Hey guys! I was super excited to continue towards this chapter! I had so many reactions to write and I hope I did well! I had a little time and nothing to do as I recovered from a bad food poisoning. I will never eat steak again! (I've always had a poor digestive system, especially to meats except fish, and dairy)
If it's not one thing it's another, haha!
Special thanks to: starbrigate, Orange Dash, Toni42, bajy, Fluttershy127, RaphCallen2016, TheMaskedTimelord, Guest #1, StubbyLover, Thekillerduckie, AnaHalls, Viate, Guest #2, Guest #3, and Lisa!
Wow so many reviews! Thank you! It took me some time but I came back to write all the replies to show my thanks and affection for you guys!
To starbrigate: Shredder is crazy, indeed! Can you believe how far he's gone so far? It's only going to get worse in this chapter and beyond! The texting thing humored me too but I suppose he thought it was easier that way! Thank you for the review! Enjoy! :)
To Orange Dash: I know right? Slash actually went through a lot because he cares about Raph. Thank you about the suspense...a little suspense is healthy, I suppose XD. You'll get to see poor Mikey in the chapter only briefly! Enjoy! Thanks for reviewing again as always :D
To Toni42: Aww, thank you so much! I tried my best! I spent alot of time writing this chapter and the last one! It'll be interesting seeing Nakano AND Splinter acting as parents for sure! Thanks for reviewing, I hope you like!
To bajy: Thanks! I'm so happy to know so many people love the story! The funny parts at the restaurant are so easy to picture. You'd never think of what actually ends up happening in the end. Hope you enjoy the chapter! Thanks for the review! :)
To Fluttershy127: Isn't it sad for Mikey? He already feels like a burden sometimes and now it'll be worse. Plus, who wants to be stuck with the Shredder?! I am happy that you like it! Thank you for the review, all reviews make me so happy! Enjoy!
To RaphCallen2016: The Splinter/Nakano combo will be amusing and confusing to say the least. Raph and Slash both will be blaming themselves because they didn't even notice! It's so sad! Shredder knew Donnie betrayed him because of them rescuing Karai and hurting Bradford when Donnie was supposed to keep his brothers contained and with Nakano it was the same thing, only Nakano was supposed to be sending him reports about the boys and he never did. That's how Shredder realized Nakano wasn't an ally. Thanks for the review!
To TheMaskedTimelord: Yes, there's no doubt how unstable Shredder is and it'll only get worse from here. You'll get to see how the other's react and poor Hamato Yoshi will have whiplash trying to console and notice everyone at the same time. Thank you for the compliments and for reviewing as usual! Enjoy the chapter! :)
To Guest# 1: I figured at least one person would say they would rather have Leo kidnapped and I came so close to doing that, but Mikey was the better fit for the rest of the plot! I hope you still like it though! Thank you for reviewing and leaving your thoughts or opinions with me!
To StubbyLover: I know! Poor Mikey! Thank you so much for your kind words! I am happy with how things are turning out though. I've updated before one of my other stories just so I could get this one out! Hope you like! Thanks for reviewing! :D
To Thekillerduckie: Hahaha, "holy schnitzel"! I can honestly say I've never heard that one! It made me laugh for real. I am so honored by what you said, so thank you so much! To be the first one? Gosh, I really am feeling good about that! So cheered up! Thank you about everything you said! Hope you enjoy the chapter! c:
To AnaHalls: Aww, thank you very much! I am totally feeling the love tonight with everyone's words! I tried to capture the emotions as well as I could imagine! Totally worth how long it took to write! I hope you enjoy this one, too! The reactions are shocking and heartbreaking and understandable all in one! Enjoy!
To Viate: Thank you! I'm really honored reading all these reviews! I feel the love all over, haha! I will definitely finish the story so you'll never have to worry about that. I really love this story to the bottom of my heart! I hope you like the chapter! :)
To Guest #2: Haha, sorry I took as long as I did. I had, and still have, a lot to do regarding finals. This weekend I recovered from being sick. I just finished and I hope you enjoy the chapter! :D
To Guest #3: I had planned on Splinter (Hamato Yoshi) telling most of the chapter because we've all missed so much of him! He was affectionate when he wasn't in shock, haha, so I hope you enjoy those moments! There's sure to be more now that they are together again! Thanks for the review!
To Lisa: Thank you! That makes me very happy! I tried my best regarding updating as soon as I can! I hope that you like it!
An extra thank you to everyone who reviewed! Your words made me happy as hell, I won't lie about that! I'm starting to slowly feel like myself again and will update again as soon as I can! Enjoy the chapter guys! Muah~! ;3
Hamato Yoshi's Point of View:
When Nakano and I finally found the boys my heart plummeted into the earth as reality came crashing down on me. Donatello was laying over the laps of Leonardo and Raphael, unconscious. Karai was pacing back and forth at their sides, her eyes puffy and glaring. I was only briefly shocked to see Slash, who was standing with a scowl on his face and an arm around his waist.
