Turtlefreak121:This was my first completely finished multi-chaptered fanfiction for TMNT. ...It was quite awful. I feel bad that it was ever put up, but I love it all the same. This is why I have restarted and given this old fanfic a completely maxed-out makeover - Fanfiction edition. Very awesome if you ask me. So for everyone who is new to me, nice ta meet ya. You're soon ta hate me. For everyone who is familiar with Nova's rants, my slap-stick humor, and my ridiculous author's notes that have little to no relevance to the story, welcome back. I don't know why you would be back... But welcome.

Thanks to everyone who made this fanfic fun the first time. Thanks to my friends on P-Chat bein' supportive.

The Red Night's Dawn

Chapter One

By Turtlefreak121

Disclaimer: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are (c) of Mirage Studios was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. TMNT-2003 is (c) to 4Kids entertainment. "The Red Night's Dawn" is a fan-created story for the fan-created "The Jewel Series" (c) of Turtlefreak121. The storyline, original characters (involving Nova Dane, Zerix, Talka, and Grey) is also (c) of Turtlefreak121. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in the least - telling me if I was plagiarized will be rewarded with lots of hearts and Gummie-Bear Love. Thank you for your time.

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Years Ago: Dreamland Lost

Shrouded in darkness, this land seemed to have no beginning and no end. A dense fog had clouded his young mind as he wondered in the icy winds of the darkness around. Life was no where to be found and it frightened him. It frightened the young turtle a lot. Barely five and a half, the youngest sibling had never been without one of his four brothers or their rodent father in his entire life.

Now he was alone. There were no kind arms to shelter him. There was no brother to protect him.

Michelangelo was scared in this land without light.

"Is anybody out there?" the tiny tot managed to yell out.

The icy atmosphere seemed to drop even lower as he took steps. Each step seemed to absorb all the strength he had and it worried him relentlessly. His bravery was running dry as were his eyes.

Wrapping his arms around himself, the young turtle dropped to the ground and hugged his knees. Tired, cold, and scared, Michelangelo dug his beak in between his knobby knees and hugged them tighter as he gently sobbed.

"I'm so lost!" he cried to himself. "I don't want to be here!"

Laughter slowly echoed through the inky blackness around him. The startled turtle looked around in fright. There was nothing around him yet the laughter grew louder and louder. They were coming closer! But what were they? Where were they?

"Raphie!?" Mike called out in fear only to hear laughter respond. "S-Stop, R-Raphie! This is mean!"

This wasn't like his brother at all, though. This darkness was cold and scary. When Raph scared Mike the older would always correct his wrongs with a hug or letting him win at video games. This blackness, Mikey felt, would do neither.

The youngling gasped as he looked around to see red eyes leering around him. They laughed and laughed as they twirled around him and wouldn't stop!

Covering his head and screaming, Mikey began to cry again. "No! Please go away!" he pleaded through their laughing.

Peeking in curiosity of their responses, Mike's eyes widened to find these slimy, purple things were swarming around. They were going to grab him! He just knew it!

Yelling, Mike grabbed his mask and pulled it over his eyes. "No! Don't, please!!" he yelled out in terror.

Through his mask, Michelangelo could see a burst of light as something soft brushed against the top of his head.

Slowly, the cloudiness of his mind disappeared, his strength became new, and his courage returned. Without hesitation, Mikey pulled his mask back up to look up and see a large white coat of fur with four legs around him. Looking around, he noticed there was a tail as well and dark gray feathers dropped slowly around.

Mouth opening in awe, Mike realized this huge creature was a white wolf with beautiful wings like an eagle. The wings spread open and with them flowed a mysterious white light which frightened the tentacles and caused them to retreat into their gloomy, dark depths.

With reflecting, glossy blue-white eyes, the odd creature looked around with mouth closed tight yet words seemed to pour from it.

This is the One's land, the voice beckoned to the shadows around them.

