Hey everyone! I'm about to take Chemistry in June and I'm trying to find the time to not babysit or do anything school related for a little while but, bluh, I babysit everyday! I am recovering from Strep Throat, but otherwise I'm okay. Thanks for those cheering me on!

Happy Reading! I hope you like the chapter! Sorry for any mistakes I missed.

Raphael's Point of View:

My fists were shakin' at my sides as I glared over at Xever, who was tied ta one of tha beams in tha basement level of tha Purple Dragon's hideout. Casey was ta my right, his arms crossed over his chest tightly as he glared holes through Xever.

Xever was as calm as one person could be, if not a little bored. Slash and Oliver were standin' side by side, chattin' about what they thought of Xever's claim. I wasn't sure whether I believed Xever or not myself.

He came out of nowhere and I had cursed myself for not sensin' or seeing him comin'. The first thing I noticed was that he didn't have any weapons in his hands, though he was armed, and had his hands away from his belt in a surrenderin' manner. Before he got one word in both Oliver and Slash roared in anger and leapt towards him.

"Do you think this is a trap?" Shawn spoke up and I blinked when I realized he was talkin' ta me. I looked over at him briefly and noticed a tint of hopefulness in his eyes. He was still tryin' really hard ta make things up ta me. I sighed.

"Yes and no," I replied and felt Casey shift next ta me. Tha others also paused and shifted towards me as if they were surprised by my answer. I ignored them and continue ta glare at Xever, who was lookin' at me with some expression I wasn't sure of. Calculative? Thoughtful? I don't know!

"It's not a trap," Xever simply answered and tha others joined in glarin' at him, "You can choose to believe me or not but the information I want to share is important."

"Then tell us," Slash growled, edgin' closer in front of Oliver. He hasn't let down his guard for one moment, not even around his brother or me, "I don't like anyone thinkin' they can just come here when they want and screw around with my guys."

"I wasn't the one that attacked first," Xever snickered like he was amused. A growl rumbled in my chest up into my throat and he looked over at me before smirkin' a little, "Don't get so angry. I'm not doin' anything, am I? Relax. I'm not interested in fightin' a bunch of kids."

Slash and the other Purple Dragons huffed or growled at his claim.

"Shut up," Casey seethed slowly before turnin' ta me, "Just ignore him. The others should be on their way and then we can listen to him."

"Yeah," I nodded in agreement only ta tense when I felt eyes on me. I scowled but ignored Xever. Distantly, I wondered if Mikey was a part of tha information Xever had?

"Raph! Where are you?!"

I almost jumped at the loud voice from the floor above us. Everyone looked just as surprised, even Xever. I turned towards the stairs at the corner of the basement, "Down tha stairs, Fearless!"

It only took a minute before Leo was practically jumpin' down tha stairs, his eyes lightin' up when they landed on me only ta darken like ice when he saw Xever. I rolled my eyes but then perked when Sensei and Miwa rushin' behind him with narrowed eyes, "Over here guys."

"Raphael, are you alright? Did he hurt anyone?" Sensei asked immediately as he stared at me. He and Miwa were walkin' calmly towards me but Leo rushed to my side and looked me over for injuries. Casey snickered at my other side.

"I'm fine. It's Slash that started tha fight," I grunted when Leo's hand came down on my shoulder a bit harder than I was exceptin'," Seriously, Fearless, ease up. I'm okay."

"Sorry," He mumbled and withdrew his hand. I rolled my eyes again because I could see he wasn't sorry at all and relief flashed across his eyes before he turned towards Xever, "What are you doing here, Xever Montes?"

Slash and Casey grinned when Xever glared for tha first time since arrivin', "That's the second time one of you said my last name. I can understand a Purple Dragon knowing my name, but you? Have you looked me up or something?"

"Or something," Sensei replied mysteriously before Leo could. Xever huffed but then smirked a little afterwards.

"I guess I shouldn't be so surprised," He shrugged as best he could since he was tied up. Sensei glared at Xever then for whatever reason and I rose an eyebrow.

"You're very calm for someone whose been captured," Miwa mentioned and it was clear that everyone was happy someone finally mentioned it.

"That's because I surrendered," Xever said as he looked over at Miwa and kept starin' at her, which only made my shoulders tense and Leo sneer, "I have no interest in Hamato's daughter, so you can quit looking like you want to kill me."