The breaks in my car squealed loudly as I hurried to stop the car. Their heads all shot up with wide eyes. Nakano actually gasped and as soon as the car was stable when both jumped out of it. We both rushed towards them and my heart beat wildly in my chest when I realized that Michelangelo was nowhere in sight, "My sons! What has happened!?"
Leonardo's eyes were misty with unshed tears and he couldn't look me in the eye. Raphael and Slash both looked very guilty and upset. My heart fell further and Nakano-san seemed to be having another panic attack.
"We found Slash…but Mikey was taken," Karai explained quietly, her head down and her eyes glancing away. I'd never seen the girl so lost and sad before. Nakano's breathing increased and I know mine did too. I fought with what to say as I looked around the area.
"W-What?!" Nakano screeched and Karai flinched at the noise. Leonardo and Raphael both seemed to realize that Nakano was with me, "Was it Shredder?! Did you see him?! What happened exactly?! Why is Donatello unconscious!?"
"My friend, calm yourself," I pleaded, noticing how his questions distressed the pair. Nakano turned to me wildly and I nodded soothingly, placing a hand on his shoulder. He tensed but suddenly seemed to try to heed my words.
"Mikey and Raph…t…they found me in one of the warehouses. I had been caught spying on Shredder and one of his hired men. This man…I think he took Mikey because he was in the area last night and he had stabbed me. I managed to hide from him but I'm not sure if he ever left," Slash explained slowly and my eyes widened as they traveled to his wound. Nakano froze instantly as well, "This guy…he seemed so different with the way he moved; as if he were some sort of assassin."
My chest grew tight and I fought against my own panic attack at this point. Leonardo and Raphael looked at me as I hurried to kneel by their sides, "And Donatello?"
"S-Shredder…he…he sent Donnie a text," Raphael stuttered, his eyes darting away from mine to Donatello's face. I heard Nakano step close to us, "He not only found out about Slash bein' our ally…but he found out about Donnie tellin' us he was blackmailed. I'm pretty sure he knows about Nakano tellin' us tha truth at this point."
Nakano gasped and knelt on his knees by Raphael, "That wouldn't surprise me. Is Donnie okay? He didn't hit his head did he?!" Both Leonardo, Raphael, and I looked at him in surprise at this. I felt warmed that he really did seem to care for the boys as I do.
"He's fine. Raph and Leo caught him. He fainted from the shock I suppose," Slash reported as he crossed his arms and glared to his right. I suddenly felt concern for him when I saw the blood stain in his shirt.
"Are you alright, Slash?" I questioned with worry and he blinked at me before smiling a little.
"Yeah, it hurts a lot but it's stopped bleeding a long time ago. It didn't hit deep," He assured me but I was skeptical, "We should probably go somewhere else. I need to contact my family and I think it'd be better for everyone."
"Good idea," Raphael muttered as he looked towards me, "Sensei, can you take us to your house?" Nakano looked at Raphael in surprise but didn't look hurt that he'd rather go to my home than his. Nakano seemed to look safer at my home as well.
"Yes, let us go. Slash, you can call your family when we get there if you want," I offered and his face brightened, "I can also look at your wound to see if you need to have stitches done. Raphael, Leonardo, can you carry your brother to the car?"
"Yes," Leonardo whispered for the first time since I called. I flashed him a look of worry but he was staring at Donatello with a blank expression. Raph just nodded, his eyes sad and they both lifted Donatello as I stood with Nakano-san.
I turned to Karai, who was watching them with pain in her face, "Karai, are you alright?"
"Uh...y-yeah," She stammered with another look of pain on her face. I decided not to push her on it but felt confused as to why she looked at me with panic on her face as well. I wasn't sure what her part in everything was…
I helped Slash into the car just as Leonardo and Raphael finished supporting Donatello in between them. Karai was skinny enough to fit in the same seat as Nakano-san and as soon as everyone was set I turned on the car and raced home.
My thoughts were racing as I drove and it took every ounce of physical and mental strength to keep from wrecking the vehicle when Leonardo whispered, "We have to tell Miss Levard and Leatherhead…"
Reality crushed my heart again. My youngest was in the hands of someone that hated my existence to his core. What would we do?
Michelangelo's Point of View:
Shredder's driver took them around the back of Saki industries and I briefly wondered where they were gonna take me. If any of Shredder's business people saw me there then they could tell someone else. So where would they keep me?
I looked nervously at the gun Tigerclaw has point in my direction. My heart was hammering my chest and I felt hot. Would he really shoot me if I tried to move or run? Were all of Shredder's henchmen crazy?!
Shredder looked at the back seat at me and I almost flinched at the cold look in his eyes. He looked at Tigerclaw and nodded. I felt confused but gasped when Tigerclaw put pressure on my side with the gun, "Do not dare move, child. Stay there until I come around for you."
