3 weeks! wow been that long! sorry guys for making you wait but life (aka uni) had called me away. on plus note I have finished 3rd year and now waiting for graduation!

Don't panic thinking im going to be on hatius or not complete this story because I will be done.

And thank you for the reviews and favourites, keep them coming! and to make up for my absent i have written over 5,000 words so hope you enjoy! The chapter will not be 3 weeks, in a few days so see you then!

From the field every star could be seen sparkling tonight, along with a full moon that silver light streamed down upon the little forgotten farmhouse. Such a perfect night, everyone was resting comfortable in their cushy beds. All accept one that is. Not everyone tonight would be entitled to a peaceful night sleep. By just the light of the moon, quiet shadows moved upon the landing, waiting, watching. In a room opposite the bathroom quiet groans could be heard behind a closed door.

Next to the window a turtle squirmed in his bed. His head moving to the side, biting his lip with his eyes tightly shut as he starts clutching the quilt with his hands. The small moans restrained by his mouth when lifting his head slightly against the pillow. The twitching of his eyes and the slight sweat on his forehead, along with white knuckles grabbing the covers indicated that he was having a nightmare.

A very confusing one.

Where….where am I? The blue-banded turtle Leonardo thought looking at his surrounding, which was…nothing. Or perhaps there was something he just couldn't see it? He looked down, he couldn't tell whether he was floating or simply standing on black concrete. What happened to gravity he wondered? However with his feet feeling light and weightless he assumed the former. Leo frowned not fully understanding why he was here...Where ever 'here' was?

Is this a dream? No, maybe….? Why does it feel so real? "Is someone trying to tell me something?" He called out into the darkness. "Well I am here. I am listening!"

The question only confused the oldest brother more.

The fact that everything was a void he didn't know where to go. Even when sticking his hands out, zilch nada, just empty space. The thought of even walking caused a bit of anxiety.

What if I move and fall? I don't even know what is beneath my feet, let alone what is in front of me. Well he couldn't stay here all night.

Despite not knowing which way to go, Leo carefully took a step forward. It was a weird sensation when he sauntered in the darkness, was this a trap, but the fact something was keeping him level without actually anything really being there. How confusing.

Still he wandered North – or could it be East? South or West? Heck! He didn't know- the pitch-black made his heartbeat climb and the uneasiness was starting to become uncomfortable and disorientating. He kept turning his head as though expecting to see someone or something creep up behind him, but still no sign of life or light. What was going on?

Then something made him stop. He heard something….maybe? Did he? Unsure he listened. It was so very quiet, like a whisper, only a whisper that could only be heard in extreme silence. No surprised he could hear it then. Mute was an understatement for this "location."

Leo trailed the sound, listening again to pick it up from his left. Still hesitant to move until he heard it louder this time and it was calling. Calling for him.

Leo?

With widened eyes and hands automatically reaching for his swords, only to discover they weren't there. Panic developed. Where were his swords?

Leo!

Wait a minute that sounds familiar? A child-like innocent voice, like it was lost. Determined and ready fearless lifted his feet and ran. Nothing was different; it was all the same endless darkness. He might even run into a wall if there was one, but that word was enough to confirm someone was here and needed his help.

"Hello" he cried out. Leo couldn't decide whether or not that this was a dream, so instead he just decided to go with it and see where this took him. "Hello!" he called again. "Can you hear me? I am coming. Just tell me where you are!" His words echoed. What was also interesting it only seem to be carrying from one direction, like he was in a tunnel that he couldn't see. Focusing ahead the turtle picked up speed.

Leo…..

The voice 'was' recognizable now. It made his heart dropped and coldness fill his lungs. He knew who it was. The person calling quivered his name. It was his baby brother. It was Mikey.

Mikey! He shouted back surprised.

Leo!

"Where are you? Why can't I find you?"

Leo could feel his breathing become very fast, the twinges and pang in his legs from constantly running. His heart was tightening, squeezing his chest but he couldn't stop because somehow he knew with every fibre of his bean Mikey was in trouble. He had to keep going. If he just kept running towards the voice, he had to find something? Any clue, anything!

