Teenage years Part one Rise of the turtles
Chapter summary: Mikey was never a fan of killing. So, instead of going around and killing future Foot Clan members to be. He decided to make them an offer instead. Xever and the Purple Dragons are given two choices, will really depending on who you as there was only one choice.
Disclaimer: I do not own TMNT. It might be a good thing because Mikey would be going through a lot.
"Please." Mikey gave Splinter the biggest puppy dog eyes he could muster.
"No." Splinter said his mind set.
"But pretty please."
"How long have those two been at it?" Raph asked.
Leo, Raph and Donnie standing behind Master and student watching Mikey trying his best to convinced Splinter to bring down a human to their lair. Apparently, Mikey met one and gave the human some ice cream because he was crying and ended up becoming friends with the male for a good four months before Mikey had finally spelt the beans. At least that explained to them why Mikey was coming home later than he should, and if it wasn't for Tang Shen telling the turtles through their dreams the reason why before Mikey did, all three brothers would be worried. (More worried for their baby brother.)
"No."
"But Master Splinter he won't even harm a fly. Honest and he doesn't have any friends and his dad isn't very nice to him and he's always picked on at school because he really smart." Mikey said.
"No."
Mikey frowned, standing down he had a new idea which was turning his shell on his father with his arms crossed and pouting. For his age Mikey can act incredible mature. Then the small knit clan will have moments like these which reminded them that yes, Mikey is still the youngest of the family.
"How long have you known about this guy Mikey?" Leo asked despite already knowing the answer.
"Three months," Mikey said his shell still turned.
"Has the guy told anyone about you?"
"No. Not like they believe him anyway. He would just get picked on. That's what Baxter said to me. And, I throw pranks on the mean people that bully him."
"See Master Splinter. I know you want to protect us from people, but if Mikey thinks the guy okay. Why not just give him a chance?" Leo asked.
"Yeah, it's not like they're going to listen. Who in their right mind will listen to a man going of about seeing four mutant turtles and a mutant rat?" Donnie pointed out.
Mikey turned back to face Master Splinter a hopeful smile.
"Hmm," Splinter hum. "Are you sure Stickman."
"Stockman," Mikey corrected.
"Yes, Stockman will mean us no harm?"
"I'm sure."
"I will give this person one chance. However, if he shares this information with anyone my son know he will feel a lot of pain afterwards. And, you will be grounded for a life time."
The turtles cringe no doubt Master Splinter would happily show Stockman a lesson in ninjutsu and leave a lot of bruises on the human.
"Thanks sensei," Mikey said as he ran out of the lair. Not caring about the possible high fact of being grounded for a life time.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Raph mumbled.
"Most likely," Splinter agreed.
Leo and Donnie just exchanged looks neither of them having an opinion on the matter.
When Baxter had come around to the lair for the first time in his life. He wasn't greeted with a warn welcome but both human and turtle had already understood that there wouldn't be warm welcomes. Leo didn't get along with Baxter and seem to be around Mikey as if he was some sort of guard that promised pain, if the human ever harmed Mikey at all. Raph would tease Baxter and often mistake his name on purpose, sometimes even taking any of Baxter tools and machines. Mikey would always be there to defend the human and help Baxter deal with Raph teasing. Donnie and Baxter often challenged one another to see whose brain was better and Mikey was starting to doubt if this was even worth the trouble.
In his first timeline the first human him and his brothers had met they had been old enough to look after themselves. Most of their lives Splinter had often warned them what humans could be cable off and how not all of the humans, would be friendly with the turtles. Mikey was innocent back then and when April had befriended them, he had thought that maybe the rest of the humans weren't as bad. He would find himself proven wrong time and time again, his brothers did often try and shelter that hash reality from him. So, really Mikey understood why none of the family was at all opened to Baxter in this timeline.
Him and his brothers we're still young and if Baxter ever told anyone about their home sending whatever government agents down to them. The lot of them would be facing the worst to come in the name of research. Mikey was positive though that Baxter wouldn't betray them beside unlike in his first timeline, he wasn't afraid to do the dirty work if he had to protect his clan. In the meantime, he did find him selves listening to Baxter ramble about his latest machine. That would do homework for you.
