Hey guys! Summer's probably over for most of you, I know it is for me! I had a lot of fun writing this one and, as you will see at the end. The story will be over soon in a couple of chapters, or more. This will be a long update and it's late so this time I am not going to reply to everyone's comments last time, but I really appreciate all the kind words you've all sent me! I laughed at the eagerness and smiled at how most of you get into the chapters, which is great! Special thanks for that!
Warning: Violence and fighting, nothing too unusual for our heroes there!
This chapter is twice as long as I usually write, so I hope you enjoy! Sorry for any errors that passed my eyes. I don't have too much time to write so things can slip past me. And just to warn you there is FREQUENT changes of point of views but that's for a good reason as you'll see.
ENJOY THE LONG CHAPTER! :D
Third Point of View:
Hamato Yoshi looked between the faces of all four of his children on the ride over to Mr. Murakami's. Nakano had been persistent in wanting to drive and Yoshi guessed it was because he wanted to feel more useful that way, so no one complained about it. As long as they got there. Miwa was sitting in between Raphael and Leonardo while Donatello was almost squished against Raphael's side. Despite it being a bit cramped in the back seat, none of them complained. In fact, Yoshi noticed that most of them seemed to be dazed as if they were daydreaming. He couldn't blame them. After the news that his nemesis, the Shredder, had planned to take Michelangelo and Miwa (Karai) with him as he left…well the thought was too barbaric and unbelievable to even consider.
Why would his enemy go so far as to kidnap his son and then consider kidnapping his newfound daughter again even knowing that Miwa is in fact not his own daughter? Yoshi would, even now, not even dream of hurting his old friend in such a way. He had never meant to hurt his friend at all, not ever….but Oroku Saki had definitely changed into a twisted sort of man that seemed to be lost to only one goal in his life: ruining Yoshi's in whatever way possible. Or maybe he was wrong…did Saki have something he wanted that he'd go this far for? Besides hurting Yoshi?
"Sensei," Leonardo cleared his throat uneasily, gaining Yoshi's attention. Leo had come out of his thoughts when he saw his adoptive Father's scowl in the passenger side mirror. His tone of voice is what brought the others out of their daydreams. Yoshi blinked and turned to smile at his son soothingly, as if he already knew why Leo looked worried, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, my son," Yoshi answered softly and ignored how Nakano suddenly cast his eyes away awkwardly. Nakano always felt very guilty for his part in Yoshi's pain and even the boys' pain, but it had often felt odd for him to hear Yoshi refer to his biological sons as his own sons. It was something he'd just have to get used to. He wasn't opposed to having Yoshi in the boys' lives at all, "I was just thinking about the Shredder."
Immediately Leonardo and Raphael's expressions dropped into anger while Donatello and Miwa looked curious. Donnie met Nakano's eyes in the mirror and tried to smile, "Anything we need to be concerned about, Sensei?"
Yoshi shook his head and smiled at Donnie, "No, I was only considering some of my own personal questions." Miwa cocked her head but looked away awkwardly as Nakano had done. Like Nakano, she also felt guilty for her part…even if that part was little.
"Oh, I also wanted to ask…" Donnie went on, meeting Leo and Raph's stares, "Well we all wanted to ask…. who did you call earlier after we learned about Shredder wanting to take Miwa and Mikey away?" The little reminder made everyone frown, especially Miwa.
"I only called Mr. Kurtsman," Yoshi answered carefully, not giving too much details. Donnie frowned again but didn't press for details. Leo scowled as well as Raph, but they didn't press into the issue either. Miwa sighed and Leo turned to her, watching as she looked out the window angrily. He knew how she was feeling and also knew that she didn't like much attention on her when she felt emotional, so he just put his hand over hers on her leg and smirked when she looked over at him.
Miwa was a bit startled at first until Leo smirked and she understood what he was trying to do. She blushed, feeling not uncomfortable, but unused to having someone comfort her. She mumbled under her breath quietly and held his hand tighter while he just perked up confidently. She wanted to shake her head and laugh but she wasn't in the mood to do that. As it was, Raph was watching them out of the corner of his eye and was grinning like he was trying to control laughter. She rolled her eyes.
"We're almost there," Nakano piped up quietly and looked in the review mirror at the kids, who looked over at him when he spoke. He blushed slightly when Hamato Yoshi turned as well, which meant everyone was now looking at him. He swallowed thickly, "Are….are you all sure about this? I don't really trust Xever…"
"Neither do we," Leo shrugged slightly, trying hard to hide his distaste for the others' sakes, "But he did give us a map of the place, which was helpful no matter what his intentions were."
"I get why you guys are suspicious, but I'm strangely not," Donnie added before laughing when Raph and Leo turned to him in shock, "I'm not. Well not really. I can see the possibilities and understand why he'd betray us if he wanted…not that I want him to. However, he really had no reason to lie to us about everything he said and he apparently knew about the Purple Dragons and their hideout, which means that he could have taken care of them if he had really wanted to."
Raph ground his teeth together at that possibility but reminded himself what Xever had done for them and tried to calm down. Leo, however, was nodding at Donnie and smiling at him. Donnie smiled back and Miwa hummed out loud, "I think you're right about that, Sheldon."
Suddenly everyone but Donnie either laughed out loud or desperately tried to smother their chuckles. Donnie's face flushed dark red and he glared over at Miwa, feeling embarrassed, "Don't call me that! I'm nothing like Sheldon!"
"Have you ever watched Big Bang Theory?" Miwa questioned, cocking an eyebrow at him. He flushed some more, if possible, and nodded. Raph and Leo both roared in laughter while Donnie hit them both.
"Stop!" He snapped at them before groaning when Yoshi lost control of his chuckles as well, "Oh not you too, Sensei!" Nakano shook his head good-naturedly.
Nakano turned onto another road and perked when he saw the sign for Murakami's noodle shop. It was described to him in detail by his boys so he knew he couldn't miss it. Yoshi's chuckles died down when he realized that they were getting close. Nakano looked at the boys and Miwa again, "We're here. It looks like the others are already here too."
Raph took a quick look then chuckled again as Leo smirked at Donnie over Raph, "Oh yeah. I see Leatherhead's truck and Slash's SUV."
"Lucky for us it seems like no one else is at the shop," Miwa observed in slight surprise. Murakami's was a crowd favorite, so usually around this time it was common to see two or three cars there. Donnie grinned over at Miwa.
"Would you be there if you saw Leatherhead and Slash in the same room?" He asked and Miwa blinked before laughing loudly; Leatherhead and Slash both were the most intimidating individuals in the whole city. Yoshi and Leo shook their heads as Nakano parked his car by Leatherhead's truck.
Everyone climbed out of Yoshi's car and jumped when they heard a crash coming from inside Murakami's shop. Raphael and Leonardo shared a look before they began running with Donnie right behind them. Miwa gasped and took off after them as Nakano and Yoshi blinked out of their surprise. They took after the kids.
Leo burst through the doors with Raph at his side and Donnie behind them. They all paused when they noticed a seething Leatherhead, who was glaring at Slash. Slash was glaring right back at Leatherhead, a broken dish at their feet. Mondo and Casey were behind Leatherhead with anxious looks. April was behind Casey as if he were guarding her and she was the only one that turned to greet Leo and the others with a look of anxiousness on her face. By the time Yoshi and Nakano joined, Oliver, Shawn, and some other Purple Dragons were muttering angrily at Leatherhead.
