Chapter Thirteen: -Michelangelo-

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Life at its best sure is strange; maybe even to the point you'd second guess your own decisions, you know?

I know that sensei once told me everything in life is linked together, and one way or another the threads of life would intertwine and bind, before they would spread out again the next moment, the threads would then scatter like ashes to the wind.

But I honestly didn't think my life was so close knit to so many people, not this way.

I mean, I knew Leo and I aren't the only turtles on the face of this planet, and I never doubted that thought. I vaguely remember from my young memory there being more of us, more turtles who looked like us. I just could not recall how many they were or what they looked like, but blame that on my young memory. But I must confess there were times when I weren't sure of their existence, if they were a dream and a figment of my imagination, or if they had left us at one time for some reason beyond their control.

I knew there were more of us, but I just somehow ended up forgetting them.

There had been times when sensei would longingly look at me and my brother, and would look like all sad and lonesome, but then a small smile would curl at the corner of his muzzle, almost as if he was remembering something pleasant, or more simply bittersweet. More than once, I got the hint he missed someone, someone was supposed to be there besides my brother and I, someone who was supposed to be there, but wasn't.

At first, I thought that maybe he missed our mother, and because I never met her I held firm to the thought and even blurt it out to him when he looked very sad. We were so young back then, and I think my question touched him somehow, I don't really remember what his reaction was like exactly.

I guess that's when he about how we were born, partly giving us the Talk, and I realized we never had a mom, not in that way because we weren't born the way we were. I confess I was disappointed for I fancied the thought of having a mother who, at my childlike thoughts at that time, would hug me and kiss me and make me feel all better, especially whenever Leo would push me around.

Sensei was a guy, so lets face it, no matter how nice and huggable he is, it's not the same as having a mom. It's a woman thing; I realized as I grew older, females just had this calming tenderness a male could never provide.

As the years wore by, I would be miles away on my cloud of thoughts and dream of better times, especially when I'm at the feet of despair.

There were times when I felt dead, or wanted to be dead, but the feeling grew more so troublesome and disheartening, when Leo's sudden change in attitude and sheer coldness almost killed me. I wanted someone who would help me be a better person, someone who would let me see the brighter side of life, someone would let me smile and appreciate what I do.

Leo was too cold, and he was growing colder and colder by the day, and nothing sensei could say or do seemed to let my brother warm up. Leo is walking a dark path, a path of a warrior willing to detach himself from his empathy to die with honor, and no matter how I try to deter him he would not listen; instead he'd lash out at me and call me weak, a failure, and a dropout.

Where I loved life and wanted to experience it to the fullest, Leo was a death seeker and an avenger. His anger started to consume him, and little by little I've come to accept the thought that there is no hope to get my brother back from the dark side.

But then, they decided to show up and came into our life, and through the hope and enjoyable company I felt towards those kin, I realized exactly what had father stay up all those lonesome night.

He didn't have to explain that tired longing look, or the fact he would sometimes zone out through his observation during our training sessions, but the way he looked at them when they first stepped into the lair, the hurt look when they backed from him, I knew.

I don't know how or when we lost two brothers, but I know for sure they're here to stay, and whoever their missing adoptive father is, I'm sure we can think of something to keep them with us once they've reunited. We finally found each other after so long and I'm sure if we're family again, we will be able to figure something out and stick together for a while longer, right?

Well, at least that's what I'm hoping for, because I know once they find their dad, they probably wouldn't wanna stay in the city. Especially Red, cause he and Leo are polar opposites and clearly they spark worse than Leo and I do.

I admit, if I hadn't met with Casey, my temper and his wouldn't have rubbed off each other. My mellower moments and his cynically sarcastic moments kinda helped buffer out the tension at times; I don't know how he does it, but it helps me relax. He's a great guy, really; for a clumsy dolt the human is actually a good influence on me, he helped me mellow out a bit more.

