13 reviews thank you guys I'm so happy you liked the brotherly bonding.

Don't worry there will be more coming up, but for now this chapter is kind of like a continuation of what mikey did when the bros went to the lake and so forth.

Enjoy!

Who knew nature could be so…hushed and serene? Of course the fluttering of birds flapping their wings was natural in the forest and the occasional noise of other animals scattered around their forest home was normal. But for a humanoid rat this was paradise. Maybe as a child in Japan he had wandered away as all children do when curiosity and adventures settles in their innocent mind. Perhaps even as a man he would take a stroll to calm his thoughts from a stressful day at the dojo or to simply enjoy the wonders of what the forest brings. Either way it has been a long time.

Sixteen years to be exact when Master Splinter was allowed to breathe air that wasn't contaminated by dirty smells of sewers and the mucky air of New York City. Unfortunately the father wished the idea to come and stay at April's farm would have been under better circumstances. He signed sadly trying to erase his crowded thoughts by sitting crossed-legged for meditation, which lately-to his disappointment-he not been doing much of lately. The father would not even dream to blame his youngest child for his lack of concentration; this was something he had failed to keep up in his own time.

Taking a deep breath, hands up in the air, closing his eyes Splinter relaxed his body and open his mind to enter. Inner peace required a lot of practice and patience, to be able to focus for long periods to reach your soul. The father was not searching for his own, but to see how his orange child had progress in the past week. He regretted horribly to not frequently watching out for Mikey's orb, so much had been keeping him preoccupied that to easily sit down on a floor with a mat was difficult. However today Splinter was alone for Mikey was resting and told his father to spend some quality time to himself and April and Casey were busy spending the day together inside. It was quiet and perfect for the rat.

He landed gracefully inside the white space surrounding the souls. He ambled towards them taking in the colours. Is there such a saying that your heart can split in two and shatter into small tiny fragments? This feeling was painstakingly true as he discovered the changes in his boys. "Unless my eyesight is getting old for a mutant rat or do Leonardo and Raphael's orbs seem…darker, no it like their own spark has faded" What had been confirmed was correct. Splinter could see from his standing position that his oldest sons red and blue souls have lost the light, making them appear as if a darkness had spread over them. He could feel a wave of tremendous sadness as he brings his hand closer.

It broke his heart further to know this did not even come as a surprise. The two brothers have their own battles and are everyday tormented for their actions. The house felt warm yet cold due to the diversity of his children. Splinter grabbed his chest, the pain thumping reminding him of what he believed to the best situation for Mikey. His boys accepting the decision to stay away from their baby brother with haunting, shocking and dispirited expressions would forever be buried inside his mind down to the core of his soul. What kind of father separates his beloved children when they need each other the most?

Remarkably they somehow survived almost two weeks, but how long this can go on for Splinter does not know. He can only hope that his peace-making son could rekindle the relationship that he regrettably helped create. Stepping back he turned and walked towards Donatello's purple one and was glad with relief to see that it was still the same shade. While his third youngest had suffered the aftermath, the emotional trauma did not affect him as bad as his siblings. You could describe him as someone who is fixing a giant puzzle, a complicated puzzle. Of course fixing things were just the words that described Donatello all over. He drifted his eyes towards the orb that had lost all happiness, hope and spiralling down to a pit of despair, his youngest child Michelangelo.

The orange was completely tainted by grey, like it had swallowed the dazzling colour completely, losing its brightness and vibrant personality of his son. He was only fifty years old, half a century, so why did he feel his body had double in age over the last few weeks? It was becoming too much for him to bear especially when he saw the crack in the side had gotten bigger…. Splinter would have noticed that before. "I know for a fact that was not there the last time I came." Splinter discovered black slithering through the gap like a snake sliding across the floor. He gasped stepping back taking in a full view of the blackness spreading around the bottom of the soul. Anxiety vibrated his entire being sending out alarms and warnings, like it was implying this could be the final stage of Michelangelo's fate. What was happening to his son?

Sensei

The voice echoed around the area, he knew that sound.

Sensei?

Michelangelo? How did he enter through my mind? There was no doubt that he believed his child to be unique. So are all of them in their own way. Since childhood he displayed a short-attention span, while vastly improvising his own intelligence by quickly learning through his own techniques. Although not always approved by his father but still effective. Over the years he had also taking his boy for granted, a regret reminder of how smart his child actually was.

Sensei where are you?

