AN- Well, it seems I have the attention of some of you. And just to let everyone know, this won't be just a prequel. As the story goes on, the turtles will age, and I plan on going up to and past the events that lead to the fight with the Shredder. On with the show!

"Splinter, where are we going?" The eight year old Leonardo asked, tugging on the edge of his adopted father's robe.

The wise rat's hand came to rest on his son's head. "You must not worry about the destination, Leonardo, as much as you worry about the journey that leads you there."

Leonardo nodded, trying his best not to look confused. Splinter smiled. "One day, it will make sense. Now, all of you, gather around me. I have presents for all of you."

At the sound of presents, all of the young turtles' faces lit up. The youngest shouldered his way in front of his brothers. "Ooh! Me! Me first! Presents!"

"Patience, Michaelangelo." From behind his back, Splinter revealed a fairly worn looking piece of wood, with four wheels attached to the bottom. Michaelangelo grabbed it from his father's hands, eager to play with his new toy. He set it down upside down on the floor and spun the wheels with his hand. After several moments, he looked up sheepishly. "Um, what's it do?"

Splinter shook his head, trying to hide the look of amusment on his face. "Now you understand the value of patience." The young turtle smiled and nodded his head enthusiastically. With a small smirk, Splinter turned the board over, allowing the wheels to touch the floor. "You ride on it, my son. But you must be carefu-"

"Whoo!" Michelangelo jumped on, gliding forward for a few feet before losing his balance, sending himself and the board flying into the air. He rolled to a stop in front of his brothers, who all burst out laughing.

"Michealangelo! What did I just say about patience?"

"You said now I understand the value of it?"

Splinter sighed. "Obviously you do not. Now, ride carefully and slowly, and see if you can go around the whole area. Do not wander too far."

Michelangelo nodded, unsteadily climbing back onto the skateboard. After several accidents, Michealangelo dissapeared from view. Now Splinter turned back to his other sons. Donatello went to open his mouth, but Raphael pushed him aside. "So what did you get me?"

"Did you not learn the lesson of patience? You will all recieve your gifts in time. Now, wait your turn, Raphael!"

Raphael scowled. He hated hearing his full name. Mostly because it was only used when he was in trouble. The few times he wasn't in trouble, he preferred to be called Raph. "Yes, Splinter..." He growled slightly as he heard a faint chuckle come from Donatello. Oh, you wait till later, Donnie... Splinter won't always be there to protect you.

"Now, all three of you, come closer."

All differences lost to the thought of gifts, the three turtles gathered around their father. From the recesses of his robe, he produced three sets of weapons. The katana, the sai, and the bo staff. He handed each turtle their weapon. Raphael and Donatello looked at their weapons in confusion. "What are these for?"

Leonardo swung his swords around inexpertly. "I know!"

Raphael rolled his eyes. "Oh, of course you know. You just think you're so cool, don't you, Leo?"

The eldest turtle stuck out his toungue. "Shut up, Raphael. Heroes use these to fight bad guys! I saw them in a comic book once."

Splinter nodded. "Leonardo is correct. These are weapons, used to strike down evil. They are used to protect your family. With proper training, no evil will be able to hurt you or your younger brother. You will no longer need to live in fear."

Leonardo listened with awe in his eyes. "You mean, we can be ninja like you?"

"From this day forth, you will refer to me as sensei. Your training will be harsh, but it will bear great results. I believe in you all. Together, no force will be able to stop you."

Donatello scratched his head. "But, what about Mikey?"

Splinter shook his head. "Your brother is too young, too unfocused. It will be your job to protect him. That is the way of a true ninja. Now, enjoy the rest of the day, as your training begins tommorow!"

The three turtles nodded. "Yes, sensei."

AN- Yes, I am aware these chapters are short. I would have done this chapter sooner, but I caught a nasty flu, and Nyquil induced psychosis is not the best time to write a chapter, i think. I just wanted to introduce my versions of the young turtles, and show a bit of characterization. New chapter will be up soon, bar any sort of catastrophy. See you soon, and keep reviewing. it does drive me to work harder.