- Chapter 97 -

Back on Earth

Kasumi woke up bright and early and started performing her morning katas. In the middle of doing so, her eyes fell on a photo mounted on the wall. The photo was a group shot of herself, Splinter, Kagome, Hisako, Karai, and the Turtles, which Makoto had taken of them shortly after the end of Krang's occupation. As she looked at the photo, she couldn't shake the feeling of just how empty her home was. Having grown used to the teens running around, the silence was almost deafening. After a minute, she sighed, pulled on her coat, and went out, heading for Canal Street.

As always, the door was open for her.

"Kasumi, welcome!" Seiko greeted.

"You're here early," Oyuki remarked.

Mika smiled. "You're just in time for tea."

They all sat down, Mika passing out cups. It wasn't long before they noticed how forlorn Kasumi looked.

"Kasumi…" Oyuki began, concerned. "Are you okay?"

"I think I understand," Yukio cut in. "Not used to being an empty nester, huh?"

"No, not at all," Kasumi confirmed, sighing. "With Yoshi and the kids gone, I feel... alone. My home just feels so empty."

"Miwa had similar complaints," Seiko recalled.

"We offered to let Karai crash here," Oyuki added. "But honestly, I think she prefers having the lair to herself after dealing with Shredder for this long."

"I don't blame her," Seiko admitted. "Alliance or not, I don't trust Saki any farther than I could pick up and throw this building. I can't shake the feeling he'll screw us over the first chance he gets."

"I have no doubt he will," Kasumi agreed. "Saki does nothing selflessly."

"Agreed on that one," Oyuki said. "Honestly, I'm keeping my guard up. It's only a matter of time."

"But enough about that," Seiko cut in. "We'll cross that bridge when the time comes."

She turned to Kasumi. "If you'd like, we could come over and hang out for a bit. Watch a few movies, have a girls' night. We'd be more than happy to, Kasumi."

"As much fun as that would be, I can't," Kasumi replied. "Not yet. Until this is over, until my family is back, I can't relax."

"Fair enough," Seiko conceded. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, we're here for you. Don't ever forget that, okay?"

Kasumi smiled. "I promise."

She leaned back, sighing. "In the meantime, I just hope Miwa isn't isolating herself too much."

In the lair, Karai was in the shower room, leaning on the sink and staring at the mirror. She took in her uniform and appearance as her mind drifted back to earlier that day…

Flashback

Karai was out on patrol in the city, leaping from roof to roof. Eventually, she came to a stop, catching her breath. A moment passed before she perked, sighing.

"It's late, I'm tired, and I don't wanna play games. Show yourself."

Shredder stepped out of the shadows at that. "As perceptive as ever. I trained you well, my daughter."

Karai was immediately on the defensive. "What do you want?"

"To speak with my child without Yoshi between us."

"Alright. Talk."

"The world may come to an end when these Triceratons arrive, Karai. I do not wish to have you as an enemy. I simply want us to put aside the petty grievances that have splintered us. Be a family again."

Karai laughed mirthlessly. "'Petty grievances'? Is that what you call kidnapping me? Killing my mother? Turning me against my true family and turning me into a giant snake?"

"What happened to Tang Shen was a tragedy. I never wanted to bring harm to her. I loved her."

"You loved the idea of her, being with her. And you just couldn't stand the fact that she chose someone else."

Shredder's eyes narrowed. "Yoshi was a rat long before mutation. He didn't deserve her. He didn't deserve you. He was a negligent, arrogant fool."

Karai scoffed. "He may not be perfect, but he's twice the man you'll ever be. And yeah, my mom may have been an accident as you claim, but what's your excuse for cutting down Kagome's dad?"

"Kohaku chose his fate, as did Kasumi when she sided with Yoshi over me that night. Though I can't say I'm surprised. She was always on his side over mine."

"Gee, I wonder why," Karai deadpanned.

"I do not want to argue with you, Karai. All I want, all I ever wanted... is for us to be a family once more."

