> Equestria Ninja Girls and the Crimson Thief > by Wildcard25 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Crimson Thief > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One afternoon in the big city of New York, standing atop a building was a young woman at the age of twenty with wild reddish-brownish hair, blue gray eyes, red lipstick. What stood out the most about her was her choice in attire. She wore a red trench coat and cordovan hat with a black jumpsuit underneath. To some she was just a normal person in a crowd, but what many did not know was that she was the infamous Carmen Sandiego. A super thief that's avoided capture by police, Interpol, and so many other law enforcers. While she had a reputation for being a master thief, they had no idea actual thievery was not her M.O. Carmen looked out into the city smiling, “Ah, New York, New York.” she told herself. “It's a heck of a town, Red.” came a boy's voice. Carmen held up her phone to reveal a young teenage boy on video chat, “Care to swap facts, Player?” “Delighted,” the boy identified as Player, answered, as he pulled up information on Carmen's location, “New York City is regarded as the most populous place in the U.S. And is best described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world.” Carmen decided to lay some facts down herself, “And it's home to the headquarters of the United Nations. An organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.” “Speaking of friendly relations among the nations, the Statue of Liberty was a gift to New York from France in 1886 for its centennial celebration.” “Happy Birthday.” Carmen humored him. “And that's not all New York is famous for.” came another boy's voice with a Boston accent. Popping in was an eighteen year old boy with light red hair, light cornflower blue eyes and freckles sprinkled across his face. His attire was composed of a white and red baseball jersey, a black long-sleeve undershirt, dark blue jeans, and gray sneakers. “Really, so what do you know, Zack?” Carmen inquired. “New York happens to be the city where the first pizzeria in the United States opened in 1895. Since the 1960s, the price of a slice of pizza has been roughly the same price as a subway ride, generating the idea of “Pizza Principle” among economists. MM, pizza.” Zack salivated. “Only you would know food facts, little bro.” came a girls voice with a Boston accent. It belonged to a nineteen year old girl with chin-length reddish-orange hair, and blue eyes with freckles on her cheeks. She had a broad and fit figure and was shorter than Carmen and Zack. Her attire included a black t-shirt with blue sleeves, gray capri pants, and red sneakers. “When it comes to food knowledge, Ivy, I'm the master.” Zack boasted. “That's a fact.” Player answered. “The fact that is important is this city is the location of several VILE operations.” came another voice that sounded Japanese. The voice belonged to a middle aged Japanese man with a semi shaved head, moderate wrinkles upon his face, and a physically fit form. His attire included a black polo with gray trousers and black shoes. “Which is exactly why we're here, Shadowsan.” Carmen answered. “It ain't gonna be easy finding VILE in a city like this.” Ivy warned Carmen. “It's never easy,” Carmen answered, “We just have to follow the bread crumbs.” “And the crumbs lead to an abandoned warehouse in the city.” Player said checking plans on VILE's hard drive. “Anything specific abut this abandoned warehouse?” Carmen asked. “Nothing. I mean it's just a plain old abandoned warehouse. No important history behind it or nothing.” “Nevertheless, it is some form of front for one of VILE's operations.” Shadowsan suspected. “And we're gonna see what's going down tonight.” Carmen said. “I just hope it's just VILE and nothing else.” Zack feared. “What else could there be?” Ivy asked rhetorically. “Uh, hello. Have you ever read the papers?” Zack asked, getting in his sisters face, “Didn't you hear this city has also been known to be the sighting of so many invasions, from these aliens called the Kraang, Triceratons, mutants, and so much more? Like that report of a giant golf ball base that started tearing up the city some time ago?” “The media was indeed all over it,” Carmen admitted, “But still regardless of whatever rep this city has of attracting strange creatures that's not going to stop us from stopping VILE from threatening the world or more.” Meanwhile down in the sewers in a familiar lair, the lights were off, until they suddenly came on. As music started playing on a radio inside the dojo, who should step out but the Ninja Turtles and the Rainbooms. (Can't stop rockin ZZ top) The turtles and the girls at first started off in a straight line with each of them doing the robot, while Fugitoid and Spike watched from the side bobbing their heads to the rhythm. After performing a few ninja moves, they all joined arm in arm walking forward kicking their legs out from side to side. “Yeah!” Pinkie and Mikey cheered. Leo did a flip onto the dojo floor doing some sword tricks before posing, “Yes!” he cheered. Donnie slid in and performed bo-staff tricks before posing himself, “Alright!” Coming up was Mikey performing with his nunchucks, “Booyakasha!” he posed. Raph jumped onto the scene and performed with his sais, “Hm.” he posed. Then each of the Rainbooms were ready to take the stage. Twilight jumped in and started twirling her weapon around and finished with a pose, “Yeah!” she cheered. Rarity flipped onto the scene and started maneuvering her sickles, before posing with her weapons crossing right in front of her, “Oh, yes.” she said. “Rock and roll!” Rainbow Dash cheered, as she twirled her weapon around. “Hooray!” Pinkie cheered, as she spun the weight chain of her weapon above her head. Applejack was performing some ninja moves while slicing and dicing some apples with her claw gloves, “Yee-haw!” Fluttershy was demonstrating some of her ninja moves before posing and giggled. Finally Sunset Shimmer started performing some moves before throwing her kunai daggers nailing several targets set up, “Sweet!” As they were all having fun with their ninja training, Raph was mumbling to himself. Suddenly he spun around and threw his sai at the radio causing it to short circuit and shutdown. This of course startled his brothers and the Rainbooms. “Jeez, you could've just switched it to off!” Rainbow chided feeling like she was about to have a heart attack. “Uh-oh, tantrum alert.” Mikey said getting that vibe from Raph. “Whoa hold up, oh, Raph,what gives?" Sunset asked wondering where that suddenly came from. “What's with you, Raph?” Leo asked. “Nothing.” Raph sighed already regretting his action. “You gotta relax, Raph.” Applejack said. “Quite so,” Fugitoid agreed, “After all, that's what you were taught under various circumstances, right?” “Sorry, guys, but what're we doing this for?” Raph asked them. “Doing what?” Twilight inquired. “Practicing day after day? Killing ourselves, for what?" Raph started rambling. The Rainbooms sighed, “Oh, Raph.” Rarity said. “Nobody appreciates us. Nobody sees us. Nobody even knows we're alive down here!” he shouted hoping someone on the surface would hear him. Suddenly entering the dojo was April, Casey, Karai, and Shini, “Jeez, Raph, any louder and you'll wake the city.” April joked. “Like it matters, it doesn't sleep at night.” Casey put in. “Hey, guys. Girls.” Karai greeted. “Hey, Karai.” Sunset greeted. “When'd you girls get in?” Shini asked, as she sat near Mikey who smiled at her. “This morning.” Twilight answered. “Now that school's out, we have all summer to do what we want.” Rainbow boasted. “And decided to kick it off with a trip to New York.” Pinkie jumped up. “Surprise.” Fluttershy giggled. “So what's going new on your ends?” Applejack asked their fellow human friends. “Just the same old pretty much.” April answered. “Foot Clan still staying strong, Karai?” Sunset inquired. “Always.” the girl confirmed. “I think what we really need is a good ninja run tonight to get us pumped.” Rainbow suggested. “Took the words right out of my mouth.” Raph agreed. That night out in the city, the Turtles, Rainbooms, and their allies were going through their ninja run across the buildings, and jumping rooftops. “Feel the wind, guys!” Mikey cheered, as he jumped from a water tower onto another roof top. “I'm feeling it all right!” Rainbow called, as she used her speed to zip across the roofs. “It's definitely in my hair!” Rarity answered, as the wind blew through her hair. Casey was skating across the roof while performing some tricks before making a jump and landed safely on the other side, “Oh, yeah boy!” he cheered. Karai made a few jumps before making one that was a bit out of reach. Her right arm quickly turned into her snake arm that stretched and latched onto a pole allowing her to swing herself up onto the roof, “Yes!” Soon the group stopped for a breather, “Well, at least this has my heart pumpin'.” Raph admitted. “Mine too.” Pinkie smiled. “After we've rested up we'll do another run.” Leo told the group who took the moment to relax their legs. As April sat down, she suddenly froze before closing her eyes and concentrated, “Guys, April's got that look again.” Spike told everyone. “April?” Fugitoid asked. “What is it?” Donnie inquired. April opened her eyes and answered, “Guys, we're not alone here.” The sound of that put the group on defense, “Where are we being watched?” Karai inquired. “That's just it. I don't think we're being watched, “April concentrated, “I'm sensing someone's up here but going that way.” she pointed in the distance. “What do you think it is?” Shini asked Karai who looked unsure. “Think we should check it out?” Twilight asked Leo. “I'm not sure, but we should never ignore something that could end up being something big.” Leo noted. “So let's get going.” Rainbow said eager for some action. “Alright, let's move, but remember stick to the shadows.” Leo instructed, as they all headed out. Meanwhile, Carmen was doing some roof jumping herself, before checking her communicator, “Player?” “Location coming up, Red.” Player answered. Carmen stopped, as she looked down and saw the warehouse she was informed about. She dawned some goggles and saw heat signatures inside, “Yeah drop spot was spot on.” The master thief launched a grappling hook from her sleeve and connected to a pole on the roof. She zip-lined down landing safely. Carmen looked to a skylight and saw several VILE agents loading up a truck with crates. “What could they be packing?” Carmen asked herself, before gently cutting a hole in the glass and used her grappling hook to lower herself down before hiding behind a pile of crates. She peeked out and saw a dark skinned man with an afro haircut, and wore glasses. But what was striking was the armored suit he was wearing. He was currently speaking to the VILE agents. “Be careful with that stuff, if that breaks you'll be sorry. I mean it!” he ordered the agents who paid him no mind, “Honestly, you'd think they'd hire more competent workers.” Suddenly a four screen monitor lowered down and displayed four adults each taking up a screen. It was the VILE Academy Faculty, Coach Brunt, Professor Maelstrom, Countess Cleo, and Dr. Bellum,“Baxter Stockman.” Maelstrom addressed him. “Ah, the honorable VILE Faculty,” Baxter greeted, “I was wondering when you'd call.” “How goes the shipment?” Maelstrom inquired. “All's well. But I don't think your agents are heeding my warning about being careful with the merchandise.” “Oh, keep your sweater on, scrawny,” Brunt spoke up, “They know what they're doin'.” “I am definitely interested in experimenting with the mutagen you're supplying us with.” Dr. Bellum said sounding excited. Carmen overhearing their conversation asked herself quietly, “Mutagen?” Stockman spoke up, “And the mutagen will be yours Doctor, so long as I get paid.” “And so you shall.” Cleo promised. “We remain true to our word.” Maelstrom assured him. “Then I'll be expecting the transfer to my account. See you later.” Stockman said, as he ended the transmission. Suddenly a smokescreen started to fill the room, as Stockman noticed, “Smokescreen? Oh, no, not them!”he panicked, as he looked down and saw the agents were on the ground knocked out. The genius looked ahead seeing someone approaching from the mist, “If you turtles think you're going to mess up this deal then you got another thing coming!” To Stockman's surprise, it wasn't the turtles who emerged from the smokescreen but Carmen, “Sorry, I think you got me confused with someone else... Baxter Stockman, was it?” Baxter gasped upon seeing her, “So you're her. The one the Faculty warned me about. Carmen Sandiego.” “Huh, guess my reputation does precede me.” Carmen humored herself. “There's no way, I'm letting you mess up this deal I made.” the genius warned the thief. “Sorry, but anyone who does deals with VILE calls for my attention.” she replied. “I'll show you what happens when you mess with Baxter Stockman!” he pulled out a device and clicked a button summoning several Stockman Bots and Mousers. “Robots. This should be fun.” Carmen said, as she started dodging the laser shots and Mousers trying to jump her. She managed to disarm some of the robots of their blasters and took them down, while also causing some of them to blast at several Mousers. “Break all you want, Ms. Sandiego. I have plenty more.” Stockman said smugly, as the walls opened up to reveal several more Stockman Bots and Mousers. “You gotta be kidding me.” Carmen said in disbelief. “Attack!” Stockman ordered, as his robot minions continued their assault. “Come on, Carmen, think. How do I get myself out of this?” Carmen asked herself, while taking cover behind a pillar to think. Suddenly as if answering her question, the turtles, Rainbooms, their allies, and Fugitoid crashed through the windows and landed before the robots and Stockman much to the genius and Carmen's surprise. “Long time no see, Dexter Egghead.” Rainbow spoke to their classic enemy. Stockman growled, “It's Baxter Stockman! What do I need to wear a name tag or something?” Sunset looked down seeing the knocked out operatives, “Doing some looting, Stockman?” “No! I was in the middle of a business deal.” “So who did this?” Mikey asked, as he lifted up one of the operatives arms before letting it drop to the floor. April gasped, “Guys, the person we were tracking is in this room. Over there!” April motioned to the pillar. Slipping out was Carmen trying to keep her face covered, “Who is that?” Fluttershy asked. “I'll find out!” Raph called, as he went after her. Raph caught up with Carmen, as the two fought hand to hand. When Carmen exposed her face, Raph was cut off guard, before Carmen knocked him back. “So you must be the turtles Stockman here mentioned.” she said. “Who are you?” Leo asked. “I really try not to give my name away to strangers.” Carmen answered. Stockman started getting miffed by being ignored, “Get them all!” he ordered his robots who attacked all around. “Take 'em down!” Leo ordered, as they all went on the attack. The turtles and their ninja friends were disarming and destroying the Stockman bots and Mousers, while the Rainbooms were using their magic combined with their ninja skills. Carmen who observed their fighting styles while defending herself was shocked, “Whoa.” Donnie and Fugitoid made their way to the truck and saw all the crates. They pried one of them open to see it was loaded with about twenty canisters of mutagen. “Whoa, look at all this mutagen!” Donnie gasped. “Based off all these crates, there must be more than a hundred canisters.” Fugitoid deduced. “So I take it this stuff is what he was selling?” Carmen asked, while holding up one of the canisters. Donnie and Fugitoid jumped upon seeing she was right there, “Wha-how did you?” Donnie asked in shock. “Ms, be careful with that stuff!” Fugitoid warned her. “Relax, I'm very careful.” Carmen assured him. “Put it down now!” Donnie ordered her. “Sorry, but I need this as evidence.” she said, as she hid it in her coat and left the truck. “Hey, get back here!” Donnie shouted, as he and Fugitoid chased after her. As Carmen was suddenly cut off by three Stockman Bots, they were sliced in half by Karai's sword, “Not bad.” Carmen said. “Thanks.” Karai replied. “Karai, grab her!” Donnie ordered. Karai curiously decided to grab Carmen, but the thief was slipping by forcing Karai to shift into her snake form, “This just got weirder.” Carmen said while looking at the snake girl. Karai hissed and tried to strike her, but the thief dodged and flipped over Karai. Some of the VILE operatives woke up and saw what was going down were surprised at the sight of the mutants and the Rainbooms. When they saw the truck still had the mutagen, they scrambled to it and closed it before starting the vehicle. The group heard the engine and saw the truck crash through the door, “They're getting away!” Twilight cried. “Looks like you lose this round.” Stockman laughed, before activated the jets in his boots and flew off through the skylight. “Great, now he got away!” Raph grumbled. “But we still have her.” Rainbow motioned to Carmen. “Guys, she's got a canister of mutagen.” Donnie warned the gang. “So this is the mutagen?” Carmen asked, as she once again looked at the canister. “Put that down or you're gonna be sorry.” Raph warned her. “I already am,” she replied, “Sorry for leaving you hanging.” she activated her grappling hook and shot it to the skylight. As she shimmied up, Sunset spoke to Twilight. “Send me up!” Twilight used her magic to levitate Sunset upward fast enough for her to latch onto Carmen. Upon grabbing the thief's arm, Sunset saw her whole life flash before her eyes. Carmen seeing Sunset in a state of shock managed to knock her off, and she luckily landed atop a higher level safely. When Carmen reached the roof she took off into the night. “Player, the infiltration turned crazy.” Carmen contacted her hacker. “I know, Red. I watched the security footage,” Player replied, “What now?” “We need to look into this further.” Carmen said knowing there was more going on than she thought. Back in the warehouse, Sunset got back down to her friends, as Applejack spoke, “Well, this sure turned out to be a bust.” “Yeah, whoever those guys were got away with so much mutagen.” Donnie added. “Who knows what they'll use it for?” Fluttershy asked in worry. Mikey was already starting to imagine several crazy cartoon-like mutants, until Raph smacked the back of his head ending his daydream. “And worst off the only other witness got away.” Raph told them. “You gotta admit she does have a sweet style.” Casey admitted. “Oh, yes indeed,” Rarity agreed, “That coat and hat were so stylish, and in a good shade of red too.” “Will ya focus, Rarity,” Applejack said sounding annoyed, “That gal just got away with one of the mutagen canisters.” “And we don't know anything about her.” Shini put in. “Oh, yes we do.” Sunset replied. “What do you mean, Sunset?” Fugitoid asked. “I saw her memories. Her name, is Carmen Sandiego.” she explained, as the group were more curious than before. > Make a Plan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day at the Plaza, Carmen was explaining to her friends and Shadowsan what went on last night. “Let me get this straight, you fought along side turtles?” Ivy asked in disbelief. “Not just turtles, Ivy. Man-sized turtles trained in ninjitsu.” Carmen explained. “Still think my mutant worry is nothing to be concerned about?” Zack nudged his sister who rolled her eyes. “The way you described their fighting style sounds exactly like the style of the Hamato Clan.” Shadowsan suspected. “Hamato Clan?” Carmen asked. Shadowsan nodded, “An old ninja clan from Japan that existed for many centuries, until it was rumored to have gone extinct. And the way you described the style of the girl capable of transforming into a serpent, my assumption is she was trained in the art of the Foot Clan.” “Foot Clan?” Zack asked with a laugh. “Sounds like a funky club for podiatrists.” Ivy chuckled, only for Shadowsan to shoot the siblings a stern glare shutting them up. “Do not be fooled by the name. The Foot Clan was also one of the most notorious clans to ever exist, both they and the Hamato Clan have had a bitter feud for centuries, until the Foot Clan fell from power. But decades later it was rebuilt by a survivor named Oroku Saki who took control of the clan under the identity of The Shredder.” “That name definitely screams super villain.” Carmen noted. Shadowsan continued, “From what I gathered from several contacts in the criminal underworld, the Shredder had started operating here in New York for some time with several mobs and criminal gangs under his control. But many months ago it was reported he was killed.” “Whoa.” Zack gasped. “Yikes.” Ivy gasped equally shocked. “And then there were those girls fighting along side the turtle men. I know this sounds cliché, but they had superpowers.” Carmen explained. “Superpowers?” Ivy asked. “Like strength, speed, flight?” Zack guessed. “More or less, but the one had more telekinesis than flight.” Carmen replied. “That does not make sense.” Ivy said feeling confused. “I know, but it's what I saw. Plus they were also trained in ninjitsu as well. And to top it off, they were accompanied by a robot.” “Mutants, superheroes, robots. This city has everything.” Zack said in amazement. “So what was VILE after again?” Ivy asked the thief. “Shipments of this stuff.” Carmen showed them the canister of mutagen she stole from them. “What is that stuff?” Zack gasped. “Whatever it is, it don't look safe.” Ivy suspected. “And it's not,” Player answered from Carmen's laptop, “According to Carmen's Intel this stuff is identified as mutagen. And after running a scan of this stuff it's highly unstable.” “As in radioactive?” Zack feared. “Precisely.” Player answered, as Zack scooted away. “VILE was getting this stuff from someone named Baxter Stockman.” Carmen explained. “I did a background check on Stockman, and discovered he was a promising scientist who used to work at the company TCRI, but was fired.” “If that guy can make stuff like this he's gotta be dangerous.” Ivy said, while looking at the canister of mutagen. “That's just it, I don't think he was able to make it,” Player injected, “I did several more background checks, and discovered he got his whole supply of mutagen from TCRI itself.” “What kind of company makes a chemical this dangerous?” Zack asked in confusion. “I don't know, but one thing's for sure if VILE wants this stuff then there's trouble ahead.” the hacker explained, as the group was deeply concerned. Meanwhile in the Turtles lair, the gang was in the lab, as Donnie was at his computer checking stuff out, “Well, I managed to get some Intel on this Carmen Sandiego.” the genius turtle began. “So don't leave us hanging, D.” Casey said, as he looked over Donnie's shoulder. “Whatcha got?” Rainbow asked, as she slid in. “Well, from what I gathered Carmen Sandiego is an international super thief wanted by all forms of the law. Police, FBI, Interpol, you name it.” Sunset nodded, “Yes, but does it say more about her?” “Well, only that in strange events a lot of stolen rare and valuable artifacts end up being returned to their rightful places like people and museums.” Donnie explained in confusion. “That's because she's not the stereotypical thief.” Sunset explained. “What does that mean?” Applejack asked in confusion. “Sunset, you looked into her memories. What do you know?” Leo asked. “She was trained by this super top secret global criminal syndicate known as VILE.” “Name probably speaks for itself.” Shini said. Sunset continued, “But when she discovered exactly what VILE was she couldn't tolerate what they were doing and managed to break away from their island. Since then she's been using her thieving skills to steal from VILE and return whatever they stole to their rightful owners.” “A thief stealing from other thieves?” Twilight asked in surprise. “How's that for a twist?” Pinkie asked while sitting on a work table. “So if she's some Robin Hood vigilante, why did she steal mutagen?” Raph demanded. “She said she needed it as evidence,” Fugotid answered, “She probably is wondering what VILE is planning to use the stuff for.” “Well, we still gotta find that mutagen and get it back.” Karai said. “Fortunately it can be easily tracked.” Donnie said, as he pulled out his mutagen tracker. “Dudes, I just got a super beyond awesome idea.” Mikey gasped. “Do we even wanna know?” Raph asked dryly. “Why don't we team up with Carmen Sandiego and stop this VILE?” “What?!” his brothers gasped. “Mikey, that is...” Donnie began. “Don't say it!” Mikey stopped him, “Just don't even say it's a horrible idea!” “Actually, I was gonna say it's not a bad idea.” Donnie admitted. Mikey's eyes lit up, “Really?” “We're both after the same enemy now. And working together is our best option.” Leo added. Mikey turned to Raph, “What about you, Raph?” “What?” “Are you gonna voice some disapproval?” Raph sighed, “Under past circumstances I would, but given all our past team ups and how bad judging others gets me into trouble I'm willing to cooperate.” “As are we.” Applejack said on behalf of herself and the Rainbooms. “Good plan, but do you think Carmen will want to work with us?” April asked them. “I'd like to give her a chance.” Sunset replied. “So how do we find her?” Fluttershy asked. “Well, to catch a thief you need a thief's expertise,” Sunset answered, as she pulled out her cellphone and made a call, “Hey, Bebop. You available by any chance?” > Two Sides Meet > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sometime after Sunset made the call, the group waited in the lair, until they heard the sound of someone entering. They looked over to the turnstiles at the lair entrance to see Bebop and Rocksteady enter. "How's it hanging, friends?" Rocksteady greeted. "We came over as soon as you called," Bebop said, as he slid over to the group, "So what can ol' Bebop do for ya'll?" "Well, Bebop we need your help in catching a thief." Sunset began. "Ooh, catching the very thing I used to be employed as. And somewhat still am. So who're we after?" the warthog mutant asked eagerly. "Are you familiar with the thief, Carmen Sandiego?" Leo inquired. At that moment Bebop's eyes widened beneath his goggles and squealed in shock, "Carmen Sandiego? Here in the Big Apple?!" "So you do know her?" Fluttershy asked. "You betcha. That girl's almost as good as I am. But I still have victory in style." Bebop combed his mohawk back. "I say it's a close tie." Rarity replied. "We had a run in with her last night." Twilight explained. "What happened?" Rocksteady asked. "We were trailing her last night while out on a run and found out she was busting up a deal going down by Stockman and a certain third party." April answered. "What sort of deal was Stockman up to?" Bebop asked. "He was selling mutagen to the buyers." Raph answered. "That is not good." Rocksteady said in surprise. "We know." Rainbow said. "But I found out Carmen may not be a bad thief as whatever the criminal database makes her out to be." Sunset said. "What are you sayin'?" Bebop wondered. "Carmen actually steals from other thieves and returns the goods to where they belong." Mikey explained. Bebop was surprised, "Wow. I was not expecting that." "So wish for us to help capture her?" Rocksteady asked the team. "Not so much capture." Karai replied. "We wanna help her, but we figured she won't stay still and listen to us like that." Donnie explained. "So we need some help in keeping her still long enough to hear us out." Applejack said. "So will you help us?" Fugitoid inquired. "You know it, G." Bebop answered. "Da, we is in!" Rocksteady added. "Thank you." Sunset said. "And we also gotta get all that mutagen back." Rainbow put in. "Luckily we can track it," Donnie held up his tracker, "And luckily for us, this says that it's still in the city. At least for now." "Then we should find it and recover it before it's shipped out of the city." Fugitoid said. "So let's get to work." Leo said, as they started to plan. As nighttime rolled in, the ninjas were out on patrol, as Donnie was checking the tracker, "We're almost there." they stopped on a roof top to see a factory below them. "That's the spot?" Twilight asked. "According to the tracker, all the mutagen from last night is in there." Donnie explained. "Anyone in there, April?" Applejack asked the redhead. April concentrated, "I'm sensing a few people in there." "So let's go." Shini said, as they were about to move, only for April to concentrate again. "April?" Rarity asked. "Looks like our guest has shown up." she replied. The group quickly blended into the shadows while Bebop held Rocksteady closed and activated his invisibility field. Carmen landed on the roof top and looked around before spotting the factory, "I'm here, Player. This is where they're going to pick the mutagen up." "Too bad they're not going to be the ones picking it up." Carmen nodded, "Everyone in position?" Zack and Ivy were currently waiting in a getaway car in the alley, "We're here, Carmen." Zack answered. Shadowsan who was currently staking out TCRI, answered, "I am in my position. It doesn't appear VILE is staging any other heists on TCRI." "Good news for us." Carmen said, as she was about to head down only for a ninja star to hit a pole she was close to. Carmen saw the ninja star with the Hamato clan symbol, and turned around to see the turtles step out of the shadows. "Carmen Sandiego." Leo greeted. "You know me?" Carmen asked in surprise. "Your reputation precedes you even among us turtles." Leo continued to act all cool while Raph kept himself from making a gagging sound. "So what do you boys want?" "Just to talk." Donnie answered. "I see..." Carmen began, until she threw a smoke bomb blinding them. "Hey!" Raph called. "Sorry, but I don't have the time," she answered, "Zack, Ivy, get the car running." She slipped away, only to come face to face with Applejack, "Sorry, Sally, you ain't going anywhere." Carmen got defensive and engaged Applejack pitting her own combat training against her ninjitsu training. As Carmen maneuvered around A.J, she snatched the girls hat before kicking her back. She looked the cowgirl's hat over, "Nice hat," she took her own hat off and tried Applejack's on before looking at her reflection in her compact mirror tracker to check her reflection, "But it's just not me." she tossed the hat back to Applejack, "Later," she dropped down an alley and got in the back seat of the getaway car, "Punch it, Zack!" Zack burned rubber and sped off, as the group watched from above, "They're getting away!" Karai called. "To the Party wagon!" Donnie called. "But the mutagen." Twilight reminded him. "You guys go, I'll secure it." Pinkie said. "What?!" they asked. "Pinkie, you can't honestly think you can..."Rainbow was cut off. "Don't argue! Just go!" she shouted. "Alright, let's move!" Leo ordered, as the turtles and Rainbooms headed for the Party Wagon, Karai and April got on one of the Foot motorcycles while Shini and Fugitoid got on the other. Bebop and Rocksteady followed by roof top, with Bebop zipping across the air. As Zack drove, Ivy spoke to the thief, "What happened?" "Those turtle boys and those girls showed up." "How'd they know to come to the exact spot?" Zack asked. "Obviously they're after the mutagen as well." Carmen theorized. "So now what?" Ivy asked. "We'll throw them off before heading back to the factory." Zack looked in the side mirror seeing the Party Wagon and two motorcycles following them, "Looks like we got a tail. And a nice one too. Wonder who their mechanic is?" "Focus, bro!" Ivy chided him. Zack nodded, and focused on driving trying to pull away from their pursuers. Meanwhile at the factory, Pinkie Pie snuck in through a broken window and ninja'd herself down while avoiding the VILE agents on patrol. She smirked before throwing a smoke bomb blinding them. Pinkie moved through the smoke and knocked out all the agents. "Wow, for agents working for a secret crime syndicate, these guys aren't so tough." She said to herself, before spotting someone trying to sneak around through the shadows. She whipped out some Hamato shurikens and tired to nail the spy. The spy dodged, before stepping into the light to reveal Paper Star, "Impressive." she said. "Wow, how did I not notice her?" Pinkie asked herself. Paper Star smirked, "Ooo, I like the color pink... Who are you supposed to be?" "I'm Pinkie Pie!" she introduced herself. "What a cute name... I'll make sure they write it on your tombstone!" Paper Star threw her paper shurikens, and the party girl narrowly dodged each one. "Ha! Not a scratch on me!" Pinkie boasted, only for one of her curls to fall off, "Aah!" "You should run now..." the assassin threw more shurikens at the girl, who jumped, flipped, and cartwheeled around to avoid them before grabbing a chair and shielding herself with it. Pinkie got a look at the shurikens to see the material, "Wow! I didn't know paper could be so deadly!" she tossed the chair aside, "But you're not the only one with unusual but effective weapons!" she took out her sprinkle shaker. Paper Star got a good look and laughed, "Sprinkles? Just what do you expect to do with those?" she threw more shurikens. Pinkie poured some sprinkles in her hand, "I'll show you!" she threw the sprinkles at the shurikens. The sprinkles exploded destroying the shurikens in the process. Paper Star was surprised, but regained focus, "Not bad. But there's plenty more where those came from!" "Same here!" The two jumped around all over the place, throwing their shurikens and sprinkles at each other, neither one landing a hit. Paper Star eventually ran out of paper on her person. Pinkie Pie smirked, "No more paper!" she shook her sprinkler, only to look and see it's empty. "And no more sprinkles!" Paper Star countered, as she charged at Pinkie and threw some punches and kicks. Pinkie dodged and deflected them before she flip-kneed the assassin off her feet.. "Did I forget to mention I also know ninjitsu?" Pinkie asked, before pulling out her weapon and swung the weight down at Paper Star, but the VILE agent dodged each hit, before she grabbed the chain and yanked the party girl, swing her into a wall. Paper Star tried to land a punch, but Pinkie spun to avoid it. "Let's dance!" Paper Star beckoned her. "After you!" Pinkie answered, as the two scream and charged at each other. Meanwhile out in the streets the ninjas were still in pursuit of Carmen and her getaway car, "Mikey, I'm starting to think your plan is dumb." Raph told his brother. "She obviously has trust issues, Raph. Kinda like you." Raph frowned. "Leo, we're losing them!" Donnie cried, as Zack was pulling away further. "Oh, no we're not! Come on, Jones!" Rainbow grabbed Casey's wrist, activated her geode and sped out of the vehicle pulling Casey behind her while he activated his skates. "Rainbow, I'm gonna be sick!" Casey said sounding nauseous. Zack looked in the mirror again seeing Rainbow running after them with her magic speed, "Whoa! You weren't kidding, Carmen, that rainbow haired girl is actually gaining on us!" "Can you lose them, Zack?" the thief asked. "Oh, you know I can!" Zack started evading the two and sped up putting the pedal to the metal. "Whoa! That dude's a metal driver! But he's never met Casey Jones! Swing me up there, Rainbow!" Rainbow Dash swung Casey forward and he grabbed the driver's door, "What the?" Zack asked, as he looked out the open window. "Goongala!" Casey