Chapter 3 The Gifts, Ninja Tag and The Cave.

Mikey's POV

I was the first awake. I knew Leo would be up shortly as well. I laid with my arms behind my head, breathing in the fresh air. I closed my eyes, listening to the sound of rippling water of the nearby river.

I stood up, packed my travel pack and starred at the river. "I want you to know that I have noticed the changes in your recent behaviours." The voice startled me. Spinning around on the spot I turned to see Leo sitting on a log with a cup in his hands, looking in my direction. "The river is quiet and peaceful. We won't be heading out for a bit, I plan on letting our brothers sleep in this morning. We all need rest. If you want to be alone by the river, go ahead. I will come get you when it's time to go." Leo spoke softly, somehow reading my mind. I nod to him before walking away. Leo always knew what my brothers and I needed. Sometimes before we even know what we need. I approached the river, placing my feet one by one into the flowing water. Taking a breath, I close my eyes and remember my fathers last day.

Flashback

"I have some last gifts for you my sons" Master Splinter announced, "For Raphael, A book on Strength, to improve both your physical and spiritual body. For Donatello, a book on spiritual healing, so you may be able to heal your brothers minds and bodies. For Leonardo, a book of the Mystic Arts, so you may learn new techniques and train your brothers. For Michelangelo, a book on meditation, so you may learn to rest your mind as well as your body. Hold these books dear to your heart. Each book contains a glass orb necklace. Never forget them or lose them. All I have given you will help you hone your current skills, and assist you in learning new ones."

Flashback ends.

I look down at my orb. I haven't taken it off since he passed. I have yet to read my book on meditation though. Why was I given the book of meditation? Meditation is Leo's expertise, not mine. My brothers gifts suited their personalities, interests and skills perfectly, while mine was the complete opposite of who I am. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with clear air. Leaning back, a single tear streamed down from my right eye.

"What are you trying to teach me father?!" I yelled out in frustration, more tears continually falling down my face. Learning forward, I looked at my reflection in the water. Tears disrupting the flow of the river, blurring the face looking back at me in the water. I'm not sure how much time had passed, but before I knew it there was a gentle hand on my left shoulder. I looked up. "C'mon Mike. Time to continue our journey" Leo said softly from behind me. I stood up quick, wiping my tears, doing a 360, arms reached out grabbed Leo and pulled him into a hug.

"You always know what we need. Thank you" I whispered softly. Leo wrapped his arms around me, allowing the embrace to continue.

Leo's POV

It's the second day of our journey to Japan. The walk yesterday was filled with a lot of tension. We had a small breakthrough this morning thankfully. Don and Raph put their feud aside, and finally noticed the change in Mikey. The Ancient One is preparing for us as we speak. If we haven't grown closer as a family once more by the time of our arrival in Japan, the Ancient One will put us through a series of challenges to reunite our family and our team.

A voice brought me to back to reality from my thoughts. "Leo, can we play ninja tag?" I stopped dead in my tracks. Did RAPH of all people just ask to play Ninja Tag? "That sounds phenomenal!" Don piped in. Flabbergasted, I whipped my head around, body following close behind to stare at my younger brothers. Mikey stood directly across from me, mouth wide open, clearly as shocked as I was. My eyes scanned both Raph and Don, who were standing there smiling with sheepish grins. They have a plan. Let's hope this plans of theirs works. Locking my eyes with our youngest brother I asked "What about you Mike? Wanna play ninja tag?"

Mikey's mouth, if even possible, dropped further to the ground. Moments later, a smile slowly spread across his face. "NOT IT!" He yelled, before taking off through the trees. I laughed whole-heartedly, Don and Raph joining in on the infection laughter coming from my body. Eye's meeting one another, both Don and Raph yelled "NOT IT!" In unison before following suit, and taking off running in different directions. "Guess I'm it" I chucked to myself. "GAME ON!"

Later that day

The wind whisked through my bandanna as I chased my brothers through the forest. We've been playing for hours, and it's currently my turn to tag again. Since this is our last round, when you get caught, you are eliminated. Considering I have already found Don and Raph, Mike has already won. Our baby brother has been eluding us for over an hour already.

"Okay Mike! You won over an hour ago! Come out already!" The tone in Raph's voice had a hint of annoyance. Mike was always the best at this game, his smaller frame allowing him to move quick and hide in smaller places. I stood in the middle of the forest, watching my brothers run around. Playing ninja tag has definitely been a great way for us to bond. I guess sometimes you have to start at the basics and resort to play to build a foundation. Our journey was delayed by a day. We didn't have a set arrival date, being so, we aren't in a rush but it is better to arrive in a timely matter as to not waste the Ancient One's time. After the day we've had, and what I have witnessed, I would say that today was worth it.

A few moments later, Mikey ran towards us at full speed. Not stopping for a breath he shouted "Dudes! I found a cave full of fruit! And guess what? It's covered in crystals! Come check it out!" Don, Raph and I looked at each other stunned, before silently agreeing to follow Mike's lead.

Don's POV

We followed Mikey through the trees. As we walked, I noticed our surrounds were changing around us the closer we got to the cave's entrance. Upon arrival a strong smell filled the air. I gasped in awe. Mike was not kidding. This cave is magnificent! A shimmer of light shone in my eyes. Crystals covered the walls, both and ceiling. One by one, my brothers and I entered the cave, our pathway lit up by the glow of the nearby crystals. The deeper we walked within the depth of the caves, the brighter our path got. The glow seemed to slowly change, natural light shining around us. The sun shouldn't be shining right now, it was night when we entered the cave.

"Donnie, does grass grow in caves?" Raph quizzed. My body stopped moving. "Grass? I mean, usually at the entrance of the cave. This cave has had all crystals, no grass. Why?" I turned to face my brother and gazed upon the tall grass in front of me. I slowly walked forward through the grass. The farther forward I looked, the cave walls slowly began to separate, the walls eventually disappearing, leading into an open field, the sun shining brightly in the sky. It wasn't a cave. It was a tunnel.

"Whoa! Is that a rabbit or a cat?" Mike yelled. Those are two VERY different animals. I would expect my brother to be able to at least differentiate between a rabbit and a cat. "I think its both…" Leo announced shortly after. "I think it's a mutant." A mutant? I spun around quickly to face the duo to witness a creature with the body of a cat but the ears and tail of a rabbit. IT IS A MUTANT.

Before I had a chance to warn my baby brother about the dangers of interacting with a mutant creature we know nothing about, Mikey began to giggle excitedly, "I'm gonna call it Cabbit! Can we keep him Leo? Ever since Klunk got ran over I've been wanting a new pet. PLEAAAAASE" Mike begged our brother. I looked up and Mike already had the cabbit in his arms, petting its head while it purred contently.

Raph laughed. Leo starred at Mikey in awe. I mean he has always had a way with animals, that I can't deny, but that isn't the most shocking thing of this moment. "If it wants to be with you, I guess that's fine." Leo responded calmly. HE'S LETTING HIM KEEP IT? I was stunned, frozen in spot. What is happening to this family?

"I'm going to name you… Cabbage. Welcome to the family." Mike said cheerfully. Well at least he is happy again.