Hey guys! Guess who's back?! I hope you've all been well! I've been struggling but I finished my Spring Semester and guess, what? I freakin' made the Dean's list for last semester! YEAH! Things are starting to get better now that I'm on summer vacation!
Thanks to those that have been silently encouraging me! You have no idea the wonderful weight that lifts from me. I absolutely adore your reviews so if you want to, leave me your thoughts! STAY AWESOME! :D
Donatello's Point of View:
Later that night both Shadow and Mike feel asleep against cushions on the floor right in front of the TV that was blaring some cartoon I didn't recognize. Mike had not taken of his yellow mask once since putting it on and I noticed Sensei appeared proud that Mike loved and respected it so much. I was a bit worried that the long strands of his mask could wrap around his neck somehow during the night, however, Leo and Raph picked fun at me as Raph told me to stop being such a "momma". That jerk.
The Mighty Mutanimals went to scout out the Purple Dragons around 2 hours ago when it first got dark and promised to contact us if they ran into any trouble. After all, we weren't sure what Shredder was thinking exactly. Karai left when the Mighty Mutanimals did because she wanted to patrol around Shredder's lair. Both Sensei, Raph, and Leo warned her against doing so but was silenced by Karai, who wasn't worried about getting caught because she only wanted to look out for him and not search him out in any sort of confrontation.
I know that Leo was mainly worried because when Karai left the country to Japan, where some of the Foot were loyal towards her and not Shredder, the Shredder had quite literally lost his mind. He was out of control and blamed my brothers, father, and I for taking his 'daughter' away from him and changing her. In his eyes, Karai betrayed him because of our "lies".
Sighing, I looked back down towards the kids and smiled when I saw that Mike shifted in his sleep where he was curled up right next to Shadow. The two seemed to be hitting it off as friends, but Casey, April, and even Raph speculated that there might be a crush forming there in the future. I had only smiled then because they were already talking about the future with Mike and that made me ecstatic. Plus, I wouldn't mind if Mike and Shadow got together in the future just like Casey and April had but right now, they were far too young to be worrying about that which is something Leo told them; everyone laughed at his expense as Raph told him he was trying to be like our father. Well, Mike did say that Leo reminded him of his father. The thought made me grin madly as Leo blushed.
April and Casey had both left to get some things from their home, promising us they would be cautious to and from their house because they could be targeted by the Purple Dragons. We were worried and Raph wanted to go with them but decided against it after Casey reassured that they'd be okay and just needed to get necessities if they were going to stay here for a while.
"Hey Donnie," Leo's voice called out to me softly and I looked towards the other end of the bench where Leo was resting with a blanket around his shoulders. Leo's injuries still needed to heal and I practically had to wrestle him onto the bench to begin with, "When do you think my injuries will be healed enough for battle?"
I frowned immediately and pondered the answer in my head. His knee wasn't so injured that he couldn't walk around on it, it would just be painful for him for a few days due to being hit there with a pipe. His head would pretty much be the same and his concussion will be healed fairly soon.
"To be completely honest, it would be a week before your injuries healed enough to not cause any trouble in a fight," I answered and his expression fell flat, a deep frown forming on his face, "I know it's a long time considering all we have going on but…"
"But ya wouldn't be able to do the mission at 100%," Raph said in a simple tone and we both turned our heads where he was standing outside the dojo with Sensei. Leo sighed and nodded his head once.
"Don't worry, Leo," I comforted with a small smile, "We have our friends to help keep an eye for Shredder and the Purple Dragons until we can make our move."
"This also gives us time to prepare," Sensei added on quickly and Leo looked at us both before he smiled.
"That's true. I just hate that this happened and now we have to wait," He muttered and Raph glared at the back of his head. I fought off a sigh. I understood how they both felt.
"You're not the only one that has to stay behind the entire week, Leo," I reminded as they all blinked at me, "Raph has injuries from when he was captured. They aren't terrible, but by the end of the week he'd be in top shape too."
"Don't bring me into this all of a sudden," Raph grouched while Leo and I smiled at him. Sensei chuckled as he placed a hand on Raph's shoulder, "I'm better than okay."
