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"Why are you gettin' on my back, guys? I just wanted to try some of the cool powers future Me could apparently do!"
Donatello crossed his arms, looking to his younger brother, unimpressed.
"And how exactly do you know of these 'presumed' powers..?"
Michelangelo suddenly looked behind him awkwardly before looking off to the side with a small whistle, trying to avoid eye contact. Donnie slowly (menacingly) looked behind his shoulder. Casey stared directly back at him with a considerable amount of sweat. April patted him on the shoulder with a look of sympathy (he'd learn of the big bro instinct soon enough).
"Your brothers are correct, Michelangelo."
Jumping to look to the side, Michelangelo was back to being offended. Baron Draxum just gave his betrayed look a stern look of his own.
"What?! Even you're gettin' on my case, Drax?"
Leonardo sighed softly, surprisingly serious for once as Raphael twiddled his thumbs beside him, obviously wanting to help but unsure how to.
"We just want you to be safe, Mike! Your...your hands, they-"
Michelangelo growled low in his throat, not appreciating the babying. He ignored the tell-tale stinging in his eyes that told him tears were well on the way.
"I know what happened! I was there, Leo! I know how bad it could have been, that's why I want to learn how to prevent it from happening again!"
It was quiet after that, everyone unable to quite look each other in the eyes as painful memories resurfaced. Beside Baron Draxum, Splinter looked at his youngest sadly, starting to reach out his hand.
"My Michelangelo-"
"Michelangelo has...an immeasurable amount of mystic power within him. The exact reason as to why eludes me, though I can safely assume that power of his will sooner or later be noticed by others."
Everyone looked to Baron Draxum with shock. Most surprised of them all though was Mikey himself, who turned to face him completely with a look of awe and confusion. Then Raphael suddenly furrowed his brows, taking in the yokai's words.
"...others? What do you mean-"
Baron Draxum took a deep breath before holding up his hand, affectively silencing the mutant.
"And while this may be... difficult, for you all to accept and understand, those that notice will probably wish to harness his power for themselves. For evil. By being powerful, it simply makes him a target."
More silence, this time solemn. Splinters hands curled into fists, having already known of the possibility yet feeling helpless and sorrowful at the words nonetheless. Donatello just closed his eyes and shook his head, not wanting to accept that his baby brother could be one day kidnapped and abused, treated like a deranged science experiment. He knew of those all too well, after all.
Raphael and April seemed like they wanted to punch something, but Casey just shook his head at them sadly, understanding their pain yet knowing there was no way around it.
Leonardo breathed in deeply, closing his eyes as he considered the possibilities. Mikey frowned at him from where he stood, wanting to calm him down and comfort him and the rest of his family, tell them that he was still here, that he wouldn't let anything happen to him-
"This is why I would like to train him."
Suddenly the room erupted in noise.
"What?! Alone?!"
"How can we trust that you won't try and steal his power?!"
Baron Draxum took the questions in stride at least, simply placing a hand on Mikey's shoulder and looking down at him with sincere eyes.
"I am experienced in handling and harnessing mystic power, and will ensure his safety to the best of my abilities. This is the safest way to ensure his safety for the future. If it is invertible of him to be target, than the safest course of action is to ensure he can protect himself."
Raphael growled, taking a step closer.
"I don't give a damn if-"
"I'll do it."
"...Mikey-"
Michelangelo turned slightly, allowing Baron Draxum's hand to remain on his shoulder (it was warm and comforting) as he faced his brothers. He gave them a small yet confident smile.
"If I have potential, dangerous or not, should I not try and use it? For good? For us?"
There was an uneasy and doubtful silence, yet Mikey continued on.
"It's to keep me safe, guys."
That seemed to be the kicker, as Leonardo simply sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"You're going to drive us to an early grave with how much you worry us, lil bro."
Mikey pouted, crossing his arms.
"I don't mean to-"
Raphael gave Baron Draxum's a stern glare, pointing at him.
"You keep him safe. He doesn't come back with a single scratch, ya hear me?"
Baron Draxum gave him an unimpressed look so Raphael simply motioned to Donatello who tapped his bow against his hand menacingly, giving him a knowing look. Baron Draxum sighed and shook his head but startled when he felt a tug on his sleeve. Turning around he looked at Splinter, surprised to see a warm and thankful expression on the rats face.
"Thank you, Draxum. For taking this burden for me, my family and...my beloved son."
The yokai looked between the father and son as they gave each other a loving stare. Swallowing awkwardly, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"It is simply the most efficient method."
After another moment, Mikey turned towards his second father, eyes sparked with determination.
"So, when do we start?"