Tot years went by and so did childhood years before the turtles started to age into the teenager's years, Baxter Stockman was an adult by now working at an office job. If the guy was even bullied at all they would find themselves with unexplained water balloons in their faces. Baxter even become the family link, to the outside world the moment he was able to make his own money half of it would go to the family. Mikey didn't have to steal as often as he did when he was a tot, which might have been a good thing. Since the cops had been on the lookout for a thief for the last few years. A thief that caused the best of them to raise their eyebrow when the reports would come in, often time it was old toys and food being reporter. Their training over the years had gotten a little harder nothing that the turtles couldn't handle, will depending on who you asked.
Mikey had been the toughest out of the four of them. Only on one occasional did it look like Mikey may have lost against his older brother Raph, but that was on his off day. Mikey had trouble sleeping which had sadly never changed. He also seemed to have gotten more serious over the years to. Guilt often flooded over the oldest three whenever Leo, Raph and Donnie would wishful think what it be like for a happier Mikey. One less serious in everything he did, one that didn't look and act as if he had just come back from war, but even the idea of a happier Mikey, more childlike Mikey seemed out of their reach. Seemed impossible because as far as Leo, Raph and Donnie had ever known, Mikey had always been the serious younger brother that could kick all their shells in training. Today was no different either. Even if Leo might know every move his baby brother might pull during today training, he also knows how this will end.
Either way Leo would do his best.
Mikey and Leo eyes locked onto one another, Leo weapons out and ready, waiting to see who attack first. Mikey stood in one spot arms crossed his eyes following Leo every move. Leo knows Mikey will not attack first so he does. He goes in, Mikey ducks, a leg tripped over Leo feet causing him to stumble. As Leo stumbled his weapons are snatched out of his hands and now in the hold of the youngest in the family. Leo landed on his shell and he frown at his baby brother towing over him.
"Need help Ni-san."
Leo takes the offer of help and his blades are given back. He withdrawn them mumbling as he sits on the sideline beside Master Splinter.
"Don't worry Leo you did great."
He knows Mikey is being supportive, but he can't help and feel a little bitter that his own baby brother can beat him in training. Up next Raph and Donnie.
"Put down the stick Donnie and nobody gets hurt."
"You said that last time Raph and I got hurt."
"Yeah, but this time I mean it."
Donnie puts up a fight his staff moving left to right, hitting Raph when an opening is spotted, but going for the third hit. Donnie staff is taken and Raph snapped it in half.
"I should have put down the staff." Donnie said.
"You should have."
Donnie ended up being hit with his own weapon over a dozen times before sitting on the map alongside his older brother. Raph turned to face off the next turtle, Mikey hadn't move. If one didn't know any better, they might assume he was sleeping standing up. Both eyes are closed, but Leo knows Mikey barely gets any sleep. Mikey nightmares just seem to get worse over time. Tang Shen always told them that even she does not know what they are. (Leo gets a feeling that the spirit of his mother is hiding something.)
Raph runs up. Donnie weapon in his hands only to find the wood snatched out of his hands and in a matter of second Mikey is behind him. The staff on the ground and a flick of Mikey fingers hit the back of Raph head.
"Really Mike, that's the move you go for."
The flicked wouldn't haven even left a bruised much less cause any pain.
"I'm just going easy on my older brother. Don't want Raphie to get hurt in his old age," Mikey taunted.
Raph brings out his Sai's twilling them around aiming them at Mikey, but Mikey moves out of the way. Mikey is able to doge every attack Raph throws at him. Leo sees it this time. Mikey right hand going for Raph right hand, flipping the red mask turtle to the ground and snatching his weapons away before Raph even hit the ground. Two Sai's are pointed to Raph throat.
"Yame," Master Splinter said.
Raph refused Mikey hand in help as he snatched his weapons back all four turtles kneeing in front of the wise rat.
"You have done well today my sons."
"Last four minutes longer against Mikey that's a record," Baxter said walking into the dojo.
Baxter chuckled nervously as Master Splinter glared at the human male. Mikey fist bumped with the man the moment, he saw Baxter at the doorway.
"Sup bro, how you been?"
