A Breath of Fresh Air [Tag: Leonardo]

Two days prior to 'Foot Prints'

8:19 PM
The Rooftops/Streets of New York

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The last several days had been spent settling back into her New York life. So much had changed and yet, the familiarities were a welcomed comfort to the young kunoichi. Life had fallen back into place, as if she had never left. Karai had been so busy catching up with things around the tower that she had not taken to the rooftops of the streets that she used to patrol with her clan. Tonight, it seemed that she would finally be granted that opportunity. After changing into her black GI, Karai sheathed her katana and eyed the haunting red and black mask that rested on her bed. the eerie blue eye lenses gazing up at her. It had been a gift from the elders in Japan. A parting gift. She was a woman of mission and they felt that her identity should always be protected. A normal Foot mask would not suit her, but this beautiful peace of art gave the young kunoichi her own identity and its hardness would protect her beautiful and delicate face from damage.


To most, it would be frightening, but Karai found it very beautiful. She had always had unique taste and found beauty in the most unlikely things. The gifted mask was no exception. After a moment of silent admiration, Karai plucked the mask and tucked it into her uniform. It would not obscure her features until she hit the rooftops. Heading out of the room, the young woman didn't even entertain the thought of taking a group of ninja with her. No. Tonight was just for scouting. A chance to be on her own with nothing but her thoughts. She would survey the city that had gone too long without her presence, and report back to her father if she saw anything noteworthy.


Soon, the young heir to Saki's empire was sprinting across the rooftops, the mask concealing her features. She leapt from one building to the next, clearing challenging distances with the greatest of ease. The run was exhilarating and the cool night air felt amazing. Even being fully cloaked, she could feel the change in weather. The prelude to the colder months to come.


Stopping at the edge on a large building, Karai's gaze drifted to the streets below. It seemed that she had picked a quiet night to make her returning debut, but one thing the young Kunoichi knew-- New York was never quiet for long. She watched as people scurried on with their mundane lives,  oblivious to the fact that there was bigger things at hand. Their minds were so filled with the little things that made their day to day life tick, unaware just how small it all was in the thick of things. Not considering that their lives could be cut down at any time. Completely clueless. A small part of Kari envied their simple way of thinking, but the majority of her took pity. So unprepared for life's bigger challenges. So undisciplined. So naive.


It seemed that her night would be spent observing these simpletons, and that bored Karai beyond words. But her night would not remain uneventful. She had been unaware of the presence that lurked in the small shed that housed the building's stairwell. The creature had been watching her through a small crack in the door, and the symbols that adorned her uniform triggered something in the monster. A ground-shaking guttural growl emitted from the beast as he burst through the door. Katana drown, Karai quickly spun to defend herself and was shocked to see an enormous mutated reptile of the crocodilian variety lunging at her with intent to kill. Being at the edge of the building gave her little room to maneuver, but she did manage to slice at the creature's snout as he chomped and ripped at her with his teeth. Her katana was doing little damage against the creature's leather-like hide but she fought viciously, knowing it was life or death...


The creature's appearance shocked her, but there was no time to process any of that. Even the slightest slip in concentration and she would be at his mercy... and he was showing none. Suddenly the animal's thick tail slammed into her, knocking her from the ten story building with enough force to crush bones. The kunoichi slammed hard into the wall of a brick building and slid to the ground. Injured, but she had to force herself up. A bloodied hand reached for her katana just as the monster crashed to the ground beside her and despite being impaled through the cheek by her weapon, her left leg was suddenly clamped between his jaws. It took everything she had not to cry out as a mouthful of dagger like teeth pierced through the leather of her knee high boots, and he violently began to sling her around. She made several futile attempts to rip her weapon from the creature's head in order to deliver a fatal strike, but each time her hand would grasp its hilt, the creature would violently sling her...

Leo needed a break from the the lair, a break from his brothers and even the ever watchful stare of his father. He left the lair to get some fresh air from the surface. He didn't tell anyone where he was going mostly because he wasn't sure himself. He would go where the wind took him tonight.

