facing him… and losing."
Kasumi gasped before her face hardened. "Where are they?"
Back at Murakami's place, Leo and the others were bound and on their knees. Tiger Claw and Tatsu prepared to finish them off.
"Don't expect us to beg or grovel, assholes," Tai snapped defiantly. "Hamato ninja die with dignity!"
"As long as you die, it makes no difference to me," Tiger Claw raised his blaster, preparing to put a laser bolt right between Tai's eyes when-
"HEY!" shouted the voice of Kasumi. Everyone whirled around and the Hamato teens smiled in relief to see Splinter and Kasumi standing on a rooftop above.
"Get away from our children!" Splinter ordered. "Now!"
They jumped down as Tiger Claw and Tatsu turned to face them.
"Hamato Yoshi and Kasumi Lee," Tiger Claw remarked. "So, you finally decide to show yourselves."
"You act as if we have been hiding," Splinter spat.
"Release our children and leave this place," Kasumi ordered.
Splinter's eyes drifted across the captive ninja, mentally doing a headcount. When he noticed a few were missing, he grew concerned. "Donatello. Hisako. Where are they?"
"Tiger Claw hit Hisako with a freeze ray," Leo replied. "Donnie's helping Erika treat her."
"Though I can't say they'll be successful," Tiger Claw noted. "Ten to one she's a frozen corpse by now."
Splinter's eyes narrowed at that, his fists clenching as a hiss escaped his snout.
"You…" In a flash, he launched himself forward. Kasumi charged at Tatsu as Splinter clashed with Tiger Claw.
"You killed Sumiko, and now you target my daughter," she said, calm but cold. "Tatsu, I hope you're ready for a world of pain."
"Pain and I are old comrades, Kasumi," Tatsu retorted. "One I will be happy to introduce you to."
Tiger Claw immediately began firing on Splinter, who dodged around the blasts before knocking some stray bricks at him, knocking his blasters out of his hands. Tiger Claw snarled, drawing a sword. Splinter in turn drew his own from his walking stick. Seeing this, a small smirk appeared on Tiger Claw's face.
"Finally, a worthy opponent. I will enjoy crossing blades with you."
Kasumi clashed with Tatsu, matching him blow for blow.
"So," Tatsu let out, clearly impressed, "it appears fifteen years working an office job haven't slowed you down one bit."
"I may work in an office, but I have also worked to train the next generation of Hamato Ninja," Kasumi retorted. "And now, I will work to slay the demon who seeks their destruction!"
As the two fought, their anger at Tiger Claw's attack on Hisako boiled over. Splinter charged Tiger Claw in a blind rage, swiping and clawing at him like a feral rat. Tiger Claw tried to slash at him, but Splinter knocked the blade out of his hand. At the same time, Kasumi attacked Tatsu with renewed vigor, striking at his sword with righteous fury until his blade simply snapped in half under the assault. The two assassins were unable to keep up, being beaten back before they were sent flying back into the wall. Splinter was breathing heavily, pulsing with rage over the fate of Hisako, on top of the latest situation regarding Karai, before finally throwing his head back and exploding:
"WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!"
-X-
As this was going on, Kitsune watched the spectacle from a nearby rooftop, seeing the odds were shifting in Splinter and Kasumi's favor.
"Well now, it seems they've made a miscalculation," she remarked. "If this goes on much longer, things could get ugly."
She focused, and a blowgun appeared out of thin air. Taking it, she aimed at Kasumi and Splinter. "Time to even the odds."
-X-
Before Splinter and Kasumi could finish off their opponents, two darts hit them, one in Splinter's neck, the other in Kasumi's arm. As soon as they pulled the darts out, they began to feel woozy, just as Kitsune materialized before them.
"Apologies," she said with a small bow, "but I'm afraid I cannot allow these two to fall so easily."
"No…" Splinter let out. "It cannot be…"
"You're… Kitsune…" Kasumi managed. "The Foot… witch…"
With that, they both collapsed while everyone gaped at Kitsune's appearance.
"No way…" Hana exclaimed. "Shredder brought in a witch, too?!"
"We had the situation well in hand," Tatsu said sourly.