"What is going on here?" Hamato Yoshi asked calmly as he stepped past his sons. Everyone turned towards him in surprise, as if they hadn't heard him come in, and Leatherhead immediately dropped his gaze at the floor. Mr. Murakami, who was blind, looked ready to have a panic attack but his voice was oddly as calm as Yoshi's.
"There was just a disagreement among the two gentlemen…that's all," He answered Yoshi anxiously as Slash scoffed, his eyes never leaving Leatherhead. Raph looked at Slash's face before walking over to his side. Only then did Slash look away from Leatherhead to look at Raph instead.
"What happened, Slash?" He asked as Leo also took a step forward and Donnie pushed past him politely to make it to April's side. April whispered in his ear worriedly.
"Leatherhead, Mondo, April, and Casey came here together just about 20 minutes ago," Slash begun as he ignored the others, "As soon as they got here I could tell Leatherhead wasn't in the best mood, but then he started to get angsty waiting for you all. I tried to calm him down because we need him to be levelheaded-"
"I am levelheaded! I would never jeopardize this mission!" Leatherhead growled, his head coming up as he took a step towards Slash, who immediately tensed up as if he were ready to take a hit.
"What you're doing right now will jeopardize it!" Oliver sneered as he came to his older brother's side, the other Purple Dragons falling in behind him and Raph as if they were one unit. Raph was mildly surprised.
"Everyone calm down!" Yoshi yelled and everyone once again whirled around to look at him. Casey had an arm out as if preventing anyone from hurting Donnie or April. Mondo looked like a frightened kid, but still at his rightful place slightly behind Leatherhead.
"We can't save Mikey if we're fighting with each other," Leo frowned at both Slash and Leatherhead, who's nostril flared but he said nothing. Yoshi looked at Leo as he continued, "Master Splinter's right, we all need to calm down. Slash isn't trying to say anything other than you need to be calm if you want to save Mikey with us."
"I do," Leatherhead nodded but didn't look calm, "But I heard that the Shredder wants to take Michelangelo away…"
Everyone, including Leatherhead, could see how the Hamato's and even Nakano's expressions hardened at those words. Leatherhead began to breathe in deeply to try and calm himself down.
"That won't happen. We'll get Mikey out of there before the Shredder can take him away!" Donnie said with determination written all over his face. Raph and Leo didn't need to say anything for them to know they were just as serious. Yoshi nodded slowly.
"Calm down, Leatherhead. We will need you in this fight but we can't have you losing control of your anger," He spoke softly as if he were trying to teach a life lesson to a child. Leatherhead nodded and began to take more deep breaths.
Slash and the Purple Dragons were already much calmer, but still threw anxious looks towards Leatherhead. Mr. Murakami smiled, relieved that the Hamato family were so gifted in affecting others.
"Hey guys," Nakano called and the others turned towards him. The Hamatos were surprised to see that he wasn't were he was before. He was looking out a window cautiously, "I see that guy…Bradford. He just walked into the Saki industries building with a few others. One was a skinny black man…"
"Baxter Stockman," Donnie near hissed with venom. April and Casey's eyes went wide as they looked at him. Slash looked over at him in confusion before turning towards Nakano with a serious expression.
"Who is Dexter Sockman?" He asked in anxious confusion. Leo and Raph both smothered a barely concealed chuckle but Mondo actually laughed out loud. Donnie's mouth twitched as he told them about Baxter Stockman.
"So, Baxter Stoneman is only legit with technology?" Oliver retorted as Leo smirked at the mispronunciation of Baxter Stockman's name. He couldn't tell yet if they were joking and messing his name up on purpose or if they really didn't remember it.
"Pretty much," Miwa answered Oliver after it was obvious everyone was pretty much trying not to laugh at Oliver messing up Stockman's name. Miwa had no respect for the man so she herself wasn't opposed to messing up his name on purpose, just to annoy him, "I'd be wary of Bradford…although I thought he'd be locked away or something."
"Why?" Mondo questioned with a curious look. Miwa turned to look at him awkwardly yet gravely. It was an unspoken answer that she didn't need to say out loud and suddenly he remembered what April had told him and Leatherhead in the car about that crazy Bradford dude trying to beat up Mikey.
"Can we go yet?" Leatherhead asked anxiously, moving his fingers to keep himself from punching or throwing another object. Raph narrowed his eyes at him but decided that LH was keeping himself as strong as he could. Nakano stopped looking out the window and looked over to Hamato Yoshi and Leonardo…as did everyone else. Both Yoshi and Leo looked at each other in bemusement because everyone was looking their way as if they had to give the order.
Leo shook his head out of his surprise, "We can't just go plummeting straight ahead, LH," He continued when Leatherhead and some of the others frowned impatiently, "Do you all remember pieces of the plan?"
A flutter of agreements went around the room and Leo nodded, looking towards his Sensei, who smiled down at him before looking seriously at all of the faces around him, "We are going to be splitting up into two groups once we enter the building. Thanks to Xever, we know were useful exits and entrances are as well as the exact location where Michelangelo is being kept."
"How are we splitting the groups up?" Casey piped up with interest but also caution as if he didn't want to be missing any action. Raph noticed that look and rolled his eyes.
"I personally wanted to confront Oroku Saki," Yoshi said calmly, though his eyes showed a calm rage building. Everyone's eyes widened including the Hamato boys. They didn't know that he was going to take part in actually confronting the Shredder, even if that might have been inevitable.
"Sensei, are you sure?" Donnie stressed as his eyebrows drew together and he tightened his arm around April, pulling her closer. She looked over at her new Sensei with a worried frown. Yoshi smiled warmly over at them both to soothe them.
"I am definitely sure," He nodded before his eyes widened when Slash and the others took a step towards him with determination swimming in each of their eyes.
"We will join you," Slash murmured before smirking when Raph's jaw dropped open a little and Casey gasped, "Obviously the Hamato boys and Leatherhead will not miss out on getting Mikey and you'll need someone backing you up, Mr. Hamato. After all, a few of his minions will be at his side, right?"
Yoshi smiled at Raph's friend and nodded his head, both slightly relieved and worried that he and his 'family' would be in danger going with him. Raph frowned at Slash but nodded in agreement to Slash's words. Leo and Donnie exchanged uneasy glances because they hadn't been thinking of what Slash said and it made sense.
"Then the rest of us are all going after Mikey?" April asked uncertainly as she gazed around the room. Miwa caught her eyes from where she was on Nakano's other side, silently gazing out the window.
"I think I'll join you, Father," Miwa said with a serious frown on her face. Yoshi looked over at her in surprise while the others, except the Hamato brothers, looked as if they expected this.
"Kara-…I mean Miwa, are you sure?" Leo asked quietly, a pained look flashing across his face, "I really don't think you should be anywhere near him."
Miwa only smirked at Leo as if his concern were misled, "Don't worry about me, Hero. I'll be with my real Father and besides Shredder can't really hurt me anymore than he already has...Just make sure you get Squirt out of there."
Everyone looked more determined at her words. Leo looked uncertain but nodded while Yoshi looked at his daughter fondly and proudly. He still felt intense happiness whenever Miwa referred to him as her "real father".
"Well, kick Bradford's a-…butt for us then if ya see 'im," Raph grinned, amending his words at the last second. Donnie rolled his eyes while Leo tolerantly smiled at the floor and April giggled. Casey grinned over at Miwa, nodding in agreement to Raph's words. Miwa laughed and gave thumbs up.
Slash shook his head in amusement before Leatherhead took a step forward, gaining everyone's attention again, "So the group confronting the Shredder will be Slash and his family, Hamato-san, and Miwa?"
