A/N: Hey guys! So I'm going to be busy this week so I can't promise an update next Sunday. I have to watch three extra kids for three days of the week (I also got Zelda: Ocarina Of Time on my WiiU and I can't stop!). My brother has like a one or two more baseball games before he is finally done! Also, know how I said I missed the TMNT episode last chapter...they changed the date! (August 2nd last time I checked was the newest date) :( Anyway, here is the next chapter and hopefully I will be able to write more and keep updating weekly. Cross your fingers!

Review Replies for Chapter 9:

Insanity21: I know! Poor Hamato family! I've updated! Also, there will be plenty of little Leo moments ;) By the way, now we can stalk each other! You can stalk me and make sure I update, and I'll stalk you to make sure you don't kill me ;)

Sairey13: I think there is a small amount of difference between the little Leos because of who raised them and how they were raised. However, I don't think there is TOO much of a difference. I think Miwa experienced a few flashbacks, but tried focusing more on her son at the moment. By the way, I have an idea coming up with Miwa losing control. I like the idea of locking them up in the Lab though }:). Thanks! And you are so ahead of me in the story! First the Miwa losing control, and then Donnie trying to help Miwa… I swear you are looking at my story plans! Lol! And don't worry, I'm terrible at naming things too. Although, your other story title ideas were awesome! And if I'm running out of ideas for a story, I'll go to you :) :) :)

LilyTheNinjaGirl: Haha! I like the way you think }:). And yes, that is how I usually roll ;P. You shall become my ally and together we will...do...something...evilly awesome! Lol!

tmntlover2013: Thank you! And here is your chapter update ;)

DP fanboy: I shall reveal nothing ;). But I shall tell you a decision will have to be made in the future ;) }:)

Raphael's P.O.V

I have been getting angrier easily lately. I remember Master Splinter saying something about anger being like a river over stone or something like that. I thought I had a handle on my anger after all these years, yet I have been going back to that lesson more and more lately. I guess a small teenager part of you stays with you for most of your life. I'm not sure if that's good or bad yet.

However, I had an idea on why I was so upset. I had two ideas. Leo and Karai. Before, it was Leo trusting Karai and getting stabbed in the back. Now, it is just the way they have been acting and all this changing. She treats Leo as if he was her's. She treats him like a child. Sure, I'm grateful she has been taking care of him, but Leo won't be staying this way forever.

He will NOT be a kid all over again. He will NOT be Karia's son. And he will NOT be my "nephew" or ANYTHING like that. He is my older brother. He is my leader. He is my best friend…

When Master Splinter told us he got sick this morning, I didn't pay much attention to it. Sure, I'm a bit concerned for him, but what am I suppose to do? Sit there and hold his hand? I didn't have to before. So, while Mikey went to check on "the little tyke," I went back to my room. I have been in here for a while, but it's the only place that seems to make some sense around here. I'm also having a hard time facing that kid, so I guess you can say I'm hiding.

Every time I see that kid, I see Leo. I see Leo laugh and smile. I see Leo trying to overcome his fears. I see Leo looking just like he did the last time I saw him years ago, full of fear and love and determination. Determined to save me and my brothers. Yet, that small turtle isn't my brother. He isn't the Leo I grew up with. He isn't the Leo I fought with. He isn't the Leo I carried after the Kraang invasion. He isn't the Leo I would protect with my life.

I sit on the edge of my bed and look at my T-phone. I thought about calling Casey, but I knew he was probably working. I'll call him later tonight, though. My next thoughts turned to Slash. After Leo "died," he got a group called the "Mighty Mutanimals" and covered for us, stopping crimes throughout the city. His group consisted of Leatherhead, Dr. Rockwell, and Pigeon Pete. (Yeah, apparently the bird can be of some help every now and then.) I'm actually pretty proud of Slash. He turned from a crazy mutant to good leader. He also kind of reminds me of how Leo was. Wanting to be a good leader and protect his team and all that. It's pretty cool.

