"Of course, I will help you! It is one of the best ideas to make children happy." April replied, delighted with the idea.

Although their birthday was still two weeks away, Leonardo wanted to have the party soon, before the effect on his brothers wore off, so April suggested spending a week to make arrangements for the party. Casey and Usagi were invited to the celebration too. April took care of the cake and Leonardo took care of the banner and the ballons. Usagi and Casey gathered ideas to have fun at the party. Everything was ready in the early morning of that day so that when the boys woke up all things would start at once.

When the children woke up, they realized their big brother wasn't there, so they began to shout for him, Leonardo came immediately.

"Good morning, my boys," the eldest told his children, all of them smiled at seeing him and Mikey held out his arms towards his big brother for him to lift him into his arms.

"Do you know what day is it?" The eldest turtle asked them.

"No..." they answered at last, after thinking for a few seconds.

"Do you have a surprise for us, Leo?" the kid in red asked, the look in Leo's eyes assured him they would have what they wanted.

"Yep, do you want to go with me to find out what it is?"

"YES!" The kids exclaimed, Raphael and Donatello ran out of the room heading to the kitchen, Leonardo was right behind them with Mikey still in his arms.

The children didn't walk into the kitchen because the light was off and the kids were scared of the dark, but when their big brother got close to them, they weren't afraid anymore. They waited for Leonardo to turn on the light.

"Surprise! Happy birthday!" The guests exclaimed enthusiastically when the lights went on. The kids were a bit startled after that, but when they saw the huge cake on the table, the ballons and the presents, their startle vanished.

"WOW! What a huge cake!" Donnie said, seeing the big dessert.

"Is that for me?" Raphael asked looking at one of the boxes on the table.

"Cake! Cake!" Mikey shouted almost wriggling out of his big brother's arms. Leonardo sat his brothers at the table as April cut the cake, giving a large slice to each one. Leonardo ate with the same enthusiasm as the children, watching them eat, but without letting them gorge on the cake, he wanted them to play before eating more to their heart's content.

Casey and Usagi, after eating, organized the games for the kids. They turned on some music for them to dance and then turned it off to see if they could remain motionless, the one who moved, lose. They gave them some clues to find a hidden treasure, a little wooden chest filled with candies. The enjoyed a water balloon fight, they opened the gifts, eat cake again, watched a movie Casey had bought, play with all the toys Usagi had brought for them from his dimension. The whole day was full of fun and surprises, the boys spent all their energy on laughter, delicious food, games and smiles, happiness totally reigned in that home.

When the day was coming to an end, Casey and Usagi approached Leonardo.

"My friend, you do a great job taking care of your three little brothers, but I think it is too much for you to handle," the young samurai was telling him, "I could help you, if you allow me, I can take any one of them with me and look after him as if he was my disciple while he is still a kid." Leonardo was very surprised after hearing that suggestion.

"I think so, too, Leo," Casey seconded, "you could let one of them coming with me to grandma's house to spend a few days there feeling free, April and I would take care of him." Leonardo couldn't hide his growing surprise.

"I really appreciate your good intentions, but I think that won't be necessary. No, I wouldn't be able to part with them, we are a family."

"Leo, separating them doesn't mean you don't love them, but look at you, each passing day you look wearier. Okay, don't say a word right now, but think about it. We know you, you would never do that willingly, but it is very tiresome for you, even though they are just three."

Leonardo glanced at his little bros, Raph and Donnie were playing with the toys they had received while Mikey was falling asleep in one of the corners of the old couch.

"No, definitely not, my friends, I'm grateful for your concern, but you are right, I would never do that. After our sensei's death, they are the only thing I have left to live for. I would never separate them, we should stick together, maybe the reason why they went back to be kids again was to have a chance for living a peaceful life and I wish nothing more." The eldest turtle answered them, his face calm and smiling, a reaction his friends already expected from him.

"Okay Leo, but please, when having any trouble remember we will be there to help you any time, never doubt it." His human friend reminded him.

"What a pity you haven't accepted, it would have been a great honor to have a member of the Hamato clan under my tutelage," the rabbit sincerely said.

"Thank you Usagi, thank you Casey, thank you April," Leonardo said, expressing his gratitude as he hugged each one of them as a goodbye after all of them had helped him with the birthday party the tiny turtles had enjoyed so much.