Finally he did, but it wasn't what he was expecting. At first he wasn't sure what it was, but at least it was something.

A little startled at first, then he was just confused at finding something so bizarre. He slowed down in time to see a piece of….string? It was as high as his chest, travelling across from one side of the nothingness to the other. It was incredibly thin, a silver strip. Though there was no light here, it still shined. Had Leo have been anywhere else, he would have most likely missed it, probably walked right into it.

"What the -?" well this only added to the confusing pile? "What was this supposed to do? "Should I follow it? Should I go passed it? Touch it or what?"

Leo!

Definitely Mikey. He looked at the string again. Mikey's voice was coming from the right of it. Was this string going to lead him to Mikey?

Fearless slowly stretch out his hand. With a lot of caution his finger hovered inches over the silver thread when suddenly a small beam of light shimmered across it. It was fast, but noticeable.

Leo!

At that Leo jumped and automatically grabbed the string. He felt a tug pulling on it from the left. Then a light burst from it making him let go and shield his eyes.

Good thing he opened them for a blurry shadow emerged from the right end. He gasped realizing the dark form was his youngest brother. But, if he was on one end of the string, what was on the other…?

Leo!

The light was too powerful now and Mikey was screaming in such pain, in such despair. What was making Mikey cry out as though his life was about to end?

LEO!

Completely disorientated, his harsh breathing felt more like suffocating. With blood-shot eyes the oldest teen sat up in bed, clinging to the covers like a life line. The sound of Mikey's screaming still echoed in his ears. The cries were so real that for a moment he thought maybe he was hearing it for real. Still gasping, Leo looked around the dark room. It was silent. All was silent accept for his breathing and his pounding heart.

"…What was that?" he whispered placing a hand on his chest to calm himself. That was definitely not a dream. Was that….the warning?

"I hope not!" Leo released his fingers from the scrunched up duvet, closing his eyes to mentally meditate for control. But the vision was disturbingly clear and explicit. However there was a certain part he couldn't seem to comprehend.

The strings, what were they to do with Mikey? How were they connected to him? What could this mean? Was Mikey still in danger? This was an understatement, considering how withdrawn and isolated his baby brother had become. Never had Leonardo seen such loneliness and depression since that terrible day. Even on Raph's worse day, he would not be as closed off as this. Left with so many unresolved questions was quickly resulting in a headache. Leo placed his head in his hands, gently rubbing his eyes. He then removed the blankets getting off the bed. It wasn't till he saw the alarm clock reading 4.15am, still too early to rise, but the shocking vision prevented the leader to regain any sleep.

Leo walked towards the bedroom window, leaning on the ledge with his face palmed on the glass. Trying the attempt to block away the nightmare, unfortunately only made him grasp what had being going on this week. He sighed absentmindedly circling the window with his finger. It was hard to believe that a week had already passed. Meaning that fifteen days had gone by since the hyperactive, high-pitch voice of Michelangelo had vanished, leaving his family with an almost empty shell of pain and insignificant. Leo prayed that time on the farm would improve Mikey's stability and his mental well-being. But relatively speaking, there had been little to no amount of improvement.

Three days ago Mikey was finally allowed to venture outside his room. After a stern but gentle talking from Splinter and his care-taker Donnie, the teen ventured downstairs observing the household for the first time. It should have been a cheery moment for everyone. Mikey's injuries were recovering, he could amble out in the air for an hour, to take in the salty breeze from being cooped up. A wild grin should capture his features, as the glistening eyes moved rapidly at the beautiful scenery of the forest. The green arms spreading to the side and his feet arching ready to run at full-speed, laughter echoing around the farm as Mikey transformed into a young boy looking for an adventure.

Unfortunately reality is ten-times crueller than fantasy…..

The leader's head turned to stare at the cold, untouched bed next to his. All neat and tidy with no creases. It had not been used from day one. Of course this bed belonged to Raphael.

