According to my written out timeline, it's finally time ;)

When you look in the mirror

What do you see

Are you trying to be you?

Or are you trying to be me?

The reflection doesnt talk

But at the same time it does

Purple hair, pale white skin

Under the reflection

No one has to know

That I'm a Cop

Hanna Lennarow closed her eyes, the misty hair spray touching the sides of her face. Her parents definitely wouldn't be happy about her long locks getting chopped, or dyed what the label on the bottle called 'London Wine Purple'. When she told them, and she down played alot of the parts. She said she was going under cover, but not into a street gang. Her mother would have attempted to ground her and her father put her on some sort of lock down or protest.

'No matter how old you get, your still their baby'.

It was hard to imagine being their daughter with her hair up in a half hawk hair do. Eye contacts that changed her eye color to purple. Subtle changes, but not too subtle where she wouldn't be considered rebel punk enough to want into the dragons. Purple was their signature color, A royal purple and that oriental symbol of a dragon. In her research she found that most dragons were drawn with three claws, only Asian mafia, sho guns, daimyo's, lords, or really important people were allowed to have four clawed dragons. So her Henna tattoo had only three just to be safe.

Her friends, from Grody Underground Magazine. One of the girls Kat photographed a particular model often, styling a New York line called 'My L.E Side' , which stood for Lower East Side. Fashion based on street wear.

Kat told her the model was a dragon recruiter. . .

"How do you know?"

"She asked me, I told her my career was my meal ticket, and I didn't have any real talents a gang would want. I mean what would they want me to do? take pictures of their tats?.

That's what her friend said to her. But her best link was refferal.

"I told her about you, your alibi story anyway. You're looking for quick cash, you've got a sick mother to take care of and you were a wannabe cop as a kid, you flunked out of the police academy and . . .I may have fudged a little."

"How much is a little?" Hanna grabbed a basket for the grocery store, where she met with her yesterday.

"I gave her a little teen angst, a reason you'd wanna be in a gang other than money for your mother . . . Like you were assaulted by your superior, and now your out for revenge against NYPD, and that your willing to do anything in the name of vengeance . . .I spun it a little more poetically of course so you'll have to work on your own details". Kat picked up a tomato putting a few in the basket.

"You came up with that in one shot?" Hanna asked half shocked.

"Yeah, that's kinda what their looking for . . ." She said tilting her head to the side to read the back of a honey bottle. "Mmm, not organic" She tossed it back on rack.

"Socio Paths lie on the spot" Hanna rolled her eyes at her friend who was adjusting her leather top in a window reflection.

"You wanted a way in, I gave you one. Just remember . . .If you get caught then it's on both our heads". Kat glared back seriously.

"I'm commited to this, I wont back out until all the cards are played and I've infiltrated successfully, My boss even gave me the go ahead to stay in longer after the fact, just to throw off suspicion. My hair goes back to normal, and I'm 'Hanna' Again.".

"Until then sweetie your Paula Schall. Come by my place today I'll give you that collagen you wanted, those women and guys you interrogated cannot recognize you".

"I know the risks, why do you think I dyed my hair purple" Hanna said irritatingly. Sometimes she wondered if anyone thought she could do her job.

"I'm serious Hanna" Kat stopped her from walking ahead. "These arent people to be taken like lemonade. These guys are shots of whiskey, and you need to be the slammer that keeps her face in check when you down a shot, because one crinkle of the nose, they'll know your not in". Kat made her usual bartender analogy. "Keep your poker face on, and stay purple".

"Got it" Hanna understood, her friends life was on the line if something went wrong. But She was trained for this . . .'I can do this'.

I can do this

She looked at her new image in the mirror, ready to pack her things. She was moving to a new 'undercover' place of residence . A slum apartment on the lower east side, right in the heart of Dragon Territory.

(Pre-emptive)

They were watching the news, over breakfast.

"Today's somebody's big audition" Mikey gave Kelly a bowl for whichever cereal she wanted. "Mhm" She answered, tired.

