Wow, more that 100 reviews or my first story! Thanks so much guys, you have no idea how much this means to me! I would list all the people I would like to thank so many people, but that list would be longer than the actual chapter. This took me days to make, but it is finally done! I have to say this was my favorite chapter to write, it's one of the few I actually had planned and stayed that way! About 4, 700 words! That may not seem like a lot to many people, but for me, it seems like a ton! (By the way, this is my second time writing this. My computer reset, and the chapter was almost done! This should have come out like four days ago...)

Oh, and I'm going on vacation this week, so there won't be an update. So sorry guys, but I hope this extra long chapter was enough to keep you satisfied and keep thinking about!

Mikey's Pov

That silence echoed off the pitch black walls as if he was in a cave. As he squinted his eyes, all he saw ahead of him was a never ending hall way.

"Hello?" Mikey called out, but quietness was the only thing that responded back to him. "Is anyone there?" Mikey tried again, but once more the silence greeted him back. Deciding there was nothing else he could do, he took the only path he could, forward.

It was weird walking. He was moving his legs and all, but instead of moving forward, the walls seemed to come to him. And every time that he thought he had made it out of this maze, an opening would pop up, and he would have to continue walking.

After what seemed as hours, who knew, it might actually have been, a blood red door popped up a few meters ahead of him. Finally! It wasn't his brothers or someone to tell him where he was, but it was something than dark oblivion! That had to count as something, right?

Mikey started moving his legs even faster, and the door starting advancing towards him quicker and quicker, and right before the door was going to crash into him, it opened up, showing a scene of him and his brothers the day they first went to the surface. It was like an opening scene in a play, but in fast motion, because then, the images started changing. Starting from there, it showed all the mistakes he made all the dumb questions he asked, his brother's reactions towards him. It was as if he was watching a movie being fast-forwarded, but he was unfortunate enough to see all the parts he desperately wanted to forget.

Mikey kept watching, unable to take his eyes off of the scene in front of him, when suddenly he wished he turned away when he had the chance, for he saw a sight that he was tried to eliminate from his mind for the past few days.

There were his brothers, arguing after that horribly gone wrong mission. Next, it showed his brothers talking about how they knew Mikey couldn't make it, and then showing Mikey trying harder, but never feeling good enough. Every terrible event that had happened the past few days showed, and the images started changing more rapidly than before, when suddenly it stopped. Mikey was surrounded from the darkness he thought he had eliminated just a few moments ago. That was, until a silver form started shimmering, until it completely formed, and Mikey gasped at who stood before him. Oruko Saki.

Hadn't Mikey suffered enough from the hands of this horrible man, or should he say, monster. Hadn't he been traumatized to the maximum already? Or was the world so cruel, that it decided he hadn't gone through enough?

"Why hello, puny turtle." The Shredder sneered.

Taking a deep breath, Mikey said in a neutral voice. "Why are you here Shredder? I'm really getting tired of you. Leave, now."

"My, isn't someone filled with confidence today. You see, I would be more than happy to oblige to your command, but sadly I cannot." Saki said with pretend pity. "Because, it is not possible for one to leave a place that truly doesn't exist."

'Doesn't truly exist, what does he mean? You can't be in a place that truly doesn't exist. That makes no sense. Oh, if only Donnie was here. He would know what it meant. Mikey was so tempted to ask these questions, but he wasn't about to give Shredder the satisfaction of confusion.

"What do you want Shredder? I have no time for your mind games." Mikey said. Wow, it sounded like he were Leo at this moment. That was something new.

"What do you mean you don't have time? As I said once, I repeat again, this place doesn't exist. And in a place that isn't real, there is no time. Time doesn't matter now, unlike in the real world." Shredder stated, an amused look in his eyes, searching to see if Mikey was perturbed yet.

"You are stalling Shredder. What is the real reason you came here?" Mikey asked, his voice surprisingly calm. Of course, most of the time, the way your voice sounds doesn't mean that is how you feel. Never had that been more true, for in this case, Mikey felt the exact opposite from what he was sounding. But some how and some way, he was able to keep his composure.

"Ah. So you are not as dumb as you act. Very well turtle, I am here to give, you a warning."

"What type pf warning?" Mikey asked with caution. He knew that Shredder wouldn't be here to have a tea party, but to warn his enemy, that was not what he expected.

