N/A: I'm back! I hope you enjoy this. Now I have a few warnings about this story. There will be language (amount may vary) Blood and ghore perhaps. I'll try not make it too bad. I will be having brotherly fluff (not sure how that's a warning? But for those who have weak hearts Watch Out for this chapter! LOL That's about it. OKay, I've wasted enough time.

Raph: I have to say, this may not be that bad.

Leo: I like the end of this chapter.

Raph: (smirks)

Chapter 4: Little Brothers

Jayden opened his eyes, and found a large arm around his shoulder. He turned his dazed head to the side, and saw a giant turtle laid next to him. The creatures arm was draped over his shoulder, holding him in a small embrace. Jayden did not know what to think of the odd interaction, but let it go. At least he was being welcomed warmly, no pun intended.

Slowly, he got up, and sat down in the middle of the room, cross-legged. Folding his hands in his lap, closing his eyes, he slowed down his breathing, and began to control thoughts. His mind ran over what recently happened: his rescue, seeing Raphael and his family. A small bit of happiness sparked inside him. For the first time in years, he felt somewhat happy, like someone cared for him.

A small smile graced his lips. Be strong and of good courage, he remembered. One verse he remembered that always stuck with him. Every time he thought about it he found the strength necessary to overcome any obstacle. However, not because he heard it from a preacher, because he could not give in if he was to move forward. It was not because it was written in a holy text, but it was because he wanted to create a better future for himself.

Even if it meant chewing himself on the inside, suppressing his urges to cry sometimes from his loneliness and isolation. Jayden always wondered if there was a place he could return to; where he would be accepted for who he was. A year ago, when he was fifteen, he met Raphael, or as he first appeared, Nightwatcher. He shared a lot about where he came from and how he grew up with the buffed turtle, and it seemed he was having a normal conversation for once. Even for a mutant, though he never thought it like that, Raphael was cool guy as they talked about weapons, different way of letting out anger (beating something up) and their tastes in weapons.

A warm feeling washed over him like ghost's comforting hand. In his perspective, Raphael was like his big brother. He opened his eyes, hearing quiet breathing. "I'm glad to have met all of you," he thanked the turtle lying in the bed, smiling. Looking at the clock, it read 5:30a.m. Getting up this early was normal for him anyways.

With one last thankful look at the turtle, he exited the room. Head pounding mildly, he clutched his noggin, and leaned against the wall outside the door. Grunting, he pried himself off the wall and forced himself to stand to his feet. Dragging himself to the railing, he folded his arms on the railing, taking a few pained breaths. Growling, he pulled himself off the bar, and sat against it.

Pain sprouted in his right side, causing him to clutch his ribs. He figured a few must have been either cracked or broken. Huffing, looked around the lair, and saw light leaking from a cracked door in the far corner of the room. It was probably Splinter using the candles. It was obvious to him that the elder was most likely meditating; he had seen candles used for that purpose.

Sighing, he folded his legs up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, laying his head on his knees with a sigh. "I have to be strong," he told himself. He took a deep breath, and grunted. No tears, no sadness, no looking back, no living in the past.

"Hey, are you alright?" a calm, level voice asked. Jayden slowly looked up. The turtle smiled. "You've only had a few days to recover. You need to rest," he advised

Jayden turned his head from him. "I'm fine," he said stubbornly. Rolling his eyes to the turtle, he asked, "Name?"

"Leonardo," he answered. He chuckled.

Jayden faced him with an irritated scowl. "What?" he demanded.

The turtle gave an amused smile. "You remind me of Raphael," he said.

Jayden rolled his eyes. "We're not the same," he said dully. "I may have a temper, but that does not mean you can liken me with him." He stood up and huffed. "Don't compare me to anyone but me! That is who I am." Leonardo took a few steps back. Jayden shook his head, and sighed. Putting a hand on his head, he said, a little more softly, "Listen, I don't mean to snap at you like that. It's just…I don't expect compassion around here. Let's just say I've been on my own for a long time."

Leonardo nodded, but frowned. "Care to tell me about it?" he asked.