"That's not how I saw it," Kitsune retorted, levitating Splinter and Kasumi and handing them to Tatsu and Tiger Claw. "Now, let's take these two to Shredder."
"What about the children?" Tiger Claw questioned.
"They're no threat to us now," Kitsune replied. "Besides, Shredder wants the pleasure of slaying them himself."
"Very well," Tatsu decided. "Let them mourn their teachers and sister."
Leo and the others looked conflicted, but Kasumi managed to force her head up with the last ounces of her strength. She threw a kunai knife as best she could, watching it clatter at Leo's feet.
"K-Kids…" Kasumi stammered. "Free yourselves… run…"
"No!" Kagome shouted, tears in her eyes. "We're not leaving you, Mom!"
"Go…" Splinter managed. "Escape… while you…"
"Be silent." Tiger Claw pinched the back of Splinter's neck and the rat sagged. He adjusted his grip, then turned back to the ninja. "Enjoy your fleeting moments of life before you are hunted down."
And with that, the Foot ninja retreated, taking Splinter and Kasumi with them.
-X-
Sometime later, the Hamato ninja finally managed to free themselves, retreating inside the noodle shop. Everyone had grim expressions, pain and anguish written across their faces. Raph let out a roar, flipping a table before whirling on Leo.
"This is all your fault!" he shouted. "If you hadn't called them in-!"
"I didn't have a choice! It was either that or let Tiger Claw shoot Mikey in the face!" Leo objected before looking away. "I… I thought Dad and Kasumi would take them."
Jade herself had gotten to her feet. Covered in bandages, she got in Tai's face.
"You let Tatsu get away! I was so close to-!"
"Close to what?" Tai snapped. "Getting killed?"
"At least I could have taken him with me!"
"Jade, you're lucky to be alive," Erika pointed out. "And anyone can tell that you were outmatched."
"I don't CARE! I'm gonna get justice for Sumi's death, even if it kills me!"
"Justice?" Hana asked. "Or vengeance?"
The intense bickering between the two sides picked up for a while. Eventually, Oyuki, unable to stop it any other way, placed two fingers in her mouth and let out an ear-splitting whistle. Everyone cringed, then turned to her.
"Right. Now that I have everyone's attention…" Oyuki turned to Raph. "You, Leonardo literally had no choice in the matter, and he had faith in his father. It's not his fault that the Foot witch came in. And you…" She turned to Jade. "Do you honestly think Sumiko would appreciate you going on a suicide trip for her sake? Do you think that's what she would want you to do in memory of her?"
"I... I just... Yuki, c'mon, she…"
Oyuki didn't budge, crossing her arms. "She died, yes. It was awful, and Tatsu will get what's coming to him. But not like this. Suicide isn't the answer." She grimaced. "Take it from someone who almost did it."
All eyes turned to her in shock.
"What?!" Hana gasped. "Then, when Dad mentioned you weren't in a good place…"
Oyuki nodded. "I was low. I didn't see a way out. He ran into me about to jump off a building."
The Turtles and Kagome looked horrified. Leo gripped the straps of his katana.
"Aunt Oyuki... My God…" Hana just ran over, embracing her. Oyuki took the hug, then looked over at Jade with a serious expression
"This," she said. "This is what Sumi would be doing if she was here."
Jade just looked away. Oyuki gently pushed Hana away before addressing everyone. "Now, there are two things you can do about this. Either stay here bickering and beating yourselves up, or pull together so we can work out a way to save Miss Kasumi and Master Yoshi. What's it gonna be?"
Everyone grew serious.
"Right," Leo nodded. "We need to save them, before Shredder can finish what he started sixteen years ago. But first…" he turned to Erika, "how's Hisako?"
Hisako was laid out on one of the booths, now thawed, but unconscious. She was pale and her lips were blue, but she was breathing.
"Out of danger for now," Erika reported. "But she needs somewhere warm, dry, and safe."
"We'll take her to the apartments," Kagome decided. "No offense, but the lair isn't the best place for her at the moment."
"None taken, we're with you," Donnie assured.
"Jade, Erika and I will get her there," Hana decided.
"Meaning the rest of us can find Master Splinter and Lady Kasumi," Tai decided.
"Quick question: How?" Mizuki asked.