I used to be crabbier than this, used to butt heads with Leo a lot after that accident at the Foot tower, mostly I was sick and tired of having to deal with his tantrums. We'd butt heads and argue, until we'd end up exchanging names, and he would say things that would seriously tear me apart. When worse came to worse, I was stuck having to pull that stick out of his ass, one way or another just to drive a point home, and it not pretty when we start exchanging blows.

Why couldn't he just be a little nicer, would it have really hurt?

Sensei chose him when it came to ninjutsu and the physical aspects of stealth, he was a lot better than me, and frankly at the time I didn't really mind him taking leadership, it wasn't something I wanted, or even cared for. But now that it's been a few good years having to deal with his attitude, I'm finding myself questioning his authority more and more.

In the past he was very responsible, very considerate and he was calm and steady, but since about a year ago, especially after his clash with Karai, that loving brother dwindled into someone else, and I some times can no longer recognize the beast breathing hot fires against my face.

I knew she's a double agent and he knew she was a double agent, and yet he trusted her and let her play with his feelings despite my distrust of her. I told him again and again it was a bad idea, but would he listen to me? Shell no. She carelessly tossed him aside after she used him, as if he was some ugly old rag doll she no longer wished to play with.

As far as he was concerned at the time, he was the leader and his word goes; and since it was the very first time I ever spoke against him, he didn't take it lightly to be questioned on his authority.

That arrogant side of him is probably the part I hate most; I mean, little humility never hurt anyone.

With a sigh, I shook the depressing thoughts from my mind, they gave me nothing but grief.

At any case, with my two followers and I came closer to Casey's place, I thought it would be safer to let Red and Dee meet him and get to know him a little. After all, they're bunking in at his mom's place so we'll just call Lorelei and have her come over. Although, I must admit, when I filled them about my plan they didn't say much, they just sent me wary smiles before looking at each other.

I think they're in trouble, and I can relate to the feeling. More than once I remember getting into all sorts of trouble, and end up on sensei's lap with a sore tail the next morning. At least this time, they wouldn't be having it so hard since I'm the reason they're out here in the first place. But not that I'd blame them for being worried about her, or her reaction more likely, cause if she was my mom I'd we shaking in my shell, too.

Thinking of Lorelei reminded me of when I was younger and wished to have a mom, someone sweet and tender who would make me feel all so nice and fluffy, whenever I'm sad or feeling down. Frankly, I can't help but laugh at myself when I keep thinking those silly childish thoughts. I was so naive, so gullible and so- pitiable.

As much as I know my dislike to Leo's attitude is strong, I have to admit his harshness did make me grow a little stronger, mentally.

I've wanted to feel requited compassion from someone, but didn't know how to do it. I've thought of getting myself a pet of sorts, someone I could talk to who wont mock me or talk back, but so far I really hadn't decided what to go for.

I thought of a dog, naturally; but they're so high maintenance and they're too loud, playful and depending on their breed it wouldn't be too helpful in the lair, or stealthy in the sewers. A cat wouldn't like being locked in the lair for too long, and though our home might be roomy, but still a cat would want to be outdoors where it's sunny with grass to play with and bugs to hunt.

A bird wouldn't fit in the lair at all, no matter what type it is.

A parrot is surely out of the question, a pudgy or a canary wouldn't fare too well either. I've seen one too many articles about birds starting to lose their feathers and stuff, because they hadn't had enough freedom by their owners, and while living in the sewers, it would only prolong their suffering, and I dearly didn't want to be the cause of any innocent animal's suffering.

I even entertained the thought of a lizard, a chameleon or gecko or such, but didn't know how to handle exotic ones like that.

A monkey would have been swell, cause I could teach them all sorts of tricks, but they're prone to get ill in the sewers with the lack of sunlight and stuff, and they hate being caged up and might grow rabid, and I need to be taken to the vet a lot to make sure they don't turn rabid, and I'll have to provide them with other necessities and stuff I cant provide.

