#mikey and donnie are healers together

[brightlotusmoon]

Mikey and Donnie as well using elements for metaphors: These two I feel like are the most different with very little if any in commmon. Donnie is earth. He is grounded. Too grounded in logic and in his head. He over thinks. He is skilled just like his brothers of course. But he is the least skilled our of them. Why most of his ninja skill is defensive(or I'm the case of rise uses tech). In contrast Mikey is the wind. His name literally means angel. He could be the most skilled of his brothers. He certainly has the talent. His problem, but more so he choices not to. He has his head in the clouds and is flying high in the sky. Basically you have to complete opposites earth and air. Yet they are always paired off together on two reasons, they're the youngest, and not as skilled as their older brothers.

Aww, have you been reading my 2012 fic AU where Mikey is literally the team oxygen? He's air, Don is earth, Raph is fire, Leo is water.

[aurora-the-kunoichi]

For The Love Of Shell - Chapter Forty Five

Another installment of my bullshit! It’s looonnnggg too!

Full Story Here

It was the soft chirping of birds that awoke Leo first, stretching his long limbs above his head he yawned having had the best sleep he had in almost a year. The scent of their activities still lingered in the air and when he moved his arm over the large bed Leo the spot next to him empty and cool. Lurching up from bed he looked to the spot Aurora laid a few hours ago still crumbled from the weight of her body.

“Damnit.”

 She had left sometime in the early morning leaving him alone and unaware of her departure. Letting a heavy sigh leave him Leo flopped back down on the bed groaning in frustration. He had hoped that……who was he kidding, what did he really expect? That an apology and a few orgasms would set everything right in one night? Being alone this morning without so much as a goodbye was what he should have expected. But it didn’t make it hurt any less. Last night was more than miraculous, having her in his arms again, kissing her, hearing his name fall blissfully from her lips again was everything he had wanted, everything that he missed.

 Short lived as it was Leo would savor last night’s memory until the end of his days. He had just hoped it wouldn’t be the last time he would get to enjoy her in that way. He wanted forever.

 The walk of shame back to the healer’s quarters was agonizing. Once he entered through the threshold of the healer’s quarters Leo found his two youngest brothers sitting next to Raph who was now strong enough to sit up in bed. Thank god for the mutagen that coursed through their veins. As they saw him enter Donnie and Mikey jumped to their feet running towards their leader bombarding him with questions.

 “Where have you been?” Donnie questioned pulling his eldest back to Raphael.

 Mikey grumbled behind his brothers as the genius guided him towards their recovering brother. “We were worried sick about you!”

 Reaching the hothead Leo watched his younger brother eye him up and down as if he were gauging his current mood. Then Raph closed his eyes and Leo saw his nostrils flare and his tongue dart from his mouth. Ever so slowly Raph’s lips curling into a devilish grin. “I can smell her on ya fearless, you didn’t do what I think you did, did ya? Because that could possibly make things worse with her.”

 Donnie cocked his head giving both his brothers a puzzled look, “What are you talking about? Smell who on Leo?” Leaning towards his older brother Donnie scented the air around him and released an uncharacteristic growl. “Oh…” his three fingered hand came to rest over his mouth startled by his animalistic reaction.

 Mikey shrugged his shoulders copying Don and Raph and they watched their little bother’s eye dilate releasing his own deep rumble. “Aurora.”

 Raphael adjusted himself to face his red-faced brother. “Ya had sex with Aurora last night.”

 Donnie’s brown orbs flashed with anger; his mouth snapping shut in a thin line. Mikey’s baby blues burned into his soul showing disappointment in his brothers’ inability to take things slow. Their icy glares made him want to hide in his shell, something he hadn’t done since he was a child.

  “How could you have been so careless? Where is she now?” his genius brother growled angrily at his eldest for the first time in his life, the vibrations of his reprimand giving Leo goosebumps of shame.

 “I…I don’t know, she was gone when I woke up.” Leo felt so small right now with his three brothers glowering at him. Did he ruin everything by going to her room last night? He was the one who broke her heart, and he went to her room. But he had gone in fully intent on just talking to her, to apologize, hoping to repair some of the damage he had done a year ago. Sex had not been the plan. They had fought together; she had saved Raph and his lives. He thought it was a good change to mend fences, did he just mess it all up?

 “I can’t believe you did something so irresponsible Leo? You entered into her room in the middle of the night after an emotional battle. Did you actually think she would be able to tell you no? You broke up with her Leo, knowing full well she is still in love with you!” Donnie’s posture was tense, his fists clenched but he was looking down at the floor unable to look his brother in the eye.

 The last sentence stung, and Leo grew slightly angry himself. “I’m in love with her too you know! I didn’t plan on having sex with her; I just went in there with the intent on just talking and telling her I was sorry and that I still loved her. She had been avoiding me like the plague since we first saw her, I just needed to get her alone, to explain things. One thing led to another and it just…happened.”

 “Sex doesn’t just happen bro.” Mikey cut in dropping down next to Raph, his arms folded over his chest.

 The turtle in red grumbled testing his wound with a tentative push of his two fingers. “If you forgot Leo, we all love her, she’s not just yours…...” Letting out a frustrated huff Raphael pinched the bridge between his eyes. “All I know is it better not be another year before we see her again because you couldn’t keep it in your pants oh fearless leader.”

 Soon Gyoji and Master Splinter made their way into the large room. Gyoji stopped a few feet from the brothers while Splinter moved next his eldest.

 “My son,” He started. “Your brothers were worried when you disappeared last night. They insisted coming to find you, but I told them you would return when you had finished with what you felt you needed done. By the look on your faces, I gather it did not go as planned?”

 “No Sensei.”

 Splinter’s hand came to rest on Leo’s forearm making the leader look down at the aging rat, “We must remember my son, time heals all things. There is no manual for life, mistakes are bound to happen so we must be patient and learn from our failings. Give Aurora time, her love for you all is boundless and nothing will sway her from those feelings. Yesterday’s trials were hard, but they set us on the path for reconciliation. I will give you a bit of good news though my sons, you will see her yet again today.”

 The news brought smiles back to their faces as all expect Raph stood to hear more.

 Splinter turned to Gyoji who took the invitation to address the family. “Honored ones, the kingdom thanks you for your help in saving our Daimyo, we are forever in your debt.” Gyoji bowed to them in respect and continued. “Despite yesterday’s horrible events, the award ceremony for the Battle Nexus Championship will still be held in Michelangelo’s honor. It will be held when the sun is at its highest this day. The second-place winner will also be recognized.”

 Mikey got excited smacking Raph in the arm but regretted it instantly hearing his brother groan in pain. “Oh sorry bro! Dude, I’m so sorry…..so, she’s still here?”

 “Yes Ms. Yoshi is still present in the nexus and plans on attending the ceremony. You all will be allowed up at the podium with your brother as he accepts his award. The Daimyo doesn’t want you separated from each other. Raphael the healers have informed me you as well enough to be brought up as well so you don’t miss this joyous occasion.”

 Raphael rolled his eyes watching Mikey’s face nearly burst from happiness. “Yea, it’s joyous alright. He ain’t neva gonna let us live this down.”

 “Nope.” Was Michelangelo’s quick response brushing off imaginary dust from his shoulders.

 When the time came, Raphael with the help of his brothers was settled into a wheeled chair, gathered their belongings and made their way to the Daimyo’s platform high above the battle nexus’s arena. The other three brothers towered over their father but remained behind as the old ninja master lead the way.

 As they made their way up into the Daimyo’s personal perch above the championship the blonde and purple of Aurora’s hair came into view. She was currently kneeling before the seated sullen ruler speaking softly. Her right hand was resting atop his large one in comfort and the edges of his lips lifted to a small smile. He pulled it from beneath hers and rested his massive palm on the top of her head before running it downs the side of her face to give her a gentle pat on her check. The Daimyo nodded and spoke a few whispered words which in turn made the kunoichi smile.

 They watched the private interaction until the pair became aware of their audience and stood to greet them.

 Aurora was dressed in black pants with grey knee-high boots. Her upper half was covered in a sheer blue shirt with a white tank underneath and a long necklace that hung just below her breasts. The blue in her attire did not go unnoticed to Leo who found it difficult to keep his eyes off the woman.  Just hours before she was beneath him, naked, writhing…….calm down. This is not the time or the place.

