My first concise thought was of my head throbbing. It was a dull pain. Like when you stub your toe and it just aches for a few minutes afterwards. I didn't want to open my eyes. Something inside of me knew the light would cause more pain. I just wanted to sleep more. I wanted to wash the pain away.

A feeling was eating at my simple thoughts. It was curiosity, forcing me to remember why it was I felt this pain. Jumbled pictures, Leonardo, Melinda, Donatello, fighting, the blond man; they all blurred together in my mind. Unclear, unfocused. Slowly more complex thoughts started to come back to me. I started to remember where I was and the dull ache became shaper.

Fear hit me. I realized I had to have been captured. Why else would the blond man have knocked me out? Slowly I opened one eye, cautious; thankfully the room I was in was dimly lit. I opened both eyes, my head throbbing now and looked around. I made a small grunting noise struggling. I realized my hands were tied behind my back, so tightly it was almost painful.

I was in a room alone, lying on the floor. I had the distant impression I had been tossed there. Left until I was needed. My face was sticky and I realized there must be dry blood on it. I cringed, feeling gross and dirty and tried to move a little. My limbs felt sluggish; I cursed myself for being so stupid. Leonardo had warned me what would happen if I ran off on my own. I hadn't listened and I now knew he was right.

I had gotten myself into a horrible situation; I was completely at the mercy of whoever had captured me. The name Saki echoed in my head. That was who Melinda was with and it seemed the Turtles' enemy. I couldn't forget the look on Leo's face when I had first spoken the name. Shock, disgust, anger. There was no love lost between these two factions it seemed and now I stupidly had thrown myself into the middle of their fray.

I tried to move again and felt useless. Between the pain in my arms from their tight binding and the insistent throbbing on my head I felt weak. I struggled, but knew even if I somehow did manage to get up and by some insane luck the door was unlocked. I had no idea how to get out of the building I was in. Still I looked around hoping for some clue of escape. I felt very much like I was on my own now. I had made my stupid mistake, now I could pay for it.

The room I was in was very sparse. There was little furniture. A chair and table. Two rugs on the floor, a few wall hangings and no windows. This looked like a holding room. These people were professionals and I was now within their grasp. Strangely enough I didn't cry. I felt too stupid, to angry with myself to cry. Why hadn't I just listened?

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling rather blankly. I wondered if Melinda was in this building. I wondered if she knew I was here and if she did would she try to help me? I didn't know anymore. She was angry and I wasn't even sure why. I knew the Turtles made her uncomfortable, but I really didn't think they were that bad of individuals. At least they did seem to tie people up and hold them hostage the way Mel's friends did.

I listened. I could hear movement outside the door. The people in the building going about whatever business they did. I thought of trying to call out for help, but knew it would be useless. Everyone here I am certain works for this Saki and my voice would go unheeded. It was then tears started to come. I felt so alone, so small and so afraid. I wished beyond hope someone would sweep in and rescue me, but I felt so abandoned and on my own. I had dug my grave and now I could lay in it.

Huge footsteps pounding down the hall drew my attention. I shivered and tried to worm away from the door. There was only one human being I could think of that could make that much noise when he walked and it was the blond man that had did this to me. I knew whatever reason they were holding me in this room for, they needed me now.

The door flew open and I tried to curl myself into a ball, make myself small. I closed my eyes, tightly like a small child hiding from a scary noise in her bed. I heard the person in the doorway chuckle. I knew the sound. It WAS the blond man. "Good, you're awake girl, my Master wishes to speak to you."

I looked up at him as he spoke. Fear clearly on my face. The smirk in his expression grew wider. He was obviously amused by my emotion. I didn't speak back; I simply looked away. I had no choice, but to allow him to do with me as he pleased. I couldn't fight back, I couldn't scream for help. I had never felt so useless before in my life. I hated it, it made me sick. The man picked me up roughly, my head being jostled around. I squeaked out in pain and this made him laugh again.