declared, while jabbing his taser at Zack knocking him out. "Zack!" Ivy cried. "Ah yeah!" Casey cheered, as he hung on. "Hey! No one does that to my brother!" Ivy called, as she punched Casey making him let go of the door and tumble away, "That'll teach him." she tried to grab hold of the wheel. "Excuse me?" Ivy looked to her left seeing Rainbow running along side the car, "I think this is your stop!" she kicked both sibs out and hit the brakes, stopping the car. Luckily for Zack and Ivy they weren't hurt. Rainbow looked back, "Now as for- what the?!" she saw Carmen already launched her grappling hook and yanked herself out of the car. "Too slow!" she said, before going up to the roofs. Rainbow Dash growled and hits the steering wheel in frustration, "Dang it!" As the Party Wagon and cycles pulled to a halt, Sunset puled out her phone, "Bebop, Carmen's on the move up top. You and Rock follow her!" Meanwhile, after escaping from Rainbow Dash and Casey, Carmen lands on the factory roof, "Slick move, Red. Bet they thought they had you, huh?" "You know it, hey wait?" Carmen looked through the skylight seeing Pinkie Pie and Paper Star going at it. "What is it, Red?" Player inquired. "I don't believe it! It's Paper Star!" Zack and Ivy who regained consciousness and escaped the turtles before they could grab them overheard on their comlink and hurried for the location, "And she's fighting one of those girls!" Shadowsan overheard the situation and hurried to the location as well, "And it looks like she met her match." "So, what are you gonna do, Red?" Player asked. Carmen smirked, "I think I'll give her a hand." Paper Star pinned Pinkie before Pinkie pinned her. Then the two reached a grapple and struggled against each other, until Carmen crashed through the skyline. Paper Star looked up just in time for the crimson thief to nail her with a sharp kick, knocking her out. "Ooh, that's gonna leave a mark." Pinkie cringed. Carmen looked over at the party girl, "You okay, kid." Pinkie smiled, "Yep, thanks for the help." "Anytime," she shot her grappling hook to the ceiling, "See ya!" she pulled herself up. "Wait! We just wanted-" the lady in red already slipped out the window, "... to team up. Aw candy corn!" she crossed her arms. As Carmen made it up to another rooftop, she spoke to herself, "Got to get all that mutagen out of there before pick up." suddenly she jerked forward as if something bumped her. The thief looked around seeing the place was deserted, only to once again feel something bump her from behind. Carmen calmed herself and waited, before she spun around and did a spin kick to reveal Bebop whose invisibility field deactivated. "Oh, man, I hate it when people see through my camouflage." Bebop grumbled. "Whoa, who brought the bacon?" Carmen quipped. "Pig jokes, ha-ha," Bebop laughed sarcastically, "So the famous Carmen Sandiego, we meet at last." "And you are?" "Call me... Bebop." he shook his hips. "Amusing. I assume you're with the mutants who've been tailing me tonight?" "Got that right. Now if ya don't mind, we'd like to have a word with you." Carmen smirked, "Catch me, and maybe we will." "You'll be sorry." Bebop answered, as he launched an energy mohawk at Carmen who dodged. As Bebop started firing lasers from his gloves and belt, Carmen kept dodging for her life, "Where'd this guy get a suit like that?" she ended up backing into something big. She looked up to see Rocksteady who swatted her to the ground. Bebop quickly fire glue shots at her legs, "Ugh, glue?" she asked. "That's right. You ain't goin' nowhere now." the master thief explained. "Carmen!" Zack and Ivy called, as they made it to the roof, but stopped in place at the sight of the two mutants. "Whoa, a pig and a rhino mutant?" Ivy asked in shock. "Da! We is the Bebop and Rocksteady." Rocksteady introduced them. "Well, we is the Zack and Ivy." Zack said mimicking Rocksteady much to Ivy's annoyance. "You ok, Carm?" Ivy asked. "Oh, never better." Carmen answered sarcastically. "Look!" Zack gasped, as they looked over and saw the silhouette's of the turtles, their friends, and Rainbooms before they dropped down before them. "Good work you two." Leo told the duo. "So now that we got her, can we talk?" Rainbow asked her friends. Before any could answer, Shadowsan stepped out of the shadows and stared down at the turtles, "Who is that?" Donnie asked. "With a face like that he looks more emotionless than a Kraang's human body." Mikey joked. "I heard you ninja fight well, but I shall be the judge." he beckoned them to come forward. "Oh, lookin' for a beat down?" Raph asked, "That's fine by me." he charged in. "Raph, wait!" Leo called, as Raph engaged Shadowsan. The former VILE Faculty member dodged Raph's attacks, before disarming him of his sais and kicked him aside. "He's good." Donnie gasped. "No kidding." Mikey agreed. "We'll take him together." Leo instructed, as the three attacked Shadowsan. The ninja man fought all three dodging each attack, while delivering some of his own. When he gained some distance, Leo spoke to his brothers, "Whoever he is, he fights on the same level as Splinter." Shadowsan spoke, "You all fight in the style of the Hamato Clan, am I correct?" Leo was taken aback by his question but answered, "Um, yes." "And I assume you and your friends are members of the Hamato Clan itself?" Sunset answered, "Yes. Our master was a former member of the Hamato Clan who trained us in the style making us official members." Shadowsan squinted at the group until sighing. He turned to Carmen and the sibs, "They mean us no harm." "Seriously?" Carmen asked. "That's what we've been trying to tell you." Twilight said. "Then why'd hockey boy shock me?" Zack motioned to Casey. "I just wanted to slow ya down." Casey answered. "Hey, guys!" Pinkie called as she arrived. "Pinkie!" the girls rushed over to her, "What happened with the mutagen?" Twilight asked. "The Earth Protection Force arrived and recovered it." Pinkie explained. The turtles sighed in relief, until Rarity noticed one of her curls looked cut clean off, "Darling what happened to your hair?" "Oh, this crazy paper throwing girl almost got me. I made it by a hair." she laughed. Carmen spoke, "What happened Paper Star and the agents you fought?" "She woke up and managed to escape with the other agents. I tried to stop them, but they were too quick." she explained with a pout. "You did your best, sugarcube." Applejack comforted her. Carmen spoke, "If someone can un-glue my feet I'll talk," Leo used his ninja knife to cut her feet free form the glue, "Thanks." Leo nodded before speaking, "My name is Leonardo, and these are my brothers. Donatello. Michelangelo." "What up?" Mikey greeted, only to get smacked in the head by Raph. "And Raphael." Leo finished. Ivy raised a brow at their names, "Seriously? Italian names for ninjas?" "Our father was really into Renaissance painters." Donnie explained. "And he's a rat." Mikey put in. Team Carmen looked confused by that last part, until the rest introduced themselves, "I'm April O'Neil. This is Karai and Shinigami." "And I'm Casey Jones." Casey posed. "You've already met Bebop and Rocksteady." Leo continued. "We sure have." Carmen replied. Fugitoid spoke up, "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sandiego and company. My name is Professor Zayton Honeycutt. But you can call me Fugitoid." "Wow they really do have a robot." Zack gasped. "Cyborg is the correct term," Fugitoid replied, "I still have one piece of me that is human." the top of his head opened up with his brain levitating up. Team Carmen was shocked, as Zack got closer, "Oh, man. This is so freaky it's cool!" "And I thought that kinda stuff only happened in movies." Ivy said. "Anyway," Sunset spoke up, "We're the Rainbooms." "Rainbooms?" Carmen couldn't help but chuckle. "Hey, it's an awesome name." Rainbow argued. "I'm not judging." the thief replied. "My name is Sunset Shimmer. This is Twilight Sparkle. Rarity. Rainbow Dash. Applejack. Fluttershy. And I assume you've already met Pinkie Pie." "Yeah. She helped me against Paper Star." Pinkie explained. "Thank you for that," Twilight told the thief, as Spike barked, "Oh. And this is Spike." Spike scampered over to the group and stood by Carmen's feet. Carmen smiled and got down to pet him, "Well, hello to you too." "Aw, he's so cute." Ivy said, as she scratched behind his ears. Carmen looked back to the ninjas, "Well, since you know who I am. Let me introduce you to the rest of team Carmen. This is Zack and Ivy." "Hey there." Zack greeted. "Hi." Ivy greeted. "My mentor, Shadowsan." Shadowsan bowed his head to them in respect. Carmen held up her phone to reveal Player, "And this is Player." "Whoa, you weren't kidding, Red. Real mutant turtles." Player gasped. "Wow, you have someone living in your phone?" Mikey gasped, only for Raph to smack him in the head. "So how did you guys know about me?" Carmen asked. "We'll tell you all you need to know, but we should go elsewhere." Leo answered. "Got anyplace in mind?" Zack asked. "You could come to our place," Mikey offered, "We got pizza." Zack's eyes lit up, "I'm sold." "Then lead the way." Carmen told the ninjas as they headed off. Meanwhile in a warehouse in the city, Paper Star was contacting the faculty to report, "So you not only let that whole shipment of mutagen be taken, you were almost bested by a mere girl?" Maelstrom asked in disappointment. "I know it sounds as bad as it does, but this girl was not normal," Paper Star explained, "She was not only trained in ninjitsu, but she was able to make sprinkles explode." "Exploding sprinkles?" Countess Cleo asked dryly. "Well, they looked like sprinkles. Maybe they were just mini explosives that looked like sprinkles." Paper Star second guessed what she saw. "It doesn't matter. We must contact Stockman and see if he can lift us some more mutagen." Maelstrom said. "And what if he can't?" Coach Bunt asked. "Then we'll have to steal it ourselves." Maelstrom squinted his eyes. > Alliance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Turtles, their allies, and the Rainbooms led team Carmen down to the ground and walked in front of an apartment. Zack looked up and smiled, "Well, nice place, guys. How're you even able to afford something like this." "We don't." Donnie replied, until they heard to sound of a lid opening. The team looked over and saw Mikey had opened a sewer lid, "You comin' or not, dudes?" The thieves looked in disbelief at where they were going, until Ivy spoke to the Rainbooms, "A sewer?" "What you were expecting the Hilton?" Rainbow asked rhetorically. "I think I'm gonna hurl." Zack gagged. "Trust me, you'll get used to it." April assured him, as they all headed down. Carmen motioned to Rocksteady, "And how're you getting down there?" "I take back door." Rocksteady answered, as he pulled a switch that opened another passage in the wall that led to the sewer. Soon they were all trekking through the sewer, as Zack spoke, "How come we never fall in with people who own condos?" "What's to complain about?" Carmen asked, "We spend most of our time in luxurious hotels anyway." "Yeah, like the Plaza. Why couldn't we go back there?" Zack asked. "Trust us, we're much safer down here." Sunset explained, as they reached the subway. Shadowsan looked around, "I am ever quite impressed at your lair location. Deep under the city where no one would think to look." "Well, several enemies have come close to finding where we lived." Mikey admitted. "But we always managed to find ways of leading them away before they got too close." Leo added. As Bebop walked by Carmen and Shadowsan, he kept taking glances at them which didn't go unnoticed to the two. "What?" Carmen asked. "Oh, nothing." he replied, as he walked on much to both their confusion. They finally reached the lair, "Welcome to our lair." Mikey welcomed their guests. The group entered and looked around, "Is this a ninja lair or a frat house?" Ivy asked. "What's the difference?" Mikey asked rhetorically. "Do you guys ever clean up?" Ivy asked the turtles. "Of course we do." Donnie replied. "All except Mikey." Raph added. "Hey, I... Ok you got me there." "So are we gonna exchange facts or what?" Ivy asked. "Before we do I think a real greeting is in order," Bebop replied, as he turned to Carmen, "So, long time no see, aye, ...Black Sheep." Carmen was taken aback by being called her original VILE name, "What?! How do you?" "What, don't you and ol Shadowsan, remember?" Bebop asked, as Shadowsan was just as confused, "Doctor B's favorite student? Or best dancer in the whole academy?" he did some of his spin and slide dance moves. Shadowsan raised a brow, as he started to think back, while Carmen answered, "Well, your moves are familiar, but I definitely don't remember there being a warthog in VILE." "As do I." Shadowsan added. "That's because I wasn't a warthog back then!" "Sorry. Still not ringing any bells." "Oh, those bells will start ringing soon enough. Hee heee!" Bebop laughed, and at that moment both Carmen and Shadowsan froze upon hearing that hoot. "Hee heee? No...! It can't be?!" Carmen gasped, as she got a good look at the mutant imagining someone else in his place, "Anton Zeck?!" "Mr. Zeck?" Shadowsan gasped. "That's right, but now I'm called Bebop. Ha ha ha!" he laughed. "Wait, Carmen, you know him?" Player asked from the laptop Carmen opened up for Player to see the lair. "Unfortunately, yes." Carmen sighed, as she flashed back to her old days at VILE Academy Island. On VILE, back when she know as Black Sheep, Carmen was walking to class when she was bumped out of the way by Bebop, back when he was still Anton Zeck, who was doing some of his dance moves. A passing Tigress saw what happened and laughed. Zeck scowled at the girls mockery, until he smirked. "Anton Zeck was Doctor Bellum's best student next to Crackle. And also the regular class clown." When Tigress took her seat in class, there was a loud farting noise. She reached down and pulled up a whoopie cushion. Zeck burst out laughing, as did several of the students. Including Carmen. "Tigress being his favorite victim." The flashback ended, "But, how did you end up like this?" "It's a very interesting story." Bebop replied. "Wait a minute," Applejack spoke up, "Bebop, you used to work for this VILE?" "Hey, where do you think I learned how to be the master thief I am today?" Shadowsan nodded, "Indeed. Zeck was a very promising student who excelled in several classes, but his top class was with Dr. Bellum. He was considered her trophy student." "But last I heard you actually escaped from the academy before I tried to. Why?" Carmen asked. "Yeah, why?" Raph wondered. "I'll admit it was fun learning the ways of VILE, especially after they recruited me because of my potential," Bebop explained, "But after so long I started feeling as if I was too good to be working for them. And that I should instead work for myself. So using all my stealth and sneak skills I slipped pass all securities and made my way out and off the island." "But not before taking an experimental tech suit Dr. Bellum was working on," Shadowsan cut in while laying a hand on the former student's shoulder, "A suit she made specially for you." "And she did a fine job. I just finished it for her," Bebop replied, before turning to Carmen, "So why'd you decide to go AWOL, sheepy? Felt too good for it yourself?" "Not exactly," Carmen answered, "I-" Sunset spoke up, "I'll tell you why. When Carmen was failed her final exam courtesy of Shadowsan here cheating her with an empty coat pocket she decided to follow her class secretly. But when she saw her former classmate Crackle was about to take someone's life while the others tried to steal the goods, she stopped him and realized this was not the life she wanted. So she snuck away after stealing a VILE hardrive containing all their information, as well as her coat and hat from VILE's bookkeeper." Carmen, Zack, and Ivy looked surprised and blinked. "How does she know that?" Zack asked in shock. "No one knows about any that! Except maybe us." Ivy added. "It's thanks to this," Sunset motioned to her geode, "This geode much like my friends contain magic powers that grants us special abilities. For example I am able to look into others memories upon contact. It's how I was able to learn Carmen's name." "Magic?" Ivy asked in disbelief. "Come on! You're pulling our leg!" Zack laughed. Spike spoke up, "Nope. They're actually serious." Suddenly Carmen and the Boston sibs looked down at the dog in shock, "That dog just talked!" Zack gasped Spike gave them an annoyed look, "Really? There are four, giant, talking, turtles in front of you, and you're more surprised by the talking dog?! What is up with that?" Carmen spoke to her team, "He does have a point. So your abilities are magic and you're not 'superheroes'?" "Oh, we're superheroes in our own sense." Rainbow boasted. "Might I suggest you explain your origin since you're already aware of us?" Shadowsan insisted. "Of course, sir," Leo began, as he explained, "My brothers and I used to be ordinary turtles, until we were adopted by a human man. But on that day we were exposed to the mutagen you pilfered. My brothers and I became walking talking turtles, and the human who we'd recognize as our sensei and father turned into a rat." Raph continued, "We were raised and trained in this very lair in the art of the ninja, until we reached fifteen we were finally allowed to go up to the surface, but remain in the shadows. Turns out humans aren't accustomed to seeing others like us." "Obviously." Carmen replied. "What started out as a simple first night in the city led to a chain reaction that would change our lives since then." Donnie said. "I'm gonna go out on a limb and take a guess this had something to do with those aliens called the Kraang?" Carmen guessed. "You got it dudette." Mikey confirmed. "The Kraang were aliens from another dimension who came to our world wanting to terraform it using the mutagen they created to make it habitable for them. But back then the mutagen wasn't perfected yet so they started capturing scientists to help them modify it." Donnie explained. "My dad was one of the captives," April explained, "That's actually how I first met the guys." "I met them later on after the first invasion of the Kraang." Casey added. "But our biggest enemy was the Shredder." Leo said. "The Shredder?" Shadowsan gasped. "Wasn't he that Foot Clan leader you told us about?" Ivy asked the ninja. Leo replied, "He's correct. The Shredder or Oroku Saki was our greatest enemy ever. Until we eventually put him to rest." "With our help included." Rainbow boasted. "You guys killed the Shredder? Why?" Carmen asked. "To avenge the death of our father and sensei, Master Splinter, Hamato Yoshi." Leo replied. After hearing that, Shadowsan walked away and leaned on a table, much to everyone's confusion, "Shadowsan? Are you okay?" "Forgive me, it's just... I knew Hamato Yoshi. He was a dear friend of mine." the former faculty member confessed. "What?" the ninjas gasped. "You knew our sensei?" Raph asked. Shadowsan answered, "Yes. When I was younger I knew Yoshi who was trained in his family clan, the Hamato." "Then if you knew our father, did you also happen to know..." Mikey trailed off. "Yes. I also knew of Tang Shen, Yoshi's wife. And also, Oroku Saki, the man who would become the Shredder." "Did you also know Yoshi and Shen had..." Karai began. "Yes, a child. Little Miwa. I was told she along with Tang Shen perished in a fire that Yoshi survived." "You may wanna get your facts checked." Shini replied. "Hm?" Shadowsan raised a brow, as Karai spoke up. "My real name is Hamato Miwa." "Huh?" Zack and Ivy asked. "You live?" Shadowsan asked. "Yes. What you may not have heard was Oroku Saki saved me from the fire and took me under his wing. He renamed me Karai, and led me to believe Splinter was the one who killed my mother, and that Oroku Saki was my birth father." "This is so mind blowin'." Zack gasped. "For years I was trained in the art of the Foot clan for the day we would both have our revenge on Splinter and anyone associated with him," Karai motioned to the turtles and the Rainbooms, "Though through several events I learned the truth about my past and everything." "Now she fights for good." Fugitoid said. "So what about you girls?" Ivy asked the Rainbooms. "I'll start. There's a lot to cover." Sunset began, as she explained everything to team Carmen from her time in Equestria before coming to the human world, and everything. Needless to say when she finished, the team of thieves were flabbergasted, "You're tellin' us you're actually a pony from a land called Equestria?" Zack asked. "That's right." "Now I've heard everything." Ivy said feeling just as shocked. "The way you say you used to be makes me think you would've fit right in at VILE Academy." Carmen told her, "No offense." "None taken. I actually moved on from it long ago." Sunset admitted. "And that's how Spike here can talk?" Ivy asked, while petting the dog. "Yeah. I got caught in a stream of magic from Fluttershy that enabled me to speak." Spike answered. Carmen turned to Bebop and Rocksteady, "And you two used to be henchmen of the Shredder?" "I was once arms dealer for Shredder until he turned me into mutant." Rocksteady explained. "And Rock here hired me to steal Shredder's helmet, but that ended badly." Bebop chuckled sheepishly, as Rocksteady squinted at him. "An arms dealer, you say?" Shadowsan asked, as he walked up to Rocksteady, "You wouldn't happen to be Ivan Steranko, would you?" "So you guessed it, didn't you, Shadowsan?" Rocksteady asked. "Your speech pattern and your eye gave it away." "You know this guy too, Shadowsan?" Carmen asked. "Yes. Ivan Steranko supplied VILE with several top of the line weaponry many years back." "Da, best money I ever earned." Rocksteady admitted. Player spoke while focusing on Fugitoid, "So, Fugitoid, how does a cyborg end up falling into a crowd like these guys?" "I'm glad you asked, Player," Fugitoid began, "You see many nextons ago, I was once a humanoid. I lived on D'Hoonib. A planet of scientists obsessed with penetrating the highest truths of the universe. One day I was working on a new form of psionic technology when the alien race called the Triceratons came looking for me. They came to me to force me to build them weapons. When I refused, they attacked and destroyed everything in sight, leaving me hanging by a whim. My robot assistant placed my own brain in its own body. A man merged with machine, and I was reborn as a cyborg!" "Sweet." Player admitted. "When the Triceratons wiped out the planet I rescued the Turtles and their friends and eventually the Rainbooms in my old space craft. Then by going back in time we were able to prevent the Triceratons from destroying the planet." "At the last minute." Applejack noted. "And the professor sacrificed himself to take out the Triceraton empire," Sunset explained still remembering how painful it was to watch." "I spent many months after that floating amongst the debris despite being reactivated. Until finally I fell back to earth landing so conveniently close to the Rainbooms. After Sunset found me, she and Twilight were able to build me a new body and now I work as a Science teacher at their high school." "They let robots teach?" Zack asked the girls who shrugged. "So what about you, Shini?" Ivy asked Shinigami. "I was an old friend of Karai's back in Japan. When she told me the truth about Oroku Saki and the Foot she recruited me to help her in beginning a new Foot clan with honor and hear that the Shredder tainted for so many years." "And here I thought my team and I were a bunch of misfits looking to do good." Carmen motioned to her team. "Welcome to the club." Sunset replied, as they all felt more comfortable with each other. Soon Leo, Sunset, and Twilight showed Shadowsan and Carmen into the dojo, where Shadowsan looked around feeling right at home. The man walked over and saw the old picture of Splinter as a human with his wife and daughter, "Yoshi." he said. "If it wasn't for our father I wouldn't be who I am today," Leo explained, "In fact none of us would be who we are today if not for his teachings." he motioned to Twilight and Sunset wh nodded in confirmation. "Though Yoshi was a dear friend of mine, he knew not of the life I led with VILE. I wonder how things would be if he did know." he looked down. "I'm sure Master Splinter would understand," Sunset replied, "I mean you swore to protect Carmen since she was just a baby." "And despite the way you made yourself out to be around her during her training days you still protected her from the shadows covering for her." Twilight added. "You really are a good person, Shadowsan." Leo finished, making the former faculty member smile. Zack popped in, "Hey, guys. Mikey just brought in some pizzas. Get it while it's hot!" "Yum." Sunset said feeling hungry. "Come on, before Mikey eats it all." Leo told Carmen and Shadowsan. "Trust us, he will." Twilight confirmed. So the two followed their new friends out of the dojo. In the kitchen, the entire group was enjoying their pizza party, "Oh, man, New York pizza is so good." Zack salivated, as he ate a slice. "You got that right." Mikey agreed. Rarity spoke to Carmen, "I have to say, Carmen, I do love your choice in wardrobe. This coat and that hat are to die for. And it's Carmen brand, isn't it?" "That's right, Rarity. You sure know your clothes." "Indeed I do, darling." "Then you'll also know this brand went out of business." Carmen noted. Rarity sighed, "Yes, such a shame." Zack got up to get something from the freezer, but upon opening it he looked inside and screamed before slamming it shut. "Bro, what's up?" Ivy asked in concern, as was Carmen. "Guys, there's something in there!" Zack began panicking, "I don't know what it is, but it looks like a cat!" "Oh, that's just Ice Cream Kitty." Mikey replied, as he opened the freezer to reveal the mutant cat. "Meow!" Carmen and her crew were surprised, as the crimson thief spoke, "What exactly are we looking at here?" "Is that a cat made out of ice cream?" Ivy asked in surprise. "That's exactly what our student Sandbar said," Mikey answered, "But, nope. She's a mutant cat made out of ice cream." he put her in a bowl and brought her onto the table. "And she's very affectionate." Fluttershy said, as Ice Cream Kitty nuzzled the girl who giggled. "O...kay." Carmen replied. "Trust me, this is nothing compared to other stuff." April assured her. Raph came into the kitchen carrying Chompy, "Hey there, Chompy!" Rainbow pat the alien's head. Ivy looked at the creature and got closer, "Aww, who's this little guy?" "This is Chompy Picasso. He's a baby alien turtle, that I'm looking after." Raph explained. "And I'm his surrogate mother." Rainbow added. "Well, he's a cute little guy, that's what he is!" Ivy tickled Chompy's chin, until he belched out fire, "Whoa!" she almost fell out of her chair. "Uh, yeah, watch out for the fire burps." Rainbow said sheepishly. "I said it before and I'll say it again, New York has everything!" Zack cheered. Later on, the group was brought into Donnie's lab, "Welcome to my lab." "Interesting set up, Donnie," Carmen said, before continuing, "I can call you that, right?" "By all means." They heard clunking, and saw Metalhead approach, "Hello, Rainbooms. Good to see you again." "Nice to see you too, Metalhead." Fluttershy greeted. Metalhead saw team Carmen, "I see we have some new guests here." "Yeah. This is Carmen, Zack, Ivy, and Shadowsan. And the kid on the screen is Player." Donie introduced them. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Metalhead." "Another robot that looks like a turtle?" Ivy asked Donnie. "I built him myself." he boasted. "Very impressive." Carmen admitted, until they heard Zack cry with joy. "Zack! Carmen and Ivy gasped, as they followed the sound to a garage. "Bro, what is it?" Ivy asked in worry. "Ivy, take a look at this!" Zack marveled at the Shellraiser. "Whoa!" Ivy gasped. "You like that, huh?" Donnie asked, "I call it the Shellraiser." "I hate to say this, but I think Lydia met her match." Zack said in guilt. "Lydia?" Casey asked. "It was the name of our race car." Ivy answered. "Race car?" Mikey asked. "You guys are racers?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah we're a team," Zack explained, "I'm the driver." "And I'm the mechanic." Ivy finished. "So why work as thieves?" Raph asked. "Well, we kinda got our start with driving through a loan from a mobster named Sharkhead Eddie. We were supposed to pay him back with the money we won from the championship, but instead we tried to get our money through a doughnut joint which was actually where we first met Carmen." Zack explained. "We had no idea the money was actually being secured by VILE and not the mob." Ivy added. "The both of them despite partly getting in my way proved to be great allies." Carmen admitted with a smile. "We decided the best thing to do was get out of town to avoid Eddie, so we tagged along with Carmen." Zack told the ninjas. "Sounds like you all make quite the team." Rarity smiled. "We have each others backs." Carmen replied. "Now we should speak of the matter at hand." Shadowsan said before placing the canister of mutagen Carmen stole from the shipment onto the table. "Thanks. Glad ya didn't open it." Donnie said in relief. "This mutagen, what is it?" Player inquired. "It's the stuff that made us who we are." Leo explained. "Where did it come from?" Ivy asked. "According to Player this stuff came from the company TCRI." Zack noted. "Well, you got it half right." Donnie admitted. Fugitoid explained, and began using his eyes to project visuals, "The mutagen comes from a dimension known as Dimension X. It was discovered when an Utrom scientist named Kraang discovered it from a Krathatragon worm. Harnessing it's power he gained psychic powers and becoming deranged in the process. Kraang Prime was born, and he used his horrible psychic powers to overcome millions of Utrom, turning them into slave-copies of himself! And so, the Kraang were born." "Whoa." Carmen gasped. "That's freaky." Zack said in shock. "Kraang Prime wanted to use their mutagen to terraform other dimensions to become inhabitable for their kind." Fugitoid continued. "When they brought the mutagen to our world, it ended up creating several mutants that ended up becoming either our enemies or allies." Donnie added. "After we defeated the Kraang, TCRI fell under the control of the Utroms along with the Earth Protection Force. That building has a lot of Utrom and Kraang tech along with mutagen as well." Leo explained. "And that's where Stockman got his supply from." Carmen said. "But what would VILE want with it?" April wondered. "That's what we're wondering ourselves." Carmen replied. Leo walked up to her, "We may come from different teams. But we have the same goals. To keep people safe and stop villains and anything that may threaten the city or the world. Will you accept our help in stopping VILE and whatever plans they may be concocting with the mutagen?" Carmen looked at Leo and the Rainbooms, before looking at her team and Shadowsan who looked like they were on board. Carmen looked back at Leo and smiled, "I accept, Leo." she shook Leo's hand. "Yes! Team up!" Pinkie cheered, as she jumped around in excitement. "We'll head back to our hotel and talk tomorrow." Carmen said. "We'll meet up with you there." Sunset offered. "Thanks." Carmen thanked her, and soon Team Carmen was escorted back to the surface. Meanwhile Stockman was at his own hideout at meeting with the VILE faculty via four way computer screen. "You want me to steal more mutagen?!" Stockman asked in outrage, "I barely managed to steal that first shipment! What happened?" Maelstrom sighed, "I regret to inform you, Doctor. The shipment was compromised! One of our agents had a confrontation with a girl, who, along with Carmen Sandiego, were able to steal the supply of mutagen." "Our agent also claimed that the girl had exploding sprinkles. Ridiculous, I am sure." Countess Cleo said. "Exploding sprinkles?" Stockman asked, before squinting, "On the contrary, Countess, I can confirm her claim!" Coach Brunt was taken aback, "Wait, you saying that girl really had exploding sprinkles?" "Precisely, Coach. Her name's Pinkie Pie, and she's part of two teams of self proclaimed heroes. The Turtles and the Rainbooms!" "Turtles and Rainbooms?" The Countess asked. "With names like that, they don't sound like much of a threat." Coach Brunt passed it off. "Do not underestimate them," Stockman warned the Faculty, "They've been a thorn in my side for years, foiling every one of my schemes! And they showed up at the same time when Carmen Sandiego tried to steal the mutagen shipment the other night before! And if Carmen was helping Pinkie, then she must have teamed up with them!" "I see," Maelstrom pondered, "Never the less, can you supply us with another shipment of mutagen?" "Well, I do have a few secret stashes of mutagen hidden all over the city. But only two of them are enough to replace the first shipment. And the Turtles and Rainbooms might find out and try to stop me! But the good news is that they won't ignore trouble when it hits. So if you want that mutagen, then we need a distraction to keep them busy while I get the mutagen." Countess Cleo stood up, "Though I still doubt these Turtles and Rainbooms are as threatening as you claim, perhaps I can provide a distraction. It just so happens that I have an upcoming fashion show in New York, as well as a planned art heist." Coach Brunt stood up too, "And I'll go along to provide some extra security. And we'll just see how well these Turtles and Rainbooms hold up." "Alright. But don't say I didn't warn you." Stockman ended the transmission. Maelstrom turned to his associates, "I think it would be wise to have a contingency plan, don't you?" "Agreed," Dr. Bellum confirmed, "I'll send Agents Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo to steal the mutagen from TCRI." "Excellent," Maelstrom said, "If any luck VILE may have found potential recruits among these ninjas, with some persuasion of course." he snickered. > Multiple Heists > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The very next day in New York, inside a simple house with a rent sign out front were three of VILE's newest top agents Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo. Former classmates of Carmen back when she was Black Sheep. After being informed of Carmen's involvement in New York they were dispatched immediately to prepare for the heist planned by the VILE Faculty and Stockman. “Did we really have to rent out a common house here in the city?” Tigress asked in boredom. “It's what the Faculty set us up in.” Le Chevre replied. “And no one will think to look for us here.” El Topo finished. “Fair enough,” Tigress sighed, “I just hope tonight goes off without a hitch.” “With Carmen Sandiego around you know it won't be easy.” Le Chevre reminded her. “Not to mention you heard the Faculty said there will be others involved.” El Topo added. “And you actually believe what she said about some teenage girl carrying exploding sprinkles?” Tigress acted skeptic. “If the Faculty believes it, then that's all the proof I need.” Le Chevre replied. Suddenly the doorbell rang, “Ah, that'll be the pizza.” El Topo said happily. Tigress grabbed some money as, they answered the door. Standing outside was Keno holding three pizza boxes, “Got your pizza,” he said. Before handing them off to El Topo. When Tigress paid Keno, he counted the