Artemis was always precise when it came to her training with her masters. In fact, on more than one occasion, she would hear them praise her abilities to each other whenever they held a meeting in Shredder's throne room. She was becoming quite the topic around the compound and whenever she walked around, she could feel the constant admiration stares from all the underlings. It had gotten to the point that even Shredder decided to reward her.

She was waiting for the meeting of what to do with the turtles to start and had Master Bradford's big, furry head in her lap as she pet him. It was no secret that he liked the soft strokes she gave and he pummeled anyone that dare make fun of him. Even Master Xever kept his mouth shut if only because he had Stockman as an outlet. Shredder finally appeared and stalked to his high throne that overlooked all his commanders. A young girl stood next to him and Artemis recognized her as Karai, his "right hand" of sorts. Artemis rarely talked to her and it was a shame because she really respected Karai and how strong she was. From time to time, Shredder would have them spar together and she was defeated every time but she has gotten really close lately to beating Shredder's daughter.

"Artemis Wolf, stand."

Bradford had to move so Artemis could walk over to the stairs and kneel on one knee before Shredder. She bowed her head low before even daring to speak. "Yes Master Shredder?"

"You've been here long enough to try and prove your worth. It's time I give you a new project. You have come out on top in your class with ease and I need you to fix those of the Foot Clan that have failed to show their determination to stay here."

Well...that was unexpected. She never thought she would be teaching a class in the middle of trying to defeat the turtles. "I understand. When should I start?"

"Early tomorrow morning. Don't disappoint me."

With that, they were all dismissed to head back to their quarters. Along the way, Artemis passed by Karai who spoke to her in a joking tone. "Try not to choke tomorrow."

Artemis smiled and lifted her head up with confidence. "It's my students you should be saying that to."

...………...……………………….….……...

It wasn't hard to come up with a quick training plan for the low class of the Foot. All Artemis needed was some more advanced levels with some warm-ups and the class for the first day would be complete. It was so easy in her head but when Artemis walked into the training room, fully garbed in her Kit outfit, she saw what looked to be the problem children of all the classes. The tatami matted room held only ten students and all of them weren't even in their training outfits, just the standard Foot clan uniform they wore out on missions. She slowly closed the door before they could see her and turned to her former Sensei who had escorted her. "You can't be serious."

"Did you expect some fanfare at your arrival? These idiots don't know the first thing about respect. So we gave them the youngest to train the group." He leaned down close to her, his face twisted into a snarl. "Good luck."

He swiftly turned around and left her to contemplate how she should approach this new challenge. Her class was a rowdy bunch to say the least. Even with her in charge and them all knowing who she was easily by her trademarked mask, they still didn't quiet down as she entered the room and stood in front of them all. They continued their conversations as if she didn't matter and it was starting to grate on her nerves. "Alright! So this is how you want to play? Fine. Prove to me that you're better than me and I'll let you lead the class."

It was risky without knowing any of her opponents but she was confident enough to handle it. Every one of her students looked at each other waiting for someone to step up and when no one seemed like they were going to, Artemis smirked and nodded. "Good, then let's continue..."

Artemis easily dodged the dagger that aimed straight for her head. She swiveled around to face her challenger and saw a young male step forward. He had a combination of dark hair and eyes and it was obvious he was from the Japan syndicate. Shredder had ordered some new recruits to come overseas and Artemis never would have guessed more seasoned soldiers would be in the lower class. Artemis grabbed the dagger that was embedded in the wall and pretended to inspect it. "Rather brave for the first day, don't you think?"

Her student grit his teeth behind a closed-mouth grimace. Just like the rest of Artemis' class he wore the Foot clan uniform and even carried the mask in his belt. His hair was spiky in random places as if he just woken up and Artemis couldn't rule out the possibility. On his left side, she saw a light scar go from his mouth and almost reached up to his ear. It wasn't deep but in certain lighting, you could definitely see it. He ran a hand through his unkempt hair and shrugged at her. "I was taking a nap until you decided to open your mouth."