The fact that he can gain access to Splinter's mind was not only extraordinary but unforeseeably easy. Michelangelo definitely had the raw talent in him. Taking a final look at the four souls, Splinter closed his eyes releasing his mind from mediation. Soon after his ears began twitching, the scent of his boy coming up behind him. It is disturbing how silent Michelangelo was able to sneak up on him.

"My son, is something the matter?"

Mikey startled slightly, remembering the last conversation with his dad through telepathy, it was still creepy to the orange turtle.

"I-I'm sorry sensei, I know you was meditating but I g-got a little lonely by myself. So I-I thought I could join you?"

To have your children feel afraid was one thing, but to know they are scared of you was very painful. Mikey's feet were pushed together; one hand grabbing the other arm with a downcast expression upon his face. His blue orbs still dark and despondent were also hesitant and faint-hearted. Didn't the teen realise he had already had enough scars? "Oh my son, don't look at me in such a dreadful way, I am not the enemy. You do not have to hide nor fear me"

"Of course my son, always"

Mikey settled down next to his sensei on the grass. A few minutes of silence-thankfully not uncomfortable-just a father and son moment. He then saw Michelangelo reaching to his side and bringing out the T-phone. His brown eyes widened recalling Donatello's plan for everyone to have a phone to reconnect and interact with each other, hopefully creating a new starting point for their baby brother. Splinter smiled as his son kept looking at the forest then to the phone, he pinched his lips a sign of nervousness.

"Do you want to give them a text?"

The boy's face had whiten, his hand tightening on the gadget. Such a simple question brought out the tremor in his youngest. Tears began to shine in his pupils blurring his vision; one heart-breaking look at his father brought the rat to cuddle the child in his arms.

"Oh Michelangelo please don't cry"

Sobbing in the kimono as he brought his arms around his sensei, Mikey curled around by bringing his legs closer for protection and the security of his father's humming and soothing voice. He hiccupped and snivelled trying to calmly breathe with the comfort of Splinter's hand gently rubbing his shell.

"Sensei, I-I don't know what to do. D-Donnie said this will help us and this is a good step into learning to trust my brothers but w-what if they don't want to hear from me? I'm scared that texting will break my promise and they will never forgive me for it. After all I-I've done nothing to redeem our relationship, I'm nothing but a burden sensei, a turtle who only hurts his brothers!"

Splinter placed a hand on the light green head, as Michelangelo brought out another set of waterworks. If only he knew how his brothers deeply missed him. Staring down at his boy with sorrow and remorse that it had gotten this far.

"No Michelangelo, you are very precious and special to your brothers, who are still conflicted by past mistakes. They love you very much and even if they can't hear your sound, sending them a message would bring such a wonder and joy to them."

In the wide innocent eyes the rat noticed a small light of baby blue, faint but it was present. "D-Do you really think so?"

He nodded in anticipation "Yes Michelangelo. I believe this will be a new beginning for you four and you will never know unless you don't try".

Mikey wiped his eyes staring down at the phone. Anxious filled his head, a small negative voice repeatedly telling him it was a bad idea however, he wanted his big brothers. This was not an easy task so Mikey tucked the gadget away in his belt. "Please don't be mad sensei. I need to think on this, may I be excused?"

"I would never be mad at you Michelangelo" Splinter kissed his youngest forehead before helping him remove from his lap and walk back inside the house. Mikey scanned the empty living room with an inconsolable expression, the feeling of spending time with his brothers in front of the TV felt…faded almost a life-time ago. He clutched his plastron, as his heart pumped rapidly, the emotions becoming uncontrollable from the happier memories. He left the room heading upstairs to his shared bedroom lying on his bed.

His thoughts were persistent, like they were pressured and confined by one word, text. He sat up picking up the phone seeing the picture of his purple brother smiling; he pressed the screen to see three icons, the middle showing a yellow letter with message underneath. He opened it to see a blank page ready for him to write.

But the voice was back sending a shiver down his spine as it was more forceful and showing signs of hostility. Nevertheless Mikey try to push back the sound rapping through his mind to create a sentence. A large finger floated above the sent button wondering whether the voice was right and he should delete it. Mikey shook his head, despite feeling apprehensive he clicked it and the message closed and flew away to his bros.

Why was it suddenly hot in his room? He then realised it was him, the heat on his face due to his body's temperature. His breathe becoming uneven hoping he did not make a mistake. "What if this is wrong and they don't text back? Or worse they tell me how stupid I am for breaking my own rule for not speaking to them. This is speaking right?"

Suddenly it was getting difficult to breathe like someone stamping on his chest. An anxiety panic was emerging if it wasn't for a beeping noise, causing the smaller turtle to jump dropping the T-phone on the bed. Picking it up he saw the yellow envelope with Donnie written under it, he pressed it and open up to a heart-warming piece from his brothers.