Karai glared at him. "We were never family, Shredder. You kidnapped and brainwashed me, turned me into a mutant. And you honestly expect me to want anything to do with you again after all of this? Get bent!"

She turned to leave at that.

"If that is what you truly think, then why do you still use the name I gave you? Why use the tanto I gifted you? You may be his blood, but I raised you. You are my daughter, no matter how much you deny it."

Karai stiffened for only a minute before leaving.

Flashback Over

After a moment, Karai's brow narrowed, causing her to punch the mirror.

"That's seven years bad luck, y'know." came Shinigami's voice.

"Better than living one more minute with the Oroku name hanging over me," Karai replied. "Besides, I've already had sixteen of 'em. What's seven more?"

"C'mon," Shinigami entered. "Let me see your hand."

She opened a cabinet, looking for a medical kit. As she did, Karai saw a box of Hisako's hair dye on the shelf.

"Pardon me, Shini." She grabbed the box.

"What are you doing?" Shinigami asked.

"What I should've done a long time ago. I'm severing all ties with Shredder and his name."

"Well then, I suggest you do more than your hair."

Karai raised an eyebrow. "What'd you have in mind?"

Shinigami grinned at that.

Sometime later, the Hamato Clan and their allies arrived at TCRI for a meeting with Mortu. All eyes turned to Shinigami as she entered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, mutants and aliens!" she declared dramatically. "Allow me to introduce you to the new and improved Hamato Karai!"

She stepped aside with a flourish to reveal Karai, now donned in a black long-sleeved shirt, matching pants, and gray vest with silver bracers on her arms and legs, the Hamato Clan crest on the chest of the shirt in green. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, the blonde tips changed to green, and she had donned a red bandanna over her forehead. Finally, she had changed her eyeshadow and lipstick from red to green, matching Jade's. There was a collection of gasps and gushing cries.

"Lookin' good, Karai!" Tai cheered.

"Not bad," Jade gave a thumbs-up.

"You look amazing!" Hana added.

Karai blushed, approaching. "Thanks, guys. I felt it was high time for a change. And honestly... I feel great. Who knew a wardrobe change could make such a difference?"

"Sometimes, something so simple can do wonders for your self-confidence," Oyuki mused.

Karai smiled before turning to Kasumi. "What do you think?"

Kasumi smiled, running a gentle hand through her hair. "You look beautiful. I only wish Yoshi was here to see it."

"Hisako's gonna have to get used to sharing her hair dye," Tai mused.

They all laughed, Karai basking in the warmth. At that moment, the transmat lit up. All eyes turned to see Ximena and Tara materialize, stepping off of the machine. The former took in a deep breath, sighing in relief.

"Fresh air…" she sighed. "Fresh non-crap tasting air."

"Back from Neutrino so soon?" Mortu asked.

"We have news regarding Krang," Tara reported. "As well as the Turtles."

"Don't worry!" Ximena grinned happily. "It's good all around."

Kasumi perked. "They were in Dimension X?"

"Yep!" Ximena nodded. "Turns out one of those black hole thingies was on Neutrino."

"Seriously?" Karai asked.

"The Heart of Darkness fragment, yes," Tara confirmed. "One was granted to the Neutrino royal family for safekeeping."

"What about Krang?" Mortu asked.

"With aid from the Turtles and Kagome, we were able to blow the Technodrome's engines," Tara answered. "It's stranded on the planet Balaraphon for the foreseeable future."

"Donnie did something funny to all the mutagen," Ximena added. "So even if that weird electric alien does something, there's nothing to power all its systems, and I doubt one electric alien can make that jalopy fly again."

"Her description is accurate," Tara turned to Kasumi. "Also, Miss Kasumi, Leonardo told us to give you this message. They have half of the fragments, and will be home as soon as they can."

Kasumi let out a tiny gasp, then put a hand to her heart

"Thank you," she said gratefully. "...How are they?"

"Hisako had a bandaged neck when we saw her, but aside from that, everyone was doing good," Ximena replied.