Jayden closed his eyes and shook his head. Opening them, he said, "No, I don't. But all I want is to see the night sky for a while, to see the stars." Half smiling, he added, "Where I come from, it's always a beautiful sight that calms me down." He turned his back on the turtle. "And it's best if go now." With a hard voice, he asked Leonardo, "Are you gonna stop me?"

Leonardo did not know what to do. The kid was in bad shape, but that did not seem to be stopping him. So what could he do? Jayden figured Leonardo would try to stop him, and rant for taunting him. He was surprised when he heard his answer.

"Go if you want," he said. He gripped Jayden's shoulder though, and turned him around, facing him with a stern look. "However, I will let you go under the condition that you go with someone."

"Raphael," Jayden suggested quickly.

Leonardo took his shoulder off Jayden in a flash, standing frozen. "What?" he choked.

Jayden gave a confident look. He crossed his arm and nodded. "Raphael," he repeated. "He is the only one I trust besides Master Splinter." The voice was new to him. He never recalled speaking assertion like that.

Leonardo shook his head. "That won't work. Splinter doesn't let us out this early," he informed. "And also, with Raph—"

"Looks like I'm not the only rebel here anymore," a voice shrouded with a Brooklyn accent chuckled. They both turned around to see Raphael walking towards them from his room. "So, what's this about going topside?" he asked, smirking.

"Nothing Raphael," Leonardo said. "Just—"

Jayden piped in. "I snuck out of Leonardo's room. I was planning on going outside, he was skeptical about it, so then I told him I feel calmer when looking at the stars," he explained quickly. "Then he said that I can go unless someone goes with me. And I chose you."

"And let me guess," Raphael griped, irritated by the story already, "he said Splinter won't let us outside, and that I'm not exactly a wise choice?"

Jayden nodded. "Sounds like it to me."

Leonardo raised an eye ridge at Raphael's conclusion. "Now hold on," he interjected. "I did not say it was because I thought Raph was a bad choice. And if I remember correctly, you, "he pointed to Jayden, "interrupted me!"

Raphael sighed, and folded his arms. "So, the real reason is?"

"I…" Leonardo choked on his words. He looked down, and exhaled. His eyes were met with defeat. "I didn't want you going all vigilante, and end up risking Jayden's life."

Raphael put a hand on his brother's shoulder, making him look up. "Now let's get something straight," he said calmly, but sternly. "First, Nightwatcher is dead. He ain't coming back. Second, why would I put a kid I've known for a year in danger because of my recklessness? Am I that stupid to you, Leo?" His voice grew harder as he spoke. "You honestly believe that I just might get someone killed? Leo, if you believe that, then you don't know me at all. So, I bring up the question again: Do you really think I'm going to risk someone's life because I was too hotheaded?"

"No," he said weakly. "I just don't—"
"Leonardo!" Raphael boomed. He took his hand of the shoulder, and said in a gentler tone, "It's not happening again, I swear it."

"Kensei," Jayden piped in, "You can trust him." Both turtles turned to him. "I met Raph when he was Nightwatcher, and, to be honest, a vigilante is someone who enforces the laws of community. Even though Raph's case was far different, in technical terms, he was doing the right thing…sort of." They stared dumbstruck at him. "New York City has one of the largest crime rates in the country, and the law is not capable of handling it. True, this is the job of the police, but what if the law isn't capable, and you're laying around in your office or home, and you've seen like five people getting mugged in one day?" he demanded.

He took a long, deep breath. It was almost exhausting to talk, but he could tell that they were captured by his words. Exhaling, he continued. "I've lived on the streets of New York for years," he informed. "So I know what I'm talking about. I've seen it all, and it burned into my skull. Nightwatcher was actually doing some good, though I never approved of the way he did it. You would go to the police first, and if the law isn't capable of containing the violence, what do you do?" He waited a few seconds before answering. "Take the law into your own hands, but as a last resort."

The two turtles' nodded in understanding. Jayden smirked, confident he made his point, striking a deep target in each of them. "I may be a kid, but that doesn't mean I can't be wise," he joked, chuckling to lighten the mood. "Age is but a number." And he walked down to the main level.

