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Description

There’s no escaping the Foot.

But then, that doesn’t mean one cannot survive within it.

Before the Foot, she was nothing. A runaway orphan, some low-life petty burglar, a nobody. She visited the jail more times than she could count. Life’s always there down the corner to kick her back behind steel bars, and she’s getting tired of that. She wanted to join the Savante, or even the Purple Dragon when she heard Hun was taking over. She knew she could be useful there, and they’d keep her out of prison. But then the Foot had other plan for her. Some high rank Foot spotted her one day while she’s “working” and thought of making an assassin out of her.

Not much of a difference, though. Ninjitsu, to her, was just another fancy of fighting. Katana? Long knife with better reach. Smoke bomb? Better dirt to blind your enemy. Shuriken are harder to throw than darts, though. How the others did it so easily was beyond her. But she wouldn’t complain. Why would she when she was promised food and shelter? Beat lurking in some filthy alley any day. When she’s presented to the Shredder the first time, she knew the guy’s bad. Quite obvious, consider the way Hun cowering beside him. Yes, this would be the boss she should serve. If this was how she’s going to live from that moment on, then she had nothing to complain.

Things looked fairly bearable for her… Until the turtles came along.

Green freaks straight out from B-rate horror movies. One night she was minding her own business for the Shredder, the next she was face down on the ground unconscious, no thanks to those mutants. They made short work out of her ninja group like some kid competition, again and again. Worst yet, they never kill. Didn’t even need to deliver any fatal wound. And there’s only four of them against a dozen, sometimes double that number, of ninjas from her clan.

The Shredder was furious. They foiled his plans, rejected his offer, defied him just like those freak they were. But since the boss couldn’t unleash his wrath upon them, she and her fellows had to be there to take it. Every time the ninjas failed to kill those freaks for their master, blood was sure to spill. And if the Shredder was in a bad mood, some heads might roll. She’s lucky enough to get away with just a dislocated jaw. Fuck, if those turtles were freaks, then her master was a monster.

Still, she stayed. There’s nowhere left for her to go. The Tusk fell after a skirmish with the turtles and some nut-job in black costume. Hun would just toss her right back at the Shredder’s claw. The mob… Well, there’s only stories about them left now. All other crime organizations either kneeled before her master, or vanished without a trace.

Then there’s the Foot. She could never forget the moment she herself beheaded her comrades, one by one. They attempted to escape. Ran from the Foot as far as they could, or at least tried to. Shredder had eye and ear everywhere, and anyone foolish enough to think of leaving the Foot ended up with nothing left, not even their hide.

On the other hand, those who served him faithfully always received handsome rewards. Of course gaining his favor was like getting close to a tiger. But that’s what she’s striving for. She had to survive, either by avoiding her boss’ claw, or defeating the turtles, whichever worked first.

Thus leading this reluctant Foot soldier to this night. Her troop received an important mission from the Shredder, and failure would be punished by death. Somehow those freaks got wind of it, and the troop was ambushed. She was trained to operate in the dark, but they were simply better. They lived in it. They came fast, strike fast, and gone fast. Well, most of them. The orange one was always the loudest, but he’s also impossible to predict. The blue one was the most dangerous. Nobody sensed him coming. The purple one was always too far to reach. Then there’s the red one. Looked like the brute of the bunch. All brawl and no subtlety. He knocked out most of her team, taking as much injuries as he dishing them.

If there’s anyone to aim for, it had to be that muscle-head. At least he’s a big target, and he’s predictable. Good thing she’s faster than this red turtle…

“Well, aintcha feisty?” – The freak smirked at her – “Looks like not all of ‘em suck.”

That’s when she looked around. Her entire team lied unconscious around her. Some were bleeding, but definitely alive. How was she the only one left? The others were approaching her now, but then…

“Leave, you’re lost.” The blue one lowered his swords. What, playing all high and mighty now?

She couldn’t. Leaving would mean death for her. So instead, she raised her sword against them. If she had to die, then at least she’d take one of these freaks down with her.

“Dude, look around you.” The orange one, always the chatter-box “ There’s like, four of us and one of you.”

She didn’t give a damn, just dove head first right at the biggest one of them. Even as she swung her weapon, none of the other move. The red turtle just blocked her strike like it was nothing. Next thing she knew, she was down on the cement, her sword wrenched from her hands, and one side of her face still ringing from the punch of that brute.