"Then quit staring at her," Leo seethed darkly and my eyes widened at how low and deadly he sounded. I was even more floored when Miwa actually smiled over at Leo like she was turned on by his voice and not at all worried.

Xever rolled his eyes but obediently looked away. Slash took this moment ta catch his attention and then confidently opened his mouth, "So, can you tell us why you surrendered to us? What reason could you possibly have?"

"I'll wait until Donatello joins us," Xever replied and closed his eyes. Leo, Sensei, and I tensed, glarin' over at Xever, "I won't tell until all the Hamatos are here."

"Then why didn't ya just go ta our house? I know ya know where that is," I retorted sarcastically. Xever opened his eyes and scowled at me.

"That's because I didn't want to go to your house and I needed the Purple Dragons to hear this too," He snapped before pausin' and takin' a big breath. I looked over at Leo and he caught me lookin'. He looked just as confused as Sensei and I.

"Raph! I'm here! Where are you?!" Leo and I quickly turned towards the steps when Donnie's voice resonated from upstairs. I opened my mouth to reply until Donnie came runnin' down the steps already. He perked when he saw us all, "Raph! You're okay?!"

"Uh, yeah," I blinked at his frantic behavior and gasped sharply when he ran and hugged me hard. April and Nakano came runnin' down as well and rushed over.

"Red!" Casey brightened when he saw April and she smiled at us all. Nakano and Sensei greeted each other with serious looks. Casey and April exchanged a hug before April went to hug Miwa, who blushed.

"Thank you for bringing Donatello here," Sensei smiled and Nakano nodded, smilin' back at him before he glared over at Xever.

"Okay, Donnie, stop squeezin' me," I huffed as I pushed him away gently by his arms. He just looked so relieved that I couldn't get snippy with him even if I was embarrassed by the public affection.

We both paused in surprise when Leo started walkin' towards Xever after smiling at us both. Any chattin' in tha room stopped as Leo approached Xever. A large tension filled tha air.

"Now everyone's here. Start talking," Leo hissed and I felt Donnie tense beside me. I looked over at him and noticed he was lookin' at Leo in shock. I knew how he felt. This wasn't the calm, cool, and collected Leo we knew.

"Fine, fine," Xever sighed loudly and straightened up, "But I'm only going to explain myself once so you all better listen."

"Oh, trust me, we will," Oliver spoke up, makin' everyone look over at him. He was still by Slash, both looked ready ta attack. Xever rolled his eyes but nodded and I nudged Donnie. He looked at me and when I jerked my head in Leo's direction he nodded. We both joined Leo on both sides and everyone else moved closer as well.

"As you know, I work under Oroku Saki…I've been hearing people calling him the Shredder now," A corner of Xever's mouth lifted for some reason. Mikey was the only that really liked to stick to nicknames he gave people, so naturally everyone that hung out with him a lot did too, "There are reasons for it that the Purple Dragons probably know, but it had nothing to do with this so I'm not about to tell you my whole background story."

"Whatever, just tell us why you're here," Casey growled impatiently and my mouth twitched into a smile.

"When Master Shredder summoned me, I figured it was to do the usual jobs. I was the one that usually went and delivered threatening messages or stole things that Master Shredder needed," He explained and I tensed at the "threatening messages". Leo turned and looked at Donnie, so I did too. Sensei was puttin' a hand on Donnie's shoulder because he looked spooked. I frowned.

"I knew some of that already," Slash sighed and looked at Oliver, Shawn and tha rest, "My family knows too."

"Yeah, but this is part of the story that will make what I'm doing make sense," Xever said in a flat tone, like he was bored and startin' ta get impatient like Casey.

"Then please continue," Nakano countered, his eyes still narrowed and my eyes widened slightly when I noticed his body posture. He looked a lot like Leo did when he was ready to save someone. Flashbacks of the first time I met Leo, when a group of seniors were gangin' up on me, ran through my mind. Leo looked just like Nakano!

"After I was summoned I was prepared to do the usual things but wasn't prepared to be involved in some family drama," Xever muttered that last part and I looked at Sensei, who was starin' at Xever in a calculatin' way, "The others were there, some of his Foot clan members, me, Tigerclaw, and Bradford. As Master Shredder began explaining the situation he mentioned how he had a kid named Michelangelo locked up."