"So is it safe to assume that you wish to challenge me," Artemis questioned with arrogance in her tone.

"What happens if I win?"

Artemis placed the dagger on the floor and moved to stand in the middle of the room. The rest of the students knew better than to get in her way and formed a circle around her. She indicated to the challenger to step towards her as she answered him, "You get to lead the class and do what you want. But, if you lose, you have to follow my teachings with no complaints. No weapons, just you and me."

He nodded and went into a defensive stance accepting her challenge. Artemis did the same and waited as he launched the first attack.

...…...

Overlooking the training room was a set of three windows. Behind those very windows was Master Shredder and a woman that matched his height. She stood next to him while smiling widely and cleaning her glasses with her shirt. She was watching the newest toy of hers and how it interacted with the students. "Didn't I tell you that it was fascinating?"

Shredder looked on as Artemis deflected her student and easily swiped his feet from under him. "You promised me power but this is nothing. Where is this so called hidden ability? I need it for the future."

The woman put her glasses back on and it shined in a way that it made her look like a praying mantis. "So impatient. It'll come before even she is ready."

Shredder glared at her and growled out, "It better or you will regret ever coming to me." He turned as his cape fluttered about him and walked out the door. The woman kept her smile as she put her hands in her lab coat. She continued watching as Artemis finally pinned the dark haired student to the mat. While all the other students were noticing their new instructor show her dominance, only the dark-skinned woman noticed how the ends of Artemis' hair seemed to light up brighter.

"It won't be long."

...…………...

After her class had ended, Artemis pulled aside the only one who dared defy her. She found out his name was Shin Hamada and the reason he was in the low class was because of his problems with higher ups. He felt he was already the best so why listen to someone below him? She sat Shin down and handed him a water bottle. He took it cautiously while watching the masked Artemis sit cross legged next to him. It freaked him out how the fox face just stared with no emotion. He was good at reading people and when he couldn't see their face, it irritated him. "Would you take that stupid thing off already? It gives me the creeps."

Artemis grabbed her mask and took it off, showing her sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. Sometimes I forget I'm wearing the thing in the first place."

Shin choked on his water when she showed her face and had to pound his chest a little. Her eyes were so electric blue and it stood out against her light tan skin and dark hair. He didn't think it possible for someone to look like she did but here she was. His instructor looked on in concern until he finally caught his breath. What was a girl close to his age doing teaching criminals? "What did you want to talk about? I don't have all day you know."

Artemis grew irritated and shook her head. "Look, you're the only one to try and challenge me. So, I thought it best if we got to know each other better."

"Why would we do that? Our only mission is to follow our orders and destroy our enemies."

"Says the only guy who has a problem with authority in my class. All the others just need to get stronger."

Shin stood and walked over to the trash to throw away his empty water bottle. "Regardless, we're not friends and there is no reason to get to know each other better." He walked out the door leaving Artemis sighing in frustration.

She started to clean up the training room and thought back over of how to handle her class. She wanted to befriend Shin because everyone seemed to respect him and it would've been easier for them to listen to her instruction if Shin was partly on her side. For now, she would have to scrap that plan and focus on something else.

Before her class assignment, her Senseis were talking about the next big step of the plan of destroying their enemy and reigning supreme. Shredder refused to let her go on missions lately and she was curious if it was because of this class. How was she supposed to take down Raphael if she couldn't even fight against him? Artemis sighed and took out her mask and stared at the soulless dark eyes. The turtles have taken the habit of calling her Kit and she was fine with it considering the nicknames Bradford and Xever gave her. However, being called by baby animal terms were starting to grate on her nerves. Was that all people saw? Her as nothing more than a child? No! Artemis put on her fox mask and walked with purpose to the meeting room. She saw everyone gathered together except for Shredder. She went over to Bradford and looked up at his furry face. "Is Master Shredder coming?"

His deep voice replied, "He won't be much longer. How was it training the idiots of the Foot clan?"