"Good…" Kasumi sighed.

"Also, should the worst happen, know they live and die with honor," Tara chimed in. "Which is more than can be said for most."

Ximena rubbed her eyes at that. "Tara... what did we say about human interaction?"

"Stick to the cards... right." Tara pulled a pack of cue cards out of her jacket pocket and squinted at them. Ximena pulled out the right one, which Tara read in a stilted, hesitant manner.

"Everything will be alright. There, there."

Luckily, Kasumi was so amused and relieved by the reveal that she just laughed at everything

"Yeah…" Ximena rubbed the back of her head. "It's a work in progress."

"Clearly," Jade deadpanned.

"Look on the bright side," Ta said. "You're doing better than the two weirdos who took over the Sewer Hour."

"Seriously?" Ximena asked. "Who took over the Sewer Hour?"

"Eeeeeeeeey New York!" Pigeon Pete said into the microphone of the Sewer Hour Studio. "It's high noon, and that means it's time for the New and Improved Sewer Hour with..."

There was a moment of silence, and then Pete nudged his partner, a sullen and annoyed Kieran.

"Pssst! Kieran! That's your cue!"

"Do I have to?" Kieran grumbled.

"Yes! Just get it over with!"

Kieran sighed, then said as flatly as possible, "DJ Dedman…"

"And Da BURRRRD!" Pete shouted, hitting a switch on the soundboard and causing a rapid horn sound to play.

"Why did M-..." Kieran caught himself just in time. "-Cowabunga Carl think this was a good idea?"

"Don't question greatness. Just usurp it.

"Right..."

"AAAAAAAnyhooters… It's been three months since our old buddy Carl handed us the reins to the station. Three months...that's like...half a year, right?"

"A quarter…"

"Close enough."

"Not really."

"SO!" Pete clapped his wings together. "To celebrate, we're changing things up a bit, and opening the call lines early! You wanna talk to the second hottest radio personalities on the wave-a-ma-jig, you get to talk!"

"Do so at your own peril." Kieran deadpanned.

The phone rang at that.

"Ooh! First caller!" Pete answered. "Hello hello hello! You've reached Dedman and Da Burd! What are you and who do you want?"

" My name's Regina, and I was calling to talk to Dedman ,"

Kieran froze. "M-Me?"

"You sure you don't wanna talk to...?" Pete began.

" Yeah, you remind me of a friend I knew back when I lived in Jersey. His name was- "

"Oops!" Kieran hung up the phone, much to Pete's surprise.

"Dude what the hey!"

"Sorry folks! I forgot this is a New York station! No Snookies allowed! Hoagie eatin' turds..." He then frantically hit the laugh track. "NEXT CALLER!"

The phone rang, and Kieran answered. "Hello there!"

" Hey, Burd! Do you know when Carl's coming back? "

"Well..." Kieran was cut off when Pete hung up this time. "Hey!"

"Carl will be back when he's back, folks," Pete said calmly. "I know we all miss him. Heck, we miss him too, but he's got important business to take care of and the best we can do is be respectful and wait."

"Huh…" Kieran mused. "I think that's the most heartful thing you've ever-"

"And if we get one more caller asking that… I'm gonna find out where you live and shit all over your car!" Pete broke out into a grin. "Heh! Cuz I'm a bird."

"Pete!" Kieran admonished. "We can't say that on air!"

"What's wrong with cars?"

"Not that! The S-word!"

"They'll just bleep it out."

"We're live you-!" Kieran's next words were cut off by the bleep button for a good minute until eventually, "-and make you brush your teeth with it!

"Well folks, seems my partner and I need to take it outside, again . So here are some of Cowabunga Carl's favorites. Enjoy!"

He hit a button that turned on the music, and a disc labeled "Mikey's Awesome Mix Disc 2" began to play.

"Yeah…" Tai rubbed his forehead. "They're trying, but Mikey does it better."

"How in the world did Pete even Shanghai Kieran into this?" Karai questioned. "He was on the cusp of breaking down just standing around at the Christmas party."

