Valerie69:   So, what are your plans tonight, Don?

Don-san:  Same ol' same ol'.  My friends went out for date night to catch a movie and left their daughter here for my other brother to baby-sit.  I have no plans but to sit and chat all night long.

Valerie69:  Is it just you and your brother there?

Don-san:  No, there's four of us actually.  And my sensei.  The kid doesn't need all of us around but it was better than staying home.

Valerie69:   Sounds like fun.

Don-san:  For my brother it is.  He'd watch her for free.  But, if they're paying him, he'll be one lucky guy.

Valerie69:  I never got paid much to baby-sit.  He'll be lucky to get $20 for the whole evening.

"BRB."  Donatello typed out he'd be right back.  With a stretch, he walked out into the living room to see what action was going on.  He caught Michaelangelo walking around, getting his coat and hat on.  "Hey, Mike.  Going somewhere?"  Donatello rested a hand on the back of the couch, tapping his fingers.

"Yeah, I'm starved!  I was going to go pick up some pies for dinner.  Join?"

Don waved a hand.  "Nah, last time I went to get the pizzas, I had to get you too.  Out of a bind!"

Michaelangelo crossed his arms.  "The guy said I didn't give him the right amount!"

"Mikey, you never give the right amount.  And if you give a bit more, you expect change."

"So?"

"The change is usually the tip money!"

"Aw, change, tip.  It's all the same."  Michaelangelo put on his hat next.  "Besides, he figured I was a street urchin and had pity on me."

"We all pity you, Mike."  Donatello looked down as something brushed past his leg.  "Speaking of urchin-"

"Hey, look who's up?"  Michaelangelo walked around the couch, bending on his knees.  "Hey, Sleepy Head, feel like Italian?"  Shadow stared at him, one thumb in her mouth, the other holding a bottle of milk.  "Uhm....feel like....pizza, then?"

Shadow pulled her thumb out.  " 'Piiiizzaaaa!"

"Aaah, ha, that's my girl!"  Michaelangelo stood up, straightening his coat tails just as Raphael entered the room, also dressed for the occasion.  "Hey, Raph.  Coming with?"

"Where?"

"Grabbin' some grub."

"I already ate leftovers.  If anyone asked, I went to the dollar theater to see Saving Private Ryan."

Michaelangelo looked around, then back to him sternly.  "Where are you really going?"

"Hey, chill!  Will ya?  I am going to a movie!"  Raphael also looked around.  "But it's at the Triple X Plaza."

Mike's eyes widened.  "They're not showing Saving Private Ryan there!"

"Oh, they are."  Raph looked to see Splinter entering and dropped his voice lower.  "Except, it's called Saving Ryan's Privates. "

"Dut-"  Michaelangelo relaxed as Splinter approached the two.  "Hi, sensei.  I was just about to go get the dins and Raph was, was um-"

"Going to a movie."  Splinter looked up to Raph.  "I trust you will be cautious and be home at a reasonable hour."

"Uh, around 11.  No later than that."  Raphael gestured.  Mike still stared at him with eyes wide.

Splinter nodded.  "Then, I shall leave a light on for you.  Have a good time and please, be careful."

"Yeah, sure."  Raphael saluted to him.  Splinter padded over to Shadow and Don, not seeing Raph wink to Mike.  "A very good time."

Leonardo stepped out of the bedroom with book in hand.  He surveyed the area for a moment.  Mike and Raph were in street clothes, Splinter was examining a book from the bookshelf and Don sat on the couch.

"What's up?"

Mike looked to Raph, knowing exactly what would be UP later on.  He gave a small cough which ended up being a growl to him.  "I ordered in and if anyone's interested in joining me to pick it up, walk this way."

"Where's he going?"  Leo nodded to Raph whom was heading for the door.

"To a movie."  Mike and Don said at the same time, then glanced to Splinter.  Leo looked to Raph for an answer.

"I'll be back.  Late."  Raph waved without looking and closed the door with a bang, making everyone jolt.  Shadow started to softly whine.

