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Part 4

Mikey's POV

So, I'd finally coaxed Leo into sparring with me. We'd been going at it for about half an hour actually, and Leo definitely wasn't going easy on me. And sparring with these swords is really hard! They're so heavy!

"Hey Mikey, nice job with the polish, they look almost as good as when I do it."

I actually paused for a moment and preened at my brother's praise. "Aww thanks Leo!"

Leo actually took advantage of the opportunity to bowl me over and the next thing I knew there was a sai pointed straight at my face.

"Aw man, again?!"

My oldest brother chuckled. "Guess it just isn't your day, little brother." He smirked. He actually smirked!!

"Why are you so happy?" I grumbled frustratedly as I jumped back to my feet and we began to circle once again.

The blue masked turtle laughed. "I think I'm actually getting the hang of these things." Leo said, waving the sais tauntingly the same way Raph does.

I rolled my eyes. "Great. Next thing we know you'll be using one sai and one katana."

He shook his head. "I don't think so Mikey. I like my katanas too much. But I have to say it's an interesting prospect."

"Yeah, think of the advantage of being able to use lots of weapons."

Leo's eyes narrowed and he smiled. Oh no, he's seen through me.

"I know what your game is little brother. You're trying to distract me, aren't you?"

I smiled "How can you tell?"

He chuckled and I lashed out while he was distracted. "Ha, I got you!" I exclaimed as I pinned him to the ground.

"Are you sure?" He asked jeeringly from where I had him pinned.

I did a double take and put my hands on my hips. "Yes, I'm sure!"

The next thing I knew I was being bowled over by my older brother.

"Are you sure?" He repeated.

I groaned disappointedly and looked away.

Suddenly the sound of loud voices made our heads snap up. "Was that Donnie?" I asked.

We listened carefully and heard a slightly quieter voice yell back. "And Raph." Leo answered. We both exchanged glances. "Let's go!"

——————

Leo's POV

Michelangelo and I rushed out, but as soon as we got to the door of the lab Raphael and Donatello burst out. Raph looked like he was about to explode and Donnie looked guilty. I tried to stop Raphael and ask him to explain, but one look into those neon green eyes and I knew now wasn't the time to ask. Worry began to churn in my stomach. I turned to Don and asked, "What happened?" but he shook me off and followed after Raph.

We all trailed Raph to the dojo where he proceeded to yell his complaints to Master Splinter. I don't think I've ever seen my hotheaded younger sibling so eager to just...give up...on something. Raphael has always been the king of willpower. I mean, just look at all those strenuous workout routines of his! Raph does not give up easily. But right now he seemed almost...beaten.

I paid special attention to Raph's body language. His hands were shaking, meaning he was under great emotional strain, anger mostly, but I could also perceive a great deal of hurt in his eyes. Raph doesn't hurt easily either. He's one stubborn turtle. It takes a lot to hurt him, but he is sensitive to certain things. What could have happened to hurt him so badly? In my peripheral vision I noticed that Donnie had his head bowed with a guilty and remorseful look on his face.