I nodded because I felt he was serious about the gun. Shredder smirked smugly in my direction and I glared at him as he moved to get out of the car. Tigerclaw climbed out as well and I eyed his movements warily. He closed the door and walked around the back of the car to get me. I looked around quickly and noticed that we weren't were many people could see, since it was the back of the Saki Industries building.
Scowling, I glared at Tigerclaw when he opened my door and yanked me out by my shirt. I stumbled out and nearly tripped but he didn't care. I noticed right away that Tigerclaw still had the gun in one hand and gulped down my anger a little. But hey, if I did something and he did shoot me then surely someone on the streets would hear. Maybe I wouldn't die.
Fear washed through me and I was dragged forward by Tigerclaw's hand on my arm. He followed behind Shredder as we were lead to a door in the back. My eyes widened and I clamped my mouth shut to keep from openly gasping out breaths. My body tingled with numbness as I let Tigerclaw drag me into the doorway. Shredder closed the door and locked it as I looked around the room. It was brownish and white, with vending machines, tables, and cabinets. Like some sort of workroom for employees…weird….
"Down the stairs on your right," Shredder voiced and my head snapped up at how close he was. I gasped when Tigerclaw yanked on my arm and I eyed the stairs with nervous anticipation.
"Quit yanking so hard," I complained as I felt my arm ache around his hand. They acted as if I weren't even here. Jerks! I was led down the stairs and through some double doors. I recognized that we'd went from the first floor to the basement.
And basements were always a scary no-go for me. Especially not when kidnapped!
The first thing I noticed is that it was mostly gray and black, of course, and very wide. My eyes widened tot eh size of dinner plates when I saw a whole bunch of groups of men wear all black with a red symbol on it. They were sparring or lounging around or talking with each other. There was tatami mats similar to my Sensei's and punching bags along with other shelves filled with martial arts weapons. All the men stopped what they were doing when Shredder walked in.
Shredder suddenly laughed and my eyes darted to him as he turned to me with a smirk, "Do you like my clan, Michelangelo? I am sorry to have startled you like this. I should have known that you wouldn't recognize what a big family would look like."
I felt hurt by that last sentence and angry at the same time. He looked amused when I glared up at him and Tigerclaw's hand tightened on my arm but I didn't care, "I've seen what a big family looks like, you jerk. I see one every day!"
He frowned at me but didn't retort and I felt a small victory until they started moving and Tigerclaw dragged me along again. I scowled at him and he glared down at me. I turned my head to see where they were taking me and my heart plummeted when I noticed a few doors in the back.
"Put him in one of the rooms, Tigerclaw. I'll send him necessities later," Shredder ordered as he stopped and I looked at him with wide eyes as Tigerclaw dragged me past him with a smirk on his face.
"With pleasure, Master," He replied and my breathing increased as he opened one of the heavy white doors, "Get in, brat." I was pushed before I could retort and I steadied myself, turning to scream at him but he slammed the door behind me.
"No!" I protested with wide eyes. I rushed towards the door and began banging on it, "Let me out! You're all crazy!"
I realized after a moment that no one would come anyways. I turned around to look at the room I was locked in and froze. It was all white and the floor was tiled white and black. There were no windows so I would probably lose my sanity soon. There was a twin sized bed with thin white blankets and that was it.
It was just a white windowless room with a bed. And this is where I was staying now.
Tears filled my eyes as I leaned against the door and fell onto the ground, curling my arms around my knees. The took my nun-chucks in the car. I literally had no way to escape without one of Shredder's clan members seeing me. What was he doing with a clan under his building?
Just what was I going to do now?
Hamato Yoshi's Point of View:
I sat very still, afraid to make any sudden facial expression that would set poor Miss Levard off. She looked as if she was on her last restraints, her large eyes were wet and wide as she nervously chewed on the edge of one of her fingers. She was sitting on the couch right beside Donatello, who had awoken before we reached the house. Slash and Karai had helped Leonardo and Donatello towards the couches with Raphael and Nakano-san not far behind them.
I was the one that decided to phone Miss Levard. She was Michelangelo's parent in a way neither Nakano and I could ever be, so she deserved to be one of the first ones to know. Raphael and Slash seemed to be the only ones able to tell what happened and Miss Levard stayed silent until she outright gasped, a tiny thing that almost sounded like a sob, when they described Michelangelo no longer being there. It was even worse when Donatello found the nerve to show her the text messaged from Shredder.
When I had first seen in I had started hyperventilating, trying and almost failing to keep from punching random objects in the room. Nakano had gone white as a sheet when Shredder had implied that he knew what Nakano had done. Shredder now trusted no one but I had expected this to happen all along.