Donnie and Nakano physically gasped while Leo and I growled deep in our throats. Sensei's eyes widened and he stepped forward faster than I've ever seen anyone walk, "So you did not have any part in locking my son up? And what do you mean by that? Is he chained? Tied? He mentioned being locked in a room…"

"Yes, he's locked in a white room with a metal door and no windows," Xever replied in a monotone but his eyes looked uncertain all of a sudden, "I had no part in capturing him…but one of my jobs is to make sure he doesn't get out but that he stays healthy."

"Stays healthy?" Donnie asked quietly, his hands shakin' at his sides. Sensei and Nakano looked relieved but I did notice that Miwa went really pale and April was grabbin' her hand.

"Well, yeah. I don't know much about what Master Shredder is thinkin' but I doubt he wants that kid to die," Xever muttered in a way that was almost confusin'.

"Why do you say it like that?" April questioned as if she were readin' my thoughts. Donnie, Leo, and I turned to her and she looked very intrigued.

"Like what?" Xever asked in a confused manner, starin' at April like she was strange. Donnie glared at Xever then, seemingly forgettin' his discomfort.

"When you said, 'I doubt he wants that kid to die' you had a funny look in your eyes. Kinda like there was more to the story," April simply put, crossin' her arms as the rest of us turned to look back at Xever for his answer to that.

He was silent for a moment and stared at the floor until he looked up, "I guess that's because I'm a bit confused about what Master Shredder thinks about that boy."

"What do ya mean?" I barked, not likin' how confused I felt nor hearin' how Shredder's been thinkin' about my brother at all.

"Well when he talks about any of you, the Hamato boys, Nakano, Hamato Yoshi or the like, he always has a certain look: annoyance, hate, contempt. With Michelangelo, he has almost a different look. He'll have annoyance a lot and sometimes contempt but I never see hate in his eyes. He almost looks frustrated whenever he talks about your brother. I don't know why though. The kid hates his guts."

I smirked, feelin' satisfaction that Mikey hated the Shredder and must be lettin' that show. But then I thought about what Xever just told us. What is wrong with Shredder? Why does he seem different with Mikey?

"That doesn't make sense to me," Miwa commented and Xever turned to look at her, "But I understand your confusion. I've never noticed that but I have noticed more hate for Leo and my father."

Sensei looked touched whenever Miwa named him as her father out loud. Leo simply glared deeper at nothing in particular, lookin' lost in thought. Donnie sighed, "That's obvious for Sensei, but I think that he blames Leo for taking Karai…I mean Miwa away."

"True," Nakano agreed and Casey huffed before lookin' at me. I blinked and then noticed he was angry. I could relate.

"Whatever he thinks about Mikey doesn't realy matter because he still hit him," Oliver growled, surprisin' us all. Shawn looked wary and scooted a few paces away and even Slash looked shocked, "So he really doesn't actually treat any of us differently."

"I guess," Xever sighed slowly before lookin' over at me, "I've talked to Mikey a few times."

This caught my interest and I noticed the glare fall away from Leo's look as he looked at Xever in surprise before it turned into suspicion. Donnie's lips parted, "W-What? You did?"

"Yup. I checked up on him and made sure he was actually eating and drinking, but he didn't trust any of us," Xever shrugged before he grinned as if he was rememberin' somethin', "I got him to eat and drink anyways. He's an amusing one."

"Yeah he is…" Leo smiled before shakin' his head, "Wait, we're getting off track. Why are you just talking about Mikey?"

Xever looked at Leo like he was confused, "I just thought you'd like to know how the kid was doing."

"We do!" Donnie immediately replied, his eyes goin' wide in hope. I blinked at him before noddin' in agreement. I did want to know how my littlest brother was doin'. If he was hurt any worse or if they were mistreatin' him in any way, they'd have to pay with blood.

"He's doing okay. He doesn't really talk much to anyone but he did talk to me. He's very worried about you all," Xever explained and I scoffed. Of course, he was! More than himself or anyone else, he was worried about us! "He panicked when he heard that Shredder did something to Nakano."

All eyes turned to a very shocked and blushin' Nakano, "A-Ah…he doesn't have to worry anymore. But he knows that from the phone call."