Raphael blinked. Turning to Leonardo, he murmured with a smirk, "I think you just got replaced as Splinter Jr."

Leonardo crossed his arms, and laughed, "Let him have the name. I won't miss it." He glanced at Jayden, who was almost at the door. "You might want to hurry up," he suggested.

The bulky turtle glanced back, and shook his head, amused. "And everyone says I'm impatient," he sighed. Winking at his brother, he jumped of the railing, landing on the main floor. "Yo, wait up!"

Out in the cool night air made Jayden feel more comfortable. No rules, no regulations, or one saying what he had to be; it was just him and clouds, peacefulness. Sitting on the edge of the rooftop was mildly uncomfortable for him. He enjoyed the thrill and adrenaline rush every time he thought he might fall off. Gazing at the stars, his eyes eyes sparkled with wonder.

Jayden sometimes pondered when he was little if the dead could watch over the living through the millions of white pecks. He mentally smirked, knowing what the answer was. Taking his gaze of the beauty of the sky, he commented, "Good thing the sun doesn't rise for another few hours."

Raphael sat next to him, arms folded. "Nice sight ain't it?" he asked casually.

Jayden glanced at Raphael and nodded. "Damn right!" he agreed.

Raphael's eyes narrowed. Huffing, he asked, "Do you always have to swear?"

Jayden hung his head, and raised his eyebrow seriously. "Umm, I think I missed something. But you're not exactly in the position to criticize my cursing, since you can't go one day without saying 'damn' or 'fuck.'"

Raphael rolled his eyes, and looked back at the city. "Whatever…" he mouthed out. The red-banded turtle sighed, then turned around. "Sup, Casey," he greeted.

Jayden spun around, and saw a grown man, probably mid twenties, wearing a hockey mask. He stood, and jumped off the ledge. Getting a closer look, the figure held a steel bat, and a golf bag was slung on his back. "Who are you?" he asked in a defensive voice.

The man took off the mask, revealing a long, angular face, which had a smug smile on. "Casey Jones," he replied, voice also covered in a Brooklyn accent, but slightly lighter than Raphael's. Walking up to them, he waved to Raphael, who rose. "I didn't know you had a twin, Raphie?" he joked.

Jayden saw Raphael clench his fist. Yeah, this was a good start. Last thing he wanted was Raphael getting angry at some idiot. Stepping in, his said sourly, "If you want to see a twin, you should compare yourself to a bucket of shit," Jayden retorted. "You look terrible, dude."

Casey narrowed his eyes at Jayden. "Heh, my mistake." He laughed. "You're more ferocious than Raph." Jayden rolled his eyes at the 'clever' comparison. He could not have cared less about.

"Case, that's enough," Raphael ordered, keeping his voice at a calm level. "What are you doing out here anyway?" He pointed to Jayden. "You know my family's been taking care of him for the past three days! I'm not going on any vigilante runs with you."

Casey gave a playful smirk. "I know. I wanted to talk to you for a bit." He glanced back at Jayden. "Splinter informed me and April of everything." He chocked his head at the tan teenager. "He seems just as rebellious as you when were his age."

Jayden turned away, and returned to his seat on the edge of the building. He snorted. Compared with Raphael, really? Narrowing his eyes down the streets, he punched the stone beneath him. Sighing, he looked back up at the moon, feeling slightly calmer. "If you want to go Raphael, go ahead. I won't stop you," he said, exhausted. Then, he whispered, "It would not matter whether you were with me or not, it just is."

Raphael and Casey glanced at each other confusion, the proceeded to Jayden. Each sitting beside them, Casey asked, "What's wrong? I was just kidding about the whole 'Raph twin' thing." Jayden could hear the sincerity in his voice. "Hey, I just like having a good laugh. Plus, you looked…"

"Emotionless?" Jayden wondered.

Casey nodded. "Yeah." Blinking, he pulled one of his hanging feet onto the stone ledge they were sitting on, and rested his arms on it. "What happened to you besides the Foot taking you?"

