Alrighty team! Sunday is here again! AND! It's my birthday! Whohoo! Self promotion! XD Anywho, you guys are going to love this chapter! At least I hope you do. ;) I also want to thank you guys for all the reviews favorites and story alerts! It makes me so happy! Please continue to tell me how much you love this story!

"Yeah! Who stopped the robot!?"

"We stopped the robot!"

"I said who stopped the robot!?"

"We stopped the robot!"

"I SAID-"

"STOP ASKING!" Raph cried cutting Mikey off.

Mikey deflated a bit as he finished, "We stopped the robot."

Leo couldn't help but laugh a little happy and still amazed at what they had managed to do. They all had just entered the lair and were still very happy about the events that had just occurred. Master Splinter then walked in with a smile on his face. "What is going on, my students?"

"We just kicked some serious shell!" Mikey cried happily.

"We defeated a huge robot!" Donnie clarified.

"I see and who was this robot?" Master Splinter asked still smiling at them.

"It was Leo's sensei, Tsuyoi." Raph answered a huge smile on his face, "And we kicked his royal can!" They all cheered and gave each other high-threes.

At once Master Splinter became serious, "What do you mean?"

Leo and the guys then spent the next few minutes explaining the events that had happened earlier that morning.

"We are sorry about blowing up the gym Master Splinter, but it was the only way I could think to defeat him." Leo finished seeing Master Splinter's very serious face. Master Splinter still did not answer them and was stroking his beard apparently in deep thought. "Master Splinter?" Leo asked getting a little concerned. "Are you alright?"

That seemed to wake him from his daze. "Hmm? Oh, yes, however your description of the creature that was Tsuyoi has me concerned." He said thoughtfully.

"What'd ya mean?" Raph asked.

"Yeah pink brain thingy pretty much describes the whole creepy package." Mikey added.

"It is not that I am unable to understand, Michelangelo, but that what I understand concerns me."

"Huh?" Mikey asked, lost.

"From what you have told me about your battle and the creature, I believe it is a Kraang." Master Splinter went on. Leo's head popped up at that name.

"A Kraang?" Donnie asked, "What's a Kraang?"

"The Kraang are the Demon Shredder's servants." Master Splinter answered. "Their numbers are many and are formidable enemies. They follow the rule of their leader, Kraang Prime who is loyal only to the Shredder. They are the fore bringers of doom. Where ever they are, the Demon Shredder will surely follow."

"I heard some weird guys talking about the Kraang the other night. They were talking really weirdly, but they said Kraang Prime wanted the other Kraangs to know the beginning of the end had started. Whatever that meant." Leo added still not understanding. "I was going to tell you guys, but I hadn't gotten a chance until now."

They looked to Master Splinter, "What does that mean, sensei?" Donnie asked.

Master Splinter sighed, "It means we are running out of time." They all looked at each other nervously before Master Splinter went on, "I am sorry, my students, but we can no longer afford off days. We must practice every day so that we are not caught unprepared." All four of them nodded not caring in the least. They all now knew how truly serious this was and were in no hurry to lose this battle. Master Splinter then smiled at them, "Now however we should celebrate. You defeated a strong enemy today using ingenuity and teamwork. Like true Ninjas. I am very proud of each of you and I believe you are ready to receive you masks."

"Masks?" Leo asked confused as they looked at each other as Master Splinter stepped into his room.

"What'd ya mean?" Raph added.

A few minutes later he stepped out carrying something in his paws. "Ninjas work in the shadows and through concealment. Though in your turtle forms no one will recognize you there is still a bit of formality." Master Splinter then walked up to Mikey and handed him an orange bandana, "Take your bandana and wear it with pride, Michelangelo. You are Ninja now." He then looked at the Nunchakus in Mikey's hands, "The Nunchaku. That weapon is well suited to you Michelangelo. Like the lightning against its enemies." Mikey smiled at him and placed his bandana on. The tail ends were a little short, but it worked for him.

Master Splinter then went to Donnie and gave him a purple bandana, "Take your bandana and wear it with pride, Donatello. You are Ninja now." Master Splinter then looked at Donnie's Bo Staff, "The Bo Staff will serve you well Donatello. Nothing but air and power in your hands." Donnie smiled at him and took his bandana, the tail ends hung down his back.

Master Splinter then went to Raph, "Take your bandana and wear it with pride, Raphael. You are Ninja now." Master Splinter then glance down at Raph's weapons and smiled, "A wise decision Raphael. The Sai is a weapon of defense. They will give you strength to defend those in need." Raph nodded solemnly then took his red bandana and put it on. The tail ends of his were a little frayed, but it gave it a little character and it fit Raph all the more.

Master Splinter then came to Leo, "Take your bandana and wear it with pride, Leonardo. You are Ninja now." Master Splinter grinned at Leo's Katanas and spoke. "The Katana is the weapon of a leader. With this role you must use wisdom and discernment. Only then will you succeed." Leo nodded and placed the blue bandana on, the tail ends falling over his shoulder. Master Splinter then stepped back and gave them more equipment. Knee pads and elbow pads. He also had belts for their weapons and was able to make a slash for Leo and Donnie's weapons as well as tape for their hands and feet. Once done he stepped back, "You are Ninja." He said and Leo and the guys looked at one another. They looked pretty cool.