"Been better, but doing pretty well."
"Why Stickman here anyway?" Raph questioned.
"It's Stockman," Baxter said furiously before calming down. "And, if you must know I'm here because I'm wondering if I can burrow Mikey real, quick."
"We are in the middle of training," Splinter said.
"Yeah but um things."
"Be back by lunch dad, I mean sensei." Mikey grabbed Baxter by the arm and off they went, Master Splinter glared at the spot where his son last was.
At least he told you that he was going somewhere this time, Tang Shen told her husband.
"Stupid Stickman," Raph mutter.
Leo knew there was some part of Raph that was a little fearful that Mikey might pick his human friend over his family one day. Leo didn't blame Raph for that fear because Leo had the same fear, Mikey often went topside now alongside with Baxter. Master Splinter had allowed it because Master Splinter said he could trust Mikey to get out of any trouble. While the three oldest are not ready to go outside, no matter how much Mikey tried to get Master Splinter to let them go topside, making promising after promising that he will look after his older brothers. Leo is more determined to be perfect at training because Mikey shouldn't have to look after him. Mikey was the youngest he shouldn't even think about such a thought.
"Did you get the lead," Mikey said to Stockman the moment the pair were out of the lair.
"I did, but remind me again Big M. Why you want me to track down a street gang?"
"Reason."
Baxter glared at his young friend, whenever Mikey said reasons it was normally something big. Something big in Mikey mind that the youngest one out of the turtles was plotting something.
"Can I at least know the plan this time?"
Mikey got his nun-chucks out as he darted ahead Baxter struggling to keep up before they stop at an old warehouse.
"Plan?" Mikey asked.
"Yes, plan. We are going in to face the Purple Dragons. A street gang in New York that like to make people like me their supper."
"Dude, your looking way too deep into this."
"No, I am not," he stressed.
Baxter was panicking at this point, holding onto Mikey shoulders and forcing the turtle to look into his eyes. In hopes to get his only friend in the world some sense into that small brain of his before they ended up hurt or worse.
"These guys are known for robbing banks," he said ignoring how his voice grew higher.
"Dude, relax bro. Since when have I ever gotten you hurt before."
Never, Mikey normally the one that stands up on his behalf whenever Mikey older brothers took their teasing too far. That was teasing though, this was going to be throwing punches and a high possible chance of breaking bones. Not to mention if Mikey gets hurt or worst, he would have to explain to the clan why Mikey was even hurt to start with. Mikey pulled Baxter hands away from his shoulders and stood protectively in front of Baxter.
"Just stay behind me keep out of trouble and for the love of pizza, don't make a screen."
Easy for Mikey to say Baxter ends up breaking all three of those rules on a good day. Mikey opened up the doors to the warehouse where the three purple dragon's members stood, they had been chatting until someone had found them.
"Sup dudes. Yes, I am a turtle a mutant one, get over the shock. I am Michelangelo," he gestured a green finger at a Baxter that was slowly walking away. "That's my friend Baxter and we have an offer. Want to work for me?"
The three members stayed silent for a minute before laughing their heads of at the idea itself.
"And, why should we work for a freak like you?" Fong asked, Mikey grinned twilling his nun-chucks. "I see dudes, you want to play it this way. Will than let's play."
Baxter flinched covering his hands over his head as Mikey slammed the doors behind him. Baxter jumped and screamed every time he heard someone having their bones being broken in the process. He bites his nails in fear and slumped against the wall. He really does pity that Purple Dragon gang.
Michelangelo knew it wasn't the best idea he had in the world, but he wasn't known for his great ideas. He just got the job done and this was his job to stop as many people as possible before they joined the Shredder. Purple Dragons, while never really a real threat or even a member of the Foot Clan themselves can be a beast especially after Hun show up and boss the three of them around. So, Michelangelo formed a planned, a planned to try and get the three to be loyal to him, this way both Hun and the Shredder would stay away from them with a three-foot pole. Only problem, Purple Dragons had never been known for their brains which is why Mikey beats the crap out of them causing the three of them to be on the ground, groaning in pain. No doubt feeling sore tomorrow possible some broken bones and bruises, Mikey couched on his knees and looked at Sid whom was currently waking up after a couple of good rounds with Mikey himself.
