Hey loyal TMNT fans! Nice to see you, there!

I've been pretty busy with life recently (ahem, school), so I haven't been able to post as often as I'd like to. I figured I owed you guys something, so I'm just posting what I have so far, even though I normally like to post full stories all at once. I know how annoying cliffhangers can be. However, if you do wish to read this document, be my guest. I'll post as often as I can.

Summary: Raph is sure he can't take Leo's almighty attitude any longer. He channels his rage through the Nightwatcher, a mask he puts on to beat down criminals of all kinds. However, when Raph (as the Nightwatcher) is captured by desperate criminals, he begins to realize how much he really needs a leader. He also might have found love in the process. RaphxOC, M/M SLASH! Don't like, don't read.

Disclaimer: I don't own TMNT.

Please, please, please review! Any suggestions about where the story should go are completely welcome. I'm always open to new ideas! :)


"Several cases of the discovery of intact human remains have been reported, mostly turning up in back alleyways over the last several months," the reporter told them with solemn eyes and a carefully set expression. Ever since Leo had returned, the four brothers had made a habit of watching the news, although it seemed to Raphael that that was no good unless you did something ABOUT it. Leo disagreed, of course. They needn't take action, but they should be well-informed.

Raph snorted at the irony of it all.

"Great. Just great! We've got criminals runnin' all over these streets now, and anyone gonna do anything about it? No, not a chance."

Beside him on the couch, he heard Leo take a deep breath. How can he always be so calm? Raph wondered. He wanted to see his brother explode over something, anything. South America had taken away what little passion Leo had. It infuriated Raph.

"Geez, somebody should do something."

Still no response, though Raph swore he could see Leo's pokerface twitch. Donatello and Michelangelo eyed the pair cautiously, aware that a fight was about to go down. Raph felt powerless to stop it; he didn't want to. He lived for the fight, after all. He busted out another insult, one that was sure to get Leo riled up.

"Oh, so that's the plan from our great leader, huh? Just sit here on our butts!"

Finally, Leo stirred and grabbed the remote, a sudden burst of motion that almost made Raph jump. He pressed the mute button, and tension in the room increased as the sewers went silent.

"Raph, I told Splinter I'd get this team in shape again. That doesn't mean traipsing around topside, getting knocked around by the Foot and God knows what else. We need to train together, so that we can fight together," Leonardo explained slowly, as if he were speaking to a child. Raphael growled, deep and low. How dare he.

"Why, you-"

"Hey, pipe down, guys!" Michelangelo interjected, excitement showing in his eyes even though the rest of him showed a reluctance to step between his older brothers. "Leo, can you turn that back on? I want to see this part."

All held their breath as Leo paused, caught between the desire to lecture Raph some more and allowing Michelangelo his small request. Eventually, he decided on the latter, putting off Raphael for later. The sound in the room flared back to life.

"...and a mysterious vigilante, known by those he beats down as the Nightwatcher, made an appearance last night. A woman claims this shadowy character helped her when two muggers tried to take her purse.."

"That is so cool," Mikey whispered, and Raph saw Donatello shake his head in frustration.

"I don't know," Donny eventually stated, not wanting to bash Mikey's hopes. Only Raph seemed irritated by his condescending tone.

"I don't like him," Leonardo said matter-of-factly, mimicking Donny's movement and shaking his head in disapproval.

"Why not? 'Cuz he's doin' our job?" Raphael burst, allowing his anger to bubble up to the surface. He couldn't take any more of this. He would NOT be a hypocrite. "If your askin' me, I think we should applaud the guy. He's tryin' to make a bit of a difference out there."

"Still, look how badly he beats them up. That guy there has got four broken ribs, at least," Leo said softly, like Raph should feel sorry for the guy.

"So what? He's nothing but a criminal!"

"Remember the ninja code. That's unnecessary violence. I'll bet the Nightwatcher has lots of issues he needs to straighten out."

Raph had heard enough. He stood up and threw up his hands, sighing angrily. He'd have to beat down some bad guys good after this, just to get his rage down.

"Where are you going?" Leo inquired, just like a mother-hen. Raph hissed curse words under his breath. It shouldn't matter to Leo where he was going; Leo wasn't in charge of him, anyways. Raphael could do what he liked.

"To the surface," he answered back shortly. He didn't even stop walking to properly talk to Leo.

"No, you're not. You know we have a training session today," Leo ordered, and this time, Raph did stop. He whirled around, but only so he could fix Leo in a glare so cold it could freeze hell.

"Don't push it, Leo," he snarled, pointing a finger towards his brother. Donny and Mikey shrank away, but Leo lifted his chin proudly. He fixed Raphael in a solid stare, one of complete confidence in his authority. Raph's blood boiled. "You can't leave home and come back expectin' us to fall in line again, like your little soldiers."

"Raph-" his older brother began.

Raphael was already out the door.


How is it so far? Any criticism is appreciated!

Please R&R!

-DauntlessAdrenaline