Hey guys! I hope you all have been doing okay! I turned my application in and ran into a couple of complications for it that I have to work on, so, yay...at least that's over! I feel a bit better and hopefully soon I'll be on the right track again!

I hope that you enjoy this chapter just like the others! I can't wait to read your reviews! Thank you for all the support you guys have given me, it means so much you just don't know how much it means to me! Stay awesome and happy reading! (I made it longer since you've waited for awhile ;D)

Donatello's Point of View:

The next morning, we were all fed and dressed early, no one complaining about how early we had gotten up. The events of yesterday had everyone properly motivated and even though we wanted to get started right away, we still had school to go to; we had missed enough days as it was. Sensei and Nakano urged us to go to school while they thought more on what our next step needed to be and Leo reluctantly agreed. Miwa was the first one up for school, much to our surprise, already dressed and ready to go.

Raph and I shared smirks nearly every couple of minutes as our awkward older brother fumbled around Miwa. His face turned so red when she kissed his cheek and he glared at Raph when he'd barely contained a laugh. What was surprising to me was how much Sensei approved of Leo's new relationship with Miwa. It wasn't that I thought he'd be angry, but sadly he didn't know much about Leo and I figured he'd want some time to get to know her. Well, he still can if Miwa is willing.

Sensei wanted to get started on making some calls to April's and Casey's fathers to get them up to speed on what was happening, since they deserved that much. They didn't know what was going on and Shredder threatened to hurt our friends.

Since Sensei was busy making calls, Nakano was the one that drove us to school today. I think they are being slightly paranoid with wanting to drive us when we didn't live that far from the school, but Leo also agreed to stop walking to school. For some reason, I miss that. I liked the casual walking to school with my brothers. Other than April, I'd never even had friends before and was always bullied by the others kids for various reasons…but with my brothers I always had a place with them and there was never a dull moment; especially with Mikey around.

I looked down at my lap and resisted the urge to sigh.

"Donnie?" I jumped slightly at the touch to my shoulder and looked over to see Raph looking at me with a serious expression that looked a little annoyed. To anyone else that might be how he appeared but I knew that he was just worried about whatever look I just pulled unknowingly.

"I'm okay," I said as I smiled a little but he just kept looking at me in that way he did when he didn't buy our lies. Leo finally caught what was going on and glanced in the back seat were Raph was sitting in the middle of Miwa and I.

"What is it?" He asked as he looked between Raph and I. Shaking my head I went to deny anything was wrong and say "nothing" but Raph beat me to it.

"And don't lie. I know ya were thinkin' about somethin'," Raph muttered as he looked away for a second, "What was it?"

Under the stares of Leo, Raph, and now Miwa I finally sighed, "I was thinking about Mikey."

As soon as I said his name all their faces fell immediately. Leo's jaw became tight, Raph pulled his fiercest scowl yet, and Miwa glared right through me not at me. I rolled my eyes because this is why I didn't want to say anything.

"We'll get him back, Don," Leo attempted to comfort but his tone of voice was as tense as his jaw. I nodded more for Leo and Raph's sake than my own. I knew we'd get Mikey back but that didn't mean I couldn't be sad that he wasn't with us right now. I was worried about him.

"Hell yeah we will," Nakano suddenly chimed in causing us all to look at him in surprise. Leo blinked before the corners of his mouth lifted a fraction. Raph and Leo were coming to really respect Nakano more and more these days. As for me, I've always had respect for him because not only did he have a part in creating my brothers and I, but he was trying to be there for us now, "Hamato-san is a very capable man and has the resources we need to set plans in motion."

"Yeah," I replied with a genuine smile as I thought of Sensei. Miwa started up a conversation about the 'resources' Nakano was talking about and it was then that I felt my phone vibrate.

Almost immediately it felt like I had swallowed cold water. My blood drained from my face and I tried not to make it obvious to Raph and Leo about my reaction because this probably isn't even Shredder it could be someone else…

Relief hit me like a herd of rhinos when I saw April's name in my notification and not Shredder's. I unlocked my phone and went for my messages right as Raph said, "Casey's too excited ta have us comin' back ta school…that excitable idiot."

