These few days had been good with little Leo learning to live with us in our home. There still had been many moments when he ran to me crying when he has seen Splinter, looked all of us scared if he thought he did something wrong like laughed or played without our permission and so on. List is long. But he also has make some progress which surprised me totally considering his past. Little Leo has indeed start to play more either alone or with us but still in short moments like 15 minutes max. He also has start to walk around the lair more bravely and seek our company. However he avoids Leonardo or Splinters company. If he have Mikey, Don or I with him theres no problems but he doesnt want to face either one of those two alone.

Even now I kept my eyes on him while Leo laid on the floor on old mattress and drew something on the paper swinging his legs slightly in the air. He seemed happy and relaxed which was good so I turned my focus on TV. News, news, news. Those same boring news what kept on rolling from one hour to another. How humans can watch these and be all happy when news sucks?

Raphael?

I turned to look over my shoulder as Leonardo stopped behind the couch looking down at me.

Don, myself and Splinter will head to see if we can find any good and useful stuff from junk yard. I have my shell cell with me so call me if you need anything or if something happens.

Yeah, sure. And you call me if something happens. I come to kick some ass right away. Leonardo only snorted with small smile as he tapped my shoulder. Sure, Raph, sure.

I watched how Leonardo started to make his way into garage, little Leo soon running after him making those blob sounds. Leonardo stopped and turned around which made little Leo stop instantly. He hesitated a moment before he slowly made his way to my big bro and handed his drawing to him.

You drew very nice car. Good job.

Little Leo was smiling a bit but he pointed his drawing and then himself.

You want a car? New toy? That small head made few fast nods and Leo sighed slightly petting little Leos head. Okay, I see if I find you some but I cant promise anything, okay? And that little head made few nods again stepping away from Leonardo, letting him go in the garage where Splinter and Don were waiting him.



Don drove us to junk yard and hid battle shell behind one big pile of trashes. Splitting up Don went to search what he needed, Splinter went to see if he could find anything to his room since he said he needed new stuff to bring new energy in his room and I remained close to battle shell just in case, looking for new toys to little me. It was becoming frustrating since there was so much junks but not any good toys which would be in good shape enough. Raphael would beat me if I would bring his precious little Leo old and broken toys.

I suddenly stopped since I was sure I heard something but there were only Don, Splinter and I. Soon I heard something again and it was like high, long and steady whistling as it kept getting stronger and stronger. Finally I saw something against the dark sky coming towards me and I ran when I noticed it to be a missile. I dove behind another trash pile as missile hit battle shell, breaking it in a shape we could not ride it.

Damn it! Don will kill me for allowing this to happen! In that second of my thoughts I heard Dons voice as he called me so I ran towards the direction of his voice, finding him knelt beside Master Splinter who had broke his leg.

Master Splinter! I knelt down by their side looking at fathers leg which looked bad.

We need to leave, Leo, now! Foot soldiers! They spotted us!

Multiply sounds of thuds filled the air as many ninjas suddenly landed in front of us holding their weapons as I pulled out mine while stepping in front of Don and Splinter.

Don, battle shell is broken. We cant use it so take Splinter and carry him home or call Mikey to come to get him with his skateboard. I will have your back while you retreat.

B-battle shell Broken?!

Yeah, they shoot a missile on it. Now go, take Splinter and call Mikey!

As shocked and sad as Donatello seemed to be over battle shell he nodded and lifted Splinter in his arms and ran away, calling to Mikey at the same time. I kept my back towards Don and Splinter and eyes forward, locked on my enemies who kept walking towards me as I kept backing away. Few of them dared to come too close and I instantly let my katanas slash in a night, spraying their blood on the ground.

I say this once; I WILL kill you all if you wont back away! I knew it was futile since they had sworn their loyalty to Shredder and they would die for him. So be it. One by one they dared to challenge me but they ended up losing their lives since I showed no mercy after what they did. First battle shell and then my father. When last of them fell on the ground dead I placed my swords back on my shell in their scabbards sighing. Damn this all. Looking at remainings of battle shell I growled and spurted away to closest manhole cover and went into the sewers.



I waited nervously in the lair marching back and forth since Mikey got call from Don and left without saying more than Splinters hurt. Thats one of the worst things what you could ever hear. Lairs door soon opened and Mikey came in on his skateboard while carrying Splinter, Don running right behind him in needle room with them. Little Leo stood still as I hurried in needle room too after my brothers and father.

What happened? His leg looks bad.

No time to talk. I --- I need to help him first and then go get battle shell and then fix her and then I can talk and then---

Don, easy. Calm down, dude. Youre not making any sense. Breathe.