I decide to call him and let him know what happened. He was like family to me and he was pretty sad about the whole Leo dying thing too. He also may understand what I'm getting at. Going through my contacts, I finally found his number and hit the button to call him.

"Hey, it's Slash. Can't talk, so leave a message."

There's a beep.

"Hey Slash, it's Raph. I have no idea what you're doing, but call me back when you get a chance, 'kay? See ya."

I hang up. I really wish he could have picked up, but he's probably doing something important; like fighting or catching up on sleep. I don't blame the guy.

I lay down on my bed, not sure what to do. If I go out there, I'll see the kid. If I stay in here, I'll die of boredom. I let out a sigh. For once, I wish Sensei didn't cancel practice. Since we have grown up and learned a lot, Master Splinter has increased the intensity in practice and me and my brothers have begun to hate them more and more. Except, right now, I wouldn't mind.

I hear a knock at my door and I can't help but sigh. I can already tell where this is going.

"Yeah?"

The door opens to reveal Master Splinter. I watch him and move over slightly as he comes to sit on the bed. For a minute, we don't talk. I think he's trying to figure out what to say; or, he thinks I'm angry and is giving me a few minutes to calm down. He does that when he comes to talk to me after an argument or something.

"You have been avoiding Leonardo, my son," he finally says.

"That's not Leo," I say quietly, sounding angry. See? Already starting to get angry and we have barely even started the conversation. Awesome Raph.

He sighs. "My son, I know this has been difficult for you, but-"

"No, you don't Sensei. You just welcome him with open arms! You don't care that he has forgotten us and-"

"Raphael!"

I immediately stop. I know that was out of line. Sensei has taken this hard, we all have. While I lost a brother and a leader, he lost a student and a son.

"Sorry, Sensei," I say quietly, not looking at him.

He puts a hand over his face and sighs. It's then I see how older Splinter looks. His hair is starting to look more white than brown. Even though he still has tons of muscle and can probably still kick my butt, his frame is starting to look smaller. His beard is also getting longer and I sometimes catch him not standing up straight. We have started worrying for Sensei as more and more years past. Donnie's worried that since he has some rat DNA in him, he may not live as long as the average human. That has become one of my top fears.

"My son," he says quietly, slowly looking at me. His eyes are filled with sadness and it looks almost like he's crying without tears. "We have all been hurt by the lost of your brother. I have lost another part of my family to the Shredder. Now, there is a possibility Donnie can return his brother to us; but until then, there is a small turtle in our home. Yes, this child is not the brother you have grown up with, but he is a child none of the less. He has been a captive to the Shredder his entire life. Do not treat him rudely."

I sigh. "I'm not his uncle."

"I am not asking you to be; although, you might have to tell him that yourself."

I try not to picture the small turtle's face if/when I tell him that. Even though I don't really want anything to do with him, I really don't want to break the kid's heart. I sit up again and put my hands together between my legs, not looking at my father.

"I keep seeing his face," I start. "Every time I go to sleep. Every time I go near where that building was." I pause. "Every time I see that kid. I can only picture Leo's face before he pushed me away. I couldn't do anything then, and I can't do anything now. I just can't."

My father puts his arm around my shoulder and I lean into him. I'm not going to cry. I don't want to, but it feels nice having someone to lean on. Does Sensei have someone to lean on?

"I know, Raphael," he says quietly. "Please do not let your anger lash out on Miwa and Leonardo. Miwa has brought the chance of having your brother back to us. This Leonardo is a child who has not wronged you. They have both been tortured."

I nod. "Okay, Sensei," I say, not sure what else to say. Then, I couldn't help but ask him something that has been bothering me. "Do...do you think Donnie can bring him back?"

My father looks at the far wall. "I'm not sure, my son. I put a lot of trust into your brother's skill. However, some things simply aren't meant to be. The question is, if Leonardo must stay in this form, what are you willing to do? What are you willing to sacrifice for this child?"