"They're not idiots, they're just lazy. Well, except for one." Artemis took off her mask so her voice wasn't muffled. "Ever heard of a recruit named Shin?"

Bradford growled, "Oh yeah. That little punk thinks he's so great because of his family lineage. He thinks he shouldn't start from the bottom. Shredder put him in his place real fast though." Bradford laughed his deep chuckle at the memory of such an easy defeat.

Artemis contemplated what to do with this new information and how she could use it to help get the class onto her side. She didn't have much time before everyone quieted themselves as Shredder walked in and stalked all the way up to his throne. Artemis waited patiently as everyone gave their daily reports and she finally got her turn. She kneeled before him; her mask lay next to her face up. "Master Shredder, I humbly ask for your permission to join the others to help fight against the turtles."

Everyone looked to Shredder, curious on what he would do. He narrowed his eyes down at Artemis before he made his voice ring out loud and clear. "No."

Artemis looked up in disbelief; her eyes wide. "What? B-But...why? I used to go out on missions but now I can't? What kind of reasoning is that?!"

Shredder sat down on his throne, not caring about the seething girl. "I have given you your mission and that's enough. I do not need to hear your complaints. You will do as I say."

Artemis stood up quickly, her arms out in exasperation. "But-!"

Shredder slammed his fist down on the armrest making her go silent. "It seems you don't have enough to do if you're questioning things like this. As punishment, you can help Stockman with his project."

Artemis and Baxter both glanced at each other with obvious disgust. The latter was the one to step forward and object. "M-Master Shredder! Please, I do not need the help of someone so far below my intellect. It is kind of an insult to even suggest-."

Shredder yelled out to be heard, "Do you think I care for your input? This is not up for discussion! Now, all of you, get out of my sight."

Everyone gave their last bow before turning to leave. Artemis clenched her hands and glared over at Stockman and noticed that Bradford was already there and growled at him which made him flinch and step backwards only to trip over Xever's tail. "Watch yourself around Artemis or you will have to deal with us," Xever warned while leaving Baxter on the ground. Artemis couldn't help but smirk at the way her mentors gave their retaliation to how Stockman spoke of her. Her smirk was soon gone though as she remembered the reason behind his words. She was stuck on another punishment and all she did was ask to help them out!

She stomped her way out of the doors and found her way to a training room on the top floor. She wrapped her hands up before making her way over to the punching bag and started a barrage of attacks. She needed a release of the anger that seemed to store up in her body. Every time she felt she was doing something right, she was told that she was wrong. It didn't make much sense that they let her join and trained her only for her to never use her training out on missions. What was she supposed to do? Wait around while they got to do all the fun stuff?

Artemis was punching the bag so ferociously, she never heard the door open but she still could sense that someone was behind her and was going to strike. Before their kick made contact, Artemis grabbed their ankle and held it there so she could find out who her assailant was. She was greeted with a smirking face and saw red paint surrounding their eyes. "What do you want, Karai?" Artemis released Karai's ankle so they wouldn't have to talk to each other in such a weird way.

Karai chuckled as she placed her hands on her hips. "Just wanted to confirm you were as good as you thought you were."

Artemis crossed her arms and lifted an eyebrow in question. "And the verdict is?"

Karai shrugged before she responded, "Oh, you're not bad. Not great, but not bad."

Artemis scowled and turned back to the punching bag. "I would be a lot better if your father would let me out on missions."

"You need to prove your worth."

Artemis scoffed and started to punch the bag again. She spoke in between her hits, "I have...proven my worth...right from the...start. Now...I can't...even...Go...OUTSIDE!" On the last word, Artemis did a perfect roundhouse kick and sent the bag swinging wildly. She breathed heavily; not out of exhaustion but because of her frustration. She watched Karai step gently around her and stopped the bag from moving. Karai nodded to the bag to tell the winded girl to keep going as she held it. Artemis got back into her stance and started making combos.

