AN: I'm sorry this is so late. I've had a lot of stuff happen recently. I know alot of you have probably lost interest in this story... I understand completely. I'll try to update more often. This is not a happy story. It will have a lot of sad events but hopefully a happy ending.
Disclaimer: If I owned TMNT I would probably not be writing this. So no, I do not own them.
A couple hours after Mikey had left Mouse with his Master, the youngest turtle went in search of his own feline companion. He hadn't seen him since that morning and was becoming exceedingly anxious as to where the young tom could be.
"Klunk... where are you, Klunk?" The teen called, loudly. "Klunkers, come here baby".
No answer was heard. He continued looking, making sure he checked every room in the lair.
"He must be out hunting again." Mikey thought, apprehensively.
Figuring there was nothing more he could do, the youngest went to his room, hoping to keep his worried mind occupied until Klunk came home. Mikey stayed there, reading comics, until it was time for him to prepare lunch. After he was finished, Mike called his family and they all sat down to eat together. Throughout the meal the youngest turtles thoughts never strayed from his lost cat.
"Where is he?" Mike questioned himself. "He's usually home by now. What if something happened? What if he's out there, hurt and cold and... and alone?! I need to find him"!
"Father, may I be excused." Mikey asked aloud.
"Of course, Michelangelo." His Master replied. "Do not forget, we have early training tonight".
"I won't Master Splinter." With that the youngest brother rushed off to find his little friend.
He knew Klunk wasn't in the lair. He had already checked every nook and cranny. So, after grabbing his shell cell and weapons, the teen headed out into the sewers. He stopped outside their front door and peered into the tunnels.
"Klunk?" He called, hoping to hear a reply. "Klunkers?..."
With no answer the orange banded turtle walked down the left tunnel making his way towards one of his babies favorite hunting spots.
Mikey was forced to return home a few hours later to train. He had found no trace of Klunk and nearly bursted into tears when his calls went unanswered. The teen knew he had to remain strong, but he couldn't help wondering what had happened to his baby. The orange cat had never been gone so long. Mikey walked through the doorway just as Master Splinter called everyone to the dojo.
"Did you find Klunk?" Leo asked, sympathy for his baby brother shining in his eyes.
Mikey shook his head sadly. "No, he wasn't in any of his normal places".
"Don't worry Mike," the eldest comforted, as he wrapped an arm around his baby bros shoulder. "I'm sure he's fine. He'll be back in no time, you'll see".
"Yea, sure." The youngest replied, despondently.
Training was pure torture for the depressed teenager. He kept messing up his katas and couldn't focus on anything besides his missing cat. When it was time to spar, Mikey got paired up with Raph. His temperamental older brother didn't hold back, even though he could see the younger turtle was distracted. It was Raphs way of showing that he was concerned and was trying to snap his baby bro out of his trance like state. It failed in accomplishing anything except giving the youngest some pretty impressive bruises. After training Donnie even tried making jokes to get Mike to laugh, but that failed miserably. In the end, nothing worked and they went topside to patrol.
A couple hours later the four weary turtles returned home. The older three immediately got ready for bed while Mikey stayed at the front door. He walked out into the dimly lit tunnel and called, once more, for his beloved cat.
"Kluuuunk?" The teen cried desperately, his voice breaking as the tears he'd been withholding began to fall.
"Meow." Mikey's head whipped around and his eyes lit up as he saw a familiar shape make its way toward him through the shadows.
The relieved turtle ran to his feline friend and scooped him into a tight embrace. The two snuggled for a moment before heading inside. Mike quickly made his way to his room, where turtle and cat curled up together. Klunk headbutted his owner lovingly while the young turtle stroked his back. A short while later the two friends were fast asleep, Klunk lying peacefully on Mikey's carapace.
For the next couple weeks Mikey kept a vigilant eye on his baby. He made sure to check up on him every couple hours and not let him out of the lair for long. The poor turtle was extremely concerned that Klunk had decided to start roaming, as male cats often do. Splinter tried to assure his youngest that Klunk loved him and would come back even if he did wander now and then. Still, it did little to alleviate his fear. Helping care for Mouse was the one thing that took his mind of the feeling that something bad was going to happen. Splinter had managed to help the kitten and he healing nicely. He had quickly developed his own personality and had a bit of a roguish attitude. He would try to climb up Master Splinters legs when he was hungry, leaving tiny claw marks that stung like shell. The kitten always seemed to be underfoot and tripped whoever he caught unaware. But no one minded seeing as they had all fallen in love with the kitten... even Raph, though if asked he would certainly deny it.