He doesn't wait for an answer; I know he's not expecting an answer, at least not yet. He gets up and walks out the door. He says "Stay strong, my son" before he leaves. I can hear laughter in the living room and I know it's Mikey and the kid. It sounds just like Leo's laugh when he was little. I remember playing hide-and-seek in the lair and we couldn't find Leo anywhere. I remember finding him in a super simple spot (behind the counter or something) and he was as quiet as a mouse, blending in with the shadows. As soon as Donnie found him, he yelped and took off, us chasing close behind him. By the end of the day, we couldn't stop laughing and eventually got yelled at for not going to bed. The laughter sounds just like now. Without a care in the world.

I let out a sigh and lay on my bed. I don't know how long I can take this and it's only the second day he has been here. I put my hands over my face. When my phone starts to ring, I jump a bit and sit back up. It's Slash.

"Hello?" I ask, as I pick up my phone.

"Hey bud. It's Slash. Sorry I didn't answer earlier, catching up on a bit of sleep, you know?"

I smile a bit. "Yeah, I figured."

"So what's up?'

"Um, something happened recently," I say, not really sure how to start.

"Like what?"

Just like that, I start to spill. I don't normally spill unless it's Slash or Casey, sometimes with Splinter, April (but she's been gone so I can't really talk to her a lot) and Leo. Slash listens to me talk and he soon seems to understand what I'm staying. I end up talking to him for most of the day until it gets to around 12:30. I hang up and head to the kitchen, trying to find something good to eat.

Of course, everyone else is in there finding food also. I take a breath. I need to keep a level head and not blow up. Let's see if I can do that.

(Michelangelo P.O.V. [Earlier])

As soon as Master Splinter told me Leo was sick, I went to the Lab. Honestly, I'm kind of worried he will disappear or die all over again right after we got him back. I hear Raph walk to his room and Sensei sigh. Truthfully, I don't think much about it. I knew this would be difficult for all of us, but I'm sure we can pull through it. We are a family of mutant ninjas after all.

When I get to the Lab, I find Karai-I mean, Miwa- sit on a bed besides a coughing little Leo. Donnie was by them holding a thermometer so I figured he just took Leo's temperature. He looks at me and gives a small smile.

"Hey, Mikey," he says. "How's your head?"

I brush it off. "Fine, I heard Leo was sick?"

"Stockman gave him a chemical and he's body is just fighting it off."

"He simply has a fever, Mikey," Miwa explained. "Leo will get better in a few days."

I look down at said turtle to see him smiling at me sheepishly. I give him a huge grin in return. I sit besides him and notice how his body tenses up a bit. It takes all my ability not to crush his small body into one big hug.

"While you're here, I can check your stitches, Mike," Donnie says.

I groan but lift up my leg to let him get a better look at it. It really hasn't been hurting me and I have had worse. My head also had a small ache and I don't remember much of the trip home. However, I do remember Miwa telling me what happened so I guess that's the important thing. (I also remember Master Splinter naming something...grrrrr.) The next few minutes are filled with silence and a couple coughs. Finally, D gives me a small nod, tells me I'm good to go, and goes to the other side of the Lab, doing something else.

"What? I don't even get a lollipop?" I ask, trying to sound unfair.

Leo gives me a confused look, obviously not getting it while Miwa chuckles slightly. Of course, they both laugh when Donnie replies with a crumpled piece of paper that hits me straight in the face. His aim is still accurate to this day. Sometimes I wonder how he does it; then I remember he's smart.

"Why don't I give you guys something to eat?" I ask my sister and the small turtle.

"I think that's the best thing I have heard today so far. Sounds good to you, Leo?" Miwa asks.

He shrugs and I take it as a "yes." I move to pick him and he's blanket up, but I see Miwa give a small shake with her head. I give a small nod in return and instead help him down instead of carrying him to the kitchen. He tenses and clutches "Kino" tighter before relaxing a bit when I sit him down. I pretend not to notice as I lead them to the kitchen. When I get in there, I start to look around for food while Miwa sits Leo up on the counter. I'm not offended that Miwa didn't think I should pick Leo up and carry him here. He's probably still kind of freaked since being with the Shredder for like six or five years.