The walked through the sewers was a short one and soon he emerged from one of the tunnels that lead out into a ditch. It was easier to come out this way rather then trying to squeeze through a manhole. He took in a deep breath taking in the new smells of the city. He didn't stay put for long, soon he was on one of the rooftops.

He liked being so high, he could watch the people below without being seen. He did wish for one day to be able to walked among the crowds without causing fear in everyone around him. But that was only a dream. A gust of wind took Leo from his thoughts, he shivered a bit, but luckily the really cold weather hadn't set in yet.

Deciding it was time to move from his spot, Leo started to run the rooftops. Leaping from building to building. He only stopped when heard a loud roar and seen the shadow of a large creature attacking someone. That was something you didn't see everyday. Leo quickly grabbed his swords from their sheaths and headed in the monsters direction.

He got there in time to see Karai being tossed around like a rag doll. Leo got in front of the large mutant. Stop! Don't hurt her! He yelled, his swords were ready for attack, but if he could get through to the monster maybe he wouldn't have to use force.

Hearing the approaching voice caused the massive reptile to halt in his actions, his angry glare shifting in the Turtle's direction. The momentary distraction was enough to grant Karai enough time to pull her katana from the mutated animal's jowls. The large crocodile didn't even seem to notice the 'pinch' of the weapon as it slid out of his flesh. His full attention was on this new threat. This new threat that held not one, but two swords! The creature gave his captive one more violent  shake and released her, causing the young woman to slam against the brick wall once more. The assault had left her with fractured ribs and her leg wounded and dislocated,  but the kunoichi was already trying to push herself up, ignoring her lungs struggle for air...


A loud roar emitted from the angry mutant as he rushed at the newcomer, teeth snapping in a violent attempt to grab the Turtle's shell and smash it between his powerful jaws. At this point, Karai had not seen her rescuer but whoever it was, they had spared her life and was now about to suffer the fate that would have been hers. Mustering up what strength she had and fighting through the pain, Karai leapt onto the creature's back and drove her weapon deep into his shoulder.  The earth shook as the massive crocodile roared once again, and executed a death roll that slung Karai from his back and threw her a good distance away. The young woman was once again trying to find her footing when the large animal turned on her once more and positioned himself for a charge, but something shifted in the creature's psyche. Instead of angry, it now seemed confused.. and almost apologetic, but the damage had been done. After ripping the sword from his back and slinging it to the ground, the once-raging mutant disappeared into the depths of the ally....


Karai managed to push herself into a sitting position, leaning back to use the wall for support. The young woman gasped and coughed as her lungs struggled to inhale. A shaky, bloodied hand reached up to remove her mask, allowing it to fall to the ground. Her gaze drifted to the one that had spared her life.... another mutant...

Leo thought for sure the woman was dead. But he needed to worry about the threat that was in front of him. He didn't want to hurt this mutant. But he was causing injury to people he had to be stopped. The large beast charged at him and Leo got ready to jump out of the way. But the girl he had just saved came to his rescue. The sound the mutant made was horrible and loud.

Wait! Leo yelled. He didn't know to whom he was yelling it too though, maybe both of them.

Everything happen quickly and the mutant stopped then vanished into the alley. He was amazed something so big could just vanish like that. He wanted to go after him, but then seen the woman against the wall. He ran to her aid.

We need to get you to a hospital. He told her. He noticed the uniform, but chose to ignore it. Foot or not she needed help. He took a clean rag from his belt and softly dabbed at the blood that had pooled on her head. He was going to ask if she could walk, but seeing her struggling to breath told him probably not.

I can carry you to the hospital if you want....Or...To the tower.

He didn't know who the woman was,just that she was a foot. and judging by her outfit that was different from the others she was probably more important then some of the others. She may just want the doctors at the tower take care of her, he didn't want to go to the foot tower, but did want to help this woman.

For a moment, Karai's vision was blurry due to her numerous collisions with the unforgiving walls of the ally's buildings. Even in her daze, she could make out that the creature that was now advancing towards her wasn't human, then came the realization that she had been exposed. Whoever this-- creature-- was, he had seen her face. The young Kunoichi's unsteady hand reached for the sword that was a few feet away from her, yet she had no desire to attack him. He had saved her, or at least that's how it appeared. Still, she wanted her weapon close just in case the mutant had other intentions.