 “My friends,” The Daimyo started softly, breaking from Aurora to approach the family of five. “I know this trip has been a mix of ups and downs.” The old man swallowed hard as if trying to bury his anxious sadness. “We are in your debt for your help yesterday and of course from a year ago. If it wasn’t for you five.” The Daimyo turned slightly to address Aurora as well who stayed a few feet away. “This dimension and no doubt the rest would be in peril. You will always be honored heroes of the nexus and are always welcome with the highest regard. But this day is a happy occasion; we honor Michelangelo for his triumph in the Battle Nexus Championship as well as Aurora for runner up.” His hands reached out for the pair. “Come, it is time to present you to the people.”

 Without hesitation Mikey approached the Daimyo, he was quick to bow and the ruler’s sad eyes brightened just a little at the youngest gusto.  Turning to Aurora the Daimyo held out his hand which she took and he pulled them forward to the massive opening bring them into view of the mass crowd below. As they looked down at the swaying masses the arena erupted into applause.

 The Daimyo took both their hands and raised them high which made the roaring thunder rise to near ear splitting decimals.

 “My fellow warriors!” the sorrow that filled his voice was gone. Strong and booming followed his words as he put on a show for the masses. “This year’s Championship was found with great success! You honor us with your courage and strength! This year we are graced with a new champion and runner up in their first year to compete. Not only are they fierce fighters but also part of a team that has saved its Daimyo twice! Our runner up is a human from 3rd Earth Aurora Yoshi!”

 He held her hand higher in his excitement virtually pulling her from her feet. She stumbled a bit trying to stay on her tippy toes but a palm to his side stabilized her enough until he realized her predicament and lowered her down to the flats of her feet. “Last year she stopped an arrow from finding its place in my skull and helped us defeat Tigerclaw and his army.” From his robes he pulled a bright purple ribbon with a silver medallion attached at the bottom. He lifted it high and passed the ribbon over her head settling it around her neck. “We thank you for your part in the championship and your help in keeping this kingdom safe.”

 Aurora nodded and was turned forward one more time to be presented to the crowd.

 As the Daimyo turned to address the crowd once again Mikey turned to find Aurora smiling at him. She held out her hand which he accepted getting a squeeze. He couldn’t hear her over the ruckus from below and the bellowing of the massive man before them, but he could read her lips, ‘I’m proud of you.’

 Then he was abruptly pulled from her view and brought to the edge of the platform, his hand was raised with the same enthusiasm and the crowd screamed. It started slowly; muffled words swelling into his name growing in volume until everyone in the arena was chanting. Mikey ate up the attention bowing and adding a little flare with a back flip.

 The Daimyo came up to Mikey resting his hand on his shoulder, “Michelangelo proved himself worthy yesterday to be among the hall of champions. He also along with his brothers alongside Aurora saved this dimension twice over with the defeat of Drako and… my son Ue-Sama yesterday and ending the war with Tigerclaw last year. We are forever grateful!”

 Pulling another ribbon from his robes, this time a vibrant orange to match his mask and a large gold medallion at its end the Daimyo presented Michelangelo with his award. Mikey bowed his head to accept the award with pride. As he stood back to his full height he found his family’s admiration beaming with each face he saw. “You honor your family with your skills and your dedication to your craft Michelangelo.  You should be proud of yourself because I know your family is.”

 With slow hands the ruler turned the young mutant to face him; Mikey could see the tears in his eyes. Despite the happy face he was showing the Daimyo was in pain, an immense amount that he was now struggling to keep contained.  His smile thinned and faltered so Mikey reached up giving him a much needed embrace. This was when he could feel him shaking and waved his hand to Aurora.

 The kunoichi took the cue and pulled the Daimyo from his grip and away from the prying eyes of the crowd.

 Mikey did one more bow and waved, “See you all next time!” before throwing a smoke bomb disappearing from the ledge getting another roar from the captivated crowd.

 The Daimyo allowed Aurora to escort him from the balcony and too Splinter and his sons. “I am truly thankful for your help yesterday, all of you. But I’k sure you all wish to return to your homes for rest.” His hand rose waving Gyoji over. “Aurora you will be sent home today, Gyoji will return you to the location he retrieved you from. Old friend I’m sorry but your son is not yet healthy enough to take the trip through the dimensional portal. The energy within would rip his wound wide open. Raphael must remain here until his wounds have healed more.”

 “We shall stay behind as well if that is alright with you?”

 “You and your family are always welcome.”

 Letting go of the large man Aurora went to her bag and swung it over her shoulder. “Thank you my Daimyo, and thank you for everything. I am sorry about Ue-Sama, I truly am. But I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him or Drako.”  

 “As a father I hope you are right about my son but as a ruler I hope you are wrong.”

 Leo could feel the panic rising in his chest. He hadn’t thought about what would happen when this was over. She was leaving again and they would have no way to contact her. How long would it be before they saw her again? He moved on instinct stepping towards her, his hand came out to rest on her shoulder. “W-when will….where?”

 At the contact Aurora looked over her shoulder and tried to keep her composure as his beautiful blue eyes bore into her soul. She knew what he wanted but she wasn’t ready to give them her location. Not yet, soon but not yet.

 Splinter’s paw came down on his forearm and Leo released her shoulder, “My dear when you are ready you know where to find us. Our door has and will always be open to you my child.”

 As the white portal opened to her destination Aurora turned to the Daimyo and bowed and turned to do the same to Master Splinter. “Till next time.” She called before slipping through threw the light and disappearing from their life again.

 The Daimyo saw the expressions on their faces as the portal snapped shut swallowing up their kunoichi. His hands came down on Leonardo’s and Splinters shoulders. “Come my friends let us go get lunch.”

 It took two more days for Raphael to be well enough to travel home. Gyoji conjured up another portal, the swirling white light meant home, a proper shower and pizza. The Daimyo face grew solemn and reached down to the old rat. His large arms wrapped around Splinter’s small frame but was careful to do no harm.

“My friend please treasure your sons for you never know when it will be the last day you will see them.” They could hear his old voice struggling with his words as he clung to the old rat. Then his head lifted and looked at the four brothers and smiled passed his sorrow. “Give her time, she still loves you all. I could see the inner turmoil tearing her apart.”

 “Until we meet again my old friend. I shall do my best to come see you more often. My sons are grown and require less observation so I should be able to get away.”

 A gentle smile lifted the ruler’s lips, “I would love that my old friend. I look forward to it.”

 With one final bow the family of five said their farewells and stepped through the portal into the large space below the city streets that was their home.

 As they crossed over the threshold into the lair Donnie’s com rang and a very worried April came over the speaker into the genius’s ear. Pressing his finger to the device in his ear he began to listen to their friend. “Yes April, Raph is doing fine. Thankfully the mutagen in our blood has sped up his recovery tremendously. He’ll be back to giving us hell and crushing skulls in a week or two. How did you know? She what? For how long? I see, yes you can come over. See you in 20.”

 “How did April know about Raph already?” Leo asked helping their Sensei to the kitchen table.

 “Aurora…..I guess she’s been in contact with April the past couple weeks. Aurora called her yesterday when she got back to our dimension letting her know about the fight and to check up on us. She’s ahhh coming over with pizza for us and sushi for sensei.”

 Leo looked back at Donnie as he filled the kettle for tea, his mouth open in disbelief. Aurora had been missing for a year and she had started talking to April a couple of weeks ago and April didn’t tell them? The blue leader was upset but refused to vocalize it since he himself might have dashed their chances to reconnect with Aurora themselves. Finishing up filling the kettle Leo started the burner and set the kettle on top of the stove. His attention returned to his injured father helping him to the bathroom.

 “You’ll feel better after a shower Sensei, and your tea will be ready when you get out.”

 Weary and tired Master Splinter thanked his son before closing the door. He was looking forward to a hot shower and his own bed tonight, of course after a hot cup of soothing tea. After a few moments Leo heard the shower start and the shower curtain pull closed. Assured his father was ok Leo returned to the kitchen and started to prepare the tea leaves and steeper for his father’s tea.