"Okay, how's pizza for breakfast?" I ask with a huge smile.

"Mikey, may I remind you that one of us is sick?"

I'm about to tell my sister how awesome pizza is when Donnie walks in. "They haven't eaten much when they were with the Shredder, Mikey. If you give them too much, they are only going to throw it all back up again. Something pretty easy would be good."

I glare at Donnie playfully. "Are you following me to correct me and give big, informative speeches?"

He lifts up his hands in defense, one hand holding a mug full of coffee. "I'm just getting some coffee and then I'll work in my lab and leave you alone like a good little genius."

I try my best not to laugh as I glare at him till he leaves the room. When I hear his Lab door close, I turn back to Miwa and Leo. "So, toast it is?"

I end up making three pieces of toast for them and put butter and jelly on it. I decide to let them eat and stuff and then get food for me later. Or, I'll just eat a bigger lunch. They both enjoy the toast and I even sneak Leo a small piece of pizza. Surprisingly, he eats he quietly and quickly, just like a ninja would; however, mother skills apparently beat ninja skills. As soon as I turn around, I meet Miwa's green eyes glaring at me and I do my best to give her a cute smile. Even though it's not as cute as they were when I was younger, I still get away with a few things with them.

After eating her toast, Miwa decides to go talk to Donnie. I'm pretty sure she wants to talk about returning Leo to normal but I don't ask. Then, the kitchen became filled with awkward silence. I keep trying to think of something to say as Leo looks down at his kicking feet. Finally, I get an idea.

"Hey, you want to play a game?" I ask.

He looks up at me before giving a small, shy nod. I help him down and lead him to the living room. I leave him there for a few minutes to go throw some old stuff and find an old "Candy Land" board game. I sit next to him, and shuffle the cards, moving them slightly so they work in his favor. I've had enough practice to shuffle the cards just the right way. My brothers have never caught on, but I'm pretty sure Sensei expected something. I wouldn't win all the time so it wasn't too suspicious.

After sitting the deck down, I put out all four gingerbread people so he can chose his character. He looks up at me and I gesture towards them, silently telling him to chose one. He slowly picks the blue one and I chose the yellow since there wasn't any orange people. After explaining the basic rules, the game began. The game seems to be going smoothly and Leo seems to actually be chilling a little bit.

"Oh no! I got to go all the way back here!" I say, sounding devastated, even though I knew the card was coming my way pretty soon. I pick up my person and put him back to start as Leo laughs a little at my fake misery.

I smile before noticing Leo shiver slightly. "You still cold, Leo?" I ask.

He looks up at me and nods slightly. Slowly, I lift up my hand and put it on his head. He leans back a bit before allowing me to put it on his warm head. He still has a fever, but it's not getting worse. I put my hand back and watch Leo get another card. He ends up winning, of course, and he has a big grin on his face. It was totally worth losing at a game of "Candy Land."

"You know," I start to say, "we have a closet of some stuff we had as kids. You want to see them?"

He shrugs. "Can...can I ask something?"

"Of course, little Dude."

"Are you really a hero?"

I laugh a bit, remembering how Miwa mentioned something about telling stories to Leo about us being heroes, yesterday. "I guess we kind of are. I mean, we saved the city a lot of times before."

"With your weapons and fighting?"

"Well, of course. A hero's not a hero without some cool weapon to fight the enemy with."

I can tell he wants to learn more. I think for a minute before an idea came to my mind. "I'll be right back. I have something to show you."

I run to my room and come back with an old photo album. I have been looking at them a lot lately so you can probably find most of the photo albums in my room. They kind of helped me when Leo first disappeared all those years ago. I lay down besides Leo. I cheer in my head when he doesn't tense as much as earlier. I think he is finally warming up to me.

