In Bradford's dojo, the turtles crept into the dojo, blanketed by darkness, while on guard, "Perimeter is clear, Olly," Leo reported.
"We're not alone here. I can feel it." Olly said as he ready his axe before Leo was tackled by Rahzar. "Razhar!" He called as Leo was knocked back a bit.
"That makes two of us." Another voice said as Leo dodged a giant punch before they saw Bradford's first mutated form.
"Dogpound?!" Ames asked in shock.
"How in the heck?!" Jenny questioned before a shadowy figure came up from behind a screen door.
"Chris Bradford fact number 48: Christ Bradford always carries around four weapons of mass destruction, his arms and his legs!" He called as he beat Raph down, revealing himself to be human Christ before his mutation.
"Oh, snap! Christ Bradford!" Mikey called as the three Bradfords formed up together.
"Wow. All three of them at the same time!" Donnie said while he and Tal had exciting smiles.
"This is so awesome!" Tal exclaimed with pure excitement before the Bradfords attacked the group as they clashed strikes with each other. "So, who gets who?" She asked.
"Doesn't matter! Let's smash them all!" Jenny called as she tried to hit Dogpound, but she was grabbed and slammed to the ground.
"Booyakasha!" Mikey called as he was about to kick Christ, but the martial artist punched and knocked him away.
"Don't hold back guys! Go all out!" Olly called as he, Vee, Naomi, and Leo worked together and slashed at Rahzar with their weapons. "Rahzar's down!"
Jenny, Raph, Donnie, and Tal took on Dogpound as they knocked him down. "So is Dogpound!" Tal added.
Ames and Mikey worked as one as they kicked Chris back to a screen door. "Bradford's out!" Mikey called before the three Bradfords then started disappearing into digital pixels before the dojo started fading to reveal a white room with Fugitoid, Miwa, and the O'Neil sisters watching.
"Not bad, for holograms," Raph commented with a shrug as they walked out of the simulator.
"Pretty cool, huh, guys?" Miwa asked with a smirk. "Three Bradfords for the price of one holo trainer."
"It was incredible!" Tal called. "Solid holograms that felt like actual flesh and bone!"
"Ingenious!" Donnie added.
"Eh, wasn't the same as kicking the real Rahzar's butt," Jenny said, rolling her arm.
"Yeah, it was a bit soft," Raph said in agreement. "Maybe dial it up next time."
"I can program a rematch where your appoints, bleep, break bones if you like, Jennika and Raphael?" Fugitoid suggested, which got their attention.
"Uh, next time," Jenny said with a shrug as she and Raph walked off.
Mikey, Ames, Alopex, Keno, and Casey sat by at the lounge table. Casey had a cord attached to his forehead as he focused, "My mighty mental powers command, a giant double-meat, all-meat burger meal!" He called with a smile as the others watched as the machine lit up with a beep before it showed a meal set from Patty Man's back on earth.
"Wow! The Think-a-Foodatron rock!" Keno said in amazement.
"It's like way less than thirty minutes or less!" Mikey cheered.
"My turn!" Ames called as she leaned in close and the cord attached to her head as she thought of food. After a beep, the machine opened up and revealed a stack of Pizza Gyozas before her. "Sweet! Pizza Gyozas from New York! Best in town." She said as she then picked up some chopsticks and started enjoying it.
"Pizza Gyozas?" Alopex asked in confusion. "I never heard of them back in Japan or China."
"It's a special in New York, Alopex," Keno said to her with a smile. "You can't find good Pizza Potstickers anywhere but in New York's finest Chinese restaurants. I tried them and they were pretty good." He explained. "Maybe you should try one as well, then you'll see why."
"Well, if you insist," Alopex said with a shrug as Keno then thought of his food as his own Pizza Gyozas appeared as he split the stacks in half and gave one half to Alopex, who was giving thoughtful looks as Keno brought out two pairs of chopsticks.
"Trust me, even I was skeptical at first but it turns out these Potstickers are delicious." Keno assured.
"Mmm, well, it wouldn't hurt to try one." Alopex said as she accepted one of the chopsticks picked up one of the potstickers and ate them, after chewing and savoring the taste, her eyes lit up before she gave a wide smile. "O-Oh my! These are great!"