His heart clenched remembering the heart-wrenching words Master Splinter had announced that Michelangelo would be able to leave his room. At this the blue turtle's face lit up with excitement and relief as the two oldest brothers hearing the news about Mikey's condition only from behind the brown door.

But only on the condition that his two brothers, Leo and Raph would not be present. The shock of this was inevitable. Their father's ears flattened, wrinkles now permanently upon his furry face as he made the despondent choice knowing it would shatter the hearts of his red and blue children. However it wasn't his father that caused Leonardo to almost break under pressure and on the verge of tears.

It was the grief-stricken guilt of his hot-headed younger brother. Who would have thought those few words would have crush the spirit and soul of a teenage boy. But they did and from then it had only gotten worse.

Raph didn't retaliate in his usual manner. No argument, nor response with anger by punching or kicking, he simply went towards the front door and left. Now every time their youngest bro entered, only one brother remained by his side. It had been tough and created a huge fracture upon the brothers, nonetheless they obeyed their sensei. But for how long could this go on for?

Leo was away from the ledge and now running his hand smoothly across the soft covers. His blue eyes once filled with confidence and positivity were now low-spirited and daunting. What had he done? He gritted his teeth grabbing the quilt tightly, he felt like such a failure!

He was the oldest, he was the leader, and it should be his responsibility to take action and tell his beloved younger brother that he was sorry…but it was too late. The damage had become so critical, he just hoped that it wasn't beyond repair. Forgetting to remind himself that he was only a teenager and part human. They all made mistakes…..right?

The clock was reading 5.00am. At home it would only be an hour from practice. He knew the others wouldn't mind but he opened the door, making his way across the corridor and down the stairs. Strolling into the living room, it caused him such heartache finding his red-clad little brother curled up and snoring into the chair. This is where he had been sleeping the last three nights. Before then he had been sleeping outside in the tree, but the weather had become a bit chilly. And turtles were not known for sleeping in trees.

Leo hated coming to his conclusion but he knew why Raph would rather settle down on an uncomfortable, prickly branch than inside a warm cosy shelter.

Because it was for Mikey.

It was extremely painful to watch Raph jumped off the couch and run outside once Donnie declared that their orange turtle was ready to move his legs. Nobody said anything as Raph jump on a tree and hid behind it. I mean what can you say? Leo stood listening to his brother's rasp breathing before going to the kitchen putting on the kettle and reaching for a cup. He would have to talk to Raph later.

"Are you making coffee?"

Leo's heart jumped and almost dropped his cup as his purple clad brother entered the kitchen. Donnie yawned pushing a chair back. He used his arm for a support for his head. He looked exhausted as another yawn escape him.

"Yep. I'll get you some. Did you sleep much?" said Leo using his mother hen tone.

Donnie smiled, his reddish-brown eyes more alert once the elder gave him his coffee. Taking a long sip before he spoke.

"I did, don't worry. I just…wanted to stay up a little longer to watch Mikey"

Alert bells instantly rang in Leo's ears. "Did anything happen? Did he have another nightmare?"

Donnie had to raise his hand to stop his sibling panicking. "No, he's ok. The dreams hadn't seemed to be bothering him the last five days or so, thank god. I'm glad he doesn't need any more suffering". Donnie suddenly winced, mentally whacking himself for what he had just said. He glanced up at Leo apologetic but was surprised to see half a smile of understanding on his face.

"It's alright Donnie, you don't have to hide the truth. I know. We did cause this. You were right. There were a thousand different ways I could have handled Mikey, and I did it wrong." Leo took a sip of his drink hoping that the subject quickly changed, thankfully Donnie seemed too agreed. No need for a depressing morning.

"Leo what are you doing this afternoon?" Donnie asked secretly grinning at the wide-eyed innocent expression.

"Well…I, I was thinking of taking a stroll around the woods, Scout out the place. Maybe find a lake or something?" The second-youngest felt quite touched that Leo was already on his precaution and protection mode, even though there is literally nothing or no one out there for them to fight. Either way they couldn't tell their brother to let go and enjoy nature, Leo was always on guard.

