Hey guys! I hope you're all doing okay during this pandemic! The weather keeps changing where I am and it's making both me and some of my family sick! It's no fun.

Special shout outs to: Dav009, lenail125, Drea, Moltenstorm, gima2618, Guest, lovebooksdork5, and Astrid jay! Thanks for reviewing on the last two chapters! It ml ade me extremely happy!

To gima2618: Thanks for saying this story gets better with each chapter! I strive to improve even if it's just a little bit so that comment made me super happy! Please enjoy this chapter! :)

To Astrid jay: For what happened to Mikey, as in Mikey's death, the other turtles told that story near the end of chapter 6! You can go back and re-read that part. If you're still confused then let me know and I'll definitely write it in a way that makes more sense.

To Dav009: Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoy it and are looking forward to more chapters! I hope you enjoy this one too!

To Moltenstorm: I'm so glad you like this story! I hope you continue to like it!

To Drea: You're absolutely right. In the 2012 cartoon canon, only Mikey can calm Leatherhead down if he can't calm down himself. I wanted to hone in on that since Mike is the reincarnation of Mikey, thus shares a soul. It makes sense, at least in my mind, that Leatherhead is so comfortable around him. Enjoy!

I worked hard on this chapter and re-read it for mistakes, hopefully I caught everything. Thanks to every single one of you that reviewed! ENJOY THE CHAPTER!

Third Point of View:

"What do you mean your mission failed?!" Shredder roared, standing so abruptly that both Fishface and Razhar flinched on the sides of the throne-like chair Shredder usually sat upon. Hun, despite being injured, continued kneeling there unflinchingly while his Purple Dragons quivered slightly in their kneeling behind him.

"I was about to capture them when I was caught off guard by that stupid child," Hun ground out through his teeth. He hated sounded like he was making excuses but that was the only explanation he had to give. He never thought the child would attack him with an actual weapon.

"So you failed in capturing the turtles because of one little boy?" Shredder rumbled threateningly, taking a couple of steps down the small staircase from his chair. He felt so enraged to the point his clenched fists were white and his whole body was shaking, "You go around praising your own worth but you let a child catch you off guard? How could you allow such a thing to happen?"

Hun momentarily bit his gum hard as embarrassment and anger rushed through him but he was smart enough to not talk back to Shredder. He's seen what happens when you do. Hun thought about how to respond and thought back on what happened, "I subdued the purple-masked turtle and was threatening him with the purpose to capture his two brothers when the child came out of no where behind me. I didn't sense him beforehand. He landed a hard blow across my head with a kusari-fundo. He continued to hit me with it while I was down until I blacked out momentarily, allowing them to escape."

Shredder went rigid, his eyes widening slightly at the explanation. His rage lessened as confusion rushed forward, "A kusari-fundo? A chain with a weighted end?"

"Yes, that is what he used. He used it quite well, like he knew what he was doing," Hun explained, hoping to lessen his embarrassment over the fact he was caught off guard. When he peeked up at Shredder to gauge his reaction, he didn't expect to see surprise all over Shredder's face behind his kabuto.

"And the child is young...with no prior training?" Shredder asked aloud, his expression clouding over in deep thought. Behind him, Fishface and Razhar shared a bemused look.

"Master Shredder?" Fishface questioned, unsure of what to make of his expression. Shredder ignored the others for a few silent moments.

"Very well. I want to revise our plan of trying to flood the sewers with chemicals. It seems it would take too much time and effort to do so," Shredder said seriously, a manic gleam in his eyes.

"Okay. Then what do you propose we do for now?" Hun asked, looking up at Shredder in both surprise and apprehension. Shredder looked down at him blankly.

"I will hold up my end of our arrangement. The evidence you so fear will be in your hands soon," Shredder smirked and Hun frowned, "In return, I want the boy. It seems there is much I don't know about his circumstances. I'm quite interested in why the Turtles are fighting so hard to protect him."

"Haven't they always tried to be heroes?" Razhar said half-sarcastically, rolling his eyes. Shredder glared his way.

"There's something more to it then protecting an innocent. From what the Purple Dragons have reported, it seems they've formed some special connection with the boy. I intend to find out why the boy is so special in their mind," Shredder spoke mildly, his eyes dancing with interest, "If I find out what their motivations are then I can use it against them."