"I know, right?!" Keno said with a smile as he ate one of his. "And trust me, these are a hit back in New York!"
As they ate, Olly stood with his arms crossed in thought as Zog approached him, "Something on your mind, Olivier?" Zog asked the Green-clad turtle.
"Y-Yeah, Zog. It's just, we need to find the black hole device before the Triceratons do and destroy it." Olly said with a concerned look. "Are we still tracking the Triceraton fleet?"
Zog was silent for a moment before he waved his hands, "Alright! Alright! Big load of Daxxal Spoodle!" Zog exclaimed, getting everyone's attention as he twiddled his fingers, "It seems that I might have possibly lost the Mothership." He said sheepishly.
"What?!" Casey asked in shock while the others gasped. "What kind of Dino Alien are you?!"
"You lost your own house?!" Miwa exclaimed in disbelief. "Don't you have a tracker beacon?!"
"I would, if my equipment wasn't destroyed back on Earth," Zog said while giving the Hamato Teens a brow.
"Now now, no need to get thrown into a hissed," Fugitoid said with his hands up, "I should be able to find the Triceratons again but, Beep, it will take time."
"So what are we supposed to do in the meantime? Poke our thumbs up our noses?" Raph asked with a look.
"I don't think they'd fit," Ames commented before Raph smacked her on the head. But then they heard beeping.
"A distress signal!" Donnie called out.
"Let's check it out! Could be someone in trouble." Vee suggested.
"Space rescue! That is so heavy metal!" Casey cheered, doing some air guitar rifts, "Man, Zach is so missing out!"
"Wonder what's going on back on Earth?" Mikey said, wondering what their friends and family were doing right now.
Back on Earth, Caitlyn and Zach were training with Splinter in the training ground, doing some exchanges of blows, "Very good, again," Splinter told the two.
"Uh Sensei, not that we enjoy running, Ooh, six thousand times but," Caitlyn started.
"When do we get our weapons?" Zach asked eagerly.
"Ah, my children, your weapons will come to you when you are ready." Splinter said to them. "It took my son's five years of training until they received their weapons, patience."
"No offense sensei, but you expect us to fight alien dinosaurs with just our fists and feet?" Zach asked with a brow.
Splinter stroked his goatee, "Hmm, good point. Let us see which weapon is best suited for you." Splinter said, making them smile, "Come, let us see what Charles has for you." He said, walking away with Zach and Caitlyn behind him.
As they walked through the village, they saw the Shell Warriors and their other allies gearing up for battle. Orimura then approached Splinter, "Everyone is ready for the absolute worse, if the children fail to collect the fragments, this will be our last line of defense." He explained, gesturing to the tribe.
"That is good to hear. I have word that the Mighty Mutanimals are in New York, guarding the city and will let us know when the Triceratons arrive. Or any more of Kraang activity." Splinter said with a nod.
"Man, we should be out there too, fighting to protect our home with the others." Zach complained. "Man, I hate feeling useless."
"You said it. With the others gone in space, we hardly even did a thing." Caitlyn said in agreement. "Doing nothing is getting us nowhere."
"Your time will come. For now, we prepare if our children cannot stop the Triceratons from collecting the pieces." Orimura said to them. "All we can do is prepare and have faith in them."
"And for now, let us focus on finding your weapons," Splinter told the two.
"Hai, Sensei," Zach and Caitlyn said, bowing their heads and continuing their way to the Forger's cave.
In Charles' forge, the blacksmith was sharpening a new sword with tons of weapons he had piled in a wagon as he inspected it before sharpening it again as Splinter, Zach, and Caitlyn entered the forge. "Charles." Splinter spoke up.
Charles stopped sharpening as he turned and lifted up his goggles. "Hamato Yoshi, great to see you." He said with a smile as he stood up. "If the chief sends you here for another load, it's on the corner in the wagon already." He said while gesturing to the wagon filled with weapons.
Splinter chuckled, "Thank you, my friend but I have come for another reason," He said, before gesturing to Zach and Caitlyn, "I am hoping you have a weapon willing to be wielded by these young ones," He said as Caitlyn waved and Zach crossed his arms.
