Flirting With the Enemy [tag: Leonardo]

Karai also had the same questions as Leonardo. It seemed that the vampire was created to target only mutants, but why? If this was the case, it certainly made her wonder about the new arrivals in the city. The well dressed man in dark shades, and his group of loyal followers. And sadly, it did seem that the young Turtle was being used only as a food source. But there was certainly something extraordinary about him, too.


"He is to receive your best efforts..." She reminded her staff, knowing that the odd colored mutant could be a valuable asset to the clan.


Her attention returned to Leonardo as he rattled off his concerns and she placed a comforting hand against his. "It is all overwhelming, yes. But the path of a leader is rarely an easy one. You balance a great burden upon your shoulders, as do I. But one thing I do know, you can handle this. And this is why I seek your help. Whatever is happening to our city, I believe through our combined efforts, we can overcome it...."

Leo nodded but looked away. I'm no longer a leader. That title has been taken from me because I chose to stand up to my father. Of course it was more then that. but that was the meat of it.

now we're all scattered about. I need to get my brothers back together. Of course I'm sure they will not be happy that I have found an ally in a former enemy.

he gave Karai a lopsided grin.

If under her father's rule, such news would be useful to Kara. The brothers, scattered and no longer a unit. Vulnerable. Leonardo had to realize that if she was indeed the enemy, such information could put them at a fatal disadvantage. The fact that he spoke so freely only meant one thing. He trusted her one hundred percent.

A touching sentiment considering that Karai felt that not even her own father fully trusted her. It felt... nice. And perhaps giving in to such feelings also put her at a disadvantage. Still, for the moment she chose not to over analyze any of this and for once, take it for how it felt. True trust, and there was understanding there. A small smile hinted upon her perfect lips.



"Indeed. You have found an ally, Leonardo-san." And she looked at the staff that occupied the room, knowing there was speculations and uncertainties. Surely they were afraid that by following her as she befriended her father's most hated enemies, they would all be punished once Saki returned.



"This city will know a greater threat. We must put this petty dispute aside and focus on what we must do when those trying times are upon us..." She told her people, knowing that some would be harder to win over than others. But when it came down to it, she was certain that the majority would fall into place. Of course she would have some explaining to do once her father returned.


Her deep almond eyes met his gaze, a warmness there that had always been forbidden. With her father gone, it seemed Karai was discovering her true self for the first time. "I will help you find the answers you seek. If Victoria was created to destroy mutants, then we should target her maker. I feel that Victoria can be rehabilitated. She may always require the mutagen found in mutant blood for her own survival, but perhaps her outbursts can be controlled.." And if not, the girl would have to be terminated.

Leo agreed with all Karai was saying, which was surprising. Once the doctors were done with him he stood up, maybe a bit too quickly. But he caught himself and nodded.

I hope so. I mean with Victoria. As of what's going on in the city, I need to bring my family up to speed, not that we know much of what's going on. We might have to go back to that lab, This time actually get information.

He rubbed his arm where the needle had been and look to the door.

I'm going to check on Victoria real quick, then I have to head home and try to salvage what I can of my family before It's too late.

Karai gave a small nod, agreeing that they needed to 'visit' that lab once again and extract answers, forcefully if need be. She also understood that the Reptile needed to touch base with his family. Would he tell them of their alliance ? Prepare them for whatever was ahead? It did not matter, as long as she had his loyalty- what a force they would become.

"Escort Leonardo to the girl's room." She ordered one of the young maids that had ventured into the infirmary to offer assistance where needed. The pale faced woman nodded and eyed Leonardo curiously, still awestruck, but quickly remembered her manners and took the lead, escorting him to their destination.


After an elaborate maze of corridors, they finally reached the large plush room and she quietly pushed open the door, exposing the mostly red interior. On the large bed, Victoria sat quietly, trying to make sense of everything, but her blood-red eyes lit up the moment she saw Leonardo...

Leo followed the men to Vic's bedroom while take careful note of the lay out of the place. When her bed room door was opened he peeked in the red room and smiled warmly at the woman. Finally he stepped inside and walked up to her, sitting down on the bed next to her.

You doing ok? I know it's a lot to take in.

Victoria set in silence, calmly trying to take it all in. A little hard to do considering that she really didn't know how she had survived. Her memory came in segments- little flashes that only served to confuse her more. And.. why did she 'feed' on people? And she had noticed that her hunger only flared around mutants...

Just then, a certain mutant made an appearance and joined her, sitting on the bed. A hint of a smile graced her lips, exposing the tips of her fangs which destroyed her once innocent and child-like smile.



"Yeah, I'm okay. But you're right. It is a lot to take in. I mean, I don't...I should have died in the 1700s.. but here I am.." And she wasn't sure how to feel about that. "How about the white Turtle, is he okay? I didn't kill him, did I?"

It was crazy that she was that old and still alive and young looking! Don would have a field day with this news. That's if he believed him.

Leo placed his hand lightly on Vic's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.

No, he's alive and he'll be alright, they are working very hard to make sure of that. It seems that you need the mutagen in his blood, we might be able to work with that with you. sooth your cravings without you having to feed on anyone. But, that will be in time. This tower has the means to help you be comfortable, and...If you do lose some control of yourself, they have the means to calm the situation without harm. I don't want you to worry about anything right now.

I can't stay tonight. Hate to admit it, but I'm having some family problems right now. I need to fix things with them so i can concentrate more on what's going on in the city. And so I can be here more and make sure you and the mutant are ok.

He wouldn't tell Vic this, but even though he did trust Kara, which surprised him, he didn't fully trust her men, so he would be at the tower as much as he could to make sure both strangers were treated well.

Victoria listened as he spoke, not at all skeptical about his promises. He seemed genuine and something about him soothed her.. if not made her a little hungry. Dammit, she would have to get a handle on that! But if he though these people could help her, she would trust him.


She frowned slightly when he mentioned having family problems. "Heh. I may be old, but I know what that's like. You should go take care of that.." She told him, letting him off the hook. Sure she wanted him here, but understood. "Nothing is as important as family. I.. would give anything to know what happened to my father.." And a sad sort of smile.


"I'll see you tomorrow?"

Leo would have given her a hug, but one: he didn't want to be bit. And two: she was from a time when men didn't just up and hug women they didn't know, he didn't want her to freak out or anything. But he gave her a smile of his own and nodded.

You'll figure everything out. And I'll help. And yes, I will be here as soon as I can tomorrow, I promise.

He stood up and started to the door but stopped and turned back to her.

Would you like me to bring you something when I come back tomorrow?

It gave the new vampire a sense of relief knowing that he would return- that he wouldn't simply forget about her. A true friend. It would be a long and scary night for sure, but she was never one to express her fears so openly. She wasn't weak, but would count every second he was gone.


At his offer, she was thoughtful for a moment, remembering a place she had spotted during their trip to this place.


"I saw this shop on our way here. People were carrying boxes, some lounging outside at tables, eating this round thing they cut into triangles... it smelled so good... if perhaps you could find one.." She was referring to pizza. The smell had triggered the same hunger that she felt while in the presence of mutants. Maybe it would help?



"If... it's not too much trouble..."

Hearing her request he let out a sofe chuckle and nodded his head.

Pizza. And it'll be no trouble at all. I don't know too much about this tower to be honest, but I do know that there is an outdoor garden. Tomorrow, we can share a pizza together and talk more.

Try to get some rest now. Good night.

He bowed his head to her then left the room, softly closing the door behind him....


((Follow Leo down the rabbit hole here