Mikey surely had one amazing touch and voice since he always managed to calm Don down when he was being like this, out of balance as Splinter would say. Wheres Leo?

He stayed behind. Foot ninjas ambushed us and he told me to take father and run while he got our backs.

Damn it! I turned on my heels and was ready to rush out of lair when I heard Leonardos loud and angry voice. I dont have any new damn stupid toys for you! I have much more important things to do!



As I rushed into the lair, little Leo looked at me and came to me as I tried to make my way into the needle room to see my father. But that darn little turtle stood in my way. He looked up at me with big, hopeful and waiting eyes pointing his car art and then himself and me. I felt anger rising in me and I just couldnt hold it anymore.

I dont have any new damn stupid toys for you! I have much more important things to do! I instantly regretted my words and outburst since those big blue eyes turned wider in fear and filled with tears. D-darn I didnt mean to 

Leonardo!

I just barely managed to turn my head before big darker green fist hit me hard on the face, making me take few steps backward. Growling I faced angry Raphael as his eyes very sparking with fury, his body and all muscles tensed and turned larger in size. He had become so protective about little Leo and even now he stood between him and I fists tight and ready at his sides, little Leo crying behind his legs.

How you fucking dare to raise your voice to little Leo?! I should beat the crap out of you for that!

Look whos raising his voice too and using bad language on top of that! I didnt mean to explode like that but I have bigger concerns than he and his toys!

There would had been nicer way for you to express it than yell at him like that!

My sons, enough!

Splinter stood at the door way of needle room while Don and Mikey held him on his feet. I have heard enough of this yelling of yours. I understand my injury has shock and hurt both of you but taking your feelings on each other isnt solving any of it, not to mention doing it in front of small child.

Leo still didnt need to be so mean and rude to little Leo and --

I tried to say Im sorry but you came there with your fists!

ENOUGH! Splinter growled as he hit the floor with his tail, causing all of us jump a bit. From the corner of my eye I saw how little Leo dropped on his knees raising his hands on his ear holes, shaking and crying. Damn it all. Leonardo, you go either meditate in your room or train in dojo. No arguments! Raphael, you and Donatello go see can you bring battle shell back here so Donatello can start to fix her. Michelangelo, you will help me on the couch and then you will play with little Leonardo. We need to help him to get over this nonsense which clearly had scare him.

And we all obey without a word. Leonardo went in the dojo to clean his swords and meditate while Don and I went to get battle shell, leaving Mikey and Splinter with little Leo. I hated to leave him there but I couldnt go against fathers order.



Its okay, little guy. Come on, its all good. Little Leo was looking at me while sobbing slightly as I reached my hands towards him picking him up in my arms. Sorry about those two big morons for scaring you. They argue sometimes like that a lot but they still mean no harm to you so dont be afraid or fear them. I kept talking to Leo as I made my way on sofa chair placing him to sit in my lap.

Splinter was sitting on the couch and he kept his eyes on us clearly studying little Leo who looked at his art about car and sobbed. It seemed he really had wanted a new toy. Its not he didnt like our old toys but its always exciting for a child to get a new toy.

Michelangelo, could you please go and get Donatellos bag from the needle room?

Huh? Oh sure, wait here, dude.

Little Leo didnt want to let go of me as I put him on the chair but I promised I would come back as soon as I could. I also leaned forward and whispered; Dont worry, Splinter wont hurt you. He cant get off on the couch with his boo boo leg.

I heard that, Michelangelo.

Ehehehe, uummmhhh, bye!



I watched my son running away after I caught him from whispering but my focus soon turned on little Leonardo who looked so very nervous sitting still and stiff as good as he could but his small body was trembling so badly.

Leonardo. Could you look at me, son?

It took a while when he struggled with his fears towards me but eventually he even slightly dared to look at me in the eyes under his eye ridges. I smiled at him and nodded once slowly. Thank you. You are very brave. Why I asked to have your attention is that I need to apologize. I sometimes need to raise my voice and hit the floor with my tail in order to put an end to Raphael and Leonardos arguments. This happens rarely however but I feel bad you had to see and be part of this one. Im sorry.

I bowed slightly to my little son and much for my surprise I felt weight against my healthy leg. Opening my eyes he was there leaning against my leg, looking up at me with sad eyes. That argument between my sons had clearly scare him since in the few days he hadnt seen them fighting like that or much at all.

Can I pick you up in my lap? His reaction wasnt surprise when his eyes went wider and he shook his head stepping away from me. Its alright if you dont want to. Im not forcing you. I want you to be ready and feel good when and if that happens. I kept smiling as I sighed. It just has been so long when I have hold small child in my arms. You remind me so much of the time when my, now big, sons were small like you.