Xever's eyes lit up in interest, "Oh yeah. That…I was surprised Master Shredder actually raised his hand against a child…" He looked very odd.

"So, the rumors are true," Slash chuckled a little, looking relieved as he looked at me. I nodded because we both knew the rumors about Xever, "You really don't like hitting women and children. That always went around on the streets. A lot of people admired that while others made fun of you for it."

Xever shrugged, lookin' embarrassed, "Whatever. That's my principle and I don't care what others think. The kid, er…Mikey, he seems to look at me differently and that makes it easier because he actually takes my advice."

"Really?" Casey blinks in surprise.

"Yeah, I try to let him know what he shouldn't do because I know the consequences…like trying to leave the room or fight us…" Xever's eyes slowly widened and he gasped, "I forgot to mention about Bradford!"

My eyes darkened like Leo's, "Bradford?"

"He…uh, well he swiped my key and attacked Mikey. I got Tigerclaw, because he had a key, and we were able to stop him. Mikey was okay but Bradford wasn't," Xever explained as he looked amused and little wary.

I calmed when I heard Mikey didn't get hurt, "That bastard…where does he get off tryin' ta hurt an unarmed kid?"

Surprise hit me full force when Xever looked at me and his eyes darkened this time, but they were distant, like tha thought also made him angry. I'm really startin' ta respect Xever a little more. If only he wasn't workin' for Shredder…

"Wait what are you doin'?!" Slash gasped in shock and I jerked out of my thoughts to see Leo untyin' Xevre. My mouth fell open but I found that I was okay with it. Donnie looked calm as well.

"He hasn't tried anything and you took his weapons. Even if he did attack there's a big group of us. He isn't stupid and he doesn't mean us harm. I sense that," Leo commented while not lookin' up. Xever's eyes were really wide until he smirked at my brother.

"No wonder my Master hates you so much," He said aloud and then laughed when Sensei shot him a dark look. Leo's eyebrow twitched but he said nothin' as he stepped back with Don and I.

"Thank you for everything you have told us," Sensei stepped forward with a grateful smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"I am happy that Mikey is doing okay so far other than being hit once," Nakano said in a relieved way as he looked down, "I couldn't handle if anyone else got hurt again."

"Well, to be honest…I came here to tell you all this because of him getting hit. Master Shredder has a temper and if you keep him waiting much longer I'm scared of what he might do," Xever explained warily again while the rest of us tensed, "It's Tigerclaw that you should be wary of above all because he isn't scared to hurt or kill anyone."

"Because he's an assassin," Oliver nodded with a look in his eyes, "We'll be careful, we just have to avoid being hit or shot by him, right? He deserves to die for what he did to my brother."

"Oliver," Slash warned with a fond look in his eyes. I shook my head at their violent tendencies even though I understood it.

Xever rubbed his wrists and moved his shoulders around until he caught me lookin' and rose an eyebrow. I huffed and looked away. Donnie caught my attention and I saw him look at me in confusion. I barely shrugged my shoulders.

"Oh, right. This is for you," Xever insisted and I blinked at the paper he was handin' in my direction. Why was he givin' this ta me and not Leo? I grabbed it and opened it up, my eyes widenin' when I saw that it was a map colored in red. One spot was circled. The others gathered around or behind me and stared at it in shock, "The circle is where Mikey is being kept. The other marks are exits that I guarantee will work, but if they don't there are only a couple of others. I marked where the others like to stay and where the other rooms are. I hope this helps."

My mouth was dry and I looked up, our eyes lockin', "Why are ya helpin' us?"

"Didn't ya hear the rumors? I don't like hurtin' kids or anything like that," Xever replied teasingly and smirked before he looked more serious, "I don't like what Master Shredder's doing. I'd rather stick to what I'm good at. Plus, this whole thing is making him crazy."

"I'll say," Leo agreed before lookin' at Xever uncertainly, "Thank you. Really. You have no idea what this means for us."

Xever smiled genuinely, "Mikey's actually a pretty cool kid. I've met a lot of kids like him when I was troubled. In a way, I'm repaying a few debts.." His smile vanished as he realized what he was talking about. He coughed and blushed, "Anyways, if you sell me out then I'll probably be killed…whatever happens just happens I guess."

