What's up! Just so you know, i'll be working on this story way more often until i finish it, so if you're waiting for me to update my other stories, I'm really sorry. On the bright side, i think there are only about seven or so chapters left. :) Enjoy!

In the Shadows

Chapter 10

-Xander's POV-

This sucks. I'm chained up in the back of a van, I've been mutated, and the guys are probably freaking out. I don't want them to freak out or worry about me at all. Raph's terrifyed voice still rings through my head, and i continue to wish i had combat skills. Anger is my only fuel for survival, though i don't think it'll be enough now. I'm not much for logic.

"So what the fuck do you want me to do, anyways?" I ask Karai.

"Oh, about that," she responds, "I'll have my boss fill you in."

"Let's just get this over with," I spat back. As soon as i complete whatever mission she gives me, her whole stupid organization is going down in flames. The van comes to a screeching stop and i'm let out.

"You know you didn't have to chain me up, right?" I say. "I would've come quietly." I get no response and decide to give up. We're parked in an allyway next to an old church. Karai shoves me through the front door and i see before me metal path with water under and on either side of it. The path is about fifteen meters long and leads to a throne that sits above anything else in the place besides the roof.

Sitting in that throne is a man wearing armor, a cape, and a mask. On his right hand, he wears a powerful looking gauntlet that could probably take out a whole city with one slice. It's official. I'm fucked.

"Karai, who is this?" he bellowed. I swallow hard to keep from squeaking like i usually do when i'm scared. I want to respond before Karai does, so i think of my favorite flower.

"The name's Tigerlily. What's it to ya?" He stands and i fight hard to keep still. Karai pushes me forward and i faceplant the metal ground.

"Father, meet Xander Javierez. Xander, meet the Shredder." I try to stop myself from speaking, but there are too many wise crack opportunities.

"So i'm guessing you have an office job," i quip. I know he's getting pissed, but i can't let him know that i'm afraid. I try to keep my smart-aleck demeanor while he releases huge knives from his gauntlet. I'm surprized i can hold a pokerface through this. I feel like i'm going to pass out.

"This is the girl you told me about? The one Xever left for dead?" he asks, obviously not amused.

"That's right." I'm fucked. I'm so fucked.

"Listen to me little girl," he commands. "If you want your mother to leave this alive, i need you to steal something for me."

"What do you need boss? Anything you want, I can more than likely get."

"Are you aware of who the Kraang are?" I think he's just speaking gibberish.

"I don't believe i know who these Kraang people are. Mind if i get a few details?"

"They are aliens from another dimension. Like us, they are hunting the Turtles. Do you know who the Turtles are?"

"Actually, i do. They're my only friends in the entire city."

"Good. Karai, unchain her." Karai swings a sword at me, cutting the chain and the side of my face.

"What the fuck? The man said to unchain me, not to deform my face," i say, holding my face as it heals.

"Shut up and pay attention," Karai tells me sternly. I roll my eyes and turn my attention to the Shredder.

"So what should i steal and from where?" I ask. "I don't need a backstory. I just want to get this done."

"You'll be stealing a rare gem. It's a ruby-pearl hybrid, capable of opening portals between dimensions. It resides in the New York Museum of Natural History and Geology. Here's a map of the various exhibits. I'm sure you'll be able to find the museum on you're own."

"Can do."

"Take her to the cell Karai." Karai drags me through a trap door to an underground prison wing. She unlocks a cell door and i see my mother occupying the cell. I run in and embrace my mother as Karai locks the door behind me.

"Oh my gosh mom. Are you okay?"

"Xander, is that you?"

"Yes. It's me. I was so worried about you."

"What happened to you? You're green and orange and-what?"

"It's okay mom. Shit happened, but i'm still me. I'm just glad you're alive." I don't know but i think i started to cry. I'm finally reunited with my mom, and i know for a fact that we're both going to make it out of this alive.

"I'm going to do something for the Shredder and the both of us will be out of here by daybreak tomorrow," I assure her, pulling out of the hug.

"This is all happening way too quickly," she mumbles leaning back against the wall.

"This has definately been the craziest week of my life."

"So what have you been doing while i was gone?"

"Well, I met a cute boy and hung out with some new friends."

"You made some new friends? And you're dating someone? All in two days?"

"Yes i made new friends. No i'm not dating someone."

"Who'd you meet? And who are you're new friends?"

"Well, you know my friend Raphael? It turned out he was only going to school because he was on a recon mission. He's actually a ninja. A mutant ninja. And he and his brothers were the ninjas who saved me when i was jumped that one time."

"Shut up. No way!"

"Yeah way! I've had a crush on Raph forever, and now i think he has a crush on me. I can't say for sure though."

"Aww. That's adorable!"

"Shut up." We just sat there for hours gossiping and laughing. My mom is the best and only girlfriend i have. Even back in Miami, i mainly hung out with guys. I usually spend most of my time at home giggling and talking with my mom. It's the best thing i have going for me right now.

That's it for this chapter. I love you all! :) See ya!