Old Charles looked at the two, humming and rubbing his chin, taking a good look at the two. "Mmm, they are warrior material. And possibly ninja if they have proper training." He said in thought. "I might have something for them."
"Wait, just like that?" Zach asked in surprise.
Charles chuckled. "I've been making weapons for youngins longer than I can remember. I remember Olivier and his sisters coming in begging to have their own weapons after begging their father for weeks on end. I can make a weapon for any age."
"Oh uh, great." Caitlyn said with a smile, "So, where are they?" She asked as Charles chuckled.
"They're right up here." Charles said, pointing to his head, "I just need to draw and pound them up. Should be ready in a few hours." He said with a smile.
"What?! Hours?!" Zach asked in shock. "We were hoping to get them now!"
"You can't rush a true blacksmith-ship, kiddo." Charles said with chuckles. "No matter how much fire you have, art isn't something you make overnight." He said as he then fired up the forge. "Come back in a few and your weapons will be ready for some tasty battle." He said, taking some blank paper and starting drawing.
"But what are we gonna do until then?" Caitlyn asked in wonder.
"Perhaps you should focus more on your normal lives in the city until it is time," Splinter suggested with a smile.
Caitlyn then felt her phone vibrating and saw a text, 'Where are you? Meeting today, remember?' it said, "It's Buffy. She's wondering where we are." Caitlyn told Zach.
"Dang it! I forgot we were supposed to hang out today!" Zach called while slapping his forehead.
"Then I suggest you meet with your friend," Splinter advised.
"Okay, thanks, Sensei! Let us know when our weapons are ready!" Caitlyn called as she and Zach rushed off to get their portal bracelets as Splinter chuckled at their reaction while Old Charles kept working on his designs.
In the city, Caitlyn and Zach were walking towards an Antonio's Pizza Parlor and they saw a girl with straight dark brown hair, blue eyes, a blue bow headband, a matching jacket over a yellow jacket, gray jeans and white wedge shoes, looking at her phone.
"Hey, Buffy?" Caitlyn called, getting the girl's attention.
"There you are. What took you two so long? I've been waiting here for hours." Buffy said to them.
"So sorry to keep you waiting. We got caught up with some serious, uh, exercise workout." Zach said with a nervous smile.
"Yeah, sure," Buffy said as they sat with her at the table, "So where's O'Neil and those other three you hang out with now?" She asked, noting how they weren't with April, her sister and the rest of their human friends.
"Uh, they're out of town on a trip." Caitlyn said with an uneasy look. "They won't be back for a while."
"Yeah, we asked to come along, but they said no," Zach said, telling half the truth.
"Uh-huh." Buffy said, buying it for now, "Anyway, about what I wanted to meet with you two about, have you noticed anything strange in the city lately?" She asked.
Caitlyn and Zach flinched, glancing at each other, "Umm, define 'strange'?" Caitlyn asked carefully.
"You things like, robots, Ninjas, animal men," Buffy listed on her fingers.
"Heh, really? Well, where'd you get that idea?" Zach asked nervously.
Buffy then showed a blog with pictures of Kraang, Footbots and other mutants, "I've been following this blog that sends in pics of weird aliens, ninja robots, and even freaky mutants that's been running around New York lately." She said, which caught her two friends' attention. "And so far, I've noticed most of them are of giant mutant turtles. When the kids at school see me on this blog they just laugh, saying I'm following conspiracy theories and guys in costumes. Which is why we're gonna get some proof."
"We?" Zach asked in surprise. "Can't you just hire some help, your dad's like the richest guy in the city."
Buffy then gave an irritated breath, "You think I haven't tried? I tried to hire some experts but they said they didn't have time to help some girl prove her imagination is real." She explained.
"So you called on your best friends for help instead," Caitlyn deduced.
"You two survived a Kraang invasion takeover of New York for three months," Buffy said with a smirk. "I figure you two would love an adventure of solving mysteries."
Caitlyn and Zach looked at each other, knowing they had the proof Buffy needed but also knew the consequences of bringing her into this, so they decided to spare any sensitive info and play along, "Okay, so what's your plan?" Zach asked their friend.
