What Could Go Wrong?

About this story: Based on a dream I had on 6-23-2006. In my storylines of the TMNT, I'll say it happens in the late summer and early fall of 2005. In case you were wondering, I did watch the "Fast Forward" and "Back to the Sewers" seasons of the 2k3 cartoon, but I didn't like them as much as I liked the regular 2k3 series. I also watched (and liked!) the 2007 movie. I may have included most of the elements from 2k3 cartoon and 2007 movie, but possibly left out stuff from the FF and BTTS series, and instead put in my own stuff. And I'm sure you're still wondering about why I mentioned the timeline to my storyline? Well, since the TMNT started (as a comic book series by Mirage Studios) in 1984, I'm going to "assume" that in that year in my storyline, that's when the TMNT were born/hatched/mutated, so this would mean that in 2005, the TMNT would be 21 years old. Rated T (PG-13), since drinking is mentioned, and some medical descriptions (not too graphic!).

Warnings about this chapter: none really, just some family-friendly moments

Pairings: Raph/Leo


Chapter 1: Splinter's Charge

"As I mentioned, Leonardo, tomorrow I am traveling to Japan for two months to help Ancient One with farming." Splinter nodded across the small table in his quarters at the blue-masked turtle sipping from a teacup.

"Yes, Sensei," Leo nodded, "And you said it was because Ancient One had an accident and injured his leg, right?"

"He told me it was a mishap with the ladder out in the orchard. He will need the extra help with the harvest in two months, but in the meantime he needs help in order to focus on healing."

"Do you need the four of us to come along and help?"

"It will not be necessary. Besides, I know that Donatello and Michelangelo are taking a few university classes, and helping Miss O'Neil with her store. And Raphael is working with Mister Jones at the stadium."

"Then, do you need my help?" Leo asked his father with concern.

"I do need your help, my son, but you can help me most by staying here with your brothers. I need you here to be in charge of them. Please make sure that you get practice time in the dojo with all four of you, and that you ensure everyone does his share of chores. I'm sure it will not be a problem to ensure that Donatello gets his study time for his classes, since he has always been studious. It might be more of a challenge to get him to come to the dojo for practice, though. Make sure that Michelangelo studies for his classes, and does not just play video games or read comic books. He says he is excited about taking English Literature and World History classes on the line through the university…"

He saw Leo suppressing a giggle, so he asked, "What? Did I say that correctly?"

Leo stated, "Actually it's online, not 'on the line'. But I knew what you were talking about."

Splinter corrected himself, "Very well, 'online' classes. One of these days I will speak the same language as you kids—or young adults—since you have been mutant turtles for twenty-one years. I can't believe you have grown up…" He had a faraway look in his eyes, but then came back to the present, "And where was I?"

Leo thought, "You were talking about Mikey's online college classes, and telling me to make sure he studies."

"Oh, yes, my son. I'm very excited that Michelangelo is applying himself to something where he can express his creativity. In his younger years, I was almost sure he had that 'Attention-Deficit Disorder' that the humans talk about."

"Really?" Leo asked, "How did you know? Do you want me to put him on Ritalin while you are away?"

"Even though I am no doctor, I read pamphlets that make their way from doctor's offices and hospitals down the storm drain. You may have been nine or ten years old when I first read about it, and I instantly thought that Michelangelo fits the checklist. But I have worked closely with him over the years, and don't think he requires medication anymore. It would have saved me some headaches, but it may have just created some other headaches worrying about side effects and the like. Hopefully, you will not have to worry about medical treatment for your brothers while I am away. I think it should avoid some problems if you keep a low profile and do not get involved in any major fights."

Leo spoke up, "That brings me to another question, Master Splinter. What about Raph? Fighting and roughhousing are his hobbies, and…well…he doesn't exactly like to listen to me, especially when I'm in any position of authority or leadership over him. Sure, Mikey and Donnie listen to me, but I'll admit I'm still not sure how to lead Raph, even after twenty-one years of practice."

Splinter thought for a moment, "Raphael can be challenging. He does not like to be treated like a child. Perhaps if you treat him as an equal, rather than an underling, it may help earn his respect. You are also welcome to talk to him, and get his opinion on how to keep the peace with him."

"Oh, I see…collaborate with him. It seems the times we get along best are when I treat him not as another 'little brother', but more as a 'co-big-brother'."

"You may even need to schedule regular time for just the two of you—sparring, eating lunch, watching a movie, watching a sporting event—you may need Michelangelo's creativity. And Donatello has excellent listening skills and patience with Raphael. Raphael has told me that of all his brothers, he feels most comfortable talking to Donatello, especially when it comes to some of his difficulties. Donatello listens to him without jumping to conclusions or passing judgment. If you need to talk with Donatello first, and maybe get him to talk to Raphael, it may save some headaches."