“Thought so.” Deep voice grumbled above her. “At least ya got some fight in ya.”

“Shame, if only he’s not in the Foot. Let’s go guys.”

No, it couldn’t be it. She was so close. She’s never been closer before. If she let them disappear now, this would be her last fight. Before she knew it, she was back on her feet. Clutching the closest weapon she could find. A stray sai? Really? How ironic could this be?

“Well, would’cha look at that.”

“Maybe you didn’t hit him hard enough, Raph. Are you losing your touch?”

“Can it, Mikey. I got this.”

Nobody moved. She’s still dizzy from that punch, but her feet were steady now, and that red turtle was still within reach, if she could just drive the sai through…

Before she even made contact, that freak just side-stepped out of the way. She missed by a mile and couldn’t stop, diving right for the ground.

“Man, I don't know if this is bravery or just pathetic.” That orange one again. Fuck his mocking.

“Raph, the guy’s doing his best.” The blue one’s voice, ever so calmly “He deserves a decent end.”

“Sure thing, Fearless.”

The moment she stood up again to face that red one, all she saw was a fist in her face, then stars exploded in her head. She fell for the third time that night, right at the foot of that brute.

“Nice knowing ya, Foot. Now get some sleep.”

Her head couldn’t form coherent thought anymore, those words sounded muffled to her, but then there’s one thing still blaring in her head: death, and there’s no way she’s going to accept it. Her arm shot out from under her and grabbed on that green ankle.

“Seriously? Why dontcha just give it a rest already?”

A kick landed on her side, blowing all the air out of her lung. Yet her grip didn’t falter. She was swung around like a rag doll now.

“What is wrong with this guy? Let go, will ya?”

Hands grabbed at her, no doubt pulling her away from that red turtle. She dug her fingers, her nails, anything left of her onto that foot. She heard a yelp, but that’s hardly satisfying.

“Guys, he won’t let go. Stop pulling him and do something else!”

All of a sudden she was dropped with a thud. She barely felt the impact, only the grip remain. Then, she heard that calming voice again, so close by the ear.

“Look, you fought well, but you’ve already lost. We need to go, so kindly release my brother, okay?”

She felt a jab somewhere on her neck, then her body went limp. Before darkness engulfed her, she heard that voice mumbled something like…

“Oh shell, is that a girl? I’m so sorry! Stay strong...”

:::

Saying the Shredder was furious was an understatement. As her team was tied up and knelt before him, she tiredly closed her eye. As the thud of her comrades’ bodies sounded around her, one after another, she patiently waited for her turn. She only dare to hope for a swift death…

She heard her comrade fell next to her. She’s the last one. Shredder would kill her fast enough…

The claws touched her chest, those pointy tips slowly dragged themselves up toward her chin, forcing her to raised her head. She still had her eyes closed, though her heart was hammering…

She surely didn’t expect a punch in the face. Rolling several rounds away from the Shredder, she stared up at her master in utter confusion.

“Rise!”

She quickly lifted her tattered body from the ground, all the while struggling with the bind. Shredder approached with all the ominous of the Reaper, his claws found their way to her neck once more.

“Report stated that you were the last to fall before the turtles. Is that true?”

“Yes, master.” Her voice came out cracking, fear started griping her again.

“Consider this a warning for your failure. Live to fight them another day. And next time, bring me their shells. Now leave.”

With that, the claws were withdrawn and she found her breath again. Glancing around at the puddle of corpses and blood at her feet, she didn’t dare to believe she’s still standing, drawing breath with a beating heart. She dared not try his luck, so she quickly stepped backward toward where she knew the door would be, and vanished from Shredder’s sight.

Karai was on the other side of the door. The granddaughter of death smiled slyly at her, and before she could control his vocal cord, words already spilled:

“Why? Why would he keep me alive?”

“Grandfather is harsh, but he is generous and forgiving for those who have proven their loyalty.” She stepped away from the wall toward her, the wicked smile never faltered. With one swift motion, she severed the binding rope. “Do not make him regret his decision. Besides, we can always use more competent pawn like you. Do try to stay alive, Jennika.”

She didn’t say anything, just bowed then walked away. She was intended to do just that. Living this kind of life with a boss such as the Shredder, she wouldn’t expect anything less. One way or another, she will survive…

Description

There’s no escaping the Foot.