"By tracking Dad's T-Phone," Donnie replied, already on his laptop. "You didn't think I wasn't gonna put one in his just in case, did you?"
"Nice going, D," Vee smiled.
"Whatever we're gonna do, we better do it fast," Kagome's fist clenched. "Shredder already took my dad away from me. He's not taking Mom, too."
"Agreed," said Raph. "Shredder's taken enough from us. But not tonight…"
Within Shredder's throne room, the poisoned and weakened Splinter and Kasumi sat on the ground before the stone seat. They were chained to the ground, helpless as Shredder approached them.
"Hamato Yoshi. Kasumi Lee," he remarked. "So, you have been reduced to this. A wretched rat-man waiting to be put out of his misery, and his pathetic keeper."
"At least I do not wear a mask… hiding what little humanity I have left," Splinter retorted.
Shredder scowled, removing the faceplate of his mask to reveal his scarred face. "I wear this mask because of you!"
"After all these years… you're still blaming everyone… but yourself… for your own actions," Kasumi managed. "It's really… quite pathetic, Saki."
Shredder let out a furious growl. "You dare…" He unsheathed the blade hidden in his gauntlet. "I will show you pathetic!"
"Wait!" Karai ran into the room, holding out her hand to stop him, earning her a glare from the man.
"You would stop me?!" he snapped.
"You'd kill your greatest enemies while they're poisoned and chained?" Karai asked. "What about honor? Everything you taught me!"
Tiger Claw and Tatsu, who had been watching from the side, also chimed in.
"She is right, Master," Tiger Claw spoke up.
"Indeed," Tatsu agreed. "They are proud warriors who deserve to die like warriors. To kill them like this... it is disgraceful."
Shredder thought it over, then backed off. "Very well. Gather the Foot. I will offer these two one last fight."
He walked off, everyone else following until only Karai was left with the two fallen masters.
"Why…" Splinter let out. "Why did you… help us?"
"I couldn't stand to see you two looking so pathetic," Karai informed them, refusing to meet their eye. "Even you shouldn't die a coward's death."
Splinter smiled slightly. "You truly do have… your mother's heart. So fierce… and yet… so afraid."
Karai scowled, whirling around to glare at him. "Don't ever speak of my mother again! You ruined my family! All of our lives!"
"No… Saki did it…" Kasumi insisted. "I showed you the photos. What more... do you… need?"
Karai sputtered for several seconds, unable to come up with a response, then just turned her back and stormed out, the doors slamming shut with an ominous thud. As soon as she was out, however, her expression softened. Making sure no one was looking, she removed the photo from her pocket and looked it over again.
"What if it is true?" she pondered to herself.
"What if what's true?"
Karai jumped with a yelp as black smoke coalesced around her, forming into Shinigami.
"Can you not do that, please?"
"Sorry, old habits." Shinigami leaned against the wall next to Karai. "Is your dad doing that thing again? Where he basically ignores you until you mess up?"
"No... it's not that."
Shinigami noticed the photo in her hand. "What's that?"
"It's... the only picture I have of my mom."
"Oh, really?" Shinigami took a look. "Is that what Shredder looked like before he got burnt?"
"No…" Karai shook her head. "Apparently, that's Hamato Yoshi."
Shinigami looked up as she went on. "I got this photo during the... thing Father mentioned, about me attacking Kasumi Lee."
"Huh. Well, didn't they used to be friends or brothers, or something?"
"Yeah…" Karai took a deep breath, taking Shinigami aside. "Shini, what I'm about to tell you, never breathe a word to anyone, okay? Promise me."
"You have my word." Shinigami crossed over her heart, leaving small trails of black smoke as she did.
"Alright," Karai nodded. "Ever since the aliens attacked two months ago, every time I've run into the Turtles, they've repeatedly sworn that Shredder isn't my real father. That he's the one who killed my mother. I thought it was all just lies at first... but then I find out Kasumi Lee had this photo."
Shinigami perked. "You mean…?"
"Yeah," Karai confirmed. "I don't know what to believe, but if it's true... Hamato Yoshi is my real father."
Shinigami looked at Karai, then back at the throne room. "This is... I have no words. Karai, are… are you okay?"