I rolled my eyes at his claim, "Sure. You've got bruises all over yourself from the beatings."
"We're thick-skinned," Raph grinned like it was no problem at all. Leo laughed softly.
"Your face is still a little swollen," I added with narrowed eyes, "Thankfully, you didn't have any broken bones. It's a miracle. Are you sure you're okay?"
Raph's face softened a little, "I am, Donnie. Just peachy." I probably should have felt skeptical but I believed him. He knew that I would break down if anything really dangerous happened to their health under my watch. I shuddered a bit.
"Are you okay, Donatello?" Sensei asked, never missing anything. I smiled and nodded. It wasn't a lie anyways. Sensei smiled before looking towards Micah and Shadow, "He has not taken his mask off since putting it on."
"I told him it was dangerous to sleep with it on," I sighed, putting my hand on my face, "He could get choked."
"He'll be fine," Raph rolled his eyes again before smirking, "His mask ties aren't as short as Mikey's but they aren't as long as ours. I think that's interesting."
"Me too. It looks good on him," Leo grinned as he stared at Micah's face, "The bright yellow brings out his eyes and blends well with his hair."
"Yes, it suits him," Sensei murmured with a warm smile. We all agreed and then turned sharply when we heard someone advancing towards the turnstiles but relaxed when we saw Karai jumping over them with an amused look on her face. Her eyes traveled to us all and then lingered on the kids, "Welcome home, Miwa."
"Thanks, Father," Karai smiled and then turned to look at us all again, "I had absolutely no luck. I couldn't find where Shredder currently resides."
"That's disappointing," Leo frowned as I wilted and Raph scowled. Sensei sighed but looked relieved that Karai had not seen or faced the Shredder.
"Yup," Karai huffed as she crossed her arms and walked closer to the pit, "I hope the Mighty Mutanimals have better luck tonight."
"I bet they will," Raph suddenly grinned and Karai grinned back as she nodded. I turned my head when Mike groaned and lifted his head slightly off the pillow, glancing towards us with sleep-glossed eyes, "Tyke?"
"What time's it?" He slurred slightly and Karai laughed softly.
"It's past ten, Mike," I answered, feeling slightly amused by the state of him. He looks towards me and smiles slightly, "Go back to sleep, buddy." He nods and lays his head back down, out like a light.
"I was worried he might have trouble falling asleep tonight," Leo remarked as he stared down at Mike. I nodded in agreement.
"I gave him some medicine to not only help with pain but would make him drowsy," I explained as their eyes lit up in understanding, "He will be in pain again when he wakes up in the morning."
"He'll be alright," Raph grinned and I blinked at him, "He's got ya here ta take care of him when it happens."
Smiling warmly, I look away and nod shyly. I wasn't used to Raph praising me so much but was sorta happy he was doing it more often. It made me feel good, like I was doing something right. Karai stayed and talked with us a little bit more before retreating to shower before going to sleep. Raph and I watched as Leo struggled to stay awake as we continued talking after that until he eventually gave out, falling asleep against one of the cushions placed on the benched area in the pit. Raph and I shared a pleased smile.
"So, Leo's head isn't bad or anythin'?" Raph asked me in a hushed whisper. I shook my head and without even saying anything Raph believed me and his smile widened a bit. I smiled again at the sight of it before yawning slowly, "Better get comfy if yer gonna sleep in here, Don."
I nodded silently but gasped when Raph threw me a blanket at my face, one that seemed to have materialized in thin air because I surely didn't see it anywhere before this. At my bemused appearance, Raph laughed, nearly coughing in a sudden attempt to keep it quieter. I rolled my eyes, blushing a little because of him laughing at me but wrapped my shoulders in the blanket and laid across from Leo on the bench.
Eventually, not as soon as I hoped, Raph stopped laughing and I peeked over my shoulder to see him arranging another random blanket to make himself a mat to sleep on the floor above the pit. I felt a bit more at ease, knowing that I was surrounded by so many people that I loved while I slept. I closed my eyes and easily found sleep.