money and spoke up confused, “What, no tip?” “Here's a tip: Get a new hairstyle! This isn't the 90s!” Le Chevre and El Topo laughed, as she slammed the door in Keno's face Keno just frowned, “Jerks!” he turned around and started walking before he stopped and felt his hair, “And the 90s were an awesome time!” he shouted back before continuing on. Inside, the three operatives were enjoying their pizza, “Mm, C'est magnifique!” Le Chevre said astonished. “New York pizza is so delicious.” El Topo said, as he finished a slice. “This was definitely worth coming out here for,” Tigress admitted, “I'm also glad we're not the ones stuck at Countess Cleo's fashion show.” “I know. Who wants to sit around and watch people strut around all gussied up?” Le Chevre asked. “Definitely not me.” El Topo replied. “Well, come on you two. Eat up,” Tigress instructed, “We got a long night ahead of us.” the three continued to enjoy their pizza. Later on down in the sewer, Team Carmen rendezvoused with the Turtles and the Rainbooms and decided to spend the afternoon relaxing. In the dojo, Leo and Carmen were sparing, while Twilight, Spike, Sunset, and Shadowsan watched. Carmen was blocking some of Leo's moves, only for Leo to surprise her with a fake out move and knocked her to the floor. Leo helped the thief up, as she spoke, “Impressive form. Your father taught you well.” “Thanks, you've definitely got some moves of your own.” Leo admitted. “Indeed,” Shadowsan confirmed, “Learn from one another as you prepare to face your common enemy.” “Yes, sir.” Leo confirmed. Shadowsan turned to the spectators, "And that goes for the rest of you as well." "Understood." Twilight replied. Spike spoke to her, "Wow, it's like talking to Master Splinter." "It sure does." Sunset agreed. Meanwhile in Donnie's lab, Donnie was at his desk tinkering with stuff with Metalhead helping. A laptop was set up with Player on screen, “I have to say, Donnie, you've made some amazing stuff here.” “Thanks, Player. Despite still keeping busy I haven't really had the chance to build anything new and useful aside from the portal ray.” Donnie admitted. “Hey, that anti-gravity calzone maker looks cool,” Player noticed the device set up that shot out a calzone that was floating, before Donnie ate it, “Wish I had that for my room.” “Well, I could ship you one if you'd like.” Donnie offered. “Awesome.” the hacker replied. In the living room, Mikey and Zack were playing videogames with both players getting in the zone, “Oh, yeah, comin' at ya!” Mikey cheered. “You're going down, Mikey!” Zack said confidently. Off to the side was Raph and Ivy watching their younger brothers, “Never thought there'd be someone just as lively as Zack.” Ivy said. “Same for Mikey.” Raph replied. As Rainbow was kicking it on the sofa next to April and Rarity, while playing with Chompy, she spoke up, “So what do we do now?” “We need to wait and see when VILE plans to strike next.” April reminded her. “We do know they're obviously gonna try and go after more mutagen.” Applejack figured. “Which means they're going to TCRI.” Casey added. “So all we gotta do is go there before they do.” Pinkie said, before popping in with cupcakes on a tray. “When is anything ever that easy?” Fluttershy asked her, while taking a cupcake. “Never.” Raph replied. “Yes! Yes! Oh yeah!” Mikey cheered, as he beat Zack. Zack groaned before turning to the party dude, “You win this round, Michelangelo.” As Leo, Donnie, and the others came to the living room, they saw Keno entering the lair, “Hey, guys!” “Keno, what up?” Mikey asked, as he went over and they slapped some hands. “How're you doing, Keno?” Sunset asked. “I'm ok, Sunset,” Keno answered, before noticed the new faces, “Uh, when did we start inviting strangers here?” “It's ok, Keno, they're friends.” Leo assured him. “Wow, you guys really make friends fast.” Keno said in disbelief. “Well, we don't have to tell you that.” Pinkie reminded him. “Good point.” “So who's this?” Ivy asked the turtles. “That's Keno, he's our friend.” Donnie explained. “He's also a pizza delivery boy.” Rainbow put in. Zack gasped before turning to the young man, “You're a pizza delivery boy?” “Yeah, I know it's the coolest job in the world. Hear it all the time.” Keno answered, “So who's the new entourage?” “Well, Keno, this is Carmen, Zack, Ivy, and Shadowsan.” Rarity introduced him. “And do I wanna know how you guys crossed paths?” “Keno, we got a story to tell you.” Casey said. So the group filled Keno in on the events of last night and before that, and needless to say Keno was surprised, “Wow. An actual criminal organization is trying to steal mutagen?” “That's the gist of it.” Carmen replied. “Sounds like you could use some help. Fortunately, you got me on your side.” Keno boasted. “What're you gonna do deliver pizzas to VILE?” Ivy joked, making Keno scowl. “Don't sell Keno short.” Rainbow warned her. “When he's not delivering pizza, he's dishing out justice as The Night Watcher.” Sunset explained. “Night Watcher?” Zack asked. “Oh, yes. Didn't think Jones was the only vigilante, did ya?” Keno smirked. The group shrugged, as Fluttershy spoke, “So, Keno, how have you been since we last saw each other?” “Oh, good. Business as usual.” he said, before looking sour. “Dude, why so sour?” Casey asked. “I just finished my last delivery for my shift,” Keno began, “And the last delivery was to these three jerks! They didn't even tip me! And this lady insulted my hair! Guess I know how Indigo felt when I cracked wise at her. Though, they did look unusual.” “Unusual how?” Sunset wondered. “I'm no Rarity, but I noticed that they weren't dressed in normal clothes,” Keno began, “The lady who sharked me was wearing a black and green jumpsuit with orange tiger stripes.” Carmen did a double take, “Did she have short blonde hair?” “Now that you mentioned it, yeah, she did.” He confirmed. “What about the other two? What did they look like?” the thief continued to question. “Well, one was tall with dark skin and the other was short and had clawed gloves.” “Clawed gloves?” Rarity asked, “Definitely not my go to for fashion.” Leo noticed Carmen looking concerned, as did her team, “Carmen, do you know them?” “You bet I do. They're VILE agents!” she answered. “Huh?!” the Turtles and Rainbooms asked in shock. “Wait a minute,” Keno began, “I just delivered pizza to three operatives of a crime syndicate?” “It appears that way.” Shadowsan confirmed. "Wow, guess you really did deliver pizza to VILE after all." Pinkie joked, while the Rainbooms shot her a dry look. “And they were wearing their usual outfits?” Zack asked in disbelief. “You'd think they'd learn to dress casually when not on a job.” Ivy said. “Ok, Carmen, who are those three?” Twilight asked. “Well, the girl who sharked Keno was Tigress. Let's just say even when I was with VILE we weren't on best terms.” “And the other two?” April asked. “The taller one was Le Chevre.” “As in Goat?” Rarity asked in surprise. “That's right. He's very good at climbing.” “And the one with the clawed gloves?” Donnie wondered. “El Topo or Mole.” “Let me guess, he's good at digging?” Applejack asked and Carmen nodded. “It seems the Faculty has sent those three here to obtain more mutagen to make up for the compromised shipment from last night.” Shadowsan said. “To send all three of them must mean they know they're up against more than us.” Carmen suspected. “Guess Paper Star informed them of Pinkie.” Ivy said. “I hate to break this conversation up, but those three aren't the only ones here.” Player spoke up, as they gathered around the laptop. “Give us the scoop, Player.” Carmen said. “I just hacked into airport security. And look who else is in the Big Apple.” Player pulled up security footage of Countess Cleo exiting a private plane. “Countess Cleo.” Carmen squinted her eyes. Rarity suddenly gasped upon hearing that name, “Wait! Did you say, Countess Cleo?! One of the most esteemed fashion designers in world?!" “Uh, yes...” Carmen answered, while disturbed by Rarity's excitable tone. Rarity squealed with delight while everyone cringed at how loud she was, “I take it you know who she is, Rarity?” Applejack asked. “Darling, she is one of my fashion idols!!! She is a fashion icon!” Rarity beamed with joy. “Well, I'm sorry to inform you, Rarity, that your fashion icon works for VILE.” Player explained. Rarity did a double take, “Wha wha wha WHAT?!” Carmen nodded, “I'm afraid it's true. In fact, she's a member of the main faculty. And she's a cunning art thief and master of forgery. Not to mention she was failed runway model.” Rarity started having deep gasps, before grabbing onto Carmen, “Say it isn't so?!” she grabbed the laptop pressing her face close which to Player almost made him fall out of his chair, “Say it isn't so?!” she dropped to her knees and cried out, “OH SOMEONE TELL ME IT ISN'T SO?!” Shadowsan answered while keeping his usual demeanor, “As someone who was once member of the VILE faculty, I can confirm that it is very so.” That of course didn't help at all with Rarity, “Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” she fainted on the couch, “OH, WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!” “What a drama queen.” Ivy said to Raph and Rainbow. “Don't we know it.” Raph replied. Mikey patted Rarity's shoulder, “I feel yah, girl. I feel yah.” “So what's the Countess doing in New York? Doesn't seem like this mission is something for her to overlook.” Zack noted. “Well, there just so happens to be a fashion show in town. And she's got a front row seat to some very expensive gowns.” Player explained, while pulling up images of some very beautiful and expensive gowns. “Looks like mutagen isn't the only thing on the hit list.” Carmen said. “And there's more,” Player continued, “Looks like the museum is being loaned a very expensive painting,” he pulled up the image of a painting portraying the garden of Eden behind a bridge, “The Bridge to Paradise.” “Looks like the Countess is looking for a double steal.” Ivy said. “And she didn't come alone.” Player added, as the footage played showing Coach Brunt following her. “Who's the big buff green haired lady?” Mikey asked. “Milk sure does a body good.” Pinkie said amazed. “That's Coach Brunt.” Carmen answered bitterly. “Coach, as in sports?” Casey asked. “Not the way you think,” Carmen replied, “She's in charge of combat training and physical conditioning. And for awhile was my role model.” “Role model?” Twilight asked. Carmen sighed, “Ever since I was brought to VILE Academy, she was always the one who stood up for me whenever I did something questionable or disloyal to anyone at the academy. In fact if not for her I wouldn't have been admitted into it.” “Sort of sounds like she was like a mother to you.” Fugitoid noted. “Yeah. She was Mama Bear.” Carmen said, “After I left VILE, she took it hard the most. I didn't see her again until the time Shadowsan revealed his true colors to me.” “What happened?” Fluttershy asked. “She tried to bear hug me... to death! And she almost did.” Everyone gasped, as Applejack spoke, “She tried to crush you?” “Oh, yeah. And it really hurt.” Carmen admitted. “With muscles like that I can imagine.” Donnie said. “It's very uncommon for VILE Faculty members to leave the island,” Shadowsan said, “Only for special reasons.” “And it can't be coincidence they're plotting three types of heists.” Player added. “Sounds like a divide and conquer strategy.” Twilight suspected. “Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo steal more mutagen, while she and whoever else steals priceless gowns and a painting.” Carmen mapped it out. “Looks like we know what we're doing tonight.” Pinkie said. “But we need to play it right,” Leo began, “We'll have to split up and take them.” “I volunteer for going after those three agents,” Keno volunteered, “I wanna get in a little payback for those three insulting my style.” “You won't be able to take them alone.” Ivy warned him. “She's right. Like Paper Star, those three are no pushovers.” Carmen warned him. “Then anyone wanting to be my back up?” he asked. “I'll let Karai know,” Leo said, “She and Shinigami can help us.” “Might as well alert the Mighty Mutanimals too.” Raph added. “And Bebop and Rocksteady.” Sunset put in. “Well, I for one want to follow Countess Cleo,” Rarity said, sounding serious, “And let her know how much she's disappointed an aspiring fashionista whose done nothing but admire her for so long.” “Ok, team, we got work to do.” Twilight told the group who nodded knowing they were really going to have their hands full. > Infiltrate TCRI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the Turtles lair, the three teams were preparing, but also waiting for their back up. Zack spoke to Sunset, “So who exactly are we waiting for again, outside of Karai, Shini, Bebop, and Rocksteady?” “Just some other New York allies. And trust me if you think we're a real ragtag group, they're just the same.” Sunset answered. “What up homies?” Bebop asked, as he, Rocksteady, Karai, and Shini entered. “Glad you guys made it.” Leo began. “And miss another chance to bust up VILE?” Karai asked rhetorically. “So when do we start?” Shini asked itching for some fun. “When the others get here.” Twilight answered. “Mutanimals here and ready!” came a voice as Slash led his team into the lair. The group of mutants spotted their Rainbooms friends, “Hi, girls.” “So good to see you, Slash.” Fluttershy greeted, as the big turtle smiled. “Leatherhead, my big green buddy!” Pinkie nuzzled the gator mutant. “Always good to see you, Pinkie Pie.” he greeted. “Hey, Ray. Hokum. How've you guys been since joining the team?” Mikey asked the stingray and hare mutants. “All good, partner.” Hokum admitted. “Being part of a team has been very well to both of us.” Ray admitted. Team Carmen looked at the group of mutants in surprise, “Wow. This city really has it's array of mutants.” Ivy said in surprise. Raph spoke to the thieves, “Team Carmen, meet the Mighty Mutanimals. Some of our greatest allies and friends here in the city.” Slash walked up to Carmen and offered his hand, “Carmen Sandiego. The name's Slash. My team and I look forward to working with you.” “Thanks. Looking forward to this too.” Carmen admitted, as they shook on it. “Hey, how come he's so much bigger and stronger than you guys?” Zack asked the turtles who weren't sure how to answer. Leatherhead approached which intimidated Zack and Ivy, “You may call me Leatherhead. And any friend of my turtle friends is a friend of mine.” “Thank you.” Carmen replied. Mikey leaned into the siblings, “Don't be so afraid, he's very gentle.” “Unless he sees something he doesn't like then be prepared to shield your face.” Donnie warned the two much to their confusion. Rockwell levitated over surprising the group, “Carmen Sandiego. I'm Dr. Tyler Rockwell. Charmed and delighted to meet you,” the mutant monkey began, before spotting Zack eyeballing him in shock, “And what, dear boy, are you staring at?” “Sorry it's just you're floating,” Zack began, “Monkeys don't do that. So do mutant monkeys do that?” Rockwell sighed, “Hardly. I'm not your run-of-the-mill monkey mutant. When I was human I was a brilliant scientist, until I was betrayed by my vile partner who turned me into this. For some time I had started losing my humanity. Until I was experimented on by the Kraang who not only restored my vast intellect, but gave me psychic powers as well.” “Amazing.” Ivy admitted. “Thank you, my dear girl.” Rockwell replied politely. Pigeon Pete dropped in before speaking, “Hi there. Name's Pigeon Pete. I'm like a spy too.” “Really?” Carmen asked amusingly while crossing her arms. “Oh, yeah. I'm the eyes in the sky.” Pete boasted, before picking up a baguette and eating it. Mondo walked up, “What up dudes and dudettes? Name's Mondo Gecko!” he started playing his skateboard like a guitar while making guitar noises. “This guys got style.” Zack told Ivy who rolled her eyes. Bandit spoke up, “Link Chadler, but call me Bandit Raccoon. I've also done some thievery in my time. Of course nothing on your level, but hey. A steal's a steal, am I right?” “Indeed.” Shadowsan answered. Mona approached, “I am Lieutenant Y'Gythgba, but you may call me Mona Lisa.” “I'm going out on a limb, unlike these guys you're not a mutant.” Carmen guessed. “You are correct, Ms. Sandiego. I am a Salamandrian from the planet Salamandria.” “Wow! Alien reptiles!” Zack said getting all giddy. Ray presented himself, “I'm Raymond Berimore. But call me Ray Fillet. Nice to meet you all.” “A stingray? Oh, man.” Zack said feeling nauseous while covering his mouth. “Is he ok?” Ray asked them. “My brother's not big on seafood.” Ivy explained. “I see.” Hokum walked over, “Nice meetin ya. Name's Harvey Hokum. But now I'm Hokum Hare.” “Oh, let me guess. You used to be a carrot farmer?” Zack guessed. “Am I that obvious?” Hokum asked. “Nailed it!” Zack cheered. “So, Slash,” Carmen began, “Did Leo and the others fill you in on what we're up against?” “Bunch of agents from a criminal syndicate of thieves?” Slash answered. “More or less.” Carmen said. “Ok, team,” Leo started, “We got a lot of work ahead.” they began mapping out their strategy. Carmen pointed to a spot on a map of New York set up on the table, “This is TCRI. My former classmates will be infiltrating that building to hijack more mutagen to make up for the compromised shipment.” April motioned to another spot on the map, “This is the museum the Countess will be planning to have the Bridge to Paradise stolen.” Rarity finished while motioning to another spot, “And this is where the Fashion show is being held. Where the Countess also plans to steal some of their rare and valuable gowns being put on display.” “Three locations. Three heists.” Bebop counted up. “Ok, Keno, Shini, and the Mutanimals will go after the three VILE agents at TCRI,” Leo began, “The Rainbooms, Carmen, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Fugitoid and us will be at the Fashion Show, and the rest of you will head to the museum.” “Works for Casey Jones.” Casey admitted. “Alright, team. Let's do this!” Mikey cheered getting everyone pumped for the missions. That night everyone was in their respective positions. Outside the fashion show building were the turtles, the Rainbooms, Bebop, and Rocksteady. Leo spoke into his T-Phone. Ok, we're in position. How about the rest of you?” At TCRI, Rockwell spoke into his own T-Phone, “We're all here at TCRI awaiting our thieves.” Leo nodded to himself, “Karai, are you, April, Casey, and Shadowsan there?” “At the museum as said, Leo.” Karai confirmed. “And we're in the getaway car like always.” Zack spoke into his phone. “Ok, team, good luck.” Leo began, and was about to end his call until Player's voice rang. “Hold up, Leo. Red Drone's got something on its visual.” “What is it?” Carmen asked. Player watched his monitor and saw a visual of a couple of Mousers going down a street, “These look a lot like those Mouser robots you were fighting that night.” “Mousers?” Donnie asked overhearing the call. “Looks like Stockman's on the move.” Twilight suspected. “What do you think he's up to?” Applejack asked. “I don't know, but he must have something planned himself.” Sunset suspected. Twilight spoke to the mutant duo, “Bebop and Rocksteady follow the Mousers. They may lead you to Stockman.” “What, we can't just abandon our posts now.” Raph said. “We need all the info we need.” Twilight replied. “I'll go with them.” Fugitoid volunteered. Leo spoke to the duo, “Think you guys can handle it?” “We got this, G.” Bebop assured. “Alright, you three get going.” Leo instructed, as Bebop, Rocksteady, and Fugitoid hurried off. AT TCRI, the three graduates were following a tunnel underneath with El Topo leading, “We should be right under it now.” The Mole told his comrades, before lifting up a vent and peeked out. When he saw there was currently no one around he gave them the signal it was clear. They climbed out of the hole and proceeded. The opened a door and Tigress peeked out seeing the hall looked clear, until two guards started coming. She backed right into the room and waited. When the two guards passed, Le Chevre and El Topo knocked the two out and dragged them into the room. “Come on, let's hurry!” the three hurried while taking out any security cameras they saw. “According to the blueprints supplied by Stockman, the mutagen should be stored in a vault close by.” Le Chevre explained. “I just hope we can carry enough in just these bags we brought.” El Topo motioned to the duffel bags they were each carrying. “Remember, we're only getting what we can carry,” Tigress reminded them, “Stockman is making sure he acquires more from one of his secret stashes.” the two nodded. As they busted through a door and found themselves in a testing facility. They saw a door on the other side and rushed for it, only for Night Watcher to come out from hiding and block their path. “Excuse e moi, but I don't think this place allows visitors!” he began. “What?!” Tigress gasped, “Who are you?” “I'm the Night Watcher!” he pulled out his sparring sticks, “And I don't take kindly to trespassers.” Le Chevre scoffed, “Night Watcher? That is a stupid name! Not very creative!” “You two keep him busy. I'll get what we came for.” Tigress instructed. “Gladly.” El Topo replied, as he and Le Chevre tossed her their bags. The boys got into defense positions, as Keno spoke, “As a friend of mine says 'Class Pain 101 is in session'. And I'm your instructor.” The two VILE boys attacked Keno who dodged their strikes, before tripping Le Chevre. El Topo tried scratching at the pizza boy with his clawed gloves while Keno backed away, “You need a manicure for those things!” “Funny.” El Topo smirked. Le Chevre jumped back to his feet and spoke, “That was a lucky move. Think you can do it again?” “Try me.” Keno answered, as he continued to fight the boys as Tigress slipped past them and went on ahead. As Tigress kept taking out any security cams, she made it into another room and spotted a vault, “Jackpot.” she smirked. As she waltzed right up to her she heard giggling close by. She stopped and looked around. When it didn't look like anyone was there she stepped closer only to hear the giggling again. Tigress growled and called out, “Who's there? Show yourself!” she suddenly heard meowing. She looked down seeing a black cat sitting before her licking its paw. Tigress was confused as to how a cat got in here, until the feline scampered into a shadow in a corner. Suddenly coming out from the shadow was Shini herself. Tigress backed away in surprise, but frowned at dealing with another intruder, “And who are you?” “I am Shinigami. Do you know what my name means?” she asked with a smirk. Tigress got her claws out, “You're about to find out!” she rushed at Shini while trying to slash her. The witch girl dodged her swipes with her slippery moves, much to Tigress' irritation. Finally acting fast enough, the VILE agent landed a rip in the witch girls cape. Shini gained some distance and looked at the tear before frowning, “Naughty kitty!” she revealed her claws from her gloves, “I have claws too.” So the two started slashing at each other, while trying to land some hits or kicks. Each one dodged most blows, but ended up taking a few. As Tigress tried to land another scratch at Shini, the girl backed away and brought out her chain and hypno ball. “What's this?” Tigress asked, as Shini giggled and raised her hypno ball up. “Watch the eye, kitty.” she said like a hypnotist. Tigress watched as the hypno ball swung from side to side. The hypnosis started to take effect, as she started losing all feeling in her body. Shini seeing she had the thief where she wanted swung the hypno ball forward hitting Tigress in her stomach. The thief gasped deeply while clutching her stomach. Tigress recovered and got up looking very angry, “You're going down, witch!” she attacked Shini again before getting behind her and restrained her. Shini frowned, but was prepared, “Here's a move I learned from Tiger Claw!” she pushed backwards and smashed Tigress against a wall, making her let go and drop to the floor groaning. Back with the boys. Keno kept fighting Le Chevre and El Topo with his martial arts skill, “Wow. Carmen wasn't kidding when she said you two weren't pushovers.” “Getting yourself involved with our enemy,” Le Chevre scowled, “You have no idea what you just walked right into.” “It's not as bad as the stuff I'm already involved in.” Keno answered, as he engaged Le Chevre, until El Topo came up from behind and restrained him. Keno dropped his stick weapons, as Le Chevre approached him. “Now I will show you why you do not mess with a goat.” Le Chevre began, until something fell on his head and onto the floor. The tall agent looked down and picked up some bread much to his and El Topo's confusion. “Bread!” came a voice from above. Le Chevre looked up as Pete dropped in on him pinning him to the floor. El Topo was shocked at the appearance of the weird bird man, until he was grabbed from behind and being lifted up causing him to let go of Keno. El Topo saw he was held up by Leatherhead who roared at him. “AHH!” El Topo cried, as Leatherhead threw him aside. Le Chevre knocked Pete off and got up seeing Leatherhead, “Sacrebleu!” “Cowabunga!” Mondo skateboard over and karate chopped the tall operative in the leg making him grip it. El Topo got up, “What is this?” “Buddy, this ain't your lucky day,” Hokum answered, as El Topo saw the hare mutant, “For me it's always lucky. See? Lucky foot!” he held his right foot up before slamming it right into El Topo knocking him to the ground. The mole got up and frowned, before attacking Hokum who was slipping past him and hopping around, “Hold still!” El Topo demanded. “Nah, mate. Don't you know you can't keep a bunny still?” Hokum mocked, as he kept hopping around before intercepting El Topo's punch and made the thief slug his own face, “That's gotta hurt.” “What are these freaks?!” Le Chevre demanded. “'Freaks' is such a bad word.” Bandit said, as he dropped in with Mona Lisa. Le Chevre got up and ran to attack the alien lizard and mutant raccoon, only to stop and levitate up, “What is this?!” he saw Rockwell float over. “That, my boy, is the power of the mind!” he flung Le Chevre into El Topo making both of them roll across the floor and land on their backs. The two looked up and saw Slash and Ray looking down at them. Slash chuckled, “Glad ya saved some for us.” “I was getting bored doing nothing.” Ray admitted, as both VILE agents were wide eyed and gulped. Back with the girls, Tigress recovered from getting smashed into the wall and fought Shini who wrapped her chain around the agent and swung her around. Tigress took control and got her arm free. “With moves like this you'd actually make a good VILE operative.” Tigress admitted. Shini frowned, “I don't steal from others. I have honor.” “Let's see your honor save you from this!” Tigress attacked Shini, only for the witch girl to vanish in a burst of red smoke. Suddenly from that smoke swarms o bats flooded at her. Tigress screamed, as she tried swatting them away. Shini reappeared and kicked Tigress sending her rolling across the floor. As Tigress got up, she heard the doors fly open and flying into the room was her partners looking beaten. “What happened to you two?” she asked. “Tigress, we have to bail.” Le Chevre answered frantically. “What?” “Trust us. We're outmatched in so many ways now!” El Topo added equally scared. Tigress looked over and saw Keno enter with the Mutanimals. The sight of the mutant team left Tigress in shock. “If you're looking to steal mutagen, then you've made a big mistake.” Slash warned the girl. Tigress looked around hoping to find a way out, until her eyes fell on a vent in the floor. She looked back up at Shini behind her, and the group before her. “We have other ways.” she unleashed smoke screen. “No!” Keno called, as they saw the smoke clear and the three were gone. They spotted the opened vent and looked down it seeing they were so far ahead, “We'll never catch them now.” Bandit sighed. “What matters is we kept them from stealing any mutagen from here.” Leatherhead patted the raccoon boy's shoulder. “Leatherhead's right,” Slash confirmed, “Our mission was a success. Now let's just hope our friends are just as successful.” > Mutagen Looting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the Mutanimals, Keno, and Shini were at TCRI dealing with three of Carmen's former classmates at VILE, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Fugitoid were currently following some Mousers out in the city. “You two have small robots in sight?” Rocksteady asked his partner and Fugitoid. “Oh, yeah, baby Ivan,” Bebop answered, “Right on their trail. “Then we best pick up the pace or we might lose them.” Fugitoid suggested, as they hurried. The three stopped seeing several Mousers entering a warehouse, “They're in there.” Fugitoid spotted. “They're gonna find mutagen in there?” Rocksteady asked while rubbing his head in confusion. “Could be another abandoned Kraang lab. You know they always leave plenty of mutagen there.” Bebop suspected. “Let's go.” Fugitoid said, as they got closer. Inside the warehouse, several Mousers were uncovering a hidden stash of mutagen. Before they could escape, the trio busted in, “We got the mousies cornered.” Rocksteady said confidently. “Nowhere to go now, boys.” Bebop told the Mousers who hissed. “Surrender the mutagen!” Fugitoid ordered. Suddenly Stockman's laugh echoed around them, “You're talking as if my Mousers are meant to know when to give up,” The three armed themselves, until Stockman stepped into the light, “Sadly they aren't programmed to surrender. Steranko. Zeck.” he greeted the two. “Stockman.” the two responded stoically. “So the rumors are true. The both of you have gone soft,” Stockman mocked them, “What would Shredder say if he saw you two fighting along side his greatest enemies?” “What's it to you?” Bebop snorted. “Da. Is not like you still part of Foot.” Rocksteady reminded him. “Maybe not, but at least I'm still doing what I do best.” the scientist replied. “Hard to call yourself the best when you fail at every heist.” Fugitoid sassed him. Stockman frowned, “Never the less, taking out you three will be an added bonus once I deliver this mutagen to the VILE Faculty.” “Are you so desperate for money you're getting involved with a criminal organization?” Bebop asked rhetorically. “The money is just only part of what I'm after,” Stockman began, “If I can make very good on my word I just may fill in their empty seat and become one of them. Then I'll really have some respect... Well, at least in the criminal underworld. But it's a step up.” “Well, we're sorry to disappoint you, Stockman, but we're not going to let that happen.” Fugitoid warned him. “We'll see about that,” Stockman said, as his Stockman-Bots arrived, “Attack!” The Stockman-Bots opened fire on the three who split up, “Rocksteady's gonna rock ya!” Rocksteady rammed some Stockman-Bots before grabbing an empty crate and tossed it at them. Bebop danced around firing lasers from his gloves and hips, “Hee-hee! Wow!” he slid around taking out more of the Stockman-Bots. Fugitoid blasted some of the Stockman-Bots, before facing the Mousers. One jumped at him and clamped onto his arm, “Oh! Get off me!” he swung his arm around trying to get it to let go, before slamming it constantly into a wall breaking it. As more Mousers jumped at Fugitoid he dodged them and began shooting at them. Stockman frowned, as his robots were being taken out, “Ok. You've forced my hand. Now you shall deal with my most powerful creations yet.” he clicked on a remote. Suddenly the wall of the warehouse was punched in creating a hole in the wall. The three looked and saw marching into the building were more robots, but to the three heroes shock, they looked like Triceratons. “What the what?” Bebop asked in surprise. “Oh, my.” Fugitoid gasped. “What is this?” Rocksteady asked. “Behold, my newest creations, the Cyber-Triceratons!” Stockman laughed. “You've created robot Triceratons?!” Fugitoid asked in shock. “Oh, yes. The Kraang while allies to us relied on intelligence for the most. The Triceratons had brute strength which I decided to adapt to my robots.” Stockman explained sinisterly. “How would even know about them?” Bebop asked, “You weren't even with us when we tried fighting them off in Washington Square.” “True, I didn't accompany you guys and the Shredder that night, but I secretly sent some Mousers into the city to study their movements, strengths, and everything. It took me months to create a single one, what with balancing my work with healing Shredder and perfecting the super mutagen. But now you see before you the end result of months of hard work.” “This is not going to be pretty.” Fugitoid feared. “Get them!” Stockman ordered, and the Cyber Triceratons, charged. Rocksteady roared as he charged at a single robot Tirceraton and fought it head on matching it in strength. Bebop jumped and slid around using his lasers, but they alone weren't enough to slow them down. "How about a little glue, dude?" Bebop fired glue at the robots feet, but to his shock, they were strong enough to pull their feet free of the adhesive, "Oh, snap!" the Cyber-Triceratons pulled out their blasters and started shooting at him. Bebop dodged the shots for his life while formulating a plan, “Alright, let's see how ya like this!” Bebop jumped up and used an energy mohawk attack on one distorting it. Fugitoid was running around blasting at the robot dinosaur men while avoiding getting smashed. “Oh, if only Mozar and Zanmoran could see this. I imagine they'd be very thrilled or insulted by this.” the cyborg ended getting swatted aside and rolled across the floor. “Come, comrades, we must not give up!” Rocksteady roared, as he pulled out his gatling gun and opened fire on several Cyber Triceraton's slowing them down. “I got new move for ya!” Bebop said as he jumped around sticking devices on some of the Cyber Triceratons. He landed on the floor and clicked a button on his belt and suddenly the devices activated and like magnets started pulling the Cyber Triceratons he tagged together. Upon colliding they ended up damaging themselves. “We got them on the ropes now, boys!” Fugitoid cheered, as he activated his jets and flew around shooting at them from above. This distracted them so Rocksteady could charge at more of them nailing them into the walls. Bebop suddenly spotted Stockman making off with a bag of what he assumed was mutagen canisters, “Yo, I don't think so!” he fired a laser at the bag putting a tear in it resulting it the canisters falling out of the bag, much to Stockman's dismay. “No-no-no!” Stockman cried as he tried to gather up some canisters, but could only hold five in his arms. As Bebop ran to stop Stockman. The mad genius threw a metal ball that released a blinding light, allowing him to slip away. When Bebop got his vision back he saw Stockman was gone, looked to see Rocksteady and Fugitoid just finishing the rest of the Cyber Triceratons off. Rocksteady panted, while putting his gatling gun down, “That was super tough fight, even for me.” “I know. Fighting Kraang is one thing, but Triceratons, especially robot ones are even tougher.” Fugitoid admitted. “Comrade Bebop, where is Stockman?” Rocksteady asked. “He got away. But good news is he didn't get away with too much mutagen.” “Well, we still have to make sure he doesn't get any more.” Fugitoid said, as he started packing the rest of the mutagen in a container in case Stockman