"Well, since most of this turtle action happens around crime, we're gonna snoop on some crime and wait for them to show up," Buffy explained, "And I already have the perfect gang, the Purple Dragons,"
"Wait, the Purple Dragons? They're one of the most dangerous street gangs in New York." Caitlyn said to them. "Crossing between them is like dancing with the devil. Especially with their new gang leader, Hun from what we heard."
"Plus, with you being a Shellhammer, you're the perfect ransom demand for them," Zach pointed out.
"True, but with how crazy this town goes, I've been pretty lucky." Buffy said as she stood up. "I know some places where the Purple Dragons cash out, all we have to do is head there, watch, wait and then, I'll have my proof!" She declared confidently.
"And then we go before they see us?" Caitlyn asked.
"That's the plan." Buffy said with a nod and stood up. "So we better get going. Knowing those thugs, they wouldn't stay there for long if they were browsing." She said as she rushed off.
"You know, even without the others, we still have fun around here." Zach commented.
"I guess that's true," Caitlyn said with a shrug as the two rushed after Buffy.
In a warehouse, a truck was parked up at the gates while Hun was overseeing some of his men loading some weaponry into the trucks. "Move it, you fools. We don't have much time." Hun ordered firmly.
"We're moving as fast as we can, boss." One of the purple dragons said while loading a rocket launcher in the truck.
"Well, we must hurry. We do not want to disappoint the Shredder. Even when he's away, the city still belongs to him." Hun said as Buffy, Caitlyn, and Zach were listening from behind the door.
"Figures Shredder is still up to no good," Zach muttered with a frown.
"Wait, Shredder? What kind of name is that?" Buffy asked with a brow.
"The name of someone who's extremely dangerous but is just a big baby at heart," Caitlyn said with a scowl.
"Yeah, we heard, uh, rumors. And trust me, he didn't get that name because it sounds cool." Zach said with a shudder, remembering his first time face-to-face with the Shredder.
"Well, it looks like there's some weapon loaded in those crates," Buffy said, noting the weapons the Purple Dragons were taking. "A perfect way to lure those turtle things to show up. And for me to get proof."
"Uh, you sure about this?" Zach asked nervously. "Because this might be a bit extreme."
"Trust me, if all goes well, then I have a hunch that the fight might be in a few-" Buffy was cut off when one of the purple dragons was tossed away and crashed into a wall. "Or now."
"What was that?" Another dragon asked nervously as Hun scowled.
"It's those turtles." Hun said before stomping down was Slash. "The infamous Slash. You certainly have been around alot lately."
"Well, when I make a promise I keep it," Slash said as he ready his mace as the rest of the Mutanimals came up behind him, with Mondo, Bandit, Sally, and Leatherhead. "Mutanimals, let 'em have it!"
"I've been waiting for a fight!" Sally called with a smile as they charged in at the Purple Dragons.
"Wait, those aren't the turtles," Buffy said in confusion as she then tried to take out her phone.
"You sure? Because there's a turtle down there." Zach said, acting dumb.
"Well, yeah, that's a turtle, but he's not one of the turtles Iw was talking about," Buffy said with a thoughtful look. "I mean, there have been many eyewitnesses of mutants, but that's not the turtle I was hoping for."
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," Caitlyn said.
"Cowabunga!" Mondo called as he skateboarded around some goons. "Mondo Gecko is gonna kick some gangsters-Doof!" He grunted when he was kicked off his board.
Then Bandit came in and kicked the two goons away from him. "You really need to pay more attention to fighting, Mondo." He said to his friend as he got back into the fight.
"I had them, bro! Just needed to drop their guard!" Mono said to him.
Leatherhead did a tail swipe, knocking away five dragons at once as Angel slid over to him, "Yo LH, give me a boost!" Angel told the alligator.
"Understood!" Leatherhead called as he grabbed Angel and flung her up, and she reached the roof of the truck as she rushed to pull the driver out.
"Wait, that girl!?" Buffy in shock. "Why is she with them?!" She asked the two, who gave confused looks.