"So our plans have changed to capturing the boy and the evidence, just as before?" Hun clarified, needing to make sure he was on the same page. Lately, it seemed that Shredder didn't always make sense. Hun stared at him. Well, he wouldn't dare let anyone know that he thought Shredder was literally going insane.

"Yes," Shredder nodded, his tone the rumble from before, "We will work on details later tonight. For now, increase security around the compound and send look-outs to search for any signs of the Turtles or those other pests. No doubt they will try to find me and our current hideout."

"Yes Master," Hun, Razhar, and Fishface said respectfully, bowing. Shredder paid them no more attention as he turned and walked back to sit at his chair, deep in thought again. The Purple Dragons immediately followed after Hun as he walked away without a second glance. Fishface looked at Razhar before closing his eyes and marching off to do what was ordered.

Micah's Point of View:

The place we arrived at was a rather big building that was well hidden among other buildings around it. I watched from Donnie's back as they opened the sliding garage-like door and we entered a big space. It looked just like a big warehouse that you could fit cars inside, only most of the big space was cleared. In the back stood a man in front of a table filled with papers and computer equipment. It was almost like Donnie's lab.

I blinked when the Mighty Mutanimals greeted him. Donnie put me down and looked at me, "That man there is Mr. Kurtsman, he owns this building."

Mr. Kurtsman looked over our way with wide eyes at that exact moment. I stared at him curiously, a feeling a familiarity hitting me. I smiled, realizing that this was a person Mikey knew and liked, that was why I had that feeling. Mr. Kurtsman had a brown hat covering his short grey hair and was wearing a trench coat.

"Hello Mr. Kurtsman," Leo greeted him as the turtles and I got closer to him and the Mighty Mutanimals, "Thank you for letting us stay here tonight."

"It's no problem," Mr. Kurtsman smiled before he glanced my way again. Leo followed his gaze and then he smiled at me. I looked down shyly, "So you're Micah?"

"Mike, please," I replied quickly, looking up slightly. He blinked at the name before smiling.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Mr. Kurtsman!" He greeted, holding out his hand. I stared at him for a second before shaking his hand with a beam, "If you need anything be sure to let me know."

"Okay!" I agreed, still beaming.

"You guys can set up where you'll sleep on the platform," Spike suddenly spoke up and I glanced at him. He was looking at Leo and Raph as he spoke though, "Sorry there's no better place to sleep."

"No problem," Raph shrugged, looknig unphased, "It won't kill us to sleep on the floor."

"Besides, that's why we brought sleeping bags," Donnie added as he padded the large bag he packed before we left.

They continued talking but I zoned out as I looked around, studying the whole place. There was trash littered in some places but it seemed like the Mighty Mutanimals attempted to make this their home. I could tell because of randomly placed couches or chairs. There was even a small TV tucked in a corner on the other side of the room. I wonder if it worked?

I glanced back at the others and noticed that they were moving around the table and around the place now. Donnie, Leo, and Raph were talking intently to Spike, Mr. Kurtsman, and Dr. Rockwell. I blinked when a shadow fell over me. I looked over my shoulder on my other side to see Leatherhead hovering over me, just staring for a minute.

"Are you alright?" He finally asked and for some reason I smiled wide.

"Yup! Are you okay?" I retorted with a tilt of my head, apparently catching him off guard with my question. He chuckled as he nodded, "Awesome! This place isn't bad at all. I like it!"

"It is a good home," Leatherhead agreed slowly but something seemed distant in his gaze. I decided not to ask about it. I didn't want to bring up anything sad.

"Mike."

I turned my head as Donnie walked over to me. I smiled slightly at him since he was already smiling at me but behind his purple mask, I could tell that he had dark circles under his eyes. He had to be super tired!

"Hiya Donnie!" I greeted with an enthusiastic wave. He chuckled softly as he stopped in front of me, "What's up?"

"Wanna help me set up the sleeping bags up on the platform?" He asked softly. I glanced at his shell and finally noticed he was still carrying the large bag he had earlier.

"Sure!" I said, delighted he was asking for my help. I'd do anything for Donnie, of course! He smiled warmly as he held out his hand to me. I beamed over my shoulder at Leatherhead, who looked startled before smiling back, before taking Donnie's hand and letting him lead me away. I noticed that Spike was still talking with Raph, Leo, and Mr. Kurtsman. They were all leaning over the table staring at what looked like a really large map.