"Little Mouse." Mikey cooed before placing the kitten down near Klunk. "You like to play with big brother Klunk, don't you"?
The older cat had taken on the responsibilities of being an older brother and simply adored the younger tom. They would play together and Klunk would gently cuff the kit on the ear. The cream colored kitten was actually more violent while playing than Klunk was. Mouse would pounce on his older friend, needle-like claws at the ready. He latched onto the older cat and refused to let go. The elder would get tired of being used as a scratching post and turn to walk away, but Mouse would have none of it. He would jump on Klunk from behind and the wrestling match would begin once again.
Mikey laughed as he watched the scene unfold. He felt kinda bad for Klunk. Whenever Mouse got to rough, he intervened. The last thing Mike wanted was his baby to get hurt by the newcomer. That night Mikey held Klunk close after making sure the scratch on his nose, that he'd gotten from Mouse, wasn't to bad.
"I love you Klunkers." Mike whispered in the orange cats ear. "You're my best friend... no matter what".
Soon the Hamato family decided to take a vacation and go to Casey's farm house. There had been a lull in crime recently so they thought it would be good to spend some time together. Master Splinter also planned on getting in some extra training. They would be gone for a few weeks so Klunk and Mouse would be coming with them.
"Hey, Mikey ya ready yet?" Raph shouted from the living room.
"Yea, I'll be down in a sec." The fun loving turtle answered. "Just let me grab my pack".
"Hurry up little bro." Donnie called. "We want to make it to the farm by noon".
Mikey could hear Leo downstairs. "Donnie, did you pack the first aid kit"?
"Of course I did." Donnie replied as Mikey jumped down to the first level, Klunk clutched securely in his arms.
"You never know what could happen." The brainiac continued. "It's better to be safe than sorry, after all".
"If you are all ready I suggest we head out to the van and get underway." Their Master advised.
The turtles took their fathers advice and soon they were zipping down the highway in the battle shell. A little before three in the afternoon, the Hamato family reached their destination and pulled into the farm's drive. As soon as Don stopped the vehicle everyone got busy unloading their stuff and bringing it into the house. The plan was to unpack then meet up for afternoon training before supper. Mikey had left his bags in his temporary room and returned for Klunks carrier. He couldn't keep the smile from his face as he passed the living room. Master Splinter had already released Mouse from his cage to explore and the little kitten was busy playing with the old rats tail. Mikey knew that his father had become very attached to the cream colored kit. Mouse was able to help Splinter relax even better than meditation, they could all see how much good the kitten was doing. Mikey made his way back to his room where he released Klunk. The tom immediately wove between the teens legs, nearly tripping him as the turtle headed downstairs to start supper.
About a week later Splinter proclaimed a special training exercise.
"Our usual nightly training for tonight is canceled. Instead we shall be doing sensory training." Splinter announced as they finished eating. "It will be a good time to practice avoiding ambushes. There is no moon and in the forest you will not be able to rely on your eyes. You must use your other senses to make up for your lack of vision".
"Yes, Sensei." The four said in unison.
The next hour was spent thinking of ways to achieve victory in the training session. When the time came Raph, Leo, and Donnie headed outside to await their Master. Mike made his way into the kitchen to say goodbye to Klunk before he left.
"Bye Klunkers." The teen said as he stroked the felines orange fur. "I'll be back in a couple hours".
Master Splinter walked into the kitchen as Mikey turned to Mouse. He heard his youngest telling the kitten to behave while they were gone. He grabbed some kitten chow from the cupboard and poured a small amount into a bowl. The rat then placed it on the floor next to the older toms food before turning and picking the kitten up. Mike headed out the door to wait with his brothers as his father gave Mouse love.
"You are such a joy, little one." Splinter stated warmly, kissing the kits head. "We will be back soon. Be good".
He petted the cream colored kitten, before gently placing him on the floor next to Klunk.
"Let us go." He informed, walking out the door.
The rat led them to the darkest part of the forest, which was a half hours walk from the house. It was eerily quiet, nothing in the forest stirred. The wise rat started the exercise by having his sons attack him. He relied on his large ears and sense of smell to avoid his students assaults and quickly launched a counterattack. Before long, all four turtles lay defeated on the ground. Mikey sat up slowly, rubbing his sore head which had been given a sound whack from his Sensei's staff. The others also got to their feet, albeit a bit slowly.
"You have improved since last we had a sensory exorcise such as this." Splinter informed the weary turtles. "I am very proud of you my sons".
The four brothers cheered loudly as they high-threed each other. The polite clearing of their Masters throat quickly brought their attention back to the rat.