As soon as Leonardo got through saying goodbye to his friends, he headed back to his home using the elevator. When he got close to the couch he saw his three little brothers snuggling with each other, sleeping pleasantly. His heart filled to the brim with the purest tenderness.

"No, I could never separate them, we are destined to be together and that thought fills me with joy. Maybe it sounds selfish because the citizens will find themselves in the need to take care of their own safety for quite a while, but my little brothers deserve a calm and happy life... What a shame there are only two weeks left to enjoy this life, I will miss it, but I can't deny I miss my "normal" brothers."

Lifting one baby at a time into his arms, Leonardo took them to his bedroom, he put them down to the bed to sleep. He tucked them in, then he laid next to them, and before going to sleep, he observed them for a few long minutes. He let out a sigh feeling a nice defeat, his babies were the rightful owners of his brotherly love, it didn't matter if they were kids or teens, they would always be the priority of his life.

…..

After a couple of days, Donatello insisted on showing him a book of constellations his friends had given him as a birthday gift. The little genius was always drawing stars and begged his big brother to take him outside the lair to see the stars in the sky.

But every time Donnie asked him for it, Leonardo told him he had to delay the trip because he wanted to plan it. The eldest brother wanted them to enjoy the little trip to the outside without any danger lurking them from the shadows, that way the little genius and the others could see that beautiful sight in all its glory.

A baby carrier concocted by Leonardo allowed him to carry his three little bros at the same time. Mikey in front of Leo's chest while Raphie and Donnie were behind him, on his shell, that way they could look over his shoulders. The young leader was familiar with all the areas where the Foot and the Purple Dragons weren't so active. He thought the best route would be through those zones. Convinced that plan was the safest for him and the children, he was ready to take them out to enjoy the small trip to see the stars.

"Do you want to go outside to see the stars?" That question managed what Leonardo expected, three pairs of innocent eyes looked at him knowing their expectations were about to be fulfilled.

"Yes!" all of them yelled at the same time.

Leonardo had already looked for the clothes he wanted his little bros to use to keep them nice and warm outside. They were wearing small pants and old sweaters still good. There weren't shoes, but Leonardo put thick socks on every one of them.

Placing Raph and Donnie into the baby carrier, Leo adjusted the straps to secure them. After making sure they were firmly secure, he came close to Mikey to lift him and secure him too, the little one was already reaching out his tiny arms to his big brother. After checking out the baby carrier one last time, Leonardo took his katanas and on that special occasion, he carried them like the old samurais, beside his waist.

The kids were amazed at everything their eyes could see. In the beginning, Leonardo had climbed the building bit by bit so that way the kids won't be scared by height. But, the more Leonardo went up, the excitement in his little brothers' voices increased as well. Minutes later Leonardo was jumping from rooftop to rooftop, hearing with pleasure his babies' shouts of excitement and wonder.

Unluckily, their shouts were heard by a couple of Shredder's minions who were there because of a bad twist of fate. When the soldiers saw the turtles pass from afar, they instantly thought about revenge, observing the great chance they had after realizing that the small family group was only formed by a teenager and now three children. A Leonardo in the care of three little turtles was easy prey. They had to inform their evil master. For sure he would enjoy the capture of his hated enemies.

With the agility which provides an act of revenge ready to be satisfied, the news spread like wildfire until it reached the ears of Shredder while a pair of Foot ninjas were following Leonardo cautiously.

"Master!" A guard exclaimed going into Shredder's chambers unannounced, he was sure the news of which he was bearer was more than enough to interrupt the villain's meditations.

"I said I didn't want to be disturbed!" Saki yelled, his face showing his angered brow matching with a threatening grimace and pursed lips. But before he could vent his anger on the guard, the man in no time made him know what was happening.

Shredder couldn't believe his good fortune, without wasting time and guided by all the sentinels he had on every building, he soon got to the zone, to a near place where his enemies were, to set a trap.

Focused on enjoying his little brothers' happiness, Leonardo kept smiling, seeing and hearing every word coming from his little ones, but that happiness was about to come to an end.

"Higher! Higher!" Litle Raph demanded, feeling he excitement as Mikey limited himself to express his amazement showing marveled gestures and greedy gazes full of curiosity.

"Look, what a pretty star!" Donnie said loudly, looking up at the sky for after rest his little head on his big brother's shoulder as a token of his gratitude, but strangely Leonardo didn't reply to him, at that moment the leader's sixth sense had gone on high alert.

Without answering the kids' questions, Leonardo quickly descended until they reached a dark alley to get into the sewer system. The children instantly protested, but their big brother told them to be quiet with so much fear in his voice that in spite of wanting to go on with their complaints, they understood they should obey.

The next manhole was a few steps ahead, but before Leonardo could get close enough to lift it, a person stepped on the large iron lid, it was Shredder.

Through the use of his cold-bloodedness, Leonardo looked in all directions to judge his situation. Nothing good could come from it, an alley crowded with enemies thirsty for revenge wasn't a good sight at all.

"Well, well, I have to tell you, my dear Leonardo, that luck wasn't always going to be on your side, damn reptiles. It is time for you to know that all the plans that have failed because of you and your... tadpoles will cost you your lives." The tone in Shredder's voice promised the worst for all of them.

Leonardo was full of anguish for what could happen to his little bros, but he didn't show it in front of the enemy. Even though the small turtles were hugging him in a way he could feel they were trembling with fear, Leonardo attacked the soldiers who were behind him, trying to break through so no one could hurt the babies.

At first, it seemed the young leader was breaking through to run away and be safe, but that night, fate, as Saki had said, wasn't on the innocents' side. A dart that managed to pierce the skin of one of his legs, made Leonardo fall to his knees, As soon as his legs could not hold him, several soldiers held him by his arms, some others cut the safety straps that kept his little brothers close to him.

Leonardo begged them not to hurt the kids, but one of the soldiers who had Raph held by his neck, banged the little turtle's body against the ground, the little one hurt his ankle and began to cry because of the pain. Another soldier had dropped Donnie to the floor and threatened to crush his little head with his heavy boot and Mikey cried when he felt the Shredder's claws slightly cutting through the skin of his tiny arm. At that moment the evil master of the Foot Clan was showing the greatest and cruelest face of satisfaction that nobody had ever seen before.

"NOOO!" Leonardo, feeling the effects of adrenaline combined with fury, achieved the unthinkable and immediately freed himself from all the soldiers who were holding him, but three more darts would knock him out cold. The eldest brother succumbed, not without first pleading, once again, for the life of his three babies.

…..

The unconsciousness was Leonardo's worst enemy right then. Upon awakening, he realized he was locked in one of the Shredder's dungeons. As soon as he opened his eyes he began to be aware of where he was and what had happened. By the time he remembered the last thing that had happened to them, he got up ignoring a headache and a sore chest due to the blows. He had several shallow wounds on his neck and shoulders, the soldiers who had cut the straps hadn't been so careful. None of that mattered, what he truly wanted to know was where his brothers were and find out if they were okay.

"SHREDDER! YOU WON! YOU GOT ME! TAKE REVENGE ON ME AND LET MY BROTHERS GO!" He shouted going as far as his chains allowed him, but he couldn't approach the bars that were part of his prison. Even though he shouted and begged for hours, he didn't get an answer. Surrendering momentarily to fatigue, he tried to concentrate, but it was useless, his mind kept imagining what Shredder was doing to his brothers, he wanted to see them, but it was distressing not to be able to do so.

"What have they done to them? Please, please, I hope they are okay..." Were his thoughts.

For three days straight which for anyone are endless, were far worse for Leonardo who was immersed in that sea of concern. During that time, he examined his entire cell looking for a way out. He inspected all the links of his chains looking for a crack or something that could help him free himself, but the metal had no defects. By the beginning of the fourth day, the ninja in blue already had the marks of his anguish showing themselves all over his face, in addition to the lack of sleep and hunger. Suddenly, somebody entered his cell, forcing him to narrow his eyes due to the bright light the open door let in.

"You look miserable Leonardo, there is no doubt that there is nothing left of the graceful ninja you used to be. Anyway, you brought this on yourself, you should have accepted my offer to join me when you could, now you have no choice." Shredder finally said, after observing with a mocking glance the hostile look of the eldest brother of his three little prisoners.

"My brothers... Where are my brothers?" The young leader finally asked, trying not to show how much those three days had consumed him. Shredder walked from side to side as if he was thinking about whether answering him or not.