"Yeah he was telling me that too," Miwa commented with a grin as she brought out her own phone. I shook my head and glanced down at my messages.

I'm so happy I'll see you in school again! Do you still want to meet in the library during study period?

I typed a reply and grinned when Raph groaned loudly at Miwa and I both texting repeatedly, "Who are you guys even talkin' to?!"

"Casey and April," Miwa replied with a smile on her face. If there was anything I'd notice, it was the budding best friendship between April and Miwa. If anything, Miwa doesn't seem comfortable around other girls as she is with April. I am a little surprised that Casey is also texting her so much.

"April was texting me too," I answered when Raph looked at me expectantly. Raph threw his hands up in the air.

"Then why is he not textin' me like he is you guys?" He demanded in a way that almost sounded like jealousy if one didn't know Raph well. I rolled my eyes as Leo chuckled.

"Because last night you told him you'd wring his neck if he texted you this morning," Leo reminded with a growing smirk on his face when Raph's eyes widened as if he'd forgotten, "You said something about how he is always 'happily textin' me and wakin' me up in tha mornin'."

"Well you got his accent down pat," I commented with a smirk and Raph rolled his eyes this time as Miwa giggled. Leo laughed too and nodded at me.

"Whatever. It's true, though, he's always blowin' up my phone in tha mornin'!" Raph grumbled as he crossed his arms, looking put off by Leo. I continued to grin because of that.

"It's so funny to see you kids messing around with each other," Nakano said with a tiny chuckle as he briefly looked back at all of us. I was surprised to see the amount of affection in his eyes that Sensei usually has in his. I blinked and shook my head for a moment before looking out of the window as Leo commented on what Nakano said.

We were almost at school anyways. I shouldn't let my mind wander too far…

Michelangelo's Point of View:

I did not, I repeat, absolutely did not get any sleep last night. I may have rested here and there but I was nowhere near comfortable enough to fall asleep. My cheek still throbbed every now and again but it's not as bad as it was last night. When the Shredder hit me he had lost control of his anger and slapped me pretty hard. It was probably because I was telling them not to give him Karai and they were yelling as well so it made him snap. It still hurt and it was still surprising when he hit me.

After he did it he hung up the phone and just left the room without even looking at me. Totally rude! I am happy, though, that I got to talk to most of my family. Nakano-Otōsan was okay and that also made me happy. Sensei was with there too; I am glad my bros get to see him again but I wonder how that went when they reunited?

I sighed and rolled over to my side on the slightly squeaky mattress. I stared at the door for a good minute wondering what was going on outside. Plus, my family promised to get me out but how exactly were they going to do that? And when?

...

..

.

"The least they could do is send me someone to talk to," I muttered out loud after a minute or two, feeling like I was losing my mind. I brought my hand to my swollen cheek and cringed at the soreness. I wonder how bruised it looks? My family is not going to like that. Raphie would most likely started busting some noses...

Raph. I smiled thinking about my more violent brother. I wonder why he tends to think more violently first? Is it because of his past with that strictly religious foster father he once had? I glared at the door when remembering Raph's face when he told us that part of his story. Then again I'm happy because it showed how much he trusted us.

Suddenly the door squeaked open and I gasped, shooting up right to get ready for whoever came through that door. My mind blanked and my mouth dropped open in shock when Chris Bradford stepped through the doors and any words got stuck in my throat when he closed the door behind him. He looked pissed as hell and had an intimidating look on his face.

I panicked, knowing he could be here to hurt me for that time I hurt him. But he was going to hurt us that time…surely he is not here to hit me or anything. Is Shredder okay with this?

My mind kept racing as Bradford just stood there glaring holes through my head. I felt myself break out in a sweat and my heart was racing. I was trying to remember moves I'd learned to defend myself but my mind was racing too much. Suddenly he took a step forward and I flinched. He must have liked that because one corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk. I didn't care; my wide eyes were pinned on his form, waiting for a tell that he'd attack me.