At the announcement the shadows snarled and snapped before disappearing, retreating from the lands which were soon to be revealed as grassy, beautiful meadows and woods without the inky blackness overlapping them. Life returned and Michelangelo gazed at it all in amazement.

"This is so pretty!" Mikey piped up immediately before shrinking back down in weariness of the creature.

Lifting a paw and turning slightly, the wolf-like creature folded its wings and looked to Mike with those glossy eyes. He almost yelped until he could feel the warmth and love coming from the gentle orbs.

Do not fear, Little One, the voice said tenderly before the creature gently rubbed its cold, wet nose against Mike's neck. I am your friend. I am Zerix and I am here to protect you.

His smile widening, Michelangelo looked to her hopefully. "Really?" he asked.

A soft laugh flowed into Mike's mind. Truly, Zerix responded. You are a special little boy who will do great things some day, Little One. I am here to make sure you are safe and as precious as always.

"Oh, I'll always be precious!" Mike promised. "I'm the cute one!"

Indeed you are, Zerix replied just as the beautiful world around them began to disappear. It faded slowly away and Michelangelo latched to Zerix's leg in fright.

"What's happening!?" the turtle asked in shock.

You're waking up, Little One, Zerix explained soothingly.

"But I don't want to, Zerix!" Mikey said sadly. "I only just got here!"

As her body faded away, Zerix leaned forward and gently licked Mike's cheek dry of tears. This place and I will always be here when you return, Little One, she said reassuringly.

The turtle sighed unhappily before his eyes fluttered awake to the dank ceiling above his bed. Raph's foot was in his face again and Donny was hugging his arm yet all three of them were somehow on top of their eldest brother. Mike smiled happily, for the first time in weeks he was going to go straight to sleep tonight. He wasn't having his nightmares anymore - Zerix was around! He just knew she was.

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Never before had the young turtle been so excited to have had naptime and never before had the excited youth been the first of his four brothers to lie in bed without being tucked in and demand absolute quiet. However, never before had Michelangelo's dreams been so eloquent or so beautiful; so peaceful or so happy; so enlightening or so encouraging. And never before had the youngling turtle had Zerix to embrace him upon entering the dreamlands.

Her black feathered wings seemed to stretch like branches of an oak before enclosing over him with such vibrant warmth and joy that Michelangelo nearly felt fused with energy from her touch. Oh, it was exciting and it was so warm and loving! It was like a hug from sensei!

Nestled against the great white wolf's chest and resting his legs over her forearms, the wings held him closer to her still. As he wrapped his arms over the long, dangling fur of her snowy neck, he could feel the soft skin just beneath. His head leaned against her massive chest as she licked at his shell with her long, pink tongue, and slowly he felt the life pumping through her.

Thump...thump...thumpity-thump...thump...thump...

A steady drum, a soothing tune, a kind embrace, and a dozing boy surrounded by a shinning sun, fluffy clouds, green acres, and his loving protector. Dreams in Michelangelo's world were as they were supposed to be. Perfect.

Happily, Mikey shifted to a cradled position as the great animal lifted him into her wings, nestling him ever further into the warm snow, and gently carried him towards the center of the large area. If the turtle had not been so comforted by Zerix, he may have thought twice about being led back to the very place they had been attacked by the shadows on his first visit. Now, however, he had no fear for Zerix was there and he trusted his guardian fully.

Do you know what this place is, Little One? the soothing voice of his protector questioned.

There was a great light - a beautiful one - that shinned like a crystal sun as Michelangelo dared to open his eyes. His blue eyes immediately searched back and forth over the peaceful landscape for its source.

And he found it.

The mighty glow came from the tiniest amulet that drifted in the air just in the youngling's reach. The turtle was so transfixed he only momentarily noticed that the great wolf had laid him down. The amulet was bright and mesmerizing. Michelangelo wanted to catch the small gem and hold its light forever.

"It's so pretty - like a glass," the wondering turtle commented in reference to his Sensei's one good glass as he dared to go nearer. "What is it?"