"THEY ARE INNOCENT! LET THEM GO!" The ninja in blue finally demanded, rising menacingly. Shredder stopped and looked at him feeling pleased.

"That's it, I want you to beg me for their lives or their quick and painless extermination..."

"Don´t you dare Shredder, or else..."

"This is what you are going to do, my dear Leonardo," his nemesis went on talking, ignoring that threat momentarily, "be loyal to me, obey me without questioning or thinking and your brothers will be free. I can´t promise that you will have the same fate because you must know that in this organization you will only find death at the end." Although his honor required him not to betray the teachings of his late father, Leonardo didn't think about it and knelt before his new master.

"Master Shredder, I will do anything you ask, just... release them. I want to be sure you will do it and they will be fine." Leonardo pleaded in the humblest tone he could give to his voice.

"Very well, first obey me and then I will allow you to see them. In fact, you can take them to any place that you deem convenient and then return. What do you think?" Shredder couldn't deny how much he was pleased to hear that voice clad in humility and although Leonardo tried to hide it, it also reflected his fear and exhaustion.

"You are magnanimous, Master Shredder." Leonardo felt humiliated, but he shouldn't think about himself, three little ones were counting on him.

Shredder's satisfaction smile never disappeared from his face. A strong kick to his body made Leonardo fall upon his face to the ground.

"Let's do a test, kiss the tip of my shoe," Shredder ordered him, bringing his foot close to the ninja's face. Seeing Leonardo's slightest doubt, Saki kicked him in the face.

"This will have a great punishment," Shredder muttered in anger and without adding anything else, he withdrew.

"MASTER! PLEASE COME BACK!" But there was no response, a couple of hours later, one of the Foot ninjas arrived at his cell and gave Leonardo a tray of food: soup with meat, a glass of water and a piece of bread.

"Master Shredder orders you to eat this." It was the only thing the man said, without paying attention to Leonardo's insistence on wanting to know about his children.

Reasoning that Shredder had no intention of poisoning him because if he was dead he served no purpose, Leonardo inhaled the scent of the food which combined with that idea convinced him to eat, not to mention that four days had passed without him tasting any bite.

He finished a few minutes later, hoping to have enough strength to obey Shredder and be allowed to see his little brothers.

But on the next occasion, it wasn't Shredder who made an appearance in his cell, two Foot soldiers went for him.

Without removing the chains from his wrists and ankles, the soldiers almost dragged the turtle into the presence of Shredder.

Leonardo expected to see his little ones, if only for a few seconds.

Upon entering the huge hall the Shredder used as an office, Leonardo glanced at every corner of the place, but there was no one else. When Leonardo was before his new master, Shredder ordered the soldiers to remove the chains from his new pet. Until he would be sure the children were well, Leonardo remained still in his place.

"You have made me very angry with your doubt on our last meeting, Leonardo, before my eyes that isn't just an insult, it is an outrage to my will which must be obeyed instantly. I will give you another chance, if you hesitate even for a second, I will send for one of your brothers and he will be slaughtered in your presence, do you understand?" Leonardo nodded, this time he wouldn't hesitate.

While Leonardo was waiting for the order, Shredder stared at him not to lose any gesture of his face and he suddenly ordered him: "Kill the soldier on your right."

The soldier backed away in fear, his reaction put Leonardo's honorable customs into action: not to kill unless necessary, so he didn't obey. A dagger pierced the air and went through the soldier's throat who fell on his back to the floor, letting escape groans of pain as a huge pool of blood formed around his head. Leonardo looked at him in horror.

"I warned you!" Saki immediately signaled the other soldier who, scared by his partner´s fate, immediately headed to the door of Saki's office and asked: "Which turtle should I bring?"

"PLEASE MASTER, DON'T DO IT!" Leonardo implored, falling to his knees just after several invisible ninjas kept him still and away from Saki. "Give me some time, it's too soon for me to free myself from the customs I have! I beg you, master, bear with me, please!"

Saki didn't seem to heed Leonardo's plea, then he ordered: "Bring Michelangelo!"

"PLEASE! MASTER!" Saki savored every second the hated voice of his former enemy resonated in his ears, the voice of Leonardo begging for mercy.

To be continued…