or any of his bots decided to come back for the rest. “I feel ya Fuge, so what do we do?” Bebop asked. “Let's rendezvous with turtle friends.” Rocksteady suggested. “Agreed, come on!” Fugitoid agreed, as they headed off. > Museum and a Fashion Show > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the New York City museum, April, Casey, Karai, and Shadowsan were staking the place out, with Casey looking bored. “Man, waiting for a robbery to happen is so boring.” he complained. “Keep your mask on, Jones. It can't be much longer.” Karai replied, as she was on guard. April spoke up, “Guys, I'm sensing someone entering the museum from above.” Karai whipped out her binoculars and looked ahead seeing April was right, “There goes our crook. We better move.” Shadowsan spoke, “Be careful. All VILE operatives are highly skilled in their own form of combat and thievery. Do not let your guards down for even a second.” The three teens nodded, as they followed the former Faculty member. They arrived at the museum and slipped inside. They followed the hall leading to the painting on display. “He's up ahead.” April said while focusing. Meanwhile the VILE perp had carefully removed the painting from its frame, before rolling it up and slipping it inside a container. He was about to make his escape only for a few Hamato shuriken to nail the wall close to him stopping him in place. He looked to see Shadowsan, April, Karai, and Casey blocking his path, “That didn't come from the gift shop.” April began. “Put it back.” Casey warned the thief. Stepping into the light was VILE operative Dash Haber, “Sorry, but my countess requested it special delivery.” “Mr. Haber.” Shadowsan squinted his eyes. “What up, teach?” Dash mocked. “So who is Mr. Hat here?” Karai asked the adult. “Dash Haber.” the former faculty member answered. “Like haberdasher?” April asked. “They just name themselves.” Karai told her. “So the rumors were true, Carmen Sandiego has allied herself with ninjas.” Dash said amused. “And we're onto what your faculty is planning.” April replied. “So if I were you, I'd drop the painting and give yourself up.” Casey brandished his bat. “No can do, kids.” Dash said, as he took off his hat and threw it. “Is he throwing his hat at us?” Karai asked in disbelief. Suddenly Dash's hat sprouted buzz saw blades on the rim, shocking the teens, “Look out!” Shadowsan called, as they dodged it. “Close one.” Casey said in relief. “Not quite.” Dash held his hand out activating the magnetic device in his glove that was attracting his hat back. “It's coming back!” Karai called, as they dodged it a second time. “That is some dangerous headgear.” Casey said in surprise. “Adieu.” Dash made a run for it. “Don't let him escape!” Shadowsan called, as they ran after him. As Dash ran through the gallery, the heroes pursued him with Casey activating his skates. He readied some explosive hockey pucks and readied his hockey stick, “Let's see how he likes these?” he launched his pucks at Dash who got caught in the explosion and rolled across the floor before getting back up. “Cheap move, hockey boy.” Dash said, as he once again launched his hat right for them. The four dodged, as Dash used his magnet to call it back, “Not this time!” April activated her psychic abilities and extended her hand out causing the hat to freeze in mid air, but looked like it was still trying to attract itself to Dash's glove magnet. Dash frowned, as he upped the magnetic attraction in his glove, determined to get his hat back. It was a tug of war between April and Dash for the hat, but Karai took this as an opportunity and leaped into the air and came down to Dash morphing her arms into her snake ones. Dash surprised by this jumped back as Karai missed him. April released her hold on the agent's hat making it fly right at Dash faster than intended. When he saw his hat coming right for him he couldn't reactivate his magnet to slow it down. He ducked as it nailed the wall behind him. “Close shave.” Dash told himself. Karai hissed at Dash, “Always beware of a snake in the grass.” “I'll keep that in mind for next time.” he re-summoned his hat before jumping from a ledge that gave a view from outside and slid down a big hanging tapestry. “There he goes!” April shouted. “And he won't get far,” Shadowsan replied, “Because there's only one other place he will be going.” “The Fashion show.” Karai answered. “I'll contact the others.” April made a call. At the Fashion show, hundreds of VIPs in the fashion business were gathered around a runway eager to see the newest original designs along with seeing original designers gowns on display as well. Among the people in the audience, in the far back were Countess Cleo and Coach Brunt who looked uncomfortable. “I may have agreed to come along, but do I really have to sit here?” the coach complained. “Quit your belly aching,” Cleo replied, “Without a doubt Carmen Sandiego and her new allies will be here. Once we spot them, you may do as you wish.” Brunt felt much better. Behind the curtain were the Rainbooms and the Turtles readying themselves, “See anything?” Leo whispered. Pinkie peeked through the curtain and surveyed the audience, before spotting the two Faculty members, “One big gruff coach and one classy countess in sight.” “Just as I expected.” Came Carmen's voice, as she stepped up to reveal she was wearing the same outfit she wore during the Fashion Caper in Milan. The turtles looked at Carmen awestruck, as Mikey spoke up, “Wow. You look amazing.” “I always dress the part.” Carmen smirked. “As do I.” Rarity added, as she stepped out looking lovely as always. Carmen eyed Rarity's dress, “Not bad. With this kind of talent you really will make it far as a fashionista.” “Thank you, Carmen.” Donnie who was on his T-Phone spoke up, “Uh, guys. We got a problem.” “What is it?” Twilight asked. “April just called, said the painting was stolen and the thief was someone named Dash Haber.” “Again, just as I suspected.” Carmen said. “Dash Haber?” Mikey asked, “Like haberdasher? I could've totally come up with that.” “Sure ya could.” Raph replied sarcastically. “And he's on his way here.” Donnie added. In the audience, Cleo saw her phone vibrate and saw it was from her hat wearing assistant. She answered it and smirked, before hanging up, and spoke Brunt, “My package has arrived.” “Then inform Bellum to put her head to work.” Brunt suggested. Cleo nodded, before making another call. “Dr. Bellum, it's time.” At VILE HQ, Dr. Bellum was looking at her monitors seeing the fashion show taking place before dawning a helmet, “Time to relive a classic.” she said, as she activated her mind control helmet. As Bellum was working rising up from underneath the runway were a dozen hired models all dolled up in luxurious and lovely designers outfits. As they walked the runway, suddenly they started to lack emotion in their eyes. “Is it me or do those models look like lifeless dolls.” Rainbow noted, as they watched from behind the curtain. Carmen squinted, “Dr. Bellum and her mind control.” “Mind control?” Sunset asked. “Without a doubt they're in the models headpieces.” Carmen suspected. “Using clothes to control people?” Rarity gasped, “Of all the rotten...” “Easy, Rarity. We need to focus on keeping those gowns safe.” Leo said. “And keep Cleo from getting that painting.” Carmen added. Pinkie looked back out through the curtain seeing Brunt and Cleo stepping away, “Coach and Countess are on the move.” “What do we do?” Fluttershy asked. Rarity squinted, “I'll go after Countess.” The Rainbooms and Turtles looked at her, “Really, Rarity? After ya got all gussied up to go out on a runway with Carmen?” Applejack asked. “It's time I met my so called idol up close.” Rarity answered seriously. “Well, you can't handle two of them alone. So I'll tag along.” Applejack offered. “In that case, I'll need another to help me out.” Carmen said looking over her allies. “No way I'm setting foot out there.” Raph denied. “Oh, how about Fluttershy?” Mikey offered. “Me?!” Fluttershy asked in worry. “Hmm,” Carmen inspected her, “You know we can make it work.” “But I don't do well in the spotlight.” Fluttershy explained nervously. “You won't be out there alone.” Rainbow reminded her. “Yeah, you'll be with Carmen.” Applejack added. “Just a little touch up,” Carmen put a fancy hat on Fluttershy, “Perfect.” Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. As Rarity and Applejack, were ready to split up, Carmen spoke, “Be careful, you two. Cleo may be into fashion. But Brunt is no joke.” “Don't worry, Carm. We got this.” Applejack assured her, as the two headed off. “Here we go, Fluttershy.” Carmen said, as the two walked out onto the stage and walked the runway. “Just follow my lead.” Carmen said, as they walked while smiling. Many paparazzi and fashion lovers adored the two newcomers, especially how timid and sweet Fluttershy looked at already brought up her own cuteness. As they followed behind the models mimicking their struts, the guys behind the stage watched, “We better get below stage.” Leo instructed, as they hurried down. As the models turned around and walked back the way they came, Carmen whispered to the shy girl, “On my go, prepare to secure the gowns... Now!” the two ran ahead and took position next to the mannequins before they were being lowered back down below deck. Underneath the stage in the storage room the guys waited as Fluttershy and Carmen arrived, “We need to hurry and get the gowns to safety.” Carmen told them. “I'm all over it.” Rainbow answered, as she grabbed the gowns and zipped off before coming back, “All secured. “And just in time.” Carmen motioned up top as pounding was heard. Suddenly dropping in from above were the dozen models, “They just punched through the floor!” Donnie gasped. “Are they super models?” Mikey asked, “And not as in famous type, but I mean super powered.” “The mind control is giving them an adrenaline boost.” Carmen explained, as the models got defensive. As the ninjas and Rainbooms got ready, Twilight spoke, “Don't hurt them. Remember they're just regular people under mind control.” One model attacked Mikey head on, as he fought back, “Tell her that!” The models attacked the others who defended themselves while trying not to hurt the controlled ladies. “Carmen, how do we stop them?” Raph inquired while blocking a punch from one of the models. “Take out their hats!” Carmen answered, as she back flipped to avoid one of the models attacks. Leo drew his swords and went at one model slicing her hat right off ending the mind control and she fell unconscious. Pinkie emptied a single sprinkle from her shaker and embedded it with her magic, before flicking it at one of the models hats. The sprinkle exploded causing the hat to shut down freeing the model from its control. One by one, the turtles and Rainbooms each destroyed the models hats without harming the models, as they passed out. “Alright, we got them!” Twilight cheered. “Hold on,” Donnie counted heads, “Weren't there twelve models?” “Yeah?” Sunset confirmed, as they counted them up and gasped, “We're missing two!” As Cleo and Brunt made their way to the roof, Brunt was suspicious and spoke to her fellow faculty, “You go on ahead. I got a feeling we got a tail.” Cleo went on ahead, as Brunt stayed behind. The coach looked around, before feeling something come up from behind her. Applejack flew in with a kick, only for Brunt to grab her by the leg and throw her aside. Luckily Applejack landed on her feet. “I was right. We were bein' tailed.” Brunt squinted. “Coach Brunt I take it?” Applejack guessed. Brunt smirked, “You know your gals, missy. Though I suppose Black Sheep told you about me?” “Yeah, she told us,” Applejack confirmed with a frown, “How you tried to crush her to death! How could you!” “How could I?” Brunt asked in shock, and frowned, “I loved her and cared for her like she was my own! I gave her the support and care, and she repaid me by abandoning me! It broke my heart to see my little lamb leave me like that! And if that wasn't bad enough, when I gave her a second chance, she turned her back on me! Turned her back on her family!” At that moment, Applejack growled, “Family? Family?! You don't know the meaning of family!” The two ladies growled and attacked each other head on, with Applejack dodging Brunt's powerful slugs, “She told me you were a strong one. But brute strength can only get ya so far.” Applejack dodged and slipped underneath the coach's legs. As Brunt looked back, Applejack spun kicked her in the chin throwing her off. “You little!” Brunt tried to stomp Applejack who rolled back. “You may call yourself a family, but ya never treat your family the way ya treated Carmen. No matter how much they hurt you. And besides, your little lamb wanted to see the world and not be sheltered and raised to believe stealing for yourself was all that mattered.” “Big words, kid,” Brunt replied, as she attacked A.J before smacking her across the face which ended up knocking her hat off, “Always protect the face.” she said smugly. Applejack groaned, “Good advice, now let's see if you can practice it yourself.” she grabbed her hat and dawned it again, before the two engaged again. Meanwhile Cleo had met up with Dash who presented her with the container containing the portrait, “My countess.” he said politely. “Wunderbar,” Cleo said pleased, “Now go ready the car.” Dash took off. As Cleo was ready to go back she heard someone speak from behind her, “Going somewhere, Countess?” Cleo turned around seeing Rarity, “Who are you?” Rarity frowned, “Your former biggest fan!" She delivered a swing kick, but Cleo dodged. However, Rarity's heel caught Cleo's gown and ripped a tear in it. Cleo gasped in horror, “My dress! How dare you!” she tried to smack Rarity, only for the teenager to catch her arm swiftly, “Huh?” Rarity threw the surprised countess over her shoulder. Cleo got up and frowned, “I don't know who you are, but attacking me is a big mistake!” “The only mistake I made, was ever admiring an art thief, forger, and failed runway model such as you!” Rarity accused. Cleo was shocked, “What?! How could you possibly- Carmen!” it dawned on her. Rarity grinned smugly, “Yes. A 'black sheep' told me.” “So you must be one of those girls Stockman warned us about?” “That is correct,” Rarity confirmed before holding out her hand expecting to be handed something, “Now, hand over that portrait, or I'll be forced to do something very unpleasant!” “I'm afraid your threats are in vain, my dear!” Countess answered, as the two missing mind-controlled models appeared at her side, “Your friends missed a few! Attack!” The two models rushed at Rarity, as she dodged their attacks, while trying not to harm them. Countess smirked, and spoke, “I bid you adieu. And it's so nice to meet a fan.” she took her leave. Rarity kept dodging the two models who fought her, and thought, 'I can't just strike them since they're innocent ladies.” she blocked one of their moves, only for the second to strike her knocking her to the ground. When the two models tried to do a double drop kick, she rolled away to safety before getting up. She looked at their hats and remembered what Carmen said, “Sorry to do this to your hats, ladies. But they need to go.” he activated her geode and flung two diamond disks at the models hats destroying them, and they dropped to the ground unconscious. Rarity looked at where Cleo left knowing she got a head start, “You're not getting away.” she raced after her. Back with Applejack, she and Coach Brunt fought their way out to the roof of the building, before meeting in a grapple. Applejack feeling the weight of the coach on her activated her geode and used her magically enhanced strength to match Brunt's. “Now the playing field's even!” Applejack told the coach. “I'm impressed. Nobody alive has ever match me on physical strength before,” Brunt admitted, “But I ain't going down that easy!” The two continued to grapple while pushing each other back and forth. As Brunt was pushing Applejack closer and closer to the edge of the roof, she started pushing down on Applejack making her bend her knees. 'Oh, man, this woman is really packin' it,' Applejack thought, as the pressure was getting to her. Not wanting to crack, she relaxed herself and put all her might into one last move, “Booyakasha!” she shouted, as she threw Brunt over her shoulder and off the roof with the coach screaming. Down below, Countess Cleo made her way to her limo with Dash ready to take off. Before Cleo could get in two sickles nailed the door surprising her. She whipped around to see Rarity standing behind her. “Leaving so soon, darling?” Rarity asked with a smirk. “How did you get past those models?” Cleo demanded. “I freed them from their mind control. Allow me to demonstrate how!” Rarity launched a diamond disk knocking the container out of Cleo's hand. Dash seeing this was about to get out of the limo to retrieve it, but Rarity fired another diamond disc at the driver's seat door jamming it shut. As Dash tried to crawl to the passenger seat door, Rarity launched another disc like a boomerang jamming the other door shut trapping Dash inside. Cleo frowned at the teenage fashionista, “Normally, I never get my hands dirty! But for you, I'll make an exception!” She threw a punch, only for Rarity to block it. “Fun fact: this is exactly how my friend Michelangelo defeated his former idol!” Rarity announced. Countess Cleo threw another punch, but Rarity blocked and held onto her fist. Cleo tried to back-fist her, but Rarity held it back with one hand while punching her with the other. Then the fashionista kneed and kicked the Countess back before hitting her in the face with a palm strike. Rarity kicked Cleo in the stomach, making her double over, grabbed her by the head, and kneed her in the face. Then finally, Rarity grabbed Countess Cleo's face, stepped on her ankle, and dropped her on her knee, "Sweep the leg! Ki-yah!" And swept out Cleo's leg and kicked her into the limo. Cleo groaned, as Rarity thought, 'I know I shouldn't use a move that was made by Shredder, but in this case using it on an enemy as VILE as her can be made an exception.” Rarity ran to Cleo to finish her, only to stop dead in her tracks, as the Faculty member aimed a Crackle Rod staff at her. Cleo smiled, and got up, “Carrying weapons is beneath me! But in the event that I would run into trouble like this, I came prepared! And I can assure you, the blast from this can take lives! So, what do you have to say now?” Rarity suddenly looked up seeing something falling right for them, and pointed up, “Heads up!” Suddenly, Coach Brunt crash landed on the limo top smashing it. The coach groaned from the impact (the building's not skyscraper high so she didn't fall too high up and with her muscular build she survived). Cleo looked back seeing her, “Brunt?!” Suddenly the rod was kicked from her hand, and she looked just in time for Rarity to punch her across the face knocking her out. As Rarity picked the container up, she spoke, “Although, I must say, I still adore your fashion lineup!” Suddenly dropping in were Stockman-Bots who unleashed smokescreen on Rarity. When it cleared, she saw Brunt, Cleo, and Dash were gone. “Oh, drat!” she pouted. “Rarity!” came a voice, as April and the others raced over, followed by the rest of her friends and Carmen. “Are you ok?” Applejack asked. “I'm fine.” Rarity confirmed. Mikey noticed the crash on the limo, “Ouch, that had to hurt.” Rarity looked to Carmen, before showing her the container, “I believe this belongs in the museum?” Carmen smiled and took it, “Well, done to all of you.” “We really made a good team here.” Leo said. “We sure did.” Twilight agreed. Sunset checked her phone, “Bebop, Rocksteady, Fugitoid, Keno, Shini, and the Mutanimals said all's good on their end.” “So let's return this painting and go back to the lair and party!” Rainbow announced. “Yeah!” the Turtles cheered. Shadowsan smiled amusingly, “Teenagers.” Later on back on VILE Academy Island, Brunt and Cleo presented themselves before Maelstrom and Bellum. The scientist spoke up. “So, you were both foiled and defeated by two teenage girls?” “Yes...” the two answered bitterly. At that moment, Dr. Bellum burst out laughing, much to their annoyance. Maelstrom couldn't help but chuckle as well. “Ah, yes. Defeated by mere adolescents. How amusing.” Coach Brunt frowned and argued, “There was nothing mere about that girl I wrestled with! She had the strength of ten men!” “And you very well know that I never get my hands dirty!” Cleo reminded her fellow faculty members, “And the girl I faced knew martial arts! So how was I supposed to fair against her.” “What I find equally hilarious is that you threatened that girl with a defective Crackle Rod, and she actually brought it!” Dr. Bellum continued to laugh. “This is serious!” Cleo shouted, as the two ceased their laughter. “It seems Stockman's intel was accurate about those girls The Rainbooms.” Maelstrom said. “And that is not all,” Cleo continued, “According to my assistant two of their allies possessed unusual abilities as well. One of the girls he fought while retrieving the painting had the ability to change herself into part snake. And the redhead has psychic powers.” “Psychic powers?” Dr. Bellum asked sounding intrigued, “How very interesting.” Suddenly a monitor displayed Tigress, El Topo, and Le Chevre in the confines of their rented home in New York, “Progress?” Malestrom asked. “We tried to get some mutagen, but we were ambushed.” Le Chevre began. “By who?” Dr. Bellum inquired. “First we confronted some vigilante calling himself the Nightwatcher, and then we had to deal with a band of mutant animals. One of them was a giant alligator!” El Topo cried. “And I was dealing with a witch girl.” Tigress explained bitterly. “A witch girl?” Maelstrom asked. “Don't ask.” “It seems our crimson rogue has more allies in New York then we counted on.” Professor Maelstrom told his fellow teachers. Suddenly another monitor appeared with Stockman in it, “Well, Stockman. Have you secured any mutagen?” Dr. Bellum inquired. “I only managed to get a few canisters. I was dealing with some former associates of mine,” Stockman began, as the VILE teachers gave him disappointed looks, “But don't worry. I still have other stashes in the city.” “See to it you do not fail,” Maelstrom said, “If you really want a place at our table you must deliver on your promise.” “You have my word.” Stockman answered, before ending his transmission. Back in New York down in the turtles lair, the ninjas, and their friends were celebrating with pizza all around. Rarity was currently mending Shinigami's cape that Tigress clawed. “There we go. Good as new.” Rarity handed the cape off to Shini. “Thank you so much, Rarity.” Keno spoke to Carmen, “I got to say, Carmen. Your former classmates sure are tough in their own ways.” “You just got to know what makes them tick.” Carmen replied. “Oh, man. I can't believe Applejack tossed Brunt off the roof and onto the limo's top.” Ivy laughed. “Or how Rarity took out the Countess.” Zack laughed. “Using a technique I learned from Bradford who learned it from Shredder too.” Mikey added. Rarity looked to Leo, “I'm sorry for using The Death Dragon technique since it's one of Shredder's moves. I know how much of a sore spot it is to Master Splinter.” “Well, don't make a habit out of using it a lot. That goes for the rest of you girls.” Leo told the Rainbooms. “Yeah. If I ever tried that again Master Splinter would've grounded me for life.” Mikey said having stopped using the technique whenever their sensei was around. “I just hope Master Splinter would forgive me for using it.” Rarity hoped. “I'm sure he would, Rarity.” Sunset assured her. “Yeah. I mean how often do you get to beat a high ranking member of a crime syndicate?” Rainbow asked rhetorically. “Do not count my former colleagues out yet,” Shadowsan warned them, “Tonight you all fought well. But as long as VILE is still intent on acquiring mutagen, they will not stop until they get it.” “With the small samples Stockman got away with won't be enough for what they'd want.” Bebop noted. “Which means they'll be likely looking to find more.” Carmen suspected. “Well, Donnie said TCRI is beefing up their security more after tonight's break in.” Player said from Carmen's laptop. “Which means they'll be looking elsewhere.” Twilight said “And with Stockman having robot Triceratons, it going to be twice as tough.” Rocksteady put in. Leo nodded, “Don't worry. If we all work together, we'll show VILE we're not just some group to be messed with.” “Took the words right out of my mouth.” Hokum agreed. “Bring it in guys.” Bandit said, as they all gathered their drinks. “To victory!” Leo announced. “Victory!” they all cheered. > Slippery Eel > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As it was getting late in New York, April and Casey were exiting the Argosy Cinema, “That was some movie, huh?” April asked the sports vigilante. “It was good for what it was.” he admitted. “Just wish the others could've joined us.” April said. “Hey, I ain't complaining.” Casey replied, until they saw someone on the sidewalk performing for other New Yorkers. The two got closer to see he was a mime performing several mime tricks, “That is one pale clown.” Casey said. “That's a mime, Casey,” April replied, "Performers trained in using gestures, expressions, and movements to convey action, character, and emotion without the use of words. Basically they're silent clowns.” Casey watched, as the mime was performing closer to them, “Why would anyone wanna dedicate their whole life to being silent? No one can ever silence Casey Jones.” “That's the biggest problem.” April replied sassy, making Casey pout. The mime stopped before the two before eyeing April, “Uh, hi.” she greeted. The mime smiled, as he leaned down to the ground and pretended to pluck something and offered it to the redhead. “What's he doing?” Casey asked in confusion. “He's miming himself picking up a flower and offering it to me,” April answered, as she played along by miming herself accepting it, “Thank you, so much.” she tossed some money into his beret on the ground making the mime silently clap happily. “Come on, let's get out of here. He's starting to creep me out.” Casey said, as the two teens left. The mime watched them leave while smirking and squinting in their direction. As they walked, April heard her T-Phone ring, “Yeah, what up, D? Really? Don't worry, we'll be right there.” she hung up. “What's the word?” Casey asked. “Suit up, Casey. The guys spotted Stockman heading for another building. Must be more mutagen looting.” Casey smirked finally ready to do what he did best. After grabbing his gear and dawning his mask, the two headed off and rendezvoused with the turtles, Rainbooms, Fugitoid, Keno, Carmen, Zack, and Ivy on a rooftop. “Ok, so where's the fire?” Casey asked the group. “Not too far from here.” Donnie explained. “We got to hurry and recover whatever mutagen Stockman is after.” Carmen instructed. “So let's go.” Rainbow said eagerly. “Not without us you don't.” came a voice, as the group saw Adagio followed by Aria and Sonata arrive along with Karai and Shini. “Hey, girls, how's it going?” Pinkie waved. “We're good.” Sonata smiled. Carmen raised a brow, as Sunset spoke, “Carmen, these are the Dazzlings. Former baddies before becoming allies. There's Adagio, Aria, and Sonata.” “Girls, this is Carmen, Zack, and Ivy.” Leo introduced them. “Carmen Sandiego,” Adagio began, as the trio approached, “Karai and Shini's told us so much about you. Quite the thief from what they said.” “I have a reputation in that field.” Carmen replied. “So you're with Karai and Shini?” Ivy asked. “That's right,” Sonata confirmed, “We're part of the honorable Foot Clan.” “Which is much better than the former Foot Clan under Shredder's control.” Aria added. Zack who had been eyeing Aria spoke up, “Well, nice to see you're on our side. I'd hate to have someone as cute as you for an enemy. Or maybe not.” he tried to hit on her, making Ivy face palm. Aria smirked, and leaned closer to him, “You're sweet. Too bad I'm way out of your league.” Zack blushed a bit as Aria stepped away. “Are we done with the flirts, because we got mutagen to get.” Raph said. “He's right. Let's go.” Leo instructed, as they headed off. Meanwhile in some other run down building, Stockman was busy taking mutagen canisters from a safe, “I could've gotten the mutagen on my own!" he complained, as he was loading canisters into an open duffel bag. Holding the bag was the VILE agent Neal the Eel, "Not with Carmen Sandiego and those Turtles and Rainbooms prodding about. If last night was any indication." "For the record, it was Bebop, Rocksteady, and their robot that foiled my mutagen heist." Stockman noted. "Well, in any case, it's fortunate that the Faculty assigned me to deliver the goods." Neal said, confidently. "And what makes you so sure that Carmen and the ninjas won't stop you?" Stockman asked the agent, rhetorically. "Oh, it's quite simple, mate," Neal answered, with a smirk, "I'll just give Ms. Sandiego and those Turtles and Rainbooms 'the slip'!" "Someone mention us?" Came Rainbow Dash's voice. Neal and Stockman whipped around to see their enemies drop down in front of them, “Honestly, Stockman, can't we ever just run into you doing something normal like getting coffee?” Sunset asked him. “I make my coffee.” Stockman replied. Carmen spotted his accomplice, “Neal, so we'll be dealing with you tonight.” “That's how it is.” Neal answered, “So these are the turtles and Rainbooms Stockman's been going on about.” “Ya got that right, buck tooth.” Raph replied. “The name's Neal. Neal the Eel to be precise.” “Ew, eels are so slimy.” Rarity shivered. “I say we take this Australian dude down.” Mikey suggested. “Hey! I'm from New Zealand!” Neal pointed out. “He's right,” Donnie began, “There are several differences between the Australian and New Zealand accents.” “Not the time, Donnie!” Raph replied. "We're not letting you get away with that mutagen, Neal!" Leo declared. "You're welcome to try and stop me," Neil said, "If you can." "Booyakasha!" Mikey, Pinkie, and Sonata jumped out of nowhere, from three opposite sides, and grabbed hold of the VILE agent, "Gotcha!" But then, Neal literally slipped out of their hold, causing them to bump heads and fall to the ground, "Ow!" “What the?" Sunset said, in confusion. "How did he do that?" Donnie asked. "Ah, I see what you meant..." Stockman grinned. Raph and Aria charged at the VILE as the turtle threw a punch, but Neal ducked and slid through his legs. Then Aria swung her weapon, but Neal dodged before sweeping her legs and making her crash into Raph. "That was stupid." Aria groaned. "You're telling me." Raph replied. Shinigami threw her ball chain and wrapped him up, but Neal slipped out of that as well, much to her surprise. “This is ridiculous.” Nightwatcher said in surprise. "They don't call me Neal the Eel for nothing, mates," Neal said, "You might say I'm a rather slippery fellow." "Ooh, slippery as an eel," Mikey stated, "That makes sense." “Slippery or not, he's not getting away from us.” Rainbow said, as she ran at Neal and fought hand to hand. Neal slipped under the girls legs and slid across the floor. As Rainbow tried to run after him, she slipped on the slimy trail he left behind and crashed into a crate, “Jeez, how is he all slick and moist?” “He is a tricky one. Trust me.” Carmen assured, as she joined in the fight along side Leo, Sunset, and Casey. Neal kept sliding around them dodging their attacks, “Hold still ya stinkin' eel!” Casey shouted, as he tried whacking him with his hockey stick. “Staying still is impossible for me. I just keep on sliding.” Neal taunted them. Karai frowned, as shifted into snake mode before attacking, “Whoa, looks like I'm not the only slippery one here.” he gasped while looking impressed. “I'm more than just slippery,” Karai hissed, “I'm deadly.” she tried to snap at him with her snake hands, but the VILE operative kept sliding around dodging the snappers. As Karai kept Neal distracted, Adagio dropped in ready to strike with her Kusunagi sword. Neal seeing her drop down, slid aside avoiding her blow, “Whew, pretty close.” “We're not getting anywhere if he keeps on sliding around.” Applejack told Pinkie, until they saw one of the crates was loaded with marbles. The two smirked having a plan. As Karai and Adagio attacked Neal, they saw behind him was Pinkie and Applejack hinting at them to lure Neal back more. So both Karai and Adagio lured Neal back before Pinkie and A.J dumped the crate of marbles sending them rolling his way. Neal started slipping on the marbles while flailing his arms around to keep balance. Unfortunately he slipped onto his back and due to his slippery body started sliding across the floor screaming as he kept bouncing back and forth hitting crates and beams making it look like a human pinball game. Finally after so much sliding Neal started slowing down before stopping in the middle of the building. “Tilt!” Pinkie cheered. “Let's get him before he escapes.” Carmen said, until Stockman spoke up. “Hello! You haven't forgotten me have you?” he summoned dozens of Mousers who were prepared to fight, “Have fun!” he blasted a hole through the skylight and took off. “Another rodent situation.” Rarity sighed. “So what else is new?” Aria asked rhetorically. “Come on, my friends. We got this!” Fugitoid called, as they attacked the robots. As they fought, April spotted Neal slipping out the back with the duffel bag filled with mutagen. She quickly motioned Twilight to follow her. Neal made his way into an alley, “Once again, Neal the Eel has slipped away!" "Not quite." Neal saw April and Twilight standing in front of him, blocking his path of escape. "I believe you have something that doesn't belong to you." Twilight stated. "Not to sound redundant, but you both do remember that I'll just slip away from you?" Neal asked. "You're welcome to try and and slip past us this time." April said smugly. Neal rushed forward and as the two tried to grab him, he slipped underneath them and ran. When suddenly, he felt himself rising off the ground. "What? Hey, what's this- whoa!" Neal was then pulled back and floated above April. "Something you can't slip out of," April stated, "My telekinesis!" "And we'll just take that bag off your person," Twilight used her magic to snatch the bag away from Neal. "Put me down!" Neal demanded. The two kunoichi smirked at each other before April answered, "Alright..." Then she released her hold and Neal fell. Just as he did, the two spun kicked him across the alley, making him hit the wall, and landing in a dumpster with the lid closing. “That felt good.” April said. “Come on, let's help the others.” Twilight said, as they hurried back inside to see the Mousers were almost done. April used a psychic wave on the Mousers shutting them down, “Stockman got away.” Donnie told them. “What about Neal?” Applejack asked. “We took out the trash.” April answered, as she and Twilight chuckled. “And we got this.” Twilight showed them the bag. “Oh, thank goodness.” Fugitoid said in relief. “More mutagen recovered.” Carmen smiled. “We better get this back to the lair for safe keeping.” Donnie suggested, as they headed off. Meanwhile Stockman and Neal returned to the genius man's hideout, and were at meeting with the Faculty, “Once again you come up short handed with the mutagen supply?” Malestrom asked disappointed. “As I told you, Professor. Looting mutagen is not an easy task.” Stockman