Reflected Future.

Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.

Author's Note: I know this chapter took a while but you see, our computer basically crashed due to numerous hackers (grrr!) and it took awhile for my brother to get it up and running again for a while we were wondering if we'd have to garbage it and get a new one. I was without a computer from July 20.

So at any rate here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy, thanks for the reviews.

Chapter One

Leonardo:

I sighed as I considered the task Splinter had now placed upon me, training Ramiela to be a jonin after me.

It wasn't going to be an easy task I all ready accepted that and I knew at the moment that it might be far wiser to keep her in the dark about where she would be going. She didn't know the difference between normal jenin training as opposed to the more demanding jonin training.

When I had been younger Splinter had told me simply that I was ready for extra training, it wasn't until much later that I learned the truth by then I was older and better able to understand the responsibilities of the path Splinter had set me on.

Ramiela would have to pay strict attention to the things Donatello alone could teach her it would come in handy later on for she could not rely on having a genius to help her out as we had. So the more he could teach her about such things as disarming bombs, mixing of poisons and antidotes, disarming high security systems would only be an asset later.

I scowled slightly as I considered what I knew of her qualities for future jonin work. I had to admit she was dedicated to her lessons; even her sense of humour could be useful in battle as long as she didn't use it to the point of distraction.

However she did have a quick temper and her anger was something else at times. I recalled Ramiela's reaction to the twins and how her jealousy at that time had caused her to create havoc. When she got her mind set on something she could be as stubborn and obstinate as a mule.

I groaned wearily and shook my head. I didn't know if I was ready for this. But I couldn't dispute Splinter's order, there were times I could and did speak my mind with him, but I knew he was decided in this matter and all I would get was a rebuttal from him.

Judging on temperament and doing my best not to be prejudiced in my thoughts, I would have picked Kaliann for the task over Ramiela. It was not my choice for Splinter was still the leader of the clan though I carried out many of the jonin duties for him.

I returned to the set of rooms that Karena and I used for ourselves and found Karena sitting up in our bed reading a book.

I smiled her way and she laid the book down across her lap and looked my way expectantly.

" Is everything all right Leo?" She asked.

" Of course it is Karena" I hastened to reassure her.

" I was just wondering. I know Splinter doesn't normally wish to speak to you in the evenings and I thought that maybe…" her voice trailed off and she scowled slightly her fingers playing with the fraying edge on one of our blankets.

" Splinter fully agrees that my time after dinner ought to be spent with my own family, but sometimes clan business intrudes" I explained.

Karena had learned early on that clan business always came first with me as the future jonin it was simply how things had to be. She much preferred keeping me to herself and the children feeling that I worked much too hard as it was, but she more or less accepted it when things turned out otherwise for us.

Sometimes I truly felt that Karena would have been much better off marrying a human or at the very least Mike who would have been able to devout more time to her and a family then I ever could.

Yet I was thankful for what she had given to me in my life.

Other then Splinter Karena was the only one in the family I could voice my doubts and uncertainties to. She helped balance me in ways I never thought possible. I knew she would be an asset to me when I finally did become full jonin of the clan for she was quick to inform me that I ought to trust my brothers a little more, including Raph and not be so bossy and overbearing. Or a stuffed shirt as she put it.

" Splinter doesn't abuse his authority you shouldn't either Leo. Sometimes those who are under you will work better for a reward over a harsh word or punishment" Karena advised me on more than one occasion.

Of course she had the tact to always do it in the privacy of our bedroom where it would not seem she was undermining my authority in the clan.

Karena was a wonderful mother to the twins and to my niece; I knew full well that Ramiela viewed Karena as her mother. Karena didn't seem to mind in the least and she fully felt that the rambunctious child could use a positive woman's influence in her life.

Personally I felt Karena might be fighting a losing battle there after all Rama had grown up around all males and her best playmates happened to be Mike, Raph and Casey Jones a woman's influence at this stage of the game probably wouldn't change much at this stage of the game.

I strode over to the bed moving on silent feet covering the distance in a second or two.

" So what clan business required your immediate attention or is that confidential Leo?" Karena asked brushing a stray lock of blond hair behind one ear.

" Splinter wants me to train Ramiela to be Jonin after me" I replied casually as I began to take off my weapons and other equipment for the night.

" Rama the next jonin?" Karena gasped shaking her head in disbelief " Somehow I can't picture that."

I turned and arched an eye ridge at her " To be honest neither can I. Somehow I get the feeling that it could be the end of the clan" I chuckled a bit at my last remark to show I was only joking about that part.

" No it isn't that Leo you, are going take that fun, mischief loving wild child and turn her into someone who is serious and hard working" Karena disputed gently.