"Pete didn't do the Shanghaiing," Tai clarified. "Leatherhead did."

"It's true," Leatherhead confirmed. "He spends far too much time alone in his loft at our headquarters. He needs to socialize and connect with people more."

"But a radio show?" Jade challenged.

"Actually it makes sense," Hana spoke up. "He's interacting with people without needing to be around them."

Oyuki cleared her throat at that. "Need I remind everyone that this meeting serves a purpose?"

"Yes, of course." Mortu turned to someone else. "Dr. Miller?"

Kari was wheeled over, Link pushing her wheelchair.

"Whoa…" Ximena let out. "Another Neutrino living on Earth?"

Tara nodded in her direction. "Hello again, Doctor."

"Tara!" Kari greeted. "You're looking well!"

Tara looked in Link's direction. "You must be the Slayer Bishop stole my blood to create."

Link was tense for a few moments before Tara crossed an arm over her chest, bowing politely to him.

"I am Lieutenant Tara. I suppose you could consider me your mother of sorts. Though I will not demand to be addressed as such. Do you possess a name?"

Link relaxed. "I'm Link. And, honestly... How about we just call ourselves siblings? You're a bit too young to be my mom."

"Understandable." Tara rose, offering a hand. "It is an honor to meet you, Link."

Makoto leaned in on Kari. "This is why you brought Link here and not Rita or Rook, isn't it?"

Kari shrugged. "I needed someone to push my chair."

Makoto, knowing damn well that she could and preferred to push herself, just smirked. Kasumi cut to the chase.

"Dr. Miller, you and Dr. Bennett have been talking with Zog. Has he told you anything? What will we be facing when the Triceratons arrive?"

Kari adjusted her glasses. "Their first step is isolating the Earth. This will prevent any interdimensional travel, as well as interstellar communication. They are aware of the Utrom's transmats and Dimension X portals, so those get shut down. After that, they send in the ground troops to do a sweep for resistance. Once they've eliminated any immediate threats, they will place the Heart of Darkness. Some of the troops will be made to guard it until the timer ends, while the rest evacuate."

"If Leo and the others' mission is going as well as Ximena and Tara say, hopefully, the Heart won't be an issue," Mizuki said.

"If there is one thing I've learned, it's that life rarely turns out how we wish," Kasumi remarked. "We cannot grow complacent."

"Precisely," Mortu agreed. "Dr. Bennett and I have been going over notes Professor Honeycutt left behind before his departure. As you know, the Heart of Darkness was designed to create and contain a black hole. As such, it was built to withstand the immeasurable power within one, and is thus virtually indestructible."

"And the fun just keeps on leaving," Erika deadpanned.

"'Virtually' indestructible," Tara repeated. "Meaning there has to be a way, right?"

"Yes. According to Zayton's notes, the Heart can be destroyed by a combination of dark matter and fusion."

That got their attention.

"As in... nuclear fusion?" Jade said nervously.

"Unfortunately, yes," Kari confirmed. "As you can imagine, this is not an ideal solution."

"Not one bit," Tai agreed. "Even if we could get dark matter, we still need a nuke. And that'll crater Manhattan!"

"Dr. Bennett and I are trying to come up with another solution, but so far…" Kari sighed, burying her face in her hands. "So far our best bet is to simply keep it out of Triceraton hands."

"Damn it…" Karai cursed. "Even if Leo and the others do get the fragments before the Triceratons do, they don't have any means to destroy it. What're we gonna do?"

"The only thing we can do is hope they retrieve the fragments first... and be ready if they don't," Kasumi concluded.

After the meeting dispersed, the Hamato Clan headed back to Canal Street. Jade and Hana disappeared to the former's room, sitting down as Jade wrung her hands in worry.

"Jade, c'mon," Hana urged. "Talk to me. You know you can tell me anything."

Jade sighed, running a hand through her hair. "All this prep time, talk about the world ending if we don't stop the Triceratons... Hana, I'm scared to death."