My attention was stolen when Donnie took a right turn to lead me into the back. We went up the stairs that led to a platform that semi-wrapped around the whole building inside. It was kinda high up but heights never really bothered me so it wasn't a big deal.

"How does your ankle feel?" Donnie questioned out of nowhere, almost making me jump. We stopped in the center of the platform, not too far away from where Leo and the others stood below.

"It's okay. It feels really sore sometimes and stings if I move it a lot but it doesn't last long," I answered truthfully, remembering how it didn't hurt that much when I had followed the turtles in the sewers earlier.

"That's good. I didn't even think to check on it earlier," Donnie sighed, looking a bit guilty and even stressed as he fished through his bag and pulled the first sleeping bag out. I frowned.

"It's okay! It doesn't really hurt!" I insisted and he glanced over at me with a small smile.

"You'll tell me if it does hurt though, won't you?" He pressed and I nodded enthusiastically so that he wouldn't worry so much. I'm not sure if it helped. He smoothed the first sleeping bag on the ground and then pulled out the second, handing it to me, "Can you smooth this one as best you can next to the one I just did?"

"Sure thing!" I beamed as I immediately starting doing just that.

"Oh, but don't put them too close. Raph will have a fit," Donnie laughed slightly as I paused. I guess that does sound like Raph. I smiled to myself as I moved the sleeping bag further away and smoothed it as straight as I could. We did the last two in silence and as I stood from finishing mine Donnie sighed heavily and sat down close to the railing with a thud. My eyes widened at him as I saw a confused and distressed look cross his face.

"Donnie? What's wrong?!" I asked, moving to sit down next to him. He sat crisscross and I shoved my legs through the opening of the railing so that my feet dangled mid-air.

"I wanted to ask you something, but I'm not sure how to..." Donnie trailed off, staring at the ground blankly. He seemed to be thinking real hard about whatever was bothering him.

"Well, you can ask me!" I encouraged, feeling determined, "I'll try and answer best I can for you!"

Donnie finally looked over at me with a small smile and it was genuine, making me relax a little. I wonder what he was so worried about? Hopefully he tells me! Donnie stared at me for a moment longer before finally speaking again.

"Do you remember earlier today...when you called me 'D'?" He inquired slowly, like this was hard to ask. I felt confused for two seconds before realizing what he was talking about. I called him 'D' earlier today and remembered how he, along with Raph and Leo, looked shocked when I called him that. I didn't want to bring anything bad up, so I hadn't asked why they reacted that way at the time.

My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat, "Uh...yes..."

"I'm not mad," Donnie reassured quickly once he looked at me again, "But can you tell me why you called me that?"

Feeling a tiny bit relieved that he wasn't mad or upset, I put my hand over my mouth, thinking hard. I don't remember thinking about calling him that, I just did it. It was something that just came out of my mouth...

I looked over at him hesitantly, "I...I didn't really think anything when I said it. It just kind of came out of my mouth like it was natural."

Donnie's face clouded over and he actually grimaced as he looked sadly at the ground. My heart fell into my stomach, "Sorry. For some reason, when you called me that, it made me incredibly sad."

"I-I-I'm sorry," I stuttered, wide-eyed and unable to do anything else. I knew he might have been sad but hearing it and knowing it was my fault was like a slap in the face.

"It's not your fault, Mike. You didn't know," Donnie soothed but he didn't look at me, "It made me sad because it was Mikey's nickname for me. He used it a lot."

I clenched onto the railing, not remembering when I even grabbed it and looked helplessly at the floor. He isn't mad at me, but it's no denying that I'm the one that made him feel sad, even if he doesn't blame me.

"No one else called me that except Leo but even then it was once in a blue moon. I think even April used it once or twice, but that's only because they always heard Mikey using it," Donnie explained with an affectionate huff. Then he slowly frowned, looking ready to start tearing up, "I don't know why...hearing it from you was really painful."

"I'm really sorry Donnie," I apologized thickly, feeling ready to start crying myself. I'm such a crybaby. He's going to eventually get tired of me if I keep crying!

"Like I said, you couldn't have known," Donnie assured as he wiped a hand down his face, "I'm not mad...I just thought you should know. I don't know, it's silly, but realizing that I'd never hear Mikey calling me that again just made me really emotional. Sorry."