 Looking up from his task Leo found his brothers scattered over the lair. Seeing Raph sitting on the couch pressing his finger to his covered wound Leo sighed making his way over to his brute of a brother.

 Sitting down next to him Leo grabbed Raph’s hand preventing another jab to the bandage setting it down on his lap, “What the shell are you doing Raph?”

 “Feeling.” Raph grumbled crossing his arms over his chest wincing at the shooting pain in his side. “Is that ok with you?”

 “Why w…” before he could finish, the whirlwind of April tore through the lair heading straight for Raph and himself. In her left hand she carefully balanced four pizzas and on her right slung a bag from their favorite sushi stop. Setting the goodies down on the coffee table April sat down next to the two turtles and immediately started fussing over Raphael. After a few moments Raph visible softened to their human friend and allowed her to clean his wound with the fresh supplies Donnie had just brought over.

 April had gotten into the familiar rhythm of taking care of her friends each time they came home from patrol battered and bruised. Over the past year as the operations of the purple dragons increased she saw more blood and dark marks on the brothers than she cared to witness. Thankfully none had been life threatening until this day. This was the first time a wound could have been mortal. When she had gotten the phone call from Aurora she could tell Aurora had been worried. The attack on the family was troublesome and set her on edge. Even the hitch in Aurora’s voice as she gave a short detail of the attack sent a heavy chill through her body. Looking to the Leader next to Raph she took note of his bandaged hand and winced remembering the story behind it.

 That hand saved them both, Raph and himself by grabbing the business end of a sword. The sharp metal sliced through his palm and fingers like warm butter before coming to a halt from the pure strength of his grip. It was a testament to Leo’s commitment to his never ending training and continuing pursuit to perfect his body. Leo was always looking to get better, always ready to defend his family and had proven many times the dutiful leader always putting himself in danger to keep his family safe. Splinter had made the right choice to put the blue banded terrapin in charge.

 After ever bit of food she had brought into the lair was consumed by the guy’s ravenous appetite April watched Leo shift in his seat suddenly looking a little suspicious. His bandaged hand ran over his blade crown and released a long drawn out sigh. Even before he said anything she knew who the question would be about.

 “Have you seen her since she contacted you?” His usual commanding voice wavered at the subject of his question.

 “I haven’t seen her yet but I know she’s back in the city somewhere. She keeps promising to meet up for dinner but her current project has kept her pretty busy.”  

 “Current project?” Donnie cocked his head at the notion from across the kitchen table.

 “Not sure yet, she’s being pretty secretive about it but she assured me I’ll get to see it when it’s done. Not gonna lie, I’m super stoked. It’s been way too long. How did she look?”

 Leo watched April from across the table asking about Aurora. He could see the hesitancy in her features like she was playing with something fragile. She didn’t want to upset him but she wanted to know. Then the soft smile turned excited and she nearly jumped from her chair.

 “Wait! Who won the Battle Nexus Championship?!” Her big beautiful eyes scanned each brother waiting anxiously for an answer.

 “You mean SHE didn’t tell you?” Raph laughed leaning back on his chair testing the strength of the old metal on the vintage chair.

 “All she told me was it was someone I knew.”

 Mikey’s sudden push of his chair sent the thing teetering dangerously on the kitchens platforms edge as he stood. His thumbs hooked under the straps of his harness and pushed them forward as if they were suspenders. The soft ridges of his eyes wagged as he stepped away from the table and took a sliding side step towards April. “You anglecakes, have the privilege of looking upon a bona fide multi dimensional battle nexus champion.”

 April could barely contain the squeal of excitement for the youngest brother. Jumping from her chair she ran into his arms giving him a long hug. “Mikey I’m so proud of you! I knew all that extra training would pay off! Did you get a trophy or something?”

 “Yeah I got a gold medallion and there will be a statue made in my likeness in the hall of champions. You should have heard the crowd, it was killer!”

 “Who did you beat to win?” April asked letting go of Mikey returning to her chair.

 “Aurora.”

 “Oh damn.” April gawked at Mikey.

 “Yeah tell me about it.” Mikey’s smile grew.

 Donnie shifted in his chair trying to get the woman’s attention and leaned towards April setting his chin in his hands batting his big brown eyes, “So are you going to give me Aurora’s new phone number?”

 April gave him a half hearted smile shaking her head, “Sorry guys, she told me not to give you the number yet. She’s not ready yet and Don if you hack my phone to get it none of us will hear from her again. Don’t push the issue and let her come back on her own time. I could tell by the tone of her voice the other day she was struggling with seeing you guys, she misses you all, just know that.”

 April stayed for another hour before having to return home to get ready for work in the morning. Soon after, the lair was dark as the turtles and their sensei retired to their own beds for some rest. It had been a stressful few days and the comfort of their own sanctuary brought sleep early.

 It had been a few weeks since their return from the battle nexus championship and things were returning back to normal. After two weeks of highly resented rest Raphael was healed enough to be able to return to patrols with his brothers.

 Their current location was running over rooftops heading towards the newest lead their genius brother had figured out for the Purple Dragons. The chill in the night air indicated the change to fall, from what trees that were dispersed around the city started to change colors.

 “You better be right about this warehouse Donnie, wrestling was about to start.”

 “Yeah yeah Raph, from what reliable sources I found something big is going down with the Purple Dragons tonight. Rebecca wanted us to check it out first before she sent in the Calvary. The one word that kept popping up in the black market chat sites kept saying something about weapons.” Donnie used his bo staff to help himself vault over the next roof landing just behind Leo who had stopped holding his hand up in a silent order to halt.

 As they crept over to the warehouse in question the four brothers looked down into the alleyway finding several large trucks with their doors open awaiting their unknown cargo. There were only a few bodies below watching the trucks so Leonardo signaled the move to the roof of the warehouse to get a better look. A skylight in the far corner of the roof gave the best vantage point and they made their way over peering down below.

 “Jackpot.” Raphael whispered happily pulling his sai from their holsters on his harness. As usual the large mutant was itching for a fight.

 Below was the largest gathering of the Purple Dragons they had seen so far. From what they could see there were at least 50 of the scumbags crowded around a hulk of a man. The first thing they noticed was his stark white long hair braided midway down his back. With the stature almost comparable to Raphael and with a large purple dragon on his left arm that spanned from his shoulder all the way down to his fist, this guy looked like bad news.

 The promise of a challenge made Raph giddy with excitement.

 “That has to be their leader, Hun. We’ve never seen him before and from the way they are all looking to him screams man in charge.” Leo mused scanning over the inside of the warehouse finding several large crates on the opposite side of the gathered Purple Dragons.

 Catching their attention a door adjacent from the gang members swung open and several heavily armed men filtered into the large space below coming to meet Hun. Soon after, a tall but well built man in a black leather coat and dark aviator sunglasses entered moving his way through the armed men coming almost nose to nose with Hun.

 Leo looked to his brothers and held his finger to his mouth needing silence and carefully lifted the skylight giving them a chance to hear the exchange from down below.

 The man in the leather coat spoke first pulling his glasses from his face addressing the gargantuan boss and his lackeys. “Hun, I presume.” He started, smiling when he got a quick nod from the large man. “I presume we have a deal then? I don’t usually do this kind of thing, but your reputation and size of your operation makes you a valuable ally. Plus, I need results sooner than later. If I give you these weapons you and your men will keep an ear to the ground and report back to me any type of unusual activity in the streets.  After that large ship assembled itself above Manhattan a few years ago the government has been on high alert now fully aware we are in fact no longer alone in this universe. There has been a little birdie chirping in my ear and there has even been talk from your own men of four large green mutants taking out your operations lately. I want to know if there is any truth to these accusations and if so I want them taken alive. I would like to study them to find out what makes them tick. From what I’ve heard they were highly trained and have enhanced strength. They could be some use to me.”

 Hun eyed the large crates with interest all the while cracking his oversized knuckles. “So you’re telling me the government is gonna give us these weapons to be their look out? All we gotta do is keep an eye out for the weird freaky shit and let ya know?”

 The man sighed pinching the bridge of his nose, “No, this isn’t coming from the government you idiot. If they knew I was supplying a hostile territorial gang with weapons, my funding would be cut. This is under their radar, off the books you hear me you big baboon. This cannot get back to me you hear me.”

