A/N: Hello, Ninja Turtle fandom! Boy, I have not written a story for here yet, have I? Well! Good thing my friend and I came up with this AU! If you are interested in more details, go ahead and look up our page Rise Possession AU on tumblr or find us at K-Zittles or emmuffindoodles for more content! Without further ado, please enjoy your featured presentation! Or rather featured chapter...

~Chapter One: Because Hugs Help...~

"Ha! Oh Warren Stone, you always were a funny guy." April wiped away a tear from her eye as she stared at her phone screen, "That, and handsome." she would not be afraid to admit, but watching Warren Stone videos in his… human days was one of her guilty pleasures.

The sound of a sewer lid closing, however startled April as she sat up on the sofa. Brown eyes scanned over to the entrance of the lair as she watched two figures make their way in. "Hey guys!" she called, parkouring off the back of the padded sofa. "How was the mission….?" her voice faltered as she looked on at the turtle brothers.

Mikey walked in first, his countenance seeming more nervous than chipper as he usually was, "Ah…. best not to ask…" he made his way passed April as Donnie came in next.

"D?" yet again, no clear answer. Just a shake of his head as he turned her around and began directing her towards the kitchen. Ah, so that's where this was going. "Fight?" she inquired. Donnie nodded. Her suspicions were further confirmed as Raph and Leo made their way into the lair and she could hear their arguing begin.

….

To say Leo was steaming would be an understatement. He was FUMING. The plan Raph had set out was simple enough; get the shard, kick some shell on the way in and out, and get home with no problems. But because of one minor mishap that was not his fault, mind you, they had lost part of the armor and gotten their shells handed to them instead.

Now, a defeat they could handle. Was it discouraging? Yes. But was it easy to come back from? Oh, absolutely. But when your brother/leader blames YOU for the failure instead of admitting they were not prepared for improvising a plan? Now THAT was hurtful.

As he and Raph made their way into the lair, Leo could not help but make a remark to show his own frustration, "I guess it could've gone worse." he sneered.

"AGH!" The older brother slammed his fist into the nearest wall. Leo flinched at the great dent in the concrete. Good thing that wasn't his head, "We HAD IT!" Raph yelled out in frustration, "We had it, Leo! Then you went rogue!"

Leo stopped dead and held up his hands, "WOAH! Wait a minute. I didn't go rogue, I had to improvise!" Taking a breath, the slider decided that calmly explaining his actions would be better than full on blowing up, "Raph, there were WAY too many Foot goons out there. The original plan wouldn't have worked. I had to improvise on my part or else they would have sliced us to bits!"

Raph turned round on him, "You don't know that!"

The younger folded his arms defiantly, "From where I was standing, pretty sure I did." he watched as a wave of emotions swept across his brother's face; from understanding to annoyance to anger. The last thing Leo wanted was to upset his brother even more than he already had, but he just had to make Raph see his own point of view. Leo sighed, "Look, Raph. I'm not trying to say that the plan wasn't great- cause it was! But sometimes things don't work out the way we hope and I just….. I thought that I had to do something, you know?"

Raph gave a grunt of annoyance, "Maybe so, but you still could have warned us." Despite the conversation seeming to go well, Leo could not help the wave of annoyance that came after that comment. Why did his older brother have to be so stubborn sometimes?

The slider pinched the bridge of his beak, "Look," he rubbed at his face, "I know that since we've started actually training with Splinter you want to do your best at being leader. But I think maybe instead of simply coming up with and sticking with the plans, we need to learn to be more flexible." the second the words left his mouth, he knew he crossed a certain line. But really? At that moment he did not care. It needed to be said.

But of course, Raphael was not too happy about that as Leonardo watched the fury cross the latter's face, "When I want your opinion on how I run this team, I'll ask for it!" he thundered.

And Leo thundered right back, "Raph! We have to learn how to improvise your plans on the spot in case anymore surprises like this happen!"

"That's why we have the weapons, Leo! To make sure any surprises can be dealt with!" he scoffed, "Well, at least some of us know how to use our weapons sufficiently now."

A sharp pain pierced into Leo's heart. Okay, so he wasn't the best when it came to using his portal sword. It…. had a temperament and did whatever it wanted instead of landing them where he wanted. But Raph didn't have to take it that far. Sucking up the pain (and the tears), Leo shot back, "And how long before we can't use them anymore, Raph, huh? We need to rely on our skills and adjustment strategies rather than just our weapons!"

Raph went right up to Leo's face, anger flashing, "But we can't do that right now! There's too much at stake!"

Leo went ahead and got right up into his brother's face, too, "But if we don't learn how then we won't win!"

"BUT-!"

"ENOUGH!" the two brothers ceased. They turned their heads as a smaller figure approached them.

"Dad!" they both exclaimed. They watched as their father angrily made his way to them, grumbling and mumbling the whole time.