"Y-You don't have to be sorry," I wilted, my eyes burning and my throat still feeling thick. I thought of my mom and how, on occasion, I'd hear a woman's voice out in the streets that sounded like hers. I remember how I'd get excited, briefly thinking it was her alive and well, only for it not to be that way. I remember how painful that felt, "I'm sorry I made you sad."

"You didn't make me sad, Mike," Donnie replied immediately with a strong tone. I flinched when he grabbed one of my hands which were still gripping the railing, "I knew that you noticed my reaction when you called me that so I wanted to explain why."

I nodded and he smiled softly, continuing, "Again, I'm not mad...but please don't call me 'D', okay?"

"Okay, Donnie. I understand," I nodded again, swallowing thickly. I did understand. That was Mikey's nickname for him and he didn't want anyone else using it.

"Thanks, buddy," Donnie slowly beamed and I blinked in surprise when he rubbed my head softly, "I'm sorry I made you upset. Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," I smiled, feeling a bit relieved knowing he really wasn't upset with me, "I was sad to know I made you upset but sometimes you can't help getting sad when you think of people you love that died."

"That's true," Donnie said, staring at me fondly. We sat in silence for a minute but it didn't feel uncomfortable.

"So what are you two up to now?"

We both turned to our left to see Leo and Raph coming up the steps. Though their faces were blank, I somehow knew they were worried. They must have seen some of our expressions. For some reason, I couldn't fight a big grin.

"We were just talking," Donnie grinned as well. Leo and Raph sat down next to us, "Did you come up with the plan for tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Leo nodded seriously, looking at each his brothers and then looking at me, "The Mutanimals discovered where Shredder's current hideout is. He will be there with the Purple Dragon and his foot clan when we attack."

"And we'll be stormin' the place tomorrow morning," Raph smirked eagerly as he stared off into the distance.

"All of us?" Donnie questioned as he threw a worried glance my way, "What about Mike?"

"Mike'll be staying here with Mr. Kurtsman, Dr. Rockwell, and Pete," Leo answered softly as he looked at Donnie, "I don't want Mike to be too close to Shredder's compound but he can't be left alone here either. Plus if he's at the lair, it's still possible he could be found since there are lingering enemies in the tunnels."

"Karai will handle them," Raph butt in with the smirk still on his face, "And I feel sorry for them if she catches them."

Leo smirked back to my surprise as he nodded in agreement. I looked at them admirably as I thought about Karai. They respect her so she must also be powerful! Donnie laughed after looking at me.

I pouted as he laughed and leaned back to pull my legs back because they were starting to become uncomfortable dangling there. I shifted to get comfortable and out of my sweatpants pocket fell the chain weapon from earlier. I forget I carried it with me. I paled as the turtles looked down at the weapon before their eyes widened.

"You still have that?" Raph asked his voice both rough and surprised as his expression morphed into a deadpan one. Leo and Donnie both looked blank.

"Y-Yeah, I forgot I still had it on me though," I shrugged as I picked it up and stared down at the chain in my hands. I briefly remembered putting it in my pocket at some point after I cleaned it in the kitchen sink before we left but I can't believe I just forgot about it.

"Do you like it?" Leo asked slowly, staring at me intently. The rest of us looked at him in surprise at the unexpected question. I thought about it. Did I like the chain? I looked down at it. It felt right in my hands. I was happy when I used it to protect Donnie from that Hun guy earlier.

"I do," I answered as I smiled but I didn't look up at them yet to see their reaction, "I don't know why I do but I just do. It feels right. I just saw this before and thought it would be useful, but I'm glad I decided to grab it."

"You used it really well before..." Leo continued and I glanced up to see Donnie staring at me thoughtfully. Raph was frowning in a confused way, "It was as if Mikey were fighting."

I tensed as soon as I heard the name but none of them reacted badly to it so I relaxed, "I...I just started hitting him without thinking. I'm just glad I was able to help Donnie."

Donnie smiled then, "Yeah, you did a very good job."

Beaming in return at the praise, Leo chuckled before looking over his shoulder briefly. I realized after he touched his weapon that this is what he was looking at, "Do you know why we use the weapons we do?"

"Um...because you like them?" I answered uncertainly. They all chuckled.

"Yeah, we like them. It's because it is what we're the best at," Raph retorted as he ran his thumbs over his two weapons. I blinked.

"Master Splinter says that the weapon chooses its master," Leo added in with a nostalgic smile on his face, "He says they reflect their users. Every person is drawn to a different weapon."