 “No need to get nasty, I hear ya. How do I get a hold of you if I come across these….freaks?”

 The movement to quick to see the man pulled a small white card from the breast pocket of his jacket and handed it to Hun. “Call this number and ask for the name on the card.”

 At those words Leo turned to his brothers giving them a tight frown. Not only were these animals about to get weapons from some government reject but they were looking for them as well? This wasn’t good. Leo moved away from the opening and addressed his three brothers quickly, “We have to stop this, those trigger happy idiots can’t get their hands on those high tech weapons. We need to figure out who this guy is and what section of the government he’s part of. Donnie contact Rebecca and get some back up over here asap.”  

 Donnie nodded and turned away to contact the chief of police and Leo turned to his other two brothers who were awaiting their instructions. “Once Donnie is done we’re gonna cut those lights and take them out. We know the skill set of a Purple Dragon, but those government men look like they’re expertly trained along with those weapons, so be careful with them. The plan is just to keep them busy until the Calvary shows up, they can take it from there and keep things legit. Stay safe and alive.”

 Donnie hung up his com turning back around, “They are on the way, should be here is 10-15 minutes.”

 Returning their attention back to the gathering below Leo motioned for the genius to do his thing. With one push of a button on his wrist the large space below them was plunged it into darkness. The reaction was almost instantaneous bringing loud and angry cursing from within the pitch black void.

 Taking their cue Leo lifted the skylight fully and the four brothers drop down into the darkness ready to stop the exchange no matter the cost. Thankfully with all the confusion of the lighting failure their presence to the unwitting party had gone unnoticed. This gave them the upper hand and the element of surprise which they took full advantage of and attacked. Quickly and quietly the four turtles took out the first 10 Purple Dragons before the rest of the large room’s inhabitance became aware of the threat.

 As flashlights were found and turned-on, streaks of green whipped by in the streams of light startling the men.

 “It’s them!” Someone yelped in the darkness before being silenced by Raphael.  

 “Someone get those goddamned lights back on now!” Hun growled before being tackled to the ground by the hurdling weight of Leonardo. Immediately the large man began to fight the unexpected weight holding him to the ground. Leo watched the man’s eyes widen in shock blocking a blow from his fist. Hun couldn’t make out too much in the darkness, but he could see his large silhouette hovering above him. “Get off me!”

Finding that Hun was stronger than he anticipated Leo was able to get a few blows in before he was unceremoniously thrown over Hun’s head landing on two Purple Dragons. Getting to his feet he avoided as much of the lights that desperately searched for the hidden attackers. Leo leapt from the ground swinging up into the rafters to find his brothers who were now scattered around the warehouse.

 Mikey was the farthest way taking on four gang members single handily.  Donnie was fiddling with something by the crates hopefully figuring out a way to keep the guns from the Purple Dragon’s greedy hands. And then there was Raph who had just found Hun and like two unmovable forces colliding Leo could have sworn he felt the shockwave from their kinetic energy.

 Then Leo noticed the strange man and his subordinates staying back away from the fight. One of them was working on a tablet just behind the man in the glasses. What was he doing?

 Thankfully most of the Purple Dragons were down for the count not including Hun who Raph was still working on, so all they needed to deal with was the governments men. When the lights hummed back to life engulfing the once dark space Leo knew what the man was working on. To Leo’s horror Mikey and Raph were out in the open exposed in full view of the strange government man and his men. He watched the man pull his glasses from his face and wicked smile curled up his wide mouth.

 “So you are real?” he laughed manically stepping closer to the two visible turtles.

 Hun looked up at the beast he was fighting and stepped back in shock, “F-freak! There are freaks in the city!”

 “Freaks?�� Raph growled at the large man. “You’re the freak asshole. You’re the abomination to this city, stealing and killing for financial gain.” His large fist reared back and slammed into Hun’s face sending the man sprawling back head over heels.  

 Now Raph and Mikey stood in the middle of the room weapons in hand ready to continue the fight. Leo watched from above, his attention on his two brothers and on the genius high in the pile of crates. Donnie finished and turned to look at his eldest brother giving him a thumbs up.

As the cluster of men started forward towards Raph and Mikey, Leo pulled a kunai from his hip and threw it down embedding into the floor of the warehouse. The blade a warning stopped the government men in their tracks. Their eyes rose to the ceiling and followed the large green mass land a few feet from them blocking their view from the other two turtles.

 “Another one? Interesting? How many of you are there?” the man cooed stepping over the blade to face the large mutant in blue.

 Leo stood his ground folding his arms over his chest, “What kind of government official hands over deadly weapons to a gang well known for their brutality and violence?” his voice was dripping with venom taking a step forward.

 The men behind the new threat took notice and started to engage but the man held his hand up stopping their movement.  “What are you? I must know.”

 “That is none of your business and you will leave us alone.”

 “I’m afraid I can’t do that mutant. It’s in my nature to know the unknown and you are making my head spin with excitement. I’ll find out what you are and if I have to dissect you to do that, then so be it.”

 Leo growled at the thought of his brothers tied up opened up like a can of sardines. His hands clenched into fists ready to wail on the man but Donnie waved at him getting his attention. Signaling the emanate explosion Donnie swung up into the rafters waiting impatiently for his brother.

 The strange man followed Leo’s line of sight and found another mutant swinging up to safety, “And there was four.” He hissed returning his gaze back to the mutant before him.

 Leo side stepped and looked back to see Raph and Mikey already gone. Pulling a smoke pellet from his belt he threw it to the floor engulfing him in a dark blue smoke. In the confusion he slipped to safety. As Leo was clear Donnie detonated the bomb sending debris flying everywhere, flames roaring over the crates engulfing them.

As the men got to their feet they all converged on the leader helping him to his feet.

“Sir, we have to get out of here.”

“Bishop!” another called.

“Yes, yes let’s head back to base. I have a report to write.”

 @imthegreenfairy88 @bluesakurablossom @alonia143 @ravn-87 @blossom-skies​ @tmntspidergirl

[lametrashtalk]

i think i forgot to post adrian’s final backstory HERE IT IS

Basics: Name: Adrian Code name: Number 914812 Species: Melanistic Sulcata Tortoise Gender: Male Age: 16 Birthdate: 14th December Zodiac: Sagittarius Birthplace: Earth 4 Height: 5'6’’ (1,68 cm) Weight: 85 kg Eyes: Green Family: Unknown Occupation: Adventurer between worlds. Wants to explore and learn new cultures across the universe as much as possible Fears: He has abandonment issues. He grew up being used by his family, so he doesn't really like them. But the moment he gets attached to someone, he fears that they might leave him. Special Abilities: Healer, portal maker, quick learner. Has an interest in astronomy.