"It's just a call back" She half smiled sitting up, trying to stay conscious. Michelangelo smiled, making way for Donny who wanted a cup of coffee.

Donatello sighed pouring his coffee, he and Mikey both looked up. Raph was still sitting on the couch, watching the news.

"He's still at it?" Donatello asked.

"Dudes been up since six".

"What's he doing exactly?" Brandace asked, looking up from reading something.

"Scowering the media for any signs of purple dragons or the foot clan, or anything that smells like a conspiracy". Donatello turned straigtening his newspaper.

"Were ready for activity . . . some more than others" Leonardo made his presence known, emerging from the hallway shadow.

"OKaaayyy then, breakfast?" Mikey asked handing a bowl to Leo.

"Thanks Mikey".

"Hey Donny, ya check surveilance in awhile?" Raph asked from the couch.

"Only the past 10 minutes of every hour of every day this week . . .Since you asked precisely 20 minutes ago". Donatello sulked to his computer area. "Ah, 22". He corrected himself.

Raph rolled his eyes looking back to the screens.

"Lady Gaga Trips on her way to the Grammy's . . .Sounds high profile" Brandace joked grabbing her bag from beside the couch. Raph didn't respond, his expression totally glued to the t.v area. He only answered with a grunt.

"Shouldn't stare too long, you'll exhaust your eyes" Brandace slid her hand across his Right shoulder. "Yeah". He leaned back, still watching. Turning his head to watch everyone go out the exit.

"I'll be back" Donatello said walking behind them. Raphael still watching.

"And I promise I'll check the surveilance again" Donatello called back at Raph's staring.

"Hmph"

(The seaworthy Callback )

The foyer was a rush of students, trying to get from A to B. Bethany slipped through a group of girls giggling about something that obviously sparked their interest.

"Totes Adorbs, Love her Scarf" One girl said as Bethany passed. Even though she didn't typically like girls like that, sometimes she reminded herself that back home that's how she felt sometimes. Confidant, and the modern city girl. But a compliment is always nice to hear, even if I'd never fit in with girls like that. 'I dont speak text'.

Her English class . . .Today they were doing groups for a book report, Kelly was with Madeline Hasher at the Oh so important callback audition for a school production. I really dont want to work with anyone. . . And Brandace sits in the back . . .-"

Not only was her normal seat in class taken but the one next to the brunette wearing a black and gold Iowa jersey was empty, with her bag sitting in it and a coffee cup on it. Brandace nodded at her from across the room, they got the corner back seats today.

"Thankyou god" She whispered hurrying to her seat.

"Is that-" Bethany scurried to the empty chair before anyone else followed into the class room. The instructor was writing the 'riddle of the day' on the board.

"Chai . . . It's group work day, and I'm in the mood to headlock anybody who attempts to sit next to me". Brandace had her own coffee, Bethany grabbed the one on the desk taking a long drink from it.

"Thankyou . . . Your a saint" Bethany gasped breath after putting the mug down, and setting her bag beside her.

"No . . .I'm tired" Brandace joked. Both girls laughed just as the teacher turned around.

"Can anyone tell me what is it called when two ants get married?" The instructor asked, no one answered and there were a few groans.

Bethany sat back, Brandace sipping her chai not bothering with it.

"Antelope . . . Like the deer . . . In Africa" Bethany answered.

"Very good!"

"And so it begins" Brandace and Bethany tipped cups to eachother.

"Kelly's probably doing her audition by now" Brandace whispered.

"I'm sure she'll do fine, if not very well . . . it's all she could talk about last night" Bethany remembered them going over lines until everyone was tired.

"That and exploding nazi zombies" Brandace answered back.

Bethany nodded in agreement.

(AUDITION SIGN UPS PLEASE COME AS CALLED)

"Jaden Pickerry, your next after Ashley" The assitant teacher told one of the 18 girls sitting in the same hallway. The benches were taken so Kelly sat with Maddie on the floor, she didn't mind. Better than sitting next to a total stranger. Plus one girl wanted to talk about how she had the part for Adrina in the bag, one of Tritons daughters. Because her sister was in the play as Wendy when the school did Peter Pan and the Lost boys when she started school.