"I just texted Casey and April," Karai muttered, causing all eyes to turn to her. She was sitting beside Leonardo and was leaning on him. I realized that she felt extremely guilty for how Shredder was reacting to her leaving him. I felt as though I was still missing something vital, but I was more worried about Miss Levard's health, "They are leaving school after explaining quietly to their teachers about what's going on. The teachers won't tell anyone that doesn't need to know. They're also very upset."
"Who isn't upset?" Raphael scoffed with disgust on his face and I watched Donatello and Leonardo turn to look at him, "Did ya text Leatherhead too?"
Karai shivered and shook her head. Miss Levard surprised us by sniffing loudly and I whirled around to make sure she was alright, only to see her on a telephone, "I'll text him. He'll need to know too…"
"I agree…but…won't he…you know?" Donatello winced as he spoke, his eyes shining with sadness and wariness at the same time, "It won't help any of us if he goes off in here. We're all plenty of upset."
"Indeed, but Leatherhead needs to know regardless," I sighed as I turned to Miss Levard with a soothing smile. She did not smile back but her eyes shone gratefulness towards me. I nodded in response to her.
"What are we going to do…?" Nakano whispered in horror and almost everyone turned to eye him. He was still ghostly pale and his feet were both tapping the floor repeatedly, "God, just what will we do? He said we can't call the police because the police won't be able to find Mikey….."
I glared at the ground, "We will find a way, Nakano. Have faith. Michelangelo is strong enough to look out for himself."
Leonardo suddenly looked up and my eyes widened to see the state he was in. He looked nearly worse than Miss Levard, "He shouldn't have to look out for himself! He shouldn't be gone at all!"
Raphael immediately sighed and rubbed a hand down his face, "Don't start with the guilt tripping again, Leo. It's not yer fault, so ya shouldn't blame yerself and-"
"Then who should I blame, Raph?! I didn't want us to split up!" Leonardo shouted and I watched Karai's face fall hard as she paled, "But you convinced me! Then look what happened!"
Donatello's mouth fell open and Slash, who was sitting on the floor by Raphael, stood up abruptly and glared at Leonardo when Raphael's eyes lit up with pain, "Don't blame Raph for this, Hero-boy! It's no bodies fault that he was taken except for the person that took him! I don't want to see you say anything thing to Raph, you hear me?!"
Raphael and Donatello both looked surprised at the heat in Slash's eyes and I cleared my throat, lifting a hand to silence them as they looked over at me, "Calm yourselves. Leonardo, I understand your pain but what you said to Raphael was uncalled for. We all cannot blame ourselves."
Leonardo turned red in anger before he sighed heavily, looking defeated again. My heart ached for him. Raphael looked at the ground sadly and Donatello was watching Leonardo nervously. My eyes flicked to Miss Levard, who was shaking and crying softly into her hands. I was briefly surprised when Nakano looked at her hesitantly before placing a hand on her back before rubbing her back soothingly. She sniffled and gave him a watery smile, trying to wipe her eyes. Nakano blushed.
"Did you inform Michelangelo's other friend?" I suddenly remembered the big eyed friend of Michelangelo's that he'd often talk about other than Leatherhead. I believe his name was Mondo…or I think that was his famous nickname.
"Who…Mondo?" Karai asked hesitantly, looking uncomfortable by Leonardo's side now. I nodded my head and she smiled nervously at me, "Yes, Casey had that period with him and told him. We'll be having quite a group here. The whole gang is coming..."
Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello looked at her with slightly wide eyes when she'd said 'gang' and I know it's because that's how Michelangelo often referred to our whole family and friends as. My smile turned into a frown and my chest ached. How dare Saki take my youngest like this…
"They will be here soon then," I agreed, sinking back into my seat. Silence followed as we all wallowed in our thoughts.
It was only a few minutes later that the doorbell rang. Even though someone had rang the doorbell someone also knocked very loudly and fast. I knew from just the sound that the knocking was Casey Jones. I looked up and met Leonardo's glance. I sighed and stood up on shaky legs as the others watched.
I walked over to the door and opened it. Leatherhead, Mondo, April, and Casey all stood there panting as if they had run all the way there. My chest ached again and I frowned heavily. Their eyes widened at my face and I had trouble composing myself, "Please come in, friends."
Immediately they rushed in and found places to sit. Casey went straight for Raphael and Slash while April went right up to Donatello and hugged him, then Karai. Mondo and Leatherhead, however, stopped abruptly as they looked around the room.
Leatherhead slowly walked to Miss Levard, who looked at him with her wide wet eyes. Leatherhead's breathing increased and his green eyes widened as well. Mondo whirled around on me just as I closed the door behind me, "Where's Mikey?! Was this the emergency Karai mentioned?!"
"Mikey was taken by one of Shredder's hired men," Slash explained quickly and Mondo gasped, his eyes drawing together as he brought a hand to his mouth. His shook his head in horror as he looked at everyone. April gasped as well as she looked at Donatello, who nodded and they both shared another embrace. Casey turned to Raphael with wide eyes, but Raphael couldn't meet the boy's eyes.