Mikey then let out a cry and they all cheered.

Leo smiled as he watched Mikey, Donnie and Raph play video games still celebrating their victory and if Leo was honest with himself, he was too, but he couldn't help, but feel… sad.

"Leonardo." Leo looked up to see Master Splinter walk over to him, "You are not celebrating? What is troubling you, my student?"

"Nothing sensei. I'm alright." Leo said offering him a small forced smile.

Master Splinter didn't buy it for a second. "To keep troubled thoughts inside oneself is to create a muddled mind."

Leo sighed, he should've known better. "I'm glad we defeated the Kraang thing Tsuyoi turned out to be I really am, but…" Leo turned his sad eyes on his true master. "For so long he had been my only friend. He was the only person I could go talk to and know that he was always there. To listen to me, to give me advice. To let me know… I wasn't alone." Leo finished softly trying in vain to keep the tears at bay. However he soon just gave up and let them flow as he placed his face in his hand. His other clenched at his side. He felt Master Splinter's gentle touch on his shoulder and looked up to his kind and concerned face. "I'm always alone, sensei." He finally said feeling a weight leave him as he finally let the truth out, "My parents are always gone. They're never around, I don't even think they know how old I am." He said sadly. "They don't love me, they just use me when it's convenient. When they don't need me, I'm by myself… alone and unwanted." Leo knew he sounded pathetic and that he really needed to just suck it up and get over it, but this was how he felt and he couldn't deny it anymore.

"Leonardo look at me." Master Splinter suddenly demanded. Leo's head shot up at his harsh tone. Instead of seeing an angry Master Splinter like he thought, he saw Master Splinter had tears in his eyes and the old rat enveloped Leo into a strong hug. One Leo greatly returned. "You are not unwanted nor are you unloved." Master Splinter began, "Know this as the truth. Just as it is the truth that you are not alone." Mater Splinter pulled away and walked out of the room for a moment before returning with something in his hand. He then handed it to Leo who saw that it was a picture of a man, woman and a child. Confused Leo looked up to Master Splinter for an explanation. "That is my family." He said. "Myself, my beloved wife Tang Shen and our daughter Miwa."

Leo's eyes widened and his mouth dropped slightly, "You were human too?"

Master Splinter nodded, "I was once yes. Many years ago I had a rival in Japan. His name was Oroku Saki. He was like a brother to me for all of my life, though we both fell in love with Tang Shen. When she choose me, Saki's heart turned cold and vowed vengeance on me. I was able to defeat him the first time, however he came back and defeated me. In the conflict my home was set ablaze. I survived, but I was unable to save my wife and our beloved daughter Miwa." Leo suddenly wanted to cry all over again and beat his own head in for being so selfish. "Shortly after that I came here to New York to start a new life. It wasn't long before the Great Mutation chose me to become your teacher and my life found purpose once more." Leo looked down in thought before Master Splinter continued, "I am telling you this Leonardo because, I too believed that I was alone when I lost my family, but that is not the truth. I hope you will not think this too forward and I know we have only known each other for a short time, but I have come to think of you four as my new family. As the sons I never had."

"Sweet!" Mikey cried raced over to glomp onto Master Splinter, "I never had a dad before!"

Leo blinked in shock before looking beside him, Raph and Donnie were standing next to him smiling. They must have been listening the whole time. "It's not too forward, sensei." Leo said making everyone look at him, Mikey still attached to Master Splinter. "I don't mind."

"Yeah, neither do I." Donnie said smiling.

"Me either." Raph said smirking.

Master Splinter smiled warmly at them, before Leo, Donnie and Raph joined Mikey hugging Master Splinter as he enveloped all of them into a hug. "Very well than, my sons."

..::-::..

Donnie couldn't help the happy humming as he walked to pick up the pizza. He lost the draw. He didn't mind all that much. It allowed him to think about everything that happened today and he didn't mind in the least. He was glad Master Splinter had a new family and Donatello certainly didn't mind being a part of it. Like Master Splinter had said, they had only known each other for a short while, but Donnie felt a connection to Master Splinter and the guys he hadn't felt before. So he certainly didn't mind having another family! As Donnie turned down Night Street he heard a startled scream. At once he was alert and followed the sound to the owner.

Coming around the corner he saw two men in identical suits trying to drag a squirming red head towards a waiting van. Narrowing his eyes Donnie quickly transformed and jumped into battle. Pulling out his Bo staff he thwacked one of the men causing him to let go of the girl. He then moved on to the other jump kicking his in the chest. This caused the man to almost toss the girl in the air. Acting quickly he dropped his staff and threw out his arms catching her before she fell.

The minute he saw her face his heart was lost. Red hair, blue eyes, freckles and the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

She however didn't feel that way about him, "AAAAAAAAAH!"