But maybe Donnie could get them to relax for a few hours. His plan was simple yet it required both brothers to be there. It was time for some brotherly time…without Mikey just for a little while. Time to start building some bridges again. Crestfallen by the remark before mentally shaking his head, it had to be done.

Knowing he looked spaced out by Leo's questioning look, Donnie prompted, "I think April knows where a lake is, you, me and Raph we can go there together, I mean we…haven't been spending much time together late.

Leo had to repress a snort. It would not be appropriate right now; nonetheless the purple genius was correct. The attention was diverted somewhere else. Donnie was Doctor Donatello with his patient. Raph and Casey were like an item when it came to exploring or sparring. As for Leo meditation came in handy and having small conversation with Splinter. Also April was Donnie's nurse. She was actually allowed in their room this week. Leo shook his head trying to control his jealousy. Leo had always been the one to take care of his family but April is a great friend and helper, she would never hurt Mikey. In fact she was the best of them to be around him right now.

"Not like we did" He said sorrowfully.

Albeit Leo thought it was a nice plan, the gap tooth with brighten eyes was enough to know he made his little brother happy.

"That's great thanks bro. Now I just need to ask Raph".

Leo tilted his head confused. "Wasn't he on the chair?"

"No he must have gone out already" Donnie replied dejectedly. Raph had a habit of not being in the same place when the purple brother appeared. It wasn't his fault as Mikey was usually stuck like glue to his side. Leo narrowed his eyes, somewhat annoyed at his brother's absent. It seems they were going to have a proper talk after this outing.

Donnie got up, putting the cup in the sink. "We can leave in an hour. I'll talk to April and find Raph. We won't be sleeping overnight because it wouldn't be fair on Mikey. That should be for all four of us. Don't worry Leo he will come around". The Brainiac trying to leave a positive atmosphere as he left the kitchen.

Truth be told, the week was not all dark and gloomy. The turtles were delighted to hear that Mikey had opened up to Splinter, although he declined to tell them what as Mikey still wasn't speaking. However Mikey was giving away small impressions to Donnie, similar to sign language. It was then Donnie had an idea and introduced everyone to using their T-phone texting as a way of communicating. Having been only making phone calls, the family had not texted someone before and deemed it remarkable once they started messaging one another. With thanks to April and Casey for teaching them the fun of short text spelling.

The key element to this was waiting. Donnie explained to them that Mikey will eventually use the t-phone for communication. This will be his next step into returning to normal. Until then Leo and Raph have to restrain themselves from being dishearten, when no text comes through but it was understandable. Trust had been broken and needed to be regained.

Time had flown as the clock ding 6am and the trio set off for operation brotherly bonding and self-reflection. April stated that a lake was a few metres up ahead, and also told her friends, due to Raph's hysteric claiming nobody was watching out for Mikey, that he would be fine with sensei. Donnie had a way with words and threatening his red-clad turtle to join them was not his style. Why would he when he can simply say that you won't speak to me anymore and are hardly spending anytime at the house. Donnie had expected a backlash, a heated response or Raph's face to crimson with anger, but the reaction stunned him. Downcast and crestfallen Raph nodded apologizing to his younger brother for not being more supportive.

It seem Mikey's character has affected the whole family in different ways. Raph was…quiet. It was concerning to say the least when they started hiking through the woods, the red brother trailing behind like a bodyguard. Only the atmosphere was tense and kind of awkward. The silence was beginning to suffocate the siblings that Donnie let out a sign of relief when he smelled the fresh clean water.

All three were whoa by the beauty. Rays of light from the rising sun mixed with the orange and yellow that sparkled and danced across the bright blue surface. The sky reflected upon the lake like a mirror, clear and transparent. The shades of green contrast against the bushes and trees, so tall high and mighty over the water allowing the undamaged jade leaves to fluently lower themselves to create calm ripples.

The place was tranquil and had a harmonic feel. Like a melodic song enchanting its surroundings by whistling softly and gently. Donnie saw Raph bend down on his knees swiftly running his fingers left and right creating tiny waves. "It really is nice here" he said quietly.