"What did you just say?" Leatherhead echoed in horror, his wide eyes pinned on Slash. I felt uneasy and Nakano backed away from Miss Levard a little, looking frightened. Everyone suddenly had their eyes on Leatherhead because this was the moment we all feared, "Michelangelo…was captured? He was captured…?"
"Yes, and he's probably with Shredder now too," Slash explained, staring back at Leatherhead with wariness. Michelangelo's brothers and myself flinched at that. Leatherhead drew back, his eyes impossibly wide and his body shaking. I quickly noted how his hands were curled into fists. Slowly his expression turned into a glaring one and he was breathing hard, his lips curling over his teeth as he growled under his breath in a way that reminded me of an alligator. Miss Levard and Mondo looked at him in shock.
"Remain calm, Leatherhead," I warned and he turned to pin his heated leaf green eyes on me. I tensed up when he took a step towards me. Mondo quickly took a step in front of me but Leatherhead did not seem to notice.
"Where does this man live?" He asked almost too calmly. Leonardo's eyes shot up at this.
"You're going to go after him?" He questioned with curiosity and I could see the plan forming in his eyes. My heart rate increased.
"NO!" I shouted a little too loudly. I startled everyone, including Leatherhead, whose breathing started returning normal at the distraction, "You are absolutely not going to that building!"
"But Sensei, we have to get Mikey back!" Leonardo argued as he narrowed his eyes at me. I narrowed my eyes at him too and shook my head almost pleadingly.
"Hamato-san is right," Nakano scolded Leonardo, who looked at him in surprise. As did I, "None of you are going anywhere near that building until we have a plan. Shredder is expecting you to go there for Mikey."
"Makes sense," Donatello muttered as he squeezed April's hand. April looked at him sadly before looking up at me.
"Then what do we do?" She asked and I looked at the ground sadly.
"Because of that message from him, we can't alert the authorities…at least, not exactly," Miss Levard spoke up with a light tone. Everyone looked at her, "Slash, was it? Tell them everything you know about this assassin-like person you say may have taken my boy."
Slash looked at her with wide eyes before nodding politely. He retold the story that I've heard 3 times now. It was not easy for myself and Michelangelo's brothers to keep hearing it but it was good that everyone understood and was on board.
"You mean that you did not watch out for him?" Leatherhead accused as he glared daggers at Raphael. I shot him a warning glance and so did Slash. Mondo placed a calming hand on Leatherhead's arm.
"Leatherhead," Miss Levard scolded with hard eyes and Leatherhead shrunk back, "Raphael and Slash were preoccupied but Mikey was supposed to be right behind them. It's not their fault. The next one that blames that poor boy will he slapped in the face by me."
Everyone stared at her with wide eyes but she remained serious with her glare. Raphael blushed and looked away. I was pleased that she took up for him. I smiled at her and she smiled back slowly. Leatherhead looked at Raphael, "I am sorry, my friend. I should not have taken my anger out on you."
"It's okay. I'm used to it," Raphael waved dismissively and both Donatello and Leonardo frowned at him then.
"On another note, I've called my family…the Purple Dragons…so that they can be ready for anything. Shredder knows I'm not in his alliance and Hun is in jail so he's short an ally. He wants Karai back and Mikey was his desperate last attempt to get her back," Slash explained further and Karai slumped over. Leonardo looked at her and placed his hand over hers. She looked at him with slightly wide eyes before blushing. I was happy to see Leonardo showing more reactions now as the shock faded.
"It's not your fault, Karai," April reassured with a serious look. Karai barely nodded, "He locked you in your room when he realized that you were on our side. A real father should never do that to his daughter."
Karai, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello looked up with wide eyes at that and I felt confused at their alertness. It was if they knew something we didn't. Leonardo looked over at me hesitantly and I felt concerned, "Leonardo, what is it?"
"Yeah, at this point we really should just get it off our chests," Mondo randomly commented, crossing his arms over his chest as he glared at the floor.
"I…well…when we rescued Karai…well you should tell them," Leonardo murmured to Karai, putting his arm around her when she looked panicked.
"you can tell us, dear," Miss Levard encouraged in a kind voice as I nodded soothingly.
"Yeah, we're all on your side now," Casey grinned brightly and Karai blushed red, nodding as she took a deep breath.
"I'm not Shredder's daughter…. I found out h…he lied to me my whole life," Karai explained and the room went quiet as my eyes widened. My chest started hurting and I realized that I had been holding my breath, "I found my birth certificate and the Father's signature isn't his…" She looked up at me uncertainly, full of fear, "It was yours…"
I choked, "M…Mine?" Flashbacks of that terrible time…. the fire, Teng Shen, Saki walking away and leaving me pinned under abeam as I watched my home burn with my dead wife and daughter inside.