"Typical psyche out, 'It's in my blood so I've basically got the part' . . .Right" maddie sighed.

"Maybe, I dont know theres like alot of girls here" Kelly noticed, there were only a few daughters and like 18 of them . . . 19 if she counted herself.

"Alot of these girls all want the part of Ariel, and I bet you half of them are so uptight about wanting the part that if they're given another, they wont do it . . .I'd put my Adam Lambert CD on that" Maddie snorted.

Kelly looked up from her phone "Well even If I dont get Ariel or one of the mermaids, and it's a small part. I'd be okay with it". She shrugged.

"That's a very good attitude". The assistant teacher was standing in the doorway again. They hadn't heard her come out that time.

"Madeline Hasher your up after Ashley Ghardigan, and Ashley your next". The messy bunned assistant teacher walked back into the auditorium with her clipboard in hand. Ashely ghardigan, a six foot tall Hatian girl with red and black dreadlocks followed behind her.

"I think she wanted to do the choir?" the other girls in the hallway started talking about Ashley. Kelly shook her head not wanting to pay attention. Her breath was shaking, on the inside she was half nervous half excited.

"Be the mermaid daughter, be the mermaid daughter. . . .I AM . . .Arista, Alana . . . Adrina?" Madeline thought out loud for a moment suddenly forgetting the daugters names.

"You on the other hand could totally be Ariel, you've got the natural hair for it". She pointed out.

"Oh thanks, it's half dyed though, kinda". Kelly smirked sheepishly. "And you! You will be an awesome . . .Sismaid . . .Mersis? Mersister? Yes you can be my Mersister" Kelly pointed.

"You can be mine too!" The girl whose sister played wendy in a previous school production, stopped her gloating and psyche play to point and smile at the two on the floor. Wanting to dominate the conversation. Kelly bit her lip letting her hair fall infront of her eyes.

The door opened and the assitant popped her head out. Maddie looked away from her glare at the girl on the bench. " You can come in" The assitant nodded at Maddie.

"This is it" Her friend breathed out, Kelly laughed at Madeline who was floating her arms about her like wings into a ballet dance. "You can fly you can fly you can flyyyyyy" She sang, the girl on the bench glaring just before the door closed.

(Past Tidings)

"Come ON, we should be out 'dere!" Raph was getting impatient. They were going to stake out the hospitals that Donatello located. The few that were matched to the medical supplies left by the foot clan in their retreat.

However, Master splinter put them through a day of training. Raph was asked to practice his balance, as well as his patience. Leonardo watched from the corner of the room on his balancing beam. Their training was more than just offense and defense, they had to have key timing and balance was mandatory to play either.

"Can it, here comes Splinter" Michelangelo whispered loudly.

Sweat was falling from Don's face, holding a position for this long called for a replenishment of at least an 8 oz fluid bottle of water . . .and maybe a half to go along with that.

Master Splinter walked in, he used his tail to correct Michelangelo's balance, correcting his leg height.

"My sons, you may rest . . ."

The tone in their fathers voice was different today. Leonardo could tell something was slightly off. His master was troubled by something.

"Master . . . " Leonardo waited until his brothers had left the room ahead of him.

"Yes Leonardo" Master Splinter addressed him, hands behind him and direct eye contact.

"You seem kind of 'disturbed' today Sensei" Leonardo guessed. Even when he towered over his sensei, it still felt as if he was younger and still looking up at him. Master Splinter always had an authorative stance.

"It is nothing to worry about my son . . .Though my suspicion and feeling in my whiskers this morning after meditation tell me differently" Master Splinter admitted, breathing out with a sigh.

The fatherly rat looked back up at his son.

"I fear that what I sensed this morning was the same feeling I had , not just a week before last". Master Splinter looked to his right shoulder, as if he heard something.

Was Master Splinter becoming paranoid?

Leonardo looked down to his father, concerned.

He wouldn't be this way unless there was a genuine concern to be.