Personality:  Optimistic, extroverted character! Feels like there isn’t a place where he feels at home, so he explores the universe to ground himself. Falls easily for people. Intelligent, has strong morals, is curious, and takes a particular interest in how the world around him works. However, is very blunt, has a quick temper, and never takes anything seriously. Great sense of humor, never to anyone’s expenses, enjoys socializing. Has an escapism tendency (runs away from his problems). Relationships: Family: Number 41718 (Grandma) - Adrian's late grandmother. She practically raised him while his parents spent most of their time busy or away, and they were rather close. She would teach him herbal medicine so he could avoid using his own powers and getting himself sick. She also owned a magic pendant -  it allowed her to travel between alternative dimensions. She later gave it to Adrian before passing away. Parents - Adrian's parents were never really present around his early childhood. They are doctors so they spent most of their time working, often neglecting their son and using him as ways to get their own things done Friends : Donatello - Adrian and Donnie's friendship started with quite ease. He had a small crush on Donatello from when they first met, to later really falling in love with the guy; Donnie also taught Adrian the concept of found family and helping others purely for self-contentment, rather than being bossed to do it like Adrian was taught to do. Their relationship is quite fun, as they both love to learn new things, give each other their much-needed space, and are very understanding of one another- However, they are both scared to admit to each other how they really feel; rather, Donnie is very scared to show Adrian his true sentiments and often doesn't understand when Adrian flirts with him. They eventually start dating, though. It is a healthy relationship with lots of communication, however with its challenges: Adrian's dramatic and impulsive self and Donnie's tendency to be extremely aloof and detached. They work it out, though. Raphael - Both Raph and Adrian get along well most of the time. They are both easily angered (Adrian is not as much of a hothead as Raph is, though) and they communicate with each other easily. In fact, Adrian told Raph about his little crush. Not without hearing a threat in case he hurts the other's brother, though. Mizuiro Hasu ( @outofmymilkyway 's OC) - When Adrian noticed Mizu's crush on Leonardo and love for space, he'd immediately took her on a trip to visit a parallel dimension where he questioned her about her little crush and how to deal with a similar crush he as on Donatello. They'd start getting on trips together to talk about their feelings and the respective turtles, being each other's wingman. Adrian feels very grateful to have this human friend and thinks fondly of her. Michelangelo - Mikey loves to show Adrian all of his comics and share jokes. They don't really spend a lot of time together, but when they do, it's either Mikey being obnoxious around him and Donnie, or Adrian daring Mikey to do dumb challenges, usually in exchange for something that matters to the other. Leonardo - They had a rocky start. Leonardo's bushido and family first philosophies did not settle well with Adrian's rebellious, "was hurt by my family so I don't agree that family should go above everything else, instead that should've been you first, the others later" attitude. So they either argue a lot or Leo acts very passive-aggressive towards Adrian, or the latter telling him to get away from him. They eventually cool off and start respecting each other after the events from "Good Genes". Backstory: Adrian comes from another Earth dimension, just like Usagi and the TMNT. For most of his childhood, he lived in peace with his family and friends, but in the year he became 10 years old, a civil war started. Since then, Adrian and his family had to heal many civilians from the fights. The thing is, when they'd heal someone, part of their lifespan and energy would be gone. The bigger the injury, the more energy they'd have to use. And since Adrian was the youngest, they'd make him heal most people because he had the more energy to spare and they were old. So he spent about 5 years doing the most healing, while his family rested. He'd trust his family less and less because he was so, so tired. But they didn't want him to stop, and if he did, most people would perish. One night, he'd overhear his parents speaking on the matter; they'd say it was better for Adrian to do all the healing because they were much older than he was, therefore they wouldn't die so soon. This made Adrian extremely upset and hurt, so he took his late grandma's pendant, stole one of their neighbor's ship, and flew away. So now, Adrian is a traveler between worlds. He mostly does this, not only because he wants to know about the universe around him, but because he never felt quite at home and didn't have enough freedom to do much. During this time, he learned that most aliens had names instead of code numbers, so he changed his name from Number 914812 to Adrian. In a bid for freedom, he also managed to get himself causing a lot of trouble, only because he was forced to help others against his own will. He also sleeps. A lot. He went to watch the Battle Nexus, where he met Donatello and Usagi right after they saved the Damiyo’s life – Adrian had been exploring because he got bored. Right away, he’d recognize Donnie because he was one of the first contestants to lose and immediately mocked him in his mind. However, he felt like it would be a good courtesy to say hello to both Usagi and Donnie. What Adrian didn’t expect was for Donnie, who he thought he was a complete loser, to be so soft-spoken and polite – in fact, his voice immediately caught him off guard. He’d keep talking to both of them while Splinter wasn’t free from the dungeon. Usagi was interesting, but in the end, it ended up being just Adrian and Donnie speaking. Donnie’s charisma had absolutely made him struct by him. Donatello talked about what he does (his inventions) and Adrian talked about the exploration he did across the universe – which left Donnie pretty much interested. It ended up being a quick friendship, with Donnie inviting him to Earth so Adrian could show him the different worlds and they could explore together.   A week later, Adrian showed up, they planned cool planets to visit (that Adrian knew were safe). When out of missions, Donnie would manage to contact Adrian and would spend more free time with him than his family (much to everyone’s annoyance). One of the planets they visited was populated by tiny, cute, fuzzy people. However, in the middle of their trip, they were struck by a hurricane, leaving the tiny aliens' houses mostly destroyed. Donnie immediately offered himself to help, while Adrian kept his distance, questioning why would Donatello help so many people that he didn't know. This ended up with Don explaining to him that it is good to help people in need. It makes them happy and rely on you, and you feel great about your doings, but that if Adrian didn't want then he shouldn't be forced to do it. Seeing all the little aliens happily bouncing around his friend, Adrian, reluctantly decided to help fix a table - which he did an okay job with. Seeing everyone happily thanking him made him realize that maybe... helping others wasn't THAT bad when your health wasn't on the line for your selfish parents. He looked fondly at Donnie - he was so happily helping others that Adrian went from having a crush to completely fall in love with the guy.

[un-bearablysweet]

Spider mom Au Headcanon

Even though Big Mama did my man dirty and used Master Splinter for her own gain, I can't help but wonder what life would be like if she had said yes to his proposal. Imma calls it "SpiderMom" Au.

Picture it, Lou Jitsu proposes, and Big Mama confesses that before she can give him an answer, he has to know the truth. She then reveals herself to be a Spider Yokai and a crime lord and asks him if he still loves her? Even when in her Yokai form. She had seen the previous girls he had been with, why would he again choose her to marry?  

This gonna be a little longer than usual, so bear with me.

Lou Jitsu, at this point, is too far gone to even think about letting Big Mama go. He's shocked at first, but once he looked into those eight beautiful eyes that this was still the woman he loved. No matter what she forms she took, she was still is his sassy sugar badger. Besides the whole crime boss thing, it was a minor inconvenience. Lol

With no further hesitation, Lou Jitsu stands by his proposal. 

Big Mama agrees, but before the can get hitched, Lou Jitsu has to prove his worth to not only hear but to the Yokai community and her associates. These lead to Lou Jitsu's fighting and winning at the battle Nexus to prove himself. Kinda like how animals in the wild have mating dances or fight challengers as a show of dominance and that they are the best choice. 

Lou Jitsu wins, and he and Big Mama are happily married a couple of years passed. And while Lou does remain champion after suffering nasty injuries after a particularly lousy fight. He and Big Mama agreed that he should retire early with zero loses; by then, Draxum had already seen Lou Jitsu fight and is still moving along with his mutation plan.  

Draxum doesn't know that Lou and Big Mama are married at this point and believed that Big Mama was hogging Lou Jitsu for herself and would only make him fight once a year to draw in a bigger crowd. Lou Jitsu only fights once a year as a part- one wedding anniversary gift. It's only after the fight that when Lou Jitsu is getting his minor cuts and scrapes healed up before he and Big Mama continue, they're planned anniversary that Hugin and Munin strike. 

Rather than willing going with them, as shown in the episode Goyles, Goyles, Goyles. Hugin and Munin manage to chloroformed him with some of the healing potions in the room. 

It's at this point that when Lou reawakens in Draxum's lab, Draxum does his usual villain monologue, and Lou explains that he's doesn't have time for crazy fans, and he doesn't plan to be late for his anniversary dinner. Lou Jitsu was used to be occasionally kidnapped or threatened by rivals or business associates of Big Mama. 

These yokai's soon learned not to mess with Big Mama's business, let alone her hubby. Insults were hurled, punches were thrown, the mutations happen, and the lab was destroyed. Lou manages to make his way out of the fire and rubble with four baby turtles clutched in his arms. But rather than retreat to the sewers to Lou immediately makes his way to the Battle Nexus outpost to flag done a ride back to the hotel. 

He and Big Mama had never thoroughly discussed the idea of children, but I guess there was no backing out now. Lou quickly made his way to the hotel and was immediately tended to by the onsite healers. Big Mama had been getting ready for the anniversary dinner all morning. She now has to process the fact that her husband appears to be turning into a rat. A group of her bellhops was trying to calm four baby turtles.

Once Lou finishes his tale of events, Big Mama is furious and immediately wants to put a hit on Draxum's head. With the mutation continuing with no way of reversing it, Lou convinces her it would be better than Draxum believe that both he and the turtles are dead from the fire. Draxum was very reclusive, and he didn't run deeply in the same circles as Big Mama so the wouldn't have to worry about word getting out. Most yokai were smart enough to not spread Big Mama's business around. 

Big mama wasn't exactly sold on having not one but four children, but once the little box turtle looked up her with the sweetest look and chirped at her. She swore from then no harm would come to them. These were now her turtles-boos while she was certainly not the most maternal. Isn't that becoming a parent was about learning along the way? And the kids were a part of her husband, and she still loved him dearly they would get through this together.