I grinned a bit " I wasn't always well behaved myself when I was younger. I'm sure Splinter has told you a few stories."

In spite of my reputation as being perfect I knew I wasn't.

Karena laughed " Like the time you convinced your brother's to play hide and seek in the sewers because there wasn't good hiding spots in the lair" she smirked a bit.

I groaned, " Splinter told you that one!"

Karena nodded her head " Yeah, only Mike and Raph got lost."

" I was devastated. I didn't know how I was supposed to tell Splinter I lost my brothers and it was all my fault."

Karena giggled a bit " You were only four years old Leo and you didn't see the harm in it at that time. Splinter said it taught you to be more responsible and serious about obeying him."

I sighed in recollection of that time and took off my mask before slipping under the covers " Perhaps Ramiela will also learn some valuable lessons along the way. Either way if she does, or doesn't, I still have to teach her. Ramiela isn't to know just yet and Mike should draw his own conclusions as well."

" Shouldn't he be told what Rama is being trained for?"

I shook my head " You know how protective Mike is of Ramiela, I don't think Mike would approve because he knows the dangers that come with being a jonin."

" He'll like it even less if he finds out for himself." Karena pointed out.

" If he finds out on his own then he'll have time to accept it and hopefully think it through. If I tell him he might only become upset and Ramiela is very much aware of her father's feelings." I explained, " She may question her training or start to resist it."

" So Rama is just going to be taught it?" Karena wondered.

" I don't need Mike's permission Karena it is clan business. The Jonin of the clan has decided she is to be trained; my duty is to do it. Like it or not Ramiela is going to be trained," I declared firmly.

Karena nodded a bit " I might be married to one but I have a feeling I'll never fully understand ninja." She grumbled.

I left it at that knowing she wouldn't interfere or tell Mike by the time Mike started to suspect then searched for confirmation he'd be more ready to accept the matter then if I just told him out right. I hated keeping it from him; I really wished I didn't have to deceive him.

I knew though that to be honest with him could cause it's own problems.

Mike knew the problems and responsibilities a jonin faced and in our clan the jonin was not hidden away from sight the way Jonin of regular ninja clans would be. The Jonin in our clan tended to face more danger due to that fact.

Mike was fiercely protective of Ramiela, she was his only child after all and meant everything to him, and he would not appreciate the extra danger to her life that would come with the title.

I knew that the deceit was necessary and it was the right way to handle the situation. I still didn't like having to do it though.

The next morning Ramiela appeared for her lessons eager and willing as usual when we started a little hand to hand practice her palm struck out at my arm and I felt a faint tingling in the arm from the strike.

Ramiela immediately started to laugh uproariously " I gots ya goods Sensei" she said between her chuckles she slapped at a knee.

I rolled my eyes in irritation Mike had been encouraging Rama's sense of humor by buying many joke and gag gifts for her sixth birthday.

No one knew when or where Ramiela would strike, and no one was safe from her antics. In the last week alone she had placed fake blood on Aiden scaring Karena, placed whoopee cushions on Splinter's chair, false money on a string, handed out candy that turned the mouth black and the list went on.

Yesterday she had silly stringed Splinter from head to tail and today's antics were just starting with the joy buzzer on me.

I scowled at my amused student she was going have to learn that she was going too far and had to learn that there was a place and time for everything.

" Ramiela give that to me NOW!" I barked sharply.

All laughter disappeared quickly an she stomped her foot " No it MINE!" Ramiela declared glaring at me. " I play jokes on Sensei, don't you knows its funny?"

" It is not funny when you are in class and are supposed to be respecting me. Now give it here" I retorted.

Ramiela shook her head and pouted a bit " No!" I heard her mutter in a low whisper.

" Ramiela either you hand it over now, or I take it from you and if that happens you are going be in big trouble" I warned her. I allowed the threat to hang between us watching her carefully for her next move.

Slowly hesitantly she handed the buzzer over while giving me many a dirty look.

" During class time is not the time to play jokes and you are letting your jokes get out of hand."

Her bottom lip trembled as I scolded her and she dropped her head to stare sullenly at her feet " Daddy don't mind." She insisted sounding close to tears

" Playing is fine in it's place Ramiela but when you are supposed to be learning is not the place or time" I stated refusing to back down " You are being disrespectful of your elders and your behaviour is unbefitting a kunoichi." I said sternly.

Rama winced and started to cry a bit raising her hands to wipe at her eyes and sniffing " I sorry Sensei" she offered quickly.

A little too quickly, sorry she was in trouble maybe, but not for playing the joke. I gazed down at her through narrowed eyes and had to admit that her tears and upset touched me deeply but I knew I couldn't give in to her much as I wanted to.

I knew while Mike did encourage her to play jokes he would not encourage her to this extent though Splinter had informed my brother to do something about Rama's antics even before the silly string incident.

I knew Mike wanted Rama to have some fun and I think it was hard for him to discipline or rebuke her when, I think, a part of him longed to congratulate his daughter on a job well done.

Perhaps it would be better for me to try and channel these shenanigans as her Sensei I did have that right and authority to do so.

" Ramiela the clan is not happy with all your jokes. I know you find them funny but not everyone does. If you don't stop playing so many of them, I, as your Sensei am going to have to punish you."

I saw Ramiela's eyes grow large and she took a deep sharp breathe. She knew what I was capable of when I punished her as her Sensei.

" No Sensei, no punishes," she pleaded.

" Then you are going have to cut down on playing your jokes," I stated.

" I likes playing jokes. Nots my faults you gots no humour" Rama said stubbornly.

" I am fully aware that you like to play jokes. You play them quite a bit in fact and that is why you have to stop. A joke once in a while is all right Ramiela" I explained, " But you play them all the time and that is why it has to STOP!"

Rama winced and cried harder at my tone.

I sighed wistfully and dropped down to a kneeling position to pull my distraught student into my arms " Ramiela stop crying now and I will make you a deal" I suggested considering what Splinter wanted.

To become a jonin she would have to improve upon her ninja skills, learn battle tactics and how to out wit an enemy perhaps there was a way of teaching her this through her joke playing.

" What deal?" Rama asked through her tears wiping at her eyes a bit.

" When you stop crying I will tell you," I offered.

She quickly wiped her eyes and took a few deep breaths and one large sniff " I nots crying Sensei" she informed me.

I smiled tenderly at her tear stained face " Do you know there is a special time of year when it is all right to play jokes on friends and family?" I inquired.

" Really?" Rama asked perking up at the idea.

" Really" I confirmed " every year there is one day for your birthday, one for Christmas, one for Easter, one for Halloween and one special day for playing jokes." I knew Ramiela was familiar with the other days I had mentioned.

Rama grinned her eyes growing round with surprise " A day for jokes what day that?" She demanded.

" April first is known as April Fool's day people play jokes on others and then say ' April Fools'"

" I could does that" Rama crowed, " April my birthday."

I chuckled " Yes, but April first is before your birthday. Now here is the deal" I began slowly, " If Santa doesn't come every day and you can't trick or treat every day then you can't play jokes every day." I explained, " I will permit you two jokes a month any more then that and you will be punished for being disrespectful to your elders."

" Only two?" Rama moaned, " that on each person right Sensei?"

" No two jokes only" I responded quickly, " However on April Fool's day I will let you play any joke you want on anyone you want from first thing in the morning until lunch time."

" Even joke the Master on April Fools?" Rama inquired.

" Only one joke on the Master on April fools he is the Master of the clan after all Ramiela" I replied, " It wouldn't be respectful."

Ramiela furrowed her brow " Um. I play two jokes a month and I gets to plays April Fools jokes too?"

I nodded.

" More than twos jokes gets in trouble right?" she inquired.

I nodded again.

" Then all the jokes I wants on fools day right?"

I grinned " Only until lunch time Ramiela" I reminded her knowing she was only trying to be sure of these details herself. " That is the deal I am willing to make with you if you agree."

Ramiela gave a big grin and hugged me " You gots a deal Sensei. I wants to play lots of jokes."

" I figured you would. Just remember one thing you play more than two jokes and you won't be allowed to play April Fools day." I stood up " now can we get back to our lesson?"

Rama nodded willingly.

Hopefully this deal would work in our favour and cut out some of her antics after all at least we knew she would strike on April Fools and be on our guard for trouble. I figured I really had nothing to lose from trying it and everything to gain.

TBC

Author's Note: This is when Leo first started the April Fools day tradition for Rama. As she got older the rules changed probably for good reason.

Danceingfae: It took a while but here is the next chapter and hopefully the following chapter won't take as long.

Lady Christian Knight: Planning to continue ah yes, and here are Leo's thoughts. I know this is being posted later then I originally planned but such is life at least it is here now.

Hazlov2004: So glad you enjoyed.

Buslady: I am hoping on using Splinter a bit more in this. Every once in a while I do try to do a fic, which centres a bit more on Splinter.

Lenni: Mike doesn't know yet. Leo is using the old what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Is it possible for a turtle to have a cow? Inquiring minds want to know!

Reinbeauchaser: Yes, I know you are away at the moment. As you said Mike is aware of the dangers and problems and we are going get more into Mike's feelings later in this fic. In His True Love I think there is a chapter where Mike and Leo talk about it. So I might have to speed up the time line a bit.

And yes Rama is not aware of her future until she is in her teens.