Her vision finally came into focus as the blue-garbed turtle knelt beside her, and before she could retaliate against his helpful touch, a compress was pressed against the gash in her temple. Karai was not one to let anyone touch her, no matter how good their intentions were, but something about his sincerity softened her reserve. Her mind was still reeling, trying to comprehend everything that had just happened to her. Perhaps a side-effect of being slammed around like matter not bound to this earth-- or perhaps for one of the few times in her life, Karai was baffled.


The injured kunoichi's  thoughts quickly went back to the talk that she had with her father about the threat that plagued the city. Mutants...mutants trained by the one responsible for slaying her uncle. Could this mutant... this turtle be one of those from the murderous clan? She felt a mixture of feelings. Confusion more than anything. The reptile had saved her, that had to count for something.


"A hospital is not necessary." She told the creature, trying to hide a wince. Showing weakness was never allowed, even in her state. Even if she was drawing her dying breath, Karai's features would never falter.   Then he mentioned something that earned her full attention. The tower. She was silent for a moment, her skeptical gaze searching for anything that may indicate that he was a threat.


"What do you know of the Tower?" The ninja asked in a defensive tone and made an attempt to push herself up, but the surging pain in her hip reverberated down her thigh, reminding her that her leg was dislocated. She could defend herself if need be, but she was in no condition to go on the offensive...

Great she didn't want to go to the hospital. So he would have to bring her to the tower. He really didn't want to go near that place, he was sure some fight would break out as he tried to explain what had happen.

I know that's where the foot are and you are in a foot uniform. It looks a bit different from the others, but I would reconize the symbol anywhere. I don't mean you any harm, I'm just trying to help. You are seriously hurt. So i'm either going to bring you home or to the hospital. The choice is yours.

He grabbed her hand and made her hold the cloth he had to her head. He then started to pick her up off the ground. He didn't know how badly she was hurt, she could be bleeding internally, if that was the case she needed a doctor as soon as possible.

I'm Leonardo by the way. He intruduced himself. Have you any idea where that mutant came from?

The world was moving too fast and Karai struggled to grasp everything. Her head injury was debilitating but the young kunoichi knew that she couldn't lower her guard. Still, something about this mutant seemed genuine. Although the fact that he knew of the Tower and the Foot sent up red flags. Very few knew of them, and usually those 'enlightened' were the enemies.  The injured warrior was conflicted, but before she could form an opinion, the Turtle was attempting to pick her up.



"No, wait..." She told him, but the fact that she hadn't ran him through with her katana was indication that she felt his intentions were sincere. "I.. cannot return like this." The kunoichi told him, feeling ashamed. How would she explain to her father that a mutant crocodile had put her in this condition. That the creature had caught her off guard? She was an Oroku! Her guard should have never faltered.

Karai finally let her sword rest beside her as her gaze met his. His appearance was clearly reptilian, but there was something very soulful in his eyes. They weren't empty or hollow. When he introduced himself, Karai gave a slight bow, as best she could in her position. "It is an honor to meet you, Leonardo-san." Because as hardened as she was, Karai was no idiot. Without this Turtle, the Crocodile surely would have finished her. Now, she would be nothing but a gory mess smeared on the streets. An embarrassment to her clan. To her father.  "I am Karai." If only he understood how rare it was for Karai to introduce herself to 'strangers', aside from the boring business associates at her father's meetings. "The creature came from that direction.." She told him, pointing to the building she had been knocked from. "He was hiding in the stairwell's building." She added, once again meeting his gaze.  


" I am not foolish... you are a warrior, and our kind are well versed in self-treating injuries.." She began. Oh, how she hated to ask for help. To do so was to accept weakness. "Miraculously my leg is not broken, but unfortunately it is dislocated." She told him. "I would very much appreciate your assistance.." And she left it at that, figuring he would understand what she meant. The daughter of Oroku Saki was asking a Hamato to set her leg...

Leo stopped his attempts at picking her up. If she didn't want to be picked up and brought home he would respect that. But he did want to help. And soon she told him just how he could. Her leg needed to be set back in place. He was not the turtle for this job, this was more Donnie's thing. But he had seen Don do this enough to know about what to do.