She did, however, refuse to name the green 1-4. She drew the line at that. While she would miss her husband's tall stature and tan skin, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying how fluffy he and small he was. Gray was definitely his color, she had her servants set up a nursery near her rooms and knew that this was definitely going to be interesting.

The boys are then raised mostly in the Nexus Hotel topside, not wanting to catch the eye of Draxum; the boys were only allowed outside the hotel into the hidden city with at least 12 guards. The boys are given private tutors, of course, and due to Raph's "sharp" physique all his clothes, his clothes had to be enchanted but would still end up ripping. Donnie, of course, chews through tutors like packs of gum. And Big Mama loved to indulge all of her baby's talents. 

She especially loved to brag how brilliant her children were to anyone who would listen.

"oh your 21yr son finished college how cute, my Donnie kins just finished building his second AI system, it's what all the 12yr olds are up to." 

"My Darling Miguel has been winning the hidden city gymnastics competition for several years now."  

"Oh, yes! My lovely Leo just led his Kendo team to nationals for the 5th year in the row! You must see the trophy."

"Raphael is getting so big, I'm sure his boxing coach will soon be moving him to the advanced class. 15yrs need to stay active, you know."

Everything is not always perfect, you know.

The boys are an absolute menace on the hotel as children; Donnie won't stop ripping out needed appliances and messing with the elevator. Mikey once painted over a 500 dollar rug, Raph and Leo turned the dinner carts into chariot racing. 

 I imagine that Big Mama is a cross of Mama bear and Tiger Mom, she's very loving and wants the best for her children. But when she's mad, it's best to stay clear. She can't stay mad at her babies for long though, family nights were a must. Lou Jitsu marathons with lots of snacks, pizza, and cuddling. And must to Lou's chagrin Jupiter Jim movies. You definitely missed being human, but being rat had its advantages. And with a cloaking necklace given by his wife, he could hardly tell the difference. 

The boys still meet April while sneaking out and manage to convince their mom that she wasn't like other humans. The boys were getting older, and she couldn't keep them in the hotel forever. Cue giving them cloaking necklaces and bracelets to hide out in the human world and start going to school with April. 

And all the shenanigans of trying to hide four mutant turtles in high school included.

This is getting pretty long for me, so I'll end it here, if anyone's interested in more info on my take, feel free to message me.  

[thatcrazyfanfictionwriter]

Secret of the Sewers: The Losing Score

Inside the healing pavilion, Usagi, Donny, and Leo were doing all that they could to try and cure Hisako’s affliction. Unfortunately, her condition just continued to worsen. As Donnie wiped sweat from her brow for the hundredth time that hour, the four guards carrying the Daimyo entered the pavilion.

“Master Healer!” one shouted. “The Daimyo is in need of your gifts!”

The master healer, who had been overseeing Hisako’s treatments, immediately ushered the guards towards a private chamber near the back of the pavilion. As the doors closed, Usagi turned to them in confusion and worry.

“The Daimyo did not look well.” he remarked. “Perhaps he was attacked.”

“Maybe by the same person that attacked Hisako.” Leo deduced.

“But who? And why?” Donny questioned.

“We have to trust that the Daimyo’s son will handle those questions.” Usagi insisted, looking down at Hisako sadly. “I fear what will happen if we leave your sister unattended for long.”

...

Out in the arena, the remaining fighters were called together once again. Raph and Mikey looked at the other five contestants, seeing a distinct lack of their siblings.

“Oh man, both Leo and Donny failed to make the cut.” Mikey realized.

“Hisako too.” Raph pointed out. “They must be kicking themselves so hard right now.”

“Yeah, but I would never be so unsportsmanlike as to rub it in their faces.” Mikey insisted.

“I would.” Raph retorted without missing a beat.

Mikey grinned.

“Yeah, me too.” he admitted. “Once this is over, we’ll go find them.”

As he said this, Gyoji appeared alongside Ue-Sama, who was now wielding his father’s staff.

“Champions!” He proclaimed. “My father has been forced to turn over his duties as Master of the Tournament in order to deal with a delicate issue that has arisen. However, I am pleased to announce that the matches will continue this day!”

The crowd cheered happily and the champions all grinned.

“However, because of a withdrawal from the competition, we have been left with an uneven number of contestants.” Ue-Sama continued. “Some time will be needed to figure out how to handle this issue. Thus, I dismiss the remaining champions for one mega-quargon, after which the matches will continue as planned.”

“How long is a mega-quargon?” Raph asked.

“Long enough for us to hunt down some food, and our wayward siblings.” Mikey announced. “I want them to be there when I wipe the floor with the competition, starting with your sorry shell.”

“Yeah, keep dreaming Mikey.” Raph remarked.

“What, you don’t think I can do it?” Mikey retorted, his face somewhat serious. “You don’t think I’m a contender? You don’t think I’m good enough to go all the way?”

“In a word… yes.” Raph responded. “Come on, let’s go find the others.”

He walked out as Mikey took in what his brother said. After a moment, he chased after Raph.

“I’m gonna make you eat those words, Raph!” he shouted. “You hear me?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Raph waved off.

...

Up on the Daimyo’s observation deck, Gyoji looked over at Ue-Sama.

“My lord, are you sure it is wise to keep your father’s condition a secret?” he questioned.

“Revealing the truth would only cause unwanted panic.” Ue-Sama rationalized. “Besides, we have the assassin in custody, and we do not wish to alarm his students. We do not yet know if they pose a threat. So, for now, we will continue as if nothing has happened.”

Gyoji bowed.

“Of course, my lord.” he said before disappearing once again.

…

Down in the palace dungeons, Splinter sat in a small cell, trying his best to remain calm. His thoughts continued to drift to his children, praying that they would be alright and that he would be able to see the again. As he sat there in a meditative position, a voice from the shadows suddenly spoke up.

“How can one stay so calm in the face of such hardship?” the voice questioned.

Splinter perked up, recognizing the voice immediately. It was the Daimyo’s true assassin, who calmly stepped out of the darkness to sneer at the captive rat.

“I stay calm for I know your ambitions will be thwarted.” Splinter replied. “The truth will shine through your deception.”

Tigerclaw let out a laugh, approaching the bars as he did. Splinter stepped back as the tiger closed in.

“I highly doubt that, rat.” He smirked. “Especially since you're going to confess to the assassination attempt.”

“Why would I do that?” Splinter asked.

“Because the Daimyo isn’t the only one who’s life hangs in the balance.”

Splinter’s eyes went wide.

“Hisako…” he whispered.

“The poison used on her was native to my home dimension.” He explained. “a deadly concoction that will leave her in unimaginable agony before she finally begs for death's embrace.”

He reached under a scarf he wore around his neck, pulling out a small vial with a cork in it.

“This is the only antidote.” He explained. “And if you admit to your crimes, I'll be merciful enough to save your daughter.”

Splinter glared at the tiger with contempt. Tigerclaw tucked the vial back under his scarf, then turned and made his way out of the prison.

“Now if you'll excuse me, I have a tournament to win.” He announced as the doors slammed shut behind him.

...

Meanwhile, Mikey, Raph, and the rest of the champions were milling about the plaza, waiting for the next round. As they walked, Mikey continued to pester his brother about his skills.

“C'mon Raph, how many times have I held my own in a fight?” He pressed.

“You’re good little brother, but you ain’t that good.” Raph responded.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Mikey questioned. “I'm just as good as the rest of you guys!”

“Mikey, you spend more time trying to get out of training then you do actually trying to hone your skills.” Raph countered.

“That's not true!” Mikey argued.

Raph just stopped walking for a moment, turning and giving his orange brother an incredulous look.

“...Okay, maybe it is.” Mikey relented. “But I still have just as much a shot at winning this as you.”

Raph rolled his eyes.

“You got lucky last round and Sensei bowed out.” Raph pointed out. “but next round decides the Final Four, and if you make it that far, it'll be a miracle.”

“Then just call me the miracle turtle.” Mikey responded.

As he was walking, he failed to watch where he was going, and ended up running right into Tigerclaw. The tiger growled at him, his eyes narrowing.

“Watch where you're going, terrapin.” He snarled.