"You see Michelangelo, I have something huge planned. Do you remember me new two recruits, Obsidian Black and Morgan Willow? I told you they had hacked into your systems, which you denied to believe. Well, not only have my new brilliant scientist come up with a way to hack into your system, they have found a way to hack into your mind."

"Hack into my mind! But-that's-how…You can't to do that! How's that's possible!"

"Oh yes I can Michelangelo. And it's perfectly possible, but I'll spare you the details. I have something huge planned, something that will make the human race mines!" Shredder roared.

Building up some courage, something in Mikey clicked. "There is one flaw in your plan Shredder. I already know it, you told me last time I saw you in my…er...nightmares, mind, wherever it was. The point is, once I get out of here, I could warn my family."

"That is where you went wrong turtle. Do you think I was really stupid enough to tell you my whole plan? What I told was a measly piece of the puzzle. Really nothing to what I really got planned." Shredder taunted.

"Then what are you up too Shredder? If not hacking into my father's mind and taking control of him isn't your plan, then what is?" Mikey questioned, but he knew there was a high chance he wouldn't get an answer.

"I am not here to tell you my master plan Michelangelo. I repeat for the last time, I have come to give you a warning. Your time is almost up, now that I have control of your mind, I can keep you trapped in it. Basically, you will be physically dead, but trapped in the horrors I will create in your mind. So say goodbye to your brothers, for it is the last time you will ever see them. And if you dare tell any of your family, especially the annoying know-it-all Donatello, I will come for them next. Understand?"

Mikey just stood there, speechless. So to sum it up, Shredder has a menacing plan that no one but him knows about, he had been deceived of Shredder's plan the whole time, and was being told in his face that he would die soon. Great, just great.

"I said, understand?" Oruko Saki growled.

This was such a difficult choice. Tell his brothers so he might be saved and live happily ever after, just to have Shredder take over their mind, or keep his mouth shut, not tell his brothers he knew his life was going to end, and never get to see his family again. What the shell was he going to do? But then, little by little the answer started to become clearer. His brothers wanted for him to change, which turned out instead of succeeding, he instead hurt them. They said they wanted another brother. Well, he may not be able to make that happen, but he could get rid of one brother for the. Himself. Plus, they would be safe for the time being. Sure, he knew Shredder would take control over their mind sooner or later, he wasn't stupid. But maybe it would give them enough time to realize what was happening. Mikey wasn't sure how they would figure that out, but with him out of the way, they could figure it out.

Yes, it was all coming to him now. It was time to stop caring for his life, quit being selfish, and look out for his brothers. Grant the wish they tried to hide from him until that awful night.

Looking Shredder in the eye, he said, "Understood."

"Very well, looks like our time for a chat is done Michelangelo." And Shredder started to dissolve. This time, Mikey wasn't scared or surprised. For an odd reason, he was at peace. Maye it was because this had somewhat happened before, or maybe the feeling as if he finally did something right. Yes, this one wish he would grant for his brothers would make up for all the mistakes he had made.

A blinding light rushed towards Mikey, and he knew that was going into consciousness. This was it, the last time he would ever wake up. The last time he would be greeted to see his brothers' face. Because he would die tonight, he knew his fate was sealed. Shredder's words rung through his head. "Say goodbye to your brothers, for it will be the last time you see them." Whether he was ready or not, this was the last day with his family. 'Here goes nothing.' Mikey thought, and he woke up.

Donnie's Pov

He had finally finished hooking Mikey up onto all the machines, and he was absolutely exhausted. Deciding what harm would it be to take a five second rest, he slumped to the floor, and listened to the machine he had just hooked up on his youngest brother.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Ah, the only sound that reassured his that Mikey was alive. Not o.k., but at least alive. He had finished the difficult surgery, and while he was at it, probably scarred his true love's (aka April) eyes forever. The surgery had taken hours, and had left them worn out. So he sent April home, promising that he would call her if anything happened. Leo and Raph were still in the living room, doing who knows what. Leaving Donnie with unconscious brother. Donnie was sorta glad to be alone, he needed to organize his thoughts.

No, you're not alone. Don't think like that. Mikey is right there in the bed, a few feet in front of you. Don't treat him as if he were...dead…he is right there. Right here! So why do I feel like he's not.