Hana took her hand. "I know. So am I. We'd be crazy not to be scared."

"I just…" Jade sighed. "This feels... worse than with Krang. At least with him, the planet would still be here. It would be a mutant hellfield, but it would be here. And it's not just that. Everything we've heard about the Triceratons…" She squeezed Hana's hand. "If something happens to you…"

"Hey," Hana took her chin. "Look at me, Jade. Nothing is going to happen to me, or any of us. We're going to get through this."

Jade sniffled. "Just... please don't die on me. I already lost Sumi. I can't lose you too."

"I won't. I promise."

They shared a kiss at that.

-X-

Meanwhile, Makoto and Akemi were outside Erika's room, Makoto trying to work up the nerve to knock.

"I-I'm not sure I can do this," Makoto stammered.

"Oh come on," Akemi rolled her eyes. "Don't be a baby. Besides, this is long overdue, Mako. Everyone knows you've been crazy about Erika since Mom took us in."

"But I can't just-" Akemi sighed, knocking on the door for him. "Akemi!"

She smirked and ran off just as Erika opened the door. Makoto stiffened before playing it cool.

"Uh... hi, Erika."

"Hey Makoto," Erika greeted. "So, why did Akemi play ding-dong-ditch and leave you here?"

"It was... for my sake. Erika, look... There's something I need to tell you, in the event we can't stop this."

"What's up?"

Makoto tugged at his collar.

I just want you to know... you're a good friend of mine. I really care about you, and I... uh…" He sighed. "Oh, fuck it."

He drew Erika close, kissing her. She blinked in surprise as they pulled back before smiling.

"Well, it's about time. Seriously, I was wondering when you'd man up."

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me? I was wondering the same about you!"

"Oh come on, the boy always goes for the girl. It's how this works. Duh."

"Hey, who puts stock in gender roles anymore?"

A moment passed before the two just cracked up laughing, the kind of deep and unrestrained belly laughter one could only get when laughing at oneself. Before long, they were leaning on each other for support, still laughing.

Once it finally died down and they caught their breath, Erika asked, "Wanna go do something stupid like a normal teenager for a bit?"

Makoto wiped his eyes. "Depends on the stupidity level."

"Well, the world is in peril, so let's go wild."

Makoto shrugged. "Yeah, why not? You only live once."

They grinned, slipping out Erika's window and into the night.

While Makoto and Erika had their fun, Karai and Shinigami rode up to the Great Swamp in Putnam County in the Shellraiser.

"You absolutely sure about this?" Shinigami asked.

"We need all the help we can get," Karai replied. "And, unfortunately, I'm the only one who knows where they live."

Karai stepped out of the car, cautiously stepping toward the water. Immediately, it rippled, and Napoleon Bonafrog sprang out, tackling Karai to the ground and pinning her as the rest of the Punk Frogs emerged from the swamp.

"You've got some nerve showing your face around here, Karai!" Attila snarled.

"Wait!" Shinigami scrambled out of the car. "You don't understand!"

"Save it, Goth Lolita," Genghis shot back. "We understand perfectly."

"You just wanna rope us back into your little petty B.S. with the Turtles!" Jeanne yelled. "Well, it's not happening!"

"That's what you don't understand!" Karai shouted. "I'm with the Turtles now! Circumstances have changed! I'm not their enemy anymore!"

"She's telling you the truth!" Shinigami cried. "Please, calm down!"

"Um, guys?" Napoleon cut in. "She doesn't smell right. She smells... like a predator."

"You sound like one," Jeanne remarked. "Why are you smelling her?

"Seriously?" Rasputin exclaimed. "Napoleon, you creeper!"

"It's not like that!"

"I said…" The frogs recoiled as Karai partially shifted to snake form, hissing. "Sit down and let me explain!"

All of them understandably freaked out.

"See?!" Napoleon shrieked. "I told you!"

Karai put a hand over her face, breathing deeply and composing herself before morphing back. "I'm not your enemy anymore. Can we sit down and talk for five minutes, please?"