"Look, I really don't care what you guys do in your free time. You can run around robbing banks all you want."
Will unless him and his brothers spot them in the future, then they might get their butts kicked. His brothers had not been allowed out of the lair just yet, so it wasn't an issue at the current moment. Right now, Mikey just wanted these three on his side. He can deal with Hun later, but due to the rivalry Hun had with Casey Jones in his timeline, he highly doubted Hun would join the turtles any time soon. These three still had a chance.
Sure, the three of them had been no angels by a long shot, but they weren't down right evil either and Mikey wanted to change his timeline. Step one, stop as many people from joining the Foot, step two, see if those people wanted to join him and his brothers instead. After all the more the merry which is why Mikey is now trying his best to speak to them about joining.
The three gang members wouldn't listen before, but maybe they will once they find out that there was someone tougher than them. It's why Mikey worked his shell off in this timeline, last timeline he saw no reason to rather having fun and goofing off, but having fun would only be a waste if Foot got out of hand again.
As long as Shredder is in the head spot Foot Clan wouldn't be much a problem just yet, and boy did that sound weird in Mikey head. Happily thinking that Shredder was better alive than dead and sure Shredder killed Mikey father which was so not cool, but Foot really only grew wild long after Shredder was dead. After some x ninjas started to talk about the glory days, Shredder would keep them in place and Mikey will just have to get stronger to handle him. Handle Shredder and protect Splinter if that fight ever comes about.
He shakes those thoughts away he does not need to jump ahead just yet, right now he needed to speak to three Purple Dragons.
"Think about it this way. I just be your head boss or something and when you guys run into another street gang that's tougher than you. Call me and I can deal with them allowing you to have your hidey spots."
"You're a freak of nature." Tsoi said.
"Yeah. Been told that before really need to be creative with your insults dude."
I'm going to kill them.
What else was there to do? If they didn't want to work with him then he couldn't let them run around New York. His mother was frowning at him in disapprover. Mikey didn't like killing he never did, but when the war really broke out sometimes killing either meant live or die. He's gotten used to it.
"Alright than."
The hidden blade from his nun-chuck popped out his mask gone white as he glared down at the three pointing the kusarigama at what Mikey remembered as Sid, neck.
"You don't want to work with me that's fine. I get that you don't want your pride to be hurt by a teenage whether alone what you lot think of as a freak. So, here the deal. You can work with me and I let you be I will deal with bigger gangs and beat their shells if I have to and fight for you. Or, I can kill you three right now and let the cops find your bodies. Personally, I would rather take option one that way you guys still get to keep breathing."
Sid and the other two gulped either going pale from fear or blood loss.
"We work with you."
Mikey grinned standing up and placing his weapons back into his weapon belt.
"Dudes, totally awesome. I will find you guys this Sunday don't worry about when or how, I'll look for you and we can chat more later. Lovely doing business with you," he paused looking at the broken arm of the third gang member. "Also, I would recommend to see a doctor. Bye."
He waved and skipped out of the warehouse opening the doors to frown at a Baxter that was chewing on his nails.
"Hey Fong, why do we find the crazy ones?" Tsoi asked.
"No, idea."
Mikey shuts the door behind him.
"Baxter one more."
"I'm running out of nails to bite," Baxter said as he looked at Mikey. "Also does your family know, you are going around beating gang members and making alliances with them?"
"Off course they do bro," he nodded his head.
"They don't do they?" Baxter asked.
"Nope," Mikey admitted shaking his head. "And, it's best to keep it that way. The last thing I want is a lecture of a lifetime and I'm pretty sure Splinter would ground me for years. A ninja is after all meant to do no harm, unless we are than we do lots of harm."
Baxter snorted as Mikey had mimic his father.
"Can I at least know why your trying to find Xever?"
"He's a hard catch, but I have a feeling he's going to be nothing but trouble. So, I'm going to give him an offer. Want to come with?"
"Fine, but only because someone has to be there to bring your shell home if you are beaten up afterwards."
Mikey laughter was heard as he darted ahead, Baxter following the turtle lead.