"I… I don't know," Karai confessed, running a hand through her hair. "All my life, I've been led to believe that Shredder is my father, that Splinter is the enemy. But now... I don't know anymore. What do I do?"
"Honestly, I don't know. The best thing I can tell you is to do what you think is right."
"What would you do, Shini?"
"I don't know. But I'll stand by you, whatever you choose."
Karai perked. "You'd do that for me?"
Shinigami smiled. "Of course. We're friends, aren't we? No matter what, I'll always have your back."
Karai hesitated briefly before hugging her. "Thanks."
Meanwhile in the Hamato Clan apartments, Jade had disappeared into her room with Hana while Hisako was bundled up on the couch. Yukio was helping Oyuki to set up some space heaters as Tai got Seiko caught up on what happened.
"Damn it…" Seiko was already readying her equipment. "I'm in. We'll save Kasumi and Master Yoshi if we have to level Saki's hideout to the ground to do it."
"On that, we agree," Leo said. "Donnie, any luck?"
"I just got a lock on their location," Donnie replied. "The old chapel of 12th street."
"While I'm all for busting some heads, we're gonna be walking straight into Foot territory," Raph said. "Even with all of us, we ain't gonna stand a chance."
"Did somebody say distraction?" Mikey dropped a large bag onto the table, letting several fireworks, noise makers, and smoke bombs roll out.
"Where'd you get all these?" Makoto asked.
"Leftover from the Fourth of July."
"And you just… have it?" Akemi asked.
"It was in the Shellraiser's trunk."
"It'll do," Leo decided. "Here's the plan. We get to the chapel, and Mikey sets off the fireworks at my signal. From there, we grab Kasumi and Dad and get the hell out."
"Um…" Erika raised a hand. "I hate to be that girl, but how do we know Shredder hasn't killed them already?"
"Because of his ego," Seiko replied. "He won't kill them unless they're at the top of their game. It wouldn't satisfy him."
"Oh yeah," Mikey agreed. "He's a full-tilt diva who has to be seen by an audience when he whacks his two greatest rivals. Parades, flowers, a monument built to the sky with his name plastered on it…" He smirked. "And fireworks."
"And we're going to use that to our advantage," Leo declared. "Knowing Shredder, he's no doubt converted the main congregation area into some sort of throne room, and that's gonna be where he fights them. The chapel has skylights we can use, so long as we're careful."
With a plan in mind, the Hamato ninja grabbed their weapons and left, Mikey lugging the fireworks behind him.
Some time later, they all made it to Shredder's lair. Mikey quickly set up the fireworks as the others scaled the building. They looked in, seeing Splinter and Kasumi in chains in Shredder's throne room.
"Good," Mizuki said, relieved. "They're still alive."
"And the poison's almost out of their system," Donnie realized. "Meaning the fight's about to begin."
As if on cue, they watched as Shredder approached Splinter and Kasumi, cutting their chains.
"After so many years, it has finally come," Shredder spoke. "The destruction of Hamato Yoshi and Kasumi Lee."
Splinter and Kasumi each took a defensive stance as Shredder charged at them. He went at Splinter first, causing the rat to roll out of the way. His movements were slower due to the poison still in his system, allowing Shredder to dash behind him and kick him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. Kasumi ran up next, striking at Shredder continuously, but Shredder continued to block the blows.
"Truly a shame, Kasumi," Shredder remarked. "We would have made an extraordinary team. But you chose to side with the rat."
"I already told you, Saki," Kasumi retorted. "Yoshi's my best friend, and he's twice the man you'll ever be!"
Shredder growled in anger, and grabbed Kasumi by the arm and pulled her in close, kneeing her in the stomach before throwing her into Splinter, knocking them both down. Shredder walked over to them as he picked Splinter up with one hand, stepped on Kasumi's chest with a foot, and extended his claws on his other hand.
"You fought well, but this outcome was inevitable," he said, making to strike Splinter down.
"I couldn't agree more, Shredder!" Leo shouted. Shredder whirled around as Leo smashed through the glass. "Mikey, NOW!"
On cue, Mikey struck a match and lit the wick. Within seconds, fireworks were blasting and exploding all over the throne room.
"Move, move, move!" Leo exclaimed.
"Aw yeah!" Mikey cried out. "Rescue time!"