"Uh, I left Valerie online-"

"I'll go with you Mike, let me get my coat-"

Splinter blinked and looked around, noticing how fast the room emptied.  He then walked around the couch and bent down, rubbing Shadow's back.

"Oh, Michaelangelo."  The old rat sighed, looking to Mike whom walked over and took her in his arms.  "She has worn me out with her youth and energy."

"I got her, sensei.  Hey, don't worry.   He'll be back.  And when we get back, we'll eat pizza!  Huh?"  He rubbed her soft cheek with a single finger.

Leonardo stood in the hall and applied his coat with some difficulty from the katanas getting caught in the collar lining.  He entered the living room, applying his fedora hat while glancing in a mirror.  "It should take less than an hour, sensei."  Leo looked at Splinter whom looked ready to crash on the floor.  "We'll hurry."

Mike moved to the bedrooms.  "I'll put her down.  If you're lucky, she'll sleep the whole time."

Leonardo tapped Splinter's shoulder.  "Maybe you should rest too, sensei.  You were with her all day.  You must be exhausted."

Donatello sat back down at the computer, tapping away an apology to Valerie for disappearing from sight.

Valerie69:  Everything all right?

Don-san:  Yeah.  Two of my brothers are going out to get dinner, my other brother is going to a movie and I guess my sensei is watching my niece.

Valerie69:  So, it's all under control?

Don-san:  Hopefully.

Shadow's small cries reached the room his was in.  Rolling his eyes, he tapped a quick,  "Hang on" then left the room again.  Donatello entered the living room to find it empty.  He next walked into Shadow's room without turning on the light.  Splinter stood on a stool hunched over Shadow's crib, attempting to calm her down but not succeeding.

"Donatello?" 

"Sensei?"

"I thought you had left with your brothers."

"No, I went into the computer room to chat online."  He paused to hear her soft whines.  "Ah, I guess Mike already left, huh?"

"She is very tired, Donatello.  As well as I am.  I do not have any strength left in me to aid her needs."

Don leaned over the railing to take a look.  Shadow was lying on her back with her fists balled.  "I uh, was hoping she didn't need anything till the others get back."

"Donatello, will you please watch her?  I must lay down for awhile."

"Wha- me?  But sensei, I- I don't know anything about...about that, um, her-"  He gestured down as if she were a dog in a cage.

Splinter rested a hand on his arm.  "Watch the house and your niece until your brother's return.  It is all I ask of you for this evening."

He looked to Splinter's face in dimly-lit room.  He's had circles under his eyes before but the bags seemed to have increased since he last looked at him.  While April and Casey worked all day, Splinter volunteered to watch her from 8 a.m. in the morning  till one of the Turtles takes the next shift around 1 p.m., depending on who's awake from the night before.  Michaelangelo seemed the strong-willed turtle for the job, allowing the others to slack off.  Splinter would not hear of it and explained to each one that, as a family, they helped one another.  No matter what.  For the first time, Donatello realized he was left to watch Shadow.  Alone.

"All right, sensei."  Don hung his head low, but could see a small smirk on Splinter's tired face.  A smirk of relief.

"If you need me, for anything at all, please come and wake me."

Splinter stepped down and slowly walked out, heading to April's room.  Donatello followed but detoured to the computer room.

Don-san:  Back.

Valerie69:  Hi.  How is your niece?

Donatello looked up, hearing her making little noises.

Don-san:  Cranky.  My sensei is resting while the others are out.  I'm left alone to watch her.

Valerie69:  Oh, maybe I should let you go.

Don-san:  Don't you dare leave me.

Valerie69:  LOL  You must be new at this.

Don-san:  Uh, yeah.  I rarely spend time with her so I rarely know what to do with these things.

Valerie69:  Babies?

Don-san:  More like a toddler.  13 months old.

Valerie69:  Aw, she sounds like a sweetie.

Don thought for a moment.

Don-san:  Yeah.