"Uh, yeah, hey, this is a first for us too." Zach said to her, while he and Caitlyn were surprised that Angel joined the Mighty Mutanimals.
"Heh, I guess some people see these mutants as heroes." Caitlyn said with a shrug.
Soon, it was only Hun left standing. "It would be wise to surrender, Good sir," Rockwell said with his hands over his head. "Even with your skills, you are outmatched against all of us."
"A Purple Dragon never turnss away from a fight," Hun said as he took a karate stance.
Pigeon Pete then flew down in front of him, "He's all mine, fellas! Fear the Bread-" Pete tried to throw a punch at Hun only for his fist to get caught before he was punched repeatedly by the gang leader and then socked into a wall close to three human teens. "Urgh, I'm okay," He said, raising a thumbs-up.
Buffy blinked in confusion while Caitlyn shook her head and Zach facepalmed himself, "Oh, Pete," Caitlyn sighed.
"I got this." Slash said as he then went up to Hun, who was about to smack him, but Slash simply grabbed his arm and knocked him out with one punch to the head. "Well, that takes care of that." He said with a chuckle.
Pete raised his head and looked up and saw the three. "Oh, hey Zach, hey Caitlyn, how you've you been?" He asked with a smile.
This made Caitlyn and Zach panic as they frantically gave gestures to Pete to keep quiet. "Wait, you two know these guys?!" Buffy asked in shock.
"Uh, n-no!" Zach quickly said with an uneasy tone. "This mutant is a giant bird! He's a bird brain in his head!"
"Really, cause what he just said…" Buffy trailed off when she turned and saw herself, nose to nose with Leatherhead.
"Hello," Leatherhead said with a friendly smile while Buffy looked freaked out.
"G-G-G-Giant, Talking, Al-Alig-ga-ga…" It was all too much for the girl as she fainted before Zach caught her.
"Uh, Leatherhead, what do we talk about when meeting new faces?" Angel questioned with a land on her hip while she and the rest of the Mutanimals came to them.
"My apologies," Leatherhead said while scratching his head.
"Zach, Caitlyn, what are you two doing here? And who's your friend?" Slash questioned while gesturing to Buffy.
"Uh, long story, Slash?" Zach said with a sheepish smile.
"But uh, how about we get out of here before the police arrive and Buffy wakes up?" Caitlyn suggested.
"Good thought," Sally agreed.
A bit later, Buffy was sleeping on a bed as she slowly regained consciousness, "Ooh man, what a dream. Talking animals fighting Purple Dragons, did I fall asleep watching TV again?" Buffy asked herself while sitting up, "That was the…craziest, thing, I've, ever, seen?!" She exclaimed, seeing Zach, Caitlyn, Angel, and the Mutanimals looking at her.
"Eh, heheh, morning sleepy head." Zach said with a sheepish look as Mondo licked his eye as Buffy looked around and realized this wasn't her place.
"Wattup babe," Mondo said with a wave, but that made Buffy scream in fear, which made Mondo scream next. "Please don't do that! I almost shedded my skin!" He said, calming down, licking his eyeball again.
Buffy cringed in disgust as she held a pillow. "It's… just… licked its…eyeballs!" She cried as she placed a pillow over her head. "I'm asleep. I'm asleep. I'm asleep. I'm asleep…" She kept going while the others looked in concern.
"This is not going very well, Fellos," Rockwell stated.
"Ya think?" Ray questioned.
"Hey, we're not used to talking to humans besides April and the guys," Bandit said in defense, "This is gonna take some time,"
"I'm asleep. I'm asleep." Buffy said as she looked over them and then covered her face completely. "I'm so asleep. I'm asleep. I'm asleep." She kept ranting as Pete yawned.
"Just hearing her say it is making me sleepy," Pete commented.
Sally then went up to Buffy and poked her shoulder, "Hey you," She said.
"Wha?" Buffy said, uncovering her head.
"What were you doing with Zach and Caitlyn down by the warehouse?" Sally asked.
"Well, first we were trying to get proof of some turtles protecting the city, but I didn't think that you would happen to-Oh no, I'm talking to it." Buffy said while clutching the pillow with a freaked-out expression.