"So that's what they're called," Jayden snarled quietly. His arms laid upon his legs, fists clenching the torn fabric of his jeans. He shut his eyes fiercely, lowering his head as pictures of his torture and capture by the ninja. Rage built within his heart, shutting out every other emotion. He was beaten so many time in his cell, it led him to the point of screaming hysterically when someone tried to approach him.

He remembered the punches in his stomach, droplets of acid poured on his exposed skin, the thick blood that spread across the floor like a dark ominous flood. Screams of terror filled the cell, followed by sobs, and soon, loud cries. Pain struck through his heart and leapt out of his chest just from remembering the hellish trial. He shook his head, rubbing off the images swirling through his brain.

"Casey?" he asked.

"Yeah?" he replied.

Jayden's face fell to grief, his black eyes softening. "Do you know what it's like being alone?"

The question alarmed the muscled vigilante. But, somehow, Casey understood what he was talking about. "Yeah, I do," he said solemnly. He looked at Jayden with his blue eyes. "My mom died when I was a toddler. When I was about ten, my dad was killed by a gang called the Purple Dragons." He sighed. "For a long time I was fueled by rage. I didn't care what happened, so long as I could get revenge." Casey put a Jayden's head, and ruffled his hair. "By the time I was twenty, I met up with Raph, and he helped me get my anger out." He smiled, taking his palm of of Jayden's head. "And pretty soon, I somehow became part of the family."

After a few minutes of sweet silence, Raphael asked, "So what have you been up to over the year?"

"Getting by," came the blunt reply. Jayden's eyes narrowed. "The cities beautiful," he said honestly. "I just hate how people fend for themselves here." He sighed. "It's just screwed up." He looked at the turtle. "Until I met you way back when, I believed that living life would give me more hardships to endure alone." He chuckled. "It's because I met you that I could see there was hope again, Raphael."

The red masked turtle gave a cool smile. He glanced at Casey, who smiled from warm comment, then back to the kid. "You're welcome."

Jayden yawned, and rested his head on Raphael's shoulder. The movement was odd to Raphael at first, but then decided to let be. Wrapping his arm around the tanned boy's neck, he pulled into a half embrace, tight enough. Jayden rubbed his eyes; they grew heavy as time elapsed. "Thank you big brother," he whispered, before falling asleep on his shoulder. But, before he fell asleep, he thought he heard a quiet chuckle, and soft humming. However, it made everything better that way.

Michelangelo ran his figure under the characters. "Shikashi," he murmured, "anata…" He smiled and hummed to himself, confident. And they call me stupid, he thought. Well, no one has ever really 'called' him stupid, exept for Raphael, but he knew they thought it sometimes. Flipping the page, he yawned. The next set was in full Kanji. Groaning in disappointment, he shut the book, and rested his chin on the cover. He lay there on his stomach, slightly sunk into his messy bed.

He stared blankly at the wall, pondering his hotheaded brother, and his newfound brotherly kindness to Jayden. Raphael was normally the Angry Young Man, the Bad Boy, sometimes Psycho, but the only time when he was nice—as nice as he could get—was only with Casey of himself. He smiled slightly when he remembered the talk Raphael had with Splinter. Eavesdropping is such a terrible habit, but is very resourceful sometimes. A grin formed on his lips, he bolted upright, sitting on the edge of his bed.

A little brother… he mused. The term brought a warm smile. Jayden was now part of their family. Though he still wondered why his immediate older brother Donatello was being wroth with the the kid staying, Michelangelo believed that Jayden might help with patching up their family. Actually, it did not seem that far-fetched, could be possible. Stretching out his arms, he yawned, and rose off his bed, walking out to the railing that stood outside his room.

Looking down on the living area below, it was empty. Walking to Donatello's room on his left, he peered in. "Just a few more modifications to the Battle Shell…" he mumbled in his sleep. Michelangelo smiled. And they all thought he talked in his sleep when he had nightmares. An evil smile crossed the youngest turtle's face, tempted to either record or videotape his older brother. After a few seconds, he shook his head, whispering, "Count yourself lucky this time, Don."