I guess that left me with either gardening or starting a rock collection, although the idea of cacti sounds good right about now. I could put them with sensei's bonsai trees, turn the sun lamp on and give them little water every now and then, it ought to keep those little shrubs in sensei's room company.

"Hey, ya feelin' alright?" Dee suddenly piped up, with a hand on my shoulder and a worried frown knit between his brows, and gentle brown eyes.

"Uh, yeah, sorry; I think I just zoned out back there." I confessed and chuckled wearily, then waved a hand and then shifted the duffle bag to balance it against my hip, I gave our surroundings a look.

I knew Leo was still there a distance behind us, bidding his time like a tiger ready to pounce. A niggling feeling told me he was waiting for something. I hate it when he plays cat and mouse, so I hastened a bit for I didn't want Red and Dee to fall prey to his games.

Searching my mind I saw we were right under the building where Casey was staying, maybe the ally that's behind the structure, which is closer to the fire escape. So quietly I told them we have to go topside to meet a friend, and they didn't argue vocally, but their uneasy frowns told me they weren't happy about it. I merely assured them that they will be fine, took trench coats and hats from my bag and told them to disguise themselves, from both the heat of the sun and from being spotted by any passerby.

I got them out of the sewers, though it was a little tricky with the coats turning them half blind, and the coats getting caught in the rings of the ladder on their way up, and once under the heat of the sunlight, I felt like a roast in the oven being cooked a live.

Damn! It's pretty darn hot and sunny today. Better keep that in mind tonight, I'm guessing by nightfall it'll be humid.

Once all three of us were out of the sewers, cloaked and hidden in the barely existent shadows, I yelped when my foot made contact with the hot metal of the fire escape. It didn't seem to faze them much and Dee mentioned having to walk on hotter stuff, like large flat boulders in the swamps clearings and such; it helped thicken the skin on the sole of their feet.

But anyway, I had to hop around and briskly dash my way up to the floor where Casey's apartment was at, peeked through the window to see him half laid on his workout bench, and while I hopped on my toes I knocked on the windowpane and willed him to hurry up.

My feet stung badly by the time my human friend opened the window, and the three of he sort of hopped in quickly. He closed the window and tugged the drapes, before shooting me an annoyed look, but it soon fell when he spotted Red take off his hat and take a breather, griping how hot and stuffy it was under the garments and how the room reeked of sweat.

The black haired Caucasian man shot me a bewildered gawk, and all I offered him was a small wry grin and shrugged.

As briefly as I could, I explained to him that Red and Dee came from Florida, their father who is a crocodile, was kidnapped by government agents, and they have sources that told them he could be found here in New York. They came here by help from a man named Hanson, who is staying at Casey's mom's house, and these two needed to get back to her, so she wouldn't worry about them disappearing.

After I was done with the briefing, he forked his fingers through his tangled, sweat muddled hair, and then glanced at the two nervous and perhaps shying turtles, "So, you two're the ones staying at Ma's place?" he inquired, and the pair simply nodded, so he huffed a small chuckle, "Yeah, well- I don't blame ya for running away, she can be a bit overbearing, but you'll warm up to her after a while." He paused, and then smirked, "Or she'll just warm your butts for running off first, it depends on how well she's taking it." He shrugged.

"Wes don't mean to make her worry, we jus' wanted to find our pa," Red argued, again parroting the reason they were here.

Casey frowned a bit, tugged the towel that was around his neck, used it to dap away the last of his sweat, and then poked a thumb somewhere behind him, "Want me to call her and explain the situation? I can try and make yer verdict less painful." He smirked.

"Would you?" Dee meekly piped with a tiny shy smile.

"Sure," the human grinned lightly and tossed the towel over his shoulder, "but you can stay here with me if yer too scared to face her again. I'll have you know she can be a little too stern," he sighed and shook his head, before he had crossed the living room, picked up the phone and dialed a number, "makes me wonder if I should hook her on a dating service." He murmured.