They approved. Leo sat down on the grass cross-legged, he closed his eyes feeling the warm sun and the spring of nature pressuring him to relax and enjoy. Opening one eye, he noticed Donnie placing his feet inside the water while leaning back on his hands while Raph was sitting on his knees staring at his reflection. The red brother was a little startled to see such a sad and forlorn face in the water. How long had he been like this? He frowned bitterly knowing the answer. Raph gritted his teeth feeling the anger emerging for his body. Instead he got up and found a small rock before throwing it skipping across the lake. He found another one and repeated the action as though he was trying to toss his anger away with the stone.

Donnie and Leo watch their brother from the side-lines. No words were said, no telling their hot-tempered sibling to chill out. The bottled up emotions have been locked away for over a week. But in the middle of nowhere, in the wildness was a perfect time to scream until your lungs burst.

After several rocks thrown harsher than the next, Raph's hands balled into fist as he opened his throat ripping out a loud screech, the throbbing pain in his chest filled with uncontrollable emotion from day one, the day it all began.

The day he told his loveable baby brother to keep his mouth shut forever! The hatred and agony from that horrific memory rose higher inside his body, refusing to stay inside his closed mouth. Raphael let out another shriek scaring the birds to fly away from the safety of their nests. He panted taking a breather unable to stand any longer as he collapsed on the ground.

Leo was already standing by the second scream, his hand ready to envelope his brother in a hug. They both understood why being near the farm or simply staying inside to watch TV was unbearable. Thinking of Mikey's face, the fear and trauma, memorizing what his big brothers had done as he hid behind his father or their second youngest brother. Like a boy being punished for disobeying an order. It was just too much to bare.

Aside from Raph's strong wheezing to compose himself, there was silence. Who knew silence could portrait different signs. At first it was edgy and unsettling, next serene and restful and then back to uncomfortable. It was becoming exhausting.

Leo wondered if this is how Donnie planned his…quality time with his bros. His face felt hot and slightly panicked at the purple turtle's expression. His eyes were clouded and withdrawn, his posture bent forward vaguely like a heavy weight on his shell. He turned to discover Raph had realized his outburst was an inconvenience to his little brother. It should not be about him.

"Donnie I-" he paused as the genius stepped inside the lake, push his arms up and let out a huge high-pitch nasal screech, scaring his siblings who stood beside a tree. More like hiding as they made their brother mad. They eyeballed each other silently discussing whether to escape.

Only for the day to become more bizarre as their brother began laughing. Donnie couldn't stop the heartfelt sound releasing from his soul, even as he struggled to breathe, tears ready to fall. He clutched his stomach in a fail attempt to recover before his brothers officially believe the Brainiac was crazy.

"Donnie are you ok?" said Leo reaching out, he ignored the way Raph suddenly stood halfway behind him. Angry and deranged Donnie was a bad combination.

Wiping away the tears Donnie gleefully show his gap tooth as he spread his arms. "I'm fine Leo it just…It didn't occur to me how amazing that felt, no wonder why Raph tends to leave in the early hours after a dispute".

Their jaws dropped a little watching Donnie kick some water before spinning around. The second oldest stepped out behind Leo, his red bandana raised like an eyebrow. Donnie started giggling at his big brother's confused and astonished looks.

"I'm sorry guys. The truth is I wanted us to be out here so we can talk. I know you two are more prone to putting on a padlock when it comes to personal feelings. Despite that you both have a tendency to speak out your troubles to me. It makes me happy and I was hoping you two will do it again.

He raised his hand once they opened their mouths. "Nevertheless I realised that maybe I was being too forceful. You guys have to right to keep them to yourselves, instead of having a nosy brother poking and prodding his way in".