It's nice meeting you, Karai. He said. I'm sorry I don't have anything for you to bite down on. But I will make this quick.

Something about Karai told him that she could handle a little pain. maybe even more then the avarage woman. He took her leg carefully and with felt where it was dislocated. He then firmily grasped her and with a quick motion, snapped her leg back in place. He looked up at her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Are you alright?

It was a relief that the mutant was willing to do this for her. Karai usually took care of her own injuries, but dislocated limbs could be difficult to take care on your own. She would have told him that a 'bit' wouldn't be necessary, but before she could issue a word, Leonardo shoved the bones back into place, an audible 'pop' drowning out her small hiss.  Indeed, Karai had a high pain tolerance, but she was only human. It hurt. Immensely.


She took a few deep, steadying breaths as she tried to fight through the pain, though she showed only small signs of her suffering. Now that it was in place, the pain would slowly start to ease.  



"Are you alright?"



It took a moment, but Karai finally responded with a small nod, a hint of an appreciative grin tugging at the corners of her usually indifferent lips. "Yes, thank you." She stretched her leg a little to help alleviate the pain, her gaze still holding his. Now her curiosity was getting the better of her. Could this honorable creature be a part of the clan that her father loathed? There was only one way to put her suspicions to rest...

"Are you a part of the Hamato clan?"

She took the fixing of her leg like a champ. he was impressed. He knew how much something like that hurt, but with it finally done and after making sure she was alright, Leo was going to ask once more if she wanted him to help her get somewhere. If not he would be on his way. Though he was interested in this woman, she seemed so different from the other foot.

Her question though, caught him off guard. He nodded a bit. I am. And he prepared himself for some kind of attack. Not that this girl was in any position to be fighting. But I'm not going to hurt you. I have no interest in fighting you.

But an attack wouldn't come, even with the Turtle's confession. Karai knew from the stories that the entire clan wasn't responsible for slaying her uncle. Just their teacher. This Turtle certainly didn't strike her as a merciless killer.


"Now I understand how you know of the Foot.The one responsible for teaching you is guilty of the devastating loss that my father suffered before my time." She told him. Leonardo could probably put two and two together now and figure out that Saki, their most deadly enemy, was her father.


"But I can see that you do not share his blood lust." As she spoke, Karai attempted to push herself up which was a difficult task, but staying immobile was never her speed. "But, there is much I do not understand. " Because surely the Mutant's Sensei would have molded him in his image. Would have taught him the same level of hate.

It took Leo a moment, but soon he realized who she was. Shredder's daughter. But she seemed nothing like her father. Maybe she was spared his madness. He sat next to her, but didn't totally let his guard down. there was no telling if other Foot members would be out looking for her, and though he meant Karai no harm the others wouldn't care.

I think you have been lied to. It was Shredder who caused my father much loss. But as always, there is two sides to every story.

He hoped his words wouldn't start a fight, but he felt the need to try to set the record straight. What is it that you don't understand? Maybe I can answer your questions.

When Leonardo took a seat on the ground beside her, Karai gave up her efforts to stand and carefully lowered herself back beside him. Like the Turtle, the Kunoichi wasn't letting her guard down. The warrior seemed genuine enough, but there was no guarantee that he wasn't a master of deception. And a master he would have to be in order to fool Karai. The woman was usually skeptical of even those with the best intentions, but Leonardo was different. When she looked into the creature's eyes, she saw something very familiar. Like her, he seemed to have much riding on his shoulders and had expectations to live up to.


Karai felt a little angered when the Reptile mentioned that her Father lied to her. He would never do that! She was very protective of the man that had brought her up with such overbearing expectations, but perhaps Leonardo was the one misinformed. Still, things didn't quite add up...


"I do not understand that if your Sensei has such a hatred for my Father, why you would be so willing to assist someone from his enemy's clan, especially his daughter. But I presume that you did not know of my bloodline before you risked yourself for me. Still, as this information was revealed to you, you are still eager to help." She managed a soft smile, which felt to foreign on her lips. Such expressions were usually reserved for only her Father. The fact that this creature could bring forth such reserved emotions was also a contribute to her confusion.