A moment passed before Genghis nodded. "Alright. We're listening."

Karai went on to explain what had happened since they had seen each other last. Her mutation, the discovery of her parentage, and the incoming threat. By the end of it, the Punk Frogs were stunned.

"Okay…" Napoleon admitted. "We definitely didn't see that coming."

"Kidnapped as a baby and turned into a weapon against your own father," Rasputin mused. "Damn, that's cold."

"That's not the issue right now," Karai insisted. "The Triceratons are coming, and they plan to destroy the world. And we need all the help we can get."

"But what can we do?" Jeanne questioned.

"I can finish your training," Karai assured. "This time for the right cause. I need you to trust me. I know I'm asking a lot, after what I did to you, but please... can you trust me?"

They all exchanged looks.

"What do you guys think?" Genghis asked.

"Well, she does seem sorry for what she did," Napoleon mused. "And we can do something good with the ninja moves we learned."

"Have we forgotten that she's a snake?" Jeanne asked. "Literally?"

"Half-snake," Karai clarified. "The rest of me is human. I didn't come all this way just to eat you."

"Honestly, I say we give her a shot," Rasputin decided. "I mean, the Turtles gave us a chance despite us attacking them. Why shouldn't we do the same?"

A few moments passed before they turned to her.

"Alright, Karai," Attila said. "You've got a deal."

Karai smiled. "I look forward to working with you."

Sometime later, the Hamato Clan was called to the EPF by Kari. More than a few eyebrows were raised when Makoto and Erika came in, arms around each other's shoulders and grinning like idiots, with Makoto wearing a lampshade on his head.

"Do I even wanna know?" Seiko asked.

"Nothing illegal was committed," Erika assured.

"About time, you two," Tai remarked.

"Well, there's nothing like an incoming apocalypse to bring people together, Tai," Makoto retorted.

At that moment, the door opened. Rita entered, holding the hand of the Silver Sentry.

"He followed me home," Rita joked.

"Rita, there you are," Rook greeted. "Where were you?"

"I took over Hisako's solo night patrols, but this time, I found this guy. He thought I was Hisako. Once I told him what was going on, he was more than happy to help."

"And not just me either," said the Sentry. "Isn't that right, Nobody?"

From the shadows, Nobody emerged. "How did you-?"

"My hearing and sight have improved along with my strength."

Nobody nodded. "Anyway, I know the basics. It might be out of my jurisdiction, but I'll do what I can to help you all."

"And I can vouch for my son too," the Sentry informed them. "I know he'll be eager to help."

Kari clapped her hands, getting their attention. "Apologies, but this is mildly important. If you'll all follow me…"

They were led to a tank in the lab, where a girl around fifteen years old floated in culture fluid. She had long blonde hair with red highlights and was wearing a white tube top and shorts.

"Thank you for coming." Sarah greeted.

Tai looked over the tank. "Uh… what is this?"

"Something Kari and I have been working on the side. The Triceratons' impending arrival forced us to bring it to the forefront," Sarah gestured to the tank. "Hamato Clan, allow me to introduce you to Diana, codenamed Project Blade. The Ultimate Slayer."

"Wait a moment," Kasumi cut in. "I thought the Slayer Project was-"

"This is one I made myself," Kari clarified. "Bishop wasn't involved. Diana is completely autonomous."

"Considering the other Slayers' names, any reason you chose Diana for this one?" Hana questioned.

"It was my mother's name," Sarah replied. "She was created using one of my egg cells as a base. It seemed fitting."

"You could call her Dr. Bennett's daughter," Kari remarked.

"As for why I called you here for this, Diana needs to get acclimated and acquainted with the people she's going to protect," Sarah continued. "I'd rather not just awaken her and dump her right into the Triceraton invasion."

"You want to give her the chance to make her own choices," Kasumi realized.

"No brainwashing or control," Rook confirmed. "It will be her choice."

"She needs proper motivation, and if she knows the people she will be protecting, then she'll be more willing," Kari added.