But then, that doesn’t mean one cannot survive within it.

Before the Foot, she was nothing. A runaway orphan, some low-life petty burglar, a nobody. She visited the jail more times than she could count. Life’s always there down the corner to kick her back behind steel bars, and she’s getting tired of that. She wanted to join the Savante, or even the Purple Dragon when she heard Hun was taking over. She knew she could be useful there, and they’d keep her out of prison. But then the Foot had other plan for her. Some high rank Foot spotted her one day while she’s “working” and thought of making an assassin out of her.

Not much of a difference, though. Ninjitsu, to her, was just another fancy of fighting. Katana? Long knife with better reach. Smoke bomb? Better dirt to blind your enemy. Shuriken are harder to throw than darts, though. How the others did it so easily was beyond her. But she wouldn’t complain. Why would she when she was promised food and shelter? Beat lurking in some filthy alley any day. When she’s presented to the Shredder the first time, she knew the guy’s bad. Quite obvious, consider the way Hun cowering beside him. Yes, this would be the boss she should serve. If this was how she’s going to live from that moment on, then she had nothing to complain.

Things looked fairly bearable for her… Until the turtles came along.

Green freaks straight out from B-rate horror movies. One night she was minding her own business for the Shredder, the next she was face down on the ground unconscious, no thanks to those mutants. They made short work out of her ninja group like some kid competition, again and again. Worst yet, they never kill. Didn’t even need to deliver any fatal wound. And there’s only four of them against a dozen, sometimes double that number, of ninjas from her clan.

The Shredder was furious. They foiled his plans, rejected his offer, defied him just like those freak they were. But since the boss couldn’t unleash his wrath upon them, she and her fellows had to be there to take it. Every time the ninjas failed to kill those freaks for their master, blood was sure to spill. And if the Shredder was in a bad mood, some heads might roll. She’s lucky enough to get away with just a dislocated jaw. Fuck, if those turtles were freaks, then her master was a monster.

Still, she stayed. There’s nowhere left for her to go. The Tusk fell after a skirmish with the turtles and some nut-job in black costume. Hun would just toss her right back at the Shredder’s claw. The mob… Well, there’s only stories about them left now. All other crime organizations either kneeled before her master, or vanished without a trace.

Then there’s the Foot. She could never forget the moment she herself beheaded her comrades, one by one. They attempted to escape. Ran from the Foot as far as they could, or at least tried to. Shredder had eye and ear everywhere, and anyone foolish enough to think of leaving the Foot ended up with nothing left, not even their hide.

On the other hand, those who served him faithfully always received handsome rewards. Of course gaining his favor was like getting close to a tiger. But that’s what she’s striving for. She had to survive, either by avoiding her boss’ claw, or defeating the turtles, whichever worked first.

Thus leading this reluctant Foot soldier to this night. Her troop received an important mission from the Shredder, and failure would be punished by death. Somehow those freaks got wind of it, and the troop was ambushed. She was trained to operate in the dark, but they were simply better. They lived in it. They came fast, strike fast, and gone fast. Well, most of them. The orange one was always the loudest, but he’s also impossible to predict. The blue one was the most dangerous. Nobody sensed him coming. The purple one was always too far to reach. Then there’s the red one. Looked like the brute of the bunch. All brawl and no subtlety. He knocked out most of her team, taking as much injuries as he dishing them.

If there’s anyone to aim for, it had to be that muscle-head. At least he’s a big target, and he’s predictable. Good thing she’s faster than this red turtle…

“Well, aintcha feisty?” – The freak smirked at her – “Looks like not all of ‘em suck.”

That’s when she looked around. Her entire team lied unconscious around her. Some were bleeding, but definitely alive. How was she the only one left? The others were approaching her now, but then…

“Leave, you’re lost.” The blue one lowered his swords. What, playing all high and mighty now?

She couldn’t. Leaving would mean death for her. So instead, she raised her sword against them. If she had to die, then at least she’d take one of these freaks down with her.

“Dude, look around you.” The orange one, always the chatter-box “ There’s like, four of us and one of you.”

She didn’t give a damn, just dove head first right at the biggest one of them. Even as she swung her weapon, none of the other move. The red turtle just blocked her strike like it was nothing. Next thing she knew, she was down on the cement, her sword wrenched from her hands, and one side of her face still ringing from the punch of that brute.