Then Don finally realized why it was so weird. Mikey was usually up and about, bugging him to get out of the lab and hang out with the family. Or ruining his experiments. He was always was running around, cheerful as one could be, with a light in his eyes that could never be put out. There was always a joyful atmosphere. But now, it was dull and quiet. He had always wished for some silence, but now Don realized he could actually concentrate better with noise. The loudness in the lair was comforting, assuring him that his brothers were alright. But the silence was mocking him, reminding him that everything was wrong. Basically, everything was the exact opposite that it should be.

Donnie's thoughts were interrupted as a soft groan. Mikey was awake! He thought frantically, pulling himself to his feet. For a second, but it felt as it was an hour, he debated whether or not he should call the guys. And he would. Just not yet, he needed to talk to Mikey. They were the closest as kids, and there were a few questions he wanted to ask, alone.

Running towards the bed, he kneeled down to Mikey's level. "Hey Mikey. Glad you woke up when you were suppose too this time."

Mikey cracked a small smile, and slurred, "Me too." Good, his speech was better than when he first woke up. Taking a closer look at Mikey, he saw despite the smile, Mikey had a sad look in his eyes, but Don shook it off. No one would be particularly happy if they went what Mikey had gone through.

"Mikey, do you feel any better?" Don asked, wondering if the surgery and pain meds had helped at all.

"Depends. What's your definition of better? Cause if you mean having a throbbing headache, feeling nauseas, and being sore from head to toe is better, then I feel like a prefect ten!" Mikey joked, mustering up all the enthusiasm he could. Wow, Mikey was really something! Even after a fight to the death, he still found the energy to joke around.

"You know what I mean." Don said, returning a smile.

"Well, I don't feel like I got ran over by a train fifteen times. Only like I have been an over by a massive truck ten times. Which is better than before!"

"So in real language, you still feel horrible, but just a slight bit better." He translated, getting a shaky thumbs up from Mikey.

"Alright, Mikey. I just need to do a quick check up, and I'll call the other guys." Don decided, grabbing a flashlight from his desk.

"Alright Mikey, open your eyes really wide." Don commanded, and Mikey obliged. Shining the flashlight into his baby blue pupils, and saw they didn't react to the light. Knowing that the surgery may take a few days to help the brain recover, he wasn't surprised.

Doing the rest of the basic procedures, such a checking his heart rate and replacing the bandages, he and Mikey just waited there in uncomfortable silence. After a few moments, Mikey finally spoke.

"So, D. You gonna call the other guys, or keep me captive here?"

"Actually Mikey, I need to talk to you first." He said.

"And can't you say it front of Sensei and the other guys?" Mikey asked, obviously nervous. Yep, he was definitely hiding something.

"No I cannot. Now Mikey, I know you don't want to talk about it, but why did you punch Raph? Not that it caused any damage or anything." He quickly added. "I just want to know."

Mikey didn't answer right away, as if he were thinking of some excuse. Finally he said. "Donnie, I'm really tired and not in the mood. Can we talk about this some other time, like tomorrow or something?" And he ended the conversation.

How badly did Donnie want to continue the argument, and he could see that Mikey wasn't going to tell him why anytime soon. So Donnie made a decision.

"Fine, but tomorrow we talk about it, no exceptions. I'm sorry, but we need to know."

To his surprise, Mikey seemed pleased with his answer. Don had expected him to roll his eyes, or huff in response, but Mikey seemed perfectly content. That was odd, but if Mikey wasn't going to fight back, better for him. Not that Mikey could do much in the state he was in anyways.

"Alright, I'm going to call Splinter and our brothers in." Don said, heading out of the room. Before heading out though, he turned his head around and said, "Mikey, you can tell us anything. We won't be mad no matter what happened or what was going through your head."

Don tried searching Mikey's face for any expression that might give him an answer, but his face gave away nothing. Giving a sift sigh, he went to go get the others.

Leo's Pov

He could still not get over the fact that Raph had let his tough guy act drop, just to comfort him. When Leo sat on the sofa, he was planning on being there for Raph. But somehow, the situation took a turn, and it ended up being the other way around. Leo had always tried so hard to keep his true emotions in, because he had always told himself that if he were to be leader, he had to be strong for everyone. Not only that, but he was scared that of his brothers saw how he was really feeling, they might think he was weak, or that he was not qualified to handle the role of being leader. But a few hours ago, Leo just didn't have the strength nor energy to keep it in. And even though he was terrified how Raph may react when he saw the true Leo, he just couldn't keep the tears from flowing. But, Raph didn't act the way he thought he would. Instead of being teased and being called a baby, Raph hugged him and comforted them. Raph was there for him when he needed him the most, and he realized that Leo was the luckiest turtle alive to have a brother like him.