"Michelangelo! Do not use the chopsticks as toothpicks" Master Splinter called before turning around and walking out of the room.

"Sorry Sensei!"

Leonardo walked out into the hallway. In the dark he pulled out his shell cell. . .

(Deep Concern)

It was the end of class, Bethany had finished her chai 20 minutes ago. Letting her stare go to her desk. she stopped writing her notes about the same time her chai was empty.

Brandace was writing something, probably not related to class, sketching something next to what looked like a journal entry.

Her purse vibrated on the floor, it was her phone.

Kelly must've finished her audition.

Bethany threw a wad of torn up paper at Brandace, the gold brunette looked up from her writing. Bethany was staring straight ahead, but motioning to her bag with her eyes. Brandace looked ahead sitting up straight, before scooting Beths bag over to her slowly. Bethany scooted it the rest of the way, reaching down to grab her phone, looking under the desk while the instructor wasn't paying attention.

"Is everything fine at school"

'Wow, Leo's texting me'. She hit the buttons rhymically. Brandace glanced over at her but she couldn't tell her at the moment. The instructor was looking over here. 'In English class, typical'.

She waited a few moments after sending it to send another 'Is everything alright?'

He didn't normally text her, at least not casually like this.

The next text vibration made her look down the second it happened.

'Splinter has a feeling, April will come get you after school. Be best if you came home straight after'.

Splinter has a feeling? Something might happen, or something is going to happen? She looked up from her text, Brandace nodded her head upwards to get her attention, she wanted to know what was going on.

(Enter Sandman: By Metallica)

'I'll let Brandace and Kelly know'. She sent the last text before the instructor excused them for class.

Everyone was getting up, Both girls grabbed their bags.

"Whats up" Brandace asked seriously both rushing to get out of the class room.

"Leo says Splinter's got a feeling, we have to go back straight after and that April's coming to get us". Both keeping the pace up down the stairs to reach the lunch room.

(Act of War)

The room was dark, barely lit. No one was to enter without permission. One lamp in the corner provided enough light for a moth to find. It fluttured around the lamp siding.

"Master" She stood in front of the bed on the floor, surrounded with red carpet. One rolled up mat on the ground, housed her Master.

The body raised itself, pale flesh with red engraved scars on the right side were all that could be seen. She bowed her head, she knew what would happen if someone were to stare too long. Movement caused her to look up quickly. But never flinch . . .

'He was standing'

She stared in shock. "Send them . . . It is time to remind this city . . . that we are not a foot note. A snake . . .That is stepped on . . .will bite". He muttered the words with clear distinction, slow and clear.

"Yes Master" She bowed walking swiftly from the room. Leaving the body on the mat, snapping at the foot soldiers guarding the doors to shut them.

Inside A hand grabbed the moth lingering by the light. Letting the body and broken wings fall to the floor.

Say your prayers, little one

Don't forget, my son

To include everyone

Leonardo looked at the message Bethany sent back. He decided to turn on the t.v for a change, watching the news in Raph's place. His brothers throwing rice balls at eachother in the kitchen for noon break.

Tuck you in

warm within

"Mayor! A moment please!?" A swarm of reporters and photographers were infront of the city hall.

"I'm late for a meeting with Brian Mickley Congress Government offical to discuss the very subject your about to press questions upon". Mayor Baynoit, born and raised in the burroughs of brooklyn.

"Could we take a statement!"

Keep you free from sin

Till the Sandman he comes

"Is it true your pulling funds from the department of justice and NYPD tax payer funding to put towards the public school system"

"After what happened in California, the distrust of the police and officers of the state has risen to an all time high by the citizens of New York, and country wide. It is in our best interest to serve the public and to reinforce to NYPD that our children come first, and that officers who don't respect the laws they are hired to reinforce will not be given an extra million in the fiscal budget, when we can have more children in the school system who belong in our schools".

The mayor followed behind his assitant and the district attorney into the officials car, motioning the driver to go.

Sleep with one eye open

Gripping your pillow tight

"Position one, two, and seven . . .Check" Karai answered into the communication talkie.

