Author's Notes: And so here I am to deliver yet another chapter to ML! With this chapter, I want everyone to keep in mind that Donnie is stuck in a dire situation. Therefore, whatever he might say or do is justified because he's not stuck in a "normal" situation where he might have to fight for survival, etc.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything TMNT related.

Chapter 7

Donatello's point of view

I didn't get a wink of sleep last night. With Bishop's proposition looming over my head, how could I rest easy knowing that he was on the verge of a dangerous breakthrough?

The doors to my prison open and I haveto blink several times. I've been stuck in this dinky and dark prison with no kind of light, so could you blame me? Once my vision adjusts, I have to refrain from saying anything. I'd most likely end up regretting my words anyway.

"Have you come to your decision, Donatello?"

I glare menacingly at Bishop. He still looks absolutely arrogant, which does nothing to help my sour mood.

"Before I tell you, you need to answer a few questions first."

Bishop arches an eyebrow in amusement. "And just what makes you think you're in any position to negotiate with me?"

"You want to hear my decision or not?" I snap at him.

All traces of humor leave his face as he glares at me through his shades. He walks up to me and proceeds to release me from my bonds. Once that is done, I cautiously rub my sore arms and legs, which are raw and oozing with droplets of blood. With every touch and caress I have to resist from crying out, because that will only give Bishop another form of entertainment.

Tending to my afflicted appendages doesn't help me much, since my entire body is still screaming in pain. Seems to me that I have more than just the occasional bump or bruise on my body.

"First of all, if, and I mean this strongly, IF I decide to work for you…will any harm come to my brothers?"

I keep my gaze stern and determined as I await his response. Bishop folds his arms across his chest and stares at me, seemingly unimpressed by my attempt at bravery.

"As long as you do what you are told, then no harm will come to them."

I nod and continue to stare at him with distrust clearly written across my face.

"Second, what will happen to me when this is all over?"

"Depending on how successful you are, you may or may not go free. It all depends on whether or not you truly are a genius."

I nod slowly and then look directly into his eyes. "I've decided that I'm going to do what I can. It's not guaranteed that you have my allegiance, however. You should know that once the opportunity presents itself, I'll have your head."

He considers my words for a moment, and then a grin breaks out on his face. The grin then becomes a smile. Not a friendly, 'I won't hurt you' smile. This one is the kind that reminds you of those demented scientists or doctors that you see in the movies.

"You've made a wise decision, Donatello. And I'll keep your words in mind. Now if you'll follow me, we have much to discuss."

He walks out of the prison ahead of me and I slowly take my place behind him. With every step though, it feels like my body is made out of lead. One would think, Bishop would have at least given me time to clean my wounds but that is probably expecting too much. After all, it's not like Bishop is well known for being nice or kind.

After this was all said and done, death would be a welcome distraction. After all, I can't exactly go back home and expect things to be normal, now can I?

We walk in silence until we reach two large metallic doors engraved with the Foot symbol. Bishop walks in first, and then I come in. The doors shut abruptly and there, sitting directly in front of me, is the man who almost took Mikey away from me. No, he isn't a man. He is an evil creature that deserves to die a thousand times over.

Many dark thoughts are running through my mind, but my inner contemplation is interrupted when he speaks, "So you've managed to convince the turtle to join us, I see."

He smirks as he looks between Bishop and me. He is dressed in one of those Japanese robes he seems so fond of, while his hands are clasped behind his back. The room looks like an ordinary office, complete with a conference table, chairs, and a huge oak desk with a computer sitting on top of it is in the far-left corner of the room. There were also large windows on both sides of the walls.

"Would you expect anything less from me, Saki?" Bishop narrows his eyes as if daring Shredder to disprove his words.

The Shredder smiles lightly. "Of course not, Bishop. You have upheld your part of the bargain, now it is time for me to uphold my end."

I keep my silence. I'm not about to anger the Shredder, especially since I am in no condition to take him on. I'll bid my time and play them both for fools.

I watch him as he walks to the window. He stares out at the city, and then addresses me as his gaze rakes across the New York skyline, "Do you realize that New York City is only the beginning, Donatello? Soon, the entire world will know my name and obey me, and you will be the reason why my destiny will finally be fulfilled."

"You want Karai back, don't you?" I snap angrily.

A few quiet chuckles come from him. "She will come back to me in due time. Right now you are my primary focus. With your intelligence at my disposal, the possibilities are endless."

"So let me get this straight. Bishop wants me to unlock the final part of our DNA sequence and if you don't want me in exchange for Karai, then I'm sure you have other things in mind for me. Aren't I the lucky turtle?" I grind out, thoroughly annoyed with the two of them.

He whirls around quickly and sends me a disdainful glare. "If I were you, I'd watch what I say. Your brothers' lives are depending sorely on you, after all."

He holds up a remote, smirking viciously as he does so. I glare at him with all of the anger, disgust and hatred that I can muster. How can anyone in their right mind serve such a psycho?

"And you're forgetting that, without me, your little plan won't come to fruition?"

His harsh and cold glare softens somewhat. If I didn't know any better, then I'd swear there is just a hint of a smile on his face.

"You will serve my purposes well, Donatello. You are dismissed."

The Shredder takes a seat at the oak desk and begins to read over some papers that were lying on the desk when I entered the room. I turn to leave and as I do so, cold shivers run up my spine. I am at their mercy and they know it.

At this moment, I would have given anything to hear one of Mikey's lame jokes, a lecture from Leo, an angry rant from Raph, or even hearing advice from Master Splinter. But this isn't the lair. Instead, I am trapped in both Bishop and Shredder's clutches. Yes, my life has definitely taken a turn for the worst.

Stopping my thoughts before they could get any worse; I am almost out the door when I see two of the Foot Elite come my way, still dressed in those ridiculous outfits of theirs. Naturally, I tense up as they pass me. I say nothing, however, as we pass each other, but one of them has the audacity to try and provoke me.

"Welcome to the rest of your life, freak."