A small creak sound echoed in the room.  Shadow paused and looked around her, seeing a dark silhouette walk toward her.  The footsteps were stealth and steady, taking one foot in quiet stride at a time.  A bump sound was heard.  Shadow started to cry more than before, making Donatello grit his teeth and groan heavily.

Don-san:  Uhhh, could you help?  I need a little advice.

The room suddenly fell into complete darkness.  The entire computer shut down of all it's power.  A small rumble of thunder and a flash of lightning out the window indicated a storm was brewing up in the city.

"Oh, damn!"  He groaned loudly.  "So much for the advice."

Don's eyes were slightly blinded from the bright computer screen, making it difficult to see anything, including a hand in front of his face.  Bumping around in the dark, he found his way to the door and out to the living room.  The entire apartment was pitch black.  Donatello paused in the living room, noticing how quiet Shadow became.  Maybe she went to sleep after all.  He certainly didn't wish for the goblins to come and take her away.  He chuckled to that, remembering Sarah was a fool to mess with the Goblin King in Labyrinth.

Donatello knew he found the kitchen when he stepped on the tile flooring.  Unless it was the bathroom, he could have been wrong.  Or right.

SMACK! 

"Ow!"  Don lifted his hand to his sore nose that kissed into the refrigerator.  Hands out like a blind person, he began searching the drawers for a flashlight.  Something scurried across the room passed him and toward the couch.  "What was that?"  Banging into a chair, he groaned angrily while falling down onto the carpet.  "Damn!"  An object that felt of material brushed passed his leg.  "Hmm?"

"Dooon!"

"Hey....."  Don reached out to feel hair and soft fingers touching him.  "Shadow?"  Shadow then yanked and hugged at his shoulders as he attempted to sit up.  "What's wrong?  Where's Splinter?  Did he take you out of your bed?"

"Noooo...."  She continued to pull him.  "Up, up...."

"Wait, wait.  I can't see a damn thing in here."  Shadow finally toddled away from his side.  Don reached out and felt nothing.  "Oh, great!  Now, where'd she go?"

He heard bumping sounds in the bedrooms.  He felt around the ground but she was long gone.  Lightning illuminated the living room, allowing Don to spot a flashlight on the wall unit in the far corner of the room.  What an unusual place to put it.  Crawling on all fours he reached the unit and snatched at it.  The stick wavered and fell over, knocking him on the head with a thud.

"Owww!  Shhh.....uh, shoot!  This is not my night!"  He growled while hunting for the dropped flashlight.  "Shadow?  Where'd you go?"

Approaching her room, it got too quiet.  Too quiet for his liking.  The crib had a small lump in it, unmoving under the thick blankets.  Donatello reached the railing and looked down.  Did Splinter put her back in here?  Fear was rising as he placed a hand down close to the lump in the center.  He touched it, nothing happened.  He touched harder, it depressed back.  Throwing off the blankets and shining the flashlight down, his heart sank as he stared at a baby doll!  It's blank expression stared right back at him.  Shadow was nowhere in the room.

"Noooo!"  Donatello jumped aside, feeling incredibly nauseous.  "Master!  Master!  Get in here!"  Donatello staggered into April's room and reached the bedside.  It was empty.  Don gagged.  "Master!  Master!"  He looked under the bed, finding nothing.  "Master!"

Donatello ran to the living room next, tripping a bit on the rug, and reached for the phone.  By the phone was a number April left on a notepad, incase of an emergency.  He dialed the numbers at warp speed, getting a 'the number you have reached has been disconnected or is no longer in-'  He redialed her cell phone next, getting a 'the cellular phone you have called is not answering at this time, please hang up and-'

Don flung the receiver down and rushed to the computer room.  It was still dead, just like he was going to be if Casey came home to find out his daughter was kidnapped right under Don's sore nose!  He snatched up the receiver from the desk phone and dialed 911.  The number rang once before the operator asked:

"911.  What is your emergency?"

