Just writing this chapter made my heart tighten in my chest. I've never really written anything like this before. Anyway, like last chapter this chapter is very dramatic, in many ways even more so. Yet it is also touchingly painful. What happens when Raph finds out where Mona is? What will he do? Read to find out more! Later, guys! Reviews please! Thanks!

-Leah by Michelangelo

Ch 6-Yes you are.

It had been three days since Mona left. I was in the sewers, trying to release some of my pent-up frustration. Ever since the break-up Leo and Sensei haven't been letting me go topside because they were worried about how my emotional state would affect my fighting. Unfortunately, caging me in only made it even harder to cope. I just couldn't stand it anymore so I was finally able to convince Leo to let me out into the sewers. I wandered about aimlessly, until I reached a grate where I could look up at the world above. But something caught my eye. Something that didn't fit in with the rest of the tunnel. Sticking out of the wall was a Kunai that eerily resembled one of Karai's. The blade was pinning a scroll to the wall that had been tied with some kind of crude string. I pulled the Kunai out with a single yank, taking the scroll into my hands. I untied it, letting the string fall to the floor. I could feel a foreboding feeling bubbling up inside of me as I pulled it open. It was written in Japanese. 'Greetings turtle, I believe I have something that belongs to you.' My eyes widened in horror as I saw a picture of Mona, injured, unconscious and tied up. No… I quickly read the note:

'If you want her back, you know where to find me. If you care about her wellbeing, be here tonight at ten o'clock, and perhaps we can arrange a little deal. Come alone or the mutant dies.' Signed Oroku Saki.

No…My worst nightmare had just become a reality. I went back to the lair, headed straight for my room, and started pacing. It was eight o'clock. What am I going to do? I have to tell the others, but if I do and he finds out, Shedder will kill her! I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. An hour came and went and it was now nine o'clock. No. I can't tell them. As much as I want to…I can't take the risk. Mona Lisa's life is more important. I have to save her. I have to save the girl I love. I got up and thrust my sais into my belt. I'm coming for you, Mona. I will save you. I promise.

Raphael stormed out of the room, leaving the scroll and its contents on the bed in his haste. He told Leo that he needed some air and that he wouldn't leave the sewers and the older turtle, surprisingly let him out. Raph felt bad about deceiving his brother, but he was too focused on his current objective: saving the love of his life.

Raph jumped down into the Shredder's throne room at ten o'clock precisely.

The shredder sat in his chair, a grin spreading across his deformed face when he heard the turtle land. He swiveled around, his face still hidden in the shadows. Saki reached down and donned the kuro kabuto before pushing himself up and out of his chair. And so it begins, he thought with a sadistic smile.

I jumped down into the throne room, tensing as Saki began to approach me. All of a sudden I was surrounded by Rahzar, Fishface and Tigerclaw. My eyes narrowed. Fishface came at me first, but I dodged and drew my sais. Shredder's voice boomed through the room, "Stop. The turtle is mine." All of his henchmen backed away as the over-sized can opener came closer.

"Where's Mona?" I growled dangerously and he chuckled menacingly.

Saki turned to Fishface and Rahzar. "Get the girl."

The two of them disappeared, and I remained on high alert, never taking my eyes off Tigerclaw and Shredder, ready to defend myself at any moment. Then, without warning, Shredder began to laugh.

My eyes narrowed. "You finding something amusing here?" I asked with annoyance.

"You're a fool, turtle. Willing to give your life for someone who doesn't even care about you."

"You're wrong." I replied. "I love her and she loves me."

"Oh but that's where you're wrong. She said so herself."

"You lie." I stated angrily, my bright green eyes on fire.

He laughed again, "Do I?" he held out something and began playing a video. The first thing I saw was Mona being slapped across the face by the Shredder. Anger welled up in my chest, and quickly turned into fury.

"What is your relationship with the turtles?" He asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Mona replied defiantly.

"Oh, but I think you do. You see, we know about your relationship with the turtle named Raphael."

"Raphael means nothing to me." She said. Pain filled my chest and I could literally feel my heart breaking. I shook my head. No! No! She was just saying that! She didn't mean it! She couldn't have meant it!

At this point Fishface and Rahzar came in, restraining Mona Lisa between them.

Shredder smiled behind his mask and leaned in towards the red-masked turtle, whispering into his ear. "Look at her, she's betrayed you. Broken your heart. She never loved you. How could anyone love a creature a vile as you? Did you honestly think that she cared?"

"Raph don't listen to him!" Mona cried desperately.

My mind was reeling. I felt like I'd been thrown head first into a vat of ice water. I could barely process what was going on around me as Shredder struck, pounding my plastron with powerful punches before throwing me against a wall with a strong kick. I fell to the ground on my side with a groan. His attack had knocked the air out of my lungs and before I could recover, Shredder dealt me a vicious kick to the stomach. I cried out in pain as he continued his relentless assault.

I could hear Mona screaming my name as she watched him beating me, and I didn't have to look at her to know there were loads of tears running down her face. "Raph, no! Please, stop it! Don't hurt him! Stop it!" She cried desperately. "Raph, I love you! You can do this! I believe in you! Defend yourself!"

I lay on the ground, unwilling to move in fear that he'd strike me again. I could feel pain all over my body and I tasted blood. My vision was swirling and I knew I wouldn't be able to survive much longer. But then I heard her plea. Her words awakened a new strength inside of me, the will to fight. I pushed myself up, and pulled my sais from my belt once more.

The Shredder saw the change and his eyes narrowed behind the mask. "She dies." He stated. Fishface pressed his knife dangerously close to her throat.

My eyes widened. "No! Don't hurt her! Shredder, you said you wanted to make a deal. My life for the girl's. You let her go free; I'll go without a fight."

"Raph, no!" Mona Lisa tried desperately to free herself from her captor's grip, to no avail.

Shredder stared at me, before snarling, "Do you take me for a fool, turtle?"

I stared at him blandly, "Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Hahahaha, a true warrior spirit, your bravery is stunning. Breaking you will prove to be an interesting experience."

"So do we have a deal?" I asked, hoping that the evil ninja master would agree.

"Raphael don't do it! I'm not worth your life!" The lizard mutant screamed desperately, and I turned towards her, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Yes you are." I whispered.

That breaks my heart every time I re-read it!