"You look so scared. Good," He taunted, "Master Shredder doesn't want me to do anything to you, but he's not here right now. No one saw me come in."

I cursed my traitorous body for shaking. No one saw him come in? No one knows he's in here about to beat the holy shell out of me? Perfect.

"I don't like being made into a fool, boy," He hissed as his hands curled into fists. My eyes briefly roamed over his face and I saw dark bruises on one of his cheekbones and a huge bandage on his nose. There were a couple of cuts above his left eyebrow that had stitches. I didn't know I threw the vase that hard but I don't feel bad about my choice to throw it at him. If I could, I'd do it again.

I finally found my voice and said the first thing that came into my mind, "It's not my fault that you didn't dodge it."

His face darkened and I resisted the urge to gulp. He looked like he was having an internal war within himself; almost like he was arguing with himself about whether it would be worth it to beat me or not.

"You brought out your weapons on us back then so I did what I could to let me and my family escape!" I continued, starting to feel more confident in myself. I glared at him when he glanced up at me.

"I had orders to keep Karai at the house. I wasn't about to disobey my Master and be incompetent!" He argued as he clenched his fists and jaw. I felt my face drop into a scowl.

"Not my problem that your Master's as crazy as you are! You were keeping Karai here against her will! That's kidnapping! That's neglect! That's, uh, just plain wrong!" I replied heatedly and he growled, lunging for me much faster than I had anticipated.

"You'll pay for that!" He hissed as he lunged for me again. I danced out of the way and watched him crash into the wall. I withheld my chuckle because I didn't need to be laughing I needed to be thinking of a way out of this mess.

As he went to grab my arm I ducked down and literally rolled across the floor, looking over my shoulder behind me when he started to growl louder, literally cussing under his breathe like some teenager.

The more I evaded his attacks the funnier I thought this whole thing was. Which was ridiculous but I absolutely could not help myself. I began laughing at him whenever he lunged, jumped, or swiped at me and missed. It was like sparring with Raph.

"Why are you just so damn annoying?!" He cursed loudly as he tried to corner me and I jumped up on the bed and then flipped over his shoulders.

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you," I winked, laughing as his face turned red in absolute anger. This was getting fun after all.

He lunged in my direction again and nearly grabbed my arm but I jumped to the right, "Quit jumping around!"

"And let you touch me? No thank you," I smirked and he ground his teeth together, his body shaking in anger.

"You annoying dumbass child!" He shouted as he began to just kick everything in the room, which was mainly nothing, while trying to stomp over towards me. I was laughing too hard to even form a sentence until I caught my breath, trying to focus.

"Yeah that's very creative! You know, I feel sorry for everyone that has to put up with you," I teased as I got back onto my mattress, "And I'm pretty sure I'm jealous of the people that don't have to know you."

That seemed to send him over the edge. He screamed and launched himself at the bed. My eyes widened and I jumped over him, nearly tripping over his shoulder and stumbled onto the floor as he crashed into my bed and the wall. He howled in pain as I scrambled to get back up onto my feet.

Thankfully the door opened again and Xever came running in with Tigerclaw. I stood there and then turned my attention back to Bradford as he turned around, his nose bleeding. He growled and lunged for me but Tigerclaw stopped him, grabbing both of his arms as he struggled. Xever stood in front of me a little but near the door, glaring at Bradford.

I briefly imagined making a run for the door, but I knew I wouldn't make it very far with the other Foot guys outside. My eyes flicked to Tigerclaw when he grabbed his gun and placed it at the back of Bradford's head. My eyes widened.

"Stop this at once or I will kill you," Tigerclaw said in a rumble, his eyes dead serious and cold. Bradford froze and seemed to calm down enough for some common sense to show. He stopped immediately, "What the hell did you think you were doing? Master Shredder specifically ordered that the boy not be injured. What have you done?"

"He did this to me! Then he-"

I flinched when Tigerclaw punched Bradford in the face, sending him crashing into the floor. He didn't move and I realized he was knocked out cold. I looked back at Tigerclaw and shuddered when he was staring at me.