Could you awe your sibling even more? It was true that all three siblings had a habit of talking to their peace-making brother who was a fabulous listener, even if he was working on projects that the brothers could never figure out what. There was something about their purple-clad genius, his aura was amiable and warm to be around. His lab could pass as a ticking time bomb with how many gadgets, equipment and spreadsheet lying around on tables; however the place was private and had an air of serenity that leaves you wanting to tell him everything until there is nothing left to discuss, like a giant weight off your shell.

Raph's smile was small but enough for his brothers. He stepped into the lake approaching the taller one pulling him into a hug. "Thank you Donnie I'm feeling a little better" He removed his arms to pull free, only to realise Donnie had tighten his grip; his face embedded in Raph's shoulder. "Don?" he said sending a helpless signal Leo's way when getting no answer. The leader treaded into the lake stopping as they heard a whisper.

"Please stop wandering off. I miss you Raph. We don't get to see each other anymore. I know you don't want Mikey to see you" Donnie felt hands grabbed his wrists as Raph slip out of the hold to gaze down at himself. The forlorn expression was back.

He sighed letting go of his sibling. "I know Don, but you know as well as I that keeping away from Mikey is the right thing. The last thing I want to be to him is a horror in his nightmare -" Raph was cut off by a hand on his shoulder. Leo had joined them

"We have all done it Raph, more than we knew we had, and I'm not just counting this one. We have taken Mikey for granted, but it is instinct to want to watch over the smallest one in a family where there is constantly danger lurking. We…can't help feel overly protective of him more than any of us."

Donnie nodded in agreement. "Mikey is our baby. We all treat him like one and yet we have been trying to make him like us. But if he becomes like us, it would be the worst thing. He is the light we need in our lives and I guess I always wanted to protect and preserve that innocents. The down side has been that I am scared when that innocents is threatened in a battle. In some ways we are hypocrites for letting him and even making him act like a child, only for us to chastise him when he does act like one….."

"Mikey is growing up. We are losing that baby brother we always loved. But frightening him off all together wasn't the right way to go, right." Raph finished the conclusion.

A few seconds of grieving before Leo turned around and walked away. The two fearing what the oldest brother would do had their faces dropped when Leo let out a powerful holler forcing more birds to escape the dreadful noises. He smirked putting his thumb up at his younger bros. "You are right Don, that was kind of fun."

The three laughed, when suddenly Raph splashed waves at Donnie who countered attack on Leo creating a play-fighting match soaking their shells. For several hours the three spend time sitting in the forest and venturing further out to see other exciting adventures laid out for them. The forest was gigantic and would have taken all day, accept that Donnie was required back by the afternoon.

Later Donnie read his t-phone at 2:50pm. Wow they had been gone for ages. "Guys time to head back now, we will definitely come here again" They sauntered their way through the wood until they saw the house in sight. Donnie noticed his brothers not following him, he smiled sadly understanding.

"Promise to be back later ok. I don't want to have a cold dinner with my bros". The smirk was affectionate remembering they accidently arrived home later than usual. Their situation was not always bad.

"Donnie?" said Raph with a hand behind his head. The teen was patiently waiting, knowing this was difficult for him. "I promise Donnie, we will spend time together and we will all take Mikey on a well-deserved trip, just the four of us". Donnie beamed brightly reaching for another hug. Losing one brother to a hollow state was sufficient enough to wake him up; he won't allow it to happen again. The boy's grin was contagious as Leo also joined the group hug.

"Alright guys time to go home"

As they strolled along the pathway to the door Raph saw Donnie's t-phone. "Has…Mikey text you yet?" His heart sank when he shook his head.

"No not yet but I have faith, it will come event-"he gasps when a message appeared…from Mikey!

He read it causing a lump in his throat, the tears swelling as a drop landed on the phone. Leo and Raph reacted. "What is it bad news?"

He showed them the message; it seems the tears were contagious as well. It wasn't a direct speech but a wonderful- no beautiful six words.

Be safe bros, come back soon

"I now stand corrected, Mikey sent his first one and it was too all of us" he murmur afraid to speak up. Raph looked away swallowing his own, while Leo rubbed away his. Placing both hands on each shoulder squeezing for comfort, no words intended as they walk towards their second home.