"I do believe that we have much to discuss, but I am feeling rather exposed here.." And not in the way that Leonardo probably assumed. Karai didn't fear the Reptile's brothers witnessing the two talking. She knew if the Foot happened upon them, and witnessed anything less than hostility from their leader's daughter towards his sworn enemies, she would have a lot of explaining to do. "Perhaps there is somewhere more private we can go..."

My father taught us to be kind to everyone. To help those in need. To protect. it does not matter to me who your father is. You have done nothing to me to make me not want to help.Leo explained. Leo was still surprise that Karai seemed much kinder then her father. He thought any one who would have been brought up by the man would be as evil as he was.

When asked about going someplace to talk Leo nodded. It would be best for both of them to get out of the opening.

There is. There is an olf warehouse I go to when i want to be alone. Living in such close quarters with my brothers can sometimes take it's toll on me. Will you be able to walk?

If she couldn't walk he would gladly carry her. But didn't want to come out and offer that. She seemed like someone who wanted to keep her independence even if that meant being in pain.

Indeed, these Reptiles, or at least Leonardo was nothing like she imagined him to be. He seemed the perfect gentleman, and that was something she was certainly not accustomed to. This was all new to Karai. Usually people didn't give her a reason to trust them, but this Turtle was different. Not only had he saved her, but had offered to help. What would her father think of all this. Should she inform them that not all of the Hamatos were like their father? That it wasn't fair to blame all for the actions of one? Considering her father's hatred for Yoshi, perhaps it was best to keep this 'meeting' to herself.


The kunoichi gave a small nod as she once again pushed herself up, fighting back the pain. "Yes, I can walk." She assured him. Indeed, he was correct in assuming that she would remain independent, even if it meant dealing with the pain. Though, she understood that soon the numerous puncture wounds that resided under knee-high boot's material would need to be cleaned and dressed soon.


She found it amusing that Leonardo's brother's seemed to be too much for him at times. Perhaps they weren't so different from normal teenagers. Not that the young warrior would know from experience. She was an only child, and sibling rivalries were something she had only heard about. "Then it is fortunate that you have a safe haven." She told the Turtle, taking a step to test out her recently reset leg. The pain was excruciating, but Karai had experienced worse. "Now, let us see this warehouse of yours.."[/color]

Leo winced a bit when he seen Karai take a few steps. He knew she had to be in pain. But he wouldn't press the subject. She was a warrior, and as such would not want him to pester her about being carried. He could respect that. Luckily the place wasn't too far. He would walk closely by her if she needed anything though.

Really Leo didn't know why he was bringing a foot member to his little hide away. She would be sure to use this against him, he would have to find a new place to get away from it all. But Karai seemed nice enough, Though had it been him that almost got eaten he would have wanted to get home. Maybe she didn't want her father to see her injured. Maybe she was feeling bad about herself for letting her guard down.

After a bit of walking they finally came to the worn down warehouse. It wasn't anything special at all. it wasn't even something that the gang would fool with and that was the point.

In here. he told her and opened the door for her. He followed in behind her and closed the door. He then hurried to light some candles that were sitting on the floor. It wasn't much light, but enough to see where you were going.

I have a bed you can lay on over here in the corner. He guided her to the bed and let her sit down. I have some water if you would like.

It was slow going, but Karai accompanied Leonardo to his secret place, a small limp in her step. The Knoichi wondered why the Turtle trusted her so much. She was the daughter of the enemy, after all. And he was the son of her Father's enemy. Still, his actions had made it hard to hold the same level of hatred for them that her Father expressed.


Soon they were entering the dark building and Leonardo was quick to light the place in the soft and welcoming glow of numerous candles. It certainly added a calmness to the atmosphere. She followed the Turtle over to the bed and after placing her katana at her feet, took a seat on the mattress. It certainly was a welcomed relief to be off her injured leg. Now that they weren't so exposed, she pulled the boot from her leg, exposing the numerous puncture wounds that marred her once perfect skin. They would be scars for sure, but that did not matter to Karai. What did worry her was keeping her injuries hidden from the clan. From her Father. This had all been the result of allowing he guard to falter; for not being aware of her surroundings.