Donatello thought for a moment.  Though his voice sounded human, if the police came, how would he explain himself to them?  He also had no clue as to where Splinter and Shadow disappeared to.  He quickly hung up but knew within minutes, the cops would have tracked the call and be beating down the front door.

His mind raced, his heart beat hard against his chest.  He shook his head, wondering if this was a dream.  Was he sleep walking?  Donatello slowly walked back to the nursery room and leaned over the railing.  The doll was still there but something else he didn't notice at first glance was attached to its dress.  Don looked closer and pulled it off with such force, the beautiful dress ripped.  Oh well!  Shining the light down, he could see it was a ransom note in a hastily handwriten style.

"If you want to see your brat and animal beast again, bring with you $5,000 to Central Park, Bethesda Terrace.  We know you have the money, April.  Don't mess this one up.  Come with cash.  No questions asked."

"Animal beast?!  Brat?!  I'll kill them!"  Don clutched the note and looked around.  The window was closed tight.  How did they get in?  Don walked closer to the window and stared at the opening.  A small circle was cut through by the latch.  A glass cutter!  Duh!  Don shook his head as he left the room.  The others AND the police would be arriving soon.  He couldn't wait for the welcoming.  He didn't know how much time he had before something terrible happened to Splinter and Shadow with lord knows who.

Donatello returned to the computer room just in time to see the power had returned and the Scandisk screen was running with the words, "Because Windows was not shut down properly-"

"Aaah!"  Don hit Exit and waited for the program to start.  Instead of calling in the emergency on the phone, he quickly typed into the police for his 911 reason: "Kidnapped, two people missing, location: Central Park, Bethesda Terrace."  Perhaps by doing it that way, they will go there instead of the apartment and hopefully round up the goons.

Rushing to grab his coat and fedora, he flung the front door open without closing it and set off to the park as fast as he could go.  Half-way there, he realized he didn't have the $5,000 ransom with him.  He was going to have to bribe his way past these jerks by somehow convincing them he had the money.

Entering through Engineer's Gate to the Park, the area was cold, damp and creepy at night.  He longed for a map to find the fountain in a hurry.  He had been to this park several times but it was so huge and dark out, he didn't have time to get lost within it.  A light drizzle started to tap on the brim of his hat as he walked along the cold sidewalk then onto the wet grass.  He looked everywhere but saw no one around.

Finally, reaching the Angel of Waters sculpture in the center of the park, his heart skipped a beat.  Sitting high in the arms of the angel was a bundle of something, it's little legs kicking out frantically.  It was Shadow!  Donatello released a strangled gasp and began to run over to the sculpture.

"Stop, Donatello!  Stop!"  Don froze and looked around.  It was Splinter's voice but he didn't see him anywhere.

"Master?"

"Over here."

Around the statue, across the pavement and onto the soft grass, Don saw his sensei balancing on a rock, his hands were tied behind his back with his neck tied in a noose from a low tree branch above.

"Master-"

"I said stop!"  Donatello froze again.  "They are here.  They are watching you.  Do not make any foolish moves."

"Who are they?  Who did this?"  Donatello squinted to adjust his night vision.  Someone was hiding behind the tree where Splinter swayed.  Someone was ready to kick the rock to the side and allow him to die a slow and agonizing death.  Don glanced around with his eyes but kept his body straight.  "I got your note!"  He shouted to no one.  "Right here!"  He showed the crumpled note from his pocket to the black emptiness of the woods.  "If you want the money, it's on me!  Come and fight me for it!"

Nothing happened.  Splinter continued to gag quietly and Shadow cooed in her spot.  Donatello suddenly got thrown down by a black mass of body.

"Oof!"

"Donatello!"  Splinter wheezed.

Thug number one.  The two rolled around with kicks and punches.  The man had no experience at all.  Donatello threw him off and sent him flying into the statue where he painfully banged his head, knocking him unconscious.  Thug number two jumped in before Donatello could get back up.  He feared the thug would search his pockets and find nothing.