Xever was having a pretty horrible day. Good thing he got out of jail because of some so-called ninjas, bad thing. He gotten tied up by his ankles and currently hanging from a building by a so-called ninja and a nerd.
"Just for the record I don't like ninjas," he said to the ninja in an orange mask.
He didn't know who the kid was, but whoever was got him good. He didn't even see the kid before the next thing he knows there is rope around his ankles.
"Where did you get the rope?" the nerd asked. "Who has rope? Does your brothers know you carry rope in that weapon belt?"
"Hey, I'm dangling for my life here. I would very much like it if you panic elsewhere," he told the nerd.
"Shh, don't tell them," the kid whispered. "I was going to use the chains from my nun-chucks but thought rope will do the job just fine. And, as for where I got it, I might have pick pocketed."
That perked interested in Xever.
"The whole point of me giving your family half of my earnings is so you don't have to steal. Stop stealing."
Xever got a feeling he was being forgotten about.
"You're not being forgotten dude," the voice said.
"Can you read my mind now?" he asked out of curiosity.
"Nope, just good with emotions. Your Xever aren't you?"
"Yeah, what yar want kid?"
"I'm giving you an offer. Work with me."
He was told he had to work with the other ninjas or they would find him and kill him. It wasn't like he wanted to work with ninjas at all, but will got to do something with your life.
"Sorry kid, already working with someone."
Xever was pretty sure the rope was slowly being let go of the kid hands.
"You know I can protect you right? Those ninjas, there not the best group to work with. They kill people that don't live up to their standers."
"And you don't?" he challenged.
"Nah man, I don't really like killing. Don't even want to kill you now, but I will if I have to. You're going to be too much to handle later on."
Something sounded off about the kid voice as if he was speaking to someone that was so much older, someone that had seen their worst nightmare over and over again. Someone that was tired, but kept going not because they wanted to, but because they had to. Xever knew the streets could be hashed he knew them better than anybody else, the streets didn't care who you are. Class, colour, gender it was all fair game if one didn't have a roof over their head to sleep for the night and warn food in their stomachs.
"Can you really protect me from them? Not that I need protection from a kid, but I'm not looking forward in working with some secret ninja group."
"Yep. But you have to make sure you don't betray me or my clan."
"So, there more of you?"
"There is, but there not out on the streets yet. Father doesn't think their ready. That's enough about me though, Xever you have two choices. Work with me and I will put up a shell of a fight to keep you alive. Turn on me I will kill you where you stand, but say no I will also kill you right now."
"Do I have to follow your orders?"
"Nah man, you can do whatever you want. Something you won't get from that other clan you can live your life the way you want to. Just don't turn on my family and we be pretty cool pals."
He thought about it. It sounded a lot better than the offer the other guy made, which was help them out or be dead. He didn't want to work with anyone, but at least the kid was giving him the freedom to do as he pleased as long as he stayed away from this family of his.
"Alright, you have yourself a deal."
He felt the rope being pulled up and once he was back on the roof, he found himself looking at a turtle, a possible mutant one at least the nerd was human.
"Sup bro, the name Michelangelo," the turtle said. "Most just call me Mikey," he pointed to the nerd. "He's my friend Baxter."
"How did you know my name anyway?" he asked not remembering ever to use it.
Baxter show him a strange round object in his hand.
"That would be me. I've been keeping tabs on you on behalf of Mikey here. He said you have great potential."
He found this all hard to believe, but hey he knew a bunch of ninjas so finding out that there are such thing as mutant turtles and more of them wasn't really shocking at this point.
"And you do." Mikey said. "I tell you what though dude you're one slippery fish."
He grinned the kid was so much better than those ninjas.
Donnie frowned. Something was missing he walked by the door of the lair and walked back to the kitchen, Master Splinter, Leo, Raph and him, something was still missing. He walked back to the door of the lair and walked back to the kitchen, once again he counted his family members, something was still missing. Donnie walked by the door of the lair a third time and walked back to the kitchen, he counted.
"Stop doing that," Raph said in anger tossing a spoon at him. Donnie moved out of the way before the spoon hit him in the face. "We know he isn't here, yet!"
"But," Donnie said. "It's."