I hadn't realized I had reacted so horribly until I felt my son's holding my up, trying to soothe me. My wide eyes met Donatello's as he tried to get me to take deep breaths. Leonardo and Raph were holding me up as everyone stood uneasily behind them. My wide eyes turned to lock onto Karai…no that wasn't who she was…. "M…Miwa?"
"I'm sorry that this is so poorly timed…" Karai rubbed her arm, as April stood beside her and hooked arms with her, "I just found out too and I can hardly believe it…but it's true. It's on all my birth records."
"He took you out of the house," I echoed in growing awareness, "He took you and left me pinned under abeam…letting me believe you also perished in the fire."
Pain flashed in her eyes as I said this and she nodded her head, "I'm so sorry. He's such a monster!"
"Are you okay, Sensei?" Leonardo asked, looking alarmed. I nodded, still feeling shocked as I stood straighter. Leonardo and Raphael let go of me.
"Just remember to breathe slowly," Donatello nodded, looking calmer as he joined April's other side.
"I cannot believe this. How low will he go?!" Nakano near shouted in disgust as all eyes turned to him, "To do that to such a nice man as Hamato-san!"
My eyes widened and Miss Levard also nodded, "I agree! It's barbaric!"
"But at least now you are reunited and you can prove with the records that you're his daughter," Casey said with wide eyes and Karai nodded, "You won't have to live with Shredder anymore!"
"That's right," Leonardo agreed, looking relieved, "At least something good came out of today."
"You…I do not have words for how I feel right now," I murmured quietly and Karai smiled at me a little, nodding her head. April unhooked her arm from Karai's when she walked towards me. I gasped when she hugged me, "M…Miwa…. you're actually alive…after all this time."
"Yes…I'm alive, Father. I have no words either," She sniffed and everyone behind us smiled a little at our little reunion hug. I squeezed as hard as I dared, "And I don't mind if you call me Miwa…although it's a little odd."
"I do not want to make you uncomfortable," I whispered and she shook her head as he hugged me tighter, "Saki will not get away with all he's done, Miwa. I promise everyone this."
"No he won't," Slash and Raphael agreed simultaneously and Casey laughed at that.
"We will get Mikey back," Donatello confirmed, looking more alert and confident than he had when we found him earlier. April nuzzled into his side and he smiled down at her, "He made a big mistake!"
"Hell yeah he did!" Mondo near shrieked, "That's my good buddy! My skating buddy! I'm going to go all kung fu on his butt!"
"I will do more than that," Leatherhead promised darkly and I shook my head in amusement when a few of the others looked nervous again. Mondo and Raphael smirked though.
"Honey, don't do just go bashing someone's head in," Miss Levard scolded and Leatherhead looked down at her, "Make sure it's more than one person's head."
I barked out a laughed when my sons along with April fell onto the ground in shock. Casey and Mondo laughed loudly as Leatherhead grinned. Nakano looked shocked as did Slash.
"Well Mikey did throw that vase in Bradford's face," Raphael commented as he recovered from the surprise, "So we know it couldn't have been him that kidnapped Mikey. I'm just curious as to who this other asshole is."
"Raphael!" "Raph!" Both Nakano and I scolded at the same time. We both looked at each other with wide eyes before looking sheepish.
"Two parents at the same time!" Casey laughed harder than before. Raphael rolled his eyes and smacked his arm as April and Mondo smothered laughter, "By the way, it's great to finally meet Raph's real Dad!"
I tried not to let the 'real dad' part bother me because there was nothing I could do about that. Nakano blushed shyly and smiled, "Nice to meet all of my sons' friends."
"I am also glad to see the one that's taking care of my boy," Miss Levard giggled with a glint in her eye that had Nakano nervous.
We chatted away and soon we broke off into different conversations. I walked up to my three sons and they looked up at me, "How is your injury, Leonardo?"
"I'm…well my injury is fine. I still have headaches," HE assured me and I felt relieved to hear that he had no lasting repercussions,
"Which is normal," Donatello added and I smiled down at him. He suddenly looked down, "I'm sorry for being so weak that I passed out back there guys. I just…was so upset and started feeling weird."
"That's not weak, Donnie. I….I get it," Raphael denied with a sad look in his eyes.
"I agreed, Donatello," I soothed and then opened my arms to embrace him. Donatello smiled gratefully at his brothers before hugging me hard, "I cannot believe you boys went through such lengths to help your friends. I am so proud of you."
Leonardo hesitated and his eyes went to Miwa/Karai, who was talking with April, Mondo, and Miss Levard, "I'm sorry that I could keep Mikey safe. I know it's not entirely my fault before you guys jump down my throats...but I'm so worried about what they might do or say to him."
I opened my mouth but suddenly Leatherhead was just there and he was a very large boy, so even I was startled into silence, "Do not fret, Leonardo. As short as I've known Michelangelo, I do know that he is very mentally strong."