reminded him. “And, Neal, you're supposed to be as slippery as they come.” Dr. Bellum chided him. “Well, I wasn't prepared for girls with telekinesis.” Neal argued. “I still must look into that.” Dr. Bellum pondered while intrigued. “It doesn't matter, is there anymore mutagen you can find?” Malestrom inquired. “Well, there is a very big supply in the city that I loaned to some old acquaintances of mine.” Stockman admitted. “And they would be?” Cleo inquired. “The Purple Dragons.” “Purple Dragons?” Coach Brunt asked. Neal spoke up, “A local street gang who like to run wild in the Big Apple.” “They're not just some typical street gang,” Stockman warned them, “Not anymore. They changed a lot since they broke ties with the Foot. Especially their new leader.” “Well, Stockman, it looks like you'll be stealing back the mutagen you gave them.” Malestrom said. “Very well, but I'll need additional help. I fear even my robot Triceratons could be outmatched by the Purple Dragons carrying Kraang tech.” “Fear not, for we already have sent reinforcements to help you.” Malestrom answered. “They should be arriving momentarily.” Cleo added. “Call us soon.” Brunt said, before ending the transmission. Stockman and Neal waited, until the door opened up and entering was Tigress, Le Chevre, El Topo, Paper Star, and the Mime from before. “Hey, mates!” Neal greeted, “Good to see ya.” “Can it, Eel.” Tigress replied. “Aw, why the hate kitty cat?” Tigress growled, until El Topo and Le Chevre separated them. “Hey, knock it off.” El Topo warned them. “We are comrades, no?” Le Chevre asked, “We should act like it.” “Agreed,” Stockman replied, “Trust and partnership is the only way we're going to get that mutagen,” he saw the mime, “You guys brought a mime with you?” “He's one of us.” Tigress answered, “Stockman, meet Mime Bomb.” the mime waved happily. “VILE will let just about any type of person in their academy won't they?” he asked. “Just about,” Paper Star answered sweetly, “I mean they let me in.” Stockman felt disturbed by Paper Star before straightening himself out, “Alright, you guys. Here's the plan. We break into the Purple Dragons hideout, steal their mutagen, and bingo! Easy street.” “And what about Fedora the Explorer and her new band of ninjas?” Tigress asked. “They'll be on the receiving end of a beat down from my Robo-Triceratons.” he smirked, as he looked to the side seeing new Robot Triceratons were already in the process of being built. The VILE students smirked feeling eager to give not only their greatest enemy, but the ninjas a smack down as well. > Stealing from Dragons > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Donnie's lab, the Rainbooms sat the bag of mutagen on the table, “More recovered mutagen.” Rainbow said. “We'll keep it here with the rest of the recovered stash.” Donnie said. “That Neal was one slippery guy.” April said. “Yeah, but even he couldn't have counted on facing girls with telekinesis.” Carmen motioned to April and Twilight who smiled. “So now that we got the mutagen, can we have that Crognard marathon Mikey promised?” Zack asked, “I love that cartoon.” “You really need better tastes, bro.” Ivy said. Player spoke up from Carmen's phone, “Hold off on the marathon, guys.” “What's up, Player?” Carmen asked. “I just tapped into street cam footage in the city and look who's on the move?” Player explained as they checked the footage to see the VILE Grad Trio. “It's them again.” Shini said. “Where are they off to in such a hurry?” Applejack asked. “Looking for more mutagen.” Fugitoid deduced. “Can ya keep a fix on them, Player?” Carmen asked. “In my sleep.” “Good. We better hurry.” Carmen told the group. “Fall out, everyone.” Leo instructed, as they all headed for the surface. Meanwhile, Stockman who was driving a tanker truck was backing up into an old familiar building, “Ah, my old lab. I can't believe the Purple Dragons took it over. Tigress status?” he spoke into an intercom. Tigress who was scoping the place out, answered, “Place is vacant. No one's home.” “Excellent. You guys get in there and get it all set up.” So Tigress, Le Chevre, El Topo, Paper Star, Neal, and Mime Bomb entered the building with two Robo-Triceratons carrying a long hose. They saw the big vat of mutagen and looked amazed. “Look at it all.” El Topo gasped. “Just think about all we could use this for.” Neal said. Tigress who was still scoping the place out, looked at one of the crates loaded with stuff the Purple Dragons stole, “Hey, boys. What do you think?” she showed off a white tiger skin pelt that she wore like a cape. “How fitting for you,” Le Chevre admitted, as he looked in a crate to see a pair of goat horns, “Oh, these feel real.” he dropped them. “These Purple Dragons really need to stash their loot someplace more secure.” El Topo said, as he was holding a taxidermy mole. “Let's just get this mutagen in before they come home.” Neal said, as the two robot Triceratons connected the hose to a part of the vat. Tigress spoke into a communicator, “Prepare to transfer mutagen.” And so mutagen was being drained from the vat through the hose that went directly into the truck tanker outside. “How long is this gonna take?” Paper Star asked, feeling bored. “As long as it can,” Tigress replied, “We need all the mutagen we can gather.” Mime Bomb who was looking outside saw the ninjas coming their way, he quickly mimed a warning to his fellow operatives. When they saw them, they slipped into hiding, as the two robots were still guarding the mutagen transfer. Suddenly the door rammed open courtesy of Rocksteady, and they looked inside. Zack looked up at the vat, “Whoa. That's a lot of mutagen.” “Don't wanna go swimming in that.” Ivy added. “Look who's guarding it.” Sunset motioned to the two robots. “I don't believe it.” Donnie gasped. “You weren't kidding, Fugitoid. Robot Triceratons.” Raph said in disbelief. “Good thing there's only two of them.” Casey said. “Rock and I can handle them.” Applejack said, as she and the rhino mutant engaged the two Dinosaur robots. Applejack slid and dodged the smashing fists of one of them, before grabbing it and using her strength lifted it over her. Rocksteady lifted the other one up and the two tossed the robots into each other making them blow up. “That got them.” Rainbow smirked. “Let's disconnect this hose before all the mutagen is drained.” Twilight suggested, as they were prepared to stop the draining. April suddenly felt a vibe, "Guys," she said wearily, "We've got company!" "LOOK OUT!" Carmen called in alarm. Everyone dodged as they were almost hit by paper shurikens, "Where did those come from?!" Aria asked. Donnie picked one up, "Are these weapons made out of... paper?!" "Oh no!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, as she, Carmen, and Bebop knew who they came from. Bebop quickly activated his invisibility field around him. "Oh yes!" Paper Star jumped down from on top of some crates, "Nice seeing you again, Pinkie Pie. I see your hair grew back." "Paper Star," Carmen said, nonchalant, "After the mutagen for VILE?" "You know us so well, Carmen." Paper Star replied. "Well, you're gonna have are hard time getting it with us around!" Casey said. "That's why she's not alone," Tigress leaped down next to Paper Star, with Le Chevre, Neal, and El Topo walking out from behind some crates, "Well, well, well?" She went on. "Carmen Sandiego. I see you brought friends." "So, these tortues and mademoiselles must be the famous Turtles and Rainbooms that Stockman warned the Faculty about?" Le Chevre guessed. "Ugh!" Tigress said, in disgust. "They're even uglier and more girly up close!" "Care to say that to our faces?!" Raph asked, pulling out his sais. "Cause we'll show just how girly we are!" Rainbow Dash said, aiming her spear. "And that Nightwatcher guy is here too!" El Topo said, taking notice of Nightwatcher. “Hey, guys. Shame we have to keep meeting under these circumstances.” Keno answered humorously. “You had a bunch of mutants last time, but this time we're prepared.” Le Chevre replied, as more Robot Triceratons march inside. “Great more robot horn heads.” Raph groaned. “Get them!” Leo called, as the group engaged, while Zack and Ivy took cover. Leo was fighting one Robot Triceraton, until Paper Star threw her paper shuriken at him. Leo seeing this used his swords to deflect them, while hearing clinging as his swords hit the stars, “Jeez does she turn paper into metal?” As Pinkie was dodging some of the Robot Triceratons, Neil took notice of her and spoke to the origami girl, “That is the girl you said fought you to a stand still?" Neil asked Paper Star. “And had exploding sprinkles?" El Topo added. “Oh yeah, that's her.” Paper Star confirmed. “Looking at her I have to ask, how is that possible?" Le Chevre said in doubt, until Pinkie suddenly appeared right next to them. “Oh, I'm full of surprises!" All the VILE agents, except Paper Star, jumped back and yelped in surprise. "How'd you do that?!" Tigress asked. Paper Star just laughed, "Nice trick!" The agents engaged Pinkie, until Mikey jumped in. “Booyakasha!” he whacked them away with his chucks. “What did that one just say?” Le Chevre asked. “Booyakasha.” El Topo answered. “That doesn't even mean anything!” Tigress said. “Maybe, but it's fun to yell!” Mikey answered, as he and Pinkie Pie fought them back, before they split up. Rarity fought against Le Chevre who was jumping from crate to crate avoiding her diamond disks being thrown his way. Rarity decided to speak in his native tongue, “Voyons si la chèvre peut se battre aussi bien qu’elle peut grimper, chérie. (Let's see if a goat can fight as well as they can climb, darling.)” Le Chevre answered her back, “Cette chèvre va vous piétiner, mademoiselle. (Well, this goat will be stomping on you, miss.)” he jumped down at Rarity and fought her hand to hand. As Raph, Casey, and April were fighting against some Robot Triceratons, they noticed Mime Bomb waving their way. "Wait a second," Raph noticed the silent clown, "Is that... a mime?!" “That's the same mime Casey and I ran into.” April realized. Mime Bomb waved at the Ninjas, and Raph, Casey, Rainbow Dash, Keno, and the Dazzlings laughed. "Seriously," Rainbow said between laughs, "One of the VILE agents is a mime?! What's he gonna do? Trap us in an invisible box?" "I don't think it's such a good idea to underestimate that mime!" Sunset cautioned, while getting out her kunai. "Remember what happened when we underestimated the Joker!" Leo noted, and Raph, Casey, and Rainbow Dash instantly stopped laughing. "Who's the Joker?" Carmen asked, as she landed close to them after escaping an attack from Paper Star. "An extremely dangerous and very very bad clown, who's not funny!" April stated. "And we all found that out the hard way!" Twilight added. "So for all we know..." Mikey started, before Pinkie finished. "That mime could be THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN ALIVE!!!" Mime Bomb smiled in flattery and pointed to himself as if to say "Me?" Then, grinning smugly, he stood with his hands on his hips, puffing out his chest in pride. While his fellow agents looked annoyed. "I don't know who Joker is, but I can assure you, that mime isn't so dangerous," Carmen said, "His only skills are pick pocketing, distracting, and being a tattle tale." Mime Bomb frowned at that. "So, who is he?" Sonata asked. Mime Bomb held up a finger prepared to help them learn. "First word?" Pinkie said, as Mime Bomb pointed to himself. "Uh, your sweater stripes?" "Your belly?" Mikey guessed. "You're hungry?" Sonata added. "Mime?" Mikey said. And Mime Bomb nodded, then he held up two fingers, "Second word?" Mime Bomb made an explosion gesture, "Blowing? Rain?" "Um, explosion?" Sonata guessed. "Bomb?" Then suddenly it hit the three and they all announced, "You're, Mime Bomb!" Mime Bomb smiled and pointed, signaling them that they got it right. “Yeah ya know who he is, just get him already!” Raph shouted in annoyance, as the group attacked the Mime, who mimed himself running away. “That guy is pitiful.” Aria groaned. “But not me!” Neal called, as he slid in and bumped Aria away. “Ok, Eel, this time we're ready for you.” Sonata said seriously. “We'll see.” Neal answered, as they fought with Neal as always slipping around. Neal was so caught up in slipping around and feeling confident, he didn't feel something trip him from behind, and could've sworn he heard a pig snort. Tigress and Carmen were engaging hand to hand with Carmen dodging her opponents claws, “Shinigami told me she gave you quite the run around.” Carmen smirked. “I'll claw you, like I did her cape!” Tigress attacked Carmen before knocking her to the floor, “Only this time, I'm going for your eyes.” But just as she was about to strike with her claws, she was suddenly bumped off to the side by something. "Ah yeah, didn't see me coming, now did yah!" Said a voice. "Who said that?" Tigress demanded, as she stood up, "Who's there?!" Then she was shoved again, causing her to crash into El Topo and Le Chevre. "Ha ha ha!" Bebop appeared in front of them, "What up, VILE homies!" "Aah! A warthog?!" Tigress exclaimed in surprise. "That's right," Bebop said. "Long time no see, Tigress! Still pickin' on Black Sheep, I see." "What?!" Tigress gasped. "Uh, do you know him?" El Topo asked her. "Yeah she does," Bebop confirmed, "And so do all of you." "Sorry, but I'm afraid we not familiar with any warthogs." Le Chevre said with a scowl. "Get him!" Tigress ordered. The three attacked as Bebop dodged with his dance moves and fired the lasers from his belt. "You know, your moves do remind me of someone." El Topo admitted as he tried to slash Bebop with his claws. "Yeah, you'd remember that after I beat you in that dance off, back in the academy!" Bebop said, while he spun around El Topo and knocked him away with a backward spin kick. Then he started dodging attacks from Le Chevre. "I don't remember El Topo ever losing a dance off to a warthog?" He said. "Like I told Black Sheep, I wasn't a warthog back then." Bebop explained, and blasted Le Chevre with his energy mohawk. Tigress leaped at Bebop to land a kick, but the thief activated his cloaking field and vanished. Tigress landed and looked around before Bebop appeared next to her and bumped her, causing her to stumble back and sit on a crate, and a farting noise went off. Tigress gasped, then reached down and pulled up a whoopie cushion. Bebop burst out laughing, "I still got it! Ha ha ha!" Carmen couldn't help but laugh too, "Get's me every time!" Zack, Ivy, Mikey, and Pinkie laughed along. Tigress growled and popped the cushion with her claws, "Who are you?!" "Don'tcha remember?" Bebop asked, "Dr B's favorite student, best dancer in the academy? Number 1 in style?" "Will you stop being cryptic and just tell us!" Le Chevre yelled, as he and El Topo stood up. "Okay, maybe this will give you a hint," He did a quick spin and struck a pose. "Hee heee!" All the VILE agents froze in shock. As they all finally realized who he was, especially Tigress, "Oooh, nooooo!" She cried in shock, "You've got to be kidding me?!" "Anton Zeck?!" El Topo exclaimed in surprise. "Monsieur Zeck?!" Le Chevre added in equal surprise. "Zeck?!" Paper Star said, her eyes wide. "Anton Zeck?!" Neal exclaimed, while Mime Bomb made a gasping face. "That's right, fools, it's me!" Bebop laughed. "Crime School Reunion baby! Ha ha ha! At least it'd be complete if Crackle were here." Carmen noticed the shocks on the VILE Operatives faces, "Aw, don't feel too bad," she told her former classmates, humorously, "I didn't recognize him at first either." "And guess what?" Bebop went on, "I finally got a codename! Call me... Bebop!" "Bebop?" Le Chevre responded dryly. "Really?" "Yeah, I hated that name too," Bebop admitted, "But it surprising grew on me." "I am so confused!" El Topo stated, still dumbfounded. Bebop smiled amusingly, until a voice shouted, “YOOOOUUUU!!!" Bebop and Carmen looked back at Tigress. The VILE was grinding her teeth and panting in rage. Bebop grinned, remembering that face, "What's a matter, Tigress? Are yah still mad at me for all those pranks I pulled on you?" Tigress roared and lunged at Bebop, her claws outstretched. But the mutant warthog dodged and her claws smashed a crate to splinters. "We'll take that as a huge yes." Carmen stated. "Well, in my defense, I only pulled those pranks on you was cause you treated everybody like dirt! Especially Black Sheep here!" Bebop noted. Tigress didn't care, as she continued to fight Bebop who dodged, before spinning around her, grabbed and dipped her, “Hey, I always did find ya to be the prettiest operative at the academy.” Tigress growled, as she tried to claw at his snout, but he dropped her to the floor and jumped aside landing next to Carmen. “Well, tonight just got interesting,” Tigress said, “We get to take out two traitors to VILE.” She and her fellow operatives surrounded the two who stood back to back. "So, you take the ones on the right, I'll take the ones on the left?" Carmen inquired. "You got it, Black Sheep!" Bebop said, the two took off with Bebop attacking Tigress, Le Chevre, and Neal, while Carmen took Paper Star, El Topo, and Mime Bomb. "Shouldn't we help them?" Rarity asked, in concern. "Nyet," Rocksteady said, "Is best we let old classmates have this one!" “Plus we still got Robot Triceratons to deal with.” Donnie reminded them, as he dodged one of the robots. As the ninjas were busy dealing with VILE and the robots, Zack and Ivy snuck around before reaching the hose connected to the mutagen vault. “Come on, before we're spotted.” Ivy said, as they turned off the hose and pulled it out of the vat. Zack looked at the vat, “Thank goodness there's still a lot more in there.” “Let's just hope they didn't get enough.” Ivy replied. During the fight, Mikey, Pinkie, and Sonata were watching Mime Bomb performing. "Mikey/Pinkie/Sonata!" Raph, Applejack, and Adagio called. "Oh, right!" The three said and kicked Mime Bomb aside. April used her telekinesis to lift up Neil, when she sensed something, "Look out!" Everyone barely missed some Kraang blasts and turned to see the Purple Dragons with their Kraang weapons. "Well, look what we have here?" Fong said. "Looks like we got some trespassers!" Tsoi added, noting Carmen and the VILE agents. "Yeah, along with the Ninjas!" Sid pointed at the Turtles and Rainbooms. One of the female members named Lisa looked at Mime Bomb, "Is that a mime?" “Looks like the Dragons have come home.” Casey said. “So what's going on here?” Fong demanded. Twilight spoke up nervously, “Hi, would you believe we're trying to stop these secret agents from a crime syndicate called VILE from stealing your mutagen vat?” “What?” Tsoi asked in confusion. “Steal our mutagen?” Sid asked. “No one steals from the Purple Dragons!” one member called, as he readied his blaster. The ninjas and VILE agents watched, as they readied their weapons, until Leo spoke to the agents, “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Truce?” Tigress scowled, and answered with reluctance, “Until we're out of this situation.” “Agreed.” Leo confirmed, as both groups teamed up. The Purple Dragons started shooting at them with the blasters, as the heroes and agents scattered. As El Topo used his gloves to disarm two Purple Dragons of their blasters, he noticed the tech, “Mm, Dr. Bellum would love these.” Before another Purple Dragon could attack him, he was kicked aside by Rainbow Dash. El Topo in surprise, answered her, “Gracias.” “No problem.” Rainbow replied, as they resumed fighting the Dragons. "You Ninjas and VILE punks are gonna be sorry once our boss get's through with yah!" Fong sneered. "Oh, your boss," El Topo laughed, "And just what is he going to do?!" He asked, unaware that Hun was standing right behind him. The Ninjas, Carmen, and the other VILE agents noticed him though. The thief and the agents stared at the big turtle in shock, while a terrified Mime Bomb slid behind a crate to hide. "Oh... my!" Carmen breathed in horror. “Whoa.” Zack and Ivy gasped. "Uh, El Topo?" Le Chevre pointed. El Topo turned around and stared up at Hun, "Dos mios!" Was all he said, before Hun punched him right into Le Chevre. Tigress growled and leaped at Hun with her claws out, but the turtle grabbed her, and smashed her into two crates and onto the ground before he spin-kicked her into the crate Mime Bomb was hiding behind exposing him. "Turtles and Rainbooms!" Hun greeted. "How nice of you to drop by. And I see you brought some new friends. Good!" He pounded his fists, "Cause you're all next!" "Who, what, are you?!" Carmen asked in shock. "You may call me, Hun!" The big turtle roared and charged at them. "Scatter!" Leo called, as they all narrowly avoided Hun's fists. Hun while trying to smash through the ninjas and Rainbooms ended up taking out the Robot Triceratons, “At least this clears our robot problem.” Mikey told Donnie, as the two dodged some more blasts from the Purple Dragons. “Yeah, now we gotta deal with trigger happy thugs!” Donnie replied in fright. Karai and Shini started to take out the dragons weapons, while avoiding Hun attacking them, “And I thought we could've cleared this up before they got back.” Karai told Shini. “Eh, what can ya do?” she replied. As Hun was ready to attack the two, "Hey, tortuga!" Hun looked back to see El Topo pulling out a pair of red nunchucks, "Let's dance!" He called, swinging them around. Hun just laughed, "This will be fun!" El Topo ran at him, swinging the chucks, while trying to land a hit, but Hun dodged each strike before he grabbed the chucks in one hand and punched the VILE agent back, "Impressive. But this is how you nunchucku!" Then Hun began swinging the chucks around, from one hand to another, very swift and skillfully, while making his karate hoots before he ended with a pose. Mikey and Pinkie Pie dropped their weapons in pure shock. Who knew Hun was so good at Nunchucks? El Topo was shocked too, but he grabbed a crowbar and rushed at Hun again, trying to land a hit, but the big turtle deflected the hits with the chucks and landed a few hits of his own. Then disarmed the agent and nailed him in the gut with a kick. Hun turns to everyone else, "Who else wants- ugh!" Hun was cut off, as he suddenly tensed up and dropped the chucks before he slowly tilted down and landed on the floor with a loud thud, unconscious. Everyone looked to see Shadowsan had knocked out Hun, the same way he did to Coach Brunt, by pinching a nerve in his neck. "Whoa!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Shadowsan is awesome!" "Oh, you know it!" Zack agreed. “It seems I joined in just in time.” Shadowsan looked around. “Great, more intruders.” Fong groaned. Several Purple Dragons engaged Shadowsan hand to hand, but the former Faculty member made quick work of them. While the fighting continued, Mime Bomb tried to karate chop Raph who he felt was a perfect target, but the turtle whipped around and grabbed the mime by the sweater. "Was that the best you got?" Raph asked rhetorically. Mime Bomb pulled out a remote control, "And just what is that supposed to do?" Mime Bomb pushed a button and a loud explosion went off, taking everyone by surprise, "Mime Bomb," Tigress said in anger, "Did you just set off the explosives we planted earlier?!" Mime Bomb grinned sheepishly. "Wait, explosives?!" Carmen asked in shock. But before anyone had time to question that further, another explosion went off, and Sunset, who was standing close by, was knocked down by the shockwave. But that also caused her to accidentally throw her kunai. Sunset looked up and saw it hit the glass of the mutagen tank putting a crack in it. And to her horror, she saw that Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo were standing right in front of it and hadn't noticed. "Get away from that tank!" Sunset exclaimed to the three in a panic. "And why should we?" Tigress asked. But then the three agents heard a cracking noise and turned around just as the glass burst and the mutagen spilled all over them! "NOOOOOOO!" Sunset cried. Everyone was in shock. "GET BACK!" Donnie shouted at anyone too close to back away from the spilled mutagen. The three VILE agents were on the ground screaming and raving in agony, "IT BURNS! IT BURNS!" El Topo wailed in pain. "What's happening to them?!" Carmen asked. "They're mutating!" Mikey exclaimed. Soon the three stopped screaming as the mutagen dripped off. When everyone saw what had happened to them, they gasped in shock. "Oh... no!" Carmen said, her eyes wide. "Sweet mercy!" Neil said. "What?" Tigress asked. "Uh, Tigress..." Paper Star began. "What is it?!" Tigress demanded. Mime Bomb took out a large mirror from one of the crates and showed the agents their reflection. El Topo had mutated into a mole. Le Chevre into a goat. And Tigress had become a white tiger. "No..." Tigress breathed in horror. "NOOOOOOOO!!!" Le Chevre screamed. "My face! My beautiful face!" "We are - monsters!" El Topo cried. "Well, this just took an unexpected twist." Pinkie stated. Tigress growled, before looking at Sunset, “You did this!” Sunset backed away in shock, until Fugitoid took a stand, “Excuse me? Your operative was the one who set off the explosives!” “I will maim you all!” Tigress was ready to pounce, until Mikey spoke up. “Hold up. Now that you three are mutants, ya need names.” “What do you mean 'we need names'?” Tigress asked in confusion. “We have names, merci beaucoup!” LE Chevre crossed his arms. “And they're awesome names! But you three are mutants now, so you need mutant names. And I just so happen to super good at namin' our mutant friends and enemies!” “What do you have in mind?” El Topo asked, only for his two mutated partners to give him a dry look, “I was just asking!” “Hmm?” Mikey pointed to Le Chevre, “Amok!” he pointed to El Topo, “Dirtbag!” he finally pointed at Tigress, “And Tigress Claw!” “Dirtbag?!” El Topo asked feeling insulted. “Tigress Claw?” Tigress asked in confusion. “I'm not that impressed with Amok.” Le Chevre answered. “Forget the names, let's bolt.” Bebop answered, as he launched some smoke bombs allowing the ninjas to escape. “We're out!” Tigress ordered, as the VILE Operatives escaped out the other exit. They ran by the truck, as Stockman noticed the three new mutants, and was shocked, “What happened?” “Don't talk, just go!” Tigress ordered, as Stockman drove off dragging the hose as the operatives fled into the city. Back inside the Dragons base, they looked at all the mutagen on the floor, as Fong spoke, “Somebody get us some mops.” In the turtles lair, the team was recovering, as Carmen sighed, “I can't believe three of my old classmates are mutants now.” “Accidental mutations happen to a lot of our enemies.” Donnie explained. “He's right.” Leo confirmed. Sunset spoke, “I can't help but feel responsible for what happened.” “Sunset, it's not like you meant to hit the vat on purpose.” April spoke to her. “Yeah, if mime boy didn't try to blow the place it wouldn't have happened.” Casey added. “Besides, maybe having them like that will teach them a lesson not to mess with us.” Zack said confidently. “Or make them even angrier next time we see them.” Ivy noted. “And let's not forget they managed to get away with who knows how much mutagen from that vat.” Twilight put in. “Whatever the case, we all must be ready,” Shadowsan told them, “Because next time who knows what we may be up against.” the ninjas, Rainbooms, and Team Carmen nodded in agreement. Meanwhile at VILE Academy Island, the faculty were at their seats, until they heard the doors opened. When they saw Neal, Mime Bomb, and Paper Star enter. “What happened?” Maelstrom asked, as Tigress' voice came from the back, with El Topo and Le Chevre following. “The mission to eliminate those Turtles and Rainbooms, along Carmen Sandiego failed!” they came out of the shadows, revealing their mutation, “And we're living proof!” “Oh, my...” Dr. Bellum gasped, as the rest of the faculty were surprised. “What it in blue blazes?” Coach Brunt asked in shock. Countess Cleo covered her mouth in surprise, as Maelstrom asked, “How?” “Well, aside from certain someone's explosion!” Le Chevre glared at Mime Bomb who smiled sheepishly, “One of those Rainboom girls broke the vat of mutagen, and it spilled all over us!” “Mutating us into this.” El Topo sighed. Dr. Bellum left her seat and walked over to the trio inspecting them, “Fascinating! A physical form of mutation. Mutagen is much more intriguing then I thought!” “Intriguing? Look at us!” Tigress growled. “Oh... you don’t look... that bad.” Neal tried to be nice. “Excuse-emoi?” Le Chevre asked, “I don't want to be a goat!” El Topo looked himself over, “You know, I kinda like being a mole,” the other two glared at him, “Not that I don't want to be human again!” “Aside from this mishap, what about the mutagen?” Maelstrom inquired. “We got more than half of what the vat contained, and according to Stockman it may just be enough.” Tigress explained. “Excellent.” Dr. Bellum replied. “But we also ran into an old acquaintance of ours that left vile long before Black Sheep did.” Le Chevre noted. “And who might that be?” Countess Cleo inquired. “Dr. Bellum's former prized student.” El Topo began, as Tigress answered. “Anton Zeck!” The Faculty members were taken aback, having not heard that name in so long. But Dr. Bellum was by far more shocked than anyone else. “Anton.” she whispered. > Meeting ACME > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On a rooftop in NYC one night, the turtles, their allies, and the Rainbooms were practicing some moves, while Carmen, Zack, and Ivy were following along. “Good job, ninjas. Keep it up.” Leo instructed, as they did some spin kicks. “Remind me again why we're doing this on the surface?” Raph asked Leo. “Because it's a beautiful night.” Rarity noted, as she threw some air punches. “And you all could use some air.” Applejack added, as she did a sweep kick. As Sunset and Carmen were sparing, the Rainboom spoke, “Good job, Carmen. You learn fast.” “When you've trained in combat with a crime syndicate you learn plenty.” Carmen replied. Rainbow and Twilight were helping Zack and Ivy keep their stances, “Ok, guys. Like this.” Rainbow did a few air punches before giving an upward kick. “Alright, my turn.” Zack said, as he mimicked Rainbow's moves, but upon doing the upward kick he leaned back a little too far and landed on his back. “Ooh.” Twilight cringed. “Maybe next time don't lean back so much.” Rainbow suggested, as she and Ivy helped him up. “Noted.” Zack groaned, as he straightened his back out. “Hey, thanks again for letting us join ya in this exercise.” Ivy told the group. “No prob, Ive.” Mikey replied. “Don't know why Shadowsan ain't here to join us.” Zack said. “Shadowsan is doing his own reconnaissance in the city.” Carmen reminded the boy. “Speaking of reconnaissance,” Mikey began, “We should do a recon on pizza.” “I agree with Mikey.” Zack said. “Same.” Keno admitted. The others looked ready to break until April stopped and concentrated. Everyone watched her, before she motioned to a nearby water tower behind them. Leo gave everyone the hint to play dumb and keep moving. Watching from the water tower was a figure who looked ready to move, only to see two shadows falling over. It looked and saw Raph and Karai. “Bit late to be bird watching, isn't it?” Raph asked rhetorically. The others waited, until Raph and Karai came down with their stalker, “We found this one spying on us.” Karai told them. “Please, I'm not a spy!” the figure pleaded with a familiar female voice. Carmen looked at the figure seeing it was a woman with short cut navy blue hair with a blue shine and fair skin. She was wearing darkly rimmed round glasses, and a black suit. “Jules?” she asked. “Huh?” the others asked. “Raph, Karai, let her go!” Carmen ordered. “What?” the two asked. “She's an ally.” Carmen assured. Raph and Karai let the woman go who straightened herself out, “Thank you.” “Jules, fancy meeting you in the Big Apple,” Carmen began, “Looking to see the Museum of Natural History, and not on business for once?” Jules sighed, “Oh, I'd wish. But it's always business, Ms. Sandiego.” Mikey blinked and whispered to the others, “Dudes, I think they're flirting with each other.” they rolled their eyes. The newcomer turned to everyone, “Greetings, I am Julia Argent. I'm terribly sorry my observation led you to think I was an enemy. But I assure you, I am on your side.” “Well, Ms. Argent...” Leo began. “Please, call me Julia.” “Julia. You don't seem too surprised by our appearance.” Leo motioned to himself and his brothers. “Oh, that's because I was briefed about you before coming here.” “Briefed about us?” Donnie asked. “Yes. I know about you and everyone else here,” Julia began listing off, “You're Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo.” “Whoa, she knows us.” Mikey gasped. “And I admit, you have very astounding names for mutant turtles.” Julia added. “Well, thank you.” Donnie replied. “And I know of your friends here in New York,” she turned to their human allies, “April O'Neil, Casey Jones, Karai Hamato, Shinigami, Keno, and Fugitoid.” “Dudes, she knows too much.” Casey said suspiciously. “Let's hear her out, Casey.” April replied. Julia turned to the Rainbooms, “And I'm finally meeting with the famous Rainbooms.” “You know about us too?” Rainbow asked. “Indeed, Rainbow Dash. Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie popped in beside her, “Well, it's nice to meet you, Jules. Here, a cupcake for a new friend.” she presented her with a cupcake. “Thank you,” she accepted it, “I have to admit, I did not really expect to learn about magic and the idea of an alternate world populated by ponies. But if your details are anything to go by, I believe them.” “How'd you get details on us?” Sunset asked. “All will be explained, Ms. Shimmer. My superior wishes to meet you all.” she pulled out a click pen from her pocket and clicked it before putting it on the ground. “What's she doing?” Keno wondered, as the pen projected a hologram of another woman before them. “Whoa.” Donnie gasped. “Remarkable.” Fugitoid admitted. This woman looked much older, had dark skin, with buzz-cut blond hair and wore a gray suit uniform over a navy blue blouse. She also wore a pearl necklace, small earrings, and a pen in her jacket pocket. “Ms. Argent.” the woman greeted. “Chief. I have made contact.” Julia explained. Chief looked and saw Carmen, “Carmen Sandiego.” “Chief.” Carmen greeted back. Chief looked to see the New York ninjas and the Rainbooms, before smiling, “Ninja Turtles and Rainbooms, I presume?” “Uh, who're you?” Applejack asked. “You may call me Chief.” “Chief of what?” Casey asked. “I am head of ACME, and what we want is what Carmen here is after.” “What she's after?” Shini wondered. “The exposing of VILE.” The group was curious, as Leo asked, “You're called ACME?” "Just what is ACME?" April wondered. “The Agency to Classify and Monitor Evildoers.” Chief explained. Carmen spoke, “Chief, how do you even know about these guys?” “While VILE is our number one priority, we monitor all parts of the world for any evil-activity. And New York has been busting with activity relative to that.” “Then you know about mutants, the Kraang, the Triceratons?” Leo asked. “Even the Shredder, Leonardo.” Chief replied. “And you know about what we've been dealing with?” Sunset asked. “Indeed so. ACME's kept tabs on all your exploits involving 'Equestrian Magic'. Of course it helps when one of our youngest field agents is keeping tabs on everything where you girls are from.” In a cafe close to CHS, Lyra and Bonbon were enjoying a milkshake together, until Bonbon let out a sudden sneeze. “Achoo!” “Gesundheit.” Lyra replied. “Thank you. That was very unexpected.” Bonbon admitted, before shaking it off, and the two continued to enjoy their milkshake. Back with the ninjas, Chief continued, “When I first learned about both groups, I couldn't believe it either. Mutant Turtles trained in ninjitsu, or even seven teenage girls wielding magic not of this world.” She was cut off as Mikey was moving his hand all through the hologram of Chief's waist, “Holograms are cool.” he said. “Michelangelo, will you please pay attention.” Chief said sternly. “Sorry, ma'am.” Mikey backed up to his bros. “Now then. We've received reports of VILE activity happening in New York. So I sent Ms. Argent here to investigate. And to my relief she found not only Carmen here, but you all as well.” “What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Carmen here?” Rarity inquired, as the crimson thief answered. “We have a on and off partnership.” “Even though we both have the same objective, Carmen here prefers to work her way.” Chief explained. “Well, everyone does have their comfort zone.” Twilight admitted. Chief nodded, “Now then, shall we talk shop?” Carmen decided to divulge, “Well, Chief, VILE is stationed here in New York. They've struck a deal with an enemy of the ninjas and Rainbooms here.” “Go on.” Chief turned to Leo who continued. “Our enemy Baxter Stockman has agreed to supply VILE with shipments of mutagen in exchange for not only money but to become one of them.” “Tell me about this mutagen.” Carmen answered, “It's an unstable chemical that can mutate the DNA of anything organic that comes into contact with it. Believe me, I've seen what it can do up close.” “It turned three of VILE's operatives into mutant animal hybrids.” Ivy explained. “And it's how my brothers and I became what we are today.” Leo finished. “I see. Then it seems there's more work to be done. Agent Argent, remain in the city for now. And report to us anything that can help.” “Understand, Chief.” Julia replied. Chief turned to the group, “Play nice now. And I'll talk to you all later.” the hologram vanished, and the pen fell over. Twilight picked up the pen, “The technology ACME has is amazing.” “No kidding.” Donnie agreed. “Oh, yes. Quite advanced for earth tech.” Fugitoid added. Carmen looked to Julia, “So, Jules. Looks like we'll be working together again.” “So it seems.” Julia nodded. “Can we get pizza now? I'm hungry.” Zack complained. “Don't worry, I'm all over it.” Keno said, as he headed for the fire escape. “Care to stick around, Julia?” Leo offered. “Well, I am quite hungry.” Julia admitted. Soon enough Keno returned with pizzas for everyone. As they enjoyed their slices, the turtles and Rainbooms were getting to know Julia some more. “So you and this Chase Devineaux were first on Carmen's trail back in Paris?” Karai asked Julia. Julia after taking a bite of her slice answered, “Yes. At first Devineaux was recruited into ACME, until I followed a trail of his mints to where he and Chief were discussing about Carmen Sandiego and VILE.” “So you were let into ACME on a whim?” Raph asked. “Well, that's one way. But the Chief was impressed my by attention to detail. A lot more than Devineaux ever did.” she sighed. “Sounds like this Devineaux was a real jerk.” Rainbow said. “He was very hard to work with due to his ego and failure to pay attention to detail. He was still my partner. And I felt bad when the Chief dismissed him.” “I just can't believe he's so bad with cars.” Donnie said in disbelief. “Yeah, even I wouldn't crash a vehicle into water.” Mikey said. “That's because we don't let you drive so much.” Raph reminded him. Julia looked to Fugitoid, “Forgive me, Professor. But I just can't believe the ability to embed one's brain into a robot body is actually possible.” “Well, it is, Ms. Argent. Because if not then I wouldn't be here today.” Fugitoid said. Rarity inspected Julia's uniform, “I will say ACME certainly has a marvelous uniform. I must know of the tailor.” Julia smiled, “And I have to say in my research over you girls I have never heard such wonderful music before.” “Well, we are awesome after all.” Rainbow boasted. “Yes. You all certainly are.” Julia said, as she scratched Spike's head. “Well, Jules, hope you're ready for an even bigger team up,” Carmen said, “Especially when you're working with this lot.” she motioned to the ninjas and the Rainbooms who waved. “It will be an honor.” Julia replied with a smile. “Oh, yeah. It's gonna be sweet! Booyakasha!” Mikey announced. Julia tilted her head before looking at Carmen who answered, “It's their catchphrase. Go with it.” Meanwhile in Stockman's lab, the villainous scientist was at a computer while a giant vat of mutagen was set up. When he heard the door open, he spun around to see Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo still as mutants enter. “Ah, welcome back, you three. How did your meeting with the Faculty go?” he asked. “It was awkward.” Tigress answered. “And embarrassing.” Le Chevre added. “Well, I hope you three are ready to get back out there.” “We are. But with another plan for now.” El Topo replied. “What do you mean?” Stockman inquired. “What he means is, there is something I need to do.” came a voice, as Dr. Bellum entered. “Dr. Bellum!” Stockman gasped, as he got up. “I assume you're wondering why I've come here.” she inquired. “I'll admit I wasn't expecting you. As you can see I'm prepping the mutagen now.” Stockman motioned to the vat. “Excellent. But until it is ready I have business to take care of.” “What kind of business?” “I've come to get reacquainted with an old pupil of mine.” Dr. Bellum replied. > Remembering Old Lives > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Out in New York one night, the turtles, Rainbooms, April, Casey, Karai, Shini, Keno, and Fugitoid led Zack, Ivy, Carmen, and Shadowsan who were both dressed in their casual clothes to a familiar noodle shop. “Here we are,” April began, “Welcome to 24/7.” “Unique name.” Carmen said. “And you're sure the owner here won't have a problem with the guys and Fugitoid?” Ivy motioned to the five. “At first we were concerned, until April mentioned the chef was blind so we wouldn't have to worry about any freak outs.” Leo explained. “Turns out, he knew what we are and he was totally chill about it.” Mikey added. “And this is where you first fought the Purple Dragons?” Zack asked. “Yeah. Back when they were just a three man gang.” Donnie replied. “Can ya really call it a gang if there was only three guys?” Ivy asked, as they all shrugged. “Come on, let's eat.” Rainbow said, as they went inside. As they entered, they noticed Murakami behind the counter, “Hey, Mr. Murakami.” April greeted. “What up?” Mikey asked. Murakami hearing the voices answered, “Ah, April-chan. It's good to hear you again. And I sense you brought your friends.” “Hey, Murakami.” Sunset greeted. “Hello, Sunset Shimmer. It's good to have you here, and the rest of the Rainbooms.” Karai nervously spoke, “Um, hi, Murakami...” “Hello, Harmony.” he greeted. “Harmony?” Zack asked. “That's what my name means in English,” Karai explained, before speaking to the chef, “Look. I never got to tell you this, but I'm sorry for the trouble I caused in your shop those two times. I was being stupid and an idiot.” Murakami smiled, “It is quite alright, my dear. The past is in the past. But the future always remains bright.” Karai smiled, “Thank you.” Murakami listened, “And it seems you brought more friends as well.” Shini spoke up, “Konichiwa, Murakami-san. I am Shinigami.” “And I'm Keno. I'm a delivery boy for Antonio's. I hope that won't be a problem for you.” “Nonsense. It doesn't matter what food chain you work for. We are all people here... In a sense.” he joked, as Mikey laughed. Carmen spoke, “Nice to meet you, Mr Murakami. I'm Carmen. And this is Zack & Ivy and-” Shadowsan spoke up giving a formal greeting in Japanese before finishing in English, “My old friend.” Murakami listened and gasped, “Suhara? Well, this is a surprise.” “Huh?” the group asked in confusion. “You guys know each other?” Casey asked. “Your name's Suhara?” Pinkie asked the former Faculty member. “Indeed. I met Murakami many years ago, back in Japan...” Shadowsan began, “He was the apprentice to the local chef in my home village. Despite his disability he proved to be very talented when it came to preparing food.” “That's for sure.” Mikey agreed, only to get hushed by his brothers. “Murakami was also a very generous soul. He had often given me various free meals when I could not afford them.” Murakami nodded, “It was Suhara that inspired me to come to America and set up my shop.” Shadowsan looked around impressed, “And you have done well for yourself, old friend.” “Dōmo arigatō, my friend. How is your brother Hideo?” At the mention of that name, Shadowsan looked remorse before answering, “He is doing well.” “So shall I make the special?” Murakami asked. “You know it.” Mikey confirmed. “What's the special?” Ivy asked. “You'll find out.” Twilight replied. As Murakami started making the food, Fluttershy noticed Shadowsan still looking down, “Shadowsan, are you ok?” “Forgive me, it's just terrible memories.” “Does this have anything to do with your brother, Hideo, was it?” Rarity inquired. “Unfortunately,” Shadowsan admitted, “When I was just a child, it was just me and my older brother Hideo. He was the scholarly type and possessed discipline, while I did not.” “Ah, a rebel.” Rainbow smirked. “Every family's got one of them,” Keno replied, before turning to A.J and Rarity, “Better hope your sisters aren't like that.” “Oh, that I needed to think about.” Applejack replied sarcastically. "Now I'll never stop worrying." Rarity sighed. They piped down, as Shadowsan continued, “Hideo was content on living on a scholar's wages, while I was not. I always believed I deserved better. So I chose my path into a life of crime. To earn my stripes I boasted of stealing something of great value. So I made it my mission to steal the Daisho.” “Daisho?” Casey asked. Leo explained, “It's the term for a pair of traditionally made Japanese swords worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan.” Shadowsan nodded, “Upon doing so I realized I made a profound error in judgment. My brother who was the curator stopped me and I was only able to make off with one of the swords. By separating the two halves of the Daisho, I separated the two of us.” “Whoa.” The Rainbooms gasped. “It was many years later, while we were on a mission in Japan I took this as a chance to redeem myself by returning the sword I stole.” “Once we had to keep VILE from stealing the other one, which was their way of drawing Shadowsan out since he betrayed them.” Carmen said. The adult continued, “Afterward, I returned the katana and apologized to Hideo. However, Hideo said nothing and left me. I fear he will never forgive me.” he looked down sadly. Mikey was slack jawed, “Dude! That's so deep!” “That is so sad!” Pinkie cried. Fluttershy hugged him, “I'm so sorry, Shadowsan.” Shadowsan smiled at the girls kindness. Donnie looked to April who nodded, and the smart one spoke, “You know, I've been where you are. You see, my brothers and I once hijacked a Kraang ship that was full of mutagen canisters. But then we had a little mishap and accidentally spilled all the canisters all over the city.” “One of them hit my dad and mutated him into a bat.” April added. “For real?!” Ivy gasped. “That's messed up.” Zack said in shock. April nodded, “When I found out the Turtles were the one's responsible, I was so mad that I ended my friendship with them and said that I never wanted to see them again.” “Really?” Carmen asked. “Yeah, and that broke Donnie's heart.” Mikey noted. “So how'd you all make up?” Ivy wondered. “That's kinda because of me,” Karai admitted, “Back when I was still a bad girl, I wanted to prove to the Shredder I could handle things while he was away. So I used a new robot the Kraang built to catch April hoping to lure the guys out.” “Yeah, and it almost worked,” April admitted, “But thanks to some shared words by Donnie and Casey I realized that some things are beyond our control. And when Karai confronted me, I called for their help. And later I made amends with them all not wanting anything to come between us again. So, if I can forgive the Turtles for their mistake, then I'm sure your brother will forgive you in time.” Murakami overhearing them spoke, “I agree. Time heals all wounds. And your brother will find it in his heart to forgive you.” “Quite right,” Fugitoid agreed, “Take it from me. I made a big mistake that ended up costing two worlds.” “That black hole generator device?” Carmen asked. “Yes. I was haunted by this great mistake for a long time. And when I confessed I nearly lost the trust of all my new friends.” Fugitoid looked down in remorse. “But you made up for it, Fugiotid.” Leo assured him. “You gave your own life to save us all.” Applejack added. “And you eventually came back to us.” Fluttershy smiled. “I know,” Fugitoid replied looking happy, before turning to Shadowsan, “So just give it time. Things are bound to get better one of these days.” Shadowsan smiled with renewed hope. When the food was served up, Team Carmen looked the dish over, “What do you call this?” Ivy asked. “Pizza gyoza.” Mikey answered. “A little something Murakami created on his own.” Sunset explained. “As long as it doesn't have fish, then I'm open to try it.” Zack said, as he, Ivy, Carmen, and Shadowsan picked one up with their chopsticks and took a bite. “Wow,” Ivy gasped, “This is amazing!” “I'm impressed.” Carmen added. “Once again, Murakami, your creativity knows no bound.” Shadowsan commended him. The guys looked to Zack who froze, “Uh, Zack?” Rainbow asked. “Are you ok?” Karai asked. “I... have... tasted... heaven!” Zack cheered. “I know what ya mean, bud.” Mikey said. And so they enjoyed their food, until someone unexpectedly entered the shop and spoke in an Australian accent, “Noodles, please.” “Coming right up.” Murakami answered. Carmen paused, as they all looked to see former VILE operative Crackle, “Graham?” “Carmen?” the young man asked, before smiling, “Well, this is certainly a small world, eh?” The turtles and Fugitoid looked nervous, and were about to leave, until he spotted them, “Hey, you guys.” They froze, as Leo spoke nervously, “Look, sir. I know we may seem different. But I promise-” “Wicked cosplay.” he commended them. “Cospl-” Mikey was cut off as Raph clamped his mouth shut. “Yeah. That's right. Cosplay. We're totally cosplaying.” Graham took noticed of the Rainbooms and whistled, “Didn't know there was a cheerleader convention in the city.” The girls felt sheepish, while Rarity giggled, “Oh, such a charmer.” “So who're you?” Casey asked. “Graham's the name. Nice to meetcha. So, Carmen, ya gonna introduce me to your friends?” “Right. Graham, this is April, Casey, Karai, Shinigami, and Keno.” April gave him a smile, Casey gave him a smirk, Karai nodded, Shinigami winked, and Keno smirked, “The 'cosplayers' are Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael.” “You may call me Fugitoid.” the cyborg greeted. “Wild. And who're these lovely ladies?” he eyed the Rainbooms. “These are the Rainbooms,” Carmen continued, “Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy...” Spike barked as he jumped into her lap, “And this is Spike.” Spike panted happily, as Graham playfully pat the pups head. Leo spoke up, “So, uh, Graham, how do you know Carmen?” “I actually met her in my home country of Sydney Australia. I work at the Sydney Opera House as a Junior Electrician. We got to talking and I asked if she'd meet me at my favorites cafe. Unfortunately, she didn't. But it's all good. I met up with her again some time later when she needed me to come with her to New Zealand to do some 'work' if you will. Afterward we finally got that coffee she promised me back in Sydney.” “Really?” Rarity asked, as she eyed Carmen who kept a professional look. “So what're you doing here in New York?” Carmen asked. “Just doing a electricians job here in the city. How about yourself? More of your special work?” Graham raised his brow. “Something like that.” “Here you go. Thank you for waiting.” Murakami sat down a bowl of noodles for Graham. “Mm. Delicious.” Graham started eating. When he finished, he paid for his meal and spoke, “Well, I gotta get going. It was nice meeting you all.” he took his leave. Twilight spoke to Carmen, “What was that about?” “Graham was actually a former VILE classmate of mine code-named 'Crackle'.” “Former?” Raph asked. “Why's that?” Donnie asked. “Because he was compromised on a mission,” Shadowsan answered, “In VILE it matters not if you fail your mission. Getting caught however is intolerable and puts VILE itself at risk. To ensure nothing compromises us, any student or faculty member that is captured by the law is extracted and have their entire memory of VILE or anything related to it erased from their minds.” “They really do that?” Sunset asked in shock. “Well, that's better than any other alternative.” Raph said feeling they could do worse. “So how did 'Crackle' get compromised?” Leo inquired. “On one of my previous missions awhile back, Crackle caught up to me and planned to take me in. But I pulled a fast one on him leaving him for the authorities.” Carmen answered. “And this job he talked about with you?” Keno asked. “I needed his skills as an electrician to break into someplace and thwart VILE.” “And he has no memory of being part of VILE at all?” Karai asked. “None at all.” Shadowsan confirmed. “Which is just as good.” Ivy said. “Yeah. Last thing we want is him crawling back to VILE.” Zack added. Everyone agreed, as they continued to enjoy their food. Meanwhile at Stockman's lab, the mad genius was speaking with Dr. Bellum, while the three mutant operatives stood off to the side. “Wait a minute. You mean to tell me one of my former allies was a student of yours?” Stockman asked Bellum in surprise. “Yes,” Bellum confirmed, “Anton Zeck was one of my top students. But he betrayed VILE.” “Well, at least he still did what you helped train him to do.” Stockman noted. “He swore loyalty to VILE when he was brought in,” Bellum replied sternly, “But he broke that vow when he escaped. And now I hear he has become a hero who fights crime?” “Surprised me too.” Stockman admitted. “Well, I intend to make him pay for his betrayal. But I also wish to capture the two specific girls I've been told about.” Bellum showed Stockman her laptop that had a split screen featuring both April and Karai. “April O'Neil and Karai.” Stockman said. “Yes. The redhead is said to possess psychic powers and this one can turn into a mutant snake at will.” “Correct. Though the second one is because of me. Long story.” “If I can find a way to harness their abilities and replicate them just imagine the operatives we could train at VILE.” Bellum imagined. “That would be very beneficial, Doctor,” Stockman admitted, “So we need to bait those two away from the others.” “If it's a diversion you want,” Tigress began, “We'd be more than happy to provide one.” “We do have a score to settle with those girls and turtles.” Le Chevre added. “And a chance to break in these new mutant bodies as well.” El Topo put in. “In that case take my robots with you. After all there are safety in numbers.” Stockman noted. “Agreed,” Bellum confirmed, before thinking, 'Anton, I hope you're ready for a little teacher student reunion.' > Ambush Abduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After enjoying their meal at Murakami's, the group was relaxing on a rooftop looking up at the clear sky. “Nice night, isn't it?” Donnie asked the group. “It's lovely.” Rarity marveled. “It sure is.” Carmen agreed. “It's really good to take a moment to stop and take a breather.” Rainbow admitted. “Ya got that right.” Applejack agreed. “I couldn't get enough of that pizza gyouza,” Zack admitted, “If only they came microwaveable.” “That would be perfect.” Mikey said liking the idea. “Then it wouldn't be so unique.” April noted. “She's right,” Sunset nodded, “If they came microwaveable then Murakami wouldn't be able to sell them as much.” “Just a suggestion.” Zack said. Suddenly they heard alarms go off, “Oh, terrific.” Ivy sighed. “Let's go.” Leo instructed, as they followed the sound. They landed on another roof top and looked down to see Tricera-Bots carrying bags of cash while two cops were laying up against their squad car knocked out. “Up for turning robot dinosaurs extinct?” Raph asked the group. “You know it.” Rainbow smirked. “Come on!” Sunset said as the ninjas made their way down, as Carmen dawned her coat and hat, looking ready to join in. They landed on the ground confronting the robot dinosaurs, “Drop the money!” Casey aimed his hockey stick at the robots. The Tricera-Bots just lifted their blasters up aiming them at the group, “Not what I was expecting.” Casey said nervously. “Did you expect them to actually listen?” Karai asked rhetorically. “Scatter!” Carmen called, as they spread out before the robots opened fire. “Take out the blasters!” Twilight ordered, as she went forward and disarmed one of the robots of its blaster before dodging its attack. The turtles, Rainbooms, and Carmen attacked the Tricera-Bots, while avoiding their blaster shots. Carmen kicked one robots blaster making it shoot another blaster out of another robot. “Good one, Carmen!” Zack called, before almost getting shot, and ducked behind a car. As April disarmed one of the robots, she used a psychic wave to push the robot back making it crash into another. She smirked, before sensing something else. “Sunset, look out!” she called. Sunset suddenly felt something tackle her, and pinned her against the wall of the bank. Sunset looked and her eyes widened as she was face to face with Mutant Tigress. “Oh, no!” she gasped. “Hello, Sunset.” Tigress smirked. Carmen spotting this called, “Let her go, Tigress!” “Yeah, back away from our friend, Tigress Claw!” Mikey ordered, after he took out a Tricera-Bot. Tigress responded, “Sorry, but I got a score to settle with her. And all of you. Oh, boys!” Before the Turtles could react, Le Chevre rammed Leo and Raph with his goat horns into a wall, “Bonjour!” he greeted them. As Donnie and Mikey looked in surprise, something tunneled around them, and both fell into a sink hole. They got up to see El Topo. “Èxito! El Topo is victor!” the mutant mole declared. The Rainbooms and their allies suddenly saw approaching and surrounding them were Stockman-Bots, with Stockman flying above them on his rocket boots. “Evening, ninjas!” Stockman laughed. “Stockman.” Keno squinted. “The young operatives wanted a chance to break in their new bodies, so I made sure to give you a reason to come out and play.” the scientist explained. Donnie and Mikey got out of the sink hole as Leo and Raph got themselves up, “Looks like round two.” Raph said. “So let's make this round a victory as well.” Leo said, as the group resumed fighting the new arrivals and Tricera-Bots. Tigress threw Sunset to the ground and tried to nail her with her claws, but she flipped out of the way and onto to her feet. “I'm sorry you got mutated, believe me, I don't feel good about it!” Sunset tried to reason, as Tigress roared and swung her claws, but Sunset dodged them, “And in my defense, I did try to warn you!” “I don't care!” Tigress roared, as she continued attacking Sunset who kept dodging the claw swipes. The mutant VILE agent kicked Sunset down. But just as she about to claw at her, Zack and Ivy charged at Tigress and tried to tackle her like they did in Africa, but when they did, Tigress didn't budge. “Wow! Really thought that would've worked again.” Zack said awkwardly. Tigress threw the two off, growling in annoyance, “And just what was that supposed to be?” Right after she said that, she was knocked down by a flying kick from both Carmen and Shinigami. “A distraction!” Ivy answered with a smirk. Shini twirled her hypno ball, “Get ready for round two, tiger!” Tigress growled, as she attacked Shini and Carmen, as Sunset got up and joined them. Meanwhile Donnie and Mikey were squaring off against El Topo who was swatting his clawed gloves at the turtles. After swatting El Topo back, Mikey spoke, “You know, Dirtbag, you seem a lot less bitter about being a mutant than your two teammates?” he jumped back avoiding the claws again, “And not mad at Sunset.” El Topo paused and explained with a smile, “This is an experience. And El Topo hates no one.” Donnie looked confused, “Even though you're basically a pawn for VILE?” El Topo still keeping his smile up continued, “Carmen one asked the same thing. But, we are all pawns in a... bigger game.” Donnie blinked, before looking to Mikey, “Huh? That's an insightful outlook.” As Stockman watched from above he spotted Karai and April each facing off against some of his robots. What the two kunoichis didn't know was the robots were actually backing them away closer to each other. Stockman looked around the corner of the block smirking knowing the two girls were playing right into his trap. As April and Karai were side by side, they were about to attack the Stockman-Bots together, only for Boris and Vlad the Cleaners to grab them from behind putting rags dabbed with chloroform to their nostrils making them inhale the content knocking them out and dropping their weapons. The Cleaners looked up at Stockman nodding before dragging them off. Stockman himself took his leave as well as the others were distracted. As the ninjas and their allies were about finished with the robots. Applejack dug her claw gloves into a Tricera-Bot before activating he magic strength to lift it up and toss it into a few Stockman-Bots finishing them off. “Oh, yeah!” Mikey cheered, “They're down and out now!” Tigress smirked, as she backed away, “Down, yes. Out? I don't think so!” The group was confused, “What are you talking about, we just beat you guys!” “Did you?” Tigress asked with a sneer. “You look like you're missing some friends, no?” Le Chevre motioned behind them. They all looked and saw April and Karai's swords laying on the ground and the kunouichi were no where in sight. “Karai!” Shini cried. “April!” Donnie shouted. Leo frowned and spoke to the mutant operatives, “Where are they?” El Topo answered, as he and Le Chevre stood by Tigress' side, “Dr. Bellum was very interested in the señoras.” “Dr. Bellum?” Carmen gasped. “No!” Shadowsan gasped in equal shock. Applejack frowned, “If that mad scientist lays one hand on our friends!” Tigress cut her off. “Your threats won't do anything! I believe our work is done.” “Au revoir!” Le Chevre said, as El Topo dug an escape hole, and the two jumped in making their escape through the tunnel he created. The group was in shock, as Mikey spoke, “You know what Dirtbag said about 'we're all pawns in a bigger game'? Maybe this is like an example.” his brothers gave him a dry look. “We have to go after them.” Sunset said. “With El Topo's enhanced abilities thanks to be a mole now he'll be too far ahead for us to follow him.” Carmen said. “So we do nothing?” Rainbow asked in outrage. “Not necessarily,” Donnie replied, as he pulled out his T-Phone to reveal a moving beacon on the screen. “Is that?” Ivy asked. “I snuck a spy roach on El Topo while we were fighting. Just in case.” “Clever.” Carmen admitted. “We better hurry and follow the trail.” Shadowsan instructed, as Donnie led the way. Meanwhile, Bebop was skating around the city via his energy streams looking around, “Dang, looks like a quiet evening tonight. Maybe I should get back to base. But I should bring back some take out for Rock.” he was prepared to head back before his goggles caught some familiar signatures. He looked down at a moving van, and two familiar signatures coming from it, "Ain't that Karai and April? But who's got them?” he zipped after them while making sure to stay out of sight, while getting closer to see who was driving. When he got close enough he saw the two men driving the van, “The Cleaners!” he squealed in shock, “Oh, no. They got! I gotta!” he tapped the communicator in his goggles, “Yo, Leo, ya there?” “I read you, Bebop, what's up?” came Leo's voice. “I just spotted April and Karai. The Cleaners got them!” “The Cleaners?!” came Carmen and Shadowsan's voices. “I'm trailing them right now.” “Stay on it, we'll be there soon.” Sunset ordered. “Gotcha!” Bebop answered before ending transmission and followed the van. As the ninjas were also following the operatives trail, Pinkie cried, “Not the Cleaners!” she whispered to her friends, “I have no idea who they are.” “But we do,” Carmen answered, “The Cleaners are supposed to be VILE Academy's janitorial team.” “Janitors are supposed to be dangerous?” Raph asked in disbelief. “Do not be fooled by their title,” Shadowsan warned him, “They are also trained agents in covering things up that could compromise VILE. They're dispatched to extricate members who've been caught after failing their missions and make sure any trace of that operative is scrubbed clean from all law enforcement records.” “They're that good, huh?” Rainbow asked. “The Cleaners are diligent. They work quickly, quietly, and without complaint. And they know no fear.” Shadowsan finished. “Then we must hurry and keep on the trail.” Fugitoid instructed, as they pressed on. As Bebop continued to follow the van he saw it pull up outside a familiar location, “Stockman's lab?” he saw Boris and Vlad get out of the van, open up the back, and carry the still unconscious girls inside, “Looks like I'm goin' in.” Bebop activated his invisibility field and slipped into the lair before the doors closed. The Cleaners carried the girls into the lab area where Dr. Bellum was waiting. When she saw the two she clapped joyfully, “Ah my two subjects are here. And in good condition. Well done, boys. Strap them in.” The Cleaners strapped Karai and April on separate tables with a helmet being placed on April's head. Bebop while still invisible kept off to the side out of the way and waited for the right moment to make his move. Soon the girls regained consciousness and saw they were in a lab, “What the? Karai, are you ok?” April asked, as she turned her head to see Karai in the same position as her. “I think so,” she answered, before noticing they were strapped on the lab tables, “What the?!” “What's going on?!” April struggled. “Do not bother struggling. Those restraints were made specifically for you both,” the two saw Dr. Bellum approach with Boris and Vlad, “Namaste, April O'Neil and Hamato Karai. A pleasure it is to finally meet you.” “Who're you?” April asked. “Ah, yes, allow me to introduce myself. Doctor. Dr. Saira Bellum. At your service. Though I assume Black Sheep and Shadowsan have already informed you of me?” “Yes. And so did your trophy student!” Karai replied. “Ah, Anton Zeck. He was my best student,” Bellum sighed in nostalgia, before sounding bitter, “I was very disheartened when he left the island.” “No offense, but you don't sound very disheartened.” April noted. “Looks and sounds can be deceiving.” The Faculty member answered. “Carmen and Shadowsan also told us you and the VILE faculty want mutagen. What for?” April questioned her. “Well, if you must know, at first, it was just to study it to see if it could be beneficial to us. But after seeing what it did to Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo, we had a change in plans.” “What plans?” Karai asked, as Bebop listened in. “That is for VILE to know and no one else.” “So why are we here?” April demanded. “What do you want from us?” Karai inquired. Bellum smirked, “Well you see, I was informed that the two of you possess very unique abilities,” she touched April's forehead, “You have a form of psychic telepathy,” she turned to Karai, “While you can change your body into a snake at will.” “Let me out of these restraints and I'll show it to you up close and personal!” Karai threatened her. Bellum ignored Karai's threat and continued, “Being a woman of science, I had to study them. But to do that, I had to require help.” The girls gasped as it suddenly dawned on them, “That ambush from the VILE mutants...” April began. “You sent them to attack us just to get to me and April!” Karai realized. “Correct,” Bellum nodded, “Just think, if I were to harness and replicate such abilities, I could genetically improve our VILE operatives.” she smirked. “I'd rather not!” Karai voiced her disapproval. “But first, I must learn what makes you tick.” Bellum said before walking off to a tool chest. April suddenly got nervous, “Uh, tell me you're not gonna do what I think you're going to do!” “Yes, I'm afraid I'm going to have dissect the two of you.” Bellum turned around while holding a mini buzz saw, before chuckling darkly. Karai and even Bebop gasped at what the mad doctor was planning, while April was in total shock, “No...” > Teacher and Pupil > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- April and Karai were panicking as Bellum was prepared to dissect them, “Uh, listen, Bellum,” April began nervously, “I'm no Donnie, but if you give me a minute, I can explain, as best as I can, how I got my powers. So you won't need do any dissecting! Cool?” Bellum just chuckled, “Nice try. Now don't worry, you shall only feel a slight pinch.” she was ready to move the small buzz saw closer to the red head. “April!” Karai cried. Before Bellum could bring the saw any closer, a laser shot hit it right out of her hand, “What?” Bellum gasped, before hearing a familiar laugh. “Hee-hee!” suddenly Bebop appeared, grabbed her by the hand and spun her around with a twirl, “Long time no see, Dr. B.” Bellum looked at the mutant warthog, before giving a laugh, “Anton! My start pupil!” Bebop smiled, before noticing the Cleaners, “Hey, Boris. Hey, Vlad.” The two men keeping their dry expressions answered with a nod, “Zeck.” the two took their leave. Dr. Bellum continued, “It's been so long since I've seen you, Anton.” “I know, right?” “Look what's become of you.” Bellum said in sympathy. “Yeah, wouldn't be my first choice in a new look.” Bebop shrugged. “For what it's worth, it is good to see you again.” Bellum admitted. “Yeah. Good to see you too.” Bebop smiled, as the two kunoichi looked at each other oddly. Meanwhile, the ninjas, Rainbooms, and thieves followed the trail leading them to Stockman's hideout, “Stockman's place.” Sunset noted. “Of course.” Raph said dryly. “Come on, yo!” Mikey began, “Let's get in there and...” As he grabbed hold of the door handles he ended up getting shocked before being launched back into a wall. “Mikey!” Leo and Pinkie ran over to him. “Are you ok?” Leo asked. “That hurt.” Mikey groaned. Twilight looked up seeing several security blasters on the side of the walls, while noticing electrical currents running through the doors. “Security upgrade. Getting in there won't be easy as other times.” she said. Donnie went to the security box, “Let's see, I think I might be able to-” Donnie was suddenly zapped himself, as he tried to hack it, “Aaahhhh!” he dropped to the ground with his body smoking. “Donnie!” Applejack called. “That's gotta hurt.” Zack said. “Are you alright?” Rarity asked in concern. Donnie groaned, “Dr. Bellum must have rigged it so it couldn't be hacked! I don't know whether to be impressed or annoyed?!” “How are we gonna get in to save April and Karai?!” Rainbow asked the group. The group tried to think, while Pinkie and and Mikey suddenly got an idea and nodded to each