"Yes," Slash agreed, smirking over at Leatherhead, "That means you and the rest will take on those…uh, ninja guys…. that are somewhere in the building…probably where they are keeping Mike."
"Sounds good to me," Leatherhead flashed a grin, the first one in a while and Mondo sighed in relief, looking around.
"I'll stick with you then, buddy," Mondo half joked as he touched LH's arm nervously, "I only know a few tricks and I can't fight like the Hamato brothers but I can still help I think."
"Of course, you can help," Leo replied immediately, smiling at Mondo and LH's spirit. He was glad to see so many of them looking as determined as he felt. He caught Miwa's eyes and they shared a confident grin.
"I'll lead my group through the front entrance because that may be the fastest way to find the Shredder," Yoshi explained as his eyes roamed over everyone, "Leonardo, I suggest you take the route we discussed."
"The door that Xever marked, right?" Donnie clarified as Leo nodded, "It seems to be the fastest way to get to Mikey. That may be the door they took to take him wherever they are keeping him."
"Yeah, it'd be your best bet," Slash encouraged as he looked behind him at his brother and the others, "My boys and I are all set to follow you, Mr. Hamato."
"Good. I am ready as well," He replied with a smile before he turned to his sons, "If you should find yourselves in any trouble at all then please call Slash. If that does not work then call Miwa."
"We will Sensei," Raph promised as he followed Leo and Donnie. They exchanged hugs with Yoshi as Nakano and Miwa joined them. Leo hugged Miwa and then blushed like a tomato when he got brave and pecked her on the lips in front of everyone. April barely hid her smile and Casey whistled. Raph and Donnie both rolled their eyes.
Yoshi smiled as he beckoned Slash and his group over. They were the first to walk out the door and Yoshi told Leo to go to the back entrance in 10 minutes, that way Shredder might notice Yoshi there before he noticed his sons. Leo and the others agreed before Yoshi and his group vanished out the door.
"I hope there won't be too many guys guarding Mikey," Mondo said anxiously from where he sat on a chair. Leatherhead but one of his larger hands on Mondo's head and Mondo smile a little at him.
"Do not worry my little friend. It doesn't matter if there are a hundred men guarding him. I will surely make sure he is freed," Leatherhead soothed with such conviction that everyone believed it. Mondo's small smile turned into a full beam. LH returned the smile.
A half hour before...
Michelangelo's Point of View:
Time was going too slowly. I was bored out of my mind and thinking about my family coming here only made me both anxious and excited at the same time. I was worried about what might happen to them when they got here. I wasn't sure if Xever would betray them or not…. how was he even involved? If it's how I'm thinking then maybe he was helping them somehow? I hope so.
How many of them were coming? I knew that Casey and April would want to help and Leatherhead would be so angry after hearing that I was taken…I can't imagine him not being here when they come. I shivered at remembering how LH looked when he was mad. I also knew I was one of the few people alive that could calm him down.
I was lying down on my mattress as I went over the possible answers to my own questions when I heard the door click. My eyes flew open and I sat straight up, glancing over at the door. I briefly felt for the key in my orange hoodie pocket as if it somehow wasn't there anymore. I was relieved when I felt the cold metal.
Shredder came through the door and I glared at him as soon as he stepped through. He closed the door behind him but didn't make any move to walk towards me. I was alarmed by his expression though; it was as though he had won a game. His expression held a hint of glee like a child who had just learned a secret or had just done something they've always wanted to do. My heart dropped into my gut.
"Looking a little pale there, boy," Shredder taunted slightly but I saw uncertainty in his eyes suddenly, "When I leave I'll make sure to have someone send something sugary for you to drink. How does soda sound to you?"
As he spoke those words I looked at him like someone witnessing a horrible murder. Was he just playing with me again? Why? Why does he have to mess with me? Or anyone for that matter? My stunned horror was quickly replaced by anger. I was so tired of being here and of him; of all the things he's done and is doing.
"A soda?" I echoed as I ignored the slight look of surprise on his face. I glared at him and frowned deeply, "Are you kiddin' me?! I don't want anything from you! Why can't you just leave me alone and get a real life?!"
At those words Shredder's face fell and he glared down at me, "You will never speak to me like that ever again, do you hear me?"
I was appalled at his tone of voice. He was speaking to me as if he were scolding one of his children. My stomach turned over and I felt nauseous. Was this how Karai felt sometimes? I feel really bad for her if she ever felt this way. Especially after she found out the truth.
"I will send in some necessities. In a few hours, someone will be here to escort you to a vehicle so be prepared for that," He explained slowly, his gaze never leaving me. He now sounded like the businessman he was. I could barely focus on him because I was too shocked by his last words.
"A vehicle? Where are we going?" I asked in a whisper and the horror must have been apparent on my face because his lips twitched in amusement. I didn't have the will to get angry like before. Oh my god, he was taking me somewhere else?! "Y-You can't just t-take me a-anywhere!" Then I threw in desperately, "W-What about the deal f-for Ka-Karai?!"
Never in my life have I ever been ashamed of stuttering like I was now. Shredder's face was still lit up with amusement and I couldn't be sure what amused him the most; my reaction or some hidden joke.
"Oh, I will still get my daughter back," He sneered as he looked at the wall with a growing smirk as he continued, "That Hamato Yoshi thinks he is so smart. He thinks he will win but he will not. I understand that he will never let Karai come to me again, so I'll just take her back…where she rightfully belongs. And for their utter stupidity I will punish them all by keeping you at my side too."
In that moment, more than ever, I realized how crazy Shredder was. We joked about it before or were half-serious about it, but now I understood that he would never let this revenge go. He was too far gone. Nothing in this world, not even Karai, would change this man. He's too corrupt.
I repressed the tears blooming in my eyes. I was so angry, horrified, sad, and yet I still felt pity for this guy. He was so crazy that he was willing to do all this? How can one person become this way?
Shredder must not have noticed my internal struggle because he was chuckling to himself as he looked in my direction. I only realized now the weird glint behind his eyes, "I just wanted you to be aware. If you behave like you should then you'll never have to worry about anything again. You can have a better life in my clan."
The fact that he thinks so almost made me laugh hysterically. I almost choked and bit on my gum hard, trying to stop the laugh from bubbling out. Shredder left the room without another word and I finally let a few laughs go before they turned into crying. I just wanted to see my brothers again. Or my Mom…or both.
I really just wanted to go home.
Meanwhile...
Hamato Yoshi's Point of View:
Slash, Miwa, and the others followed me into the Saki Industries' building without any trouble. I had a strong urging feeling that Oroku Saki was somewhere in this building. I was determined to seek him out. I glanced to my right at Miwa and felt an even stronger sense of determination.
The secretary woman who worked the desk, I remember now that her name was Amanda, looked up at us with a startled appearance. It was clear she remembered me from the time I first discovered this building and that she obviously recognized my daughter, "Karai? Your-"
"My names Miwa," Miwa insisted as she glared at the woman. I felt a swell of pride and Amanda's mouth dropped open slightly and she hesitated under the glare, "We're going up to get a few of my things and to see…. Oroku Saki."
Amanda looked immediately confused and Miwa began walking towards one of the elevators. I followed her with ease and Slash trailed behind me with his group behind him. As we entered the elevator I noticed that Amanda was looking in our direction with worry but she was on the phone. I tensed.
"She called him," Miwa voice aloud with anger in her tone, "It's obvious she would but that still pisses me off."
