It was only a month later when it was time to ship out. Donatello got excused from his classes to his family off and to get Mikey settled. They spoke with the Jones and when Donnie was not in class he would be staying with Mikey. In their fathers absence he was Mikey's guardian.

The airport was full of families, human and mutants. Women and children were holding flags. The men were all dressed in their fatigues. Their bags by their sides. Fathers held their children in one arm and their other around their wives. Mothers held their sons crying.

The Hamato family was in the front. A mutant leading a mostly human platoon was unheard of, but this was the famed and well decorated Hamato Yoshi. Leonardo stood next to his father. He was second in charge. While Raph was a private. The younger of the twins hated structure and rules. That's why he chose work rather than join the military, but now this was different. The country they called home was under attack and that did not sit well with the self taught we fighter.

Donnie was seated off to the side. He was dressed in shirt and wore a purple tie, his glasses in his pocket. Mikey was dressed up too. He was sitting next to the youngest of his oldest brothers. Mikey was tightly holding a teddy bear his father got him. The bear was dressed in military fatigues. Each Donatello and Michelangelo wore American flags on their lapels.

Donatello was talking to a red headed girl. She was smiling, but her cheeks were stained with tears. She was one of the new military brides. Girls were marrying so if anyone were to happen to their beloveds they would receive benefits from then. Military wives also got priority mail and special government checks.

"Mikey," Donnie called over in in typical calm voice, "I have someone for you to meet."

Mikey looked up at his brother and the red head, "this is April O'Neil...well rather Jones. Say hi to her. She will he helping watch you."

"Hello Mikey," she said smiling sweetly. She was well dressed. He father was killed in another war and she received a great deal of money from the government for her loss.

"Hi..." Mikey mumbled.

"Mikey," Donnie said sternly.

"No it's okay Don. He's scared. He never met me." She knelt down next to the turtle, "I went to school with your brothers. Our dads were best friends!"

Mikey seemed less than impressed. "Sorry," Donnie said nervously apologizing for his brother."

"It's okay. He's scared. He was not born when our dads when to war." April sighed. She was five when her father died. She knew what the young turtle was feeling. "I know it's scary. Don't worry though okay? Your dad is smart and he will come back to you safe. I just know it!" Just then a slim tall dark haired name came up behind April and spun her around. "Casey!" She laughed turning bright pink.

"Who is this?" Casey said going down to one knee looking over Mikey.

"This is Mikey. He will be staying with me during the war," she said.

"You fighting with my brothers and daddy?" Mikey asked in a voice hardly about a whisper.

"Of course! We were going to get these bad guys and your dad will lead the way!" Casey smiled. He was the classic all American boy. He was the captain and quarterback for his high school. He used to live in Massachusetts, but after high school he moved to New York for college. That's how he met April.

"Casey was a quarterback like Leo was," Donnie said.

"Really I wanna be a quarterback too!" Mikey said. "Raph was Leo's left tackle! He made sure Leo did not get hurt!"

Casey smiled, "they're twins right?"

"Yeah," Mikey said.

Splinter stood up. It was time to leave. Mikey ran over to him. "Daddy please don't go!" Yoshi took this youngest son in his arms. Mikey was cry along with the other children and the women. Donnie was trying to be strong. He felt guilty for not going, but being enrolled in college exempted you. Especially the men going to become doctors. Donnie would be have to help the war effort in his own way.

Everyone grew silent once Splinter calmed his son and raised his hand.

"Greeting," he said keeping calm. "It is with a heavy heart I lead your sons, brothers, and husbands into battle to fight dictator Oroku Saki." There was a rousing boo. Saki was slowly taking over the smaller countries. Now he stepped too far. He had sent men to attack the United States. Once the crowd was quieted again Yoshi continued, "now he has attacked our home! We must keep him at bay, and stop him from bringing the war to our land. We must help our sister nations to be free of this faceless demon! Together we stand!" Everyone cheered. Yoshi was now known for long speeches. His short ones were usually perfect.

Donatello came over and took Mikey as Splinter picked up his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. The rest of the soldiers followed suit. The trucks her coming. A silence fell over the crowd. Splinter hugged his two youngest sons tightly.

"Donatello, it is up to you to watch over Michelangelo. In the event of my death he will be your charge."

"I..." Donnie said at a loss for words. He knew he would watch over Mikey while his father was gone, but never thought of what would happen if his father were to die.

"I know it will be hard with your schooling, but I am sure Miss O'Neil will help you."

"I will do my best," Donnie said hugging his father.

"I know you will," Splinter smiled warmly. "Now my dear little Michelangelo. You will be a good boy for Miss O'Neil won't you? And be sure to do your homework."

Mikey cried into his father's chest, "I will miss you! I will write all of you every day!"

Splinter held the young turtle tightly, "I look forward to your letters."

Leo and Raph came forward to if fair well to their brothers.

"Sorry I'm not by your side," Donnie said.

"It's okay," Leo said, "you go and become a great doctor! So you can get us back into shape if we get hurt."

"I got you bro," Raph said draping his arm around his twin. Donnie laughed as Raph pulled them all into a bear hug.

"You be good Mikey. I can't wait for your letters," Leo smiled, "I can read them to Raph."

Mikey laughed, "Rapie can read silly!"

"Oh really?" Leo teased.

They tried to keep their spirits up for Mikey, and themselves. They all loved their baby brother.

Several more minutes and can conversations passed, "move out!" Brigadier General Yoshi called.