"W-What are your weapons called again?" I asked, my hands curling around the chain in my hands. I felt a sense of excitement course through me.

"Leo uses the katana swords," Donnie spoke up as he looked at me gently, "Raph uses the sai and I use the bo staff. Mikey used nun-chucks when he was still alive. You remember those, right?"

"Oh yeah!" I gasped before nodding, "I remember seeing them in the dojo!"

"They're almost similar to the weapon in your hands," Leo explained as he nodded down to my hands. I looked at the chain in wonder, "Except nun-chucks have two handles and a chain. What you have there is a kusari-fundo...which is essentially a long chain with a weighted end."

"Kusari-fundo..." I repeated with a bright smile as I touched the weapon, "So...I like the weapon so much because...it chose me?"

"Maybe," Raph chuckled for some reason, "You haven't yet trained with other weapons."

"Raph's right. Until you try all different types of weapons you won't know for sure," Donnie explained with a bright smile, "But the kusari-fundo might just be right for you."

"Yay! I hope so!" I beamed cheerfully and they laughed.

"You have quite the ways to go before you can use real weapons though," Leo warned playfully and I wilted, "But if the weapon means that much to you then you can keep it in your room for now."

"Really?!" I brightened as Donnie and Raph threw Leo a look I couldn't understand.

"As long as you promise not to play around with it too much, especially alone. You could get hurt, you understand? It may not look like it but it can hurt you," Leo cautioned seriously and I looked down wide eyed, "You can't use it by yourself until we say otherwise, okay?"

"Okay. I promise, Leo," I nodded seriously and was rewarded with one of Leo's genuine smiles.

"Well, I guess it's okay since you're so excited about it," Donnie sighed with a smile after looking at my face. I giggled.

"Donatello!" Dr. Rockwell called, catching our attention, "Apologies, but could you help me with a few details?"

"Of course," Donnie agreed as he stood and stretched. He glanced at me, "I'll be right back."

"Okay!" I answered cheerfully, making him smile as he walked away. Leo and Raph watched him for a second before looking away.

"Hey Leo...?" I spoke up, feeling a bit hesitant about what I was about to ask. Both brothers blinked before looking at me. It was kind of funny, "Can you help me practice the katas you guys have been teaching me?"

Raph immediately turned to look at Leo and to my amazement, Leo looked dumb stricken for a moment. Then the emotions that ran through his face went from shock, confusion, excitement, and proudness. I blinked, feeling stunned. I'd only asked if he'd practice with me. Why was that such a big deal to him?

"Yes, of course!" He beamed as he stood and I stood as well, still confused. Raph burst out laughing, making me jump slightly at how loud he was.

"Guess ya never thought ya'd see the day were you had a willing student, huh Leo?" Raph teased as Leo blushed slightly, before glaring at Raph.

"What do you mean?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion. Raph turned his smirk on me.

"Leo is such a Splinter Junior, so we never liked to listen to him when we trained under him. No one looked forward to it. But here you are excited and wanting Leo to teach ya," Raph laughed some more as he remembered Leo's expression a second ago, "He looked so excited!"

"Enough Raph," Leo warned, clearly embarrassed as I looked on in shock. He turned to me, huffing, "Don't worry about him. Let's go down below so we can train easier."

"Um, okay," I smiled, walking over to him and grabbing his hand. He blinked down at me, his eyes wide for some reason, "What?"

"Nothing," Leo shook his head before walking away, blankly calling over his shoulder, "Maybe you should be practicing too, Raph!"

"Can it, Leo!" Raph replied, not sounding mad in the least. I giggled to myself as I held Leo's hand. I heard a click and then saw a quick flash before Leo stopped dead in his tracks and glared over his shoulder. I looked as well to see Raph with the T-Phone Donnie once showed me in his hand.

"You did not just take a picture..." Leo growled, trailing off. I watched him worriedly. Was he really mad? Why did Raph take a picture? What's going on?!

"Sorry," Raph apologized, not sounding sincere in the least as he laughed, "I just wanted to take this picture of you holding tyke's hand so you could see how silly you look!"

Leo argued with him while I looked at my hand in Leo's, surprised. Raph took a picture because I'm holding Leo's hand? Wait, was that why Leo was shocked earlier? Because I held his hand? Was I not supposed to?