Splinter raised a bushy eyebrow as he looked up at his two sons, "What on earth is going on here?" he looked from the red banded turtle to the blue. Instantly, both sons jumped into explanation- or rather a jumbled mess of an explanation. The small rat clutched at his ears, "CEASE YOUR JABBERING!" he let go of his ears, "Ugh," he stuck a pinky finger into his ear and began rubbing it, "what do I have to do to get some peace and quiet to watch my shows around here." he grumbled. A few seconds of silence went by before Splinter spoke again. He looked up at his sons, "Right, now Red," he turned to Raphael, "what happened out there? Orange and Purple said you two had a…. What did they say…. Falling out on the battlefield?"

"Yeah, you could say that." Raph gave a sharp look at his brother, "Mr. Genius over here though it would be a good idea to go solo."

Leo gave a defiant growl, "I told you, I wasn't going solo. It's called improvising. I was trying to get us out of therealive."

"YOU-!"

"RAPHAEL!" the oldest son shut his mouth as his dad warned him. Splinter nodded, "Hmph. It would seem the contention between the two of you has increased as of late."

Understatement, Leo thought. It was true, ever since Splinter started training- actually training them- the two brothers had….. Different ideas about how certain missions should be planned out. And with the Foot getting their hands on more armor the stress and tension had been at an all time high. According to Donnie, The Foot only needed one more piece…. If they didn't act as a team soon…..

"Leonardo." the slider snapped back to attention.

"You see?!" Raph shouted, his voice slightly hitching which cause Leo to momentarily want to snort (though he decided that would probably not be the best course of action). "He doesn't listen anymore, pops! How am I supposed to lead this team when Leo is trying to do his own thing."

Leo's eyes widened, "Hey! I'm not trying to do my own thing, I just-"

"SILENCE! Both of you!" Splinter gave a heavy sigh as his sons tuned down. "Blue, Red…." they both looked down at their dad waiting for whatever was coming next, "I may not be the best at being a Sensei, but as your father I want you both to say sorry to each other-"

"WHAT?!"

"AND THEN, go to your rooms! You are both done for the day. Tomorrow, I want you and your brothers to be out here, ready for more training. And be prepared for various types of training." Splinter gave a slight smile, "You do not think that the great Lou Jitsu did not improvise his own stunts and lines sometimes?"

A surge of pride swept through Leo. So, he's taking my side!

The happiness must have been apparent on his face because then Splinter added, "But that does not mean I am taking sides!" he looked at the leader of the so-called 'Mad Dogs', "But Leonardo is right. Sometimes, you must think on your feet if you are to bring you and your brothers back alive after a mission." It was amazing how much that statement seemed to anger Raph, but he tried his best not to let it show.

"Yeah, pops. Whatever you say."

Splinter nodded. "Now, shake hands, both of you. Then it is off to your rooms." the boys turned to face each other and as Leo looked up at his brother, he was taken aback by the storm rolling through his eyes. Despite this, they shook hands (Raph's being a little bit tighter than what was probably warranted) and without another word, left their father's presence.

The old rat watched their retreating backs and shook his head, "These kids…. No harmony at all."

….+++ +++...

Leo looked at his retreating brother, guilt swimming inside his gut. Despite their disagreement, he had to make it somewhat better. He picked up his step and called out, "Hey! Raph, wait a minute-"

"Not now, Leo." his concrete voice gave way that he was already on edge which led Leo to the conclusion that he should not speak to his brother in such a state.

But of course, he ignored that reasoning, "Raph, come on. I just wanted to say-"

"Say what, Leo?!" Raph revered at him, his towering body seemingly more larger than normal, "That you were right? That dad thinks you're right? That he practically called me out for being a bad leader?! That YOU practically called me a bad leader? That my plans sometimes do suck and that maybe I'm not cut out for this whole leader thing? Don't think I don't already know that, Leo! But I'm trying, okay? So what could you possibly say that doesn't already affect how I feel? HUH? TELL ME!"

It came as a surprise to Leo at how both of them had tears swimming in their eyes. He watched his brother huff and puff. A few seconds felt like an eternity as he tried to find the right words to say. His reply came out in a choked whisper, "I was just… I just wanted to say that I was sorry."

Both brothers stood there in silence, watching each other. The younger watched on as his older brother's anger lessened. Now, he just looked exhausted.

That wasn't right, Leo mused. They were only teenagers. They shouldn't be exhausted, right? They should be free to have fun. It's why he acted the way he did, because they were only teenagers…. But, he supposed that life as a mutant turtle seemed to disagree with him on that philosophy.

Raph gave a tired sigh, "Yeah…." Barely audible to hear he added, "'Night, Leo." without another word, the snapping turtle turned back to the direction of his room leaving his brother to stand in the hallway all alone.

As Leo watched on, he rubbed away at the tear streaming down his cheek. A tad surprised that it had escaped his eye. At that moment, he vowed to himself never to let this happen again. Not between him or any of his brothers. The next mission they'll figure out a plan, go through with it, get the last piece of armor, and finally stop the Foot.

They had to.

There was too much at stake for them to fail.

….+++ +++...

On the other side of the concrete, in a well hidden city in a villainous lair, Baron Draxum watched as the two Foot soldiers placed the piece they had recovered into the Armor. The piece formed nicely into the metal, forming a completed leg.

As the yokai watched on, he couldn't help the curiosity building inside him. It was amazing to him how something so ancient held so much power….. If that power could be tapped into or used by the right person…. They would be unstoppable.