"What?" Leatherhead asked tilting his head.
"I'm talking to it. To you!" Buffy cried before she looked down. "Okay, Buffy, you are talking to giant talking animals. The only logical explanation is that you're dreaming. So everything's okay." She said to herself with a nervous smile. "Hello?" She waved to them.
"Hello, Buffy was it?" Slash said with a brow, "How are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Everything is absolutely great!" Buffy said with giggles before she turned and flinched when she saw Splinter, Orimura, and Dariyasa.
"Then perhaps you are ready to be enlightened in what you have entered yourself into," Splinter said, leaning close to Buffy.
"Y-You're, you're a, a, R-raaat…" Buffy said before her eyes crossed and she fainted again.
"Oh not again," Caitlyn said with her hands to her head while Splinter raised a brow.
"You sure have a way with the ladies, Master S," Angel commented.
"That's the second time she fainted at seeing a giant animal." Zach said as Mondo walked off. "Now what do we do?"
"Let's nudge her." Slash suggested.
"I'll snap her out of it," Sally suggested while raising her claws as Mondo grabbed his M.P.3.
"Sally, no!" Angel said firmly as Mondo sat down and listened to his music.
"Tell me when she wakes up." Mondo said as he moved his head to the music.
Orimura then turned to Caitlyn and Zach, "Also, you should know that Old Charles has completed your weapons," He told the two.
"Really?" Zach said eagerly.
"Yes. He's waiting for ya in the forge." Dariyasa said with a smile. "You best get going."
"Sweet! Come on, Zach! Let's go!" Caitlyn cheered as she grabbed Zach's arm and rushed out of the medical area.
"What caught their eyes?" Angel questioned.
"Just something they've been waiting for," Splinter said with a chuckle.
At the Forge, Old Charles is humming happily as he is using a cloth to clean a weapon while seeing his reflection from the blade. "Now this is my best work." He said with a smile before Zach and Caitlyn rushed in with pants. "Well, look what the snapper dragged in." He joked with a chuckle
"Very funny," Caitlyn said while catching her breath. "Grandmaster told us that you have our weapons ready.
"So, what are they!? I bet they're awesome!" Zach cheered in excitement.
Old Charles then held up a staff with a large sickle blade, "The Scythe, a harbinger for the enemy that their defeat is nigh, for a warrior who has no fear of what is to come and fights to his last breath," He said, handing it to Zach.
"Ohohoh! Sweet!" Zach cheered as he swung the scythe around and spun it in his hand. "Hahahah! It's like using a hockey stick!"
Charles then brought up to two sharp-edged, metal rings with handles in their center, "The Chakrams, for one who sees the path from a distance and seeks only the truth to be told," He said, handing them to Caitlyn.
"Ooh, wow!" Caitlyn said as she held the Chakrams and swung them around. "Now these are handy!" She cheered.
"I forge them through one of the best wood and steel. Take proper care of them and train them well for battle." Charles said with a smile at them.
"Thank you, Charles," Zach said as he and Caitlyn bowed their heads.
"You're welcome, kiddos," Charles said with a smile. "Now go enjoy your weapons." He said as the two nodded and rushed out with their new weapons. "Rascals." He added with a chuckle.
Zach and Caitlyn then headed to Grand Hut where they saw Buffy, sitting with Splinter, Orimura, Dariyasa, Hopu, Amaya, and a man with hair similar to a rice hat. Hopu offered the young girl a teacup, "Tea, my dear? It's Jasmine," She said with a kind smile.
"Y-Yes, thank you," Buffy said as she accepted the teacup and started drinking her tea slowly.
"I see you're starting to calm down, Buffy," Zach said to her.
"So, are you okay now?" Caitlyn asked.
"Ye-Yes. Thanks." Buffy said with a small smile. "I decided this is either a very long dream that I keep not waking up from or this is the weirdest thing that ever happened to me."
"Welcome to the club," Zach chuckled.
"We've already told your friend much, about Yoshi and his sons, The Foot and the Kraang, and the Shell Tribe," Mashimi explained, leaning back against his seat. "Though not everything entirely."
