In the Arms of the Enemy (Raph x OC)

Prologue

Esme's POV

"I'll be honest, I was quite surprised when you extended an invitation for a private meeting. I hope you don't mind the extra precautions I've taken. After all, it's not everyday that the Shredder requests an audience," the man smirked, "especially with someone who so knowingly detests you, your greatness." Insults wrapped in pretty words. To be expected from Alexander Kingston, the leader of the largest competing gang in our area, the Sharks.

When the Shredder told Karai and I that we would accompany him during this meeting, I had no idea that it would be with him of all people. It was rare for the Shredder to take a personal audience with most people, so imagine our surprise when it turned out to be the leader of the only other gang that was powerful enough to defy the Foot clan.

The Sharks were a gang who specialized in weapon dealerships and hard drugs. They were large in numbers and wouldn't easily fold under the thumb of another. They were strong and had the fire and manpower to back up their resistance to the Foot Clan. This had led to a huge stand off between the two and quite the issue in regards to Shredder's plan for world domination.

I took a quick scan of the room, noting the exits, the layout of the area, and most importantly, the presence of Alexander Kingston's right hand man Johnathan Fischer. He was a giant man with a large scar that ran down the side of his face and noticeable burn scars that peeked out from his sleeves. Kingston hadn't brought anyone else because there was no need to. Fischer's skills were known by anyone in this business, and he was not someone to be messed with.

"Trust me, I completely understand. This situation is quite unorthodox. However, I did not request your presence for nefarious reasons. To be completely transparent I admire what you've been able to accomplish. A large gang with an arsenal of weapons and trained men at your disposal, it's quite impressive," the Shredder responded, his eyes flickering to Fischer for emphasis.

I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. What the hell was this? He couldn't have just called this meeting to kiss his ass, so what was going on.

"You flatter me, but I'm sure you didn't call me here just to tell me things I already know," Kingston retorted, almost making me snort out a laugh. He was perceptive, that's for sure.

"I'll cut to the chase then. I'm sure you're just as tired as I am to be fighting over the same territories over and over again. It's clear we're both formidable powers and neither of us is going away any time soon. Therefore, I would like to propose an alliance." My eyes widened slightly in shock as I glanced over to Karai, a questioning look on my face. She glanced back at me, seeming just as confused, confirming that she had no idea what he was scheming up either.

An amused look crossed Kingston's face as his lips quirked up in a sly smirk. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed in front of his chest. "Well, this was certainly unexpected. But you didn't think it'd be this easy did you? Even if we were to join forces, who's to say you wouldn't betray me as soon as you had the chance?" He questioned. A valid point that could be made for both sides. What was Shredder thinking?

"I agree, which is why I have a proposition. Your son, how old is he now?" Shredder asked.

"Grayson? He just turned 22. However, I don't see how this is relevant," Kingston replied.

"My daughters are about the same age. I bring it up because I believe the best way for us to not betray each other is to put something important on the line. Which is why I propose that your son marry one of my daughters." As soon as he finished his sentence I felt my stomach drop. There was no way. Why the hell did he bring us here without telling us any of this?!?

"In particular I believe it would be best for him to marry my younger daughter. She just turned 20 and is in line to take over the Foot Clan. She'll be an incredible asset to your gang, the same way your son will be to our clan. With this arrangement our groups will both be looked over by well trained individuals and there will be more of an incentive not to betray each other. If we did, we would ultimately be hurting our children in the process."

Kingston had a thoughtful look on his face as he contemplated the idea before finally speaking up.

"It definitely isn't a bad idea, however I will have to take some time to think about it," Kingston responded.

Shredder nodded his head in understanding and spoke. "Of course, take all the time you need. I'll be looking forward to your response." With this Shredder stood up, said his goodbyes and turned towards us, signaling that it was time for us to take our leave. As soon as we had gotten out of the warehouse and into our car all hell broke loose.

"Master, what on earth were you thinking?! You didn't even think to give me a heads up that you were planning on marrying me off?!" I exclaimed, anger in my voice.

"And forming an alliance with one of our biggest enemies? What is going on?" Karai snapped.

"Also what was up with all the compliments? I know you don't think that highly of them, or at the very least you wouldn't take the obvious insults he was hurling at you," I huffed.

He raised a hand to silence us before finally speaking.

"All will be revealed in due time. Have patience." Although we weren't exactly satisfied with his answer, we knew better than to push further on the subject.

"Yes master," we obediently responded, but I didn't miss the glance that Karai sent my way. Based on what he said he had a plan, so now the concern was whether or not that plan was worse than the one he proposed to Kingston. And knowing our father, the most likely answer was yes.