"You're stupid you know that." He told me as he carried me down a long hallway and entered an elevator. "Not only do you choose to hang out with FREAKS of nature, but then you come here after your friend, who obviously doesn't care for you. You don't see her here saving you do you?" He laughed again it was cold and I felt tears coming back to my eyes.

Did that mean my fears were correct? That Melinda did in fact know I was captured and she hadn't done a thing about it. Was she so far gone from me now, that she didn't even care if I lived or died? I tried to push these thoughts aside. How could I trust this hoodlum, throwing me around and treating me like garbage to be telling me the truth? He might be saying all of this just to mess with my mind. I steeled myself. I had to stay strong. My strength could be the difference between life and death for me.

I had a brief flash of Leonardo. I hated to admit it, but when I thought of staying strong he was the one that sprung into my mind. He was so solid. I knew if he were here right now, he would just stay silent and not let any emotions show. I tried to mimic his poker face. The expressionless look he gave me so much of the time. Hoping that maybe I too could yield it to my advantage. My abductor was looking at me, waiting for a reaction, when he didn't get one he frowned. Displeased by me blankly staring at the wall like I didn't hear it.

It made me feel stronger. Maybe I could do this, if this guy's boss was as stupid as him. We exited the elevator and the huge man stayed silent. Teasing me seemed to have become less amusing to him sense I had stopped reacting. I just kept thinking about Leonardo, about his postures, his expressions and I tried to stay calm. I had to get out of this. I had to help Melinda. Even if she didn't want my help.

We stopped in front of a massive door. I turned looking; it was very ornate and looked Asian to me. I raised a brow interested. The goon carrying me did NOT appear Asian, so this left me a bit baffled. He knocked on the door before entering. He took a few steps and literally tossed me onto the floor before him. I fell hard with a groan, feeling sharp pains throughout my body. Hoping nothing broke, I wormed my way around to face the "Master" this man kept speaking of. "I brought you the girl you asked for Master." Out of the corner of my eye I saw the goon bow. I heard myself growl lightly, but once again forced myself to steel my expression.

I turned towards this Master and my eyes widened. If I had been impressed by the presence Leonardo held just by viewing him then I was astounded by the sheer fear this man emanated from him. He was sitting in the lotus position, looking down at me with veiled interest. He was Asian; there was no mistaking it. With very dark featured and a slim, yet toned build. There was no doubt in my mind he was powerful. I fought off a shiver. Trying to keep my expression neutral, but I felt like he could read right through me.

He, Saki, considered me for a moment. Before rising and nodded to the blond man. "Well, done Hun." His voice was soft but had a lethal quality to it. And the blond man, Hun, was the perfect name for a barbarian like him. "She seems like she doesn't much care for you." Saki had caught me glaring at Hun at the mention of his name; I quickly looked away not wanting to give him any fodder against me.

Hun chuckled looked down at my small form. "I really wouldn't know why, I've been a perfect gentleman." I heard him laugh out loud, sadistic and cruel. I kept my eyes away from him, my expression as blank as I could muster. I wasn't about to sink to his level. He was below me.

"Now, now Hun, don't be in personable." Saki's voice sounded much too kind. It seemed genuine, but my gut told me it was false. I still recalled the hatred in Leo's eyes. I couldn't fathom this man was kind. "Would you like to sit up, Lea?" My head lifted at the sound of my name. My eyes must have grown wide and I noticed Saki smirk ever so slightly.

"Yes, Melinda told me your name and she also told me about your… situation. The trouble you have gotten yourself into." He looked at me concerned. I almost wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe I wasn't in danger, that maybe this man was Mel's friend and he was trying to help me. Still my instincts told me this wasn't true, but for now I would play his game, until I understood where he was going.

"I would like to sit up please…Sir." My voice was very small in the large room. I tried to stay distant and polite. Like nothing that was happening around me mattered much to me. Inside my heart was pounding so hard I was certain it was going to explode.

"Hun, bring her a chair and help her into it." Saki pointed and the blond man obeyed without question. He walked over to a corner and picked up a huge ornate armchair and carried it near me, he then lifted me into it, my bonds still tied.

