"How did you get this?" Mortu asked in shock, looking at the necklace in awe.

"I'd prefer not to give a detailed explanation," I responded ruefully. How could I tell him that Kage's mother had given it to me? And that she was leaving with Kage, and that there was no way that he would find either of them? Or that Kage's mother was better at hiding in the shadows than her daughter? Or that she took the necklace off her daughter herself? But mostly, I just had no words to express the encounter that could truly sum it up. I was still trying to figure out how I felt on the matter, not to mention mentally.

How that woman seemed to like playing games.

How she came out of nowhere, and gave riddles to explain herself.

That she had the necklace.

How she basically told Captain Mortu and his men to get lost.

"Believe me when I say it is to confusing for words," I told him when he looked like he would object. "Just trust me."

"Since you returned the lost necklace, I will trust you and your judgement," Captain Mortu replied quietly, looking at the necklace in shock.

"What is on the necklace anyway?" Michelangelo piped up.

"Michelangelo, if our friend wanted us to know, he would have told us. Sometimes, secrets are best kept that, a secret."

"Yes Sensei..."

"It has been a delight to have you back on Earth, Mortu," I turned back toward the alien visitor.

"I would not say a delight, Splinter," Mortu chuckled. "Interesting, to say the least, but I would not go so far as to say a delight. Remember, I'm letting wanting fugitives go. I'll have to come up with some explanation as to why I did what I did."

"I'm sure my sons can come up with something. They are 'imaginative' like that."

"Score! We get to write Utromian history!" Michelangelo cheered, and was quickly bonked on the head by one of his brothers.

"Mikey!" Leonardo hissed. "We are not-"

"No, please, I would love to hear what you can come up with," Captian Mortu smiled.

"Um, there was an intergalactic invasion taking place while you were apprehending the violent criminals, and they were saved by their fellow evil doers. No, wait! They actually had super powers and were able to get out of their bonds! Or maybe-"

"Remember to breath, Mikey," Raphael snorted.

"You were never able to find them," Leonardo spoke up. "The criminals, overcome with guilt, spoke their coordinates into the necklace and left it there to be aqcuired by its original owner. You were able to get the necklace, but not its theives. The girl you originally thought was the criminal was just so terror stricken seeing aliens that she freaked and made a run for it. Her family had been tangled up with your kind before, so she harbored a hatred for you as well, which was why she said you killed her mother."

There was dead silence.

"That is a brilliant excuse if I ever heard one," Mortu finally spoke. "And it should work."

"Leonardo came up with it, it will work," I affirmed.

"It is time for me to depart. It has been a pleasure to see you again. Maybe next time there will not be a fugitive to be caught, or a family to destroy."

"A quiet reunion is in order, not a chaotic one," I agreed. "I wish you a safe journey, my friend."

"And I wish the same for you," Mortu nodded. "Good luck on your quest to becoming warriors," he turned to the four turtles. "The road is long, and rarely will you find the end. There is always something to learn. I wish you a safe journey as well."

"And to you," Leonardo smiled.

A portal burst to life in the middle of the lair, an the Captain floated on over to it.

"Good bye!" the Hamato's waved as their friend disappeared into the portal. The portal shut close with a snap, and they all let out a collective breath. While it had been nice to see Mortu again, it had definitely been a hectic time.

"So, did you find her?" Donatello asked me. My sad smile was all the answer he needed.

"She...Will not be coming back," I said, just to finalize that thought. "She will be fine though, she is in good hands."

"Wait, what do you mean? Whose hands?" Leonardo asked, confused.

"There is nothing to worry about, Leonardo," I said simply, heading over to the couch and sitting down. I had been on my feet for quite a while, and it was time to watch some stories! "Now, I must ask, are you four going to stay in four different houses, or do you want to come home?"

My sons shared a look, and I awaited their decision as I picked up the remote control.