"You don't know us and I understand that," Donnie started with a thick voice, "But we are absolutely not that type of people. No matter what Shredder says. You don't have to worry about that."

Xever's eyes widened at my brother and I looked at Donnie in pride along with Leo, Nakano, and Sensei. April smiled warmly and hugged Donnie's arm.

"O-Okay," Xever replied, frownin' in embarrassment as he looked away from all of us, "It's not a trap by the way. I can see that you're thinking that in your eyes, Slash."

Slash gasped, lookin' surprised as we all turned to him. He flushed a little, "I was…even if it is you can't take this information back and we can handle it."

"Yeah," Xever chuckled before glancin' over at Leo and I, "I better go now before Master Shredder starts to suspect anything. And I couldn't tell Mikey so he was freaking out a little bit."

"What?! You told him you were going to see us?" Miwa shouted and I narrowed my eyes at Xever only for him to shake his head and look sheepish.

"I told him I had work to do and he freaked out, probably thinking that I was going after you guys or something," He explained and I frowned, "I couldn't tell him because who knows who would have heard."

"Well maybe you can just mention that we are safe somehow," Donnie offered, lookin' a little upset after hearing that Mikey freaked out. Xever nodded, lookin' uncertain.

"I'll try, but I really have to go now," Xever claimed lookin' pointedly at Slash, "Can you slide my weapons over? Then I promise I'll leave."

"I'll walk you out and hand them over them," Slash replied calmly and Xever nodded. Slash looked at Oliver, Shawn, and tha others who were not grouped with us and jerked his head. They perked ta attention and quickly followed Slash.

"Thanks again," Leo said quickly as Xever turned ta follow. Xever smirked and nodded before followin' again. Leo turned ta tha rest of us and grinned, "With this information we can definitely rescue Mikey!"

"Yeah!" Donnie beamed and I smiled, feelin' more confident and happy myself. April giggled and smiled wide, "This is great!"

"Leave it to Mikey to charm the enemy," Casey grinned and I laughed at that. I always believed that Mikey was tha type of person that was hard to hate.

"I'm just glad he's alright and has someone looking out for him. Even if that's Xever," Miwa smiled, lookin' much happier than she had since gettin' together with Leo.

"Then why don't we get something to eat and go back to my place to plan our attack?" Sensei offered and we all turned to him enthusiastically.

"Hai, Sensei!"

Michelangelo's Point of View:

I was worried sick. It literally felt like something was swimming around in my belly. Why won't this anxiety go away? What was Xever up to? Is everything really okay? Is my family okay? My Mom?

"Ugh!" I groaned loudly, turning to lay on my belly. I glanced at the bottle of water and bowl of tomato soup placed by my bed. About half an hour ago a Foot soldier came in with the tray of food and left it beside the door before leaving without a word. Just rude!

Maybe I should eat. I've eaten before and nothing's happened. Plus, maybe my stomach will settle if I eat the soup. I maneuvered down to sit against my bed on the floor and grabbed the tray, examining the soup. It smelled so good! My stomach grumbled irritably and my mind was made up. I began to eat and hummed in delight at the warm soup going down my throat and settling in my belly.

"This is so good! I don't even care if it's poisoned or whatever!" I gushed and then chuckled at myself. As I continued to eat I thought about the kitchen back at Sensei's home and how fun it was to cook for everyone there. Raph would usually act like I couldn't cook, Donnie would analyze the food but Leo…Leo would always enjoy what I made. I paused and stared down at my soup.

No, no, don't get sad. Don't get lonely. I swallowed heavily and ignored how I was feeling to finish eating. After that I took a long swig of water before pushing it away from me and letting my head fall back onto the mattress so that I could stare up at the ceiling.

I was lost in thoughts and memories that I barely heard the door to the room open until someone cleared their throat loudly. I jumped and almost fell down when I tried to quickly get to my feet. My heart hammered in my chest from being surprised and I saw Shredder standing in front of the door, just staring at me.

"Y-You really outta knock or something!" I greeted lamely, feeling stupid for not paying more attention. Shredder smirked a little.

"It is not my fault that you were lost in thought," He replied in a smug manner as he crossed his arms, "What were you thinking about? Your family?"