"One, two and seven are check" A males voice answered her back into the talkie. She stepped into the drivers seat of a black military SUV. A foot soldier opened the door for her.

Exit Light

Enter Night

Take my hand

The back ware house door was opened. The master upstairs watched from a closed shaded window.

Off to Never Never Land

"It's a controversial move, with gang violence on the rise, the citizens are torn". The mayoral assistant Harvard Lewall was showing the Mayor the recent polls taken by their hired part timers and the New York Times.

"The times reports that the citizens are caught between feeling bullied by the police, especially in the burroughs, and being pressured by local street gangs who are pushing edges on territory".

"I want a report from Gang relations watch on my desk this week. The crime rate hasn't been this low in years, I'm not about to spend millions of tax payers dollars on something that isn't necessary".

"The local drug ring has expanded, they believe with shipments coming in on the docks, the maritime commission has a hard time following up with owners of warehouses on the docks. Not to mention the recent crimewave of abductions and rapes in all sections of new york including Queens, brooklyn, and manhattan".

Somethings wrong

Shut the light

Heavy thoughts tonight

and they arent of snow white

'Round 28th and go straight, take the back streets and cut alley corners until you reach the checkpoint'. Karai gave direct orders to the driver who took a sharp left to accomodate. The checkpoint 'Empress Hotel'.

she turned to climb into the back of the vehicle, assembling machinery together from a velvet black case hidden under the seat.

Dreams of war

Dreams of liars

Dreams of

Dragons fire

And of things that will Bite

"Hai!" She shouted throwing her arm out the window. A man who was seemingly standing on his own in the alley suddenly ran over as if on que. He opened the door taking the velvet case. The door shut and sped off down the street. He whistled walking away casually. Holding the handle of the case with his purple dragon tattoo encross on his hand.

Sleep with one eye

Open

"Maybe it's just paranoia, I mean the last close call was a month ago" Brandace tried rationalizing Splinters fear because now they were having an emergency meeting in the girls bathroom, and Kelly was on the verge of panic after Beth told her.

"If it was really that bad April would be here to pick us up early" She crossed her arms assuredly.

Gripping your pillow tight

Exit light

End of Night

"I have a feeling, since last nights search, that enough time has passed. The shredder will not wait for long to make his presence known". Master Splinter was speaking to his sons.

It was only a week, before the Shredder had trampled our sacred ground after he found out about our existance. Those years ago.

And I have that same feeling now, as I did on that evening.

Take my hand

Off to Never Never Land

"Position on the tower?" Karai asked into the talkie.

"Positioned". A male voice answered back.

"Position on the Hall" She asked again on a different frequency.

"Were ready on your signal" Someone else answered back from a different location.

"Positioned at the Empress?" She asked finally, listening back for a confirmation.

"Yes"

The Vehicle took a quick turn near the back of the building, A hotel Slum in Hells Kitchen. No camera's or security. Karai exited quickly from the vehicle, the other soldier opened the door for her. When she approached the stairs, the hotel manager wasn't behind the desk. As planned.

She took off up the stairs, toting the target locating military grade launcher at her side.

12 flights of stairs and they reached the rooftop entrance.

"Set the scope, 12 degrees east, 45 degrees south"

"Direct line" The soldier adjusted the angle and sightline.

The mayor's vehicle was three blocks away. The driver looked up through the windshield.

"Sir? . . .The lights not changing".

"It's fine" Mayor Benoit answered "We'll cut across to the right, can you get in the next lane?"

"Yes Sir" The driver answered.

Now I lay me down to sleep

"He's changing lanes, headed right for you" A voice on her talkie answered.

Now I lay me down to sleep

She already had the launcher on her shoulder, heavy and pinned in the trap muscle crevice.

I pray the lord my soul to keep

The car turned right on red. The other drivers honking at the light. Which was stuck on red for the last 10 minutes.

I pray the lord my soul to keep

Her right eye in the scope. She had one shot, and the second the beacon was flared . . .

and If I die before I wake

It would be her masters first assault on the city that had forgotten him.

and If I die before I wake

The car was passing the second business now, three numbers down.

