Chapter 12: A Family Found.

Here's Chapter 12!

I feel like this chapteris sort of too long?

Note: This is based on the 2k12 series.

WARNING: 'Dyslexic Writer lol', Blood Warning!


Chapter 12

The Police have confirm that the incident which occurred in the early hours of the day, is now being treated as a homicide case. Medical supplies and a large quantity of blood were found in a nearby garbage bin, along with a trail of blood leading straight to the docks. Confirming that the victim managed to flee the scene.

But with no fingerprints found and all the blood samples being taken, coming back inconclusive, the police are urging people who may have witnessed anything to come forward. In the hopes that the victim can be found in ti-'

The News Broadcast was abruptly shut off before the reporter could finish, leaving a sudden darkness and deafening silence in the sewer lair.

The sapphire eyed turtle sighed as he tossed the TV remove down onto the couch cushion, glancing back to see his other present siblings.

The emerald eyed turtle was busy at the punching bag, taking out a mornings worth of angry and kept in frustrations on the poor dummy. While his amber eyed human sister sat across from him, with her elbows resting on her knees and her hands sat under her chin in thought.

"We should probably start making a plan." Leo stated flatly.

"Where would we even start? It's been over ten hours." Miwa supplied deadpan, "Is he even... alive?"

"We all know that we ain't gunna find him." Raph spoke between punches, "That tiger cut him open for goodness sake!"

Leo cringed at the badly put reminder, "Maybe your right, Raph. But…" he paused. "We promised Mikey we would look for him."

Raph sighed. "I know, but it's still pointless." He glanced at the other two, taking note of their worried features.

"Then what do you propose we do, Raph? Just tell him that Daiki is more then likely dead?" Miwa questioned dangerously.

The red-clad turtle exhaled deeply. "Better then giving him false hope..."

"So we just don't bother? Just leave him at the mercy of Tigerclaw and the entire Foot clan?" Miwa asked seriously.

"No! I don't know–shit!" Raph snapped, not making eye contact with anyone as he threw himself onto the couch.

With a resigned sigh, Leo began, "We'll start at the docks, and split up from there..."

As the three teens began coming up with their rescue plan, their rat father watched on with a sad expression from the dojo's entrance. Humming to himself in thought, before leaving to check on his other child in the kitchen.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

The orange-clad turtle had originally been in the living room with his siblings when they told Splinter the report for the night and got themselves patched up, but he soon wandered away from the group to be alone with his thoughts.

With three hours until they were allowed out, he had to find a way to distract himself.

By now, he had been in the kitchen for hours, sighing for what felt like the hundredth time that evening, as he shoved another slice of jelly-bean pizza into his mouth. Distracted enough not too sense the approaching presence behind him.

"Michelangelo, would you like some tea, my son?" Splinter asked calmly, sensing his sons inner turmoil and wanting to tread lightly.

"Sure, Sensei" Mikey smiled back, hoping his depressing mood wouldn't bother his father too much. The sad eyed turtle then moved and took a seat at the end of the table, as he waited patiently for his father to boil some water. Once he was done, he poured the water into two cups, an orange one with kittens on it, and one that had very traditional Japanese art decorating one side of it.

He added some green tea powder into them, and began to mix them calmly, and in a satisfying manner. Before bringing the cups to the table and handing his son the cat cup and taking a seat beside him.

Mikey blew on his tea, before he started to sip. The green tea was made at just the right temperature, making him more content and relaxed then he had been for a few hours. He got the feeling someone was looking at him however, and nervously lowered his cup.

Splinter's comforting amber eyes glanced over him in thought, "Michelangelo,"

His youngest son paused. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked nervously.

Sensei chuckled at his well disciplined child. "No, my child."

"Oh! Phew…" Mikey blow out a breath and wiped his no existing brow.

"But, I do sense that something is troubling you?" Sensei asked, shifting slightly to face him.

The freckled turtle suddenly found the table very interesting, rubbing his finger along the edge of his cup and trying to find an answer. "I guess?" Mikey said worriedly.

Splinter nodded, making sure to give his son all his attention. But Michelangelo was unsure of how to put his words, clearly struggling, Splinter decided to try and help. "Has this got something to do with the Morikawa boy?"

His son nodded back slowly.

Splinter hummed, "I am listening my son,"

"It's just... I have a bad feeling Sensei." Mikey said leaning back a bit on his stool while he tapped his fingers along the table. "Like, something bad is going to happen unless we find him. And that waiting around like this is only going to make things worse. And I know that's stupid of me-"

"Never dismiss your intuitions, my son." Splinter scolded kindly, "They are one of your most powerful assets." The rat then began to stroke his long beard, "And as for Morikawa, my son. A solution will arise. You must be patient."

Splinter stood up from his seat and placed his cup in the sink. Walking behind Michelangelo, and placing a loving hand on his freckled cheek. The wise rat then left his youngest son, staring into his tea thoughtfully.

Mikey wanted to believe his father's words, that a solution would arise, and in the form of a plan made by his siblings. But he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that settled in his stomach. He had to trust his intuition.

"Donnie can't wait for a solution..." Mikey declared to himself, as he placed his cup down and left the kitchen. Going into his room, and collecting his nunchucks, before sneaking back down the hallway that led to the living area.

Luck happened to be on his side that day, as he entered the room and saw his siblings bickering amongst themselves. Taking advantage of their distraction, Mikey snuck past them, and over the turnstiles in a matter of seconds. Before anybody knew he was even there.

Splinter had a small smile on his face as he watched from the dojo. Silently praying to any god that was out there, that his son would find this boy in time...

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

Each small step he took seemed more difficult than the last, it was like he was trying to fight his way through quicksand. But he kept going regardless. His fear of a certain striped pursuer compelled him too, despite his body screaming at him to stop.

A little bit of blood dripped freely from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to walk, and his throat felt raw from the constant burning sensation of the cold air.

Admittedly, he found it a little harder to breathe now that he had bandages and wraps compressed and tightly wound around his chest, but at least he was in once piece. In fact, his fast thinking was probably the only reason he was still alive and moving in the first place.

The brunet didn't know how, where or when he got into this alleyway, but he was here now. And the blood loss wasn't making it easy to make sense of his surroundings. He leant up against a nearby dumpster, to give himself a quick break.

Taking just a few moments to catch his already fleeting breath before pushing onwards.

The teen tried to walk one once more, but his legs immediately turnt to jello, tripping him, and making him fall beside the dumpster in a painful heap. He frowned to himself as he tried unsuccessfully to get up again, but his vision was quickly becoming blurry.

Taking in a pained breath, he closed his eyes to steady his head. He tried once more to get up, but it was a losing battle. He slid down the side of the dumpster, and sat panting slightly.

This wasn't good.

No one was coming for him, and he couldn't even help himself anymore. He couldn't even call an ambulance!

Any hospitals were out of the question, on the account that any documentation he had brought with him from Japan was in the Foot headquarters. Not to mention he was fifteen, and his legal guardian, next of kin and emergency contact, were all a certain mutant dog.

The same one who had been texting him none stop, telling him to get to a hospital and fast. But his phone had died a good few hours ago, and he never replied to those texts.

And even if he were to honor his guardians wishes, due to Bradford's 'unique' appearance, he wouldn't be the one to actually come to the hospital. It would of been Saki. And he knew for a fact, that if him and that man were ever in the same room again.

Saki would kill him...

The mahogany eyed boy felt the need to keep going, to keep moving forward, as if he had a place to go too, as if someone, somewhere was waiting for him...

But ultimately, he didn't. He was alone. He was always alone... He felt himself slowly slipping into the darkness of his mind, it was quiet there, peacefully even.

Perhaps he should just let go...

A distant yell called from around him, but his thoughts were too occupied with trying to forget his pain to pinpoint who or where it was coming from.

"..." It seemed to be coming closer. But all he could really hear was his own breath, and the faint metallic odor of blood, hanging in the air distracted his other senses.

"Donnie!" The voice was beside him now, yelling with a concerned tone while shaking him slightly. He groaned in discomfort from the sudden movement, weakly trying to hit away the three fingered hand that clasped painfully onto his shoulders. Rudely trying to wake him up, "D?! Wake up! It's me!"

Daiki finally gave in to the voice. Blinking slowly as his eyes tried to adjusted to the scene in front of him. Not truly seeing who was knelt next to him for a few moments, but he recognised the green and orange figure eventually, "Mi...key?" He asked in a weak whisper.

Michelangelo hadn't realized he was holding in his breath until he tried to talk. "Dude! We gotta get you a hospital or something?!"

Daiki stared sightlessly into Mikey's scared eyes, "No...c-can't...go..."

Mikey shifted closer to his friend, holding his shoulder in the hopes that he could gently try to move him, "W-why not, D?"

The boy hissed as Mikey pulled him forward slightly, "H-he'll find...me..."

Mikey looked at him with a worried expression, "Who? Tigerclaw? Is he here?"

Daiki didn't speak however, he simple shook his head, immediately regretting the action as it sent pain through his aching head.

"Tada watashi o nokoshite. Just leave me." Daiki muttered, as his eyelids began to fall again.

"No way, dude!" Mikey yelled, "I'm sure Sensei can help somehow...or maybe we could...um..." the turtle then seemed to notice that his human friend was paler now then he had been a few seconds ago. His eyes weren't focused, instead they slowly flickered between him and the wall. "Donnie?"

Daiki suddenly leant away from Mikey, spitting out a mouthful of his copper blood onto the concrete ground. "D!"

Daiki started to feel numb, as the corners of his vision began to blur, then slowly fade into a black void. He fell against Mikey's plastron, before going completely slack, and lifeless in his green arms.

"Donnie?!" Mikey began to shake him slightly, then more frantically.

But Daiki was unconscious, with only his ragged breathing telling the orange-clad turtle he was still alive, though that too, was fading fast. Michelangelo was quick to move, picking Daiki up bridal style, and running for his life. His arms cramped up and his body shock uncontrollably, but none of that mattered, Daiki needed help. And he needed it now.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

Splinter sat under the tree, meditating in their dojo as he usually did when in deep thought. His alert rat ears listened to the sounds of his sewer home, creating a visual picture of what was happening in the living area of their home, while also indicating which child of his was where.

He heard the faint rhythmic thumping from the practice dummy as his red-clad son grunted with each punch. And the discussion between his blue-clad son and human daughter as they watched the news channel for any sightings.

His sensitive ears were also able to pick up another sound, this one was coming closer by the second and sounded like the clumsy foot steps of his youngest son. But what concerned him most, was that they sounded heavier than normal, and faster. As if he were running.

"Splinter! Help!!" The hurried yell of his youngest sent him into immediate action, leaving the dojo swiftly to find himself in the pit. His amber eyes flickered around, assessing the situation, before settling on his freckled son's wet cheeks and distorted face. His other children were already gathered around their brother, with dreaded faces of their own.

When Splinter got to them however, he was not prepared to see the bloodied up, broken and unconscious human in his youngest son's struggling grip. Focusing his eyes on the boy ahead of him, the rat sprinted towards his crying son.

Michelangelo's tears hit Splinter's paws as he rested a hand on Daiki's neck. The boy was pale. Too pale. His mouth was slightly ajar, letting in a quite wheezing sound as his battered chest worked overtime to keep his alive.

"You can fix him, right, Sensei?" Mikey asked reluctantly, not really sure if he wanted his father to tell him the truth or not.

Splinter sighed heavily, "I am not sure, but we will try." He placed his furry paw on his son's wet cheek, gently stroking away the tears. "Pass him to me, my son."

Mikey nodded, carefully shifting Daiki into his father's arms. Being gentle, as to not knock the broken boy around too much. Though the boy was deathly still. Even if he were in pain, he gave no indication.

With Daiki secured in his arms, Splinter went into action. "Leonardo, come and help me keep pressure on his chest. But do not push too hard." Splinter ordered to his oldest son. "Raphael, Miwa. I want you to get the infirmary ready. Get the medical supplies at the ready, painkillers, towels, water, bandages and gauze!"

His three eldest nodded to their father, with Raph and Miwa running through the sliding doors of the unused infirmary, while Leo stood by his father's side. Untying his wraps from around his wrists, and keeping them gently, but with enough pressure, on Daiki's blood soaked chest.

Splinter then moved his attention to his youngest son. "Michelangelo, do not come into the infirmary." Splinter asked his son, staring firmly into his eyes. Michelangelo bit his quivering lip, giving a small nod to show that he understood his orders. Splinter gave a sympathetic smile to his son, how he wished he could comfort him right now, tell him all was going to be well. But he had to focus on the task at hand. One Michelangelo was better off not seeing.

At that moment, Miwa stuck her head out of the sliding doors, "Sensei! The infirmary is ready!"

"We will be back as soon as possible, My son." Splinter reassured Michelangelo as he and Leonardo walked at a steady pace into the infirmary. With that final departure, Miwa slid the doors closed again. Leaving Michelangelo by himself in the pit, sitting down on the couch to wait for the others to return.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

Four hours of pain staking waiting...

Within that time, Mikey had contacted April to let her know what was happening. She had come down to the sewers to offer Mikey some much needed comfort, knowing how close he was to Daiki, she knew he would be having a hard time.

Gradually, Mikey's siblings began to join the two in the pit. Having been told by their father that they should go rest for the night. But the three siblings all ended up staying in the pit with their very distressed little brother.

Raphael was the first to come out, upon seeing his youngest brother upset, he went and put his arm around his shoulders, giving him a surprising gentle squeeze of reassurance. Then Leonardo followed shortly after, telling them that Splinter was finished with the more surgical part. He noticed Mikey frown a little at the fact his friend had needed surgery, and told him that their father wouldn't let anything bad happen to the boy now. They were then finally joined by Miwa, who updated the team that Splinter was now currently doing a blood transfusion with Miwa's blood on Daiki. Saying how fortunate they all were that her and Daiki had the same blood type.

And so, the five teens continued to wait in the pit, all in their own form of silent thought. Until the infirmary doors finally reopened. Revealing their worn and extremely exhausted father as he descended the few steps that lead up to the infirmary.

Mikey was up in an instant, at his father's side with pleading eyes. "Sensei! Is he gonna be ok?"

Splinter's eyes softened at his youngest sons tone. "It is too early to say for sure, my son." He placed a tired paw on his sons shoulder. "It appears that his armour took the brute of the force, sparing his internal organs from the worst of it. So I have faith he should recover."

The teens all sighed out in relief, "But, I'm afraid he is not in the clear just yet." Lines of worry formed above Splinter's furry brows. "There are risks of fever we must look out for among other things, like infection."

"So, he'll need to have someone watching over him at all times, just to be on the safe side?" Leonardo asked in confirmation, to which Splinter nodded.

Splinter cast a sad glance back to the open infirmary doors, and to the boy laying in the cot bed. The amount of blood that he had lost was frightening, it still covered the stretcher he was led on and dried on the ground below him. What he presumed was already usually pale skin, practically matched the colour of the white gauze that covered his entire upper body. He had to use two full bags of his daughters blood from their reserved blood vault, with the second bag of his daughters blood still hanging beside his cot, going through a wire to his arm, along with an IV keeping him alive. The consistent beeping of the heart monitor was displaying his tiring heartbeat.

"I will take the first shift tonight. Please try to get some rest, My children." Splinter requested from his kids before turning to the redhead girl. "April, will you be staying the night?"

"I'd like too, but my aunt would want me back for school tomorrow." April said unfortunately, "But, let me know as soon as he wakes up though?"

"Of course, Night April" Leo nodded her off.

April waved a tired hand to them as she walked past the turnstiles, "Goodnight, guys."

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

It was Michelangelo's time to watch over Daiki. Raphael had clocked out about an hour ago to sleep, leaving Mikey with a warning that the boy keep drifting in and out of consciousness. And now, it was just Mikey and Daiki. Alone in the infirmary.

If the situation were any different, he would of loved this. He got to miss out on morning practice to sit and have fun with his friend.

But that wasn't the situation.

Mikey hated how still his friend was, how shallow his breathing was. With only the heart monitor telling him that his friend still had a fighting chance.

The blue eyed turtle just wanted to have a conversation with him again. Anything!

How the weather was, what his favourite foods were, even his sciencey stuff would do! Anything but the silence.

Mikey didn't like how he was the same colour as the white bandages, and how his pale skin showed his wounds and bruises more prominently. Like the small v shaped scar on his side which still had stitches in, the large zigzag scar across his left shoulder, the many little cuts on his wrists. Or the burn mark that covered his right palm.

He just wanted his friend back...

However, Michelangelo was soon disturbed from his thoughts as a soft groan that sounded from beside him caught his attention. "Donnie? Are you waking up dude?" The freckled turtle asked hopefully.

Daiki began to move his head slightly, as his breath came out in short shallow puffs. With each breath, it sounded harder and harder for him to breathe as his unconscious mind began to panic.

"D?" Mikey asked his unconscious friend, but when no reply came and Daiki's breathing became more frantic. Mikey also started to panic. "D! It's Mikey! You can wake up, your safe!" He all but shouted in worry.

"Michelangelo?"

Mikey turned to see his Father coming over, most likely having heard his cries to Daiki, "Sensei! I think something's wrong!"

Splinter moved over quickly, and lowered his voice to a soothing tone as he tried to calm the human boy down. "Child, breathe for me, slowly. The pain will pass."

Daiki soon began to take in shallow breathes, and was able to slow his panicked breathing down a bit. Opening his eyes to land on a pair of gentle amber ones, ones that reflected his mother's.

"Breathe slowly, Child." Splinter continued to encourage, placing his hand to rest on Daiki's cheek to wipe away the tears that had managed to escape his eye.

"Koko wa doko? Where am i?" Daiki asked in his fevered confusion, his voice came out hoarse and small.

"Anata wa anzendesu. You are safe." Splinter replied back in Japanese.

Before the two mutants knew it, Daiki's eyelids fell once more, leading him back asleep and away from the pain.

Splinter sighed, and calmly stroked the young boy's hair. Stopping when he heard the sounds of sniffing coming from beside him. Big, fat tears ran down Mikey's freckled cheeks as he struggled to keep his composer.

"Michelangelo," the soft, beloved voice of his father called from next to him, as a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, guiding him into his embrace.

Michelangelo spun around on shaking legs and allowed his father to hug him, as his vision became blurry by his tears.

Splinter looked down to the unconscious boy once more, taking note of the brunets sudden fever. He'll have to inform the others of this too.

His attention was then drawn to the Japanese boy's aura.

With as much spiritual meditation and practice as Splinter had, he was able to detect a persons aura. But only faintly. His son's auras were orange, blue and red. And his daughters was a turquoise colour.

This boy that led unconscious in front of him however, his aura was black. But Splinter could see the few small specks of light fighting to get through, purple in colour it would seem.

"Will he be ok?" Mikey muttered into his father's robe.

"He's hurting, my son. But with time, yes. The wounds will heal. But I fear his spirit will take time to heal completely."

Mikey nodded and wiped at his tears. "It's ok, Sensei. I'll help him. I know that Donnie is a good person, I can see it."

"Your heart is full of nothing but kindness and compassion, Michelangelo. And because of that, I believe you may be able to help this boy." Splinter praised, to which Mikey smiled, hugging his father once more as the two settled next to Daiki for the rest of Mikey's shift.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

Daiki blinked his eyes a few times, confused as to his whereabouts.

This place looked like something you could only see through a picture, so beautiful. Yet so familiar.

He was in a lake, a beautiful cerulean in colour, with fish of many kinds swimming around below the water. The tranquil lake was surrounded by mountains covered with fields of purple lavender and dark forest trees covering the outskirts and tops of the mountain range.

This place, felt like a memory...

He looked down, only to find himself on a boat. A small traditional Japanese boat, made from furnished oak wood with a white painted outer layer. The little boat had the Kanji '森川' written one the side as well as a large dent in the front. With two bench like seats and a cooler box for fish inside.

He was sat on the furthest bench, looking out at the lake from the back of the boat. Holding firmly onto a kids fishing rod in his hands. That was when he noted how his hands were smaller, like that of a five year olds...

"You know, Mago, 'Grandson'," That voice...He hadn't heard that voice for so many years, but he'd know it from anywhere...Ojiisan. 'Grandfather'

"I've always loved to fish." The old voice filled with love and years of wisdom spoke. Ojiisan sat on the opposite bench to Daiki, facing the lake with his fishing rod already in the water, creating small ripples everytime the lure bobbed up.

"Why's that, Sofu? 'Grandpa" Daiki inquired, not really believing all this was happening. But just going with it anyway.

The old man took in a short breath, "It is peaceful, is it not? It takes your mind off of all the bad things in your life. And out here, there isn't a care in the world, just you, and nature."

Daiki frowned slightly, "The bad things in your life?"

"Well, I'm not exactly the healthy and handsome young man I used to be." Ojiisan grinned happily, showing off a pearly smile with a gap in the middle of his two front teeth.

Daiki couldn't help but chuckle with a gap toothed smile of his own.

The old man laughed at his young grandson, filling the air with a warm and loving sound Daiki thought he'd have to die to be able to hear again. Only to then turn unpleasant, as the elderly man's laughs soon turned in a hard cough.

Ojiisan burst into what looked like a painful and heavy coughing fit, But Daiki was quick to act, knowing fully well that his Ojiisan had breathing problems. He started to rub his back calmly, he couldn't help his Ojiisan much, his illness was too far along by this point. But he could comfort him when he needed it. Back then, when Daiki actually was five, he never truly understood that this illness his Ojiisan had, was deadly. It ended up taking the old man's life.

Sofu put up a wrinkled hand, waving it in a nonchalant way, telling Daiki that he would be alright now. The younger Daiki stopped rubbing his back and awkwardly sat back down on his bench, facing his Ojiisan incase he needed to comfort him again.

Sofu then placed his hand onto the little boys head, ruffling his brown hair gently, and messing it up, "Have I ever told you why your parents called you Daiki?" His voice was harsh from the coughing fit, but still held a lovable tone.

Daiki chuckled and sorted out his messed up hair, then thought for a moment, "I don't think so?"

"The name Daiki meansBig, Shining.

Or, child who shines brightly." Ojiisan finished with a confident smile.

"I don't feel like I 'shine brightly' though." Daiki remarked unsurely.

Sofu laugh "At the moment, perhaps not. But you do, my Mago. You are a gift."

Ojiisans last words carried in the air for a while as the two sat in silence. The swishing of the water below them was the only sound filling the air as Daiki glanced below to watch as four young turtles swam past their boat. But really, he was deep in thought. Not even noticing that he was now somehow, fifteen again.

At that moment, It was as if Sofu read his mind, "What troubles you, Mago?"

The brunet was hesitant at first, but felt the need to answer his Ojiisan truthfully, "Is it strange that I don't feel like 'Daiki'? That I haven't done since Haha and Papa passed away...Since I joined the Foot?"

His Ojiisan stayed quiet and listened as he continued to trail on "I-i've changed...so much. And I'm not sure I know who I am anymore, or what I should do? I don't know how to go on..." Daiki felt himself begin to shake.

At that, his Ojiisan finally spoke up. "Keizoku wa chikara nari. Continuing on is power."

The old man then took the boys hands into his own, shaking slightly from his old age and not kept in fear. "Even when things start to get hard, you must push through. For you see, there's strength in continuing on."

His old brown eyes looked into his mago's mahogany ones, "So don't give up, Mago. Start anew, make a life for yourself. One where your happiness comes first. One where you are, who you choose to be."

Daiki nodded to his Ojiisan. "I'll...try, Sofu."

"Good." Ojiisan smiled, satisfied that his message had reached his grandson. "Now. Okiru jikanda, Daiki. 'It's time to wake up, Daiki.'"

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

Mahogany eyes fluttered open, and he registered the pain in his chest first before his other senses came too. He sat up slowly, placing his elbows on the surface below him and glancing around only to find himself in a sparse room with a few dim lights overhead. There seemed to be only two ways out of this strange chamber, a set of large sliding doors in front of him, and an already opened garage door, leading to what looked like a tunnel. Though where it lead he wasn't certain.

The room itself had little to nothing in it, and seemed more like a storage space then a living quarters like Leatherhead's place had been. Though there were a few medical supplies scattered here and there.

At that thought, he looked down to see that he was laying on a worn cot bed, one of three in the sparse room with some sort of monitor next to him. He then noticed the wires going into his arms and the rhythmic beat of his own heart on said monitor beside him. He inspected his arm and the handy work done to it as his eyes floated upwards to see his bandaged chest. His clothes were removed apart from his shozoku pants, and what looked like someones spare vest top. A thin blanket was also draped on top of him, but only to his waist, as if his wounds had been recently attended too.

Every instinct within him was yelling at him to get up and leave. But where would he run too? Where could he possibly go?

Where even was he?

"H-hello?" His voice sounded hoarse and weaker then normal, probably from not using it in so long. But, how long was that exactly? How long had he been here?

Daiki's ninja senses picked up a sudden presence behind the sliding doors, he held his breath. Flinching as the doors opened with a loud rusty squeak. The doorway was so dark that he could only just make out a slight silhouette stood across from him.

"Um, hello?" The boy asked uncertainly.

"D! Your awake!?!" A child like squeal echoed around the empty chamber as a blur of green and orange ran up to the cot Daiki was on.

"Mikey?" Daiki questioned, only to yelp in pain as Michelangelo all but threw himself onto him, squashing him slightly in a bear hug as wet tears fell from his baby blue eyes. But with the pain aside, Daiki was focused on what Mikey had just said.

"Awake?" He muttered to himself, "Wait, Mikey, How long have I been out for?"

Mikey pulled himself up and wiped his eyes and nose on his hand like a toddler. "Um, just a few days?"

"You've been out for a week." Miwa supplied for Daiki as she joined the two in the room, clearly having heard Mikey's shouts of excitement.

"A week!?" He yelled at the two in realisation, pulling the blanket off and throwing his legs to the side of the cot to get up. Only to get hit with a sudden dizzy spell, clutching at his head as Mikey and Miwa grabbed his shoulders and guided him back down.

"Whoa dude! You can't move around right now! Your still recovering!" Mikey stated worriedly.

Daiki nodded absentmindedly as he allowed himself to be sat down, though he regretted the action almost immediately after as his head throbbed intensely.

He took in a deep breath to calm himself and his recently hassled wounds, only to inwardly gag as an awful smell suddenly hit him. "Why does it smell like rotten pizza and sewage in here?"

"Because we live in the sewers. And Mikey can't clean up after himself." Raphael's voice entered from the side, followed by an offended 'Hey!' From Mikey. The garage type door that lead to the tunnel now had Leonardo and Raphael stood in the doorway, before they too made their way over to the scene ahead.

Daiki felt himself frown slightly at the thought, "Why the sewers?"

"Well when you look like us, most people don't allow you in apartment complexes." Leo added sarcastically.

Daiki rolled his eyes at the turtle, "Yeah, but, the sewers? It's full of waste! Not to mention bugs and rats!!"

"Well, I do hope that rats aren't too much of a problem for you?" The large sliding doors now had another silhouette, as Splinter made his way in to greet them all.

Daiki's eyes went wide. "Mikey. T-there's a giant rat stood in that doorway." He stuttered out, holding the turtle slightly more as the rat approached. But the rat's warm amber eyes only radiated with warmth and concern, which made Daiki calm down a bit as he looked into them. The shade and colour felt familiar...

"Yeah, I can see him too!" Mikey joked along, as his siblings chuckled in the background.

"Daiki, this is...Splinter." Leonardo supplied to the somewhat freaked out boy.

Daiki shock his head after momentarily forgetting his manners, "Oh, um, Hajimemashite 'Nice to meet you', Splinter-san." On instinct, he tried to bow, but in his current state, he ended up wincing as a jolt of pain shot up his chest. The others in the room had to stop themselves from cringing at the boy's pain.

Miwa then stepped forward and placed her hand onto Daiki's shoulder, "But, you might know him better as Hamato Yoshi."

This time, Splinter bowed slightly to the boy, "Hajimemashite 'Nice to meet you' Morikawa-san."

"Hamato?" Daiki stated bluntly. "Your Hamato Yoshi? The leader of the Hamato Clan, my most hated enemy for ten years? B-but your a mutant rat?!?" He exclaimed in pure shock.

"Not what you were expecting?" Splinter remarked in a amused tone.

"Honestly, the way my life has been recently. I probably should have expected something like this?" Daiki remarked back to the rat, before trying once again to get out of the bed.

"It is good to see you up, Child. Though, I feel it may be a little early for you to be moving so much?" Splinter warned cautiously.

Daiki bit back a wince as he stood, shifting his weight to lean against the cot. "No no, I'm fine."

Splinter nodded, even though he felt unsure of the boy's choices. "Perhaps you would like something for breakfast? I feel we have much to discuss."

Daiki's stomach turned at the thought of food. "Thank you Hamato-san, but I'll pass-"

Mikey jumped infront of him with his arms out, "But D! You've been out for a week! Your stomach must be eating itself by now!" He whined with sad puppy dog eyes.

"Uh, not really no?" Daiki stated simply.

"Well, too bad! As I'm a five star ninja cheif! Pancakes and Waffles are a go! I'll be back in five!!" The orange-clad turtle cheered to himself as he raced to the door.

Splinter couldn't help but smile at his sons enthusiasm. For the last week he had missed that sweet, bright smile of his youngest sons so much. But he felt the need to try and help Daiki out,

"Michelangelo, perhaps a smaller breakfast would do for now-" But Splinter's words fell on deaf ears as the freckled turtle had already flown out the room, and to the kitchen.

"Kuso, 'Damn it'" Daiki muttered to himself.

Splinter gave the boy a quick side glance, "Anata no gengo o mitekudasai. 'Watch your language.'"

Daiki stared in confusion at the rat. Was this guy...telling him off?

"So...um" Daiki tried to diverge from the awkward moment. "How bad was the damage?"

"Well, the main injury was obviously the claw marks." Miwa told him, "They were deep, but luckily they hadn't reached any of your main arteries or organs. We stitched them up as best we could. But you will most likely have a scar."

"And also had to give you a blood transfusion." Raph thought to add.

"We used Miwa's blood as she just happened to have the same type as you." Leo smiled back to his sister who simply shrugged.

"Oh. Interesting." Daiki replied nonchalantly, his mahogany eyes and Splinter's amber ones locked for a few seconds before the boy quickly broke away. Splinter noticed this and mentally noted to ask about it at a later date.

"My armour must of stopped most of the hit then." Daiki said, placing his hand on his bandaged chest, wincing at the touch. "Damn that Tiger. When I see him next, I'll take his other eye out."

Leo, Miwa and Raph were shocked at the words he just said, while their father simply hummed in thought.

"I know how enticing revenge may look, but it's a path that can not be followed without a price. And it seems to me, that you have paid more than enough, Child." Splinter tried to reason.

"But they haven't..." Daiki said too quickly for the rats liking. Splinter raised his eyebrow to him, and Daiki couldn't help but look away guiltily.

Splinter's ears went back a bit as he turned to his remaining children. "Miwa, Boys. Could you excuse us for a moment."

"Uh, sure?" Raph said, walking out. Leo and Miwa simply nodded and followed after their brother.

"Morikawa," Splinter began. Making the boys eyes flick back to him. "Living with the Shredder has clouded your better judgement. Saki craves only revenge and pain."

The rat then moved closer to the boy, "I understand, that living with the desire for revenge for so long, then to have it suddenly taken away from you, will take a toll on your mind. But you must not allow yourself to fall into the same despair that Saki has found himself in."

He then held the young boy's shoulders gently, "You are who you choose to be, not what others make you."

Daiki felt himself shake slightly at the familiar words, but he tried his hardest to keep his composer. "But, H-how can I just forget a decade of my life?"

Splinter shock his head, "Do not forget it, learn from it. Your past holds value, whether it was good to you, or bad. It has shaped you into the person you are today."

"That person isn't who I was ten years ago, though. I'm not sure...I don't feel like..." Daiki took a moment to find his words, "I'm not 'Daiki Morikawa'. Not anymore. And I haven't felt like it in a long time." He finished and rubbed his eyes quickly.

The wise rat hummed in understanding, "I too have felt this way, it is one of the reasons I go by Splinter now. It is, in a way, a new identity for my new life. But I still hold the past close to me."

Splinter put his paw on Daiki's cheek, "You are not alone child, not anymore. Let us help you."

Daiki's eyes began to get blurry, he felt himself slowly begin to break.

He wasn't alone?

His mahogany eyes stung, as soft sobs then wreaked his body. Splinter was quick to embrace him, hold him gently and stroking his head. It was nice... It'd been awhile since he had been in a comforting hug like this...

Daiki broke down. Holding onto Splinter's maroon robe like it was the lifeline he had been waiting for, for the last ten years of his life.

"You are more than welcome to stay with us." Splinter whispered to the brunet.

"W-what? I couldn't-" Daiki said through a strained voice.

Splinter flashed a warm smile at him, "Please. I insist."

"B-but, I don't want to be a burden to you all?" Daiki argued back.

"Your not a burden, D." Mikey said with passion from the doorway. Holding a plate, with a messyily stacked pile of pancakes and waffles.

"Mikey's right." Leo added from beside his brother, "You may be a little hard to deal with sometimes, but then again, so are Raph and Miwa."

"Hey!" The two yelled simultaneously as they too joined back into the infirmary.

"You could be a great help around here, D! We can totally use your evil scientist brain for good!" Mikey chirped, as he walked over to his father and friend and awkwardly joined their hug. Holding the plate in one hand and wrapping his other arm around the two.

"Well, I mean, I'm sure I can find something to do to help out round here in return? It's the least I could do?" Daiki said from the middle of the hug, slightly squished.

Mikey got the idea, and stepped back grinning. Allowing Splinter and Daiki to let go of one another.

"Seems like a fair deal." Splinter chuckled as he stroked his beard.

"Oh! I've got an idea!" Mikey shouted randomly. However no one could ask in time, as he shot out of the room. Returning just as quickly. "Our friend April was looking into this Kraang USB for us, but she's not too good at hacking?"

"Actually, that's not a bad idea. Smart thinking, Mikey." Miwa praised her brother. "Maybe you could have a look?" She glanced to Daiki.

"Uh, I can give it a shot. Do you guys have a computer or a laptop I could use?" Daiki requested.

"Sure do!" Mikey said as he pivoted on the spot, and ran out the door. Retrieving a old laptop that looked like it was on it's last legs. Battered and held together by tape. "Here she is!"

He handed the outdated software to Daiki, who stared at it like it was a relic. "What the heck? This thing looks like it still runs on Windows XP!"

"Hey, you try buying a computer when all you have is the money that falls down the drain!" Raph snapped back at him.