"Still…I worry about things Shredder could say," Leonardo replied with eyebrows drawn. Raphael and Donatello both drew closer to their brother and I place a hand on his shoulder, "Mikey…he…he didn't have a good time of it before Miss Levard and I know he always worries about being a burden or being too annoying even now. I just don't want Shredder to take away his confidence or his cheerfulness."
"You don't want him to ruin who Mikey is," Donnie mumbled in understanding as Leo hugged him.
"I don't see that ever happening," April joined in and we looked up to see everyone staring silently at us.
"Me either. The Squirt has too much to be happy about to be brought down now," Karai smirked as she joined our side. I smiled and nodded at her.
"But tha longer he's with him tha harder it will be ta ignore what Shredder says…what are we gonna start doin' ta get him back?" Raphael asked with serious eyes as Donatello and Leonardo pulled out of their hug.
"He said that he wanted an exchange right?" Miss Levard asked with angry eyes. My sons nodded as my skin crawled at the thought of Saki getting my daughter again. Karai/Miwa edged closer to my side and I placed an arm around her. Leonardo noticed and smiled a little.
"We can't give him Karai!" Casey protested as Slash nodded in anger. Karai looked touched.
"We won't then. There's more of us than there are of him," Nakano informed, "We just have to have the right plan at the right time. We have to get Mikey out ourselves without involving the police right away."
"Yes, I see what you're saying," Leatherhead interjected with wide eyes, "If we involve police too soon, then not only will they not be able to find Michelangelo…but Shredder could hurt Michelangelo if we do that."
Everyone in the room glared at no one in particular at that last. I cleared my throat, "It won't come to that. Nakano-san is right…we need the right plan."
A sudden knock at the door made most jump and I narrowed my eyes at the door before looking at my sons, who looked just as shocked as the others. I let my arm fall from Miwa, who looked at the door with wariness, and slowly made my way to open it.
As I opened the door I paused as I saw three young men that I did not recognize. I did, however, recognize the Purple Dragon tattoos on their shoulders. Slash gasped behind me as I opened the door wider, "Oliver! Fong, Shawn! What are you guys doing here? I told you to wait for me to return!"
The young men came in and raced for Slash. I closed the door behind me and went back to my sons as Oliver hugged his brother, "Slash, you had me so worried, asshole!"
"No such language in my house!" I scolded and Oliver turned to me in surprise. I could see what Raphael had been talking about. The name really didn't soothe the dark dressing boy.
"Nice to see you again, Raph," Shawn smiled and I watched Donatello tense up. Raphael just nodded and smiled at Fong, who returned the smile. It was then that most of us realize that Fong was holding some sort of package.
"What is that you're holding?" April questioned first and suddenly Fong frowned as he looked down at it. Oliver and Shawn froze before Oliver turned to everyone with angry eyes.
"Slash told us about Mikey," Oliver began and my sons froze, "And we really did go back to the hideout like you told us too, bro."
"Then what happened?" Slash demanded as everyone circled in to hear better.
"Apparently Shredder might have known everyone was coming over here or something…because there was s package in front of the door when we arrived but it's addressed for the Hamatos…" Fong finished as he extended the package towards Raphael. Our eyes widened and Raphael grabbed the package.
"What the hell is Shredder thinking?!" Casey all but roared as he saw Raphael's expression. Karai growled under breath and everyone else looked just as angry.
"What type of package is it?" Nakano asked as he paled, "He's not…sending us something…bad is he?"
I felt my heart stop at what he was implying. Or what I thought he was implying. Surely Saki wouldn't send something like that…Leonardo gasped when Raphael's fingers started shaking and he suddenly thrust the thing at Donnie, "I c…can't open it. You do it Donnie!"
"W-What?" Donatello gasped but nodded at the same time. April placed a hand on his shoulder and he gulped, "It's kind of a rough paper…not a box…"
"Is it another taunting message?" Miss Levard asked hesitantly, holding hands with Mondo for support.
Donatello slowly ripped the rough paper open and we all noticed there was bubble wrap on the inside. He pulled out the object inside very slowly, just in case, while the rest of us tensed for what we might see. He unwrapped the bubble wrap. My sons and I gasped as did Karai/Miwa.
There in the middle of the bubble wrap were Michelangelo's nunchucks along with a sticky note:
He won't be needing these anymore. He can have them back when the exchange is done.
Oroku Saki
"That bastard!" Miwa cursed and I was too shocked to scold her on her language. Donatello stared at the weapons with wide eyes and Miss Levard gasped, placing one hand on her chest.
"Stay calm, remember, he won't get away with this," Leatherhead soothed in a low growl and Miss Levard was nodding, trying to slow her gasps as Mondo squeezed her hands. I couldn't help but notice that Nakano looked relived but still haunted at the same time.