"Must I stay bonded like this?" I tried to look as small and pathetic as possible. Hoping they would let there guards down and misjudge me. Saki unfortunately didn't look like the type of man that ever let his guard down. He shook his head.

"No, we will leave you in them at least until we know your intentions." His eyes lingered on mine for a long time. I felt a cold sweat break out on me, but focused solely on my face. Keeping it neutral, dead of expression, staring blankly back at him. His studied me a while longer before he spoke again, pacing slowly in front of me.

"My first question is very important, because it concerns something that could affect MY safety and the safety of my men so don't lie to me." His voice took a hard quality at the last words. I simply continued looking at him as he talked. "Why were you with the Turtle monsters the other night."

I barely paused, I knew any hesitation on my part would be considered weak, but still I choose my words as wisely as I could. "He was helping me look for Melinda. I don't know my way around the city and was frightened to travel alone." It was completely the truth, just not the complete truth.
Saki studied me for a few moments more. Thinking over what I said. "So why would you want to trust such horrible looking creatures as these Turtles?" I could see he was trying to lead this conversation somewhere; still I kept giving simply answers.

"They haven't done anything bad to me, and they were willing to help me. I accepted, it was better than being alone." I know my answers were vague but they were the best I could give without going into details I had no interest in him knowing.

"That's odd, because I distinctly remember Melinda mentioning one of them HAD hurt you and that you were upset." Saki's eyes narrowed and I cursed myself. He had been setting a trap for me. Curse him. I knew I would have to talk circles to get myself out of this one. I felt myself began to panic a little but once again I tired to stay calm.

I put on my best fake smirk. "Mel exaggerates. How could one of them hurt me? They are after all only turtles." I felt horrible saying this. I was lying and ever fiber of my being knew it. My mind flashed back to being in April's room and Leonardo holding me so tightly, protecting me. I knew they were more then just Turtles.

Saki's pleasant expression left his face and turned dark. "You're lying to me." He said it bluntly, I heard Hun snickering in the background at me. I shivered at the glare that was on his face. "Now tell me the REAL reason you were with the impetuous one, the one with the red bandana. Do you have feelings for him?"

My eyes widening, and I had to surpass a laugh. I thanked a higher power that he had gotten the wrong idea about what was going on. At least now I could tell the truth. "Me? Have feelings for Raphael? That's a laugh. I can't stand to hold a conversation with him let alone have feelings for him." I rolled my eyes to further prove how stupid that idea sounded to me.

Saki grew silent, watching me. I held his gaze. Knowing every word I had just spoken to him was the complete truth and he could call me on it. This seemed to displease him. He scowled at me. "So then how did one of the creatures hurt you?"

I looked away; I knew this conversation wasn't one I could simply talk my way out of. Everything that has happened between Leonardo and I was too complicated to explain simply. I didn't even know why he had hurt me so badly, or what was going on between us. How could I make up a simple, yet true explanation to please Saki.

"There was a misunderstanding between myself and one of them. My feelings did get hurt, but it's only because I was acting stupid." I couldn't face Saki. I couldn't look him in the eyes. I knew he would be able to see right through me.

"So you DO have feelings for one of them?" Once again he was closing in, trapping me. I didn't know what to say, so I stayed silent, looking down at the floor. Knowing that alone was betraying me. "Well," He continued. "It can't be the red bandied one then, or the quiet one because I know he likes Melinda." I looked up at him a bit shocked when he said this.

I felt annoyed. How much had Mel told this guy about what was going on? Saki ignored my expression and continued talking. "So is it the stupid one that is always showing off, the one with the orange bandana?" He was narrowing it down; I felt my stomach growing sick. I thought for a brief moment of lying. Screaming at him about not liking any of them, but knew he would know it was a lie and it would be completely useless. I shook my head weakly. The expression that crossed his face scared me. He got a very sadistic smile on his face. "Leonardo?"