"Xever, go and get an ice pack for the boy," Tigerclaw ordered and he broke his gaze from me. I realized then that he thought this bruise was Bradford's doing but I couldn't seem to open my mouth. Xever left quickly and Tigerclaw simply threw Bradford over his shoulder and walked out of the door, closing it after.

I just stood there wondering what in the world just happened to me? I shook my head and scratched at my arm. Well that was fun while it lasted. Who knew Bradford turned so immature during a fight? Even sparring with Raph isn't that bad!

I smiled sadly as I thought about Raph again. Was he doing okay? Was Slash's injury healing like it should? I wonder if Leo and Miwa are still getting along…I know Leo tends to get scary when he worries sometimes. Donnie…I hope he's not a mess, but he has April!

The door opened slowly again and I turned in its direction with a scowl on my face. Xever came through and shut the door, a bag of frozen peas in his hands. I blinked but didn't make a single move to go towards him.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get in here sooner," He muttered and I rose an eyebrow in confusion, "But it was pretty entertaining to hear what was going on in here."

He was smirking and then I realized what he was talking about. He'd heard Bradford and I arguing. I opened my mouth but he cut me off, "I wanted to get in to stop him, but he stole my key to get in here so I had to get Tigerclaw down here."

"Oh…" I trailed off, staring at him. It went quiet and he looked awkward suddenly.

"Uh, well here. You can ice that bruise to get most of the swelling down. I'm sorry about Bradford," Xever said as he extended the peas to me. I took them quickly and backed away to sit at the bed.

"It's okay…but actually, uh, it wasn't Bradford. It was Shredder," I corrected, wincing when I placed the cold bag on my cheek. Ugh, I hate bruises and swelling!

"W…What? Master Shredder did that?" He questioned in such disbelief that I looked back over to him. His eyes were slightly wide and he'd turned his body in a way to make him seem disinterested.

"Last night," I nodded, raising an eyebrow, "That surprises you? It doesn't me."

"Well…it's only because he was very…err, serious about no one messing with you but him. He was downright scary. I think even Tigerclaw broke out into a sweat," Xever recalled as he shivered and my eyes widened.

"Really?" I asked in surprise and Xever nodded slowly. I blinked at that but then shrugged, "Figures he'd want to do all the terrorizing himself."

"Maybe so," Xever sighed, looking as if he was almost disappointed somehow. I wanted to ask him about it but wasn't really in the mood for their company right now, "I need to go. I have some work to do."

"What work?" I panicked a little, thinking of my family. Xever said nothing, which scared me even more, and then he just smiled before leaving me alone in the room again. I heard the click of the lock and groaned in frustration.

I hope that whatever work he has doesn't involve my brothers!

Donatello's Point of View:

"I'm relieved to see you in class again, Donatello," Mrs. Harris, my advanced Chemistry teacher, told me eagerly as the classroom emptied until it was just me and her, "No one is as interested in the subject as you! And you're so helpful to the other students!"

I blushed, "Thanks Mrs. Harris. I almost forgot how much I enjoy the class! I'd love to continue talking to you but I have plans now."

Suddenly Mrs. Harris' face dropped a little and she gave me a serious but sad smile, "You know, Donatello, that if you ever need someone to talk to that you can talk to me? Don't bottle everything in, okay?"

"Sure. Thanks Mrs. Harris, that actually means a lot to me," I smiled warmly and she perked up, smiling genuinely in return. I knew what she was referring to. It was kinda obvious that something happened if my brothers and I were gone so long and Mikey's the only one that didn't return with us.

I packed up and began walking towards our school's library to meet up with April. I was relieved that the long school day was finally over. I can't remember a time where I was so unfocused during classes. School days never usually seem long to me.

Checking my phone, I texted back and forth with Leo and Raph so that we could keep up with what each other were doing. Mainly I think they both just wanted to checking with me since I seem to be the one Shredder loves calling and texting.

"Donnie!" April's voice distracted me and I put my phone away. I glanced up and saw April waving from one of the tables at the side of the library. After school, not many people came to the library and the ones that did usually were on the computers.