We will be safe promise Mikey – Leo

We will be back soon bro – Raph

We love you Mikey – Donnie

The orange teen was starting to believe he is not completely emotionless as a third waterfall ran down his cheeks. Lying down on his side, he cradled it to his heart waiting for his siblings to return and for the first time in a while let out a small smile.

But in the brightness of the room, he didn't notice the shadow suddenly move across the floor, making its way out of the window….

The sun shining through the brother's window raising Mikey and Donnie from their beds. The purple teen yawned, stretching his body before going towards his sibling.

"Hey Mikey, ready for some breakfast?" The boy replied by grabbing Donnie's hand, a custom the two youngest bros have established and also another way for Mikey to be close to him. Pulling him up the two made their way down the stairs greeting Splinter and April who were drinking coffee and herbal tea in the kitchen.

The bros sat down as April poured a cup for Donnie as he released another yawn. "Looks like someone did not get enough sleep again" she said grinning. He waved his hand "Nah I slept like a baby, even Mikey did" Seeing the raised eyebrows he blushed like a small boy getting caught, like the time he took apart the toaster to see how the mechanical side functioned.

Splinter chuckled knowing his child's case insomnia but for his own pre-caution to check on his little brother. "I'm glad you slept well" Taking a sip of his tea and winking at his boys only to discover Mikey was gazing across at the living room.

"What's wrong Mikey?" April said as he got up sauntering to the other room. The others followed to see him turning his head left and right. Sadness planted upon their faces as they recognized what he was looking for.

"Leonardo and Raphael left this morning Michelangelo; they are out training with Casey in the woods". Mikey found the floor interesting as he nodded his head, they didn't see the anguish expression he portrayed, but they can sense that their absent was affecting him greatly.

The second youngest and April turned to each other, when the girl clicked her fingers. "I have an idea". This got the male's attention. "Why don't we take a stroll around the shops? There are not many unfortunately because of where we are and it is only a few miles from here. But I have some spare clothing in the attic in case there are any people around. What do you think Mikey, want to join us?"

The boy turned around tilting his head, the way his eyes held some curiosity of venturing outside these walls that have confined him for almost two weeks. Holding out his hand to Donnie the two teens felt joy at the fact Mikey was willing to participate in activities.

"Why don't you three go? I'll stay here and take care of the house. But first have some breakfast; I don't want you leaving on an empty stomach". Obeying their sensei the three sat down for cereal, Donnie helping Mikey by pouring it in the bowl, he quietly took note of the orange turtle's stitches. They were still a little red, but seemed to be healing nicely.

The clock struck 8 when they waved to Splinter for their journey walk. Although both the boys twitched from the human clothing rubbing against them, the breeze was nice and calm swirling around them as they ambled across the clear path in between patches of grass. The morning sun highlighted the scenery with a softer tone mixing the green with the sky blue. The purple turtle felt the warmth radiating on his skin.

"Is it usually this bright and hot around here? The heat is quite exhilarating; we can't always experience such a treat".

April frowned knowing this was something her friends have less knowledge of; sure they have seen the sun but to actually spend time outside in the open to experience it was rare. She clenched her hands deciding that when things were better between the brothers, she would bring them back for a holiday in daylight.

She looked at Mikey next to Donnie. "So how you feeling about all this Mikey?" They had all grown accustom to his hand signals and his behaviour. To answer her question, Mikey stepped passed them looking at the light flinching as it shined in his eyes. Shading his vision he stopped walking letting the other two almost bump into him. The two teens watched Mikey as he extended his hands towards the sky. To an underground talking turtle, this was different and yet kind of blissful. The sensation of an entirely new environment where they were relatively safe from harm, to be able to breath in the clear air without people screaming out to them for being abnormal. It was so amazing, that this could not stop Mikey from spreading his arms to the side, closing his eyes, allowing a small amount of happiness to spread through his soul.

They stayed in the position of viewing their little brother having a moment until he was finished. It was in plain sight that he was enjoying himself. They waited until Mikey put his arms down and then laughed when he waved his hand and went on forward.

They made it to the small town in an hour. Normally Mikey would complain of bad feet or simply tired of walking despite being a ninja who could jump for hours over buildings. But that was then and Donnie was certain that his brother was not in the least tired as he tried to keep him from wandering off. It would seem that some of his qualities had not faded away completely.