"Hand it....give it...over!"  The thug said through breaths but Donatello was too quick.  Coat tails flying all over, he threw a right hook and sent the second thug in the other direction, this time smacking into a large tree.

The third thug also didn't wait.  He was a big guy with large arms and a bad attitude.  Donatello was thrown this time, painfully onto the paved walkway.  He scrambled back up and the two met half-way through the punches, knocking each other down with a heavy blow.  The thug got up again, only to fall down when Don slid his foot beneath him.  Reaching over, he slammed his face into the cement, ending the thug's turn to fight him.  Don looked up to see it start to rain harder.

"Any more?"  He asked in weak tone.  "Come out!"  No one came out.  "No more...?"

"Donatello!  Get Shadow!  Quickly."  Splinter motioned with his head.

"But sensei, what about you-"

"That is an order.  Go!"

Donatello jumped up onto the step and ran over to the fountain hole.  He stared at the water.  "This is going to be cold!"

Indeed it was.  Dropping temperatures of the night air made the water frigid to his bare legs and feet.  He treaded over to the base of the sculpture and proceeded to climb to the top.  The first stone basin was very slippery to climb from the overflowing water above.  He wondered whomever set her up there, how did they do it so fast and why, of all places, put a child in a dangerous predicament as this?

Shadow's body rested across the angel's opened arms alongside a bronze lily, representing purity.  Purity meant nothing to her.  The damn lily was hurting her back!  Donatello found his footing by using the four smaller figures below the second basin as a step ladder to reach the top.  Not to say he was wet after it started to rain and entering the fountain, now he was getting soaked while reaching his hands up to grab the side of the basin and hoist himself up toward the front of the angel.  Shadow could see who it was and reached out to touch the brim of his hat as he got nearer to her.

"Bethesda, in all my visits here, this will probably be my most memorable experience ever."  Don tipped his hat to the angel, then glanced to Shadow.

"Doh!"  She garbled with moans.

"Hey....it's all right.  You're all right."  Don looked down below him, realizing how high up he was.  "Ugh, but will I be all right?"

Reaching across, Don clutched her middle and started to lift her up from the cold arms of the angel into his own, warm ones.  Shadow reached for his neck as he brought her close to his chest, covering her up within his coat.

A rope would come in handy at this point.  Donatello carefully climbed down passed the four statues with both hands and sliding feet.  This was more difficult going down then up, now that a passenger was with him.  Donatello slid down the rest of the way, splashing into the water hole at the bottom.  He stepped out and looked to himself, then to Shadow.  Both were drenched with teeth chattering.

"Now, to get Splinter before anything else happens-"

"Bad move, freak!"

Donatello looked up to see the fourth thug emerge behind the tree, kicking the rock aside.  Splinter swung down, the rope threads digging into his neck.

"Noooo!"  Don carefully put Shadow on the ground and rushed over, throwing himself on the thug.  "Murderer!  I'll kill you!"

Shadow started to toddle away, as any curious toddler would do.  Don looked up with fear in his eyes.  She was wandering off and Splinter was dying!

"Damn freak don't have shit!"  The thug pounded and kicked down on him.  He seemed to be the strongest.  "You lied to us!  Liar!"

Shadow walked away, falling every so often, then paused to see someone standing in her way.

"Duh!"  She reached up with arms extended to whomever it was.

The thug dragged Don away to the near-by pond and tried to push his face in.  Donatello fought it as hard as he could, all the while thinking about what happened to Splinter and Shadow.  Finally, bright red and blue lights shined brightly, followed by sirens blaring off.

"Put your hands up and step away from the pond!"

The search light beamed on the thug just as Donatello jumped and rolled away.  The police started to scan the area.  Don thought of nothing but to get back to Splinter and Shadow.  Pausing, he remembered the rock was moved!  Splinter was probably dead by now!  He crawled slowly back over to the statue area and looked around.  Splinter was gone and so was Shadow!  The tree that held the noose had been cut.  Footsteps approached near him and Donatello looked up.