I was surprised he knew his name. The other just seemed like simply annoyances to him. Creatures that were his enemies, but that he didn't deem worthy enough to know by name. Leonardo I could immediately tell held a different view for him. I felt myself shake and look away, I didn't want to tell Saki anything. I didn't want to give him the pleasure. "I don't have feelings for any of them, that's stupid."

My words were hollow and he could tell it. I could feel myself losing my calm. I was beginning to feel cornered and panicky. I moved slightly against my bonds just wishing to escape there. "Does he have feelings for you in return?" Saki's voice was pure venom. He had found the information he was looking for and now he was milking it.

My mind flashed back once again to Leonardo holding me, his hand smoothing my hair. His voice soft and soothing. I wasn't sure how to answer. I wasn't really sure myself. I was so confused and this man, Saki was forcing me to face blatantly everything that was confounded me. I growled growing frustrated and scared.

"Look! I don't know. I don't know why he would. Look at me, I'm weak and stupid and he's strong and noble. I wouldn't deserve for him to have feelings for me. I can't even hold in my emotions in front of you. I am nothing, but a frightened little girl and I am certain if he could see me now he would laugh at me!" I was shaking. I was almost yelling. Saki seemed surprised by the sudden outburst and stopped pacing to stare hard at me. I held his gaze, my own emotions rising.

"You actually DO have feelings for him. That is disgusting." Saki spat his words in my face glaring hard at me. I visually looked wounded by his words and he backed off a little considering me again. "But how could you know how evil these creatures are." His voice had grown controlled again, soothing. I had the distant impression he was playing with me again. "They are using your own emotions again you, tricking you."

I was breathing hard. I was beyond trying to control myself anymore. I was frightening and confused and now I was growing annoyed. Saki was talking to me like I was stupid. Like I couldn't see the cat and mouse game he was playing with me. I just glared at him, still struggling lightly against my bonds.

"Leonardo is using you. He has no honor. He knows only animistic instincts. They are beasts. You cannot trust them." He was standing in front of me speaking, a superior look on his face. I growled again at his words. I was getting sick of him toying with me.

"Now YOU'RE lying." My eyes locked with his and I didn't back down. I watched, as his facial expression grew slightly surprised. "Leonardo has valor and honor, it's YOU that doesn't comprehend the definition of the words. Do you think I am too blind to see that? Leonardo may be part beast, but he more of a man then you could ever hope to be." Saki stepped forward rage on his face and slapped me hard sending the chair rocking back.

Now his breathing was growing ragged, I had obviously made him very angry. I could hear Hun stirring off to the side just waiting for some sort of command from his Master to do something to me.

"How dare you speak to me that way you ignorant girl? You have no idea what you are even talking about. I have fought these Turtles for years, watched them attack and injure numerous people. They are animals: Brutal beasts that live off causing others pain. Your friend Melinda can see it, why can't you? Are you so stupid that you can't see what they are doing to you? It's their favorite game and Leonardo's most of all. They like toying with girls and then they take pleasure in having their way with them, in whatever manner they desire and then they leave them broken and battered and I end picking up the pieces. You should be thanking me for saving you and help me to get back at them for your pain." I watched his expression. The cunning on his face as he spoke and the anger. Yes I had hit a sore spot. I was pleased with myself.

"You are an evil, conniving, horrible man. I can see what is wrong with Melinda now; you have poisoned her with your false ideals. Made her doubt the only people she can trust and brought her into whatever gross game you are playing. You can do with me whatever you like. I am at your mercy now. Your prisoner, but I would sooner die than help you hurt ANY of the Turtles and if you think for a moment I believe a word you have told me about Leonardo. Then you are stupider than you look, you ugly bastard." I was pissed; my breath came out in a low, warning hiss. I was sick of listening to Saki, to his lies. I just wanted to see him for what he was. The horrible beast he was trying to make the Turtles out to be.