The next morning…
Micah's Point of View:
I woke up to the throbbing pain in my head that felt like a constant migraine. My whole head and face felt like it hurt! I don't think I've hurt like this before. I gulp and it feels like there's a lump in my throat. I push myself up on shaky hands and blink when I see Shadow is still asleep but that April and Casey, her parents, were laying down next to her.
"Mike?"
Quickly turning my head, I winced at the sharpness of the pain but realize that the turtles are all up with Splinter standing behind them. They all look at me in surprise so it must be early or something. Donnie immediately gets up to kneel at my side.
"Your head hurts, huh?" He asked like he already knew the answer. I was in so much pain that I wouldn't have lied if I wanted to. I hated making Donnie more worried.
"Y-Yeah," I frowned, feeling like my eyes would start bulging by the pain in my head. Tears filled my eyes and immediately Donnie was bringing out a bottle from his belt while Leo randomly threw a water bottle that he caught without looking. If I weren't in so much pain I would have gasped. That was pretty cool!
"Here…this is the medicine that will help," Donnie tells me and I trust him, of course! I grab the medicine while he twists the cap of the water bottle and hands it to me. I drink more than I thought I would but as soon as the cold fresh water hit my lips I really wanted more! Donnie smiled.
"Other than yer head, do ya feel okay?" Raph questioned, looking at me gruffly. I smiled a little bit at him but knew better than to nod my aching head.
"Yeah my hands feel weird but they don't sting so much anymore," I replied, glancing down at my palms. The turtles suddenly looked surprised, like they forgot about my hands being cut. Splinter frowned.
"They will get even better in a short time with the medicine we have," He informed me as the smile on his face renewed. I returned it as brightly as I could and felt the fabric on my cheeks. I remembered my new yellow mask and nearly grinned so hard that it hurt. They laughed softly and I remembered that Shadow, April, and Casey were sleeping beside me.
"C'mon, Mike…I want to check on your injuries. Just to be safe," Donnie said as he slowly stood and reached his hand out for me to take. I took it without a second thought and he helped me rise slowly before turning to Leo, "Bro, you come too. Time for a check-up."
Leo rolled his eyes, looking ready to argue, but Raph and Splinter make a face I can't quite see and he sighs before getting up. I wonder what just happened. I turn my head slowly as Donnie pulls me towards his cool lab.
As soon as Leo and I are sitting on what Donnie calls a 'cot', which looks more like a bed to me but okay, he begins checking our eyes with something bright that hurts my head and writing something down in a small notebook. I can't read very well but I make out some numbers that look like he's writing down a time. I glance over and see Leo was blinking slowly. The light must have hurt his eyes too.
Donnie goes towards Leo and starts asking about his knee. My eyes widened because I forgot he was ever hurt there. It looks bruises and only a little swollen but he walked in here without help, right? Donnie frowns and gives Leo medicine, telling him to not walk around today. Leo frowns so hard it should have hit the ground.
I jump when a hand reaches out to touch Leo's shoulder and I calm when I realize that it's just Raphie, "Donnie's right Leo, ya shouldn't walk around today. Yer knee is a bit swollen and it'll get worse if ya walk around on it all day."
"I know," Leo says so quietly that I feel my eyes tear up for him. I didn't get a chance to say anything before Leo carefully gets up and walks out of the lab with Raph trailing behind him. Donnie sighs and I turn back at him as he grabs my hands.
He unwraps the white bandages around them and studies my palms for a minute. I look down to remember the sharp burning sting I felt when I thoughtlessly pushed Fong's blade away from my throat with them.
"Don't worry," Donnie assured me, mistaking the look on my face to mean I was worried about the cuts, "They aren't bad at all. No signs of infection and it's already beginning to show signs of fading. There shouldn't be scaring."
"Okay," I nod with a small smile, "That's good. They don't really hurt much except when I move my hands too much."
"That'll go away in a few days," Donnie smiles back as he rubs something on the cuts that barely hurts and wraps a new white bandage around both palms. He moves away for a moment and I clench and unclench my fingers, happy to see I could still move them.
"Hey, Donnie?" I asked softly after a passing thought occurred to me. Donnie turned from clasping a metal box closed. I guess he put the doctor stuff in that.
"Yeah, Mike?" He answered just as softly as if we were about to pass a secret. That made me smile for some reason. I just love Donnie!