Ducking out of the doorframe, he jumped the main level, landing softly on his feet. The Lair seemed full of life once again now that Leonardo had returned, but he could not shake the feeling that thick, tense air always loomed over the family when gathered together. Still some patching up to do, he supposed. Sitting in the couch, he flipped the TV on, a station was featuring Spirited Away by Miyazaki. Anime was something he and Leonardo found common ground.

The main reason Leonardo enjoyed movies like this was of use of Japan's mythology, creativity, artistic work, and the struggle of the protagonist. Michelangelo agreed with the artistic work, but he loved the effects, story, drama (Leo as well) and anything else that he would find interesting. He watched as the mouse was turned into the giant baby by the witch Yubaba, and the girl, Jihiro was given a chance at finding her parents. Grunting in disappointment, Michelangelo would have see if there was another listing for that movie, since it was almost over.

"Ohayo, Mikey," Leonardo's voice said. Turning around, his bright, blue eyes settled on his eldest brother. Leonardo jumped from behind the couch, and landed beside Michelangelo. "What are you watching?" he asked, innocently.

Michelangelo raised an eye ridge. Normally his brother was not this relaxed. After eyeing him curiously, he smiled, and said, "Okay, first: Show off. Second: Good Morning. And third: I'm watching the end of Spirited Away." He looked back at the television. Exhaling, he added, "And soon going to find another listing for the movie."

"I don't blame you," Leonardo said. "Movies like that, Rambo, Last of the Dogmen, and the Miyazaki moviesdon't come around too often." He paused. "Remember when we used to watch those movies when we were kids?"

"And I would be sleeping on your shoulder by the credits?" Michelangelo added, chuckling.

They both let out a laugh.

"Yeah, that too!" Leonardo agreed, smiling widely. Michelangelo could not remember the last time he had seen his brother so happy. "Good times."

Michelangelo grunted in agreement, nodding his head. His brother turned his attention to the screen, trying to catch the rest of the movie. He seemed more cheerful than he had been in the past weeks. He trained more, but actually knew when to stop, yet also found ways to keep spending time with family. He liked this new Leonardo that came back from Central America.

The major boost in maturity, understanding, as well as the fact he was much more calmed and more laid back compared to the one that was sixteen. They were all traits of a good leader, but it cost him dearly: For the family, without the eldest, meant separation and division within the clan, and team, each looking after their own back. Michelangelo realized this when he failed to return on times. After three weeks past, he came to forgive Leonardo, same as the others, while at the same time, the three younger turtles had to forgive themselves.

He remembered what "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" meant for the early Americans when they fought tooth and nail for their independence and freedom. Reflecting on his experience in the last two years, now he fully realized what they meant. "A house divided cannot stand," he thought aloud.

Leonardo turned to his youngest brother, a questioning look in his eyes. "Where did that come from?"

Michelangelo glanced at his brother with low eyes. "I was thinking about the last two years when you were gone, and what I learned out of it."

Brown eyes widened a little after hearing those words. This unexpected for Leonardo to hear. Mikey was actually contemplating carefully about the two years, and discovered something out of it? "What is it, Mikey?" he asked curiously.

Michelangelo took a deep breath. Many things had changed over the years. Apparently, to the brothers' surprise, Michelangelo had grown some understanding and reflection even he was unaware. "I learned that we need to stay together no matter what happens. And that we must be able to look after one another, and get over the stupid appearances that we already assume so much about that person." He sighed, feeling embarrassed. "I know I goof around a lot, but I do it to put a smile on your face." He gave a sheepish smile. "And other times just to annoy the hell out of you three, especially Raph, just because I feel like!" he laughed.

Leonardo smiled, proud of his youngest brother showing how he matured. "I'm sorry I didn't come back, Mikey," he apologized as sincerely as he could. "You have no idea how many times I wish I came back on time, but let the forest get to me. I forgot about everybody I knew because I being selfish with my freedom."

"Leo," Michelangelo murmured seriously, "if you didn't come back, and we still had Don as Leader…I would end up taking the role myself if it came to that. That, or I'd make Splinter give it to Raph." He looked down and gulped. "But…if I did rebel against Sensei, and take the role, despite whatever he says, I would be doing it because it would be the right thing to do. Don just wants to be a scientist, and I'm more than what look on the outside. But…" he trailed off.