"We know Don," Leo said. "We know, but clearly Mikey had other things to do."
Even if Mikey didn't steal anymore for the family Master Splinter had allowed Mikey to keep going topside out of all of them Mikey could handle anything, Donnie knows that. He can't help but let the worry he feels take control of him whenever his only baby brother left the lair even more with Baxter. Baxter wouldn't get Mikey in trouble, but Baxter tended to be a target of whatever street fight the pair of them landed themselves into. Donnie had to patch Mikey up more times than he wanted to, but no matter how much he asked Master Splinter to force Mikey to stay down here with them for a little while it was always a no.
Master Splinter allowed Mikey the freedom because it was at least good for his health and his mental health was more important. Since the last time Mikey stay down here longer than he had, he had three panic attacks in the same week that caused major stress on Mikey heart. Cause of reason was worry, worry that nobody understood what Mikey was worrying about. At least Mikey being out there on topside seemed to help Mikey calm down a little.
"Hey bros."
"Mikey," the three of them said turning to the door to the kitchen.
No Baxter in sight, but Mikey himself holding up a four-layer cake.
"Happy Mutation day dudes."
"Happy Mutation day Mikey."
Mikey was back, Mikey was safe and Mikey wasn't even hurt a good thing in Donnie book. Master Splinter told them the story again on behalf of Mikey that wanted to hear about it, they chat and ate cake. Homemade cake that Mikey said he made at Baxter place Donnie was just happy to have his brother back. Which is why the three of them that night walked up to Master Splinter room with the same question on their mind. Mikey was in the living room by the time the meal was over. Donnie knocked on Splinter door.
"Come in my sons."
The three of them entered.
"There seems to be something troubling you. Is your brother alright?"
"Mikey alright sensei. We are just wondering if maybe we could go topside now," Leo said.
"Hmm."
"Please sensei," Donnie said.
Together the three of them pulled the tricked Mikey normally did puppy dog eyes. Donnie wasn't in tune with the spirit world as well as Master Splinter, Leo and Mikey were, but he was pretty sure he had just heard Tang Shen giggle.
"Yes and no."
They groaned.
"I hate it when he does that," Raph said.
"How come were older enough now and Mikey been doing it for years, why not us?" Donnie asked.
"Your brother has shown that he has the skills to get through any challenge that may come his way. You three still need training, however that is not my reason on why you three must not leave the lair. As of right now."
"And the reason is?" Raph asked.
"You do not have a leader."
The three of them exchanged glances. That was true they didn't, but Donnie was willing to have Leo as leader if it meant they could go topside with Mikey.
"I could be leader if it means we can go topside," Leo offered.
"You three leave this room and bring your brother I wish to speak to Michelangelo alone."
"He isn't in trouble, is he?" Donnie asked.
"No, my son he is not."
Leo, Raph and Donnie went to Mikey and explained everything to him before Mikey looked at the three of them a little worry in his eyes. Donnie hated seeing that worry, Mikey shouldn't even be worried at all, but it's always been there.
"I'm sure it's nothing. I'll tell you guys what's going on after."
Mikey stands up of the couch and walked to Master Splinter room before the door itself is closed on the pair. Now, they wait.
"You are not in trouble Michelangelo," Master Splinter said the moment Mikey kneed in front of the wise rat.
"I'm not?"
"No."
Mikey couldn't help, but sign from relief.
"It has come to my attention that your brothers are now older enough to go to the surface world. However, in saying so they are the less experience which is where you come in my son. You will be team leader."
Mikey eyes widen and he's pretty sure he almost went forward before catching himself standing up instead of kneeing.
"I'm sorry what?"
He wants you to leader sunshine, Tang Shen voice said.
"I want you to be leader. I know it is a big duty for the youngest to carry such a task, but not only are you experience you have also shown me over the years that you are cable of such a task."
"I really think Leo be better for the job."