I pray the lord my soul to take

The sun glinting off the tinted windows.

I pray the lord my soul to take

Leonardo had finally walked away from the t.v area.

"Leo, Bro your pizza's gettin' cold . . ." Mikey held up the box.

"Hey if he doesnt want it I'll eat it" Raph answered. Traning for this long, he was hungry.

"Canolli' anyone?" Donatello offered a box from the nearby bakery.

'Master Splinter's instinct is also recollection of the last time. . . If the Shredder was returning, maybe it was fear that was driving the feeling. Besides, watching t.v all afternoon wasn't going to help him perfect his dragon tail double kick.

Hush little baby

Dont say a word

and never mind that

noise you heard

"Target acquired" Karai whispered. The foot soldier to her left, stood watch with military binoculars.

"20 yards . . ."

She waited

"15 yards"

It's just the beast

under your bed

"10 yards"

"Charging" She answered.

"5" Yards.

Finger on trigger string

In your closet

The pull sent her shoulder back with the kickback jolt.

In YOUR head

Women with strollers on the street screamed. Couples at the nearby Hells Kitchen Cafe Rizzolio's deli dove out of the way under tables. The glass of the Deli and antique store blew inwards. Shop managers and employees were thrown back by the blow. A knocked out waiter with broken glasses of water laid on the pavement.

Exit Light

End of Night

Grain of Sand

"WEVE GOT A 22-02 BOMB EXPLOSION, GET A BOMB SQUAD DOWN HERE, WE NEED AMBULANCES!" A sherrif on duty patrolling the neighborhood showed up the scene.

"Help!" (Cough)

Sherrif Toledo turned around to the burning vehicle, the driver was waving his hand, half bloodied through the windshield.

"I'm COMIN!" The sherrif sprinted over, grabbing the slippery hand after kicking in the leftover glass to pull out the driver.

Exit Light

End of Night

Sirens flooded the traffic, the blasts had caused panic, people running.

"Let it fly" Karai ordered in japanese over the talkie. The wind in her hair, watching the fire in the street.

Take my Hand

"What is that?"

"Some political stunt?" People from the city hall were staring up at a person in black who had a giant black banner with a red symbol tied to the front of the columns of the main building. It whipped in the wind just before he threw it down.

Off to Never Never Land

Smoke rising from another part of the city.

Boom!

"There a fire or something?" Casey asked in the drivers seat. April looked up from the traffic in her hybrid.

"Must be". She was headed to the grocery store, and Casey wanted to drop by the sporting goods specialty place before heading back home.

Casey looked up at the smoke before shrugging and watching the light again.

"Casey, the guys are asking if we'll drop by the high school".

Casey looked sideways at his girlfriend, she was absorbed into her phone. It was a text from Donatello.

The second text gave her goosebumps.

'Foot clan assault . . .News channel 6, Master Splinter would like you to bring them home, if it's not too much trouble'.

"Casey . . ."

"I'm on it" He swerved the second the light went green and passed another into the next lane to head east to the East Public High School.

Off to never never land

Take my Hand

Off to Never never land

Take my hand . . .

"It has begun" Master Splinter and all four of his sons stood staring at the t.v screens. The burning fire of a car with a dead mayor and members of the board, inside.

"And the police are unsure whether this banner stunt at City hall is coincedental or a direct correlation between the car bombing"

The camera was focused on the front of the city hall.

"A black banner, of what appears to be 40 by 30 feet was tied to the front windows and thrown over the columns. A black banner with a red symbol which is still unidentifiable to any gang or crime organization relations at this time - I've just recieved word that the victims in the car bombing were on their way to a meeting, and infact one person has survived and is in critical condition. Three other bodies have been identified as the burned remains of Mayor Benoit, and two associates whose names will be identified the moment police have confirmation-"

"The girls must be brought home, it is not safe for them at this time". Master Splinter stood up from the couch, lowering his head and leaning on his walking stick.