That is the Crystal of Purity, Michelangelo, Zerix answered as she stepped behind him protectively. It is what gives you the power to keep the darkness away. It is very important and you must always keep it safe from the shadows.

"Can I keep it?" Mike continued his interrogation. It was so pretty - his hands could close upon it at any moment.

No, no, Michelangelo. That would not be smart, Zerix explained. If the shadows got you and the crystal it would be very bad - nothing could stop them. That is why I am here - to protect you both. I am a Na KA.

The turtle looked back to Zerix and tilted his tiny head in a confused stare. "I thought you said you were a wolfie," the youngling commented, causing a soft chuckle to be heard from his new friend.

I am like a wolf as I told you, Michelangelo. I being a wolf is like you being a turtle. However, my duty is to be a Na KA, Zerix explained in a soft tone. Just as you are a One, my Little One. I protect you and this crystal and you keep the shadows away.

The turtle merely looked more confused and turned back to the crystal. "Wow! You protect both of us without any help?" the turtle questioned again before turning to her.

I could have help if you desired it, Zerix stated simply, her crystalline eyes looking at him warmly. You could pick two Na WA - or helpers - if you desired.

"Like who? What'd they do? Are they wolves like you? What's the difference?"

Well... The wolf began before there was a rustle in the bushes. On alert, the wolf turned and glared at the moving bush and began to near it - her wings extended fully and her teeth bared as she began towards the bush.

A small, gray furred face stuck out with two, large blue eyes that shone in the darkness like small sapphires. A little black nose twitched beneath long, silver hair that nearly covered the face, and two large, fluffy ears twitched uncomfortably as the face looked back and forth.

"A puppy!" Michelangelo exclaimed before running out from under Zerix and embracing the neck of the tiny creature.

Little One! Wait! Zerix called out all too late.

Surprised, the young creature tried to back up - the cute animal had a body like a human but covered in gray fur and with a long, fluffy tail wrapped around her waist in fright. The creature attempted to push Mike off of it with a meek cry.

"Stop! I didn't mean to be here!" a young girl's voice exclaimed.

A frown growing, Michelangelo released the pup and looked at her. "Really? I thought you were gonna to be my...my...Na WA!" the turtle said in a disappointed tone.

"Really?" the girl-creature asked before standing on her head - her legs and tail flailing. "I thought I wuz a'sleeps!"

Zerix neared the youngsters - a suspicious and angry stare at the youngling creature that had just joined them covered he face though she said nothing to them. The Na KA felt a strange presence here and it was making her ever more alert.

Mike smiled at the young girl - she laughed and was having fun. None of his brothers did that with him. The excited youth was quickly forgetting everything Zerix had warned him about and mimicked the ambitious girl by standing on his own head. "You are asleeps," Mike explained as he struggled to make his body stay upright with his shell pulling him backwards. "And so am I's!"

Grinning, the girl twisted back and forth just like Mike as she giggled. "So I guess I's really your...your..."

Falling backwards and forced to look up at the girl, Mike grinned. "So you're my Na WA?" he asked excitedly.

Zerix frowned and looked at them. Children - Michelangelo - you do not comprehend the seriousness of this. I feel there is something approaching. Little One, perhaps we should--

"What do I doos?" the girl questioned happily. "I never beens a Na WA b'fores!"

"You help Zerix protects me!" Mike exclaimed, so happy to have a friend that he didn't notice the world around him fading as he "woke up".

"Sounds fun!" the little creature-girl said with a giggle. "I do my best, friend!"

Heart pounding, Zerix knew that the dream was ending and could see clearly that just as Michelangelo disappeared, the land around them grew darker and the shadows of trees stretched closer and closer to them and the crystal.

They cannot have you both! Zerix exclaimed.

The little girl looked around and grew an unhappy frown. "Why you going? I can't sees you hardly!" she exclaimed. "We just now make friends!"

"I must be waking up!" Mike exclaimed unhappily. "Stay heres! I'll be back! Promise!"