"He needs more proof, that's all. Trust me, it takes a lot...even for me." Karai said that last part quietly to herself and Artemis barely heard it. Karai shook her head and smirked at the newbie. "Listen, keep up the progress and who knows! Maybe soon you'll be able to stand next to me one day." She did a playful punch at the bag before starting to walk out.

Artemis smiled coyly at her, "Hope you're not afraid of some competition then."

"We'll see about that."

Over the next couple months, Artemis had the routine of her classes, Stockman's lab, training with her mentors, and some little extra time to herself. It wore her down to the point that she felt ready to call it quits and leave this place for good. She knew better considering she felt this place was her new home. She had already settled in long ago and the building was starting to feel like it was a part of her. The only thing she was missing was her freedom to go out and do the things she needed to. Shredder had all but refused to even have an audience with her and she couldn't take the imprisonment anymore. One night was all she needed and one night she was going to get.

Artemis knew she had to be quick and efficient but with all her training it would be a piece of cake. She just had to create a small enough distraction that no one would even think that the newest member had done it. So, she created a bit of a feud between her masters. The night she planned to sneak out she poured multiple bottles of blue dye into Xever's pools in Shredder's throne room. She got the dye thanks to her student and new friend Shin. Once Xever went into the pool for his daily swim and came out looking like the sky on a sunny day, it took but ten seconds for Xever to blame the laughing mutt of the group. While they argued and Artemis made sure that Shredder was watching his two subordinates; she closed the door she was looking from and hurried to the first floor of TCRI. What best way to escape but the front door? She could see the outside through the glass double doors and started to speed walk. She had gotten close but someone had grabbed her arm and pushed her into an empty hallway. She was going to attack but once she looked at Shin who was peeking around the corner to make sure they weren't seen, she relaxed.

"Want to explain why you're kidnapping your instructor?"

Shin narrowed his eyes and turned to her, "My instructor, the person who taught me to behave, was about ready to get herself in trouble. I thought you weren't allowed out."

Artemis shrugged and shifted on her feet restless. "Yeah, well, I need some fresh air. I just need to go out for a little stroll. I'll be back before they even notice."

"Oh please, save me the convincing. You can't just up and leave! What if you do get caught? You'll be kicked out or worse."

She smirked, "Are you worried about me?"

"I'm more worried what will happen to me if they find out I knew about you leaving."

"It'll be fine. Come on, shouldn't you encourage bad behavior?"

Shin groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just...just go. Be back soon or else I'll throw the biggest tantrum in class you ever did see." He chuckled as Artemis punched his shoulder. He watched the corner for her as she slipped out the back door that lead to the dumpsters. Artemis had to cover her nose from the horrid stench that entered her nostrils. She was lucky enough to be wearing her ninja garb and went into her side pouch to grab her mask before putting it on. It helped get rid of the stench as she crept silently along the wall and found some scaffolding that she could climb onto. She was able to get onto the rooftops and once she was far enough away, she let out the biggest whoop she could muster. It felt so freeing finally feeling the night air flowing past her as she leapt from multiple rooftops.

It took a good hour before she decided to rest her legs and overlook the streets on the edge of an apartment building. She dangled her legs and leaned back on her hands. She knew if Logan was here he would most likely scream at her to get away from the edge and watch from a safe distance. Cecile would just smack him and tell him to leave her alone while Manny tried to calm them both down. She really did miss them and hoped that soon she could find them but she needed to defeat Raph and his family first. Despite her relaxed posture, Artemis was ready for anything that could pop up from behind her. She wouldn't let her guard down so easy after all. She felt the presence of someone behind her but it was hard to place who it could be so she subtlety grabbed a ninja star from a hidden slit in her training uniform and twisted quickly to throw it accurately at their feet. They stopped moving closer like she hoped for and it gave her time to get up with her weapon in hand. The figure didn't flinch but they also didn't even put up their own weapons and she knew he had two of them.

"Raphael, how stupid of you to confront me alone."

Raph sighed and put his hands up in defense. "I thought I would seem less threatening if you saw me alone."

