Together As Mutants (Book Six)

Chapter 28: Reunion

"I just don't know what to think, Sensei," Leonardo says, pacing back and forth in front of Splinter. "Karai's got this idea in her head that she's going to rebuild the Foot Clan, but I can't help but feel like she's doing it for all the wrong reasons."

"Karai is a grown woman now, Leonardo," Splinter says. "Her choices are her own, whether you like it or not."

Leonardo crosses his arms over his chest, lips pursed. "I'm still worried."

A loud sigh has them both looking towards the living room, where April sits and stares at her tanto dejectedly. Splinter frowns and moves closer to her, Leonardo trailing behind.

"April, what troubles you?" Splinter asks.

"I think I'm just about ready to revoke the kunoichi title, Sensei," she says. She pulls her tanto out, just enough to see the dragon engraved near the hilt. "Maybe I need more training."

"You got your tanto back, April," Leonardo says. "You won that fight."

April exhales. "You heard Karai. She was ready to call the fight and let Shinigami just...hand the tanto back. It didn't feel like victory."

Splinter hums, then reaches down to touch her shoulder. "Come," he says. "I think it's about time I taught you an advanced move called the Dragon's Tail."

"I'll try anything."

The two of them head to the dojo, leaving Leonardo alone. He's about to join his brothers in watching cartoons when his t-phone buzzes. He checks the screen, eye-ridge lifting.

K: Leo, we need to talk.

K: Meet me at the old church. Bring Destiny.

He purses his lips, glancing at the others in the living room. His brothers are at peace, eyes on the screen, and he'd hate to pull them out of it again. This night has already felt long enough.

L: Why just the two of us?

K: I want to test the waters.

K: I know if you go, she'll want to come with you.

K: I trust her.

His eye-ridges rise higher. That's new, but he's willing to guess that their mutual friendship with Diaval has served to make them feel more understood by each other. Besides, she isn't wrong. If he leaves, Destiny will notice, and she can track him down anyway.

"Guys," Leonardo says. "I've gotta go."

Raphael looks up from the TV, eyes narrowing. "What? Why?"

He tucks his phone away, lips pursing. "Karai wants to meet up and talk. She just wants Destiny and me for now."

"Huh? Dude, why not all of us? We're a team!" Michelangelo pouts.

"I think our meeting today put her on edge," Leonardo says. "Trust me. I'll alert you guys if anything goes wrong. Can I count on you?"

"We'll be on standby," Donatello says. Raphael still seems suspicious, but he nods, and Michelangelo gives him a thumbs up.

Leonardo smiles. At least, at the end of the day, his brothers always have his back.

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"Have I mentioned that I hate this place?" Destiny asks as they enter the church, her ears pressed flat to her hair.

Leonardo gives her hand a squeeze. "I know. I'm sorry."

"Hey, not your fault I'm a mess," she says, the faintest hint of teasing lifting her voice.