Although I think that comment was more to himself than to us, it didn't stop me from smirking.

"You guys can hand me the coats for now, don't think we'll be leaving too soon." I told the two other turtles.

Obediently they handed over the garments and I stuffed them into my duffle bag, while Casey greeted his mom on the phone. He grouched and muttered a bit, scowling at the speaker he tried to say something but kept getting interrupted, before he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, something he'd often do when he's nervous or doesn't know what to do.

After a moment, he turned to face us with a forced grin, and then offered the speaker, "She wants to talk to you," he gestured to Red, who tensed and went bug eyed as if he had just been handed his death sentence.

I would have laughed if I didn't feel so sorry for him.

Perhaps a little scared, he glanced at his brother who shrugged, before he drew in a deep breath, advanced towards Casey and hesitantly took the speaker. He looked like he thought it would jump out and bite him, but then reluctantly drew it closer to his ear. It was a bit slanted and he clearly hadn't used a phone before, so Casey gingerly adjusted his hand and the speaker so he'd be able to communicate properly.

"Hello?" Red began, soft and meek.

Suddenly he yelped and cringed, jerked the device away from his ear, grouched something under his breath, which I assumed was a curse or something along that line, and then reluctantly drew the speaker back to his ear. I could hear Lorelei's scolding tone from where I was, but it was tangled and I couldn't understand what they were saying; it sounded like senseless garbles.

Red's expression twisted from sheepish guilt to annoyance, then from irritation to anger, and before I knew it he snarled at the phone and slammed it on the receiver, echoing a loud ringing noise across the room, he flung the whole table with everything on it across the room. I jumped at the cry of frustrated anger and my jaw dropped; he looked pissed.

The small whimper that escaped Dee told me it wasn't the first time his brother had done this, either.

I was about to go and try to calm him down, but the human beat me to it. Casey leaped at the angry turtle and they tussled and tackled each other on the floor, rolling and snapping at each other. Dee cried for his brother telling him to stop, but Red's eyes were wide and bright, and I could see a glint of sheer overwhelming rage itched into his features.

He was angry and had lost control, he probably doesn't even realize what he's doing.

That's when Casey got a lucky shot and sucker punched him, Hard!

Sprawled onto the floor flat on his plastron, Casey jumped on onto his shell and jerked the hefty arms back. Red howled at the harsh tug and struggled to get himself free, then snarled and grunted and thrashed his legs like- an alligator, or something.

Well, Dee did say he used to tussle with the gators, so he must've learned a trick or two, right?

The fight didn't last long because Casey took the fight out of him with one hard jerk, Red cried in pain then shuddered, trembled, and then growled with a pained whine how he couldn't feel his fingers anymore. Of course, the human didn't get off, instead he pinned Red's arms behind his shell and whispered into his ear, and whatever it was Red wasn't too pleased with the situation, but he couldn't do much about it, because despite Casey's appearance he was stronger and much heavier than he looked.

"Think about it, kid." The human finally said and pushed off the turtle.

But the hothead didn't get up, instead he attentively and gingerly slipped his hands from behind his shell and hissed, feeling his shoulders spasm and ache while he rolled to his side, curled into a ball and gripped his shoulder to grimace in pain. That's when his brother finally moved closer, knelt to the floor and touched his kin's shoulder.

The dark green turtle peered up with a pained face at the olive green turtle, before they shared a shushed conversation. But I didn't pay attention to what they said, I had my focus on Casey.

"You didn't have to go and nearly dislocate his shoulder, ya know." I chided, displeased with his rough reaction.

"Well first of all, barf-face, he shut the damn phone in my mothers face!" Casey hissed at me under his breath, but his scowl didn't look angry or pissed, just a little irritated, "Secondly, I know how it feels to be bounced around by adults who think they know what's best for ya. I know Ma wants to help, but I don't think keeping them cooped up would help them cope with the problem any better." He huffed.