"Now that you're all here…"

Sarah pressed a few buttons. The tank slowly drained before opening up, spilling Diana onto the ground. A moment passed before she coughed, expelling culture fluid from her lungs before pushing herself up on her hands and knees, opening her eyes to reveal green irises. Sarah immediately wrapped a towel around her shoulders as Diana got into a sitting position, taking in all of the people around her. A moment passed before she smiled, raising a hand in greeting.

"Salutations, Hamato Clan!" she greeted cheerily. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Tai snickered. "Who says 'Salutations' anymore?"

Diana tilted her head quizzically. "Isn't that a manner of greeting someone?"

"In the 80s. Like 1880."

Sarah helped her to her feet. "Welcome to the world, Diana."

"Yeah, welcome!" Rita hugged her. "I've got a little sister now!"

Diana returned the hug. "I look forward to emotionally bonding with all of you."

-X-

Just outside of the EPF, Agent Bishop was leaning against the wall of the building, hiding himself in a secluded alleyway. His skin was rippling visibly, and it was clear he was in pain.

"Damn it… The degeneration's increased…" Bishop grunted in pain, holding his side. "It seems my time in TCRI was… more detrimental than I thought."

He spared a glance up at the building, hoping to get inside and speak to Sarah and Kari. However, as he went to step out of the alley, a voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Having problemzzz, Agent Bishop?"

Bishop stiffened as Baxter Stockman emerged from the shadows. Immediately, the former drew his side-arm, but the fly mutant didn't seem phased.

"Clonezzz can be rather unzzzztable, can't they?"

"How did you-?"

"Even in thizzzz form, I am zzzztill a geniuzzzzz…" Stockman said simply. "Perhapzzz I can be of assizzztance. I have worked with clonezzz in the past. Azzz such, I know how to handle the possibility of genetic defectzzz."

Slowly, Bishop lowered his weapon. "Why would you want to help me?"

"You're most zzzuited to deal with the Triceratonzzz." Stockman replied. "You're uzzzeless to us dead. Bezzzzidezzzz, can you be zzzzzure that your little doctor friend will help you? Lazzzzzt I checked, you weren't in their good grazzzzzezzzz."

Bishop couldn't help but grimace, knowing the fly was right. He had fallen from grace, and neither Sarah nor Kari had any reason to help him.

"And what do you get in return?"

"Accezzzzz to your cloning technology, enough to make myzzzzelf a human body of my own. How doezzzzz that zzzzzound?"

Knowing his back was against the wall, Bishop held out a hand. "Deal."

Despite not having a human mouth anymore, Baxter almost seemed to be smirking as they shook on it.

Author's Note:

A few changes here and there. For one, Makoto decides to get together with Erika much sooner than the original, and the Punk Frogs reappear sooner as well. Next chapter, we go back to space.

Diana/Project Blade is my OC. And yes, she's based on RWBY's own Penny Polendina. Karai's makeover takes in part from her 2003 design.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Diana - Cristina Vee (Louise in The Familiar of Zero, Nanoha Takamachi in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Mio Akiyama in K-On!, Noel Vermillion in BlazBlue, Nagisa Saitō in Squid Girl, Homura Akemi in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Compa and Croire in Hyperdimension Neptunia, Rei Hino/Sailor Mars in the Viz Media dub of Sailor Moon, the Honoka sisters in Knights of Sidonia, Hawk from The Seven Deadly Sins, Darkness in Konosuba, Thoma in The Promised Neverland, Meiko Mochizuki in Digimon Adventure tri., Killua Zoldyck in Hunter × Hunter, Yuko Tani in the Godzilla anime trilogy, Vivy in Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song, Robyn Hill in RWBY, Shantae and Risky Boots in Shantae, Velvet Crowe in Tales of Berseria, Riven in League of Legends, Bennett and Xingqiu in Genshin Impact, 5-Volt and 13-Amp in WarioWare, Cerebella in Skullgirls, Tulin in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug in Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir)

Please R&R. Until next time!