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Mikey-
Since Raph isn't around I've been able to get up and fix breakfast in relative peace and get to eat more of it too. Yawning I begin to make eggs and pancakes, but first I needed my coffee. Without thinking I poured a cup of hot coffee from the freshly brewed coffee machine. I drank almost the whole cup before it donned on me that we didn't have an automatic coffee pot.
Blinking to clear my eyes I yelled, "Guys something creepy's going on in here." It didn't take long for my brothers to come into the kitchen and see what I was yelling about. Both were tired and didn't notice the TV was on as well, and to be fair I didn't either till I heard it change channels to the news. Pointing a shaking hand I watched as the TV flipped from one news channel to the next till it stopped on a report about the recent activities of the purple dragons. Don blinked and looked at the couch then drew his bow staff as Leo unsheathed his swords yelling, "Who's there?"
He was answered by a loud yawn followed by a familiar voice saying, "Oh keep it down 'fearless leader' I'm trying to hear this." I could have sworn Don has never looked so stunned in his life as Leo blinked and almost whispered, "Raph is that you?"
Raph-
It was hard to resist laughing as I imagined the looks on their faces. After a moment of silence I answered, "Who else out of you bone heads drinks coffee and actually watches the news before its over. Now shut up already I need to hear this." I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my now scared face as I saw my brothers stare at me dumb struck. After the report ends I stand in the light of the TVs reviling that I now wear a set of shorts that end bout half way down my shin covered in pockets and a harness that x's across my chest to hold my sie and other weapons and equipment.
Mikey was the first to burst out yelling, "Who when did you turn into the commando turtle?" I laughed at this, "When I started fighting opponents that all play for keeps. Now what do you say we go and train for a while before we all head out on patrol for the night." I walked into the dojo and took off my harness hanging it on the striking dummy.
Mikey was the first to step up assuming his usual stance as I stood with no stance before him and bowed as was tradition. He began with a flying kick aimed for my chest but before he could connect I had hit the underside of his thigh just below the knee then punched his gut downward into the mat before posing for a final blow ending the bout. Next was Don he was predictable as always and was unready for me to flip him with my feet before spinning him over and hold him a inch from bashing his face into the ground. Lastly was Leo. He waited for me to strike first which was fine with me launching my self at him he raised his guard and I struck it intentionally, launching him from the arena with a bit too much force making him slap the wall.
He coffed before saying, "Wow Raph you really have changed you were never this good before. I also see that you don't seem to be angry anymore." I let out a shy chuckle , "You think I'm strong you should meet the boss he can throw me around like a rag doll. Now what do you say we go check on Shred Head?"
Leo-
If it wasn't for the fact that I knew it was him I would have never believed it. He has become calmer and much stronger, and now that I'm walking next to him I can tell larger too. I look closer and notice that his shell isn't quite the same and he has a pronounced tail now and that's when I ask, "Raph did anything change you when you were traveling?" He grinned at me, "Bout that. The Boss offered to give me a special gene thingy. He made my shell and hide tougher and made my front softer and more human." Don came racing up at this, "He did what?" I saw the usual exasperated Raph come at as he repeated himself then had to answer an embarrassing question from Mikey, "So is that why you wear pants now? To hide your.. you know." The death glare that followed answered the question for him and clarified that he was indeed Raph.
Over the course of the rest of the month Raph displayed a whole new set of skills, now he could help Don with basic things still nowhere near as smart but not as dumb as before. He spoke better and his combat was impressive. Instead of just sie he now used a weighted chain and various other equipment. His assault truck was a candy shop for Don. I'm not surprised that he doesn't meditate but he has gained control of his temper, somewhat. Kasey and April's reactions to his changes and leather head actually got along with him better now.
Things got entertaining about half way through December however. We had just gotten back from Patrol when we find a female figure leaning against the door of the lair. Unsure of who she was I drew my swords demanding, "Who are you and what do you want?" She walked up to us calmly and punched Raph so hard in the face it knocked him off his feet. Then I watched as he sat there and let her yell, "You Pain In the Ass. I get back from a hunt and find out that you took the Boss up on a job and leave your Satcom behind refuse back up or armor besides your beat up old clunker, and to top it off you forgot to call me and tell me you were leaving. Now tell me why I shouldn't make you sterile right here and now."
Mikey let out a low whistle and I tried not to laugh at his apologetic face. Raph began to sheepishly smile and said, "Cause that would ruin your dream of kids after we finish all this stuff." Don gawked openly at this one and I could hear the embarrassment in her voice as she retorted, "You… You… Rahha" then kicked him in the gut hard.
Trying not to laugh I bent down and lifted him up whispering, "I think I found your anger." All he could say in return was a horse, "Tell me about it." As we walked in our new guest in tow.