All of a sudden, Leo heard a door open, and Don walked out of the infirmary, with confusion and sadness written on his face. Seeing the sullen look, Leo and Raph both jumped to their feet.

"What's wrong Donnie, did-" He started, but was cut off when Donnie brought his hand up, singling silence. "He's fine, well as fine as he could be. But I tried talking to him, trying to find…answers, but he won't tell me anything. He said he will tell me tomorrow, but I just have a bad feeling." Donnie explained. "But he wants to see you." And Donnie led them inside.

Quietly walking into the infirmary, he saw Mikey looking at them with wide and eager eyes, studying them intently.

"Hey buddy. Glad to see you're awake." Leo said.

"Yeah, dreams and darkness get a bit boring after a few hours, so I decided I might as well." Mikey joked.

Seeing that Mikey was fine, he relaxed a bit and sat in the wooden chair next to Mikey's bed. Seeing Raph lingering by the door way, he tried to make eye contact, but Raph refused. Apparently Mikey noticed too, because Mikey called Raph over.

"Raph, you could come a bit closer you know? I mean, I know you think I'm disgusting and covered with germs, but it's not like I'm gonna get you infected or anything."

Leo saw relief flooded through Raph's features, as if he was glad Mikey wasn't mad at him. But why would he be scared that Mikey would be angry at him? Whatever the case, Raph smirked, and walked to stand next to Mikey.

"Don, what time is it?" Mikey asked, with a tiny hint of worry and eagerness hidden in his voice. Getting odd looks by his brothers, he exclaimed as dramatic as he could, "What! So just cause I'm on bed rest, I don't have the right to know when it's dinner?!"

"Leaning towards Donnie, Leo asked. "Was that medicine you gave him suppose too make him feel this better? Not that I'm not glad, but, you know. Is it?"

"I have no idea. But that doesn't matter. As long as he is happy, he'll make a better recovery." Don whispered back.

Turning his attention back to Mikey, Raph answered "11:30. Almost mignight."

"Am or Pm?" Mikey questioned.

"I don't know. The night skies and moon out just doesn't give it way." Raph said sarcastically. "Almost midnight. Pm, squirt. What do you think?" He asked playfully.

"Wow, I was out longer than I thought." Mikey stated. Leo thought he heard Mikey mumble something under his breath, something like "I'm running out of time." But he shook it off as his mind playing tricks on him. This wasn't the first time worry got the best of him.

"Well, then, before I go back to my beauty sleep, there is something I need to tell you guys." Mikey said, his face turning from happy, to dreading and serious.

Why did Leo suddenly have a bad feeling?

Raph's Pov

"Um…ok. What do you have to tell us?" Raph asked. Why did he have a dreading feeling in his gut now? It just came out of the blue, and Raph couldn't just shake it off.

"I'm sorry." Mikey finally said.

Wow, that was random and out of the blue. How did they go from joking to the time, to apologizing? He was so confused.

"Sorry for not knowing the time?" Raph questioned slowly.

"No. You know what I mean." Mikey replied. But the thing was, Raph didn't. This was just so weird, why was Mikey saying this? Did the medicine cause him to be woozy or something?

"No, Mikey. I really don't." Raph tried again.

"Raph."Leo said, catching his attention. Giving a wave to Raph and Donnie, Leo motioned them forward.

"Raph, I think he is apologizing for punching you earlier." Leo explained. Realization dawned through Raph. He still didn't know why Mikey did that, but honestly, it was just a minor bruise and a bit of shock. Nodding to indicate that he understood, the three brothers headed back towards Mikey.

"You mean about punching me earlier? It's alright, I already forgave you for that." Raph said, not sure how he should direct the problem.

"It's more than that." Mikey said, with now tears quickly budding up in his eyes, but Mikey wiped them quickly, and turned his body left, to face Donnie.