"Um, is Raph okay? You didn't check on him," I reminded as his eyes widened slightly. I frowned a bit as I remembered how Raph had looked chained up to the wall, "His wrists were hurt I bet and he looked pretty beat up from…that scary dragon guy."
I felt the need to not say Fong's name. I remembered how Mikey told me that Donnie was easily startled and disturbed. Donnie frowned at my words and looked out the lab before trying for a soothing smile.
"I tended to his injuries. There wasn't anything really wrong with him but cuts and terrible bruises. They'll heal," He promised me and I sighed in relief. I couldn't remember seeing if Raph's wrists were wrapped up. He acted as if nothing was wrong with him at all. He would only glance at Leo and me.
"I do need to check on his wrists though, will you get him for me?" Donnie asked and I nodded three times enthusiastically as he chuckled softly. I climbed off the cot slowly to not hurt my head and walked out of the lab.
Immediately, I was surprised to see the Jones family up and talking to each other as well as Leo. I didn't see Raph and felt worried at first. That didn't last long as Shadow looked over at the lab and spotted me out. She flew over to me with such speed that I gasped, "Mike!"
"H-Hi," I said as she hugged me. I blushed and hugged her back but felt happy that she was looking much better than she had.
"Do you feel okay?" She demanded as she pulled away. That's when I noticed how silent the room was. April and Casey were staring at me as was Leo, but he looked a bit blank so I was worried about him. I know he was sad.
"I'm okay…Donnie gave me medicine so my head will stop hurting," I told them and they smiled happily at me. I hope it's soon. My head was still throbbing. Leo's expression didn't change and he looked away towards the TV, which I just noticed was turned back on.
"Where is Raph?" I asked no one in particular.
"He's in the dojo with Sensei," April answered, still smiling. I smiled back and thanked her before walking towards the lab. Leo had seemed a bit curious but then turned back to the TV. I should talk to him later! Maybe he won't be mad if I try to make him feel better.
Walking in the dojo, I see Splinter standing next to Raph. They seemed to be talking but I didn't hear what they were saying. I didn't like that they weren't looking too happy. Splinter turned suddenly and smiled a bit at me. I returned it.
"Hello, Micah. Did you sleep well?" He questioned politely. Raph looked at me in surprise before resuming a slight frown.
"Yeah, I slept okay!" I informed before looking towards Raph, "Donnie wants to check on your wrists so he wants you in the lab, Raphie!"
Splinter was surprised about something for only a second but I noticed that Raph's eyes had widened and his mouth opened a little before he shook his head. I had to know what caused that reaction, "What?"
"Nothin'…just been awhile since anyone's called me that," Raph replied with an awkward look on his face. His eyes gleamed with sadness for a few moments and I realized what happened. I think that was the first time I had said 'Raphie' in front of him. Mikey called him that…and I do it without thinking about it. It feels natural. I felt bad.
Before I could apologize Raph forced himself to smile, "So, the Brainiac needs to see me? Gotcha!" He walked past me and his large hand rubbed my whole head, messing up my already messily curly hair. I pouted as he left the room.
"I sense you have more questions," Splinter said suddenly and I jumped, looking over at him. He was smiling warmly.
"How did you know? I wasn't really thinking about asking more questions yet," I admitted with a confused smile.
"I am exceptionally good at reading people," He told me and I laughed before considering if I should ask what I wanted or not, "Go ahead and ask me anything that you want, Micah. I will not bite you."
Grinning at his little joke, I nodded before licking my lips, "Well, I noticed that Leo, Raph, Donnie, and April call you 'Sensei' which you said I didn't have to call you but April told me last night that they call you that because you are their nin-get-su teacher….so do I need to start calling you that?"
Splinter smiled, looking pleased, "It is most respectful to do so. I am pleasantly surprised you made that connection without teaching. Yes, you may call me that, especially during training. You may also call me Master Splinter."
"Okay!" I beamed, feeling happy at his compliments, "Yes, Sensei!"
"As long as we are on the topic, whenever I give you an instruction or command, you should respond to me with 'Hai, Sensei'," Sensei taught me and I blinked before smiling again.