He laughed like someone watching a comedy when I glared darkly at him. I hated whenever he taunted me about my family. He knew how much I loved them and how much I was currently worried about them. Taking advantage of that worry was just wrong!

"I don't think I have ever seen you look so mad," He commented and I ignored him, staring at his feet instead of his face. It was making me angry to see his expressions and I don't like being angry or sad, "Not talking to me huh?"

I opened my mouth to be sarcastic but closed it once more for some reason. I didn't feel like talking with him. He'll just taunt me anyways. He started walking towards me and I straightened, tensing up in anticipation. When he saw this, he stopped walking, raising an eyebrow at me.

"I was curious as to why Bradford attacked you and disobeyed my orders," He continued and I crossed my arms, scowling at him, "I know it was most likely revenge…but did he say anything else?"

"He was upset that I embarrassed him in front of his precious Master," I muttered, glancing away again. Shredder paused and then sighed heavily.

"Such a fool. Soon he won't be useful to me anymore," He grunted and I glared over at him again, feeling angry. He seemed surprised by my reaction.

"So, what? You'll just ditch him? Or wait, maybe you'll kill him because he's no longer useful?! I might not like Bradford but treating people like objects is really low!" I shouted, feeling my anger rising with each word. His eyes narrowed at me and suddenly I realized what I did. My anger dissipated a little and I felt a satisfied.

"I needed people like him so that I could get my daughter back," Shredder replied defensively and I looked over at him in surprise at what he said, "I raised her and despite what you and your family might think…I do love her."

I was shocked to the core at the rare display of vulnerability he was showing me. A part of me believed that he really did love Karai…but… "If you loved her you wouldn't have tried to hit her or lock her in her room or lie to her all the time."

"Sometimes you lie to the ones you love to spare them pain," He said as his eyes dulled a little and he looked over to stare at the wall. My eyes widened and my mouth fell open a little. I thought about how I couldn't help but agree with what he said, "I don't expect you to understand but I panicked when she learned the truth without letting me explain first. I was scared that if she left then I would somehow never see her again."

"….." There was silence and I just stared at him. He covered his expression quickly, making it hard for me to tell if he was playing me or not. I knew, though, that he meant every word he said whether he meant to tell me or not. I licked my lips and looked away from his eyes. It was somehow hard to look at him right now.

"You really want her back that badly?" I ended up blurting out. Shredder looked over at me with a deadly serious expression that answered by question, "Well, if you love Karai as much as you say you do then you would want her to be happy. And she's happy hanging out with us and being our friend."

I didn't need to add that she wanted to be with her real father because that should have been obvious. But sometimes Shredder just sees what he wants to see so maybe I should have just said it.

Shredder said nothing but glared at my direction and I felt a sweat break out on my face. Maybe it was better to just say nothing. After all that, though, how could I keep quiet. It makes me baffled how he can be so cruel and insane, but he has the same feelings as anyone else does. Maybe this was a trick…but for what?

"It seems as if I've spoken too much," Shredder simply said as if he were speaking his thoughts out loud and I glanced up at him again. His eyes were still trained on me and I felt waves of nervousness consume me. Don't get scared. Don't be afraid.

"Did you only come here to talk to me?" I asked in a small voice, but my curiosity was still getting the best of me. He was still staring at me but he didn't look hateful or annoyed or angry, he just looked a bit lost and frustrated. I just didn't understand. Now I'm starting to feel the same way.

"I just wanted to affirm Xever's story. Bradford still isn't conscious but I am sure he will tell me lies so I wanted to hear what you thought," He replied honestly, in a blunt tone. Then suddenly awareness flooded his eyes and I blinked, "Also…as you might already know, I have hired someone who is helping me keep my threats against your family."

The blood drained out of my face and it felt as though I had swallowed ice, "The threats? You mean-"

"The Nakano situation was my doing. And your foster mother no longer has insurance coverage at her hospital," Shredder replied in a simply manner, like it did not actually matter to him at all. My eyes widened and filled with tears. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe properly and remember what my Mom said. I'm sure once I get out we can find her a better place to go to! Sensei said he would help to, just breathe.

Shredder watched me try to calm myself down but I felt like screaming and throwing things at him for what he's done. I rubbed at my face in a calming manner and withheld the tears because like hell I would cry in front of this guy! He'd probably enjoy it!