other, “Everyone stay here! We know who can deactivate Dr. B's security system!” Mikey said. “You do?” Ivy asked curiously. “Who would that be?” Sunset Shimmer asked. “You'll see... be back in a flash!” Pinkie answered, as they threw down some smoke bombs and vanished. “Whoever they have in mind, they better be quick.” Fugitoid said. “Yeah. No telling what Bellum's gonna do to them.” Carmen said in worry. Back inside, Bebop and Bellum continued to converse, “I see you've made some modifications to my suit,” the doctor began, as she paced around looking at her former pupil, “I had hoped to give it to you as a graduation gift.” “Hey, I got it didn't I?” Bebop shrugged. “Anton, why did you do it?” Bellum asked in disbelief. “VILE was meant to unlock my true potential, and you succeeded,” Bebop began, as he thought back to his days at the academy, “But stealing for one organization? Nah, there had to be more to it. So I decided to start thinking what was best for me. Working for myself to make some profit. And let me tell ya so many others were willing to pay me top dollar to steal stuff for them, even trying to out pay each other. What would you give me in return for completing my missions?” “A roof over your head, good food, and comfort!” Bellum answered, “That is what family does!” “Maybe so, but being out there living the life instead of in one location. That was living.” Bellum scowled, “Anton, it was bad enough you went and betrayed VILE to go solo. Now I hear from Stockman you're out there playing the hero and turning on your own?” Bebop frowned, “That's not your business.” Bellum frowned back, “It is my business. You belong with me and VILE. It's where you've always belonged.” Bebop looked down, as guilt started to creep over him. Back outside, the guys continued to wait, until Mikey and Pinkie reappeared, “We're back!” Pinkie announced. “Bout time.” Raph replied. “So who did you guys bring to help?” Applejack wondered. “Just some dude who's good with electronics.” Mikey smirked. Everyone looked, and to their surprise saw Graham running over looking out of breath, “You two gonna tell me why you needed my help?” he looked to Pinkie, “And why you dressed me up in this?” he motioned to himself, as everyone saw he was wearing his old VILE jumpsuit. “Well, you see, two of our friends got kidnapped and taken to this place.” Mikey explained. “Kidnapped?” Graham gasped. Carmen spoke, “Sorry about this, but you may be the only one who can help us get in and save our friends.” “Before the ones who kidnapped them do something terribly bad to them.” Shini added. “Okay. So why am I dressed like this?” Graham continued. “I thought you should look the part.” Pinkie grinned, much to Graham's confusion. “Please. I know this is asking a lot, but we really need your help.” Carmen added. Graham looked to Carmen, before turning to the Turtles and Fugitoid, “You're not really cosplayers, are you?” Leo sighed, “No. We're not.” Graham pondered, before smiling, “Well, New York is always full of crazy stuff. Count me in.” “Really? Like that?” Twilight asked in disbelief. “We're the good guys, aren't we?” he asked. Carmen smiled, as did Sunset who answered, “We sure are.” “Alright, let me see what I can do.” Graham started studying the security box and started tinkering with the controls. The group watched him work, as Rainbow whispered to the others, “Wow, for not remembering being a thief, he still knows his field.” Finally Graham disabled the extra security, “And, bingo!” Applejack punched the doors down, and they rushed in, “We gotta hurry. Hopefully Bebop got here in time to help.” Suddenly they came to a halt as they saw the Mutant VILE Trio, the Cleaners, and several Stockman Bots. “You guys ain't going any further.” Tigress growled, while showing her claws. “Crikey.” Graham gasped. “Take 'em!” Leo ordered, as they split up. Shini, Mikey, and Casey fought against the trio, while Leo and Raph went for the Cleaners, leaving the others to fight the robots. As Leo attacked Boris, the man dodged, before grabbing a mop and fought back, “Do not underestimate the Cleaners.” he warned the turtle leader. “How about I clean both your clocks?” Raph asked, as he attacked Vlad who used his own skills to dodge Raph's sais. As Carmen took out one of the Stockman bots, she turned to Graham, Zack, and Ivy, “Go!” Graham taking the hint slipped past the enemies, and went on ahead with Carmen's partners. When they arrived, they kept hidden, before seeing Bebop and Bellum still conversing. Zack noticed April and Karai, “There they are.” he whispered. “Cover me, you two.” Grahama ordered. “We got your back.” Ivy assured him, as he slowly crept along the ground with the sibs following. Bellum continued speaking to Bebop, “But, I am a forgiving woman. So, I'm willing to give you a second chance, if you return to VILE.” Bebop still feeling overwhelmed with guilt suddenly noticed Graham and the two sibs sneaking close to Karai and April, with Graham giving him a wink. Bebop renewed with confidence provided a distraction. “Sorry, Dr. B, but you must think I'm pretty dumb, if you think I'd back to VILE just like that! Cause leaving VILE was the smartest thing I ever did! And I've seen where working for bad guys has led me. So you can take your offer and stuff it in your lab coat pocket, cause I ain't never going back to VILE!” he squealed. Dr. Bellum had walked to him with her head down, “I understand...” Suddenly, Bebop was shocked and dropped to the ground, “Bebop!” the two kunoichi's cried. Until Graham came up behind April's table. Bebop groaned, as he clutched his side, while looking up at Dr. Bellum who had been holding a crackle rod. “Such a disappointment. It would appear I shall have to mind wipe you after all.” The doc took out a mind helmet. As Bebop struggled to get up, he spoke to her, “You know, Dr. B, you're a smart girl. But even smart people can slip up.” “And why do you say that?” Bellum asked curiously, while unaware Graham had freed April and Karai, while Zack and Ivy returned their weapons. “Cause I was distracting you this whole time! Right, ladies?” Dr. Bellum whipped around and was met with two kunouichi's fists, and they punched her back, making her drop the helmet. “Booyakasha!” April and Karai announced. “Wow. Michelangelo's right. It is fun to yell.” Karai admitted. Bellum frowned, and was ready to attack, until Bebop got up and called, “Shamone!” he launched an energy mohawk at her knocking her to the floor. Bellum looked at her former pupil seeing him stand tall and proud, “They... grow up... so fast... Ugh!” she groaned. Suddenly flying down the hall and crashing was the Cleaners and Mutant operatives, “We had them on the run, but that nerd girl used her power and flung us all back.” Tigress groaned. The heroes arrived with Pinkie holding some Stockman Bot parts, “Is the party too late?” Pinkie asked. “Nah, girl. You're here just in time.” Bebop answered. Bellum frowned, and activated a remote summoning Tricera-Bots, “Alright, round two.” Rainbow said eagerly. The ninjas and Rainbooms took off attacking the robot dinosaurs, as the Mutant trio resumed fighting. April used her psychic powers to make the robots turn their blasters on each other and take themselves out. “That felt good.” April told herself. Karai nodded, before turning to Bellum still armed with a crackle rod, “My turn!” she shifted into her snake mode and went for her. “My goodness!” Bellum gasped, as she tried to his the snake girl with the rod, only for Karai to knock it out of her hand. “Now see what it's like to get bitten.” Karai tried to bite her with her snake head hands, only for Le Chevre and El Topo to block her. “Now you get the horns!” Le Chevre rammed Karai backward, but the snake girl coiled around the goat man and tightened her grip until he passed out. El Topo turned to the faculty member, “Doctor, we better take off while we can.” Dr. Bellum scowled, and sighed, “You're right,” she turned to Bebop and addressed him, “Goodbye, Anton. When next we meet it won't be as student and teacher.” “Until then.” Vlad said, as Boris grabbed Le Chevre, and Tigress landed by them. The Cleaners tossed a flash bomb blinding the group allowing the villains to make their escape. Graham turned to Bebop and spoke, “That was some messed up teacher you had there, mate.” “You got that right, man.” Bebop answered. “So, um, name's Graham. And you are?” “Anton Zeck. But you can call me Bebop.” “Well, Bebop, nice to meet ya.” Graham said, as they shook hands. “Likewise. And thanks for saving my homies.” “You're welcome. And thanks for the distraction.” the two smiled, as the group left the lab. Once they got away from Stockman's lab, Graham spoke, “Well, I better get going. It's been a long night.” “Graham, you won't tell anybody about my mutant friends, will you?” Carmen asked in concern. “Not to worry. I'd never rat out a friend. You guys are all right by me.” he told the turtles and Bebop. “Thanks, Graham.” Leo replied. “You truly have honor.” Rarity admired. “Thanks. Well, see ya.” Graham took off. As he left, Bebop looked a little down, which didn't go unnoticed by Fluttershy, “Bebop, are you okay?” “Yeah, yeah, I'm good,” Bebop answered with a sigh, “It's just that...” he took out a picture of himself when he was human and Graham when he was Crackle, “Crackle and me were buds back in the academy.” “You really were friends?” Pinkie asked. “Yeah. He was pretty much the only real friend I had when I was at VILE,” he confessed, “But since Dr. B mind wiped him, he's never gonna remember all that.” he looked down. Carmen laid a hand on him grabbing his attention, “He was my friend at the academy too. And I got mixed feelings when I saw him again. But you know, you've still got one friend from the academy.” she winked. Bebop smiled, “Thanks, Carm.” “And it's not just her, Bebop,” Sunset said, “You have new friends now in all of us.” she motioned to the rest of the group. “And we're not just friends. We're a family.” Applejack added. Bebop smiled, as the whole group gathered around him from both sides in a group hug. Shadowsan appeared, “So it appears you all succeeded.” “Shadowsan, where were you?” Carmen asked. “Yeah, we lost sight of you while in pursuit of the Cleaners.” Leo noted. “Let me just say I had my hunches Michelangelo and Pinkie Pie were planning on brining Mr. Graham in to help infiltrate Stockman's lab. I did not want my appearance to possibly reawaken any hidden memories within him at the time. Why else would I have kept my face away from his sight at Murakami's?” “Makes sense.” Donnie admitted. “But it didn't look like being close to Bellum or any of the others triggered anything.” Twilight noted. “Probably because he wouldn't recognize his old classmates with those hairy faces.” Ivy replied. “Come on, team. Let's go.” Leo said, as they headed back to the lair. Later on, Bellum and Stockman were seated with the rest of the Faculty, who did not look too pleased, “What have you to report?” Maelstrom inquired. “Well, first off let me just say it's an honor to be sitting with all of you here.” Stockman began, until Cleo spoke up. “Today, Stockman!” Stockman nervously gulped before speaking, “Right. So the mutagen is all ready. It's prepped and ready to be administered.” “I can confirm on that.” Bellum assured her fellow faculty members. “But I will need files on all your best operatives to determine what DNA to combine with them.” Stockman noted. “You're asking us to hand you classified data on our most skilled operatives?” Maelstrom asked while squinting. “If you wish for me to perfectly suit your operatives with the right type of DNA, I'll need to know more about them inside and out.” Stockman answered. “How do we know you won't keep those files for yourself?” Brunt asked suspiciously. “Coach, what use could I have with keeping such files?” Stockman asked rhetorically, “I am a scientist, not an investigator.” “I concur,” Bellum agreed, “The only way to properly see our operatives work at their peak with their mutated DNA is if Stockman knows them the way we do.” The three faculty members looked reluctant, before Maelstrom sighed, “Very well, we'll send you the files.” “Thank you.” “Hey. Hola? Perdoneme?” a female voice asked, speaking in Spanish. The Faculty and Stockman turned to see a teenage latino girl waitress with short dark brown hair, and holding a coffee pot. Her name tag read 'Gabrielle', "Are you weirdos gonna order something or just loiter around here all day?" She asked, while impatiently drumming her fingers on the table. As it turned out, the group of adults were seated at a diner in the city. Brunt held up her mug, “Top me off, sugar pie.” “I'll take some too.” Stockman added. The waitress filled their mugs and left. With her gone, Cleo spoke, “And what to do about the Turtles and the Rainbooms?” “Not to worry, Countess,” Bellum replied, “Stockman, has working on something special for each of us.” “And how soon until they are ready?” Maelstrom asked. “Give me a day and they'll be fully ready.” Stockman promised. “We'll hold ya to it, Stockman.” Brunt said. “Should this work, Stockman. You may be finding yourself sitting at the Faculty's side.” Maelstrom smirked. Stockman smirked, “Professor, you can count on me.” he took a sip of his coffee, before snickering. > VILE Plan in Motion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was nighttime in New York, and at Stockman's lair, the mad scientist himself was busy prepping a big tank of mutagen, while on a table was an assortment vials of liquid marked with a specific animal imprint in several vial holders. As Stockman checked his watch, he spoke to himself, "They should be here soon." he suddenly heard his door open, and entering was the VILE Faculty. "Dr. Stockman." Maelstrom greeted. "Welcome, Faculty." Stockman greeted. "Is the mutagen ready?" Bellum inquired. "All set," he confirmed, "Have you brought plenty of subjects for me to test?" "Open your garage door and find out." Brunt answered. Stockman clicked a remote opening the garage door to his lair and entering was the VILE Mutant Trio, followed by Paper Star, Dash Haber, Mime Bomb, Neal the Eel, and an entire battalion of VILE operatives be it former graduates or guards. "Is this enough?" Maelstrom asked rhetorically. "It's perfect." Stockman smirked. "It had better be," Cleo replied, "Those Turtles and Rainbooms have proven to be just as irksome as Carmen Sandiego." "Trust me, Countess. Once I'm done with them, they'll feel better than ever." "Very well," Maelstrom addressed the operatives and guards, "Welcome, VILE Operatives. Tonight, you will undergo a change. But rest assured Dr. Stockman here guarantees you will be better than you've ever been. Why just look at Tigress, El Topo, and Le Chevre." The three stood before them, as some of the operatives were still uncomfortable being around their new mutated looks. "Though different they may look now, rest assured they are still the same operatives you graduated with. But with a little more kick in their skills. And now you will have the opportunity to become stronger than ever thanks to Dr. Stockman's mutagen. Should any of you wish to decline this offer, you're welcomed to do so. However, should you choose to decline, you will face immediate memory wipe." The graduates and guards looked nervous at the ultimatum and chose not to raise their hands in decline. "Looks like it's unanimous." Brunt told the Faculty. Stockman took out a syringe gun dispenser. He absorbed some mutagen from the vat before adding a mix of animal DNA before asking the adults, "Would any of them like to volunteer?" Maelstrom motioned to one of the guards up front who approached Stockman, and announced, "For the glory of VILE!" he rolled up his sleeve and held out his arm. Stockman stuck the syringe needle into his arm and injected the chemicals into him. At first the guard started groaning while clutching his head while stumbling around until he dropped to the floor. The Faculty and the operatives watched him spazz around as he growled. Stockman spoke up, "Don't worry, he'll live... Probably." "We are a syndicate. We have many more just like him." Maelstrom answered sadistically. The guard's body started growing dark fur, while his nails grew long, and his feet burst out of his boots, along with a furry tail growing out of his behind. His head grew a snout, and soon the VILE guard stood as a brown dog mutant. He growled while looking around leaving all the operatives in shock, while the three mutant operatives smirked knowing they were no longer the only freaks present. "It works." Bellum marveled. "Excellent." Maelstrom smirked. "And this is only the beginning." Stockman replied, as he readied more mutagen and animal DNA for another operative. Meanwhile in the Turtles lair, Donnie was under the Shellraiser fixing it up with Ivy helping out. "Just a turn here, and voila!" Ivy declared, as they wheeled out from under the Shellraiser, "Shellraiser should be running better than ever now." "Thanks for you help, Ivy," Donnie began, "If I ever need assistance in repairing this or the Party Wagon, I know who to call." "My line's always open." the girl replied. The two joined the others in the living room who were kicking back and relaxing, "It's been awfully quiet the last few days." Carmen said suspiciously. "Yeah. No word of VILE or even Stockman." Rainbow added. "They are biding their time and waiting for the appropriate moment to strike." Shadowsan explained. "And when they do, we'll be ready for them." Raph said. "Yeah, but if our Intel and all the facts add up, VILE may be building a mutant army." Donnie feared, "And I don't have enough retromutagen to deal with a whole army." "We'll just have to make do with what we got." April said. "Winging has been our thing." Sunset admitted. "It would be nice to not always wing it." Leo replied. Suddenly a blue triangular portal appeared startling them, "What is that?" Zack asked in shock. "Don't worry, this is good." Fugitoid assured him. Exiting from the portal was the Utrom council, who took Carmen and her crew by surprise, "Greetings, Turtles, and Rainbooms." Bishop greeted. "Hey, Utroms!" Mikey greeted. "Good to see you guys!" Pinkie cheered. "What are they?" Ivy gasped. Fugitoid spoke, "Carmen and company, may I present to you the Utrom Council. Queen, Rook, Pawn, and Bishop." "A pleasure." Rook greeted. "So these are the good Kraang?" Zack asked, as he looked at Utrom Pawn in his droid's chest cavity. "So aliens do exist." Carmen said sounding intrigued. "Carmen Sandiego, a pleasure to finally meet you," Queen greeted, "We of the Utrom are aware of your exploits with your partners." "You've been watching us?" Carmen asked in confusion. "It is our duty to monitor the earth and wherever there may be threats. Such as this VILE." Bishop explained. "If you know about VILE, then why haven't you done anything to help us or expose them?" Ivy asked. "Because they got a law about interfering unless it really calls for their attention." Twilight explained. "The fact that you're here must mean it really is important?" Leo asked. "Precisely," Queen confirmed, "We have been monitoring the city and learned about your conflicts with VILE and your enemy Baxter Stockman." "Yeah. He intends on using mutagen with VILE to make mutant operatives." Applejack said. "And while we're all strong together with our teamwork, the last thing we need is more mutants tearing up this city." Donnie added. "Or to use whatever mutant abilities they gain in other heists." Carmen put in. "Which is precisely why we've come prepared for this." Pawn explained. "With what?" Fluttershy asked. "With these." Bishop presented two big cases and opened it to reveal several tranquilizer looking darts with a familiar orange serum loaded in them. "Retromutagen filled tranquilizer darts?" Twilight asked in surprise. "These are perfect!" Donnie cheered. "And with plenty of extras." Fugitoid added. "Very handy." Carmen smiled. "Put a stop to VILE and their plans with the mutagen no matter what." Bishop instructed. "Like you have to ask?" Keno asked rhetorically. "Good luck to all of you." Queen said, as they went back through the portal that closed up. "Nice folk." Zack admitted. "And it's nice we have allies in other dimensions." Carmen added. "So we got the stuff to deal with mutants, but we don't know where they'll strike." Ivy reminded them. "And in this city it could be anywhere." Rarity put in. "We're just going to have to keep an open eye out." Sunset said. "If any of our allies spot any trace of Stockman or VILE, they'll let us know." Leo assured them all. Back on the surface, Julia was out in the city taking a walk while surveying the scenery, "It has been a few days but there's been no new update from Carmen Sandiego, the Turtles, or the Rainbooms. I'd hate to think of them withholding information." she sighed, until she stopped to hear huge clanking footsteps. Curiously, the woman followed the sound before peeking around a corner and saw two Robo-Triceratons making their way down a street. Julia gasped and his from sight, "Those are two of the robot Triceratons they mentioned to me. But what could they be up too?" she peeked around the corner seeing they were still heading somewhere, "Well to gain answers, you must seek them." she tailed the robot dinosaurs while making sure not to be spotted. When Julia saw they entered Stockman's lair, she reached for her pen, but right after clicking it, she was grabbed from behind with her mouth being clamped shut. What grabbed her was a mutant gorilla wearing what remains of a VILE operative's uniform Julia dropped the pen right as it pointed upward and projected a hologram of the Chief. "Ms. Argent?" she asked before seeing Julia being carried off by the mutant gorilla, "Ms. Argent!" she called, only for something to drop through the hologram and smash the pen to pieces. The one who smashed it was a VILE operative mutated into a hippo. He looked seeing the pen smashed to pieces and followed his fellow mutant operative. > Message and Warning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- On one of the buildings roof tops, the ninjas, Rainbooms, Carmen, Zack, and Ivy were practicing their ninja moves, with Zack and Ivy improving better than how they did last time. “Not bad, you two.” Mikey told the sibs. “Just keep at it.” Keno said, as he did his own martial arts. “Thanks. Been trying to get Shadowsan to teach me for awhile.” Zack said, as he did some moves. “Bit annoying watching him plead for it.” Ivy added, making her brother pout. “Bet they never taught ya this at crime school, Carmen.” Rainbow told the crimson thief as they practiced side by side. Carmen smirked, “That's because the combat lessons we were taught were for more lethal strikes.” “If you had Shredder training you, trust me you and your old classmates would really be in a world of hurt.” Karai warned her. As they continued to train, April suddenly stopped and put a hand to her head concentrating. The others saw this and were concerned. “April?” Sunset asked. April spoke to them wearily, “Guys, there's someone up here with us.” “Right you are, young lady.” came a stern female voice. This got the group on the defense, before they saw stepping out from behind a vent was a woman with copper skin, blue eyes, and light blonde hair pulled into a bun. She was dressed in a suit like Julia's and wore sunglasses around her eyes. The sight of her got Carmen, Zack, and Ivy concerned, while the others were confused, “Who're you?” Rainbow asked. “I am agent Zari of ACME," the woman replied, then turned to Carmen, "The Chief has some urgent news for you and your... new friends." she picked out her pen, clicked it, and sat it on the ground before it projected a hologram of the chief. “Hey, Chief, what's the sitch?” Pinkie greeted. “The sitch is dire, Ms. Pie.” Chief answered. “What's going on?” Carmen asked. “I'm afraid I bring terrible news. Agent Argent has been captured.” Chief explained darkly. “What?!” Carmen gasped. “Captured?” The turtles asked in shock. “Oh, no!” Fluttershy gasped. “By who?” Casey asked the hologram. "We received footage from her last encounter." the Chief said, as Zari showed them video feed from a tablet. They saw Julia being grabbed by a mutant Gorilla before a mutant Hippo stomped on the camera. "Was that a mutant gorilla and hippo?" Donnie said, in confusion. "Where in tarnation did they come from?" Applejack asked. Carmen looked before gasped, “Zoom in on those mutants.” she told Zari. The agent zoomed in closer on the two mutant abductors. Rarity looked and was shocked, “These two mutants were wearing clothes, but they tore them upon mutating. Oh, the shame of it all!” she said dramatically. Carmen rolled her eyes, and clarified the bigger picture, “What they were wearing are VILE operative uniforms.” “VILE uniforms?” Donnie asked. “So those two mutants are VILE operatives?” Twilight asked the thief. “No doubt about it.” she answered. “This is even worse than I feared.” Chief said in worry. “Looks like VILE wasted no time in turning their flunkies into zoo exhibits.” Raph said. Carmen spoke to the chief, “Any idea on where they could've taken her?” “I'm afraid not. And with her communicator destroyed we have no other means of tracking her.” “Then we'll do it,” Leo spoke up, “VILE is working with Stockman, and he's our responsibility.” “And I know how VILE works,” Carmen added, “Knowing them they want me to come to them.” “Then we can expect to hear some message from them?” Zari asked. “No doubt. But I request you leave this to me and the ninjas.” Carmen said. “I'm afraid that's out of the question, Ms. Sandiego,” Chief replied, “Agent Argent is one of ours. And we don't leave any behind.” “Well, that's good. Because we don't either.” Sunset put in. Leo spoke up, “Chief, I know you don't know us well. Heck, we don't know you so well either. But this is our city, and if mutants are involved that's our field. And Carmen knows VILE best. So don't you think it is better to leave this to those who know how to handle both threats best?” The chief raised a brow curiously, as Leo continued, “You have my word as a ninja we'll stop VILE's plan and bring Ms. Argent back safe.” “And you have our word too.” Sunset said, as the Rainbooms backed her up. Chief pondered on it, while Zari awaited instructions. Finally the head of ACME spoke up, “Very well. I'll leave you all to it. But make sure to let Julia know to inform me she's alright.” “Can and will do.” Carmen promised. “Agent Zari, back to base.” Chief instructed, before her hologram vanished. Zari picked up her pen and walked with the chief appearing on the tablet, “Chief, is it wise to leave this matter to children?” she asked skeptically. “There's an old saying, Agent Zari. The next generation will always surpass the previous one. It's one of the never-ending cycles in life.” Chief answered with confidence in the ninjas. Meanwhile back at the lair inside the dojo, Shadowsan was in a meditative trance. He was deep in focus letting nothing around him be a distraction. He was in such a focus, the astral form of Splinter appeared before him and laid a hand on his shoulder. As he did, Shadowsan felt a sense of comfort. Suddenly a voice called out, “Shadowsan!” the former faculty member woke up causing Splinter to vanish. Recognizing the voice belonging to Carmen, he exited the dojo and saw the group entering the lair looking worried. “What is wrong?” he inquired. “VILE has captured Jules from ACME.” Carmen began. “Looks like they already started administering mutagen to their operatives.” Donnie suspected. Shadowsan was concerned, but maintained a calmed mind. Leo spoke up, “We'll search every trace of the city if we have to to find Julia and VILE.” “But that could take too long.” Applejack noted. As Carmen set up her laptop to talk to Player, the hacker spoke up, “Red, I'm picking up an oncoming call. I'll pull it up." Then a video appeared. And on it was none other than Stockman. “Hello, ninjas!” he grinned wickedly. “Buster Storman?!" Pinkie exclaimed. “It's Baxter Stockman!" The scientists yelled. "That really irritates you, doesn't it?" Carmen asked humorously, while Zack and Ivy chuckled to themselves. “You have no idea!" Stockman grumbled. “What do you want, Stockman?" Leo demanded. “Well, one of my new friends would like a word with you." Stockman replied, then the feed switched to show Maelstrom. “Carmen Sandiego.” he greeted. Carmen glared, "Professor Maelstrom!" “Whoa, that dude's pale." Mikey said. “He really needs some sun.” Rainbow added. “Ah these must be the aforementioned Turtles and Rainbooms," Maelstrom began, "Greetings and Salutations. I am professor Gunnar Maelstrom. A pleasure it is to finally meet you. We at VILE have heard a great deal about all of you." “We've heard about you guys too!" Leo replied. “And what you're planning with that mutagen you stole!" Sunset added. “Yes, and thanks to your meddling efforts obtaining enough of it was a headache,” Maelstrom said with a scowl, before smirking again, “But no matter. We have gained enough mutagen to put our new plan in motion.” “Alright, Maelstrom what've you done with Jules?” Carmen demanded. “The ACME agent? Ah, yes, such a clever woman. Though foolish to go poking around in our business.” Maelstrom answered. The Ninjas frowned wishing they could punch him, before the adult continued, “Now-now. I have called to merely deliver an invitation. You, the Turtles, Rainbooms, and all their allies will meet us down by the dockyards for a... very special meeting.” he smirked. “And what if we don't want to come to your little party?" Raph asked, rhetorically. Maelstrom gave a sinister grin, "Then your friend will become the next mutation!" The feed then showed Julia bound and gagged to a chair with Tigress, Le Chevre, and El Topo guarding her while smirking knowing Carmen was watching. The ACME agent was screaming and shaking her head wildly, trying to warn them not to come. "No..." Carmen gasped. The feed changed back to Maelstrom as the professor said, "I trust you will all do the right thing. I bid you adieu." And the call ended. “Those jerks!” Rainbow frowned. “VILE is just... Vile!” Pinkie shouted. “You know this is an obvious trap, right?” Raph asked Leo and Carmen. “They always are.” Leo replied. “And the fact they want us to bring whatever allies we have means they're prepared.” Carmen added. “Or possibly to give us a fighting chance,” Zack spoke up, as the group gave him a dry look, “What? They have an army of mutants, they know we got an army of mutants.” “Not to mention, we have the means to take down their mutants with the retro mutagen tranquilizers.” Donnie added. “That may be, but even if we have an advantage we cannot go into battle too confident and cocky.” Shadowsan warned them. “Right, no cocky.” Rainbow replied knowing too well. “Let's call up whatever allies we can.” Leo instructed, as they made some calls. Soon enough, the Dazzlings, the Mutanimals, Bebop, and Rocksteady arrived in the lair as the ninjas and their friends were gearing up, “What up, yo?” Bebop called. “We came as soon we got your call.” Adagio said. “Good to see you all could make it.” Leo told everyone. “Well, we figured if we're going up against a crime syndicate with a mutant army, then we should all be here.” Slash said, and stepping out from the group was Muckman. “Ya got that right.” the garbage mutant said. “Muckman!” the Rainbooms called. “Hey, girls.” he greeted. “Where have you been?” Rainbow asked curiously. “Yeah, it's been awhile since we've seen you,” Pinkie added, “And by 'awhile' I mean 'forever'.” Muckman rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, “Yeah. I've kinda been on a little Staycation over at the New York dump for awhile.” “Staycation?” Applejack asked. “Yeah. A vacation where you just stay at home.” Pinkie added. “What she said.” Muckman confirmed. “Well, it's good to see you again. The Mutanimals get you caught up on everything?” Sunset asked. “You know it.” “Good.” Zack and Ivy looked up at Muckman looking ready to barf, as Ivy spoke, “Guys, who is this?” Leo spoke up, “This is Muckman, another old mutant ally of ours.” “Let me guess, you were once a garbage man?” Zack asked, while trying to resist sniffing the air around him. “You got it.” “As long ad you're willing to fight along side us, then we have plenty of reason to trust you.” Carmen smiled. “Thanks.” he replied. Everyone gathered around to discuss their strategy. Donnie spoke up, “They want us to meet them down by the dockyards.” “You can be sure they'll have their mutants stationed around from everywhere.” Karai put in. “And since they'll be expecting us, sneaking in won't even matter.” Twilight added. “Which means we need to play it careful and safe.” Sunset said. “And they got a captive to boot.” Shini finished. “We have to make sure this rescue mission doesn't take a bad turn like it did when we tried to rescue Karai from Shredder.” Leo said, while Karai remembered that night which led to her mutation. “Don't worry, Leo,” Twilight began, “With all of us working together, we'll stop VILE and save Julia.” “And this'll be an experience for us too.” Ivy added. “Yeah, we've never had an alliance as big as this one.” Zack put in. “And given the circumstances, I'm glad it's a big alliance.” Carmen agreed. “Alright, team, let's get to work.” “Alright!” Bebop cheered, “Look out, VILE! The Mutant Heroes are comin' to get ya!” the groups headed off. > Dock Battle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the turtles, their allies, the Rainbooms, and Team Carmen had taken both the Shellraiser and Party Wagon, they were on their way to the dockyard. In the Party Wagon, Zack was at the wheel with Donnie in the passenger seat, “Hey, thanks for letting me drive, Don.” “Well, you could use the experience in driving a vehicle you're not usually accustomed too.” Donnie admitted. “Though I wish you'd let me drive the Shellraiser.” “We'll work our way up to it.” Donnie replied, before calling Sunset, “Hey, Sunset, we all good?” Sunset who was in the Shellraiser being driven by Leo, answered, “All good ahead, Donnie. No signs of any followers.” she looked to April who gave her the thumb's up. Carmen who was also in the Shellraiser spoke, “Look alive, people. We're closing in on the docks.” Twilight who was on her phone spoke, “Mondo says he and the rest of the Mutanimals are closing in as well.” “Remember, team, we're dealing with mutated super thieves,” Leo began, “Not to mention we have to rescue Julia.” Eventually they arrived at the docks. They exited the vehicles, and started creeping around. Carmen motioned Zack, Ivy, and Shadowsan to wait, as she took the Rainbooms, the Turtles and their allies ahead. They proceeded with caution with the ninjas looking ready to draw their weapons at the first sign of danger. “Perimeter's quiet.” Donnie noted. “Yeah, a little too quiet.” Twilight agreed. “Keep on your toes, guys,” Carmen said, “The Faculty's around here somewhere.” Suddenly spotlights shined on them from all around making the group quickly draw their weapons. They looked up and saw standing on a bunch of loading crates were the Faculty, “Much closer than you think.” Maelstrom began. “That's all of them?” Leo asked Carmen. “Yeah, the entire main VILE Faculty.” she confirmed. “With a little addition.” Maelstrom said, as Stockman stood at their side next to Bellum. “Stockman!” the Ninjas gasped. “Surprise!” Stockman sneered. “I gotta say, Stockman,” Raph began, “Seeing you next to these guys is not pretty picture.” Stockman