“Oh, uh, sorry dude.” Mikey apologized. “Didn’t see you there.”

Tigerclaw let out a sniff, turning away from Mikey with a look of disdain.

“Your manners are worse than your stench.” He growled.

“Hey!” Mikey responded. “I said I was sorry, what more do you want from me?”

Tigerclaw just snorted.

“What I want, a cub like you could never provide.” Tigerclaw retorted. “Why you were allowed into these games is a mystery to me.”

“Hey!” Mikey said again. “You know, I’m getting a little sick of hearing that. I can take it from my bros, but you don't get to badmouth me.”

Tigerclaw leaned in close, growling at the orange turtle.

“And what are you gonna do about it?” He asked, extending his claws.

Mikey took a step back and gulped slightly. Thankfully, he was saved from his impending doom by the timely arrival of Gyoji.

“Champions!” he declared. “The next round of the Battle Nexus Tournament is about to begin!”

“Whew.” Mikey let out.

Tigerclaw sheathed his claws, straightening up.

“See you in the tournament, cub.” He sneered before walking away.

Mikey watched him go, then seemed to sag.

“Dude, I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes.” He informed Raph.

Raph just shook his head, pushing Mikey forward.

“C'mon bozo, let's get to the arena.” The red turtle insisted.

…

The crowd had returned in full force as the seven remaining combatants emerged out into the arena. Ue-Sama walked out onto the Daimyo’s booth, lifting his father's staff high.

“Welcome to the next round of the Battle Nexus Tournament!” He declared. “Before we begin, the matchups will be determined by random lottery!”

Gyoji appeared in the center of the arena at that. With a wave of his war paddle, a large watery sphere appeared out of thin air.

“As there are uneven number of combatants, the unpaired champion will automatically move on to the Final Four.” Gyoji explained.

All seven warriors reached into the ball. A purple and blue warrior and a female looking alien pulled out kunai knives with matching purple tassels. They bowed to one another, then disappeared into shimmering light. Gen reached in and pulled out a red kunai knife. Immediately, Gyoji appeared beside him.

“Gennosuke of Dimension Earth 2.5, you shall advance to the next stage of combat.”

“Excellent!” Gen exclaimed before turning to Raph and Mikey. “You all should have bet on me when you had the chance.”

He then disappeared into shimmering light as Mikey looked down at his own Kunai knife. It had a yellow tassel, identical to the one Tigerclaw held. Gulping fast, Mikey turned to the combatant nearest to him, shaking his hand vigorously.

“Good luck, my friend!” he announced.

He then released the combatant, leaving the unfortunate alien holding the yellow kunai knife. He locked eyes with Tigerclaw, then they vanished.

“Ha!” Mikey let out, holding up his newly acquired green kunai knife. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! Who be the turtle? The turtle be-”

“Me.” Raph finished, showing him his matching kunai knife. “The turtle who’s gonna enjoy this so hard. We’re talking a lifetime's worth of get backs, here.”

Mikey flinched, then he and Raph disappeared as well. The entire arena then shimmered and shifted, dividing into equal thirds. The purple guy and his opponent faced off, as did Tigerclaw and his. Mikey just kinda looked at his brother nervously, chucking quietly.

“I guess it's too much to hope you'll forfeit like Splinter did.” He said quietly.

“You got that right, bro.” Raph confirmed, drawing his sai.

“Eh, thought as much.” Mikey replied.

Raph then leapt towards Mikey, sai poised to strike. Mikey rolled out of the way at the last second, the sai missing him by scant inches.

…

In one of the other slices, Tigerclaw faced off against his opponent, a creature resembling a greyish-blue ogre with orange hair. The creature charged at Tigerclaw, a spear-like weapon poised to strike. Tigerclaw deftly caught it, wrenching it from his hands before tossing it aside. Tigerclaw then took a swipe at the ogre, his claws raking his chest before he disintegrated into light. The warrior was then transported up to the loser’s box, where he promptly threw a childish fit.

…

The purple and blue warrior faced off against the female alien, both masters of tridents. Their weapons clashed as they tried to force the other one back. The female seemed to have the advantage, until the purple and blue guy literally began to grow. His muscles filled out as he began pushing her back. Soon, he was towering over her as her small mouth dropped in shock.

Before she could properly adjust to her opponent’s increased size, he twisted the trident from her hand and stabbed at her stomach. She disappeared in light as he raised his weapon above his head, bellowing out a victory cry.

…

Raph and Mikey continued to circle each other continuously before Raph charged at him. Mikey quickly jumped over him and kicked him in the butt, irritating him even more. The crowd loved the antics, cheering loudly.

“Would you listen to that, Raphie-boy.” Mikey taunted. “Seems the crowd is loving me kicking your butt. Can’t say I blame them.”

In a frustrated frenzy, Raph leapt at Mikey, only for Mikey to duck under him. This caused him to tumble to the ground, bouncing slightly before sliding across the dirt on his stomach.

“Ok, now you’re just getting sloppy.” Mikey commented.

Raph saw red as he got to his feet, swiping at Mikey repeatedly. The orange turtle merely backed up, keeping his hands behind his back as he dodged and weaved around his brother’s attacks.

“Will! You! Shut! Your! Trap!” Raph yelled with each strike.

“Why? Is my talking bothering you?” Mikey asked, still dodging the attacks. “Are you being distracted somehow? Losing focus? Messing up your concentration? Finally getting on your nerves, perhaps?”

Raph then dropped to his hands and knees, feeling exhausted from the fight.

“Or maybe you’re just a teeny tiny itty-bitty smidge worried,” Mikey continued. “That I might actually… beat you.”

Raph saw red. He got to his feet and charged blindly at Mikey. The orange turtle deftly jumped into the air, sending his brother crashing into the wall of their slice. He rebounded hard, his vision fuzzy as he disappeared into light. As he shook his head to clear it, he found himself in the loser’s box, much to his horror.

“I… I don’t believe it.” He let out in shock. “Mikey beat me? He’s in the final four? And I’m out. What if... What if… what if Mikey actually wins?!”

He turned on the ogre that Tigerclaw had beaten, grabbing him and shaking him hard while slamming him into the wall.

“What if he actually becomes the Battle Nexus champion?” He continued. “He’ll never let me live it down, and I’ll never be able to live with myself!”

A familiar orange hand came down on his shoulder, pulling him off the ogre and allowing the poor guy to sink to the ground. Raph turned to see Traximus smiling slightly.

“Defeat is a harsh Mistress, my friend.” The Triceraton told him.

“Traximus.” Raph recognized.

“Care to drown your sorrows in a serozian protein liquid supplement?” He offered.

“I have no idea what that is, but why the shell not.” Raph answered.

…

Not long after that, Raph and Traximus sat in one of the few restaurants in the Nexus. Traximus downed a large mug of something Raph couldn’t recognize (and part of him didn’t want to). Raph helped himself to the Nexus equivalent of a root beer float, eating the foam with a strange spoon.

“Thanks for the drink, Traximus.” Raph told the Triceraton. “But I coulda bought my own drink. Ya didn’t have to pay for mine.”

“Call it repaying you for helping me and my colleagues on the Triceraton Home world.” he replied.

“Yeah, I was wondering about that.” Raph admitted, twirling his spoon in his mug. “Last time we saw you, you were riding that giant slug thingy and causing a riot after it ate your Prime Leader.”

“Much has happened since then.” Traximus informed. “My fellow gladiators and I made our escape in the wake of your own. Unfortunately, once we escaped from the Arena, Zanramon’s loyal followers freed him from the belly of the Kraathatrogon.”

Raph’s eyes went wide.

“He survived getting eaten?!” Raph exclaimed.

“So it would seem.” Traximus replied. “My fellow gladiators and I have been doing what we can to fight back against his oppression, but the need for more warriors grows with each passing day. It is for that reason that I came to these games, hoping to recruit honorable warriors for a worthy cause.”

Raph nodded, then a small blush came to his face.

“Speaking of warriors, did uh… did Mona Lisa stay with you guys?” he asked.

“The Salamandarian female?” Traximus questioned. “Yes. She and her brother have been a great asset to our cause. I owe those two my life.”

“How’s she doing?” Raph continued.”