I let go of his hand quickly, a bit too quickly, earning their attention, "S-Sorry! I'm just so used to Donnie grabbing my hand or me holding his hand that I didn't think about it."

"No, don't worry about it. Raph just likes to pick on everyone," Leo explained with a smile as he grabbed my hand again, this time tightly. He then leaned over closer to me, "You see...Raph's actually a bully."

"A-A bully?!" I boomed, immensely surprised by this.

"Hey! I'm not a bully! Don't tell him that!" Raph growled as Leo laughed loudly though I'm not sure if I made him laugh or Raph. Probably both of us.

"Yeah he is...a big bully!" Leo told me as I looked at Raph with wide eyes. Raph rolled his own eyes.

"Don't listen to him, tyke," He said as he looked at me. I looked between Leo and Raph. Leo was still chuckling.

"Let's start practicing a bit before we finish up for the night," Leo addressed me before pulling me away. Raph fumed behind us as he got up, arguing almost playfully with Leo as he continued to pull me away. I looked up at him and he grinned, winking at me. I beamed, realizing they were just playing and joking around. Amazing! Leo chuckled again.

I thought about something else I wanted to tell them about, but decided against it. I made Donnie sad earlier, I don't want to do the same with Leo and Raph. I was going to ask them about the fact I thought I heard Mikey's voice in my head encouraging me to follow after them in the sewer earlier. I don't know why I thought it was him encouraging me, but it just sounded like a inner thought from him. That's impossible right?

If I tell them I think I heard Mikey's voice in my mind then they'll think I'm crazy.

Leonardo's Point of View:

After I helped Mike practice a few katas, I was both amazed and starstruck by how well he was doing and how well he remembered everything we taught him. It made me remember that my baby brother himself was incredibly gifted at ninjitsu but he lacked the attention span to completely focus on training. Mike didn't seem to have the same attention span problem as Mikey had.

I remember how I used to feel jealous of Mikey growing up because he never took long to master a kata our father taught us. I only got as good as I am now through constant hard work and practice. Mikey could have been even better than me if he had truly applied himself and were still alive today...

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I looked at Donnie as he explained some of the important mechanisms and locks to Shredder's compound. I had already heard this from Dr. Rockwell earlier so I kind of tuned it out.

Glancing to the side, I watched Raph and Leatherhead with Mike. Mike was beaming as he swung his legs back and forth from where he sat on Leatherhead's back. I huffed, smiling a little. Mike convinced Leatherhead to play with him earlier, much to Raph's and my own shock. Looks like he's currently getting a piggy-back ride. They were close enough to us that we could hear what they said and vice versus, so Raph constantly glanced over at Donnie and Dr. Rockwell as they spoke.

"Oh, that's right!" Donnie suddenly spoke up and something in his tone made both Raph, Mike, and I look over at him. He was fishing in the bag over his shoulder and brought out the disc that was part of the center of our whole problem with the Purple Dragons. I heard Mike gasp when he saw it. It contained information his parents died to protect after all. I frowned slightly.

"I want to entrust this evidence to you Mr. Kurtsman," Donnie said seriously as he handed the item over to said man. Mr. Kurtsman looked at it with wide eyes as he took it, "It contains video, audio, and other evidence needed to prove crimes the Purple Dragons have committed in the past."

"Really?" Mr. Kurtsman gasped as Donnie nodded, "Then...you want me to turn this into the police I presume?"

"Yes, my family can't do it for obvious reasons," Donnie smiled a bitter smile, "But I believe it needs to be turned in to the police."

"Me too," Mike spoke up and we all looked at him. He looked serious, "My mom and dad died because of that evidence. We should make sure the police know about it so they can catch all the bad guys!"

"I'll do that," Mr. Kurtsman smiled gently at Mike, who looked surprised. He does that sometimes when anyone acts kind to him. It's like he doesn't expect it most times. The thought makes me sad and guilty for how I treated him when I first met him.

"Just be careful," Donnie warned warily, "I'm giving it to you but this is what the Purple Dragons and Foot clan are after. Don't let them have any knowledge that you have it or are turning it in. If they figure it out they will target you."

Mr. Kurtsman's eyes widened as he looked at Donnie then at me. I nodded to affirm the seriousness of the situation. His face turned serious and he nodded back to Donnie, who smiled in relief. Suddenly I had a bad feeling and turned to look at Mike before my eyes widened.