I don't even know where the gauntlet came from or how he got it on his hand but before I could move or say anything there was blade at my throat and he was inches from my face, his eyes burning with rage. He slashed down my chest hard. I could feel the metal cut into my skin and I whimpered, low and pitiful. There was a warm sensation that followed and I knew I was bleeding. I breathed hard watching as he drew his hand back for what I knew would be the killing blow. "You'll die for your ideals girl, just the same as I will kill Leonardo for his someday."

I didn't close my eyes; if I were to die I would meet my death face on. The sound of the doors bursting open behind us distracted Saki. His gaze shifted and I saw his eyes widen. He glared down at me lowering his weapon, his heated expression turning more neutral again. He was calming himself. Suppressing his emotions. "You aren't worth the trouble to kill. You will be more valuable alive."

He kicked my chair and it flipped over knocking me to the floor. I cried out in pain, my head once slamming into the ground as I landed. My arms still tied and unable to brace myself. Suddenly I heard someone call out my name weakly I looked up, confused and my eyes grew wide. Standing in the doorway being ushered in by guards that looked like mythical demons was Donatello. He was the one that had said my name.

"Don?" I asked weakly. I looked down at myself I could see blood spreading but my cut wasn't horrible. Saki must have been so angry he didn't slash me as hard as he could have. That or it had been a warning. It was more so the woozy feeling I was getting from the repeated blows to my head that was affecting me. I could see Donnie was looking at me concerned.

"What have we here?" Saki strode across the room, a pleased expression on his face. I could do nothing, but lay on the floor and watch. Donatello held his ground against him, an angry expression on his face.

"Let the girl go, Shredder. She's wounded and has nothing to do with this." I saw Don was weaponless, this worried me. I looked around him, trying to see how many guards there were. I couldn't understand why he was alone, it seems like he should have come with his brothers.

"I think she is very valuable to me. As she is to your freak brother." Saki smirked at Donatello cruelly. Don's face grew hard. I could see he was as disgusted with Saki's attitude as I was. I watched him clench his fists and I wormed around. I didn't want him to get injured on my account. His eyes moved back over to me. I could see he was worried about me being injured, I shook my head my expression stern, begging him not to fight.

Donatello stood down looking away from Saki and at the floor. His expression still hard. Saki's noticed Don exchanging silent words with me and he frowned. We were taking control of the situation away from him and giving it back to us. We were supporting one another, which took away his power. Saki glared at me.

"Hun, take her away from here. The sight of her is bothering me. I would like to speak to the freak alone." He gestured to Hun with a wave of his hand. It was dismissal for me. It made me furious that he thought he could just toss me away when I ceased to amuse him. I gritted my teeth. I wanted so badly to engage him in a battle of words again, but hesitated to anger Saki once more. I didn't want him to take his anger out on Don instead of me.

Donatello wanted to protest, I could see he did, but we exchanged looks. We both knew it was useless. We were at Saki's mercy. I had been all right with it when it was just myself, but I didn't want to see Don hurt, for Leonardo's sake and Melinda's. Hun lifted me harshly paying no attention to my wounds, but I stayed silent. I was giving Don no reason to worry and Saki no fodder to use against him.

"Lock her somewhere safe. I'll need her later on." Saki smirked smugly at Hun and Hun bowed his head. An evil grin on his face also. He carried me past Don, the two of us exchanging worried looks. More badly than anything I wanted to ask him why he was here alone? Where everyone else was, but with enemies all around it was useless to even hope for.

Hun and I left the room and I could hear the door shutting behind us. I said a silent pray for Donatello's sake. Hoping that I would see him again and he would be healthy. If I was worth something to Saki as pawn it seemed to me Don should be too. Briefly I wondered about Melinda again: If she had any knowledge of any of this. The thought of her made me sad. I missed my friend. I missed a lot of things.

Hun once again tossed me rather thoughtlessly into my new room. I was getting used to it and tried to at least brace my head as I once again slammed into the floor. I realized I must look like hell and I sighed. Guessing this wasn't the moment to care about my appearance. Hun laughed as he shut the door. "Try to get some sleep. You'll need it."

I heard him punching in a code. I was trapped. I didn't cry anymore. I just laid and looked at the wall.