" I can see why you like this place, Leonardo. I would never consider that an old warehouse could be this peaceful." She told him as she removed the red bandana from her brow, and began cleaning away the blood from the deep punctures in her leg.

Leo was unsure why he trusted her with his personal hiding space. A place that not even his brothers knew about. If Karai was to make her move. or if her men were to attack and take Leo down, the brothers wouldn't even know where to start looking for him. But Leo was a trusting soul. Just because her father was the Shredder didn't make her a bad person. You couldn't help the family you were born into.

Leo got up and grabbed a small first aid kit. It had medicine and bandages. Her leg was already bruising and swelling. He carefully applied the medication then wrapped her leg up.

You can just call me Leo. he told her as he finished with her leg. You should let a doctor look at that leg.

He then scooted himself back and sat on the floor in front of her. You are welcomed to stay here for as long as you need to. But I'm sure the foot will be looking for you soon.

Indeed, her leg was starting to look bad. Deep bruising circling each of the punctures like painful halos and the swelling was noticeable. It would certainly be difficult to his this from her clan, but Karai would do her best. No doubt that everyone would be curious as to how a seasoned warrior had found herself in this predicament. Indeed, Karai was as skilled and lethal as they came, but she was also young. Also human.


At first, she was uneasy with Leonardo touching her as he set about carefully medicating her wounds. No one ever touched her, except for her father. Such a gesture demanded trust. Still, the Kunoichi didn't protest as she normally would have in this situation and after a moment she finally relaxed. To have someone so eager to help with no motive of earning points in the Mater's eyes felt.. nice.



"Promise me something, Karai. Promise me... That no matter what, you will end their lives even if they beg for your mercy. I want to know that I can count on my warrior, as well as my daughter." Her Father's words echoed in her head, reminding her of what she needed to do. What he had ordered her to do...no matter what. With the Turtle in his current position, it would have been so easy. So quick. The leader would have never known what hit him. She could have made it painless for him. A gift, considering that she others would drag it out. Her Father would no doubt make him suffer.


The young warrior watched as the Turtle carefully began to bandage her leg as she tried to quiet her father's orders. Yes, she could have done it. Taking out the leader would leave the of the Hamato clan weak and vulnerable, but unlike her father, Karai still had her humanity. After everything this Mutant had done for her, how could she? If only her father knew that the 'son' of his enemy had saved her life, maybe his thoughts would change.


'No matter what...'


Karai closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath before opening them again. As if so would reset her mind and erase the orders that she had been given. The orders that she couldn't follow through with. The expectations that would see her fail, at least on this night. Even though she was deeply conflicted, Karai managed a soft smile, grateful for his efforts.



"Thank you, Leonardo." She said, unable to use his suggested nickname. His kindness demanded her full respect, and that required addressing him by his name. Besides, nicknames had always felt so foreign on her tongue, but then again, she had never been close enough to anyone to use them. Lightness had never been a part of her existence. "And, perhaps I shall take you up on your offer to stay here. At least for tonight." Because sometimes her patrols could last well into the morning. No one would grow suspicious about her disappearance. And her Father was consumed with business.


"Your Father has raised an honorable man.." She told him. Even if her Father's tales of Yoshi were true, this Turtle had turned out nothing like him. "Tell me, when you are here in your little sanctuary .. does he look for you?" She asked, curious if the old man was still alive. Her father had requested that she find this information, but it came from her own curiosity as well.

If Leo had known what she was thinking, maybe he wouldn't be so unguarded. But what could Karai do with her injuries anyway? That is because my father is an honorable man. I know you may not believe this, and I respect that you trust your father to believe his story, but, Shredder broke into my father's home, killed his wife and took his child away. The feud between started because of a woman.

Leo was quiet for a bit, thinking...

Sometimes I feel very selfish. Because, though I feel sorry for my father, I'm glad things happen they way they did. If not for it, I wouldn't have my father like I do now, He would have never saved us, trained us. Where would my brothers and I be without him? No he does not look for me, least I don't think he does. Maybe my brothers have tried to find my little getaway . But they never succeeded.