This seemed to interest my second Leonardo who slowly and with little steps came to me, climbing on the couch to sit next to me. You want to know more? and he nodded carefully. I smiled and nodded before starting to tell him about the life with my sons when they were small.

-- And then Michelangelo ran away without wearing his pants while having diarrhea. It was horrible to see and run after him while he laughed and kept pooing while running. There were brown stripes all around the lairs floor. Little Leo was chucking but my son, Michelangelo, wasnt as he approached us.

Aa ~aaahh! Master Splinter! Did you have to tell him that?! Now he will keep laughing at me!

But wouldnt that be great, my son? You would bring joy to him.

Well... I watched him scratching his head. Yeah, if you look at it like that. Oh, before I forget. Here.



I placed Dons bag gently in Splinters lap watching how his hands went in there and he soon pulled out middle sized toy piano.

I found it while we were on junk yard and I thought you might would like it. To learn to play since you did not want to learn martial arts, Leonardo.

Leonardos eyes grew wider and brighter and he moved closer to our father to see toy piano better. Splinter made sure it had batteries and it worked before placing the toy in Leos lap. That little dude was unsure for a moment but when Splinter pressed the first button and encouraged Leo to do the same, he did. Soon he was happily smiling and giggling while pressing all the buttons in random order. This happiness and joy just I dont know. It made me happy and sad at the same time. Happy he now had toys to play with and sad because in his time he never hadnt had toys for sure. How cruel is that? A child always should have toys to play with.

So, are you going to teach Leo play piano, Master?

Yes, but only if he wants to. We didnt have a chance to ask this from Leo since he was already nodding fast with wide smile. He seemed to be eager about this and it made Splinter happy.

Good. I shall start to teach you after I have teach myself. I saw that spark in Splinters eyes. This was one of his methods to get to spend time with little Leo and build trust between them. Clever old rat I would say!



Keep pushing, Raph! We are almost home!

Oh shut up! You just sit there and turn the wheel!

Don looked at me from the open door. One of us has to be here to turn the wheel. Otherwise we would get nowhere and you are stronger than me. Plus this is good way for you to lose some of that temper.

So he saw right through me. I admit I still was pissed at Leo for being a jerk to little Leo and I was gonna make sure he would apologize later. But as long as I would be in this state I know Splinter wont let me go anywhere near Leo so I decided to stay with Don and help him to fix battle shell if he needed any help after we reached home.

Can you fix her?

Of course, but it will take time. As you can see - Don knocked once blown open front area of the battle shell. Shes all blown up. It takes so much time before we can drive her again.

And that means?

It means we will be going everywhere by foot. Just like in the old days. Old days, huh? Yeah, those were good times and thinking about them is sweet but I had no time for this now.

Will you start to fix her now?

Njah. I just check her and tomorrow I will start to collect parts what can be saved and used again. Then I will rip her apart and start to build her again.

Well, when you get to it come get me. I will give you a hand.

Thank you, but I will do better on my own. If I need you to lift some heavy stuff then Ill call you.

Sounds good to me. See you later then, Don.

Okay! Oh one thing, try not to fight with Leo.

 Dont worry. I wasnt going to. I made my way to living room area where I found Mikey and Leo. Mikey was playing video games while Leo was watching him between drawing.

Is Leo still in dojo?

Yep.

And Splinter?

In his room resting. And before you even think about checking him, hes good. He said he has his phone with him and if he needs anything, he will give one of us a call.

You sure hes okay? His leg looked bad.

Luckily only looked. Its broken but it will heal.

How he got in his room with that leg?

Well duh, I carried him of course!

Tsch, you? With what muscles?

Hey, I dont need to be super strong like you in order to carry someone. I have muscles enough and secret super powers for it.

Heh, yeah right. Anyway, I need to talk with Leo.

Just dont argue with him. Splinter will ki-- Michelangelo suddenly stopped in the middle of his sentence as he spotted little Leo looking at him with slight fear of hearing what Mikey would say. I mean Splinter will kick both of your butts by lecturing and grounding you both if he knows and hears you two argued.

Yeah, I know. I try not to argue with Leonardo. It all depends on him. I left those two behind me as I made my way in the dojo, closing door silently behind me. Leonardo was sitting back towards the door in the middle of the room clearly cleaning his swords from the blood. I said nothing as I made my way closer and stopped behind him but he said nothing or moved so I moved next to him and sat down.

Hey.

...Hey.

You sure have got some blood on your swords.