His musings were cut short as the smaller, the Foot Lieutenant turned round to face him, "We have one more piece to find then the Armor will be complete." his raspy voice echoed through the cavern.

Draxum nodded, "Hm, yes. Then your master will be risen once again."

The Foot Brute gave a low growl, "Or at least he will be if those mutant turtles scum don't get to it first."

The mad-genius chuckled, "I wouldn't worry about them." he moved closer to the suit of armor as he spoke, hands behind his back, "You say how disorganized they were today. I do not think they will be a problem."

The Lieutenant scoffed, "That maybe so, but after so many encounters with them, we prefer not to treat them as just a group of stupid teenagers. They've foiled many of our plans-"

"And yet look how far you have gotten." Draxum gestured to the brilliant piece of armory in front of him. "Only one piece left to go then Shredder will be released and mayhem will be invoked upon the city as well as this wretched earth infested with…. humans."

"Yes, but the turtles still need to be taken care of. We don't want them foiling our plans when we are so close."

Baron Draxum let the Lieutenant's words sink in. He was right…. The turtles may have been a bumbling group but they were formidable at best. Even Big Mama still had trouble with them after they infiltrated her lair…..

Draxum straightened, an idea forming into his devious mind. He glanced back at the two, "You have said that the armor can have a host, correct? That it can possess whoever is fully encast in the armor?"

The two Foot gave each other questioning glances, "Yes." answered the Foot Brute.

The shorter folded his arms, squinting suspiciously at the mad scientist, "Why?" he questioned.

"Because," Baron Draxum turned his gaze back to stare at the lifeless eye sockets of the armor. Yes, he reasoned, it could work, "it would be a shame if one of those pests were to be lost to the influence of the Dark Armor's demon. Would it not?" he did not need to turn around to see the maniac smiles appearing onto the faces of his comrades.

"Yes," the Lieutenant chuckled darkly, "a shame indeed."

….+++ +++...

Leo gazed listlessly at the ceiling as a timid knock came at his door. "Come in." he replied quietly. A slight creak followed by specific shuffling feet alerted the older brother to who it was. Without looking, Leo gave a slight smile, "Hey, Mikey." his theory was confirmed as his baby brother climbed onto his bed.

Mikey sat cross-legged next to his big brother, "Hey, Leo." he spoke softly. Baby blues watched as Leo began to sit up.

"Whatcha doing up, Miguel?" Leo inquired, taking a quick glance at his alarm clock, "It's way past your bedtime, buddy." he commented jokingly.

Mikey rolled his eyes, "Leo, we hardly ever have bedtimes unless it's to get up early for a marathon…" he joked back. He tapped his chin in thought, "Or for regular training now, I guess." he added. He watched as Leo's gray eyes clouded over.

"Yeah," Leo looked down at his hands, "training." the simple statement left the two in silence. Michelangelo looked around his brother's room at the various posters and knick-knacks, quietly contemplating his brother's demeanor. Undoubtedly, Leo was still upset over his and Raph's fight- heck, the rest of them had heard most of it. At around the time when Splinter interrupted them, Donnie had suggested that April take her leave so she wouldn't be caught in the middle. She was reluctant at first but decided, too that it would be for the best. She had left with a small "good luck" and empathetic smile.

Ever since then, Donnie and Mikey had quietly listened to what was happening, both of them too nervous to go out and try to help their dad defuse the situation. Luckily, they didn't have to wait long as their father came back into the kitchen some time later and told them to get some rest as well. They complied but while Donnie seemed more than eager to get some well-needed sleep, Mikey had stayed up for hours. Too worried about all of his brothers to even close his eyes.

Finally, after much contemplation, he made up his mind and went to check on Leo. Somehow, Mikey knew that he needed someone to be with him. Maybe it was because they were both the youngest so it was a younger sibling thing or maybe it was because they were a bit closer than the rest. Either way, the baby of the family knew he was needed.

He looked back at his brother with sad eyes. The older had not moved an inch, still watching whatever was fascinating about his hands. Michelangelo decided that he needed to change that expression. So, very carefully, he began wrapping his arms around his brother's middle as he leaned in for a hug.

"Mike? What're you doing?" Leo inquired looking down at his baby.

The turtle in question gave his brother his best puppy dog eyes, "You need a hug, Leo."

The older chuckled, "Oh, is that so?" Mikey nodded, a warm feeling spreading inside him as a slight smile appeared onto his brother's face.

"Yes!" Mikey snuggled closer, letting his cheek squish against his brother's plastron, "Because hugs help." he could hear Leo's chest rumble with the slight chuckle he delivered.

It didn't take long for the terrapin to concede and hug his baby brother back. They closed their eyes and stayed like that for what seemed like forever, the warmth from each seeming to brighten up the still dark room.

"Thanks, Mikey." Leo mumbled, rubbing the smaller's head, "I needed this."

Mikey smiled, "Anytime, Leon." he tightened his hug, "Anytime."

A/N: Thank you for reading this first chapter! Updates may be a bit slow at first, but don't worry! We're working on it. :) Have an amazing day and stay radical!