Leonardo put a hand on his shoulder, trying to encourage him. "Come on, say what's your mind," he encouraged. "I won't laugh, or be angry with you."

Michelangelo rolled his eyes to Leonardo. Typical Leonardo, always being the the big brother to turn to, he mused. Taking a few breaths, he asked in a shaky voice, "But would you hate me if the others preferred me as Leader instead of you?"

Leonardo froze for a moment. Did he really think he could hate him if the others preferred the orange-banded turtle as leader? The orange-banded turtle kept his eyes downcast, unable to look the older turtle in face. He thought about the whole situation for a moment. What if Michelangelo did become Leader, and the others favored him over Leonardo? He could not blame them. After all, he had abandoned his family until April discovered the Ghost of the Jungle, so how could he be upset?

Then there was the inner turmoil in the family. Raphael slept all day, staying up all night protecting the city, and fighting with Donatello, who refused to stand his ground against him. Speaking of Donatello, he was more concerned about science and being an engineer than anything else. But Michelangelo?

No one really knew much about Michelangelo except the fact he was the Party Dude. Yet, Leonardo could see him taking charge, he's never been afraid to speak up. Given the circumstances the family as facing, Mikey may be best choice for leader, he is the perfect choice to get anyone out of negative thoughts. Who knows, maybe the Little One could do a better job him. Leonardo could only smile at the thought Michelangelo leading the team.

It seemed sort of adorable, in a brotherly way. "Mikey," he began, using a gentle voice, "It must've been Hell when I was gone." Michelangelo turned his head to Leonardo, eyes showing that he was right. "Honestly, if Donny couldn't handle it, and you were serious about taking charge, then I would not hate you if the others wanted you instead of me."

Blue eyes widened once he heard that statement. A thankful smile graced his lips as he felt relief. "Thanks bro," he said gratefully. Michelangelo let out relieved breath. "Man, last two years were insane," he moaned in his cheerful toan. Leonardo agreed. "I never would have thought you'd end up as a villages' vigilante, Leo." He gave a mischievous grin. "Ah, Raphael as Night Watcher, and Leonardo as Ghost of the Jungle!" Mikey used an announcing voice like it was a wrestling match. "Way too awesome."

Leonardo rolled his eyes. Now that his family knew about his masquerade as the Ghost, Michelangelo would fandom about it like he did with Night Watcher. A groan escaped Leonardo's lips. "Mikey, could please not blurt those two things out," he pleaded his little brother. "You know that reminds me of when I abandoned—"

Michelangelo cut him off quickly, voice hard. Eye ridges crossing, Michelangelo barked, "Stop blaming yourself! You did what you had to do, that was it. Not bad, not good, it just is." He poked the light green-skinned turtle in the chest. "And if you keep guilt tripping yourself, Leo," Michelangelo glared at him with daggers, a look he never used on anyone before, "I won't be a afraid kick your ass into reality."

That shocked him big time. Leonardo stared dumbstruck, watching the aqua turtle turn his head slightly, looking down again. "I'm sorry…" He pulled his little brother into an embrace that was soon returned. "I really do have to stop doing that."

"Yeah, you do," the little one agreed, burying his head into Leonardo's shoulder. Braking away, Michelangelo yawned, rested his against his shoulder. Within a few minutes, he was asleep like Jayden was with Raphael back on the roofs.

Kensei: Sword Master.

Shikashi: But (conjunction)

Anata: You.

(N/A: Alright, to sappy? I HATE doing that. Also, I'm trying to make Raph a little softer with Jayden, am I doing it right? Also, do you thing I got Mikey right, because I think I did. Remember, I'm trying to make him a little more mature, but still keep the fun in his character. Also, I really want you guys to give constructive criticism. Better to say HOW a story is good or HOW it's bad is a good reward for writers to grow. Don't just say what we want to hear. I was listening to Saika on youtube while writing this, I thought it fit this heart-warming chpater)

Mikey: That ending was sweet!

Don: Okay, how am I like deleted out of this?

TS: Because I'm getting ready to get you fight a certain someone... (evil laugh)

Read and Review if you want more!