"Their on their way, I sent April a text, she and Casey are picking them up from school". Donatello answered.

Raphael looked down before hitting the wall in anger. Leonardo glared at the t.v. . .

"Dude, they killed the mayor?" Michelangelo shook his head watching the screen, sitting on the arm of the couch.

"They definitely presented a bold statement" Donatello watched Leonardo's reaction. Their brothers eyes narrowed and glowering at the screen, slightly hunched. His own anger showing only in his expression and body language.

"It means that the shredder is confidant, and he has the man power to do so" Master Splinters voice changed from saddened to rough.

"So what are we gonna do about it" Raph turned around, nostrils flared muscles tensed, ready to go make his own statement.

"Retaliation is exactly what the Shredder wants". Leonardo spoke.

"So we just sit on our asses while he blows up government officials and takes his rage out onto the streets". Raph raised his voice motioning to the t.v. Both brothers glaring at eachother.

"Enough!" Master Splinter turned to his sons.

The entrance door opened . . .

"Is it True!?" April rushed in, Casey waited till all four women were past him.

"It's all over the tube babe" Mikey motioned to the screen with an unhappy grimace.

Bethany approached slowly watching the screen, the news running a clip, a giant black and red symbol banner over an official looking building. The title said city hall. A news reporter talking about the mayor's death.

"The mayor was IN that car!?" April pointed before putting a hand over her mouth. Kelly hung back letting Mikey side hug her.

"It's gonna be okay" He whispered, Kelly just stared at the t.v.

The banner of the foot clan waving on the screen, whipping in the breeze over city hall.

"The mayor and two members of the board were killed in that explosion" Donatello informed April who was shaking her head.

"Guess the cats outta the bag huh" Casey seethed standing next to Raph who was still angry, arms crossed eyes lowered.

Bethany saw the goosebumps on Brandaces rolled up sleeved arms rise. She rubbed them before walking out of the room.

"Brandace-"

Brandace walked away across the lair not wanting to talk to anyone.

"Are we at risk Master Splinter" April asked the fatherly Rat who approached the t.v's again.

"I believe the Shredder wishes to announce his return in full force. He will see to it that he has ahold of the city before seeing to his own personal vengeance". The shredder always was a prioritized man, he would make sure he was seated on his throne before seeing to his court.

"That means the city's in danger, and so is everybody else on the street who gets in his way" Raphael growled taking out his Sai in irritation.

"Your anger is understood my son, but we must remain vigilant and cautious" Master Splinter advised. Raphael remained still while his father was speaking.

"We can't just run into the boxin' ring with a fight already started, he'll see it comin' a mile away" Casey motioned to the screen. Everyone , including April froze.

"Wow . . . " April stuttered shocked.

"did he actually say that?" Michelangelo asked pointing at Casey.

"We'll stick to the plan" Leonardo nodded to his brothers "Lay low, and find the whereabouts of the shredder, starting with the hospitals and where he got his med supplies-"

"Too much-" Bethany breathed out, eyes misting up. She took off running down the hall to her room. The Cell she tried so hard to not sleep in for months and now she was running to it.

Kelly looked up from Mikey, he nodded when she let go to go after her friend.

"Their scared" Leonardo whispered.

"We all are" April held her own arms. Leonardo looked at the space where Kelly ran after Beth. Raph sat up from leaning against the wall.

"We doin this fearless" He nodded.

"Don?"

"I'm ready" Donatello had the evidence in his bag for match identification.

"Were heading out" Leonardo said to April and Casey. They bowed to Master Splinter before heading for the exit.

"We'll be back Sensei" Leonardo called.

"Be safe my sons" Master Splinter bowed his head.

(Wake up Bomb)

"Your orders were executed to the fullest extent, and completed . . .Master" Karai bent down on one knee, along with the two soldiers next to her.

"Good"

"Should we go full strike on your second command" She asked, now looking up at him. Not afraid to make eye contact. Those dark eyes were indiscrimminate, but more pleased than before hearing that the first assault on the city was successful.

