Hooray the second chapter has arrived so thank you all for waiting! You'll be learning who this mystery Nightwatcher fellow is soon enough, but before that enjoy! Reviews are very much appreciated and I'll try my best to respond! Thank you :)

Mikey knew what the right thing was to do: get out of there without leaving a trace. Because that's what good ninjas did…and also what Leo constantly reminded them to do in these types of situations. 'Never get the public involved…' The youngest could practically hear Leo's usual lecture in his head, '…unless someone is in mortal danger or it's a Purple Dragon or the Foot, don't ever expose yourself more than necessary.'

And yet…

Mikey snuck another peek at the Nightwatcher. He just couldn't go through with being a good ninja and let this opportunity slip by—he may never run into the guy again! Sure, this metal-and-leather-clad figure could be merely a crazy vigilante who liked to be tied up in all kinds of trouble at night in the City, but then again, maybe he could be an important ally to the turtles, fighting for justice. And maybe he could sign Mikey's collectible Nightwatcher action figure, complete with custom motorcycle. Well, after saving the city, of course.

"Hey, don't make me start swinging this manriki around."

The turtle jerked out of his deliberation when he heard the Nighwatcher's low voice yet another time. There was the distinct sound of a chain being dragged against the rough ground. Whatever this 'manriki' was, it sure didn't sound friendly.

"If ya come out quietly, I promise I won't hurt ya, okay?"

Mikey could tell that this manriki-wielding guy was farther away than last time, so he probably wouldn't have to worry about revealing his true form. Knowing he could still partially stay in the shadows, Mikey made up his mind and stood up suddenly. The Nightwatcher's back was to him at the moment and it made Mikey hesitate for a second, wondering if this was a bad idea. Then again, he totally had more than enough ninja skills to make up for any potential problems, so…

Mikey cleared his throat to catch the other's attention. "Um, hello? Mr. Nightwatcher…sir?" The vigilante whipped around in surprise so fast that Mikey felt the need to apologize. "S-sorry to disturb you and all, but ah…" Mikey stared at the hulking metal form in front of him. "You are the Nightwatcher, right? Just to be sure…"

The helmet of the suit gave a swift nod. "A'course I am. Who else would I be?"

Mikey relaxed instantly. But after the next second when the Nightwatcher started to make his way toward the turtle, Mikey hid a little more of his body into the shadows, now a little nervous. On any other day, he might have just run up and hugged the guy…but Mikey couldn't help but feel shy in such a strong presence.

"Hey, kid, why are ya hiding from me all of a sudden?" The Nightwatcher paused to put his weapon away. "I promised I wouldn't hurt ya." His voice dropped to a softer tone.

"Right," Mikey answered. He stepped a little ways away from the shadows of the roof and hoped the night's dim shade would provide enough darkness to conceal Mikey's non-human shape. The guy wasn't screaming or fainting or anything, so Mikey guessed that the Nightwatcher couldn't see him well enough. He looked back up at the Nightwatcher with a little more confidence. "And I'm not a kid, dude."

The Nightwatcher scoffed. "Yeah? Could'a fooled me."

"But I am your biggest fan!" Mikey exclaimed. "I've seen you on TV and word on the streets is you're taking out as many bad guys as you did a year ago."

"Yeah? Well, nice ta know I'm getting some recognition," the Nightwatcher chuckled. He gripped the manriki secured on his belt. "I need all the publicity I can get in this godforsaken town," he muttered under his breath, almost too quiet for Mikey to hear.

The orange-banded turtle cocked his head. "Publicity? I thought you were the type to stay in the shadows." He gave one of his trademark smiles. "I mean, you should know that chicks dig the mysterious guys." The Nightwatcher was caught-off guard by the wide smile and laughed out loud, startling Mikey. "W-what?"

The Nightwatcher calmed down. "Yer pretty funny aren't you?"

Mikey beamed at the comment. "Only to those with a good sense of humor!" He could tell the Nightwatcher was smiling, even if he couldn't see his face behind the mask.

"Really, now." The vigilante paused for a moment, remembering his original train of thought. "I don't do this for the chicks, kid. I…gotta score to settle."

"What does that mean?" Mikey asked.

"Nevermind, kid. Ya wouldn't understand—it's grownup stuff."

Mikey pouted. "I would to!" He crossed his arms, and the Nightwatcher did the same. A mental image of Raph crossing his arms popped up and Mikey suddenly remembered the argument earlier that day. "Hey…" Mikey spoke softly. "Why'd you leave in the first place?"

The Nightwatcher rubbed the back of his helmet awkwardly. "You mean why'd I disappear for a year?"

"Yeah." Mikey gazed imploringly at the metal-clad vigilante before him. "You were my hero, you know."

"I hear ya," sighed the Nightwatcher. He looked away from Mikey's searching eyes that glinted ever so slightly with the reflected light from the city below. "I guess I realized that someone else needed my protection at the time." He shrugged. "It's over now, though."

Mikey nodded understandingly. "You know, you kind of remind me of my brother Raph." A faint grin lifted his lips. "He sure is a knucklehead."

"You callin' me a knucklehead?"

"Oh no, of course not!" Mikey shook his head fervently. "He's just the protective type, that's all. In fact—"

The loud wail of a siren cut Mikey off and the Nightwatcher instantly ran to the edge of the building. After watching a squad of police cars go by, he looked over his shoulder to the shadowed form of Mikey. "Sorry, I've gotta go."

"Duty calls, huh?" Mikey said, sad that his favorite hero had to go so soon.

"You said it, kid. See ya around." The Nightwatcher gave a salute and jumped down to the building's fire escape.

Mikey sighed as he saw the metal figure vanish in the jungle of tall buildings. He suddenly smacked his own head. "Crap! It's gotta be seriously late…I need to get home!" He started to run in the direction he had come from.

"And wait 'till I rub this in my bros' faces!"