After a moment he glanced at the two, and then a saddened look shone in his eyes, "Maybe she just misses being a mom, I dunno. When I talked to her on the phone earlier, I kinda got the impression she really cared about them." he amended.

I glanced at them as well, and saw Dee had pulled Red into an embrace, his darker skinned brother had a half angry scowl, he hugged himself tightly and still gripped the shoulder. I guess his arms hurt too much and he didn't want to strain them. He had his head tucked under his brother's chin, who hugged him close and had one hand on his head, the other caressed the shell.

"Ya know, this is the first time I've seen Red go ballistic, so maybe you can talk to him?" I smiled a little, trying to look friendly, "He kinda reminds me of you when we first met, so maybe you can mellow him up or something?"

The human quirked a grin, "Mike, do I look like I need to adopt another green gremlin for a brother? Keeping you around is troublesome enough without having Leo breathe down my neck." He jibbed with a finger poking my forehead, not looking at all upset to having me around, and I grinned sweetly in triumph, "And speaking of which, where is that dingbat, anyway?" he glanced at the draped window, then back at me curiously. "He does know you're coming over with these guys, right?" he arched a skeptical brow.

"I- uh…" I stuttered, unsure how to answer that one, and at his heavy frown I offered him the cutest, sweetest puppy eyes I can muster, "He doesn't know I'm here?" I gave a cheesy grin.

He groaned and palmed his face, "If he came asking, I'm kicking yer shelled ass off the roof myself, got it?" he growled, an empty threat cause I know he'd never ever hurt a cute and cuddly turtle like me, so I flashed him a cute grin. He poked my temple again at my grin, and with a wry grin of his own he twirled towards the kitchen, "I swear, the things I do for you…"

"Aww, I love you too, bro." I chuckled, but he merely shot me a mock glare from over his shoulder, so I turned my attention back to the brothers from where I stood at the kitchen's doorway.

My smile fell a little when Red looked like he was on the verge of tears, and Dee merely hugged him tight. They both held onto each other with eyes closed, and the olive green turtle gently rocked his brother, almost as if he was soothing him to sleep.

Highly concerned, I walked out of the kitchen and knelt besides them, but never dared a touch, "Hey, I hope Casey didn't hurt ya," I cooed as warmly as I could, "he just has a rough way in getting his point across." I shrugged a shoulder and flashed a smile.

Red peered at me exhaustedly, before he set his jaw in a mild grimace of pain and hen swallowed, "I jus' wanna find our pappy so we can just go home. I hate it here." he complained with a raspy voice, face deeply saddened. His much calmer olive green brother softly shushed and hugged him tighter, caressed his scalp and murmured words of comfort, promising to find their dad and find a way home.

Somehow, Red's words deeply stabbed me.

I remember when the Foot tried to kidnap my father and nearly succeeded, and I recall how terrified I was at the time. Leo and I were scared out of our shells, we were terrified to think what could have happened if they had managed to run away with him. But even then our ninjutsu lessons helped up overcome the fear and protect him better, and we got out of that predicament safe and sound.

But here and now, these two weren't trained as ninja, or as fighters for that matter, they were never trained to fight in the shadows and hide and risk their lives for others. They've spent their life in a peaceful swamp, in the middle of some heavenly forest away from dangers and preying eyes, they never had to look over their shoulders in fear, and they never had to spill blood.

They were by far more innocent than Leo and I could have ever been.

Somehow, I wished if they didn't have to suffer so much, so far away from home and so far away from their father, and yet I knew there was nothing I could do about it to make it better, or any easier for them to handle.

Until we figure out where their father was, they're stuck here, and while they're here we have to protect them.

That's when I decided I will be the older brother and take care of them, they are my younger kin.

With a smile of determination, I swore to it.

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A/N: Whew, this chapter refused to end, it just kept growing longer…