The Hamato ninjas hurried in and grabbed Splinter and Kasumi before taking off. Through the confusion, Shredder watched them go and saw red.
"GET THEM!" Shredder screamed. "Do not let them escape!"
-X-
On the rooftops, the Hamato Ninja were running for their lives, Seiko carrying Kasumi on her back while Leo did the same with Splinter.
"My... My children…" Splinter managed.
"We're here, Dad," Vee assured.
"We told you to run…" Kasumi said.
"And we did," said Kagome. "We ran right to your rescue."
"We don't leave our own behind," Mizuki declared.
Splinter perked. "Hisako… is she really…?"
"She's fine, Dad," Leo reassured. "Cold, and definitely gonna be sick for a while, but she's alive."
Splinter sighed in relief. As they went, Makoto stiffened, turning to see Tiger Claw flying in on his jet pack.
"Damn it!" he yelled. "Here comes Tony!"
"I got this!" Leo shouted, handing Splinter over to Tai. "Get them out of here!"
"You can't take him alone, Leo!" Tai objected.
"Just go!" Leo ordered. "NOW!"
Reluctantly, they did so. Leo watched them go, then turned to face Tiger Claw, drawing his swords.
"You are still just a cub," the tiger mutant snarled. "Your skills are nothing compared to mine."
"Wanna bet?" Leo retorted.
The two charged forward and clashed. Their blades sparked with each strike and blow. As Tiger Claw predicted, Leo was little match for him, and even he was becoming aware of it, being forced backwards ever so slowly. Leo leapt into the air and kicked Tiger Claw in the face, but Tiger Claw grabbed his leg and slammed him to the ground. Leo quickly took out some throwing stars and chucked them at Tiger Claw, but he quickly used his sword to block them before throwing Leo against a wall. Leo slowly picked himself up as Tiger Claw stood over him.
"Time to die!" he declared, readying a final blow.
On instinct, Leo slashed outward, his blade slicing across Tiger Claw's face and hitting his right ear and left eye. Tiger Claw howled in pain and stumbled back, clutching his face as blood poured through his palm. Seeing this, Leo gasped in shock.
"Filthy brat…" Tiger Claw hissed. "You will suffer for this!"
With that, he activated his rocket and flew off. Leo watched him go, then looked at the fresh, red blood on his katana. The sight of his usually pristine blades tinged red made the blue turtle sick to his stomach. Dropping his swords, Leo doubled over and retched on the rooftop.
Splinter sat on the couch in the Hamato apartments, cradling Hisako's freezing form close to him. She was semi-conscious, actively seeking warmth from both him and the multitude of blankets covering her. Her father happily comforted her, running his claws through her hair as he relished in the fact that she was alive. As he did, his eyes drifted over to Leo, who was furiously scrubbing away at the blood on his sword.
"Leonardo…" he said.
"I was panicking," Leo sighed. "I-I took out his eye. I didn't mean to…"
"I know," Splinter replied. "You do not actively seek to harm your enemies in such a manner. What happened to Tiger Claw was brought upon him by his own choices." He reached out, gently cradling his son's cheek. "The fact that you feel as you do is proof that you are not like him."
Leo sighed, then nodded. They sat in silence for a moment before eyes drifted to Jade, who was seated in the corner, tapping her fingers on her chair with an expression of barely concealed rage on her face.
"Jade?" he asked. "What's wrong?"
"What do you think is wrong?" Jade snapped. "Tatsu got away. I fought with everything I had, and it wasn't enough."
"Today just wasn't our day," Hana sighed. "But we'll know better for next time."
Splinter looked over at Jade, then he pat the spot on the couch next to him. "Jade, come here."
Jade sighed. "Master Splinter, I'm in no mood to-"
"You will listen now," Splinter cut her off sternly.
Jade shut her mouth and obediently approached him, wordlessly sitting down where directed.
"I understand what it feels like to have lost loved ones, but this is not the way to cope." She looked away, so he lifted her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Some say the path from inner turmoil begins with a friendly ear. Mine is always open, if you care to use it."
He released her chin and she sighed. "Splinter, Sumiko was all I had. Mom was busy with clan duties. Dad was always working at the base in Okinawa. But Sumi... she was always there. I could always count on her."