Startled by her scream Donnie screamed right back and dropped her jumping away from her. Getting a hold of himself he reached out to her, but she simply backed away scared of him, "It's okay." Donnie said soothingly, "I'm here to help. I'm the good guy." He reached out to her and for a second she looked like she was going to run away, but she paused and reached out to him. However before they could reach one of the men grabbed her. She let out another startled scream and started fighting back.

Donnie narrowed his eyes at the guy and grabbed his Bo staff. He slammed it into the guy causing him to drop the girl once more. Again he caught her, but forced himself to pay attention this time. He placed her on the ground and stood in front of her. "Stay behind me." He commanded.

"Okay giant lizard thing." She said back clearly confused.

"Turtle. Technically I'm a turtle." Donnie clarified. "My name's Donatello."

"April." She finished with a smile.

"Wow that's a really pretty-"

"Look out!" April screamed ducking behind him as the two men charged them.

Donnie growled a little in frustration, "Hold on a sec." He said before charging right at them. He raised his staff and smacked the one guy so hard in his face he reared back into his partner. When the one he hit stabled himself Donnie saw he had actually scratched the skin off him revealing a very familiar purple robot casing underneath.

Behind him April let out another startled yelp. "What are they?!"

"The Kraang." Donnie breathed in shock. He then smirked and pressed the button on his staff allowing the blade to come forth. That meant he didn't have to hold back.

With a mighty yell he charged the first one and stabbed him right in the stomach. Yanking it out quickly the stabbed the other in the head. As they went down like rocks April let out another scream. "What did you do!?" She demanded horrified by what he had appeared to have done. Before Donnie could defend himself the two robot bodies opened up revealing the Kraang creatures inside. April quickly ran to him and hid behind his shell as they crawled out squealing before they both dispersed into red smoke.

Donnie sighed in relief and put his Bo staff away before turning back to April who had taken a step back from him, "What just happened?" She asked shocked and scared.

Donnie rubbed the back of his head a little shyly, "It's kind of a long story, but first I need to know why the Kraang were trying to kidnap you. Do you know why?"

April shook her head, "I've never even heard of those… Kraang things. I was just on my way home when they jumped me." She wrapped her arms around herself and let out a shiver in fear or cold the young genius wasn't sure.

"Well just to make sure those things don't try again, why don't I walk you home?" Donnie offered before just realizing what he had said. He almost went red, but luckily he was able to hold in his internal panic for a bit.

April smiled at him, "Thanks. I'd appreciate that." She then suddenly shivered again and without a word, Donnie handed her his purple hoodie.

April looked at him a little unsure before he said with a shrug, "I did just get into a fight. I'm not all that cold right now. Although turtles are cold blooded…" He trailed off in thought missing April's smile as she slipped on his hoodie.

They started walking before April stopped again, "Um…" She began a little hesitant and turned towards him. Donnie looked at her, "I don't want to seem rude, Donatello, but umm, don't you think you're a little umm… conspicuous?" She asked gently clearly not wanting to offend him.

Donnie offered her a warm smile before he concentrated on that feeling in his core. The feeling of vibration all over him and slowly he felt himself change back. He heard April gasp and when he knew he was human again he looked at her shocked face and smiled at her, "Let me start at the beginning."

By the time they arrived at April's place Donnie had filled her in on pretty much everything. "So I am a little worried about why the Kraang want anything to do with you. Me and the guys sure, but you?" Donnie said as he sat on her balcony that led to her room. Her father would have never let a guy he didn't know up into April's room this late at night. So Donnie was forced to use the fire escape on the side of the building. Not that he really minded all that much. It kind of felt like a secret that only they shared.

April sighed, "Yeah, me too." They were silent for a second before she continued with a smile, "Thanks for tonight. You probably saved my life. And if there is ever anything you need help with, let me know. I want to help you guys. This is my planet too." She then pulled out her phone, "Give me your number so we can contact each other."

Donnie turned a little red, but did as requested and they exchanged numbers. He did a silent victory dance inside his head. Donnie then smiled, "I'll see you around April." He turned to go however April reached out and caught his arm stopping him.

"Wait, Donnie, you almost forgot your hoodie." She said going to pull it off.

Donnie waved it off, "Don't worry about it. You can keep it."

She looked at him surprised and truth be told Donnie was a little surprised that had come out of his mouth as well. "Keep it?"

"Yeah." He said. Not going back on it now. "My mom's favorite color is purple, so I have a few more at home, you go ahead."

April smiled at him and tugged it back on, "Well… thanks. I will."

They stood there in an awkward silence for a few seconds before Donnie rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I'll see you later."

April smiled at him, "Yeah, see you."

Donnie nodded once more before jumping down the fire escape and heading to Antonio's. He had no idea where 'somewhat confident Donatello' came from, but he was not going to complain. Normally he was a pathetic mess in front of girls, but somehow he had figured out how to be fairly suave. He sure hoped that new ability didn't go anywhere, but if he had his way, he was going to be seeing April a lot more often.

..::-::..