"Here are a few of the pictures me and brothers took when we first went to the surface. There are also of pictures of some adventures we have had."

I show him pictures of the Mutanimals and a couple Mutation Days from the past couple of years. I don't show him any pictures of April and Casey. I also try not to show him any pictures of the older version of himself. However, I realized I messed up when I turn the page to find myself staring at my brother's eyes in the picture. I try to turn the page quickly.

"Wait!" little Leo calls out.

I reluctantly turn the page and watch as Leo looks at me and all three of my brothers. I remember taking the picture without my brothers knowing. It was a quiet patrol and we ended up just sitting on a rooftop, eating pizza we were able to pick up. It took me a few minutes to realize it was the perfect photo opportunity. I get up, acting like I just needed to stretch my legs, before quickly setting the timer on the camera of my T-phone. Putting it on the edge of the roof that was to our left, I quickly sit back down and grab another slice of pizza. The pictured turned out perfect, showing all of us enjoying pizza on a roof in the night sky, just have a good time as brothers. Of course, my brothers figured it out later, especially since I had to have Donnie print out the picture.

Leo seems to study it before pointing the older version of himself. "Who's that?"

I hesitate slightly. "That's another one of my brothers."

"Where is he?"

"He's gone," I say after a few minutes.

Leo seems to think over that for a few minutes before asking "Is he coming back?"

I look at Leo for a few minutes. "I don't know, yet."

I like to think that Leo will turn back to normal but I'm not sure. Donnie hasn't really talked to us about it, but we all know he is working on it. I'm also afraid to get my hopes crushed again. Even after we saw the blood and Leo's Katanas and stuff, I hoped Leo would still come through the Lair doors. After about three years, though, my hope started fading. It was probably one of the worse feelings I have ever felt, and I really don't want to feel that again.

I guess Leo understands I don't really want to talk about because he doesn't ask anymore questions. I turn the page and look at other photos.

We probably do this for a while before Miwa sits behind Leo and listens to the stories. I almost ask them if I can take a picture of them but if Miwa is anything like I think she is, she will probably be totally against pictures. But it's so cute how Leo sits in Miwa's lap, both looking at me with big eyes.

"Did you stay here when you were little, Uncle Mikey?" Leo asks.

I mentally cheer at hearing Leo call me that name. "Yes, I did. I watched TV, played games, trained, pull pranks, and all sorts of stuff."

"He was a trouble maker just like you are, Leo," Karai says, tickling him with her snake-hand-tongues. Little bit weird, but also cute.

Leo giggles and tried pushing his mother's hands away, but of course, it doesn't work. After a while though, she shows mercy and lets him go. He leans back against her again, his smile bigger than earlier. Master Splinter comes and join us as well, standing besides Miwa so she can see him. After a few minutes, he sits down besides his daughter. I feel a little awkward telling the stories since Master Splinter knew all of these stories.

"My son, I believe now is a good time for lunch?" Master Splinter offers.

I look up at the clock Donnie made a couple years ago, realizing it was 12:30. Wow, I didn't think that much time has past. I give a nod and close the photo albums and get ready to put them back. As I put them away, I realize that deep down, I really wanted something to spark when Leo looked at the photos. Maybe they will. I guess even when you don't want to hope, your heart ends up hoping anyway. I'm also the hopeful one of my family so I guess I kind of have to…

I can't help but stop when I reach the doorway of the kitchen. Don's there (drinking coffee of course) talking to Splinter. He's probably trying to convince Master Splinter to let him eat in his lab while he works; the conversation seems to tilt more towards Sensei's side. Miwa stays by both Master Splinter and little Leo, keeping a hand on her son's shoulder. However, I realize her gaze keeps glancing at Raph, who was at the other side of the kitchen, glancing in their direction as well. I clear my throat, trying to get my genius brother's attention as well as break the awkward silence. Even though I expected some heads to turn towards my direction, it still felt like I was in an interrogation room when all heads turn towards me.