"He took Mikey's weapons…" Leonardo blurted the obvious, his eyes wide, "I guess we shouldn't be surprised…"
"He didn't do anything else to the place or to you guys?" Slash demanded as all eyes turned to the three Dragon boys. They shook their heads.
"I'm really sorry about your brother, Raph," Shawn apologized as he looked sadly at Raphael, who just stared in return, "We'll help in any way we can."
"So will everyone here," Casey assured as he leaned on Raphael with a grin, "I'll go all goongala on these wimps for ya!" Raphael perked a little and nodded at his friend.
"So do you guys have a plan? Slash kinda filled us in on everything and I know that you can't exactly call the cops…but I'm curious," Fong interrupted lightly, crossing his arms, "My two friends and I are doing lookouts for anyone that might be helping Shredder."
"Yeah, because that did Slash any good," Mondo retorted sarcastically and Slash rolled his eyes as all eyes trailed to his wrapped and stitched wound, courtesy of Donatello.
"We haven't made detailed plans yet," I informed the boys and they nodded, "We aren't involving the police until after we retrieve Michelangelo safely."
"So you're going after him?" Oliver asked as he leaned towards me and I blinked in surprised. It felt like not that long ago that him and those other boys had attacked Michelangelo and taunted Donatello. Now they were acting as allies and friends. I smiled.
"Definitely!" Nakano blurted as he fidgeted afterwards, "Mikey doesn't deserve this. None of my boys do! I won't let Shredder get away with anything he does to my son!"
Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael all look over at Nakano with wide eyes before looking pleased, all smiling. I felt surprised yet again, because I had missed out on so much, but I was happy that their relationship was improving. After observing Nakano-san for myself, I can see how much he truly cares for the boys.
And this was something you could not fake.
Oroku Saki's (Shredder) Point of View:
I observed my Foot clan ninja sparring and training from where I saw in my chair near the front of the room, against the wall. Tigerclaw weaved his way around them to come up to kneel in front of me. I regarded him with a blank expression, "Did you send in the boy's necessities."
"Yes, I did, Master. I gave him more clothes, water, and food as you requested," Tigerclaw agreed as he remained kneeling with a fist on the ground. I grinned down at him.
"You have done very well, Tigerclaw. This warrants rewards. I know how much you've been wanting to train the new recruits," I offered with my hand and Tigerclaw stood, his eyes twinkling as he smirked. He bowed his head politely.
"Thank you, Master," He said and I nodded my head, before looking to the left when the doors to the stairs opened. Tigerclaw as at the ready just as I was only I knew who the newcomers were.
"Be at east, Tigerclaw," I assured and he blinked over at me. A thin young African American male walked through the doors wearing a ripped blue jean jacket, white shirt, ripped blue jeans, and black shoes. His dark hair was a wild afro. He walked up to me with a purpose and a smirk.
"I see that Bradford didn't fail to help retrieve you, Xever," I commented, feeling pleased at how things were working out.
"No, he did not, Master," Xever shrugged before bowing his head slightly. He was grinning again when he stood straight, "His face made me laugh though. His whole nose was bandaged as well as his forehead and one of his eyes. You'd think he was hit multiple times by a horse."
Tigerclaw barked out a laugh and I smirked in amusement before raising my hand to silence them, "Yes…my new company is the reason for Bradford's face."
Xever raised an eyebrow, "The blonde child?"
"Indeed," I agreed before sobering up, "Did you deliver the package I asked of you?"
"Of course. I'd never fail you, especially on my first mission," Xever grinned toothily, the light shining off them in a glint. I nodded, leaning back in my chair, "Nice warriors you got in here working for you. Oh and Bradford is in his room resting, as you requested."
"Good. He needs to heal otherwise he is useless to me," I grunted before looking towards Tigerclaw, "You may start training the newcomers."
"Yes, Master," Tigerclaw bowed his head before taking off towards my Foot clan ninja, who looked at him nervously. Xever turned to me expectantly.
"You are free to do as you wish down here until I need you. Keep an eye on Michelangelo," I ordered and he bowed his head with a smirk, "I have business with a technology expert partner of mine."
"Oh, would that happen to be Baxter Stockman?" Xever asked and I rose an eyebrow at him, "When Bradford and I returned he was already in the main office waiting for you."
"I see," I replied blankly before ingoing him and walking away, going for the stairs. I thought about how everything was working out and I smirked.
Soon the Hamatos would have no choice but to give me back my daughter. I'll ally myself with as many people as possible to make that a reality.
Hamato Yoshi doesn't get to win.
Stupid, stupid, Shredder! Of course he brought Xever and Stockman into the picture! But what does he need them for? Guess we'll find out soon! We'll see more of Mikey's point of view, just to see how he's being treated! And we'll definitely see more of the Hamato's and their allies as they plan to get Mikey back!
I can't wait to see what you have to say about this chapter! Thank you all for supporting me and understanding that life in unexpected. I'll update as soon as I can!
Stay awesome! :D