"Hey, April," I smiled as I approached the table and set my bag down. I quickly noticed the bag and rose an eyebrow. She smiled sweetly.

"I bought us both a coffee," She offered sheepishly. My eyes widened at the mention of my favorite drink in the whole world.

"You're amazing!" I beamed and she blushed, her eyes going slightly wide for some reason. She giggled a little and looked away.

"Well, thank you, I just figured that we both needed some coffee. I haven't been sleeping well and I know you guys haven't either," She explained as she happily handed me my coffee.

"Thank you," I smiled as I thought about what she said, "Yeah I haven't been sleeping that well. Leo's probably the worst though. Every time I wake up I'll catch him awake and just staring at the ceiling or the wall,"

"Poor Leo," April sighed worriedly, "He's the lightest sleeper of you four, right?"

"Yeah, Leo's the lightest, then Mikey, Raph, and I'm the heaviest sleeper...when I actually fall asleep," I laughed, feeling embarrassed for being the heaviest sleeper. April giggled and shook her head.

"So, we're looking into Oroku Saki's business exchanges, right?" She asked after she sipped at her coffee. I nodded as I looked around the room to gage how many people were in the library today.

"Yeah, I want to find out as much as I can. I wanted to do it in the library because I was afraid Shredder might have Baxter Stockman hack into our computers," I explained with a dark expression. Words could not describe the disappointment I felt when I learned of Baxter Stockman's true nature. April put a hand on my arm and I sighed, turning to give her my most sincere smile.

"I'm sorry. I know how much you liked Stockman. You've talked about being like him since we were kids," She said softly and I glared at the ground.

"I definitely don't wanna be like him now," I muttered as I put my coffee down and reached into my bag for my computer.

"Yeah, you could be like him if you tried," April replied looking fond as she sipped on her coffee, "Casey just texted me, apparently, he and Raph are heading to the Purple Dragon hideout."

"Raph told me that earlier. I think it's a questionable idea, but Hun's in jail so there's no one to really worry about in the Purple Dragons except for Hun's followers. Slash has that under control though," I said as I set up my laptop.

"He and Raph want to see if Slash found out anything?" She asked me with curiosity. I nodded.

"And to tell him about Xever, I believe. Plus, Raph said something about figuring out how the Purple Dragons are going to help us storm into Saki Industries' building," I further explained as I turned my computer on and waited.

"And Leo's going with Karai and Nakano to stake out Saki Industries'…I feel like that is pushing our luck but with Karai we can map out every entrance and exit of the place," April pondered out loud and I smiled.

"Yeah, you're right. Plus, Leo wants to see if any Foot members go in and out as well as which entrance and exit they come and go out of so we can know," I added with a hint of admiration for Leo. Like me, Leo was a perfectionist is some ways and he wanted every single detail before he even dreamed of taking on this mission. He was also serious, like myself, and I realized just how much Leo and I had in common.

April must have noticed my look because she smiled warmly, "Leo's a pretty good strategist, huh?"

"I'd say so," I replied fondly, smiling at my cup of coffee, "It feels natural to listen to him. And he respects my input, so does Raph and Mikey. I feel like I'm actually a part of something when I'm with them."

"I know what you mean," April smiled happily, "I'm happy that you found them Donnie. You deserve only the best!"

I blushed, my eyes widening as I spluttered, "Y-Y-You t-too!"

It was then that my computer fully turned on and I rubbed my neck, not able to look at April because of how hot my face felt. I typed away at my computer and April joined me at my side. I got on google and decided to google Oroku Saki's company.

We both stopped, our eyes going wide. There were a couple of links and one of them was an article explaining a speculation that Saki's business is built upon fraud and how it was speculated that he was involved in trade with an Italian mob boss called Don Vizioso, who's known to have his allies run through New York City.

"You think this is legit?" April asked in disgust as I clicked on barely clear pictures of what can be assumed to be Oroku Saki with a short heavy-set man who had brown eyes and grayish hair, "I hear about Vizioso's mob doing crimes in certain towns in New York. He's appalling!"

"Indeed," I said as I looked over the picture once more, "He's almost as bad looking as Shredder."