It was Leo title in his timeline. Leo was team leader, Leo was the one that lead the team into battle Leo was the one that protected them, Leo was the oldest, it was Leo job. In his timeline Leo had done his job as team leader until his dying breath. Leo was always leader and it wasn't until he had been killed and dead did Raph took over as team leader. It took a while to get a hang of things, but Raph handle it well Donnie often over thank too much to the point where his choices didn't do well for the team and none of his older brothers wanted Mikey to have the job. Sure, there might be some doubt in his older brothers that Mikey had it in him, but when Donnie died, he had expressed that the three of them was worried that Mikey would take it too seriously. Donnie had told him on his death bed that Mikey was never meant for the place as team leader, not because of doubt but because of general fear.
Mikey was the glue that kept them together and the three of them took on the world, took every job they could, every worry just so Mikey could stay as his happy and cheerful self without the worry. It didn't work out well since Mikey ended up becoming a lot more serious in his second chance at life. Still Mikey wasn't cut out for being leader he might send his brothers right to their death bed, Leo was leader that was his job, Raph was second best choice and Donnie would do better than Mikey ever could. This was a nightmare. Yes, Mikey had intention in changing the timeline, but to change it to this point where Leo wasn't leader but him. Mikey would happily fling his older brother at Master Splinter head and point signs right at Leo, that stated Leo is leader, end of story. Not knowing about Mikey conflict Master Splinter moved on.
"Leonardo will take my place as Clan head when it comes to the day of my passing. Even than though I except you Michelangelo to lead your team. I am asking you because you are the only one that can bring any of them to open themselves, you hold them together. You can stop your brother's fights you can bring Donatello out of his lab. For those reasons I am confident that you will do well as team leader."
No, no he couldn't Mikey wanted to say. Mikey wanted to go back into his first timeline and run up to his Leo crying and telling him about this awful nightmare Mikey just had. A nightmare where the place for leadership was given to him, but he couldn't his Leo died years ago and what was in his place was a ghost of what he used to be. A promise to keep that Leo safe and protected at all cost, so maybe being leader might have its good sides.
"Are you sure you need to think about this Master Splinter? Maybe add a little more thought about this."
"No, I do not. I have been thinking this through for some time my son. My mind has been made you Michelangelo will be leader."
"I see," Mikey said in defeated. "Sensei can I have your permission to go topside for a little, you know just to think this through?"
Splinter was frowning at him.
"It will be morning by the time you arrive there my son."
"I know, I will just stay out of eyesight."
"Very well, you have my permission."
Mikey nodded his head and walked out of the room.
"Mikey, what did he say?" Leo asked.
Mikey flinched at the sight and walked past all three of his brothers leaving the lair he needed to go elsewhere. Out of all the places he never thought he be caught dead to go to Stockman place when he needed time out, but Stockman was an okay dude once you get to know him.
"Mikey, what are you doing here," Stockman said as he opened the window. "Never mind, get inside."
Baxter pulled Mikey into the apartment, closing the window and bringing the currents down.
"What happened and why do you look like the world had just ended."
"I made a big mistake," Mikey said.
It was a big mistake, one big mistake and that's saying a lot Mikey makes a lot of mistakes but this one beat the cake.
"I'm sure we can fix it," Baxter said.
"Not unless you can send me to the future."
Send him to the future where he can just go about killing Foot Clan members and protecting what was left of the people of New York. That was easy to deal with this, this wasn't. Now, he understood why Leo had so much doubt on his mind. Leo always had a problem with his doubt and sometimes that doubt would end up leading to depression if the three of them didn't notice it before it got out of handle. Mikey always did though and was able to pull his older brother back before Leo got lost in his thoughts.
"I can't make a time machine Mikey," Baxter said. "Even if I did, I'm not too sure about what it could do to the timeline. Is everything okay Mikey, is everyone in the Clan okay and stop pacing."
Was he? He blinked seven times to noticed yes, he was walking back and forth.
"Everybody safe. Nobody hurt, they all loved the cake that I made today, everything just perfectly fine."
"Then what has you worked up?"
"I'm going to be leader," Mikey said as he gestured his own hands to himself. "Me. Master Splinter wants me to be leader when my brothers are allowed to go to the surface."
"God luck with Raph," Baxter taunted.
Raph would be the less of Mikey problems. Mikey knew how to handle his older brother anger than it dawns on him. He must have had a strange look on his face though because Baxter had a look of concerned.