"We wanted to confront him though," Slash pointed out and she fell silent. I put a hand on her shoulder and smiled comfortingly at her as the elevator took us to the 10th floor. When the doors opened we filed out and I was not surprised to see decorated art from the Foot Clan nor how extravagant the furniture appeared. Slash snorted beside me.
"He thinks too highly of himself," Slash commented his thoughts aloud and I nodded immediately after. I always knew Oroku Saki to be a bit…self-centered. And that's putting it mildly.
I followed behind Miwa as she went down a hall into a big main room with a fireplace and three white couches, windows covering the walls. She glanced down another hall and turned to me silently. I waited patiently as she fought for words, "Do you mind if I actually grab some of my things from my room? I didn't have time to pack stuff last time…."
Anger filled me at the reminder that she had been locked in her room until my boys boldly came to get her out. I nodded and followed her as she went into the first door on the right. I turned when I heard loud chuckling and saw that Shawn, Fong, and Oliver lounging or laying on some of the couches. Slash caught my eye and shrugged before grinning. I shook my head fondly. They reminded me of my own boys in some ways.
I realized that the Shredder would make his way here when he got the call from his secretary and I glanced around at all the doors I could see. I paced around and watched all the doors, glancing to check on the door Miwa went through to Slash and the others. They began to settle down as I paced around the room, looking for signs of anyone coming.
A few minutes passed and Miwa came out of her old room with a backpack strapped to her shoulders and another bag with straps and a black dripping paint design on it hanging from her right shoulder.
"Will you be able to move with all that stuff on you?" Shawn joked, obviously trying to lighten the mood. Miwa rolled her eyes but smirked.
"I only took what was needed or really important," She remarked as she blushed, looking my way in uncertainty, "I didn't want to get some stuff that reminded me of him though."
"I understand," I smiled and she smiled weakly in return, "I will get you whatever you need when this is over. We still have one room that we can turn into yours."
Her eyes grew wide and everything went silent. She opened her mouth to reply to me but then we all whirled around to face the hall when we heard the bing of the elevator. I could hear multiple footsteps and immediately dashed to be in front of everyone, including Slash and his group, before I shifted into a defensive position. I was surprised when Miwa mirrored my defensive pose, her bags forgotten on the floor by the couches.
The first person I saw was the Shredder, my old friend Oroku Saki. A sudden burst of controlled rage fired up in me. Everything he has done to my family and everything he has done because he wants to cause me pain will be stopped here and now! Miwa tensed and I noticed in my peripheral that Slash and his group froze for only a second before Slash growled under his breath.
That was when I noticed that the Shredder was not alone, of course. He had a big muscled man with brown hair on his left and then what I understood to be Xever on his right. The other man must Chris Bradford…the man that Michelangelo harmed with that vase. Directly behind Shredder were another man with a hood over his head. I could still make out the orange-red hair and his deadly expression. I knew that he must be Tigerclaw, the deadly student of Oroku Saki who had become a famous assassin, or hit-man if you will, back in Asia.
"What fools you are!" The Shredder threw his head back and laughed. I noticed for a moment that Xever looked uncertain and most of all regretful. He had helped us tremendously, but he would have to fight against us now. Miwa tensed again when Shredder looked over at her. His eyes lit up and I repressed a growl myself, "At least you were smart enough to bring my daughter back home."
"Saki!" I barked, unable to hold on to my calm any longer as I stepped in front of Miwa, "She is not your daughter! I cannot believe that you honestly think she is!"
Tigerclaw snarled in my direction but I didn't even look over at him. Shredder glared at me as I glared at him, "She is my daughter. I was the one who raised her, not you. You can only call her your daughter by blood."
I flinched and growled at the same time as his words felt like they slapped me across the face. Hurt bloomed in my chest at the truth behind his words. Shredder looked over at his men, "Bradford, Xever, you take those traitorous Purple Dragons. I'll handle Hamato Yoshi myself. Do not harm Karai."
"My name is MIWA!" Miwa shouted, almost startling everyone. She lifted her fists and frowned, "I'm not staying with you!"
Shredder ignored her and looked at Tigerclaw, "Those Hamato brothers are somewhere here with their meddlesome friends. Make sure they don't find the boy."
My hair on my arms bristled before I launched at the Shredder. He was able to anticipate me and my fist only scrapped by his cheek. He thrust me away from him and spun around, kicking me into one of the couches. During all of this Xever and Bradford raced past me to Slash and the others, who eagerly clashed with them in defense. Tigerclaw vanished and I felt a pit of worry for my sons and the others. However, my thoughts went back to the call I made to Mr. Kurtsman earlier and I knew that, somehow, everything would work out to my benefit.
Shredder sauntered over to me with an emotionless look on his face. With a distant grief, I realized how far gone my old friend was from reason. Despite my feelings, I narrowed my eyes and shifted into another defensive stance. I would do whatever it took to free my daughter and son from him for good.
Meanwhile…
Michelangelo's Point of View:
A few minutes after Shredder had left and I had a short period of feeling sorry for myself, I began pacing in front of the door with my left hand thumbing the key in my pocket. I wanted to be able to hear if anything went on outside the door so that I could know the right moment to leave.
I remembered that when they first took me here that they had a ton of members of their clan outside the door. They might stay out there because it was easier to do what they wanted away from prying eyes. I remembered how there were couches out there and punching bags or other martial arts stuff like mats, etc.
Leo would probably geek out if he saw all the cool stuff out there. I smiled just mentally imagining what Leo's reaction would be like. Well, Sensei had some cool stuff too and Leo used to take Sensei's class as a kid, so maybe he wouldn't think the stuff out there would be cool. I frowned and took the key out of my pocket, glancing down at it before glancing at the door. Would I have a good chance if I just surprised everyone by busting out now?
Ugh…. but there were so many dudes out there and I can't fight all alone against that many. It'll be even worse if any of Shredder's helpers were out there. Especially Tigerclaw. The dude seriously cheated by bringing guns. He was probably as crazy as Shredder himself. I snorted in sarcastic amusement.
There was a sudden shifting outside the door and I gasped, moving away and quickly stuffing the key in my pocket. My heart began pounding in my chest as I remembered that Shredder said someone would be coming to escort me to a car. I lifted my fists defensively as the door slowly opened. A well-built man wearing all black, even a black face mask, stood there with the dreaded red Foot symbol on his chest. As I roamed over his appearance my eyes widened. This was it. This guy had come to take me away and I would never see my family again.
Flashes of my family ran through my mind. As the man said nothing and reached out to grab my elbow I felt surge of anger I'd never felt before in my entire life, not even during my stay here. Livid and pissed were not the right words to describe how mad I suddenly felt as I thought about everything happening. Right as the man was about to curl his fingers around my elbow I slammed said elbow into his cheek, sending him reeling a couple steps in shock.
I used that moment and barreled straight into him. He and I both fell to the ground only the man hit his head on the bricks behind him and he groaned, falling silent soon after. I winced inwardly. That had to hurt, getting knocked out like that. But I didn't feel that much sympathy as I probably should.
"Oh, wait!" I loudly whispered, my eyes going wide as I nervously eyed the knocked-out Foot in front of me. I glanced at the door then grinned as the idea I had seemed realistic. What if I stole this dude's clothes and escaped looking like one of them?
"Freedom here I come," I smirked as I began to take the black gear off the Foot dude. Luckily for me the dude had a white tank top and other clothes on which made it less awkward for me to take his clothes off. I didn't take my hoodie off because my lucky orange cat hoodie was too precious for me. I did take my pants off and replaced them with the weird black pants and Foot clan shirt the guy had been wearing. I grabbed his mask and shoved it over my head, instantly feeling a bit claustrophobic. How did they ever wear masks like this? The only thing it showed was the eyes.
