(1st POV Michaelangelo) ****Torture up ahead, like the entire chapter, sorry not sorry****

Tigerclaw circled around me multiple times without saying a word.

"So, you're into this kind of thing?" I questioned jokingly. Trying not to show how nervous I was being strapped down to a metal table.

"Jokes are back I see. Now that you are my apprentice, that will have to go." Tigerclaw mentioned offhandedly. "I want to test your loyalty and ability to follow my orders. Unstrap him" Tigerclaw ordered one of the foot ninja, who swiftly obliged. "Stay laying down. Even though you belong to me now," I tried not to grimace at the wording. "You still owe me a great many debts for the pain you have caused me over the years. I will collect the pain form you, and you will sit still and let me." Tigerclaw explained as my bones chilled at what he was implying.

"You're gonna…." I start say.

"Ah ah ah, you will not speak unless spoken to, and the only things you are allowed to say are yes master and no master unless told otherwise, am I clear?" Tigerclaw chided.

"Yes master" I replied, trying not to grit my teeth.

"Good" Tigerclaw said and something hit the bottom of my feet, I almost bit my tongue in shock, but managed not to scream. "Let's see if you can stay silent for a thousand of these, have to make sure you don't try to runaway anytime soon" Tigerclaw laughed. The pain as the whip hit my feet became worse and worse. The timing was inconsistent and my feet would sometimes become numb before the whip made contact. I tried to detach myself from the pain, but Tigerclaw noticed and stabbed my thigh and ordered me not to do that again. I passed out from the pain before he had finished. When I came to again, he started right back at it. I was happy when it was finally over and he left without a word, and I could finally pass out.

Drip,drip….drip seemed to echo in my skull as I slowly regained consciousness. My feet were at least bandaged. I guess my new Master wanted to be useful after he broke me. I couldn't move even if my feet weren't so damaged, because he never changed his last order of sit still. I sighed, what a cheap trick to try and hurt me more. I might have been a many great things in my life, but I would keep my word.

Drip,drip..drip…drip,dri,drip…..

Water torture was the next tool Tigerclaw chose it seems. If I remember from my extra studies, it was meant to cause a psychotic break. It was more effective if the victim was bound, but I guess T.C. decided that this might be worse. It was. Trying not to move of my own accord from the countless water droplets was beginning to drive me to annoyance. I would not let it push me to crazy.

Drip, drip, drip , drip, ….drip….drip,dri,dri,drip….

I need a distraction. I allowed myself to space out and follow my thoughts.

It was after the first night we went to the surface, after we saved April. I had gotten up tp get some water when I noticed sensei leaving the lair. I decided to follow as he hardly went anywhere these days, and I was curious. What I saw gave me mixed feelings. He was 'cleaning' up after us. Making sure even the minute traces of us were gone.

'Michelangelo, come out' sensei called out and I stepped into view sheepishly rubbing the back of my head.

'My apologies sensei, I just saw you leave and my curiosity got the best of me.'

'I know Michelangelo, I am not mad at you' sensei chuckled

Drip…..

'You're not? Why' I asked.

'You have always had a natural curiosity for your surroundings, in a different way than your scientific minded brother. Son, can you tell me why you hide your abilities? No matter how hard I push you, I cannot get you to show them to us.'

'So you noticed. I knew you would. I just…..' I paused. Sensei didn't rush me and gave me my moment. 'I could see how upset it made the other three when I would outdo them without

Drip,drip…..

as much effort. I love being a ninja, but I love my brothers more. I could never outdo them in their specialties, but unlike Donnie being more of a researcher, Raphie being a fighter, and Leo being a strategist, I am fully a ninja. There just isn't much else I am good at. I wanted my brothers not to hate me though, and I could tell they were frustrated when I understood the lessons faster, so I played dumb. Unfortunately, I realized after our trip maybe I took it to far, they wouldn't even trust me enough about the alien in the robot.' I answered. It still hurt me that they didn't trust me.

'Yes and No.' Splinter said.

Drip

'Yes and No?'

'Yes and No. Yes you took it to the point that your brothers do not believe your words, but they still trust you as their brother. No, you did not take it too far. Infact, you have created for yourself a weapon only you can use.'

'A weapon only I can use?' I looked at sensei in wonder.

'Yes. One only you can use. Being underestimated, even by your allies, is a great weapon. If your brothers underestimate you, so will your enemies. You are not one to be underestimated. How about this, after your patrol, you can join me in lessons to hone your weapon.'

Drip, drip, drip,dri,dri,dri,dri,drip….drip

"Was the weapon worth it father?" I whispered out loud as I continued to stare at the water droplets as they hit my temple one by one.


The torture continued. I lost track of how long, it was an endless cycle. Physical torture until I passed out and then the stupid dripping chair. I was beginning to hate water. I was finding it harder to remember how I got here. I was stuck with one thought. As long as it's not my brothers, it is for my brothers. I don't really remember who my brothers are, or if they are real. Afterall, if they were why am I still in pain all the time. I just had this feeling to my core that I could not betray them. No matter what. Let me tell you, it is strange to rather die for people you don't remember than to let them down, but that was the only thing I knew for sure. I wasn't going to let it go.

"You have done well through your training Michael. Now there is just one more step and your initiation will be complete" Master told me. I stood still without moving, waiting for him to continue. He handed me katana. "I want everything in that room disposed of, understood?"

"Yes master" I bowed and entered the next room. One side of the room had a giant mirror that I had no doubt Master was watching from behind. Tied up to various parts of the wall was a family, one father and four brothers. I did not hesitate to follow orders.