I jerked back in shock when I let my hands drop from my face and he was suddenly closer to me. I gasped against my will and used pure willpower to keep from backing away from him any further. I was almost on my bed as it was.

"When the exchange is made...I could…." He trailed off in a grumble that sounded almost like a growl but I felt fear and confusion from his words. What was he trying to say? I watched him, feeling fearful and weary, "If the exchange is made without any problems then I will make sure your foster mother gets her treatments back."

I stared at him in shock. Wait, what? "W-What? Are you kidding me? Is this a trick?"

His lips twitched, "No this is not a trick. I am being serious. But if you do not want the offer then I guess I'll just-"

"NO!" I blurted, springing up to attention. He jerked just the tiniest bit in surprise himself, but I ignored that, "Really? You'd actually do that?"

"Yes, I will. Only if Karai is back and it goes peacefully," He replied and the fog in my brain cleared. I don't want Karai back with him and I doubt it will go peacefully. A flash of my angry brother came into my mind. Nope, not peacefully at all. Sorry Mom, but we'll find another way.

"Why would you do that after everything?" I questioned in a flat tone. He looked at me before turning to walk away, "Wait! Tell me why!"

He stopped walking but didn't turn to me, "I do not know why but if I did I would not tell you."

I pouted and opened my mouth to reply but he was walking out of the door before I could move or get any words out. What the shell was that? He was the reason this happened to my Mom but he'd be willing to fix it? Only if Karai came back? Why bother?

Pacing the room, I thought about everything that just happened. Did I actually just have a somewhat decent conversation with the Shredder? What the heck is going on right now? I don't know what to think anymore!

The door opened again and I gasped, turning and then feeling very relieved when Xever walked through wearily, his eyes as wide as the moon, "Kid, what did the Shredder want? I just came back and saw him coming from here."

I ignored his question for now, "What did you do? Where did you go? Did…did you so something to my family?"

"No, I didn't do anything to them," He answered hesitantly and I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, "I can't tell you the details but don't worry about them right now."

"Why?" I asked anyway and he shook his head, chuckling, "What's so funny?"

"I just excepted this reaction out of you. So…. are you okay? What did Master Shredder want?" He questioned seriously as he crossed his arms. I sighed and filled him in on the entire conversation, hoping he could make heads or tails of it when I clearly couldn't.

Towards the end, Xever's whole demeanor changed. He looked floored; just confused and shocked. I could relate. After I was finished I watched Xever's reaction. He just stared at me before blinking and clearing his thought.

"Oh wow, I've never heard of Shredder ever opening up to anyone other than Karai, and even then, it was a small handful of times when she was a kid!" He exclaimed and my eyes widened, "He must really like you."

Then my expression fell flat and I looked at him like he grew a second head, "Are you serious? He doesn't like me! He did this to my family, taunted me, kidnapped me, and then not to mention what he did to my mom….where is the like for me in that?"

"Shredder must have felt a little guilty to offer to redo what he did to your Mom," Xever pointed out and I paused, "I've never ever heard of him making an offer like that…or at least, in that way. He's kinda twisted but-"

"Kinda twisted?" I teased a little bit because I couldn't help it. His lips twitched into a small smile.

"But that must have been his way of trying to be nice for some reason. I think he likes you but his hate for the Hamato clan runs deeper," Xever explained and I let that sink in.

"I don't like him because of what he's done. I'd like to think he could change, but what he's doing now tells me no. Karai won't be coming back here again," I replied in a determined manner, "Even if I have to sacrifice myself and stay here with him."

Xever's eyes grew wide, "Wait, what?! No, you can't do that!"

"I would if I had to," I said in a small voice, "But I really want to see my family again."

"And you will…soon….just don't tell anyone I said that," Xever groaned and rubbed his head, "I better go. Be a good kid and don't do anything reckless."

He reminded me of Raph once again and I only smiled instead of replying. He sighed and shook his head as he left me alone once again.

Xever has surprised us after all! I love writing the bad guys differently because it is SO easy to forget that they weren't born evil and that they have feelings just like the good guys.

I hope you enjoyed the read! I can't wait to see what you've thought! Sorry it took me so long but I had a lot on my plate and I still do, but I'm trying. Thank you for all the support!