"That does not mean, however, that you do not have areas to improve upon." He smiled reassuringly upon seeing the turtles disappointment. "Raphael, you must not let your anger control you. It clouds your judgment far to often. Donatello, do not second guess yourself. It is best to trust your instincts. Leonardo, you take too much upon yourself. You can really on your brothers to take some of the pressure".
The wise old rat turned to his youngest son, letting out a barely audible sigh. Mikey looked at him with wide, blue eyes. The teen knew he had messed up during this training. If not for him the others may have been able to, at the very least, get in a couple good hits. He was sure his bros thought he had been fooling around, but he hadn't. Mike had tried his best. The poor turtle just ended up tripping, stepping on sticks, or walking into brambles... alerting everyone nearby of his exact location. He was so focused on helping take down Master Splinter that he became unaware of his surroundings.
"Michelangelo," The rats soft voice broke the turtle from his thoughts. "I know you tried hard and managed to stay focused, but too much focus can also lead to problems. You will need to find the medium between the two if you wish to be the best you can be. Do you all understand the advice I have given tonight".
"Yes, Master Splinter." All four turtles said in unison.
"Good," The rat smiled. "Then let us head back to the house".
"Master Splinter," Mikey spoke quietly. "Can you help me train for just a bit longer? I know I can do better than earlier. Please"?
His brothers were surprised at what their baby bro had just asked, but their Sensei simply nodded his head, a small smile growing on his face.
Thirty minutes later the Hamato clan were ready to head back. It took another half hour to reach the house. Once there, the family went their separate ways. Leo to his room, Raph outside, and Donnie to his make-shift lab. Splinter walked into the kitchen with Mikey following close behind. As they entered the room both pairs of eyes were immediately drawn to a small form lying on the floor beside the food dish. It twitched slightly before going deathly still. Splinter rushed forward and knelt beside his kitten. Mikey stood behind his father as the rat gently picked up the tiny kitten.
"Why!" Mikey thought trying to keep the tears from his eyes as he noticed the kit wasn't breathing.
The young turtle watched as his father tried in vain to revive the kitten. He checked it's airway and found nothing. If something was stuck in the little toms throat the rat couldn't see it. When all else failed the distraught rodent resorted to CPR. He adjusted it to fit with the kitten. Breathing tiny breaths into it's nose, making sure not to breath to hard. Mikey waited, hoping for some sign of life, but the kitten never stirred.
"I'm sorry, Master Splinter." Mike said barely more than a whisper, "I'm sorry"!
A couple minutes turned into ten and Splinter was forced to give up, unable to stop the river of tears flowing down his face.
"This is my fault." Mikey said brokenly, before sobbing loudly. "I'm s...s...sorry! If I hadn't wanted... to practice more... why... why did this... have to happen... he made you so... happy! Why!"
"Michelangelo!" Splinter spoke harshly. "Do not blame yourself for this ever again. Now... leave me".
The young turtle hesitated in the doorway but a glare from his anguished father had him rushing from the kitchen. He grabbed Klunk on his way to his room. Once there, Mikey laid down on his bed and buried his tear soaked face in his babies fur.
"This is my fault Klunkers." Mike whispered miserably. "Mouse is dead! Your little brothers gone forever, Klunk. He made father so happy. He was there for him when we were busy patrolling. I took that away... all because I wanted to practice a little longer. It's all my fault".
The fun loving turtle was sobbing uncontrollably. He couldn't help but think Master Splinter blamed him even though the rat denied it and took the blame upon himself. After a while his father had come into his room and wrapped his arms gently around the shaking turtle, trying to calm him down. Mikey buried his face in his fathers shoulder as the rat tried explaining that it had been his own fault, no one else's. The rat had thought that the kitten was ready to eat dry food on his own, he had been doing so well. But he believed that the food had gotten lodged in the tiny toms throat, cutting off it's air supply.
After Splinter left to bury Mouse, Mikey curled up once more, only emerging from his room later that night. Klunk followed after his friend before stopping before the front door and meowing loudly.
"You wanna go out Klunkers?" Mikey asked as he picked the orange tom up.
"Meow." Klunk replied as he purred and rubbed his face against the turtles.
Mikey kissed the cat on the nose before hugging him tightly. He petted his orange fur, holding his best friend close for a few more minutes before gently placing him on the ground. Before opening the door, the young turtle leaned down and stroked his cat one last time.
"Be safe, Klunkers." Mikey spoke softly as he opened the door. "I love you... come home soon".
AN: Hope you like the chapter. Sorry it's so sad. Please let me know what you think. Reveiws keep me motivated!