“Thought so.” Deep voice grumbled above her. “At least ya got some fight in ya.”

“Shame, if only he’s not in the Foot. Let’s go guys.”

No, it couldn’t be it. She was so close. She’s never been closer before. If she let them disappear now, this would be her last fight. Before she knew it, she was back on her feet. Clutching the closest weapon she could find. A stray sai? Really? How ironic could this be?

“Well, would’cha look at that.”

“Maybe you didn’t hit him hard enough, Raph. Are you losing your touch?”

“Can it, Mikey. I got this.”

Nobody moved. She’s still dizzy from that punch, but her feet were steady now, and that red turtle was still within reach, if she could just drive the sai through…

Before she even made contact, that freak just side-stepped out of the way. She missed by a mile and couldn’t stop, diving right for the ground.

“Man, I don't know if this is bravery or just pathetic.” That orange one again. Fuck his mocking.

“Raph, the guy’s doing his best.” The blue one’s voice, ever so calmly “He deserves a decent end.”

“Sure thing, Fearless.”

The moment she stood up again to face that red one, all she saw was a fist in her face, then stars exploded in her head. She fell for the third time that night, right at the foot of that brute.

“Nice knowing ya, Foot. Now get some sleep.”

Her head couldn’t form coherent thought anymore, those words sounded muffled to her, but then there’s one thing still blaring in her head: death, and there’s no way she’s going to accept it. Her arm shot out from under her and grabbed on that green ankle.

“Seriously? Why dontcha just give it a rest already?”

A kick landed on her side, blowing all the air out of her lung. Yet her grip didn’t falter. She was swung around like a rag doll now.

“What is wrong with this guy? Let go, will ya?”

Hands grabbed at her, no doubt pulling her away from that red turtle. She dug her fingers, her nails, anything left of her onto that foot. She heard a yelp, but that’s hardly satisfying.

“Guys, he won’t let go. Stop pulling him and do something else!”

All of a sudden she was dropped with a thud. She barely felt the impact, only the grip remain. Then, she heard that calming voice again, so close by the ear.

“Look, you fought well, but you’ve already lost. We need to go, so kindly release my brother, okay?”

She felt a jab somewhere on her neck, then her body went limp. Before darkness engulfed her, she heard that voice mumbled something like…

“Oh shell, is that a girl? I’m so sorry! Stay strong...”

:::

Saying the Shredder was furious was an understatement. As her team was tied up and knelt before him, she tiredly closed her eye. As the thud of her comrades’ bodies sounded around her, one after another, she patiently waited for her turn. She only dare to hope for a swift death…

She heard her comrade fell next to her. She’s the last one. Shredder would kill her fast enough…

The claws touched her chest, those pointy tips slowly dragged themselves up toward her chin, forcing her to raised her head. She still had her eyes closed, though her heart was hammering…

She surely didn’t expect a punch in the face. Rolling several rounds away from the Shredder, she stared up at her master in utter confusion.

“Rise!”

She quickly lifted her tattered body from the ground, all the while struggling with the bind. Shredder approached with all the ominous of the Reaper, his claws found their way to her neck once more.

“Report stated that you were the last to fall before the turtles. Is that true?”

“Yes, master.” Her voice came out cracking, fear started griping her again.

“Consider this a warning for your failure. Live to fight them another day. And next time, bring me their shells. Now leave.”

With that, the claws were withdrawn and she found her breath again. Glancing around at the puddle of corpses and blood at her feet, she didn’t dare to believe she’s still standing, drawing breath with a beating heart. She dared not try his luck, so she quickly stepped backward toward where she knew the door would be, and vanished from Shredder’s sight.

Karai was on the other side of the door. The granddaughter of death smiled slyly at her, and before she could control his vocal cord, words already spilled:

“Why? Why would he keep me alive?”

“Grandfather is harsh, but he is generous and forgiving for those who have proven their loyalty.” She stepped away from the wall toward her, the wicked smile never faltered. With one swift motion, she severed the binding rope. “Do not make him regret his decision. Besides, we can always use more competent pawn like you. Do try to stay alive, Jennika.”

She didn’t say anything, just bowed then walked away. She was intended to do just that. Living this kind of life with a boss such as the Shredder, she wouldn’t expect anything less. One way or another, she will survive…