Caitlyn turned to their friend, "How much do you know?" She asked.
"Well, enough to know about the rest of the crazy in New York," Buffy said with a shrug. "I mean, after the Kraang alien invasion, twice, I thought I've seen everything, but this is the tip of the iceberg."
"Still, you have brought into something far bigger than you can possibly imagine Ms. Shellhammer, by telling you our secret we jeopardized both yours and our safety," Orimura explained to Buffy.
"So I'm afraid, the knowledge of our existence rests at your mercy," Dariyasa told the girl.
"O-Oh, I would never tell anybody." Buffy quickly assured. "I mean, who would believe me anyway?"
"She got a point," Bandit said from the window.
"Yeah, we're unbelievable!" Mondo cheered as he did a beatbox dance.
"Jeeze, where's your off switch?" Angel questioned in annoyance, pushing the two away.
"Seriously. I promise." Buffy assured. "I mean, at first I wanted to, but after seeing your hospitality, I'm having second thoughts."
Splinter approached Buffy and looked into her eyes while she felt herself looking back into the Rat master's gaze before he smiled and nodded, "I believe you," Splinter said, giving Buffy some relief.
"Is this another lesson, Master?" Zach asked. "How to sense the truth?"
"No. This is called 'trusting your gut'." Splinter told him humorlessly.
"So, those turtles are your kids and students, and the O'Neils, Jones, Andrada and your daughter, who's a mutant fox," Buffy recounted, pointing towards Amaya and Mashimi, "Are up in space with a robot and Dino-man, looking for three pieces of a Black Hole Machine to save the earth?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Slash said from outside with a nod. "And with them gone, we've been keeping the city safe from any threats."
"Whether it's from the Purple Dragons or the Foot Clan," Zach added as they all walked out of the hut and into the plaza, "Since the Turtles are away, it's up to us to keep the city safe,"
"Though considering we're going up against an Empire of Alien Triceratops, we could use some extra help." Caitlyn added with a shrug.
"Help you say?" The group all flinched and turned to the gates to see a familiar Tiger mutant approaching and stopped with his arms crossed, "Perhaps I can be of assistance," Tigerclaw offered.
"Tigerclaw?!" Slash asked as they all took ready stances while Buffy was surprised to see a mutant tiger. "Grab him!" He ordered as Leatherhead and Ray grabbed Tigerclaw's arms but surprisingly the evil mutant showed no resistance, "So, okay. Gotcha?" He said in surprise.
"Forgive me. I understand this goes against our agreement, but I am not here to fight." Tigerclaw said calmly while still being held.
"I bet you're not here to sell us insurance either," Caitlyn said with her arms crossed.
"Why are you here, Takashi?" Amaya asked the Tiger mutant.
"I come here with the proposal for an alliance," Tigerclaw revealed.
This caught everyone's surprise. "Wait, an alliance?" Ray asked in wonder. "Watcha talkin' about, ye Scallywag?"
"The Foot and I heard the Triceratons are on their way to our planet and planning for their arrival." Tigerclaw said to them. "And I can assume that the turtles are off-world trying to prevent that."
"Yes. They are. Trying to do everything they can to save our home from the destruction to come." Splinter said with a firm look.
"And should they fail, you will require all the assistance necessary," Tigerclaw told them, "Which is why I come to you now."
"And you care about helping us, why?" Zach asked with a brow.
Tigerclaw gave a look, "Boy, if the Earth is destroyed, I and the rest of the Foot will be destroyed with it. Do you think I want that?" He questioned..
It took them a moment to realize that he was right. "He has a point there, fellows," Rockwell said with a shrug.
"I assume that Saki isn't aware of this?" Splinter questioned, knowing his rival would never offer assistance to them.
"As much as I shouldn't admit it, the Shredder is too obsessed with revenge to put the Earth safety above anything else," Tigerclaw confessed, "I on the other hand, am willing to set aside our difference, at least briefly in the face of a greater threat," He said as stepped forward and offered his paw to Orimura, "Are you, old friend?" He asked.
Orimura looked at Tigerclaw's paw for a moment, thinking carefully about his offer, "I need some time to think on this," He told his old enemy as Tiger lowered his paw.