"Hai, Sensei! What does 'hai' mean?" I asked, tilting my head.
"It is Japanese and a phrase that means basically what you said before I corrected you," He told me and I thought about this.
"So, it means 'yes, sensei'?" I asked again and he nodded, smiling fondly at me. I was always glad when he looked like that. Aside from Donnie, Splinter…or I mean Sensei…always made me feel comfortable and safe.
"Are there any other questions for me?" He questioned and I looked at my feet. Thinking how to form the right questions in my mind.
"Y-Yes, um, Leo was sad when Donnie told him he can't walk around a lot. How can I make him feel better?" I asked shyly. Sensei seemed surprised for a moment like this wasn't what he was expecting before smiling again.
"Leonardo is always this way when he feels as though he has failed his loved ones in some way or another," Sensei said looking a bit sad. I felt the same. Why did he feel that? How would he have failed? Sensei noticed my confused look and chuckles, "Just be there for him, Micah. Spending time with him will eventually mellow out his mood."
I nodded brightly as I thought about my next question, "Also, um…is Donnie a doctor? How does he know so many things?"
Master Splinter's smile turned into a grin, "Donatello has always been very intelligent. Others call him a genius and I think even that term doesn't describe his intelligence well enough. He has studied medicine to learn how to help the family. After all, we cannot go to doctors."
My face flushed red. I feel like I should have known that! But I also felt sad. Yeah, they can't go to normal doctors, but that's so wrong somehow, "I wish you could go to doctors. You're people too!"
I must have said something either incredibly stupid or brave because Sensei suddenly had tears forming in his eyes but he looked away and when he looked back they were gone, "You are so much like my youngest son…"
"Thank you, Micah," He murmured warmly before I had the chance to apologize and then I realized I didn't make him all that sad. I think he liked what I said a lot. I beamed.
"You're welcome! I was just saying the truth though," I added genuinely and suddenly I heard laughing. I jumped again. Standing behind me was everyone else, including Karai. Leo was leaning on Donnie slightly for support. I felt like I was burning with how red I turned. And Donnie looks like he's crying!
"W-Wah!" I cried out in embarrassment and Raph laughed harder. I looked away but noticed Sensei didn't look surprised. He knew they were there? He saw my expression and smiled apologetically. It wasn't like it was a secret, but how much did they hear?!
"You're so cute! Just like Mikey!" Karai said suddenly, looking happy, "You just fit in so well with us!"
April and Shadow nodded in agreement while Raph and Casey were laughing and Leo was trying to comfort Donnie. I blinked as some of my embarrassment died down. I felt glad she said that.
"T-Thanks," I said as I ducked my head slightly, seeing the tail of my yellow mask go over my shoulder. I laughed.
Raph eventually stopped laughing, looking much better than he had before he'd left the dojo. I was happy to see that even Leo looked a little better, "Say, Tyke, why don't we train together? Fearless can sit in here and watch to help with the lesson cause I know he can't help himself."
"Oh shut up," Leo rolled his eyes with a barely contained smile. Donnie wiped his eyes and pushing his purple mask back over his eyes.
"G-Good idea. We should while we're out of commission this week," He admitted as Casey looked excited.
"Hey let us join too!" He exclaimed as Sensei laughed and said he'd allow the Jones family to train with us. Everyone suddenly seemed more cheerful and I had no idea what I did, if I did anything at all, to change the mood.
The Jones family was speaking excitedly with Leo and Donnie, following them as Raph helped bring Leo to the tree to sit and watch us. Sensei walked towards me and noticed my confusion.
"My son, Michelangelo, also had the gift to change the negative atmosphere much like you did," Sensei told me with a warm smile and my eyes widened, my chest hurting in a good way. I silently thanked Mikey in the heavens above for bringing me to this family.
I wiped my eyes and turned towards the turtles. They looked up after a second, feeling my gaze and I grinned, "So why does Raphie call Leo 'Fearless'?"
I couldn't help but ask.
Thanks for reading! If I somehow forgot something or made an error be sure to let me know for the future! It helps a lot! I'll be excitedly waiting for your reviews! MWAH~!