Shaking my head from my thoughts. I dragged the Foot dude away from the wall near the door and put him in the other corner with my old pants. I opened the door and slipped out. There were a couple dozen Foot going about their business and I froze. Some of them glanced at me then glanced away at what they were doing and I breathed a small sigh of relief. I tried to straighten myself and walk forward.
As I remembered, to the left there were stairs that they had dragged me down. I head straight for them and was careful not to look anyone in the face. As soon as I reached the stairs I glanced briefly over my shoulder to see a couple Foot guys looking at me strangely. I whirled my head around and dashed up the stairs two at a time before anyone had the chance to speak to me.
"Phew…" I sighed as I reached the door and pushed it open. The sun was so bright that I almost stumbled back inside. I used my hand to shield my eyes and then walked straight, looking back and forth. I needed to find the first public phone I could! My eyes slowly adjusted to the light and I began walking straight. I knew that I could find a sidewalk and would find a public phone close to a bus stop or something. I tore the mask off my face and discarded it so no one would give me weird looks.
"I made it," I said aloud to myself, allowing myself to believe it. A bright smile spread across my face and before I realized it, I was running away from the Saki Industries building.
Meanwhile…
Leonardo's Point of View:
Donnie and Raph were both at my sides as we ran down the steps from the back entrance like we were in perfect sync. Sensei, Miwa, and the others had successfully drawn Shredder's attention away from us. We all saw as Shredder, Bradford, Xever, and some other man followed Shredder from the back of his building into the front of his building where Sensei and the others had gone.
Although we were all worried about how many henchmen Shredder had with him we didn't stop long enough to think much about it. I led the others across the street after Shredder had gone in the front with his guys. My brothers pretty much kept up with me on both sides and everyone else were behind us.
My brothers and I were both surprised to see the back entrance already opened, as if someone forgot to close it on their way out. I glanced at Raph in confusion. Had one of Shredder's allies or even Shredder himself forget to close the door to their basement or whatever you call it?
"That's odd," Nakano voiced our thoughts aloud as he looked at the open door from Donnie's side. No one said anything and my brothers and I ran down the stairs in sync. We reached the bottom where there was an archway, immediately we saw a few men in black looking uniforms. My eyes darkened when I saw the red Foot clan symbol on their chests. Donnie and Nakano looked shocked. Raph shared my distaste for the Foot clan. Leatherhead growled as Mondo peered over our heads in shock.
"There must be more of them," April warned as she looked wary, "I just know there are more of them." I silently agreed with her and Donnie nodded at her.
"Who cares? Let's take care of them. We can take care of them and April, you can find Mikey," Casey said lowly as we stared at the men from the stairs. They hadn't noticed us yet because we had stopped before they could.
"According to the map Xever gave us, Mikey should be in the room to the right of this main area," Donnie whispered up to April with a small smile of reassurance. She still looked worried but nodded her head.
I sighed before nodding my head too, "Then let's do that. Mondo, since you don't know how to fight very well yet, you help make sure April isn't attacked as she looks for Mikey."
"Sure!" Mondo replied easily, looking relieved. Leatherhead narrowed his eyes over our heads and I knew how he was feeling.
"Then follow my lead. As soon as they see us they will attack…. probably with weapons," I ordered before gesturing to the weapons I had strapped to my back. My brothers nodded and hovered their own hands over their weapons. Leatherhead was cracking his knuckles and Mondo looked over at him, his eyes widening. I hesitantly stalked down the steps and came into full view of the main area. There were two guys near the archway and they turned when they saw us.
"What the hell?!" One of them yelled and I raced towards both of them as the others filed into the room. I punched the first guy in the stomach and he doubled over. I kicked him to the ground and then ducked when the guy with him swung his arm and missed. I swung around on one foot and used the other to kick the guy away. He fell down and hit the wall, grunting in pain.
I heard Leatherhead growl loudly and a few of the Foot yell hysterically. In the corner of my eye I saw Donnie use his bō staff to keep three guys away as April and Mondo dashed past him to the big metal door. That must be where they are keeping Mikey! My eyes widened and I looked over, noticing Raph and Casey tag teaming a group of men.
A yell had me looking as a group of four men came rushing at me. I sucked in a breath as I noticed they all had weapons. Two had a single sword and the other two had bō staffs like Donnie. I grabbed my katanas and blocked the first man before ducking and using my feet to trip the other man. I flipped over and twirled before using one foot to powerfully kick one of the men with a bō staff in his stomach, sending him flying to the ground.
"You're going to pay for that!" The other guy with a sword growled and I said nothing, glaring at him. Suddenly he was hit on the back of his head hard and he went falling in front of me, I jumped a couple of steps, feeling startled. The other guy with the bō staff was just as surprised as I was and he turned before getting hit straight in the face and crumbling to the ground.
"Nakano!" I blinked in shock as I realized who it was that hit the two men. Nakano stood behind where the two men had just been before and he was holding a plate in his hands. I was so shocked by this that I forgot about the two men I had first taken down behind me.
"Watch out!" Nakano cried, his eyes going wide with his own surprise. I whirled around and gasped as I was tackled to the ground by one of the guys. He punched me in the stomach and I gasped in pain. Then suddenly he was torn off me and slammed into the wall. Nakano punched him in the face and then hit him so hard on the head with the plate that it finally broke. The man fell over and didn't move.
Nakano helped me up and I smiled gratefully at him before picking up my katanas. He looked a bit surprised still but smiled back, "Where did you get that plate?"
"They had some on the tables by those couches. I figured I could use it," He shrugged, looking a lot like me. I blinked at him before laughing, "It worked wonderfully!"
"That it did," I agreed as we shared one last shark-like grin.
"Are you two done playing around?" Raph called and we both looked over to where he was struggling to keep a guy off him. Casey was fighting on his own against two guys and Donnie with the same three guys. I glared and rushed over to help Donnie as Nakano rushed to help Raph and Casey.
Just as I reached Donnie I wrapped my arms around one of the guys neck and then slammed him against the wall. In the distraction Donnie was able to knock out the last two guys with his bō staff and I winced at the sound it made as he hit them across their heads. He winced as well but then panted to get his breathing under control. He seemed to be okay and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"What in the hell?" Casey gasped, sounding as out of breath as the rest of us looked. Donnie and I looked over, noticing how Nakano was standing over one guy with a magazine in his hands. Nakano, himself, looked as shocked as Raph and Casey, "Did you just knock him over with a magazine?"
And then suddenly Raph was bawling, falling over on one of the couches with a hand over his eyes as he laughed harder than Donnie or I had ever heard. We shared a shocked look was Nakano stuttered, "W-Well actually I-I just hit him across the face with it and he stumbled, hitting the corner of his head against the table there…"
Immediately Donnie, Casey, and I were laughing along with Raph, who was still howling in laughter. You would have thought someone did a flip and landed on their face with the way he was laughing. I could not even believe that Nakano first used a plate to take down two men and then a magazine of all things to take out another!
"Very amusing indeed," Leatherhead commented sarcastically and we turned to where he was at the corner of the room, with several unconscious Foot at his feet. This sobered me up and I stared at him. He had taken out the most. Some of them were even bleeding and I wondered if he would have…killed some of them if that's what it took. I gulped and saw Donnie's eyes widen.