"Donnie. I may never say this again, so I want you to know, I'm sorry. For making you work endless hours to fix my mistakes. Every time I got hurt, you would always take care of me, even when you were low on supplies, and patience. I'm sorry for annoying you to countless ends, every time I said something stupid, you would still attempt to explain it to me, no matter how much I got on your nerves. And I'm sorry for when I ruined your experiments, I know how hard you worked on them. I and so thankful that I had you to talk to when our brothers got into fights, most of the times you heard me out, let me share my side of the story. And I love you. Just promise me that you will spend more time with the family, don't cope yourself up in the lab all the time. Please eat and drink, and sleep when you need to. You are not going to get anything done when all your focus is in attempt to keep awake. And don't be afraid to make mistakes, you'll learn from them, k? Oh, and one more thing. I know you'll have luck with April, don't give up on her. She is an amazing girl, you're a fantastic turtle, you'll make it work.

"Mikey what are you-" Don said worriedly, but Mikey silences him by facing forward, looking at Leo.

"Leo, where do I start, you were not only a phenomenal leader, but a brother too. You always knew what to do in situations, and were able to keep your head. You were there to guide me when I had no clue what to do, always there to give me advice. You kept giving me more chances, even though I messed up a lot. You knew the consequences, but you always let me come along. Most of the time, you were the only one with common sense, you taught me how to draw the line between fun, and just plain dangerous. Whenever I needed to be calmed down or just relax, I knew exactly who to go to. Plus, when I felt like annoying someone out of the heck of it, I knew you were the least one to try to kill me on the spot. But Leo, relax sometimes, it's ok to break the rules and have fun. Sometimes don't act like a leader or ninja, act like a teenager, and enjoy the few years you have left."

"Michelangelo why are you saying-" But once more, he shushed him.

Suddenly the machine started beeping a little quicker.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

"Hold that thought!" Donnie said quickly, and rushed towards the machine. He tried pressing different buttons, changing the settings that gave Mikey the different medications, but nothing was happening. It was as if someone or something were preventing him from making Mikey healing process.

"No! No! No!" Donnie shouted. Mikey, did you know something would go wrong? What the shell? Why isn't anything working!" Donnie's screams echoed through the lair.

"Donnie." Mikey said softly. "Please, I'm not done. One final request.

"Michelangelo Hamato, you are not saying what I think you are saying! Stop this right now, I have to fix the machine, something is wrong!" Don shouted.

"Don, nothing is wrong with the machine. Please, try to fix it, but give me two more minutes." Mikey begged.

"Mikey!" Donatello began to threaten.

"Please! At least listen to me. If you really care you will listen! I know what is happening, but I have something to say!" Mikey exclaimed, and the room fell silent except for the rapid bating the heart monitor was showing, and Donnie desperately pressing buttons and working on the settings and medicine.

Before Don could protest again, Mikey faced Raph.

"Raph, I don't even know what to say. All these years you have been my protector, chasing all the monsters away. You gave me that extra boost of confidence I always needed, and were there to root me on. Even if you did show it in different ways. I always have looked up to you Raph, you have been my hero for who knows how long. I have always loved you, no matter how many times you have called me names, hit me, tease me. Please try to keep your anger under control, it may lead to consequences you don't want to face. And I'm sorry I couldn't be the brother you always wanted, but I can do the second best thing.

(Flashback)

"Well maybe sometimes I wish you weren't my brother!

So I wouldn't have to put up with you!

To get some peace and quiet for just one friggin day!

To get some help in a battle other than you just shouting insults! Is that too much to ask?

For a brother like that once and a while!"

(End flashback)

Mikey said he was going to do the best second thing. Mikey somehow, some way knows he is going to die, and he is just going to accept it? Why? Sure Mikey could be an idiot sometimes, but this was taking it too far! Why, why? Why, would he think that?

Because that is what you basically said. A voice in his head said back.

"Mikey, that's not what-" But of the third time in the past dreadful twenty nine minutes, he silences him.

"Please guys, I'm running out of time. Please know I love you all, and I hope this will repay you guys for every mistake I made, every prank I played. I was stupid, I know that now. I just didn't think I would need such a big wake up call, but now I know. You won't have to deal with me again.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

"Mikey! No!" Raph shouted. "Stop this right now!"

Donnie was furiously trying to fix Mikey's condition, but nothing was working. He had tears shining his eyes, sweat beading down his head.

"Michelangelo Hamato, stop it this instance!"

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

"Goodbye guys. I hope you're happy. And Raph, congratulations. I hope your wish came true."

Bbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppppppppppp.