The Legacy

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

Chapter two- Happy Birthday.

I had asked Don to help keep Rama out of the way while I got some things done in the kitchen, it was April fifteenth, Rama's birthday and I had a cake to make and ice without her getting wise to me.

I would have asked Raph but he insisted he was busy, and had left the lair shortly after breakfast, knowing him he was probably going pick up some last minute items for presents.

I wandered out into the living room, where there was clear signs of how busy Rama had kept her Uncle Don, reading books, colouring books and toys were scattered about. Rama looked up from the television and announced quickly " I five."

" No Rama you are four" I corrected her.

" Five!" Rama yelled. As if by saying it louder it would make it true.

" No Rama you are only four. Trust me on this okay?" I replied as I picked her up and tickled her, " You are growing up fast enough honey, don't you go and make it faster now."

" Five" Rama squealed close to my ear making me wince a bit.

I glared at Don " Why did you teach her the word five?" I demanded knowing somehow it had to be his fault.

Don shrugged " Don't blame me" He said innocently refusing to accept the blame that was clearly his to take, " Blame Sesame Street today's number was five and Elmo had fun."

" Emo. Five" Rama cheered enthusiastically.

" Sesame street huh? If watching it can do this to her, then I don't know if I want to permit her to watch it any more." I muttered.

Don laughed, " Oh come on Mike Sesame street is educational and quite appropriate for a child of her age."

I refused to comment. Don had this feeling that Rama ought to only watch educational shows so that she wouldn't rot her brain.

Me, I felt that I turned out just fine from watching your regular cartoon shows and doubted they'd harm Rama's brain to any degree.

Rama bounced in my arms squirming " Daddy?"

I turned to look at her " Yeah, what do you want birthday girl?"

" Presen?" She asked hopefully as she pointed to the brightly wrapped gifts in a corner of the living room that were waiting to be ripped open. Rama probably preferred to play in the living room just to keep her eye on the gifts, and ensure they didn't get up and walk off on her.

" Later hon, you must learn to wait. When your Aunt April and Uncle Casey arrive then you can open gifts" I informed her kindly " But before that Don and I have to go to practice. Leo is letting you skip your lessons today but we can't" I sighed at that thought.

Leo had figured Rama would be far too hyped up to pay attention to her lessons today so he had excused her from them. I swooped her onto my shoulders to carry her piggy-back into the dojo, where she could watch our session.

Rama laughed as she saw Leo " Eonardo, Donaeo" then she looked around frantically for her last Uncle. Then saw Raph come up beside us " Raphie!" she said with delight.

I chuckled as I swung Rama off my shoulders " You know Rama llama ding dong you are probably the only one who can get away with calling Raph, Raphie. You really have to have some of your daddy's charm." I insisted.

Rama skipped over to where Splinter was waiting on the side of the dojo, he would keep her occupied and out of harm's way while overseeing our practice session.

Rama knew she was to be quiet when we practiced so she spoke quietly to Splinter now and again but mostly she watched, I think she was actually fascinated by the way we moved.

Only after our work out was complete did Splinter let Rama know it was now safe to join us on the mats. After a session we always took a bit of time for roughhousing with Rama, a bit of play fighting or some thing similar. However we had something else we had to do and with each of us holding an arm or leg we preceded to give Rama her birthday bumps.

……

Rama liked April and Casey course she had known them all her life, but only recently had she been raising questions about why they were so different from every one else she knew.

We had never allowed any of our occasional human quest to know about Rama so April and Casey were the only humans Rama really knew. They of course, spoiled her rotten seeing to it that she had many of the up to date toys and all kinds of goodies we could never afford to give her.

It was really no surprise then to see April and Casey entering our home with their arms loaded with presents.

I shook my head " You guys don't have to buy her the whole toy store you know," I informed them in a friendly joking tone.

" Until we have one of our own might as well spoil some kid. Might as well be her." Casey retorted.

April smiled " It won't be long before we will have our own to spoil" She announced quickly.

" It is about time you've been married what now? A few years at least. What took you so long Casey, took you that much time to understand the instruction manual?" Raph teased.

" So when are you due?" Don inquired as looked towards April.

I rolled my eyes trust him to be interested, of course Don had been Shay's doctor reading up on pregnancy, childbirth, and all related stuff to prepare for Rama. I could see he was quite willing to provide all kinds of advice to both the parents.

April and Casey added their gifts to the pile as April replied " Around December twentieth."

" A special Christmas gift for you then. That's great congrats to both of you." I smiled then looked at Rama " It could mean one play mate for her eventually. Better then none I suppose."

Rama ran over and hugged Casey's legs, he picked her up and she kissed him then reached out to April who gladly accepted her to receive her token greeting. Rama spied the large pile of gifts that had been gathered.

" Presen, Rama's presen?"

" Yeah they are all yours kiddo" Casey agreed.

" Yeah! I five." Rama insisted cheerfully.

" Really?" Casey asked arching an eye brow " Funny cause we brought this stuff for a kid whose four guess we got to take it back huh?"

Rama suddenly looked worried " Noooooo!" she howled shaking her head and writhing to be put down " Unca Casey Rama four." She insisted as he let her down.

" Oh. Okay then" Casey said.

Rama snatched up a gift and looked my way as if suddenly realizing that I might disagree.

" Go ahead and have at 'er Rama llama ding dong. You have been very patient, and well behaved." I agreed.

She gave a wide grin before turning to rip off the brightly coloured paper, tossing the remnants of paper to one side.

Sure enough April and Casey had bought her a wide array of gifts, there was new Franklin books, and Franklin videos, two simple board games, a stuffed toy dog, a Barbie horse and Barbie doll as well.

Then Rama got to open all of our gifts we had all pitched in to get her a Tickle me Elmo toy and we had individual gifts for her as well. I had got her a stuffed Mickey Mouse toy and Mickey Mouse video. Don had made a tape player, and bought some tapes of silly kids songs. It was a perfect gift for her as Rama loved to sing, and I rather liked the idea that he tried to encourage this talent.

Don had also made a small electronic keyboard and showed her how to play it. I could tell by the large grin on her face that she all ready loved it. I had a feeling we all might be getting some major headaches from that gift.

Leo had bought her some paint, paper, crayons, new colouring books and some coloured soft clay. Now that was the sort of stuff I could enjoy while I entertained my daughter.

Raph had bought her a small children's inflatable pool that might be useful to teach her to swim, and a small child's bike that had been junked Raph had found it and slowly been fixing it up. Now it looked almost as good as new and included a bell on the bars and a basket as well so she could take Franklin with her.

Splinter had bought her a couple of children's books about different turtle stories that ranged from Native American tales, to the Tortoise and the Hare. The books had large bright pictures to appeal to Rama.

All in all I'd say that my kid made out like a bandit and if this kept up we would have to get a larger home to store all of her gifts.

Don decided to talk to April about the baby and her pregnancy. Rama turned from her playing and she cocked her head a scowl coming to her face as she listened to them talk.

" Where baby? Wha' baby?" She finally asked.

April smiled at her " Your Uncle Casey and I are going have a baby. Right now it is in my tummy." April explained.

Rama scowl deepened " Baby come out. Wanna sees baby."

April shook her head " The baby isn't ready to come out yet Rama. It has to stay there until around Christmas time when Santa comes." April informed her picking her words very carefully.

" Why?" Rama wondered

April looked my way a hesitant smile on her face " Uh Mike?"

" You started it April" I reminded her, " Now you want me to bail you out" I grumbled lightly.

" Why?" Rama demanded again.

" It is just the way it is babe." I replied.

That answer wasn't good enough for My daughter.

" Why?" she asked again.

" The baby is very small right now. If the baby were to come out now it could get very sick. So it has to stay inside until it gets big enough to come out." I told her honestly enough.

" Why?" Rama persisted.

I sighed, " You know what I think?" I asked suddenly, " I think it is time for cake and ice cream. What do you say Rama?"

" Yeah, cake. I cream." Rama cheered for that idea accepting the diversion willingly.

" All right I'll go get it and you can blow out your candles to make a special birthday wish." I hustled out to the kitchen. Leo decided to come with me and help pack out the plates, forks and ice cream.

Behind me I could hear Raph and Casey encouraging Rama to join them as they sang " I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream."

I placed the cake on the coffee table it was in the shape of a horse and I had used chocolate icing for most the cake but pink icing for the inner ears, with white icing mane and tail, there was a wreath of green leaves and red roses around the horses neck.

I lit the candles and Rama who was bouncing around on the floor paused only long enough to take a deep breath and blow out the candles as we sang the birthday song.

" Did you make a wish?" I asked her

She nodded as I let her cut the first slice under my watchful gaze " I wish a brudder."

I grinned weakly " You wished for a brother?" I asked unsure that I had heard correctly.

Rama nodded again to confirm things.

" Don't count on that one coming true babe."

" You got brudders." She pointed out.

" I didn't wish for them Rama, they just sort of came with me. I can't get rid of them now." I muttered wondering how to explain to a four year old that wishing for a sibling just wasn't enough. How was I to explain that she would need to have a mom and dad to get a brother. That talk just didn't seem right for her age. Not to mention Rama had no idea what a mom was.

All she knew was that we were all males, the only female Rama knew was April so to her way of thinking, females probably weren't all that important or necessary.

It made me realize even more then before, that I really had to figure something out for Rama and her future.

….

That evening after Rama was in bed and asleep I sat down to go over my options as I knew them. Even after puzzling it over for a while I realized that the possibilities just weren't that hopeful.

I, or one of my brothers could meet a female that we could become friends with and then allow nature to take its course. Though a snowball probably stood a better chance of surviving hell then that happening.

Don hardly ever left his lab except to eat, scavenge and practice. Leo was far too busy playing chunin to the clan, learning to become the leader, planning battles and every thing else to hook up with any one. Our great leader was too busy too allow himself time to relax and get to know a female to any extent. Plus Leo was very cautious when it came to people any ways.

As for Raph much as he loved Rama I couldn't think of many females who might want to stick with him on a long term basis, and personally I didn't want to be the one dealing with a broken hearted Raph. He was irritating and hard to get along with at the best of times.

Besides what female would be insane enough to want to deal with the wild moods Raph was prone to having from time to time.

As for me, well, whoever went for me would all ready have a daughter who was rambunctious and a handful. Sure she was cute and charming as well. But somehow I had a feeling that it just wouldn't work.

It seemed April and Casey's child would be Rama's playmate and at least their child wouldn't have to be deprived of other children. Though it might take some doing making sure their kid didn't slip up and reveal our secret.

Of course if that happened I'm sure April or Casey could pass it off as an imaginary friend. I chuckled a bit wistfully at the idea of being passed off as a figment of someone's imagination. Then sighed and shook my head I was really no closer to solving this problem.

When Splinter had us he could relax, somewhat knowing that with four of us there might be a good chance that we'd always have someone else to help us out but I didn't have that with Rama.

I groaned as I headed for Splinter's room I was in need of some fatherly advice. I knocked on his door and waited patiently to be invited in.

Splinter was looking over some Japanese scrolls but he looked up my way and gestured me to a chair by the go-ban table. " What brings you here my son?" he inquired as he places the scrolls away and came over to sit across from me.

" I just need to talk. I'm worried about Rama and her future" I gave him a weak grin, " I figured you might have some ideas or something that might help." I explained " You trained us to be able to act alone but that we could also rely on one another to ensure our safety."

Splinter gave a slight nod his tail twitched " Tell me what troubles you the most?" he asked simply.

" The most?" I repeated, " If I had to narrow it down I would say just about everything worries me sensei." I sighed, " Turtles are supposed to be long lived so barring the fact that we get killed in battle we probably have a long life ahead of us. I know if any thing were to happen to me, my brothers would care for Rama."

I paused normally I didn't even like to think of things like this but having a child of my own meant I was often thinking of things that I would normally have shied from.

" Splinter I know the sort of world we live in. I know the dangers Rama can face and as she gets older she will see more of it. She will be exposed to it simply by doing patrols and fighting with us. I also realize Rama might one day be alone and need help." I spoke the last words quietly and I felt something lodge in the back of my throat as I said those words aloud, for the first time giving voice to my greatest fears for Rama.

" I guess if I was human I could arrange for someone to take her but that just isn't a possibility."

Splinter smiled as he leaned forward and placed a hand on my shoulder he said nothing though, but his eyes and unspoken compassion and sympathy urged me on to finish purging myself.

" Rama might not have the protection in battle that she needs." My words chocked out.

"It is very important that she is trained well and learns to rely on herself and her own skills so that she will be powerful alone. I have all ready spoken to Leonardo about this." He assured me

I arched an eye ridge, though I didn't know why I was surprised. I should have known the Clans jonin would have all ready considered such problems and had been working out his own solution.

" No offence meant Master but Rama might need far more then ninjitsu to keep her safe." I declared.

" We can only provide so much my son" Splinter admitted kindly.

I had expected as much.

" You know today wasn't the first time Rama has hinted for a brother. She has never once asked for a sister. I don't think it has occurred to her that children come in two sexes."

Splinter chuckled a little " Why should she think there are boys and girls?"

I grinned myself " I really don't know what to tell her or what to do for that matter" I lamented.

" Ah, Michaelangelo, your daughter has helped you my most playful son, to become more serious and mature" Splinter replied casually, " Children, as I am sure you are learning, can be both a great joy and a heartache at the same time."

" Tell me about it" I rolled my eyes slightly at that particular fact.

" I understand your fears and concerns for Ramiela my son, she will be a kunoichi because she needs to be to survive."

I nodded in full agreement with that simple statement.

" However while it is good to consider the future, none of us can ever be sure what really lies before us. So be not to quick to shut all doors for it is possible that which you overlook as impossible might come to pass." Splinter advised, " It is possible for you or one of your brothers to have a child much as you might doubt it now. Look I never thought I would ever be a grandfather but you have proven me wrong and for that I am grateful."

I nodded slightly as I looked into his face, knowing that he had sensed both what I had said, and also that, which I hadn't spoken.

" So do not give up hope where a brother, sister or even a cousin is concerned." Splinter insisted. He shut his eyes for a moment before opening them again " I will meditate on this and see if I can find some answers. You are not alone my son."

" I know that Master."

" Sometimes when we are close to a problem though we fail to see what others can see very clearly because they are not caught up in the turmoil of the situation. Talk to your brothers about your concerns" Splinter urged me.

" Alright I will," I agreed. It might not help but it couldn't hurt and I was getting nowhere on my own anyways. One might say the wheel was spinning but the hamster was dead.

" Remember too, that while Ramiela is your daughter she is also a member of our clan. As such we will help both of you when you need it and ask."

" Thank you Sensei. You have honoured me greatly with your wisdom and advice" I said as I stood and bowed before him feeling at the very least like some of the weight I had been carrying had been eased off my shoulders.

TBC