"Hold on Mikey we just need a few ingredients for dinner tonight and then we can look around ok?" Mikey followed them into a store finding nothing to his liking. As he went left to another store, he noticed movement in the alleyway, he shrugged his shoulders when nothing else happened and just made it passed the alleyway when he caught the rustling noise again which was followed by another sound.

Like a cat.

Bent on founding out the cause Mikey carefully made his way over to the box, which was about to tip over. The turtle moved closer as the box shake two more times before opening revealing a kitten.

A Marmalade orange one.

Astonished to see such a small creature left alone, he leaned down only for his face to screw up with rage. He could see blisters with burn marks on the fur leaving red patches like someone had not only beaten the poor thing but use weapons of torture on it. "Why would anyone do something like this? How is she supposed to defend himself?"

Carefully Mikey approached the kitten as it curled up tighter in a corner, shivering and meowing in terror. Keeping his temper under control, he lifted his hand beckoning it to come to him. The kitten didn't move until he saw Mikey smile, a true smile, for he understood physically, emotionally and the aftermath. Gesturing his hand again the kitten slowly went to sniff Mikey's fingers, then she meows quietly soothing the teen for affection. Gently picked her up, placing the kitten to his chest, wrapping the girl inside his jacket for closure and protection. "Don't worry girl nothing will happen to you ever again".

"Mikey!" the sound of Donnie's panic voice suddenly filled the street behind him.

The kitten froze, terrified by the shout started to twist in Mikey's clothing hoping to bury herself. Luckily she was tiny enough to hide completely inside as Mikey ran out of the alleyway almost running into his brother. "Mikey where did you go I was worried!" Said Donnie crossing his arms as his younger brother began fidgeting, obviously knowing he would not get an actual answer, but still he knew he was in trouble and hopefully his new tiny friend could bail him out.

Opening the jacket Mikey extended his hand towards them so they could see the abused kitten. April smiled gleefully, then scowled when she noticing his fur. "Aww so adorable and look at her? Why would anyone want to harm such a beautiful little thing?"

Mikey was thinking the same when suddenly he felt Donnie rubbing a hand on his head. "Good job Mikey, I'm sorry if I was angry, just promise me you won't do that again…unless of course you find another cat. I am guessing this kitten is coming home with us right?"

The purple turtle was startled, his hand motionless when his little brother let out a tiny smile. So small you wouldn't be able to see it from far, but up close Donnie's heart was fluttering. Careful not to swell up with tears, Donnie released his brother as they took the journey back to the farm.

Donnie and Mikey walked in front listening to the cat purring and snuggling against his new owner. "She is officially your pet Mikey so you have to take care of her" putting a hand on his shoulder. Mikey agreed fully determined to love and care for his pet. When the three saw the farmhouse up-ahead, it caused the brothers to move faster whereas April hung back enjoying the sunshine. When she heard a rustling sound in the tree by her, she didn't think anything of it and continued on when a loud squawk captured her attention. She turned to see a Crow-no a Raven clawed to a branch, staring at her.

Now black birds weren't exactly uncommon around here. In fact they were part of the scenery. So why did it suddenly feel so cold? Prickling on the back of her neck sent shivers running down her spine as April brought her hands up like she was defending herself, but against what? The raven jet-black eyes stared into her own blue ones; she wanted to get away from it.

"Didn't my grandmother used to tell me something about ravens?" She thought on…"a story, with a poem introduction….Not the Edgar Allan Poe poem from school. No. Another one…? She racked her brain trying to remember, it was one of the last things her grandmother said to her before she passed away….

"When life has given you your final call,

Say your goodbyes as the curtain falls.

Because the Ravens are coming to whisk you away,

To a land of dark where there can be no day.

First they will visit as shadows at night,

Under your covers as they whisper "sleep tight.

Upon the moment you breathe your last,

The Ravens are there to feed on you fast.

Attached to your soul they pull the fine thread,

Your soul is free, but your body is dead.

Do not be afraid when the Ravens fly,

Just say to your family, I miss you and goodbye.

How could she have forgotten her grandmother's poem? It was so creepy… But it was just a story. That's all it was. Maybe it was bad timing because she had been very young and it was all she remembered from her grandmothers passing. Still, it was creepy…. What was also creepy is that the raven hadn't moved. It just continued to stare at her. April suddenly overcome with this feeling to run, when Donnie called her name. "April is something wrong?" he said concerned. Having faced away from the bird, the hairs on her neck rose to see it had disappeared when she looked away, like it wasn't even there at all.

"No Donnie…it's nothing" she reply jogging towards the boys, trying to ignored the presence of that freaky bird.