"Got your 911 call."

"Leo!"

Leonardo stood over his head with katana in hand.  Michaelangelo came over with Shadow in his arms and Splinter walking next to him.

"Well done, Donatello."  His voice rasped.  "Well done."

Mike glanced to the cops.  "The police got the call, too, bro.  We have to high-tail it out of here."

Donatello was explained to on the way back.  Since he was being such a klutz, Shadow went to wake Splinter but was snatched away by someone in the darkness.  When Splinter woke up, a cloth of chloroform was covered over his face to knock him out and also be taken with Shadow, changing the ransom note to not just a brat but an animal beast as well.  Leo and Mike came home and knew something was wrong when they found the door left opened.  They saw what Don left on the computer screen without even having to check on the other two bedrooms.

Later on, the police did track the call to the apartment where a startled April and Casey listened to the story.  The cops didn't understand why whomever reported the call typed out the location of Central Park but were glad the thugs were picked up and taken away.  Once they left, it was time to face the truth.  And the music.

"They were after my inheritance."  April paced the room, glancing to everyone.  "I guess when word got out about my father's death to...well, anyone, the greedy bastards also found out and went after me.  And my family.  For that amount of money, it was probably for drug use.  Sorry, I got you in this mess, guys."

"It's all right, April."  Leonardo sighed.  "Everyone has enemies.  Not just us."

Michaelangelo gazed to her cell phone.  "But, what happened to your phone, April?  Plus the phone to the theater wasn't working either."

"Oh, I'm sorry Mike!"  April blushed.  "The ringer was shut off during the movie and I guess, being an old theater house, their phone was no longer in service."

"Was it at the Triple X Plaza?"  Michaelangelo elbowed Raph whom smirked.

"But Casey did have the ringer set to vibrator so I can't figure out why Don couldn't get through."  Casey came out, looking like he was ready to explode.

"Well, I finally got her to calm down for the evening.  We can't have one night out together without something like this happening, can we?"  They looked to him, saying nothing.  "I am never leaving you in charge ever again."  Casey rounded on the group.  "My baby could of died tonight!"

"So could of Splinter."  Leonardo retorted back.

Michaelangelo started to explain.  "Look, Casey, Splinter's fine, Shadow's fine.  Can we just forget about it?"

"No, we can't!  It could happen again!  You don't understand what I'm going through right now!"  Casey pointed.

"Wha-wait!  Yes I do!"  Michaelangelo stood up.  "You should be thanking us than pointing a finger at us!"

April raised her hands.  "Please, stop.  Casey, please."

Casey stormed off to the bedroom.  "Whatever, April.  I've had enough.  I'm going to bed."

April looked to them and smiled.  "He'll be fine in the morning.  I'll make sure of that.  I really appreciate what you've all done tonight.  Honestly."

The group started to prepare to leave while gathering their clothes on at the door.  April entered the computer room and knocked on the door.

"Don?  They're leaving."

"Alright, April.  I'm almost done, here."

"I won't see you out, so I'll say goodnight now."  April walked over and tapped his shoulder.  "Goodnight....and thank you."

Donatello nodded.  "Goodnight, April."  Finally saying bye to Valerie69, whom wanted full details of what happened before he got cut off, the computer was finally shut down for the night.  "And goodnight....Valerie...heh, 69?  Interesting."

A creak sound echoed again in Shadow's room.  She looked around her, wondering who entered her room this time.  He leaned over her crib, smiling warmly at her.

"Hey, kid.  Some night, huh?"  Donatello reached down to let her grip his thick finger.  She squeezed it and blinked tiresomely to him, yawning next.  "Yeah, my sentiments exactly."  He bent lower and kissed her head while stroking her fingers that held onto his.  "Goodnight, Shadow.  See you later."  He lastly took the warm blanket from the end and pulled it up to her chest.  Her eyes couldn't fight it anymore and she was fast asleep by the time he walked out of the room to meet up with the others in the living room.

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