Artemis smirked, "Don't worry, you've never felt like a threat to me." She swung her sickle around a few times, gaining some speed, before throwing it towards him. He side-stepped quickly but she followed her throw and tried to land a kick on him. He deflected it with ease and jumped away from her.

"Would you just listen to me?! There's something I need to tell you!"

Artemis brought her sickle back into her hand and ran after Raphael. "Stop talking and fight me!"

Raphael flipped backwards when she tried to swipe at him and had no choice but to bring out his sais to deflect her second lunge. "You need to listen because it's about who betrayed you!"

Artemis growled at him, something close to a feral animal full of rage. "I'm looking at them!"

"You're not! If you would just hear me out about Victor then we can talk about what I know!"

Artemis' eyes widened and she finally weakened her grip. "How do you know who Victor is?"

Raphael sighed and was glad to see her begin to be complacent. "I talked to him and he told me the truth."

Artemis backed up a couple steps before going over what he just said. "Did you threaten him? How do I know you're telling the truth?"

Raphael put away his sais and ran his giant hand across his face. "Look, you don't have to believe me but you should believe Victor or that other guy. Oh, what was his name? Bobby! He also knows the truth!"

She wrapped her sickle and chain around her hips and took off her mask to place in the pouch. "If I find out you're lying to me again, I won't go easy on you."

"Well...you haven't so far."

Artemis wasn't amused with him trying to act all friendly. In fact, she was about ready to continue their fight. "Stay here, I'll go talk with them."

Raphael stepped forward but had to stop when she seemed on edge and put a hand on her weapon. "I'm coming with you. Whether you like it or not."

"I don't."

Raph stayed a few feet behind her but together they leapt from multiple rooftops and headed straight to the familiar alleyway of Artemis' old home. They both landed quietly behind a man who was trying to keep warm from a weak fire. He wore a long trench coat and seemed to be talking to himself while sniffling. Artemis was quick to get to him. "Bobby, are you alright?"

The dark colored man slowly turned to see the young girl who didn't seem so young anymore. "Oh, well hey there babygirl. It's been too long."

"Way too long," she agreed as she threw her arms around her friend.

"You sure do look different though. Almost didn't recognize you."

Artemis pulled away and looked down at herself. Sure, she gained more muscle and possibly grew half an inch in height but other than that she was the same. "What are you talking about? I've just had constant meals is all."

Bobby smiled sadly and shook his head. "I didn't mean different like that sweet pea." He looked into her eyes with meaning laced within his dark pupils.

Artemis shook her head. She needed to get away from the topic and onto more important matters. "I need to talk with Victor. Where is he?"

"Oh...to be honest, I don't know and I don't care." Bobby turned back to his fire and rubbed at his upper arms.

"Bobby, what's wrong? What happened?" Artemis turned her head to glare at Raph, who was standing a couple feet away and watching them. "Was it him? Did he threaten you? I promise Bobby, I'll take care of it. I'm a lot stronger now than before."

Bobby slowly shook his head and cleared his throat before explaining. "No, it wasn't his fault baby girl. It was all Victor's fault." He looked at her and made sure she was listening. "Everything was his fault." Bobby told her everything that Victor had explained and as he continued his story, the paler Artemis got. Everything that she had done was all in vain. The people who promised to help her were actually the ones to destroy her in the first place. She placed a hand over her mouth and started to shake, remembering all that she had done. Bobby wanted to reach out to her but Raph was faster and placed a hand on her shoulder to turn her around to face him.

"Are you okay?"

Artemis slapped his hand and backed up away from him. "No...no I'm not! Everything I've done..." She stared at him and thought about his family. She hurt them on more than one occasion. Was there any way she could even ask for forgiveness? Would they even want to hear it? "I'm so sorry Raphael. I-I have to go." She turned and went to run off but Raph grabbed onto her.

He spoke with such worry in his voice and it hurt her even more that all this time he still cared and believed they were friends. "Listen, just let me help and we can figure it out together. Trust me."