"We will watch for movement of the enemy. Call Hun, tell him it is time to do his part . . . We will not give them too much room . . .To breath" He said the last word slowly in almost a half whisper.

"Right away" She answered getting up to make the call.

"Karai . . ."

She stopped.

"You have done well"

She froze at the compliment, turned around quickly and bowed again before walking out the door.

(What nightmares may come)

Leonardo walked into the lair, Donatello sluggishly walked near his work station area, letting the bag of evidence drop to the floor.

Raph walked in, twirling his sai in irritation.

All three of his brothers felt the weight of the unsuccessful venture. They scouted out two hospitals tonight. Donatello hacked into the hospitals online records, after Michelangelo distracted the front by setting off a fire alarm, getting Don to the computer after disabling the security and surveilance system. Both Mercy and St. Lukes didn't have burn unit records during the time frame that the shredder would have needed the supplies.

It wasn't halfway through the night when Donatello realized that Karai might have stolen the medical supplies in which case, they would need an inventory list and records of anything missing such as a personalized fire burn unit skin suit, and burn unit supplies.

"It'll have to wait until tomorrow, this time of night their updating their systems and shutting them down for installation of updates and updating security". Donatello shrugged. With a lead that would have to wait, they patrolled a little and went by the site. There were still officers on the scene, medical examiners and photographers. Too many people. The street was taped off but the crowds werent diminishing.

Leonardo wiped his face with his forehead, he'd tell Master Splinter they at least made some progress. But no closer were he and his brothers to finding the shredder.

'Looks like Raph beat me too it this time'. Leonardo sighed, Raph was standing by Master Splinters door, it was cracked open a bit but he wasn't going in.

"Raph?"

Raph didn't respond, he just stood there listening.

"If they could do that to a city official, imagine what they'll do to us"

Brandace was upset, Master Splinter was sitting on his pillow by the tea table. "What they'll do to any of you".

Raph was listening, obviously this wasn't a good time to talk to Sensei, so he wasn't interrupting.

"I understand your fear, and it is admirable that you care so much for my sons and my own safety. But we have defenses we can rely on, which you do not. Your safety is also my concern". Master Splinter put a hand on her shoulder, she wiped her eyes angrily.

'Eaves dropping brother?' Leonardo whispered.

"It's our fault were even here, if we werent here . . .They might not have such a hard on to try to find us" Brandace wiped her eyes with her sleeves, moving her hair back with half a sob.

"The shredder is a soul that seeks revenge. It is his hate for us, that would have driven him to seize power with or without your presence" Sensei was trying to calm her down.

Leo put a hand on Raphs shoulder before walking away, suggesting his brother do the same. "yeah". Raph whispered back.

"He knows . . . If the purple dragons know then he knows, Karai's the one that hired him. She's the benefactor . . . He has to know were not from here. First its the city and then It's us next . . ." Brandace looked up, Master Splinter stood infront of the door hiding the crack and closing it.

The brothers knew he knew they were there.

'No one could steal the cookie out of the cookie jar in this family without him knowing it'.

"It is okay to be afraid, but fear is when you are living in the state of panic. You do not know what will happen, or you guess. The best thing we can do is prepare you for what is to come. I will do for you three what I have done for my sons. I will help you learn to defend yourselves". Master Splinter promised.

"What if I can't- . . ."

"Anyone can learn, and anyone can become greater than they are". Master Splinter assured her.

She nodded her head standing up before exchanging a hug.

"Raphael . . .You needed something" Master Splinter called back. Brandace froze in place, and so did Raph. Her expression locked on his, surprised.

"Were you listening?" She asked, eye brows raised and voice strained.

"I - just wanted to let you know we made it home" He answered not giving her a direct answer.

She brushed by him not saying anything. He let her go past him.

"And?" Master Splinter asked.

"No luck" Raph whispered back. Turning around to watch her leave the hallway.

"I am no expert on such things but I can tell you my son . . . that 'that' . . .was a 'no-no'"

"Yeah . . .I got that" He rolled his shoulders, headed for bed.