Grinning, the girl nodded - not noticing the shadows taking form of a large creature behind her. "Bye, friend!" she exclaimed. "I be here! Promise!"

Suddenly, shadows grabbed the girl and she let out a shriek of terror. Eyes widening, Michelangelo stood up - everything was fading but the shadows were coming after him. He could barely move as his new friend disappeared in the darkness and the shadows took the crystal from its floating perch.

"Oh, nos!" Mikey exclaimed as one grabbed for him but was knocked away by Zerix's charge. The darkness had completely took over.

WAKE UP, MICHELANGELO!!! Zerix exclaimed as the shadows wrapped around her and began to drag her away. WAKE UP, LITTLE ONE! WAKE UP, MICHELANGELO! IT'S A NIGHTMARE!

"Wake up, Mikey! You're having a bad dream!" Raphael growled as he shook his little brother.

Screaming in terror, his eyes filled with tears, Michelangelo latched onto his brother and dug his beak under Raph's chin. The youngling turtle cried in horror at the disappearance of his beautiful dreamland, the loss of his two new friends, and the appearance of those horrid shadows. Clinging to his older brother, Mike couldn't help but shudder at the shadows of their dark room.

Shocked by this, Raph just looked angrily down at his brother and scowled. "What? Was jus' a dream, Mikey!"

Sobbing between breaths, Mike shook his head and hugged Raph tighter. "N..n...no...it...was...wasn't..." he cried. "Pr-protect...me, R-Raph! B-be...my...Na...Na WA! P-Please!"

"Yeah, sure, Mikey - wuteva'," Raph grunted as he looked back to check on Donny who had woke up earlier and was now clinging to Splinter and Leonardo. The young turtle groaned as he realized he would have to deal with Mikey himself until Splinter had calmed Donatello down.

"It was just a dream, Donny!" Leo could be heard saying to the other frightened brother.

"Yeah, Mikey - jus' a dream," Raph copied the eldest.

Frowning and still crying, Mike hugged Raph tighter and shook. He hoped Raph would protect him better than that girl had. After all, he trusted Raph better...

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Present: The Real Fun Begins

Eleven years later...

Raphael roared angrily as he drop kicked the pink-haired hooligan. The punk hit the ground with a deafening crunch of his chin and rolled over. He deserved it and his groans made the red-masked ninja grin before he bent over and pulled the Purple Dragon up by his collar. Eyes narrowed to slits as he glared into the guy's face.

"Don't you eva' hurt my bro a'gin! Got it, slime-bag!?" Raph growled into the guy's frightened face.

"J-just let me go! P-please!" the man begged as his chin began to turn an aching blue-green color.

Grunting, Raph easily threw the man to the side - making a basket into the trash can - and smirking with glee as the punk scrambled to his feet and ran out of the alley. After all, he deserved it and his fright made the red-masked ninja grin.

Walking over to Mikey who was still dizzily sitting on the ground and holding his head in an attempt to not lose it after that kick to the face, Raph squatted down beside him and raised an eye ridge.

"What woul'ja do wi'out me, Mike?" Raph chuckled before helping the hapless brother up. "Yar like a lost puppy," he snickered.

"Thanks, Raph!" Mike grinned cheesily as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm kinda ready to conk out - heading home?" he asked hopefully.

"Not on yar life," Raph snorted before jumping onto a fire escape ladder and beginning to scale. "But please, do da world of vigilante work a favur and go home," Raph gave a smuck smirk before thumbing a manhole behind Mike. "I ain't done yet an' I'll be out here 'til daylight if ya don't scrat, Mike."

Sighing, the younger waved him off and headed toward the manhole. "Fine - just don't have TOO much fun without me," Michelangelo responded before dropping into the manhole and disappearing from the alley.

"Finally," Raph groaned before hearing the faint sound of an alarm going off in the distance. Eyes narrowing, smile widening, Raph took off up the ladder. "Some real fun at last..."

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Turtlefreak121: Meh, at least it's longer than the old opening :P