"You think Shredder looks worse than Vizioso?" April asked in amusement and a little surprise.

"I do," I replied without mercy, "He looks like his face was caught on fire and someone tried to put it out with a sledgehammer."

April looked at me with wide eyes before busting out laughing, put her hands on her mouth to stifle the laughter. I grinned a little to see her laugh but in all honesty, I was just more disgusted with Shredder than anyone. I'd heard of Vizioso before, but he's not as well known in the parts around here.

"Hahahaha, I haven't laughed like this in forever!" She giggled as she wiped her face. I chuckled at her, "Anyways…it's just speculation, but do you think that they really are working together."

"I do…but, well, you remember what I told you about Mr. Kurtsman and his research on Shredder's allies?" I reminded and she nodded solemnly, "Well he never mentioned this guy so it's a safe bet that Vizioso is just a backup of some sorts. I think this is worth considering."

"Me too," April agreed as she brought out her phone, "Think we can get an address? I know it's dangerous to be prowling around with New York's Italian mob boss, but we need to know if he's still in contact with the Shredder."

"We don't need to go find Vizioso," I informed as she paused and looked at me. I smirked, "Remember in middle school when I hacked into Jerry Miller's home computer and sent him that message?"

She froze for only a second before laughing again, "Yes! He was picking on me so much and you hacked into his computer with a threatening message that he should leave me alone!"

"Yeah, I told you about that. I felt bad that I was too afraid to say anything to his face, but I wanted to practice my computer skills anyway," I shrugged with a smile at the memory. April leaned on me and I looked over at her in surprise.

"You're amazing, you know that? You just know so much!" She complimented and I blushed, laughing nervously.

"Thanks April…I just like to learn new things. I haven't hacked much before, but I liked to mod my games and stuff like that. I think that I can hack into Shredder's computer and get more information," I explained, still blushing as she looked at me in wonder.

"Let's do it!" She explained and I nodded, "It's safer to do it with your laptop here anyway, so it can't be traced to you back at Splinter's!"

"Yeah, but if I'm successful I'm 100% positive he'll know it was me anyway," I muttered with a sigh. She realized that too and scowled.

"When we infiltrate I'm going to give so many them a piece of my mind for hurting you like they have," April huffed cutely before crossing her arms with a deadly look in her eye that I recognized, "I'll show them the skills Sensei has been teaching me. He gave me a tessun that was meant for Karai, but she wouldn't take it."

"You told me," I remembered with a grin, "You said that Karai told you that this is how things must have been meant to be. Plus, she loves her dagger too much to part with it."

"Yeah," April giggled, "She's so cool! Just like Leo. Ugh, I can just squeal all day long that they finally got together!"

I laughed and shook my head, "Okay, okay, let's focus. We need to try to get something accomplished before Nakano picks us up."

"Okay, yeah, sorry," April grinned, not looking sorry at all. I rolled my eyes as I turned to my computer again, "I've kinda wondered…. how are things doing with Nakano?"

Being a bit thrown off by the random question, I looked over at her with wide eyes and then hesitated, "He's okay and he's trying. He still has these moments where he panics but I know that it's because of what he's been through. He's more relatable to me nowadays and I think that's why he seems to be more comfortable hanging around me than Leo or Raph."

"I've noticed that too. You know I notice a lot," She commented with a sly smile and then looked serious, "Leo looks the most like Nakano, and then you. Raph and Mikey look more like your Mom I guess."

"I saw pictures of her," I smiled a little, "Mikey looks the most like her but Raph's hair color looked literally the same as our Mom's. Mikey has our Mom's eyes and freckles, though not as many as our Mom had."

April listened quietly a happy smile on her face. I wonder how long she's been waiting for me to say something about my real Mom and Dad. I just didn't know what to say really since I don't know much about either of them.

"And personality wise?" She asked, looking very interested. I hummed as I thought about what I've observed.

"Well, obviously, I didn't know my real mom, but Nakano's told us stories a couple of times. Mikey inherited our Mom's happy-go-lucky persona and Leo inherited most of her stubbornness. Nakano says that I inherited more of her gracefulness and curiosity. Raph seems to have inherited the most from Nakano because of his temper, brashness, and physical strength."