Daiki sighed, "Fair point. I'll...see what I can do?"

"Yeah dude, But first!!" Mikey pretty much throw the Laptop away. Giving Daiki a good idea as to why the laptop was so battered in the first place. "Pancake time!!" Daiki inwardly groaned as the plate of food was practically shoved in his face.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

After half an hour of arguing, the other Hamatos managed to convince Mikey to make Daiki a bowl of oats, saying how the pancakes would be too much too soon. Too which Daiki was relieved and eternally grateful to them. But Leo, Raph and Miwa on the other hand, were just satisfied by getting to eat the unwanted pancakes and waffles.

Once Daiki had eaten at least half of his bowl, Mikey had insisted on giving him the 'grand tour' of their lair. To which he complied, getting to know the place would be handy if he was to live there.

The two teens started by going out the sliding doors of the infirmary and down some stairs, which lead to a living room type area that seemed to be connected to all the other rooms in the subterranean home. It was an abandoned subway station by the looks of the turnstiles at the entrance, and the overall structure of the place.

The living room area, had a square pit in the center, with couch cushion on all four sides. Making one massive couch. With a pinball machine beside it near the turnstiles, and in the middle of the pit, was an old fashioned TV that caught Daiki's eye.

"How do you get TV stations down here?" The brunet asked curiously.

Mikey frowned slightly. "We don't."

"We only have what came with the TV." Miwa added from her seat on the couch next to Raph and Leo.

"Which in our unfortunate case, is the News, and a channel that plays Space Heroes 24/7." Raph mumbled to no one in general, but loud enough for the others to hear. Leo shot him a sour look and turned up the TV. Which, ironically, was playing said space show.

"Leo is a Space Heroes nerd." Mikey whispered to Daiki with a sneaky smile. Grabbing his arm and pulling the human along.

Mikey took Daiki directly across from the infirmary, to a large room that had Japanese style paper walls above what looked like a waterway entrance. Mikey guided him to the side where a set of stairs were, leading straight up into a dojo.

It was a beautiful room, with colourful tatami mats and traditional decorated paper walls. As well as a magnificent tree growing in the middle of the room, how it got down there, Daiki wasn't entirely sure, but he didn't mind not knowing. It gave it a more mystical feel.

Splinter's bedroom was along one of the sides of the dojos wall, beside a well stocked weapons rack and what looked to be a shrine. Daiki mentally noted to check that out later. And with that the two left the dojo. Only to go straight down the stairs and into a entrance way covered by small curtains.

This room was the kitchen, though it held alot of diner like qualities. But it was nice, with a kitchen island in the middle, big enough for a whole family meal. And cupboards full of food.

The youngest turtle then lead the human to their last stop. A long hallway beside the kitchen, that had seven rooms, three on each side, and one directly at the end.

The room directly at the bottom of the hallway was the bathroom, clearly at some point a restroom which the Hamatos had somehow managed to convert, with a separate room inside that was a shower. Though Daiki couldn't help but notice the leaking pipes on the ceiling and the duct tape slowly peeling away from the sink.

The six other rooms along the sides of the hallway, turned out to be bedrooms.

On the left side was Leonardo's, Raphael's, and Miwa's rooms. And on the right side, was Michelangelo's and two spare rooms beside his.

Mikey practically begged Daiki to claim the spare room next to his and showed him inside. It was empty, as to be expected, but it was significantly larger than his room back at the Foot headquarters had been. And he was never one to pass up a creative opportunity, already making a layout of his soon to be bedroom in his head.

When the two left the bedroom hallway, Mikey declared their tour official over. And ended it by leading Daiki back to the pit to relax for a bit with the others.

Though Daiki decided that 'relaxing' wasn't going to help him pass the time. He needed something to do, and Mikey was happy to bring over their laptop and the Krangg USB to him, so he could start doing his 'hacking magic'.

Once Daiki opened the laptop to work, he felt a small weight on his leg, and upon looking down, found a small box turtle staring up at him.

"That's Spike." Raphael said from next to him with a weird happiness to his voice. Picking up the box turtle and popping him on his shoulder. "He's probably looking for food." The red-clad turtle rubbed the smaller turtles head and walked off to the kitchen.

Daiki stared back at the little turtle and smiled before getting back to his work. Thinking to himself how adorable it was that Raphael had a 'little buddy'.

TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT TMNT

After almost an hour, the four Hamato teens were soon all settled into the living room. Watching the news, reading a comic book, or playing with the pinball machine in Leo and Raph's case.

So they all happened to be present when Daiki finally spoke after an hour of tapping away on the keyboard.

"Hey, Mikey?" Daiki called from the couch, not taking his mahogany eyes off the screen.

"Yeah?" Mikey asked with a mouth full of chips.

Daiki turned to the turtle with a serious expression, "You wouldn't happen to have April's number would you?" Leo, Raph and Miwa all stopped what they were doing to look back at Daiki.

Mikey too, stopped eating and glanced at Daiki with worried features "Um, yeah. Why?"

"Can you tell her to come here? Now."


Note from me! Hope you all like that chapter! let me know what you thought, or if you have any ideas you'd like see? v