"But of course, merely contact me once you've reached a decision," Tigerclaw said as he activated his jet pack, "But remember, once the threat to the Earth has passed, I will be coming for you Orimura," He promised as he gave a mock salute and flew away laughing into the forest as his roars were heard before fading out.
"Okay, that cat really knows how to make an entrance and an exit," Zach admitted.
"There's no way we're buying anything he's selling," Caitlyn said firmly.
"He does seem to be telling the truth," Leatherhead said.
"Yeah, trust the guy who's been trying to kill us from day one," Slash said with a look.
"That's a reasonable point." Ray said with a shrug.
"I've known Tigerclaw longer than any of you, he is many things but a deceiver and one for breaking honor isn't one of them," Orimura said to them with a thoughtful look.
"Wait, so you're actually going to agree with this?" Bandit asked in confusion.
"Not immediately, only when the situation is truly dire," Orimura stated, "For now, we will continue to prepare and keep the peace in the city, until the children return."
"Wonder what they're doing right now?" Angel asked, looking up to the sky.
Meanwhile back in space, the Hamato Teens are inside an abandoned space shuttle that was broken into pieces. "Look at the size of this." Leo said in surprise.
"Was it asteroid damage?" Naomi asked.
"I don't think so." Donnie said as the group used their magnet boots to stand on the destroyed station as Donnie scanned the area. "The hole was blasted from the inside out. Strange." He said as they continued further.
"Maybe they were attacked from inside. Or maybe the crew did it." Raph said as he got startled by a tied-up spacesuit in cables as he fell to the ground.
"Is this, one of the crew?" Ames asked nervously.
"Was, yes. Amoly. Sadly there is no one left." Fugitoid spoke through the comms as they saw a bunch of bodies tied.
"Senors say that there's no one alive on this ship. Not even space bugs." Zog added.
"Well, this is a bit creepy." Keno said with a shudder.
"Definitely a bit unnerving," Alopex said in agreement.
"And so eerie. It's like a horror movie waiting to happen." April added. "I don't even have to be physic to have a bad feeling about this place."
"You said it, sister." Robyn said in agreement.
Casey then floated past them. "I have a bad feeling too. Like this is totally boring! I wish so-" He was then cut off.
"No!" The O'Neil sisters cried out, which made Casey turn to them.
"Don't even say 'wish'!" Robyn called while the others looked at her and April in confusion.
"Why?" Miwa asked in confusion.
April and Robyn looked insure but still stood absolved by what they said, "We can't explain it just, don't say anything," April said firmly.
"Not even if it starts with 'wish'." Robyn added.
"Okay, girls. But what's the big deal?" Casey questioned with a brow. "Man."
"Everyone, Honeycutt and I have double check the scanners, and there's nothing left alive on the ship." Zog said to them.
"You should all return immediately. I believe I have a lead on the Triceraton Mothership." Fugitoid spoke up as they all began to leave the station before Olly stopped with a weird feeling.
"Hey, you guys hear a voice?" Olly asked while looking back at the station before he shook his head. "Ah, nevermind. I just have a weird sense of deja vu." He said as he floated after the others.
What he didn't realize in a cube shaped prison a strange large headed creature was calling out, "That's not fair! Come back and make a wish! This was supposed to be my chapter, ya hear me?!" The creature called, pounding on the walls, "Harry, Jesus! Help a Wyrm out and let me out of here!" He demanded as he remained trapped in his prison to the end of time.
So yeah, during Weird World of Wyrm, things on Earth are going pretty okay, especially with Zach and Caitlyn getting their weapons.
For those who don't know, Buffy Shellhammer is another character from the original TMNT series and in this story she's good friends with Zach and Caitlyn. And now she's the new member of the Hamato's weird little family (did any of you catch what her reaction to the Mutanimals was a reference too?)
Also, it looks like Tigerclaw has approached the Shell Tribe with an offer of a temporary ceasefire, behind Shredder's back since we all know he'd never help the enemy even if the world was in danger.
Question now is, will Orimura accept Tigerclaw's offer and what consequences will it hold in the long run. Stay tuned and find out.