"Really? Raph inherits the most from him?" April seemed shocked and I smirked when I nodded.

"You wouldn't believe it because of how Nakano acts now but that's only because of what he's been through. Sometimes Nakano has short fuses that mirror Raph's to a T. Personally, I also think Raph inherited his compassion, but Raph would hit me if he heard that."

April rolled her eyes and grinned, "What about you and Leo?"

"Leo inherited Nakano's seriousness and our Mom's strategic like thinking and neatness. It's so funny to think about that. As for me, I think I inherited Nakano's quiet nature and his logical pattern of thinking," I explained with a smile on my face. I was happy to be able to share this with April, since she was the girl I liked.

"His logical thinking? Well true, he's sorta quiet," April pondered as she looked at the table, "Well now that I think about it, Nakano tends to think very seriously and from every angle, just like you do."

I nodded in agreement and then remembered why we were in the library in the first place, "Okay, now we need to focus!"

"Yes! I will update the others while you get started. I need a bathroom break anyways," She grinned sheepishly as she stood and walked away to the restrooms. I shook my head and resumed typing in a program I had installed a few years back. It took some time, but I used the emails Shredder had first sent me when he was blackmailing me and was able to get his email address.

Soon after that I was able to get past his firewalls, but that took the most time. April was back by then, talking on the phone with her father before ending the call and looking at me, "Sorry about that. I told them everything that was going on and then my Father called to make sure I was still here with you. Now that he's filled in he's very worried."

"Shredder is not going to do anything to you or your family," I near growled as I was reminded of that little fact. April smiled at me, "I am currently trying to get past all his firewalls. It figures that he some of the best protection for his computer."

"You can do it, Donnie! Just do it at your own pace," April soothed and I nodded, pausing to take a breath, "Here's my notepad, you can write any notes here!"

"Thanks April," I smiled at her before readying my pen and writing some codes and other passwords down, "I don't think Shredder has Stockman protecting his computers…at least, not yet. He's pretty confident in whatever plan he's constructed."

"Asshole," April muttered before blinking when her phone lit up again, "Leo says that he and Miwa were able to find some good possible entries and exits to mark on the map. They're having Frank drive them home to tell Sensei."

"That's good," I replied as I stuck my tongue out over my top lip. I concentrated on the last firewall and then shouted when I got through it to Shredder's computer. April and about two other people jumped, "Sorry! I can't believe this! I can't believe I got through those firewalls! That's what I was most worried about. The computer's database information will be easy to decrypt now!"

"Err…. great, Donnie! I can't believe you actually hacked a rich person's computer either," April laughed as she rubbed her head, "You're such a genius!"

"Pfff…thank you, but this was stressful enough. If there are any problems now I'll probably lose 3 to 5 more years of my life," I joked and she rolled her eyes. I sobered and then quickly clicked on Shredder's documents, seeing all kinds of password protected files. My eyes caught one, 'Italian Mob, Vizioso'.

"Is that what I think it is?" April questioned in disbelief as I nodded. She went silent but glared at the screen as I continued to try and break the password with some of the ones I wrote down. It took a good minute but I opened it and scrolled down to all the pictures and documents Shredder had saved on his computer.

"This one details how Shredder's been partner's with Vizioso because he has influence over most of New York though Shredder basically threatened him to be his ally. He does trade with Vizioso's business too and to other businesses it's considered legit. It's mainly with weapons and armory," I summarized for April as I fast read some of the files. She nearly growled out loud.

"Of course! Shredder can't just materialize his weapons out of nowhere, after all," She commented and I scowled, nodding in agreement.

"Well, the good news is that this is about all of his involvement. Shredder doesn't use Vizioso's men at all, just the weapons and armor he manages to create or salvage," I told her and she pursed her lips, "So there's not much to worry about there because if I can print these off then that'd be tangible proof of their partnership."

"That's good. Do that as soon as you can," She cautioned.