frowned, “You'll think differently when this is over.” “Alright, talk!” Carmen ordered. “Where's Julia?” Sunset demanded. “Right here.” Coach Brunt said, as they panned down to reveal Julia still tied to a chair and gagged in front of the bottom crate, with Tigress, El Topo, and Le Chevre standing guard. “Take her, if you can.” Cleo challenged her. “I'll get her!” Rainbow offered. “Rainbow, wait!” Twilight called, as Rainbow activated her speed and zipped over planning to bypass the mutant trio and grab Julia. Unfortunately, about half way close she ended up slipping on a slippery moist substance causing her to slip and slide on the ground. “What the heck was that?” Rainbow got up and noticed the substance on her jacket, “Gross!” “Forgive me, but I kinda left myself all over.” came a familiar voice. The group saw stepping out from the shadows was Neal, who had in fact been mutated into a mutant eel. “Neal?” Carmen gasped. “Oh, that's disgusting!” Rarity said in repulse. “How do ya like me now, ladies?” Neal asked, “Now I really am 'Neal the Eel'!” “And he's not the only one.” came a girl's voice as something swooped down and almost nailed the ninjas with flying projectiles. The group dodged before noticing they were ninja stars made of paper, “Paper Star.” Carmen frowned, as they saw perching on a crate was Paper Star, who had been mutated into a mutant crane. “More like Paper Crane!” Pinkie gasped. “Hmm, has a nice ring to it.” Paper Star admitted. Suddenly an aroma hung in the air, Applejack turned to Rarity, “Rarity, are you nervous or something?” “What're you talking about?” “Did you just cut the cheese?” A.J accused. Rarity gasped deeply, “Applejack! How dare you accuse me of doing something so unladylike!” Keno sniffed the air, “Oh, man. I smell it too!” “Phew, something die or something?” Casey asked. Dropping in before them was Mime Bomb who became a mutant skunk, “Mime Bomb?” Carmen gasped, as the Mime smiled. “More like Gas Bomb!” Mikey gagged. “So your three field agents get mutated and now you decide to give the others the same treatment?” Carmen questioned the faculty. “Indeed.” came a voice, and who should step out from behind a crate was Dash Haber who had been mutated into a mutant ferret. “Haber.” Karai scowled. “And he's a weasel?” Mikey asked. Dash frowned, “Actually, I'm a ferret. And despite my look I still think I look rather dashing wouldn't you say?” he raised his brows. “Not the word I would use.” April replied. “Marvelous, aren't they?” Bellum asked, “Combining mutagen with our operatives has given us a new band of thieves.” “With their new abilities we will be able to steal so much more than ever.” Cleo added. “You're welcomed to be a part of our little family.” Maelstrom offered. “This ain't a family I wanna be a part of.” Applejack frowned. “Me neither.” Fluttershy agreed. Maelstrom sighed, “You ninjas have so much potential and you squander it on these heroics and crime fighting. You do know ninjas are meant to be assassins and thieves right?” “Maybe in ancient times, but in this day we ninjas use our skills for the greater good. That's what our father taught us.” Leo explained. “Us too,” Sunset spoke up, “And we won't dishonor him by using our skills to help people like you!” Cleo sighed at their refusal, “Teenagers.” “Don't worry, Countess,” Brunt replied, “They just need a good tough love to get them to see things our way.” “Agreed.” Stockman nodded, as he pressed a button, and coming out from hiding were Stockman Bots, Mousers, and Tricera-bots. “Robots like always.” Rarity sighed. “Even I'm bored with facing them so much.” Fugitoid voiced his opinion. “Then how's this?” Stockman asked, as he activated another button and the various storage crates opened up to reveal more VILE operatives turned mutant. The operatives mutated forms ranged from various animals such as lions, wolves, gorillas, hippos, eagles, hawks, elephants, bears, badgers, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, vultures, and more. The heroes were in shock, “Wow, I've never seen so many mutants gathered in one place before.” Twilight said. “Doesn't matter how many they have. We can take them.” Leo told her. “Attack!” Malestrom announced. “Get them!” Leo ordered, as the two sides clashed. Leo and Twilight were dealing with a few mutant wolves with each one displaying a different fur color from dark fur to pure white fur. “Sit, boys!” Twilight ordered, as she jabbed and swatted her weapon at several of the mutant mutts. Rarity was using her shield to block an elephant mutant from ramming her, before Raph swung in and knocked it to the side. “Thanks.” Rarity said. “Heads up!” Raph called, as a vulture mutant swooped down to try and grab her. Rarity however leaned back avoiding the talons before punching it right in the stomach. The mutant vulture wheezed before crashing onto the ground. “Blasted buzzard.” she said. Pinkie was bouncing around dodging the mutants, while throwing sprinkles around distorting them, “Come and get them!” she cheered. “Don't mind it I do!” Paper Star swooped in and grabbed her by the arms carrying her off. “Let me go!” Pinkie struggled. “I wouldn't struggle if I were you. It's a long way down.” the paper ninja warned her. Pinkie realized she was carrying her high, “Uh-oh.” Paper Star smirked, “Oh, what the hey.” she released Pinkie who plummeted screaming. “Pinkie!” The Rainbooms cried. As Pinkie was dropping all looked lost until, “Hee-hee!” zipping in on his energy streams was Bebop who caught her. “Bebop!” Pinkie cheered. “This ride's gonna be a lot smoother than your last one,” Bebop answered as he dropped Pinkie safely onto a crate, before zipping up and landed on the crate where Stockman and the Faculty stood, “What up, teachers?” “Anton Zeck,” Maelstrom smirked, “Look how much you've changed.” “And yet you're still as scrawny as ever.” Brunt crossed her arms. “Hey, I may not have muscle like you, but I still got style!” Bebop snorted. “Please,” Cleo dismissed, “That hairstyle went out decades ago.” “Don't diss the hair, County!” Bebop warned her. Cleo turned to Bellum, “How did he become your star pupil again?” “Don't worry, I got him.” Stockman said, as he summoned two Tricera-Bots to them who looked ready to pound the mutant warthog. “Oh, snap!” Bebop gasped. Suddenly diving right down and smashing the two bots was Rocksteady who stood by Bebop's snide and snorted at the Faculty, “Zdravstvuyte, Faculty! Is good to see you again." Needless to say the Faculty was surprised at his appearance. "Do we know you, horn nose?" Brunt asked. "Da! You all do..." Rocksteady pointed to his glass eye. That was enough for the Faculty to realize who he was. And they were shocked, "Ivan Steranko?!" Maelstrom exclaimed. "Steranko?!" Countess Cleo gasped. "You have got to be pullin' mah leg!" Brunt said, in disbelief. "Our old arms dealer?" Dr. Bellum asked, "That was unexpected." "That is right, and now you may call me, the Rocksteady!" The mutant rhino proclaimed. “I got him!” Brunt ordered, as she stood her ground as the Faculty got behind her. Rocksteady roared, as he charged and grappled with Brunt who was putting her whole being into holding him back, “Gotta say, Ivan, this is one bizarre sight of you!” “And you strong as ever,” Rocksteady admitted, “Takes you back to those arm wrestles we used to have.” “Yeah, good times!” Brunt struggled. The Faculty and Stockman looked, as Stockman gasped, “Incoming!” They looked to see one of the VILE operatives mutated into a lion was thrown in their direction. This caused the brutish fighters to break their grapple and back away. “I think it's time we brought out our own secret weapons, right, Faculty?” Maelstrom asked, as his fellow members nodded. Suddenly dropping in were robotic versions of the Faculty who got into defense positions, “What is this?” Rocksteady asked. “A little something Stockman whipped up for us.” Cleo began. “Cybernetic replicas ten times as strong as we are.” Bellum explained. “That we control through our thoughts, with these.” Maelstrom said, as they reveal they were each wearing a computer ship on their foreheads. “Now we don't have to get our hands dirty.” Cleo said. “Even though I don't mind getting down and dirty.” Brunt sighed. “Let us do battle.” Maelstrom said, as the Robot Faculty attacked the mutant duo. Back on the ground Mime Bomb spotted Karai, Shini, and Leo, before turning his backside towards them and lifted his tail up. Twilight noticing this shouted, “Move!” The three noticing this jumped away, as Mime Bomb unleashed his stink spray at some of the mutated operatives who's eyed widened and started filling with tears before passing out. “Thanks, Twilight!” Karai called. “Can you imagine the tomato juice baths we'd have to take if that hit us?” Shini asked. Fugitoid was opening fire on some Stockman Bots, destroying them. When he saw he was getting close to Julia, he knew he had to help, “Hang on, miss!” he tried to help her, only to be blocked by Neal and two more mutants being a Beaver and a Woodchuck. “Boys, chew through him.” Neal said., as the two mutants readied their buck teeth. “Oh, dear.” Fugitoid gasped. Before they could lay a hand on the professor, Fluttershy slid in and opened her eyes giving them a stare down. The two started to back off and hide behind Dash. “Hey, what's the matter with you two?” Dash demanded, only to get punched by Fluttershy making the three crash on the ground. “Bad animals!” she huffed. Carmen and Casey maneuvered around attacking the Stockman Bots and Mousers, until Bebop and Rocksteady crashed down by them. “What hit you guys?” Casey asked. “That!” they answered while motioning to something incoming. The two saw the Robot Faculty drop in, “Oh, great.” Carmen sighed. “I got this! Goongala!” Casey tried to tase Robot Cleo, only for Robot Maelstrom to grab his arm and throw him aside. They attacked Carmen who dodged for her life, until Robot Brunt grabbed her from behind in a bear hug. As Carmen struggled to break free, the robots went back up to their masters, as Maelstrom spoke, “You've put up an admirable fight, Carmen Sandiego, but it's over.” “Just look around you.” Cleo motioned to her new friends and allies still struggling against her enemies, with Paper Star flying around launching more paper stars at Raph and Pinkie. Dash was throwing his buzz saw hat around trying to nail Sunset, Rainbow Dash, and Donnie. “But you know, Lambkins, this can all be over if ya just stand down and come back with us.” Brunt offered. Carmen frowned, “I'd never join VILE again.” “No matter, because we can always reprogram you.” Bellum said. “Any last words?” Maelstrom asked, as the Faculty smirked at her. Carmen with only one word on her mind answered them, “Booyakasha!” “Huh?” they asked in confusion. Suddenly as if on cue, the Shellraiser and Party Wagon came barreling in with Zack finally handling the Shellraiser and Ivy working the Party Wagon. “Booyakasha!” they announced, as readying their weapons. The Shellraiser fired sewer lids nailing an Elephant and Gorilla mutant, while the Party Wagon launched stink bombs at more of the mutants that released the smelly content. This caused several VILE mutants to pass out, including Mime Bomb. “Inconceivable!” Maelstrom gasped. “You said bring all our allies,” Carmen reminded him, “Well, that's just what we did.” Arriving on scene was the Mutanimals, Muckman, the Dazzlings, and the Foot. They arrived to back the ninjas and Rainbooms up. “Oh, man, you started without us?” Bandit asked in a faux disappointed tone. “Well, better late than never.” Hokum replied. “Let's get busy.” Mona said, as she tossed some tranquilizer guns to the Foot ninja. “Come on!” Slash announced, as they joined in the battle. Leatherhead barreled through the mutants and robots before finding Julia. As he got closer, the three mutants grabbed onto him, “This is for scaring the daylights out of me!” El Topo called. “Get off me!” Leatherhead roared, as he tried shaking them off. “I got ya covered!” Hokum jumped in and kicked the three off. Leatherhead reached Julia, and used his claw to cut the ropes freeing Julia. She removed her gag and breathed in air, “Thank you.” she said. “My pleasure.” Leatherhead answered, before Trieca-Bots surrounded them. “Oh, no.” Julia gasped. Suddenly the Tricera-Bots were surrounded by swirling garbage, until Rocksteady rammed them. Both he and Muckman gave Leatherhead and Julia the A-Ok. Leatherhead nodded before scooping Julia up and carried her off to safety. “The prisoner is escaping!” Stockman called to the Faculty. The Faculty saw Julia escaping with Leatherhead, until Rockwell floated in and used his psychic powers to make Robot Brunt let Carmen go, “Thanks, Doc. Now how about dealing with them?” “My pleasure.” Rockwell used a psychic blasts to push the Faculty and their robots back. Carmen looked down and saw the cavalry was taking it to the mutants. She jumped down and joined in, “Hey, guys. How about showing me more of that magic you got?” The Turtles and Rainbooms smiled, “Sure thing.” Rainbow agreed, as she once again zipped around the VILE mutants confusing them, leaving them wide open for a powerful punch courtesy of Applejack. “This evening's forecast, typhoon!” Leo said activating his magic and unleashed a gust of wind blowing the Flying VILE mutants out of the sky and crashing onto the ground. Donnie activated his own magic and used a thunder clap to knock more mutants out and destroy several robots. Raph activated his heat magic and upon touching some Tricera-Bots caused them to melt. “Don't trip now, boys!” Mikey activated his magic and slammed his foot on the ground causing a quake knocking some mutants off their feet. Twilight while destroying two Stockman Bots, used her levitation on a knocked out Elephant mutant and threw it into a few more mutants, “He could stand to lose a few pounds.” “That can be arranged.” One of the Foot Ninja said, as he fired a tranquilizer dart of retromutagen into the mutant causing him to become a regular VILE operative again. “It really works.” Carmen gasped. Shadowsan appeared at her side wearing a ninja mask, “Yes, now let's make it easier for our friends to not miss a target.” they joined the fight taking out some mutants leaving them wide open for the Foot Ninjas to de-mutate them. The Dazzlings entered the fray and started attacking the Stockman Bots, “Keep it up, girls!” Adagio ordered, as they broke the robots to pieces. Suddenly a bear mutant was about to come at Aria from behind, until it was nailed by a cannon ball of compressed garbage. Aria saw this and looked over seeing Zack who gave her a wink making her blush. “Aria, come on!” Sonata nudged her, snapping her out of it, and they hurried to help their friends. As Sunset defeated some Mousers over by the edge of the pier, she saw the mutant trio cornering her. “No where to run, Sunset. Time for you to pay for causing our mutations!” Tigress growled. Instead of looking concerned, Sunset smiled, “You know what? You're right.” “Que?” Le Chevre wondered, as the three were confused. “In a way I am responsible for causing your three to become mutants. Which is why I have these...” she reached into her vest and pulled out retromutagen light bulb containers. She threw them at the trio getting covered in it. The trio groaned and cried, as they started losing their animal features. And before they knew it were their regular selves again. Le Chevre felt his face and gasped with joy, “Oh! Oh-ho-ho!” “What the?” Tigress looked herself over. “We are-human again?” El Topo asked Sunset who nodded. “You changed us back?” Le Chevre asked. “Pretty much.” Sunset shrugged. The three got up, as Tigress spoke, “Thanks. But don't think we're not still gonna fight you!” “It is orders, you understand, si?” El Topo asked. “Yeah. I figured.” Sunset answered, as she threw down a smoke bomb, with the trio coughing. “I really do not like that.” Le Chevre coughed. “I can't see!” El Topo stumbled around through the smoke. “Where'd she go?!” Tigress demanded. “I'm right here!” came her voice. The trio whipped just in time for Sunset to knock them all off the pier, with a three way kick, and into the water with a splash. “You're welcome!” she called down, before dropping three lifesavers down to them. The three each grabbed a lifesaver looking soaked, “Well, at least we won't have groom ourselves like animals anymore.” El Topo told his partners who just rolled their eyes. Back on the dock one by one the robots were getting busted, and the VILE mutants were being turned back into people, including Dash, Neal, Paper Star, and Mime Bomb. Stockman and the Faculty watched from above with Brunt not looking happy, “That's it! I'm gonna tear those turtles right out of their shells!” she jumped down to assist her robot duplicate. As Brunt pushed and slammed several Foot Ninja away that tried to attack her, the turtles noticed her, Leo whistled to his bros, “Wishbone crunch on two! Hutt, hutt, wow!” the four turtles surrounded the muscular woman, while activating their medallions again with their respective colored markings appearing over their bodies. “Alright, shell backs. Time for a little Mama Bear hug!” “Pass on that, how about a shell shock instead?” Mikey asked. Before Brunt could respond, the turtles turned their shells to her and slammed into her hard. Brunt groaned as she fell over, causing her robot to temporarily go offline. “Ouch!” Carmen groaned. “Just like with Joker.” Raph smirked. The Faculty Bots got down to help Brunt up. She regained her senses and control of her robot. She rejoined back up with the Faculty and Stockman. They looked seeing all their operatives were turned back into humans, and their robots turned to scrap. “This cannot be.” Maelstrom gasped. “All those mutants and robots, and we're losing?” Bellum asked in outrage. “That's because you don't know us well, Doctor.” Sunset answered, as the Rainbooms and Turtles stood together. “You underestimated us like so many before you.” Leo added. “No matter what army you bring be it robot or mutant, they'll never stand a chance against all of us.” Twilight said. “Because we have something you don't have. Friendship.” Applejack added. “And our friendship is a lot stronger than you guys could ever comprehend.” Donnie put in, as the group was surrounded by a magical aura and started levitating up. This surprised Carmen and her team, along with the Faculty, “What is this?” Cleo gasped. “This is what the power of Friendship is when you have something worth fighting for and to protect!” Leo announced. “Light it up, ninjas!” Pinkie cheered. “Booyakasha!” they announced as they send a magical blast right at the Faculty robots that got caught in it. The robots were torn to pieces, and the microchips the Faculty used to control them shorted out. Stockman spoke, “And now's the time to take our leave!” he said, as they made a run for it. Carmen and Shadowsan tried to go after them, only for Stockman to launch a flash grenade blinding them. When their visions cleared they saw their enemies were gone. They watched as the Rainbooms and Turtles touched down. Zack and Ivy rushed over, “That was awesome!” Zack cheered. “We know.” Rainbow smirked. “Guess there is something magical about your friendship.” Ivy admitted. “Well done, everyone.” Carmen commended them. Mondo looked around, “Hey, where'd all the operatives go?” “They must've came to and made off like the Faculty.” Carmen suspected. “Hey, look what I found.” Bandit said, as he brought over a VILE communicator. It turned on to reveal Maelstrom, “Ah you found our communicator. Just wanted to tell you we commend you on such a magnificent performance. You ninjas truly are a wonder. Just such a shame you squander it.” he said in disappointment. The group scowled, as Leo spoke, “Consider this your only warning, Maelstrom. If you or any of your agents cause trouble in our city, you'll answer to us!” “Duly noted. But before we sign off, I would let to inform you that we left a parting gift. And with that being said, we bid you adieu.” the transmission ended. “Uh, what did he mean by 'parting gift'?” Mikey asked. Then they all heard a creaking sound and looked up to see a crate opening up to reveal a large bomb! And it was counting down from ten! “Of course.” Carmen sighed. “Run!” Leo shouted, as they ran for it. The bomb exploded knocking everyone forward and down by the shockwave. The explosion destroyed part of the pier, but luckily no one was hurt. “I really hate running from explosions.” Rarity said. "Just like when the Joker tried the bomb stunt on us." Donnie recalled. “Everyone here?” Carmen asked, as everyone was present and accounted for. “We all made it.” Karai confirmed. Carmen turned to Julia, “You ok, Jules?” “I am now, thank you.” she answered. “Come on, let's get out of here.” Twilight suggested, as they hurried off. Meanwhile on top of Stockman's lair, a VILE chopper driven by the Cleaners was picking up the Faculty. Stockman spoke to the group. “So about my place in the Faculty?” he asked hopefully. The Faculty looked to Stockman with frowns, as Maelstrom answered, “Don't call us. We'll call you.” they got in the chopper that started taking off. “Is that a 'yes'?” Stockman called from below, “No? Maybe?” he hung his head down with his arms drooping and sighed, “Great.” As the chopper flew off, the Faculty still looked displeased, as Maelstrom crossed off Stockman's image on his tablet, “And he came so highly recommended.” he said in disappointment. “So maybe Stockman wasn't worthy to become faculty after all,” Bellum admitted, “At least I managed to get some good robot parts from his Stockman Bots. I can actually make use of them for perfecting my robot robbers.” “The one you've been working on for years?” Maelstrom asked. “I'll need to remind myself to head to my Himalayan laboratory to continue.” Bellum told herself. “Which you won't get done because you'd be distracted by those other toys you have there.” Cleo replied with a roll of her eyes, making Bellum give her the stink eye. “Alright, knock it off,” Brunt ordered, but clutched her side, “Dang, that really hurt back there.” “Chin up, ladies,” Maelstrom said, “You know tomorrow is always another day.” he smirked. Later the group arrived at a rooftop with the Foot Ninja returning to base to rest up. After Julia sent a message to ACME with her phone, Zari arrived to give her a replacement communicator pen. “And as you can see, everything's cleared up.” Julia said finishing her report to Chief. “Good new, Agent Argent,” Chief smiled, before turning to the others, “And thank you, Carmen Sandiego, Ninja, Turtles, and Rainbooms. ACME owes you a debt of gratitude.” “Just doing what needs to be done, Chief.” Carmen replied. “And it's who we are.” Leo added. “Being awesome!” Rainbow pumped her fists. “And looking out for each other.” Sunset added to make Rainbow's claim sound less immature. “It still is such a shame, we weren't able to apprehend anyone from VILE.” Chief said with a sigh. “There's always next time.” Julia assured her. “Right. Well, I hope you all enjoy your victory. You've all earned it. Agent Zari and Agent Argent. Time to return.” Chief said, as her hologram vanished. Zari started walking before looking back to Julia, “Argent?” “You go on ahead. I'll be right with you.” so Zari went on ahead. Julia looked to her saviors, “Thank you all so much. I'd hate to imagine what might've happened to me if you hadn't come.” “Try not to think about it.” Carmen replied. “And it's what being friends is for.” Fugitoid added. “Got that right.” April agreed. “If we ever cross paths again, let's hope we won't have to be doing any rescuing.” Raph said. “Of course.” Julia blushed before taking off. Leo spoke to Carmen, “Well, Carmen, we did it. We stopped VILE together.” “We sure did.” Carmen agreed, as they shook on it. “Even though VILE will return and strike elsewhere, they now know never to underestimate those who're willing to fight them.” Shadowsan said. “As should no one.” Twilight said. “Come on dudes and dudette's!” Mikey began, “Let's party!” the group cheered, as Shadowsan playfully rolled his eyes. > Friends no Matter where they are > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the lair, the Turtles, their allies, the Rainbooms, the Mutanimals, and Team Carmen were celebrating their victory over VILE. There was laughs, dancing, pizza, and Pinkie's trademark cupcakes. Carmen who was sitting with Twilight and Leo was learning about one of their past adventures, “This Gotham sounds like a very dark and serious place. With a hero just like it.” “Batman's not such a bad guy once you get used to him.” Twilight admitted. “Despite how he comes off, he really is always looking out for the people.” Leo added. Raph walked by and spoke, “Yeah. Took me and Applejack awhile to realize that.” “Better late than never.” Carmen replied. Zack and Ivy were speaking with Donnie and Casey about one of their own past incidents, “So Donnie got possessed by a mutant car?” Zack asked. “Yeah. It was crazy.” Donnie admitted. “And you had to outrace him, Casey?” Ivy asked. “Oh, yeah. But we showed that hunk of junk who's the boss.” Casey boasted as he and Donnie fist bumped. “I'll bet I could've raced circles around that Speed Demon.” Zack boasted. “Well, we'll never know that.” Ivy nudged her brother. Sunset was speaking with Shadowsan, “Your Princess Celestia sounds like a wise ruler and teacher.” the ninja man said. “Yeah. Took me a long time to appreciate all she did for me regardless of how I felt about it.” Sunset explained, while remembering how she used to be. “Time, age, and experience can change anyone be there good or bad. And it has certainly changed you, Sunset Shimmer. For that I am proud of how you stand today.” Shadowsan smiled. “Thanks, Shadowsan.” Sunset smiled. “Ok, gather around everyone!” Pinkie called, as the Rainbooms, the Turtles, and their friends gathered together. “We got a new one coming out for ya.” Applejack spoke to their guests. “In dedication to our new friends and allies.” Fluttershy added. “And with us is a special guest.” Rainbow motioned to the Turtles. “Do it, Turtlpella!” Pinkie announced making three of the turtles looked confused, “Mikey's idea.” Pinkie grinned, as the three turned to Mikey who smiled sheepishly. Nevertheless, the four turtles started beatboxing and making their own sound affects before the Rainbooms started playing at singing. (Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego) April, Casey, Karai, Shini, Keno, the Dazzlings, and their mutant friends all took a verse while singing the chorus together or in pairs. Carmen listened and smiled knowing that song was the best way to described her. “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” the Turtles sang. “Watch your back!” The Rainbooms announced. Team Carmen applauded the groups performance, as Carmen spoke, “That was amazing. You girls really have talent in music.” “Because we're awesome!” Rainbow reminded her. “You sure are.” Carmen confirmed. Later on, as the Mutanimals headed back to their lair, the group was in the dojo with Leo looking at the picture of their departed father. Shadowsan looked at the image and spoke, “If I know Yoshi, he would indeed be proud of what you have done for us.” “We always aim to make him proud.” Rarity spoke up. “And for that, I am always grateful.” came a voice. They looked and saw standing in a corner was the departed rat master, “Sensei!” the Turtles and Rainbooms gasped. “Father!” Karai gasped. Splinter approached, “I know of everything you've all done these past few days. And I commend you all on your courage and bravery.” Zack and Ivy were wide eyed, as Zack spoke, “Is that really a dead rat man?” “Dude, we're standing in a room with a ghost.” Ivy trembled, as Carmen approached showing no fear. “Master Splinter, I am honored to meet you.” she bowed her head in respect. “Ah, the infamous Carmen Sandiego. I want to thank you for helping my family when they needed help the most.” “In truth, sir. I thank them for having my back. You've raised some great pupils.” Splinter smiled, before looking up and seeing Shadowsan, “Suhara.” “Yoshi.” “It seems you've had more secrets about yourself than you led me to suspect.” Splinter noted. “You know?” Shadowsan gasped. “I know everything,” Splinter confirmed, “Despite your alliance with this VILE, in the end you truly proved where your loyalties resided by protecting Carmen. Even from the shadows.” “Thank you, old friend. It is rather strange speaking to you like this, both as a mutant and as a spirit.” “I know I myself am not who I used to be even back when I was alive. But I assure you I am still ever the man you knew me as.” “Based off the stories your sons and students have said I believe it.” Splinter nodded before turning back to Carmen, “Carmen. I commend you for taking the initiative to expose this VILE for all their crimes, as well as relying on the assistance of others. One shouldn't have to carry the weight of the world on their own.” Carmen nodded, “I am lucky to have my team, just as your sons and students are lucky to have each other.” Splinter spoke, “May you all continue to help each other good times and bad.” and with that Splinter disappeared. Carmen spoke to the ninjas, “So that was Master Splinter, huh?” “It sure was.” Leo confirmed. “Nice guy.” Carmen admitted. “The best.” Pinkie said. The next day the ninjas were all ready to say their farewells to Carmen and her crew on a roof top, “So where are ya'll headed now?” Applejack asked. “We go wherever there is VILE trouble,” Carmen answered, “Especially when Player decrypts more info on the hard drive.” Player who was on her phone, spoke, “Yeah. And if you guys ever need help hacking drop me a line.” “Well, wherever you go always remember you have friends here in New York.” Leo said. “Thanks, Leo. You and your bros are one heck of a team.” Carmen said, as she and Leo shook on it. Carmen spoke to the Rainbooms, “It was good getting to know you girls. Individually you're all amazing, but together there's nothing you can't do.” “We're glad there's another thief who we know we can trust.” Sunset said. Carmen turned to Rarity, “Say, Rarity. If I ever need any outfits for a certain occasion...” “Say no more, Carmen, darling. I would be delighted to make you look the best you could possibly be.” Rarity said humbly. “And if there is any time you may need a bunch of ninja girls or mutants, don't be afraid to reach out.” Applejack added. “Noted. Same goes for you all if ever you'd need me.” "We'll be sure to let you know." Fluttershy promised. Pinkie approached and presented her a cupcake with red frosting and sprinkles, “Here, a special Carmen Cupcake I made for you.” “Thanks, Pinkie. I'm sure it'll be delicious,” Carmen accepted it. She then felt something paw at her foot, and looked down seeing Spike whimpering a bit. Carmen smiled and got down scratching Spike's head, “Aw, I'll miss you too, Spike.” “And we'll sure miss you, Carmen.” Spike said. "Oh, group hug!" Pinkie announced as the Rainbooms pulled Carmen into a group hug, which the thief accepted without hesitation. Casey, Karai, April, Keno, and Shini were saying their goodbyes to Ivy, “We'll see you around, Ivy.” April said. “Watch your brothers and Carmen's back.” Karai said. “You know it,” Ivy nodded, before turning to Casey, “Hey, Case. I never did apologize for knocking ya off the car when we first met.” “Hey, you had your reason too.” “So we good?” Ivy asked. “You know it.” Casey admitted, as Ivy hugged him. Casey cringed a bit knowing how strong Ivy could be. Zack was saying his goodbyes to the Dazzlings and Mutanimals, “So next time we're in New York, Bandit. You and I are having a little one-on-one match.” “I'll be waiting.” Bandit answered, as they shook on it. Zack turned to Slash, “And, Slash. You and your team are awesome just like the turtles and Rainbooms. We couldn't have done the job without ya.” Slash smiled, “We're just doing all we can to keep the safety of this city.” Zack then saw Aria approach him smiling, “Don't be a stranger now, Zack.”, she said before giving him a peck on the cheek, surprising the Mutanimals and her fellow Dazzlings. Zack blushed in surprise, before feeling his cheek and smiled, “Awesome.” Aria noticed Sonata smiling at her, "What?" "Nothing." she answered slyly, making Aria roll her eyes. Shadowsan spoke to the Turtles, “You all carry the honor and courage of the Hamato clan. And I hope you and your friends will continue to do.” “You know it, Shadowsan.” Mikey answered. “You keep looking out for Carmen, and not let VILE get away with whatever plans they have in store.” Leo said, s Shadowsan nodded. Carmen turned to Fugitoid, “Despite being a cyborg you're more human than anyone in VILE.” “Thank you, Carmen.” the robot said happily, and here a little something I've been working on for you.” Fugitoid slid a case over to her, “Some new gadgets and tools for you to use in your heists or facing other VILE operatives.” “Many thanks.” the thief said gratefully. As Bebop looked at Carmen, Rocksteady nudged him forward, and he walked to her, “So, guess this is where we part, huh?” “Looks that way,” Carmen confirmed, “Anton... Bebop. Honestly I never expected I'd see you again. But I'm glad we had the chance too. VILE may have tried to groom us into becoming their obedient lap dogs, but we broke away and became our own people.” “Even though it took me a while to be better.” Bebop sighed. “And yet see how you've turned out.” Carmen reminded him. “Yeah.” the mutant warthog nodded. “I probably already know your answer, but any chance you'd wanna come along and help expose VILE?” “Nah, that's your thing. I got my own thing here with my friends... My family.” Rocksteady and the other others felt touched. “I figured.” “But if ya ever do need another master thief, I'm just a call away.” Bebop assured her. “Thanks.” Carmen said, as the former VILE students hugged like old friends. When the broke, Carmen spoke to her hacker, “Player, books us a flight.” “Way ahead of you, Red.” As Team Carmen stood together, they took their leave as the ninjas of New York and Rainbooms watched knowing only time will tell should their paths with Carmen ever cross again. Bebop watched and thought to himself, 'Good luck, Carmen Sandiego.' A day later at ACME HQ, Chief was speaking to an operative standing in the shadows, “What do you have to report?” “The Rainbooms are back home, Chief.” the figure spoke. “Good. Continue to keep an eye on them as much as you can.” “I will.” “I know it's a lot to put on you, but despite being our youngest operative you are one of the best.” “Thank you, ma'am.” “You're dismissed for now, Special Agent Sweetie Drops.” Chief said, as the figure stepped into the light to reveal it was Canterlot High student Bonbon wearing the Acme uniform and glasses. “Thanks. I got a date tonight, that I do not wanna miss.” she said, before taking her leave. Meanwhile in Canterlot city during nighttime. At Sunset's place, Fugitoid was currently in recharge, while Sunset was on her bed in her pajamas and writing in her notebook. 'Dear, Princess Twilight, the girls and I are home again from our trip to New York. Our mission was a success and VILE won't be causing problems in the city for a long time. And we couldn't have done it without our new friend Carmen. You'd really like her. We're not sure where she's going next. But no matter where in the world, she'll always be ready to thwart any criminal scheme. Can't wait to hear more from you. Sunset Shimmer.' she finished writing in the journal.