"Guys!" April and Mondo came running out of the room with the metal door, "Mikey was not in there!"
"What?" Donnie gasped and Raph abruptly stopped laughing. We all turned to them in horror, "Were we too late? Did he move Mikey already?!"
My heart dropped to my feet, "He couldn't have! We all saw him go into the entrance to go after Sensei!"
"We don't know that for sure," Casey said as his eyes darkened, "That crazy bastard could have ordered someone to take Mike away from here."
"He's right!" Mondo cried, his eyes growing even wider than they naturally looked. April looked over at us in horror.
Leatherhead frowned and then sighed. We looked at him and I was surprised to see him looking slightly calm, "We need to hurry and help Hamato-san. Maybe he has heard something from the Shredder himself."
"That's a good idea!" Raph perked and so did Nakano.
"Too bad you won't find out," A low voice snarled and we all whirled around to see a man with a black hood over his head. My eyes widened as I saw the glint of weapons in the inside of his cloak. He had golden looking eyes and red-orange hair.
"Tigerclaw," April practically hissed and I looked over at her in surprise. She made the connection a bit faster than we did apparently.
"Where did you move Mikey?" Donnie asked as Casey took his side with one of his hockey sticks ready in his hands.
Tigerclaw ignored his question as he stalked closer to us and looked around in disgust, "How shameful. A group of our own men couldn't take out a group of kids. They obviously need better training."
"Obviously," I agree darkly and his eyes snapped to mine. He glared over at me and I glared right back him, "you didn't answer my brother. Where did you take Mikey?"
A look passed over his face before he looked smirked, "Well, I guess you'll have defeat me to find out. If you can, that is."
I felt a bit nervous and I could feel some of the others shift closer towards me. Fighting these low go Foot soldiers was one thing, but a feared assassin was another thing entirely.
"What do we do, Fearless?" Raph muttered over at me from where he was near the couch and my jaw tightened as I stared Tigerclaw down.
"Keep him busy until we can get away or get help," I ordered and I saw that he did not like this plan but there wasn't much else we could do. Tigerclaw had weapons that we would have trouble avoiding. We had more people than he did, it was just him… "We need to keep him from take any guns out."
"I can help with that," Leatherhead offered and I heard a slight darkness to his tone that should have surprised me. He seemed unfazed by the fact that Tigerclaw could very well kill us if he wanted.
"How cute," Tigerclaw snarled and I was worried that we would be too late, "But you all better behave yourselves or else you'll be in trouble."
And then suddenly, right as Tigerclaw moved his hand, Leatherhead pushed past me with a roar that made us all jump, Tigerclaw included. He tackled Tigerclaw before he could do whatever he was about to do and I crossed eyes with Raph before nodding. We rushed after Leatherhead to join him.
Leatherhead was punching Tigerclaw in the face but Tigerclaw was a pretty big guy too and he was pushing his arms against LH's. Raph and I secured his legs so that Leatherhead wouldn't have as much trouble against Tigerclaw.
"Don't let him draw any weapons!" April warned as she and Casey came closer. Mondo, Donnie, and Nakano joined us and we had Tigerclaw surrounded.
"What are ya gonna do now?" Raph smirked at Tigerclaw when he looked around at us all. Tigerclaw glared up at us but said nothing.
And then he suddenly grinned.
At the same time...
Michelangelo's Point of View:
I hadn't made it very far when a car pulled over in front of me. I was a few blocks away from the Saki Industries building. I had been running and I skidded to a stop, panicking. Was it the Shredder? Was he back?! I was surprised when the car doors opened and familiar faces stepped out.
My mouth dropped open, "Terry?! Frank?!" Sensei's friends!
"Mikey!" They both gasped at the same time. Terry's green eyes lit up and Frank beamed as he rushed towards me, "Are you okay?! God, we didn't think we'd run inta ya!"
I hugged Frank when he came close enough, "Oh my God! Me either! I'm so happy to see you!"
"What are you doing out?! Did you escape?!" Terry demanded as he looked at the building with narrowed eyes.
"And what are you wearin'?" Frank questioned curiously as we parted. I laughed but then a thought occurred to me.
"Wait, what are you guys doing here?" I asked, worried, "You shouldn't be so close to Shredder's lair!"
"His lair?" Terry echoed, looking amused before he turned serious, "We came because Mr. Kurtsman called us. We were supposed to meet him and the police here."
I gasped, my eyes going wide, "The police?! Was…was that part of Sensei's plan?"
"Yes, it was. He called Mr. Kurtsman after he caught wind that Shredder was going to move you, kiddo," Frank said sadly, his hands curling into fists, "We were all worried. He also called us to let us know just in case anything bad happened."
It was then that we heard sirens in the background and my heart thumped painfully in my chest. I wanted so badly for Shredder and his crazy people to get caught and go to jail or something. But there were so many….and they were skilled.
"Come on, you can explain to the police with us," Terry commented as he placed a hand on my shoulder. I nodded numbly and then let him steer me to his car. I got in the back and buckled up as he drove the short distance the rest of the way into the back-parking lot behind the Saki Industries building. It only took a few minutes for the police to surround the place.
Terry, Frank, and I got out of our cars and met the group of police as soon as they got out of their cars. They rushed towards us and I noticed that Mr. Kurtsman was hurrying to get out of one of the police vehicles, his eyes on me.
"Michelangelo! You're here!" He cried as he raced towards us. I beamed over at him.
"I am! I got out using one of the…. group members uniforms," I explained as all eyes were suddenly on me. I felt uncomfortable as some of the police came closer and asked me to explain what I meant, "Oroku Saki and some of allies are in there. They have these uniforms….and one person came into the room they were holding me in. I put on his uniform to disguise myself and hurried out the door."
"Very wise," One of the officers said as she smiled kindly at me. I sighed in relief, "We'll have this wrapped up in no time. Mr. Kurtsman here has told us everything. Don't worry, kid, we'll have them arrested and your family will be safely escorted out."
I tensed, "My family?"
"Er…. Mikey…your family and friends arrived here not too long ago to rescue you. They are in the building now confronting Oroku Saki and his allies," Mr. Kurtsman explained softly and my heart dropped into my stomach.
"What?! No! We have to get them out of there!" I cried and everyone was trying to soothe me. One of the officers smiled kindly at me.
"And we will, don't worry. Just finish explaining everything you know to Officer Sandy and the rest of us will go in to make the arrests," He replied and I nodded anxiously, looking towards Terry and Frank, who frowned worriedly at me. They nodded at me to encourage me and I sighed.
I began to tell the story from the beginning, editing where I knew I needed to as the other officers rushed around to the front and some stayed at the back, busting through the doors. I felt distracted and kept looking at the building as I told the story. I wanted the police to hurry so that my family would be safely out of there!
Elsewhere…
Hamato Yoshi's Point of View:
I simply stepped aside carefully as Shredder launched at me. He growled as he fell over the couch and I came at him, hitting his arm as he barely blocked. He swung a fist at me that I blocked and I held onto his fists before holding it under my arm and throwing him over my shoulder.
Chris Bradford suddenly landed near me, his face bloodied and bruised. He was groaning and I looked over to see Slash and his group smirking over in my direction. I turned my head when I heard Shredder's frustrated growl. Miwa joined my side and then scoffed at Bradford on the floor.
"Xever! Make sure you take down those betraying little dragons!" Shredder yelled and Xever didn't answer as he looked towards Slash and the others. They tensed but I didn't see what happened as Shredder launched towards me again. I dodged and used my foot to stomp on his and then I used my knee to knee him in the stomach he doubled over and then surprised me as he launched at my feet. I went hurling backwards and I hit the floor hard. I gasped for breath and Shredder stood quickly, kicking me in the side. I grunted in pain and then rolled over fast.