"Of course. I plan to do that as soon as I get home. I have my printer over there that I made myself," I grinned at her when she smiled, "I see a file with information about Stockman too that I can't wait to read as well as whatever information he's been able to accumulate about all of us."

"Great! But it isn't safe for you to be hacking into his computer this long let alone at Splinter's so how will you print off…?" She trailed off when I dug into my bag's pocket and brought out a flash drive, "Great thinking, Don!"

"Thank you," I smirked as I thought of all the revenue I could get on Shredder with this. He really underestimated my skills and intellect. I will get the proof we need to be able to involve the authorities and after we get Mikey back maybe we'll be able to put Shredder and his allies away for good!

"Hey, Donnie, your phone is going off," April informed as she reached over and handed it to me. I blinked before gasping when I saw Nakano's name on the screen. I answered the call.

"Hey, Nakano, I'm almost done now," I apologized when I noticed that I was more than 15 minutes late in contacting him.

"That's okay, Donnie," He replied and I was taken aback by the tone of his voice, "I'm waiting outside for you and April. Please try to hurry though because something happened but I need to tell you in person."

"Something happened?!" I demanded, my eyes going wide and April whirled around to face me, her face dropping into worry.

"I'll tell you in the car. Just finish what you're doing but do it quickly," He notified in the calmest tone I'd ever heard from him. I blanked out for a minute before turning serious.

"Okay," I agreed and ended the call, hurrying in putting the flash drive in my computer and copying all my desired files.

While I did that April fired off questions, "Was that Nakano? What happened? Is someone hurt?"

"Yes, that was Nakano. I don't know what happened yet. He'll tell us in the car," I explained to her in my best soothing tone and she nodded, her hands shaking already. When the files copied, I exited out of everything and shut down my computer before putting everything away in my bad, "Let's go April!"

She grabbed my extended hand and I rushed out of the library after we had gotten everything we needed. April kept up with me as we both ran down the halls and finally out of the front entrance, down the stairs, to the parking lot where Nakano was waiting.

He perked when he saw us, in that relieved way, and started the car again as I hoped in the passenger seat. April sat in the back without bags and Nakano took off immediately.

"What happened?" I asked after my breathing returned to normal. Nakano looked over at me and I stared at him, the serious face he pulled was like looking in a mirror, "Is anyone hurt?"

"No, no one's hurt thank God," Nakano replied with an edge to his voice, "I thought so at first…"

"So what's wrong?" April but in with concern in her voice.

"Raph called me saying how he was trying to call Hamato-san but couldn't get in touch with him. He told me that he and Casey met up with Slash and the other Purple Dragons but that, completely out of nowhere, Xever Montes showed up and a fight broke out with them," Nakano explained as he took a fierce right turn. My eyes widened.

"A fight?! Wait, Xever?! Is Raph okay?!" I demanded, my heart leaping in my throat.

"Yes, it was mainly a one-sided attack because Slash attacked first on sight but strangely enough he told me that Xever willing submitted once Slash calmed down. He said he something to tell all of us," Nakano went on and his hands tightened on the wheel, "I don't trust him and I don't want him near Raph."

The amount of protectiveness that came out in his tone shocked me more than the fact that he reminded me so much of Leo, "And the others are meeting us there then?"

"Yes, Raph said he was contacting Leo next and told me to get you guys no matter what and bring everyone down. They're holding Xever in their hideout now," Nakano ended with a tight voice. I nodded and allowed myself to calm down.

So Xever willingly submitted...he has something he wants to tell, not just Raph, but everyone? Why is that? Is this a trap of some kind? Probably, but I don't want to Raph anything alone, even if he has Casey and Slash, I just know him too well. He'll act first ask questions later.

But what if Xever is betraying the Shredder? Or maybe not…I still think this is a trap…so why is my gut telling me to believe whatever this guy is going to tell us?

Wow so much has happened, huh? Just what is Xever doing? And the Mikey-Bradford fight/argument scene was the best to write ever!Anyways, I hope you liked it! I look forward to reading what you guys thought! Look forward to more mystery, action, romance, and much more bro-fluff!