"So," I start, "what should I give people for lunch?" I was really meaning "What should I give Miwa and Leo?" but I figure Don would get it. It would also hopefully prevent any more harsh words from my hotheaded brother.

"Ummm, some soup? Maybe some fruit. Still something small and easy, but a bit more than last time and not too much," he replies.

I nod, putting my cooking talent to work. I notice Sensei's glance at Raphael and I'm sure I'm not the only one; however, I don't ask about it. I open the kitchen in search a food. There was a strange jar on the side and, after taking a closer look, I realize it was a jar of pickles. I'm sure I can use that for something!

"Why did you say I was a ninja and your brother?"

The jar of pickles slip from fingers right after Leo asks his question. I have no idea what he is talking about but I'm kind of panicking here! (A/N: Mikey wasn't there to hear Raph's angry rant: Chapter 6.) What is Leo finds out about his past? What is he going to say or do? Using my ninja skills, I realize everyone jumps at the sound of glass crashing into the floor.

"Sorry!" I say to everyone. Before I get down to pick up the glass and pickles, I notice Leo still has his gaze on Raph and Raph has his gaze on Leo, there eyes never leaving each others. Raph looks slightly pale at Leo's question that is obviously directed towards him. My guess is Raph slipped something out or whatever yesterday before I got home. Leo, on the other hand, looks curious, and determined to get some answers. I don't really blame him, this whole situation still seems confusing to me and I know a lot more than him.

"W-What?" Raph manages to get out.

"Yesterday, you said I am your brother, and that I had brothers of my own. You said I was a mutant ninja turtle. You said I had a childhood, toys, a room, and some other stuff. Why did you say that?"

"He was being silly, Leo," Miwa says, her voice sounds soft but her glare towards Raph says "murder" all over. Angry sisters, very scary.

"No," Leo says simply, still very stubborn and determined. Guess some things never change. "Since we got here, you guys have been saying weird stuff about me that I don't understand. Like if I remembered something, or that I had brothers, or that years were taken away or something like that. I want to know why."

Raph continues to return Leo's gaze, watching Leo just as closely as Leo was watching him. "You remind me of my brother," Raph says. "My brother that was taken away years ago. You act a lot like he did when he was little. About the years being taken, we think the Shredder kidnapped you from your family. Those years that could have been spent with your real family were taken away from you."

"But Mommy IS my real family!" he says quickly, hugging Miwa. "All of you are my real family." He looks around at all of us, as if making sure what he is saying is true.

"Yes, Leonardo. And you are our real family. Even though we are sad that you did not get to spend time with the original family Raphael speaks of, we are grateful that you are here with us." Master Splinter puts a comforting hand on Leo's head as he speaks. Again, another cute moment for a camera!

"And we won't say 'weird stuff' again, right guys?" Donnie asks, giving us ALL a look.

I realize what he is trying to silently say. He doesn't want us to talk about Leo's old life in front of him. I don't think any of us wants to confuse him, especially since we are still working on gaining his trust.

Raph nods before grabbing a cold slice of pizza (PIZZA! I could have used that for lunch! Wait, was that my piece of pizza I was saving for later…?) and walking off into his room. I guess he has had enough Little Leo time for the day. I can't blame him, either. Sometimes it's hard to look at my tiny nephew and think that he is my older brother. He is the one I would go to when I had nightmares. He is one of the people I can fully trust to have my back.

"Yeah," I agree. "I don't want to confuse my little buddy!"

Leo smiles at me and snuggles into his mother some more. It's really cute!

"And Michelangelo?" Master Splinter says.

"Yes, Sensei?"

"Pick up those pickles. I believe Donatello can find us something suitable for lunch."

Ugh! I hate cleaning…

(A/N: How's that for long? Thank you guys for reviewing and giving a few ideas/suggestions. I love getting them! Can't promise I'll do them but I love hearing your opinions and ideas! Keep them coming! Review, follow, favorite, and blah blah blah ;) )