I was surprised when Miwa jumped over me and kicked Shredder straight in the face. He went flying backwards and hit the floor with a hiss. Miwa loomed over me with worry on her face and I smiled at her. She sighed in relief and helped me to my feet.
"Karai, how could you be so blinded by that man?" Shredder snarled as he got up on one knee, holding his bloody mouth with one hand, "I raised you, not him. He has not done anything for you."
"That's not true," Miwa ground out, looking angry. I glared over at Shredder, "You were never really a Father to me anyways. You let your hate for the Hamato family ruin whatever respect I had left for you."
Shredder looked as though he had been slapped across the face but then he looked over at with the eyes of the devil, "You've really turned her against me, haven't you Yoshi?" I was alarmed not only by his dead tone but by the fact he said my first name. He has not called me that in years, "Are you happy now?"
I hesitated. Slash suddenly shouted and we turned to see him fly into Shawn with Oliver being flipped over the couch. I was shocked to see that Xever was nowhere in sight. Before I even turned my head, Shredder was pushing me against the wall and Miwa was pushed onto the floor.
"Saki, it is not too late for you to redeem yourself," I pleaded, suddenly feeling desperate for him to see sense, "You are not yourself. You haven't been for years! It does not have to be this way!"
The look in his eyes did not change, "Yes, I'm afraid it does have to be this way."
He lifted a fist and I gasped moving my head. He punched the wall and I used that moment to push him away. He fell right beside Miwa, who got up and looked own at him in disgust.
"POLICE! HANDS UP!"
We all jumped and looked up to see a few police officers coming around the corner with their guns aimed. They lowered them in shock when they took in the state of the room. They raced forward and hurled Shredder to his feet, handcuffing him as he struggled.
"You dare handcuff me? You cannot keep me locked up!" He was yelling at the officers. Miwa, Slash and the others looked over at me in surprise.
"You called the police somehow?" Slash asked in wonder and I did not smile. I nodded gravely.
"I made a call to Mr. Kurtsman before this mission. I told him to wait until a certain time and then call the police to tell them what was going on," I explained as the officers began mirandizing Oroku Saki. I glanced at him and then Miwa sighed in relief.
"You think you won, but you haven't. There is no way I'll stay locked up," He promised as he laughed. I shook my head.
"We've heard everything from Mr. Kurtsman," One of the officers said gravely as the others hauled Shredder away from us back towards the hall with the elevator, "Let's go outside so we can take everyone's statement."
"My other sons…." I trailed off when he looked over at me with a smile.
"Other officers are retrieving them, don't worry sir," He said and I nodded in relief. Miwa beamed and Slash slumped over, "Please follow me outside the building sir."
"Of course," I nodded before looking towards Slash. He nodded in agreement and looked behind him at his family. They were smiling and regaling tales of the battle. I looked around and realized that Xever must have realized the police were here and left.
I shook my head from my thoughts and followed the officers. I was just looking forward to seeing my sons again.
At the same time…
Leonardo's Point of View:
"What are ya gonna do now?" Raph smirked at Tigerclaw when he looked around at us all. Tigerclaw glared up at us but said nothing.
And then he suddenly grinned.
I barely had enough time to gasp as Tigerclaw headbutted Leatherhead, who stumbled off him. He reached into his cloak and grabbed a gun before hitting me across the head with it. It stung and my head throbbed heavily. I thought I heard Raph growl and punch Tigerclaw.
Casey used his hockey stick and avoided a shot just barely. April and Mondo gasped when Nakano raced forward, looking pissed. He pushed Tigerclaw's arm just as he was about to shoot at Casey again. The shot hit the room and then Nakano was wrestling with Tigerclaw to keep him from shooting it. Casey and Raph immediately took the opportunity to barrel into Tigerclaw. They all landed on the floor and the gun went skidding under one of the couches.
Leatherhead and I got up but I felt a wave of dizziness hit me. Suddenly Leatherhead was steadying me with a slightly worried look but I just nodded my thanks and smiled. It was better now. A shot rang out and we both paled, looking over to where Nakano, Raph, and Casey were wrestling with Tigerclaw over another gun. Raph punched Tigerclaw in the face and I went racing to help them. Casey smacked Tigerclaw across the face again with his hockey stick and Tigerclaw growled when Nakano was able to pull the gun away from Tigerclaw.
"STOP! POLICE!"
I jumped and whirled around. The police officers raced down the stairs and aimed their guns at Tigerclaw, who froze in shock, "Everyone stand up slowly with hands up in the air. Both of you there, put the guns on the ground."
Raph, Casey, and I stood up as Leatherhead stood frozen. Mondo and April were right behind me. Tigerclaw growled but consented slowly. The officers all had guns pointed at him after all. Nakano threw the gun on the couch and rose his hands slowly.
"He's with us," I clarified immediately when the cops looked at Nakano with a glare, "He took the gun away from the crazy guy there. He has more weapons on him and he was firing at us!"
Tigerclaw growled at me and the cops stepped forward with their guns raised and alarm on their face at my words. Nakano looked over at me with a smile and I smirked at him. He helped us a lot today and I wasn't about to let him get into any misunderstandings.
The cops struggled to get Tigerclaw in the cuffs but they eventually did and made sure all his weapons were taken off his cloak. Donnie came towards Raph and I with a look of despair on his face. We circled around him as April joined us.
"I looked again and didn't see Mikey down here," He said quietly and I gave him a one-armed hug as Raph frowned, "Maybe they won after all. I think he's gone."
"We don't know that for sure, Donnie," April encouraged with a smile, "But if they took him then we can figure out where he's at. They couldn't have gotten far."
"But the police are here now. Shredder didn't want that," Donnie fretted, "What if he hurts Mikey now?"
"He won't," I denied angrily and then fell silent when the two officers approached us. Leatherhead, Casey, and Mondo joined us and out of the corner of my eye I saw three officers hauling Tigerclaw in cuffs up the stairs.
"Come now boys. We heard everything from Mr. Kurtsman who called the kidnapping in under your Father's instructions," The cop said and I turned to share shocked looks with my brothers. So that's the call Sensei made to Mr. Kurtsman. A smile graced my lips.
The other cop smiled kindly, "We have more officers waiting to help your Father and friends now. Let's go outside and wait for them."
"Okay," I nodded easily, looking relieved that Sensei and Miwa would be getting some help. Raph and Donnie nodded as well while the others stayed silent. The officers turned to lead us out and I followed. I hope that Sensei or Miwa or even Slash weren't injured in anyway.
As I looked at Raph I could tell he was hoping for the same.
Michelangelo's Point of View:
"I can hardly believe that!" The officer, Sandy, replied in horror, "He's been stalking your family that long? He's blackmailed you?"
"Yeah," I muttered, rubbing a hand on my chest. Terry and Frank were on my right and Mr. Kurtsman was on my left. I felt warmed that they were supporting me throughout the whole story. The officer Sandy didn't doubt me for even a second as I told her some of the things that Shredder did to us. I was surprised. I thought she would have doubted a little.
"Sandy! Get the car ready will ya? We still have to go back to get Bradford" A voice called out and we looked to see four officers struggling to haul the Shredder forward. I paled and my eyes widened. They actually got him? He locked eyes with me and growled.