She shook her head and reached into a hidden pocket. "I'm so sorry...goodbye, Raphael." She threw the smoke bomb down and wrenched her hand free from his grip so she could slip away. She was already leaping across rooftops and heading towards TCRI. She couldn't be sad and start crying, she needed to fuel herself with anger and go after the one who destroyed so much of her life. Artemis grit her teeth and placed her kitsune mask over her face. She landed by the windows of the throne room and climbed through one that she knew was always open. Both her mentors and Shredder were talking about their next phase of the master plan but stopped when Artemis planted herself right behind Shredder.

"You better have a good reason on why you left," Shredder demanded.

Artemis had her sickle and chain in her hands. "You better have a good reason on why you manipulated me."

Bradford growled at her, "What do you think you're doing?"

She looked at her two Masters who stood before Shredder. "Did you guys know?"

Xever glowered at her before he spoke, "Know what?"

"That Shredder took my family and then manipulated me to be against the turtles!"

They looked at each other but didn't have time to say anything to Artemis before Shredder whirled around and tried to claw at her chest. She was able to dodge in time and was left with only a slight scratch across her shoulder. She didn't have time to worry about it though as Shredder launched forward and swiped at her again. Artemis was lucky this time as she made sure the weapon chain was held in her hands and she used that to block him. He narrowed his eyes at her through the opening of his helmet and spoke. "I should've done this in the first place."

"Then why didn't you?"

Shredder quickly pushed her back and kicked at her, hitting Artemis right on her ribs. "It was all that woman's idea. I just needed to use your powers for my benefit but now I have other plans. I already kicked her out so now it's your turn."

Artemis was holding her side where she got kicked and had to speak through gritted teeth, "What woman? Who are you talking about?"

Shredder slashed at her but Artemis was quick and was able to deflect his blow with her sickle. She didn't have much choice but to fight with both hands; her left holding the sickle and the right holding the ball on the other end. Her and Shredder were fighting in close combat. He would try to slash at her and kick but she was small and agile enough to evade. Unfortunately, that meant she was mostly on the defensive and she was running out of steam. Shredder was not someone to easily mess with since he was the leader of his own dojo and army of ninjas. Every other slash would make contact and soon Artemis had wounds ranging from her torso to her legs. She needed to turn things around and fast or else he would have her on the ground before long. The next time he came to her for another swipe, she ducked low and did something unexpected even by Shredder's standards. She had been on her hands and knees and used all her strength to tackle Shredder. He was able to catch his footing, not daring to let himself fall from such a weak attack. He grabbed her uniform where the logo was and threw her teenage body across the room; making her hit the wall with a loud smack. The uniform had ripped and the logo was in Shredder's hand. Artemis groaned as massive waves of pain and nausea went throughout her body. She had only gotten one hit on this man! She was a rookie but still, his skills were unlike anything she had seen around the dojo. He chuckled darkly and walked to her as she lay there barely moving. She tried to at least sit up but he put a foot on her chest and made her back meet the ground. "Did you really think you could go against me? I made you what you are!"

Artemis was weak and could feel herself ready to lose consciousness but she wasn't going to go out without one last comment. "Bite me."

Shredder glared at her and raised one of his weaponized claws. "You are weak and pathetic! You have nothing and you are nothing. You aren't even worth my time!" He was ready to give a finishing blow but he was stopped by the sound of cracking noises surrounding him. White smoke had billowed up from out of nowhere and all Artemis could hear was Bradford yelling out, "It's the turtles! They're here!"

Shredder's foot had lifted off of her but Artemis couldn't even move and was barely holding on to her weapon. She felt big hands grab onto her and lift her before launching themselves out the window. Black was forming around her vision and it was hard to see what was happening. All she felt was the cool night air breezing past her open wounds. Her Kitsune mask was still over her face and suddenly, it felt hard to breathe. Whoever was holding her though was in too much of a hurry to notice and was trying to talk to their companion.

"What do we do now? We can't just leave her in some random place and if we take too long, Shredder will notice something isn't right."

That voice sounded so familiar but why? It was deep and she finally noticed that the arms she was being held in had fur.