Mike's face lost color as various emotions ran across his face. He stared at Mr. Kurtsman blankly, almost as if he weren't seeing him. The emotions that ran across his face were surprise, horror, and anxiety. The horror and anxiety grew on his face to the point even Raph and Leatherhead noticed.

"Tyke?" Raph asked, slightly alarmed when he saw how white Mike now looked. I stepped forward as soon as I realized his breathing was off. The moment I moved Mike started breathing too fast, obviously hyperventilating. Leatherhead's eyes grew large as he quickly pulled Mike off his back.

Everything happened so quick. Leatherhead had Mike sitting up, braced against him as Donnie pushed past me to kneel in front of Mike, looking panicked. I knelt on the other side of Donnie as Raph stood there beside me, watching us in shock. I knew Mr. Kurtsman was standing behind us, mirroring Raph's expression.

"What's the matter with him?" Leatherhead asked anxiously as Mike continued to breath in small pants like he couldn't pull in air at all.

"He's having a panic attack!" Donnie said loudly, his tone stressed. Immediately after that though he switched to doctor mode and started coaching Mike to breath slowly. For a moment it didn't seem to be working.

"Come on, Mike," I interrupted as Mike's eyes wildly landed on me. I frowned, "It's okay. Listen to Donnie. Just breath slowly, one at a time, okay?"

Poor Mike tried to nod as he continued to listen to Donnie murmuring at him and Leatherhead's quiet encouragement. I tried to think back on what brought on this current panic attack but couldn't think of any reason why he panicked. What set him off? I looked at Raph as we shared a concerned look. He was just as lost as I was.

As soon as he was calm enough though, Mike immediately started crying. Not just any crying...this was the ugly-type of crying. The type of crying that left your throat thick and clogged up and the type to leave alligator tears running down your cheeks. We all stared, stunned for a moment.

"Mike, buddy, calm down!" Donnie tried to soothe despite looking close to a panic attack himself. I, myself, felt panicky. What was wrong with him all of a sudden? I desperately grabbed one of his hands and squeezed it.

"What's wrong, Mike? Why are you so upset?" I asked, trying to be heard over his sobbing. He wiped at his face with his other hand but the crocodile tears kept rolling down his freckled cheeks.

"W-What Donnie s-s-said earlier," Mike stuttered and I felt lost for a second, "A-About M-Mr. K-Ku-Kur..."

"Mr. Kurtsman?" Leatherhead finished for him as Mike sobbed. Mike nodded.

"You mean the warnin' Donnie gave him?" Raph questioned, sounding lost and frustrated, "Why'd that make you cry like this?"

Mike sniffed hard, clearly trying to regain control of his crying but failing. I was really worrying at this point because his face was red and his eyes already swelling. Donnie's hands started shaking.

"E-Everyone th-th-that tries t-to help me e-ends up dead!" Mike wailed loudly as another round of sobbing and tears started, as fresh as before. Donnie sat back, stunned. I paled as I figured out what he was saying and why he said that.

Raph blanched and uncrossed his arms as he stared with wide eyes at Mike, "You think it's your fault that your mom and dad died?"

Mike nodded, covering his face with his hands, his voice sounding extremely muffled, "A-And my friend from t-the junk-junkyard! Everyone that t-tries to help me g-gets hurt or d-dies!"

"And you got scared that that would happen again? To Mr. Kurtsman?" I guessed as Raph and Mr. Kurtsman tensed. Mike nodded.

I frowned sadly for a second. Mike was just a 8 year old boy and after all he's been through this panic attack seems normal. It was like he was overwhelmed by feelings of fear when he thought about Donnie's warning to Mr. Kurtsman. It seemed to be something he thought about a lot.

"Oh Mike..." Donnie trailed off, tears in his brown eyes. I tensed at seeing that. Donnie opened his arms and Leatherhead silently released Mike as Donnie pulled the kid into his arms. Mike immediately latched onto Donnie and shoved his face into Donnie's shoulder, his crying now lessening.

"I'll get some water," Leatherhead spoke quietly, though his eyes were blank, almost dark. I could kind of understand. Why did an 8 year old boy have to carry such burden and fear to the point of panic attacks?

Donnie silently rubbed Mike's back as Raph squatted down where Leatherhead had been, watching them despondently. It took a few minutes but Mike's cries lessened even more, except for the occasional gasp or sigh that escaped his mouth. I noticed Mr. Kurtsman quietly usher everyone away to give us privacy. I was grateful. Mike was probably going to get embarrassed about his panic attack but he shouldn't have to.