Leo leaned back on his hands and looked at her. What if it was true? That your father killed and kidnapped my father's family? If you found out it was truth, how would you feel about Shredder then?

Karai was a bit taken aback by Leonardo's version of that dreadful night. It was very different than what her Father had told her. But, it couldn't be true. Could it? Was her Father capable of such an act? Certainly not! The old man had lied to Leonardo. Of course the Turtle would believe the version that Yoshi had fed him, just as she would accept that of her own Father's. But her Father would not lie to her...


"It would appear that there are variations of this story..." She told him, knowing that it would only offend him if she informed him that his Father was a liar. She knew the truth, or so she thought. The Turtle was responsible for none of it.

The Kunoichi gave a small nod when he mentioned that things would have been different for him and his brothers if that dreadful night had never taken place. "I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Miraculous things can rise from the ashes of tragedy."


Then came the question that completely silenced her. If it was true, how would Karai react? Would it change how she felt? No. The young Kunoichi shook it off. It wasn't true. Leonardo was honorable, but so naive. "That.. does not sound like my Father." She told him, taking in a deep steadying breath. The rumors of his instability came rushing to the surface and she briefly wondered if there was indeed two sides to him, and she had only seen her 'Father'. Was she the naive one?


She met Leonardo's gaze, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "And what if you found out that your Father has lied to you?" She asked, letting that sink in. "He would still be the man that raised you, that nurtured you, no?"

No his father only spoke the truth. Shredder lied to the poor girl, but he didn't blame her for believe in that lie, it only made sense that she would trust her father. It worried leo though, Saki was a mad man, would he one day turn on his own daughter? He wouldn't ask that question he didn't want to upset her. He kept his mouth shut and simply gave a nod. He wouldn't argue with her, time would show her the truth.

Then came her question. He really didn't know how to answer it at first, he had to think about that. He knew in his heart that Splinter wasn't lying. Why would he make up the story? It didn't make sense. But what about that off chance? What would he do?

If Master Splinter lied to me, to my brothers all this time. I would no longer be able to trust him. He would still be my father, that wouldn't change. But I would forever question everything he said and did. But. I believe in my heart that he has not lied. Either way, I trust that time will reveal the truth to us both.

For a brief moment, Karai considered the possibility of her Father lying to her. Was he capable? He was human, after all. But there was nothing for him to gain by doing so. Little did the young Kunoichi know, he entire life had been a lie. It was fortunate that she was so trusting of him and never suspected that level of deception.


"Perhaps that would be my reaction as well..." She told him with a slight nod. It seemed like a realistic one. You could remain loyal without trust, right? It that ever became the case. If her Father ever gave her a reason to lose trust in him. Just the thought of that was suffocating. Her Father, the man that so many viewed as a monster, was her whole world. Her driving force for pushing so hard, because all she ever wanted to do was to make him proud...


..and yet she would fail on this night. As loyal as she was, Karai couldn't bring herself to kill this creature. This mutant that seemed to possess more humanity than most of the humans that inhabited this city. What a waste it would be to take his life. The young warrior was fascinated by him and her curiosity growing.


"I believe that I shall take you up on your offer and rest here for tonight." She told the Turtle, running gentle fingers over her bandaged leg. The Turtle had done a great job taking care of the injuries. She didn't want her clan to see her like this, and it would certainly raise questions that she wasn't prepared to answer. "It is a fair assumption that you and your brothers are not the only mutants calling this city home. Aside from the Crocodile, do you know of any others?"

Leo was glad to hear that she would rest there for the night. He didn't feel she should be moving too much on her injured leg. of course if his brothers found out that he was helping the enemy's daughter Raph would surly have something to say. It was best to keep this between her and him.

At her question he shook his head. I haven't seen any. There was some rumor on the street that a cat lady was running around, but my brothers and I never spotted her. Of course we also didn't know about the croc that attacked you. So it's possible that there are many mutants hiding in the city.

I think it's something we should be aware of though. Clearly not all mutants are good. I suppose it's just like people. But, I'm sure they are use to being attacked and feared. Maybe that's why the one who attacked you did what he did, out of fear. And why the others are hiding .