The Challenge

Title: The Challenge

Summary: The Turtles' Mission Was Simple: Remain in the woods for three days fending for themselves.

Rating: The first chapter is rated G. The remaining 3 chapters are rated NC-17.

Feedback: desired

Disclaimer: All characters are copyright Mirage Studios. I make no profit from the use of these characters.

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Morning practice was cut short when Splinter stated he had an announcement to make. He waited for his students to settle down and give him their full attention before beginning.

“My sons, I have a challenge for you. You are progressing well in your training, but have yet to be without me. For the next few days, you will have a break in your normal routine. Starting tomorrow, you will each spend three days in the woods at the farmhouse. Your mission will be to remain unseen, unheard, and unnoticed for the entire time. Being unseen means no campfires.” Splinter sent a look full of meaning to Michelangelo as he said this. “Any questions?”

The room was silent.

Michelangelo was looking a little forlorn. ‘No campfires? I’m supposed to be out in the dark alone at night without a light? How creepy is that?’

Raphael was nonchalant about the entire challenge. Being by himself came naturally to him anyway. In fact, he was looking forward to not being around his brothers for a couple days.

Donatello didn’t know what to think. He was sure Splinter wouldn’t let him bring his laptop with him. ‘What am I going to do for three days?’

Leonardo was greatly looking forward to proving himself a success at this mission. Three days by himself would be easy enough to accomplish.

“One more thing,” Splinter continued after silently watching his students wrestle with their thoughts about his mission. “Each of you will be paired with one of your brothers. Michelangelo, put your hand down, you do not get to choose. Raphael and Leonardo will be a team. Michelangelo and Donatello will be a team. Now, I suggest you start packing for the trip. Casey will be arriving shortly to take us to the farmhouse.”

Splinter watched them go to their rooms, ignoring the heated look that passed between Raphael and Leonardo. He had an ulterior motive behind his simple mission. He wanted his students to rely on each other. Donatello was intellectually resourceful whereas Michelangelo was artfully creative. They could each learn from each other. Leonardo was careful and in control whereas Raphael was fearless and driven. They too could learn from each other.

‘Yes, I expect this mission to be successful in many ways.’ Splinter thought to himself. ‘Besides, I need a much-deserved break from them.’