"OK, that makes sense. It seems that if I can get along with Raph, I could probably get along with anyone. I wonder how you could manage all these years."

"I wasn't his manager, but I was his father, and his teacher. He really needs leadership and guidance more than he will admit, but when given the right balance between supervision and autonomy, he will flourish—as will most. It is more of an art than a science in trying to find that balance. He needs a leader he can respect and admire. He also admires you more than he will admit at times. And since you are responsible, Leonardo, I trust you to take responsibility and leadership for your brothers in my absence."

"Thank you, Sensei. I will do my best."


"Do you have to go, now, Master Splinter?" Mikey even tried sticking out his lower lip and batting his eyes to look convincing.

"Ancient One needs me, and I know you have your studies and work here, my son." Splinter pulled Mikey close in a big hug, "But I will still miss you, Michelangelo."

Mikey hugged back, "I will miss you, too, Daddy! Give Ancient One our love. I hope he gets better!"

Splinter released and moved to his next son in the lineup.

"And you know that you can just call us on the shell-cell if you need us," Don tried to smile.

"Yes, I do have my shell-cell, my son." Splinter put his arms around Don for a hug, "And I will miss you, too, Donatello."

"I will miss you, too, Father." Don hugged back, "I packed enough multivitamins for you, and some calcium supplements and over-the-counter pain-relievers for Ancient One. I hope that helps."

"Thank you, Donatello, that's very thoughtful. I will tell him they are a gift from you." He let go, finishing with a gentle shoulder pat.

"Take care, Dad." Raph accepted Splinter's hug, "And tell Ancient One that I said hi."

"I will tell him, my son. And I will miss you, Raphael. Please make sure that Leonardo doesn't get any headaches or panic attacks while I'm gone."

"Sure, I'll treat him to a massage, maybe scented candles, fuzzy slippers, and a bubble bath…" He glanced over at Leo, who raised a ridge of his mask that would've been an eyebrow. "Heh, heh…unless that makes him even more uncomfortable, then I could just take him out for drinks or something."

Splinter chuckled, "I know you will take care of Leonardo, and protect your younger brothers."

"Of course I will," Raph nodded as Splinter released.

Splinter moved to Leo, "And, Leonardo, you know that you are in charge while I'm away. I trust you will do a good job, and give your brothers the love and encouragement they need."

"I will, Father." Leo put his arms around Splinter in a hug, which they shared for a few moments. "Give Ancient One our tender loving care so he heals."

"Of course, my son." Splinter released the hug, and soon disappeared from the Lair.

"Well," Leo sighed and looked at his brothers, "Now that it's just us, why don't we divide up our chores and practice schedules?"

Mikey gagged, "Can we at least do it over lunch? I'm starving!"

Don said, "Mikey, you just finished breakfast. How could you possibly be starving?"

"I'm a growing boy!" Mikey whined.

"Yeah right, you're at least twenty-one, which would make you an adult by now." Raph rolled his eyes, "It's not like you're gonna get any taller, just chunkier from now on."

"Maybe I'm just blessed with a high metabolism," Mikey shrugged, "What can I say?"

"I suppose it would be easier to talk about the heavy stuff while we're eating," Leo stated as the four of them headed for the kitchen. "Would anyone like to volunteer to get lunch ready?"

"That depends," Raph stepped forward, "Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches OK with everyone?"

Everyone else shrugged an "OK."

Raph continued, "And I'll also volunteer for dinner tonight, if everyone is OK with either cereal or macaroni and cheese."

"Go for it, Raphie," Don patted him, "It would be a step up from the ramen noodles I was gonna eat while I study."

As they entered the kitchen, and Raph started getting out the sandwich fixings, Leo leaned in close to Raph, "OK, Bro, what's the catch?"

"What?" Raph tried to look innocent, "Do you question my motives for wanting to treat my family to a decent meal? Especially while I have a knife in my hand?" He pretended to brandish the knife as if it were a weapon, even though it was covered in peanut butter.

Leo chuckled, "I mean, lunch and dinner? Do you have something else going on, where you want me to cut you a break with the chore assignments? Come on, Raph."

Raph gave up and set down the knife, "Alright, it's because I was hoping to go hang out with Casey after work tonight. We may catch a movie or hang out, and it may be two in the morning before I come back home. Anyways, I know you're in charge, and I don't wanna waste time arguing with you, but I really wanna blow some steam with Casey. Please!"

Leo laughed, "Just promise me you won't get in any fights. Splinter is out of the country, so we have no 'Weapon of Mass Destruction' to come rescue you in a fight. Deal?"

Raph grimaced a little, but then turned back to face his older brother, "OK, deal." The two of them shook hands.

Raph released from the handshake and turned back to pick up the knife, "So, Leo, do you want your peanut butter smooth or crunchy?"