"Are you okay now, Mike?" Donnie asked softly as he rubbed at his blonde hair.

Mike silently nodded, apparently not trusting his voice yet. Donnie scowled sadly, "Sorry, Mike. I didn't think about what you might be feeling."

"It's okay. Not your fault," Mike whispered, "Sorry I cried like a baby."

"It's normal," Raph immediately grunted out, surprising us all, "You're not a baby just because you cried. So don't worry about that."

Mike's tired, emotional eyes, brightened towards our brother. It sparkled to life some and Raph blinked before blushing and looking away. I grinned before turning to Mike, "Raph's right. After all you've been through, it's normal that you got overwhelmed."

He looked at me, looking tired again. His voice was still quiet when he spoke up again, "I'm just tired of it..."

"Of what?" We all asked simultaneously before pausing to look at each other in surprise.

"Of people I love dying," Mike replied tearfully, pressing into Donnie's shoulder some more. A pang hit my heart as I thought of Mikey. The others sent him distraught looks as well. We could all relate to that.

I leaned in closer to his face as he watched me, "Me too Mike. But if we try our best and do everything we can, we can protect those we love."

"Really? You really think so?" Mike asked slowly as he stared at me.

"I know so," I answered with a warm smile. He lifted his head to look at all three of us before he let out a genuine smile. The tension in our bodies released at the sight of it.

"Thanks," Mike smiled, his eyes sparkling a little bit more, "I guess...I guess I just needed to say all that."

"Yeah, sometimes we just need to vent," Donnie agreed as he hugged Mike closer, "Don't be ashamed of that. You can tell us anything!"

Mike looked at Donnie in amazement and I chuckled, "What he said. And don't be embarrassed about having a panic attack. It happens to the best of us sometimes."

"R-Really?" He asked, looking at Raph and myself with uncertainty. My face dropped slightly and so did Raph's, but we both nodded anyway. Well it wasn't a lie. Sometimes even we panic and have things like panic attacks.

Mike wordlessly smiled and laid his head back on Donnie's shoulder. We continued talking quietly to each other and to him before he conked out, sleeping against Donnie peacefully.

"Thanks guys for helping me calm him down," Donnie whispered as he looked at us, distraught, "I didn't think he'd have one like that."

"No problem, Donnie...and no one did," Raph sighed, rubbing a hand on his face. I frowned thoughtfully as I stared at Mike.

"Sometimes Micah just acts so mature for his age in some ways and not in others," I spoke up as they looked at me in surprise.

"Hmm...you're right," Donnie agreed thoughtfully, "For the most part, he handles death and tragedy pretty well for his age."

"He kinda had to," Raph retorted darkly and we both sighed in agreement.

"Well not only because he had no choice...I thought it was because he's like Mikey due to his happy-go-lucky type of personality and the way even Mikey was able to push past pain," Donnie explained seriously and I inwardly agreed with him.

Leatherhead returned with a water bottle but blinked when he saw Mike sleeping. He handed it to me instead, "This is in case anyone needs it."

"Thank you," I smiled slightly and he did not return it. He gazed at Mike sadly.

"The rest of us are turning in for the night," Leatherhead informed, "You all should as well so that we can start on the plan first thing in the morning."

"Yeah, you're right," I nodded. Leatherhead bid us goodnight and walked away with sagging shoulders. Donnie stood slowly after repositioning his arms around Mike. We followed silently as he carried him back onto the platform and carefully placed him in one of the sleeping bags.

"Well, goodnight guys. Wake me if you need me," Raph yawned as he went to the last sleeping bag and crawled in. I rolled my eyes and went towards the one on Mike's other side.

"Goodnight."

Donnie crawled into the sleeping bag in the middle of Mike and Raph then sighed, "Goodnight guys."

Tomorrow would be a long day.

Wow, I haven't written this much in so long. It was around 7, 100 words! Anyway, I hope you liked all the lovely moments between the turtles and Mike! I wanted Mike's signature weapon to be similar to Mikey's nunchucks so I did some research! I think Mike would be good with the kusarigama chain Mikey also used too, what do you guys think?

Let me know if I confused any of you and I'll address it next chapter. If not, let me know what you think! I appreciate any feedback! Stay safe and awesome guys!