"Mike, speak to me don't just zone out on me like that," he paused. "I will call your family if I have to."
"Was that a threat?"
"Yes, yes it was."
"Sorry, I just thought of something."
Leo had a problem with doubt because of his title and if Mikey was leader Leo wouldn't have to have to deal with it. It was perfect, Mikey can give his older brother a chance to be will a teenage no need to worry about being the perfect leader. Mikey loved it.
My Sunshine, the way you care for your brothers has always made me proud. Tang Shen said.
"Are you going to tell me what that something is?" Baxter asked.
"Nope." He said popping out the p Baxter rolled his eyes.
"Off course you won't."
"Anyway, dude I got to go by, see yar later."
Mikey waved, opening the window and jumping out making his way to the lair and leaving a baffle Baxter behind. He burst in and out of nowhere hug all three of his older brothers which almost caused them to stumble.
"Mikey, what the shell?" Raph said. "You were a mess back there and then you just ran off."
"Sorry, need some time to think."
"Want to talk about it?" Leo asked.
"Nah, dude."
"Want to play video games than?" Donnie asked holding up the control.
"Sure. Also forgot to mention you guys might be able to come to the surface with me soon and I will be your team leader."
Mikey hadn't laughed like this in ages, but he couldn't help himself the expression on his brother's faces were priceless.
Don't worry Leo, I will look out for all of you this time. I promise. Mikey made his oath silently in his head it was the least he could do. His brothers had always protected him in his timeline he couldn't pay than back, but given this second chance being in the past again was enough for Mikey. To at least try and change things either for the good or the bad he won't know until it all started to play out.
Karai wonder how her dream friend was going. She still kept in touch with Mikey she just never told anyone about him, father would never approver of such a thing. It was always best not to tell him about such matters. For some strange reason though Karai always got a feeling that Mikey was real, as if he really was a mutant turtle living somewhere in the world. She didn't know much about him other than as a child he liked playing ninja with her or helping her train, he was sometimes very sad though and said strange things like calling her Miwa instead. He called her sister once to and it made Karai feel something a sense of happiness in how strange the gesture was, a sense of belonging.
"What do you mean you can't find him?" Father asked the Foot ninjas.
"We can't find him Master Shredder it's like he's just gone. We get leads, and then the leads just cause us to go into dead ends."
"There are sometimes though where those dead ends greet us with these things."
The ninja that commented held out an orange balloon it reminded Karai of Mikey, the balloon itself had clearly shatter on impact.
"What is this?" Father asked holding the balloon in his hand.
"A balloon," the ninja commented.
"I know what it is. I want to know why you have a broken balloon."
"It was a water balloon Master Shredder. One hits us every time we end up in dead ends thinking Xever is there. There always orange to."
"Someone is pranking the Foot Clan," Father said. "Find this person. It's clear to me that Xever had crossed us, find the person that he is working with and kill them."
"And Xever?" One ninja asked as Father walked away. "Kill him as will. It will teach anyone not to double cross the Foot Clan."
Karai tried to shake away the part of her that wanted to leave the clan itself. The clan was her clan it was who she was and let her mind took her back to Mikey she will see him again in her dreams she is sure of it.
Don't worry my child. Soon you will be free.
She frowned hearing a woman voice she was taken to the picture of her mother. The only picture she had that sat in her room before following after father.
Note: I've always taken Xever as the type of person that didn't like working with the Foot. It was just a job that he had to do because Shredder broke him out of jail, which is why Mikey allowed him to join the turtles. Mainly because as stated he doesn't like killing and he knows how big of a thorn Xever would end up being if he stayed with the Foot Clan. Offering Baxter, a hand in friendship gave Mikey a little bit of hope that he didn't need to just go about and kill them off, one at the time. So, he's given most of them a second chance. Tang Shen wasn't playing a big part in this chapter nor will she play a big part in the next chapter. I do plan to share a chapter where she is speaking to all four of the turtle brothers in their dreams. I look forward into writing that just a nice comfort chapter to give you readers a break from Mikey inner and out of pain of time travelling. This is a really fun story to write for me and I'm glad you lovely readers are happily reading it. It makes writing just as much fun when people enjoy the story being told.