"We do what we have to and get their attention."

This voice was a lot more distinctive and held an accent. A Brazilian accent. Before she could assess anymore on what was happening, the black that was surrounding her vision started to spread and Artemis fell unconscious.

...……………...

Her eyes opened wide and she tried to sit up but her body was full of lead. She felt the coolness of a tatami floor and tried to roam her eyes around but the strain was too much and she could only lay there. She tried her other senses and was greeted with the stench of what could only be described as garbage. She scrunched her nose and began to wonder when her sense of smell suddenly became so sensitive to rotten junk. She used to live in nothing but week-old garbage that surrounded her old home so her sense of smell was deadened by anything people usually found repulsive. When she started to live in TCRI, of course things were kept clean and she got so use to finally having regular showers and cleaning products that her nose was able to allow her to properly breathe again.

She heard some voices from around whatever room she was in and recognized them instantly. She knew the voice of one was from a mutant rat she had met months ago and the other was a voice she didn't think she had the honor to hear again.

"Sensei, I just want to check on her progress, that's all," Raphael pleaded.

"In due time but for now we must let her rest, my son."

She heard a door slide open and she quickly closed her eyes in hopes that whoever entered wouldn't bother to figure out she was awake. She heard this person shift around as if they were looking right at her. That feeling of someone's eyes on you made Artemis twitch a little but otherwise she was very still. The figure finally continued what they were doing and she swore she could hear liquid being poured into a cup. The slight stench of tea cut through the garbage and she was thankful for that.

"You can stop pretending at any time."

Artemis sighed and opened her eyes. She lifted her head up and saw the mutant rat calmly sipping at his tea and trying to meditate. She grunted with effort but she was able to fully sit up and had to grab onto her side to keep the cracked ribs from moving too much. From what she could tell, she had been bandaged from head to toe. She felt her chest and felt similar bandage work there as well which made her blush, wondering on who did it.

"Do not worry, our friend April helped to bandage you."

She looked at him and tried to remember what his name was. He had told her long ago when she was first injured and he was there to help. To think that Shredder wanted to ruin this person's life from some kind of past grudge really threw her. From what she could notice he was a good guy trying to help raise the turtles the right way...and she almost helped destroy their lives from one of her own grudges. "April?"

"I believe you have met her before on one of your missions."

Ah, yes; the red headed teenager she had assumed was her replacement. Artemis only said it out of spite though and didn't really believe it but trying to think that way helped her anger and fueled her to become better at her training. "I'm so sorry...um Splinter?"

He nodded in affirmation and smiled at her gently. "I'm glad to see you are feeling better. I understand how people get so easily persuaded by Shredder. He does know where to hit where it hurts most. Raphael has told me the story of how you were manipulated."

Artemis hung her head down in shame. She was tricked so easily and was made to believe that the turtles were her enemy. A good friend that she really cared for and even despite all the trouble she caused, Raph still helped her out and saved her.

Splinter stood and walked over to her and handed her a cup and the kettle from earlier. She took it with a small thank you and poured herself her own cup of tea. Splinter rubbed at his long strand of beard and spoke, "Speaking of my son, I should probably go get him."

Artemis grabbed at his robe before he could move, "No!" He raised his eyebrows at her in question. She cleared her throat and let him go. "I mean, I'm not ready yet. After everything...I just need a little time."

Splinter nodded and patted her head comfortingly. "Take all the time you need. Tell me when you are ready." He walked quietly out the room and left Artemis to herself. Everything was flooding back to her about her rescue. She remembers the furry paws that held her and the Brazilian accent asking questions in worry about their plan. Her mentors had created a smoke screen while Shredder was busy with fighting her and they grabbed her while calling out that it was the turtles to cover their tracks. She couldn't believe that the people who saved her were also the ones to help ruin her in the first place. Her family was taken by the Foot clan under Shredder's orders and she didn't even know where they were. Her family's faces all flashed in her mind and all she could do was bring her knees to her chest and cry silently.