"Stockman didn't get you?! You escaped?!" He said and then started yelling at me. I watched in horror as other officers had to help push Shredder in the back of one of the vehicles. As soon as he was secured a couple of officers got in the front of drove off. I could still see Shredder yelling and trashing around in the back. I shivered.
"Stockman?" Terry blanched as he put a strong hand on my shoulder, "Who the hell is that?"
"One of Shredder's allies," Mr Kurtsman explained quietly as Officer Sandy looked appalled by what just happened.
"Don't worry, Mikey. You won't have to deal with him again," She soothed with a determined expression on her face. I smiled weakly at her and nodded my head.
"Michelangelo?"
My heart burst, but in a good way when I heard the familiar voice. I turned and saw Sensei walking among three other officers along with Miwa, Slash, Shawn, Oliver, and Fong. My heart quickened to see them.
"Sensei!" I burst as I broke out into a run. Sensei opened his arms and I jumped into them. He squeezed me tight as the officers around us smiled. Miwa looked at me in both relief and surprise over Sensei's shoulder and I smiled wetly at her through my tears.
We parted and Sensei held my shoulders, "Are you okay, my son? We feared the worst!"
"I'm good now, Sensei. All good!" I sniffed and he smiled, hugging me tightly once more. By the time we parted Terry and Frank both pounced on Sensei, asking him questions and beaming at him.
"Mikey!" Oliver called and I turned before gasping when the he and the other good Purple Dragons group hugged me. I laughed for some reason because I was just so happy to be around people I knew again, "I'm glad you're okay, dude!"
"Thanks Oliver," I replied happily as we all parted. I felt a bit awkward around Shawn but still smiled when he smiled at me. Fong hit my shoulder affectionately and Slash shook his head at all of us.
"I'm glad we both got out of this together," Miwa suddenly came walking towards us, her eyes warm as she looked at me. I laughed at the true statement. I ran and hugged her before she even reached me and she gasped. Slowly, awkwardly, she wound her arms around me, "I'm sorry, Squirt."
"None of what happened was your fault, Miwa! I just remembered as soon as I saw you that you weren't 'Karai' anymore!" I beamed as we parted, "I always wanted a sister by the way."
Her eyes widened, she blushed heavily, and spluttered simultaneously as the rest of us laughed. Sensei noticed and smiled over at us fondly.
"Sandy, we got another one here!"
We turned and I gasped when three officers pulled a fighting Tigerclaw through the back entrance. Sandy rushed from her spot and opened the back of a police vehicle. The officers had s hard of a time as they had had with Shredder. I was relieved when they slammed the door shut and I quickly glanced away in case Tigerclaw looked over here at us.
That's when I noticed more officers come through the back entrance. I let out a gasp when I saw Leo, Raph, Donnie, April, Casey, Mondo, Nakano, and Leatherhead come in behind them one by one. My eyes widened and Sensei looked over at me with relief and smile. He knew how I was feeling. Miwa smirked and gave me a little push on my back. That was all I needed.
"Leo! Raph! Donnie!" I yelled half hysterically in happiness and shock. I began running at them. Their heads snapped up as if someone announced free pizza and I laughed at that and my own joke. Leo and Donnie both choked when their eyes met mine. Raph's eyes widened too but then he was suddenly running towards me as fast as I was running towards them.
"Mikey!" He yelled, his voice sounding no different than my own. We both practically slammed into each other and wrapped our arms around one another, "Oh, God, Mikey!"
He hugged me as hard as he could and I did the same, laughing for some reason as we did so. We parted and he was grinning so much he had wrinkles around his eyes. I beamed and laughed again. He smirked and pushed playfully at my shoulder when I laughed at him.
"Mikey!" Donnie came at me so fast I didn't even see him, only a blur. I 'oofed' as I landed on my butt on the ground with him hugging me, "Oh, God, Mikey! I thought they took you away again for sure!"
I could see the underlying panic dying down in his eyes and I frowned, "Aw, D, I'm here. I was able to get away! They didn't take me away again." He sighed in relief and hugged me hard just as Leo joined us. I noticed Leatherhead and the others not far behind him.
"Leo!" I beamed when I saw him. He wasn't smiling and I blinked until he got on his knees and wrapped his arms around both Donnie and I. Raph was looking at Leo in surprise too, "Are you okay, Leo?"
"No…but I will be. We…we just thought the worst," He murmured as he tightened his hug. Both Donnie and I grunted at his hug, "Are you okay? Really okay?"
He was looking in my eyes now and I smiled happily, nodding because I really was okay. Especially now. He finally smiled back, in that relieved older brother way and I fought against rolling my eyes.
"Mikey!" Mondo and April both came forward next. Donnie had to move to make room so I could hug them both. Mondo was ecstatic and told me about the fight, which I gasped at. April wouldn't stop hugging me until Casey warned her I'd lose oxygen. I just laughed, beamed, and smiled the whole time anyways.
Donnie and I both stood up when Nakano came forward, looking so relieved that he looked like Donnie did a few minutes ago. I blinked but smiled at him, "Nakano-Otōsan! You came too!"
He smiled and laughed, "Of course I did! You're my son!" And then he hugged me and I felt happy that he came after all. He really did think of me as his son, didn't he? He no longer flinched or avoided eye contact because I looked like my real Mom.
Miwa, Sensei, and the others joined us which turned into a haystack of conversations. I was the center of most of it but had trouble talking to everyone at once. However, I was still smiling so much I thought it might become permanent.
And then I brightened when Leatherhead finally got his turn to see me, "Leather-EEH!" I squeaked when he practically picked me up and squeezed me in his hug. My bros turned in alarm but then laughed when they saw what was going on.
"Michelangelo, I was so worried about you!" He was saying and I grunted, huffing out a laugh, "I am so happy that you are okay and that you are here with us again!"
"M-Me too b-buddy," I gasped out and then Sensei reminded Leatherhead that he was exceptionally strong for his age. Leatherhead got the message and gasped as he let me go. I breathed heavily and then gave thumbs up to everyone. Laughs were made all around, especially by Slash and Casey.
It was then that the Officers, Sandy and the others, decided to finally interrupt. Mr. Kurtsman, Terry and Frank told their small side of what they knew before I told mine.
The Officers assured us that they caught Bradford, Oroku Saki, and Tigerclaw. We were shocked to hear that Xever escaped, though a few of us were not bothered by that, but that Stockman disappeared as well.
After that the Officers told us they wanted all our statements and that we had to go down to the station to answer some questions, especially me because among their charges the most important was the kidnapping. My brothers and Sensei agreed and I did too. We all wanted to make sure Shredder, Bradford, and Tigerclaw were put away for good.
Casey and April both hugged me and ruffled my hair respectively. Casey gave me one of his 'incomings' a barrel of a hug that we hadn't seen in a long time. We all had to get in different cars to follow the police to the station. Nakano-Otōsan rode with Sensei, Miwa, my bros and I. April, Casey, and Mondo went with Leatherhead while the Purple Dragons would be riding with Slash.
I was just happy, sitting among my brothers, Sensei, Nakano-Otōsan, and Miwa, my new sister, that I felt I could explode in it. And from the looks they were throwing my way, I could tell the feeling was mutual.
Yay! Shredder, Bradford, and Tigerclaw are going to jail? *snort* Let's see how long that lasts! But I had so much fun writing the fight scenes here and there especially Nakano's part in it! He was so surprising, right? Ha! I hope you all love this chapter as much I as did! If you have any questions for me please leave them in a review or PM them to me and I'll answer in the next chapter!
Stay Awesome, okay? :D