Thanks to the Foot.

Have you clean your second katana already?

No. I made some katas first to calm down. Why?

Do you trust in me enough to let me clean your other katana for you?

This was the first moment when Leonardo stopped and turned to look at me from the corner of his eye. He said nothing as he stared at me for a few seconds. His hand reached his second katana and he slowly handed it to me.

Careful with it.

I know. These are your precious babies.

 Like little Leo is yours.

Hm?

Raphael Im honestly sorry I snapped at him like I did. I was just so overly worried about father and all. I hurt him bad, I know, but you must understand father is more dear to me than he is. I dont hate him or anything and I would and will do anything to keep him safe but father always comes to me first.

Hm, I know all that. You have been like that with us too. Father comes to you even before us.

But know I still care and love you all very much and would give my life any time to keep you all safe.

Likewise. But it still would be nice if you would apologize from him.

Dont worry, I will. I go find him a toy or two.

Want me to come with you?

No, I will go alone. Or then I ask April to buy and bring few new toys here for us. I couldnt help but to smile while looking at my own reflection from Leos blade.

Thats actually very nice idea. I bet he never hasnt had anything new so shiny new toy, who none hasnt own before him, would mean a lot to him. I turned to look Leo even that he kept his eyes down on his blade. It would show you really care. And he stopped, staying perfectly still as he kept looking his own reflection.

You think so?

Damn right I do. I know that little guy.

Leonardo sat there quietly a while before he braced himself for another question and answer. Have you think what will happen when hes older? Will he stay with us or will he go back to his time or something?

Dont know and dont want to know. Not yet. Hes still a little kid who needs family, home and love and Im gonna give them all to him as long as he needs and wants them.

Leonardo smiled gently to himself releasing his soft and silent sigh. I adore that about you. You just took him under your wings and you will do anything to make him feel happy, loved and keep him safe.

I aint protector for nothing, fearless.

To this Leonardo only smiled pushing his clean katana back in its scabbard. Are you done cleaning that one? Its late and I would like to go to bed. And I have a feeling someone is waiting you to put him in the bed as well.

I couldnt hide my smile as I listened Leonardos words. Yeah, I knew little guy was waiting for me. He just refused to go to sleep if I didnt take him to his own small bed which was placed in small area next to wall more further away from us. It was the spot which had most lights so he could sleep peacefully there. I watched Leonardo standing up, reaching to take his second and now clean katana from my hands, placing it so easily in its scabbard what Leo had on his shell.

Soon after this we left dojo, finding tired Mikey and little Leo watching TV. Both of them seemed to be in very bad need of sleep so Leonardo shooed Mikey to sleep on his bed and I went to take little Leo in my arms, carrying him on his bed. While placing him on his carapace I noticed he was holding a piece of paper. I tried to take it from him but he woke up and looked at me. After short silent stare he jumped up and looked around and when he spotted Leonardo, he got off on the bed and ran to my big brother. I stood still as I watched him to poke Leonardos thigh few times.



My full focus was on late news when I felt something was touching me. I looked down next to me and this little turtle of my younger version was looking up at me behind a paper which he held in front of his face. I opened my mouth but he then pushed that paper towards me which I took in slight confusion. Turning it around I saw he had drew me and him standing side by side, holding hands. I didnt quite understand it at first but when I looked into his pleading eyes, it all came clear to me.

I knelt down and smiled, pulling him gently in a hug. Its very nice and beautiful drawing, Leo. I like it very much. Of course I still like you; are your brother and friend. I pushed him back a bit so I was able to look into his eyes. Im sorry I was so mean to you. I was so scared because my father was hurt. I know it might feel and sound weird to you since your father wasnt nice to you, but my father has always been nice to me so seeing him hurt was scary. Do you understand?

And he nodded with sad look few times. I think he was feeling bad for Splinter being hurt too. I looked his drawing again and smile spread over my face. We didnt look like we do in real life but he still had drew us to look so adorable. Can I put this art on my rooms wall? Its so nice I would like to have it and see it every morning when I wake up and every evening when I go to sleep.

Little Leos eyes turned more shiny and he smiled at me, holding my hand tightly as he nodded eagerly. Thank you. But now, off to bed. Raphael is waiting for you. I stood up and gave him gentle push on the shell as he started to run towards Raphael and judging by Raphaels wide happy smile, little Leo was wearing one and same kind of smile too. Raphael so easily lifted little me in his arms and threw him once in the air before kissing him on the cheek. It was so heartwarming to watch that hot head putting him on the bed and cover him. Sitting on the floor Raphael remained by little Leos side until that little turtle had fell asleep.