Splinter nodded in understanding as she went on. "Seeing that monster standing over her, discarding her like she was nothing…" Jade clutched herself, fighting back tears. "He cut her down right in front of me, and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. I see it every night, every time I close my eyes... And it just. Won't. STOP!"
She doubled over, punching the ground. "Damn it, I could've done something! If I'd just jumped him from behind or distracted him, Sumi would still be alive!"
"And how would Sumiko feel, if you were the one to suffer her fate?" Kasumi questioned.
Jade didn't answer. She couldn't, having already seen what Hana felt when Oyuki had made her confession. In the end, she just let out a sob, tears streaming down her face. "It hurts so bad. Every time I think of her, I can't breathe. I just... can't help but wonder... what if I had done something?"
"Wallowing in your feelings of guilt won't bring your sister back," Kasumi informed her. "Neither will throwing your life away for the sake of revenge."
"I just…" Jade managed, "I want it to stop. I just want it to stop…"
With that, she broke down completely. Kasumi pulled Jade's head into her lap, gently petting her head as the others looked on sympathetically.
"I never knew…" Makoto let out. "Jade's been hurting so much all this time… and I never knew…"
"None of us did, man," Tai admitted.
Oyuki reached over, giving Jade's shoulder a squeeze. "Wanting the pain to stop… Believe me when I say I get it. You're not alone, Jade. You never have been."
"I am alone, Oyuki," she replied. "Mom and Dad never gave two shits about me and Sumi."
"I doubt that is true," Splinter told her. "All parents care for their children."
"Nanami always loved you, Jade," Kasumi promised. "Don't ever think for a second that she didn't."
Jade wiped her eyes, still utterly broken. "Why'd she do it? She knew she couldn't take him. Didn't she ever think of how lonely I'd be without her? How miserable?"
"Sumiko died so that you and the rest of us could live," Seiko told her. "Don't throw your life away."
Jade sniffed back another tear. "I… I just miss her so much."
"You always will," Splinter said. "But she's always there, as long as you keep her memory in your heart. In a way, you'll never be apart. You're still part of each other."
Kasumi handed Jade a tissue, which she used to blow her nose. After a moment, Jade managed to smile. "This… this is the best I've felt in over a year… Thank you."
Seiko came over, placing a hand on Jade's back comfortingly. "Yes, thank you Master Yoshi. Yukio and I have tried our best to soothe Jade's pain... but I guess it wasn't good enough."
"Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen," Splinter told her. "That is the first step to healing, just talking and having someone willing to listen."
Hana placed a hand on her shoulder, getting her attention.. "Jade, I want you to know... if you ever need anything, a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to, I'm here. Don't ever feel like you can't lean on me, or the clan."
Jade turned to her. "Hana… What'd I do to deserve you?"
Hana just smiled before leaning forward and kissing her. Jade's eyes widened briefly before she leaned into it, pulling Hana close. Everyone blinked.
"The heck?" Makoto let out. "Hana, I thought you were straight."
Hana pulled back. "What, a girl can't swing both ways?"
"Okay, fair enough," Makoto conceded, getting a laugh out of everyone.
As they all laughed, Jade looked around at all the faces around her. All of the people who were there to support her, seeing them made her finally feel the break in her heart begin to mend, for the first time since her sister's death. She wasn't alone after all. She had a wonderful support system of friends and family behind her.
"Thank you," she said gratefully. "Thank you all... so much."
Author's Note:
(1): A Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki.
(2): A Japanese greeting used during phone calls.
That last scene, with Jade's breakdown, seriously almost had me break down in tears. No joke.
Tiger Claw is from the 2012 show, as is Shinigami, while Kitsune and Koya are from the IDW comics. Making Shini and Kitsune mother and daughter was my own personal flavor.
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Kitsune- Grey DeLisle (Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Morgan le Fay from Ultimate Spider-Man, Sam Manson from Danny Phantom, current voice of Daphne Blake, High Priestess in Samurai Jack season 5, Vicky in The Fairly OddParents!, Mandy in The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Kimiko Tohomiko in Xiaolin Showdown, Catwoman in Batman: Arkham)
Please R&R. Until next time!