“Quite well.” Traximus assured him. “The last I heard, she was with her brother and the former Triceraton All-Stars performing a raid on some supply ships destined for the Home world. She speaks fondly of you, by the way.”

“That’s great to hear.” Raph replied, lifting his glass.

“Indeed.” Traximus agreed. “Though it seems corruption is an incurable force, even here in the Battle Nexus.”

“What do you mean?” Raph questioned.

“I thought you knew.” Traximus replied. “Surely you are not ignorant of your own kin being poisoned.”

Raph choked on his drink, spewing it out before coughing violently. He composed himself quickly, turning to Traximus in utter confusion.

“What?!” he exclaimed.

“During the second round, your sister was poisoned.” Traximus replied. “I was there when she collapsed. The Daimyo did his best to handle the matter discreetly, but rumors still found their way to my ears.”

“What have you heard?!” Raph demanded, desperation in his eyes.

“Only that the assassin that poisoned your sister also attempted to take the life of the Daimyo, and nearly succeeded.” Traximus continued. “They arrested the rat, and are no doubt attempting to glean the antidote from him.”

“Wait, did you say rat?” Raph asked.

Traximus nodded.

“I believe he called himself…” he hesitated, trying to remember the name. “Sliver? Spinster?”

“Splinter?” Raph let out in disbelief. “That’s mine and Hisako’s Sensei! And he sure as shell ain’t no assassin! What else have you heard?”

“I’m afraid that’s all I know.” Traximus lamented.

“This is insane!” Raph exclaimed. “It’s gotta be a set-up. I’m gonna find Splinter and bust him out right now!”

Traximus quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could go anywhere.

“Raphael, that is an incredibly foolhardy and potentially dangerous course of action.” He told the red turtle before smirking. “If you think I’m letting you do it alone, then you’re sorely mistaken.”

...

The Head Healer knelt over the Daimyo’s body, performing the same ritual he attempted to do to Hisako. Two guards stood watch over the room, their eyes occasionally glancing over to the cot Hisako occupied. Leo and Donnie had been forced to remove her thick armor for a thinner kimono, her temperature rising rapidly. Her hair was matted with sweat and she groaned as if in constant pain.

“I have never seen such a horrible malady.” Usagi whispered, applying a fresh batch of salve to her wound.

“Leo, her temperature is getting close to deadly levels.” Donny let out. “At the rate it’s climbing, she has a day… maybe even less.”

Leo just looked at his sister in dread, feeling completely helpless. As he gently pushed her hair from her face and placed a cool washcloth on her forehead, Ue-Sama walked in. Donny saw him and was on his feet in an instant.

“Tell me you found something!” he begged.

“I believe we found the assassin responsible for what happened to your sister, as well as my father.”

“Really?” Donny responded. “Well do you think he’ll cure Hisako?”

“He has not spoken a word since his arrest.” Ue-Sama lamented.

“I could get him to talk.” Leo muttered darkly.

“Absolutely not.” Ue-Sama snapped. “Your mind is clouded by thoughts of revenge. You would kill him before he had a chance to give you the antidote.”

Leo let out a sigh before turning back to Ue-Sama.

“You’re right.” Leo relented. “Just do what you can, please. Our sister is running out of time.”

“I assure you, I am doing all that I can.” Ue-Sama replied. “He will talk. You have my word.”

Leo bowed to Ue-Sama as the latter peeked in on his father. The Daimyo’s condition did not appear to be changing at all, and his son allowed a small smile to grow under his mask.

“How is he, Master Healer?” He asked as he stepped into the room.

“Not well, I’m afraid.” The healer admitted mournfully. “His will is strong, but his wounds are great. His chances of survival… are not good.”

“Do what you can.” Ue-Sama told him. “That is all I can ask.”

“My lord, perhaps now would be the time to admit to your subjects what has befallen their beloved Daimyo.” The healer offered up. “If the worst comes to pass, they have the right to know the truth.”

Ue-Sama sighed.

“There is wisdom to your words.” he admitted. “Very well. The semi-finals are about to begin, and I can think of no better time to break the news.”

“Then go, my lord.” The healer told him. “I will make sure to inform you of your father’s progress.”

Ue-Sama then turned and walked out of the healer’s pavilion, intent to return to his duties.

[nurturingflame]

Week in Review - 52

Very excited to be starting our second year of Nurturing Flame!!

So to welcome 2017 we are opening our inbox and encouraging you send us a note about some of the things that you enjoyed over the past year and maybe things you might like to see in the future. 

We are aware that our following is a fairly silent crowd but we would love to hear from you!! Don’t be afraid to drop us a line even if you aren’t following. We’d love to hear from everyone!!

Dinner, Dancing & Delectation 37-42

Miles away, deep underneath New York City, a presence stirred from it’s still observance of the night. A crooked smiled emerged under bandaged eyes. The small warm bodies surrounding it began to fidget as they sensed their master’s excitement.

“Well, well, my old friend.” The voice creaked in the darkness only to be answered by the chittering of a thousand voices, “I have not felt this particular emotion from you before. We shall have to investigate.”

A bony and withered hand brought a single white rat up so that it was level with a sunken face. “Perhaps Aristotle, there is something new that we can offer our brother after all.” Pink eyes began to glow as the white rat looked over it’s shoulder towards the far away lair. “ Hmmm… Yes. I see now. Very interesting… very interesting indeed.”

“Go.” The figure extended a mangled finger and a swarm of small bodies flowed past him in a never ending wave. “We cannot let this opportunity pass us by. Stay hidden and wait for my signal. Then bring her to me.” The rats ran with the cackle of their King following them. “Bring them both, and I shall have my knight and my queen.”

Splinter had not been surprised at the edict that they all dance, he knew from the way the night was going that it would come to this at some point.  But he would not make it easy.  No.

Mikey had been the first to come and pull at him, quite physically to get him onto the dance floor.  "Pllleeeeeaaase, Sensei!"  He used those huge guilt, inducing eyes that he had mastered at a very young age.  They always, without fail, pulled at Splinter's heartstrings.    When Donnie and Leo joined in, he was almost overcome...almost.  He was used to standing up to his boys, despite their pleas and begging.  Oh, he'd give in, but not until the time was right, and it was not right yet.  He had to work to hide an amused smile.

What did surprise him was when The Phoenix wiggled her way in between the boys,  not a great feat in and of itself with her size.  She laughed and reached for his hand.  Her felt the pressing of her chi against his, she was expansive and high, obviously, on both alcohol and music. Her breath smelled of the high quality sake she'd unceremoniously downed before joining the other females in their little display.  It was pleasant, warm and mixed with her smell of herbs, oil and honey.  A jolt went through him when she touched him, as if a bubble popped between his energy and hers, though she didn't seem to notice in the least.  She laughed and pulled at him, much in the same way Mikey was doing, "Yes, come one, Sensei!"  Her voice was teasing and so were her bright green eyes.

No, it was not the time to capitulate yet. It was going to something greater than mere pulling to cause him to concede.  And if he wished, he could out last any of his sons.  He was quite sure, if wanted to, he could outlast the little healer, also. Her grip slipped off of his fingers as she tugged gently, and he felt a smug satisfaction that he didn't even budge and more so when she came back to tug at him again.

Then the smell of musk and honeysuckle combined with herbs, honey, and sweat, and Eliza was in front of him, having bumped his son and the healer out of the way. Her teasing warmed his chest, he liked when she was happy, when Gwyn was happy.  He liked that they were all going out of their way to get him to dance, to join the festivities.  They were his, Leo, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, April, Casey, Eliza, and Gwyn.  His friends were here, new ones, who were proving to be friendlier than he had anticipated, and old ones, who had brought fine sake to a fine celebration of friendship.

Eliza leaned into him, and it wasn't possible not to see at least some of her ample curves.  It was one of the first times he'd considered, Grant mustn't have had a chance in the world...and his feeling of amusement grew so that his smile ghosted his lips.

But then, she'd issued a challenge.  A real challenge. For a moment, he bristled internally, there was a difference between a challenge and a playful coaxing  But then he reminded himself, this is a party, and she is teasing.  But the confrontation brought into focus that simple dismissals were too low an ante.  A feral feeling, akin to the thrill of a hunt, crept up from his gut.  "Are you saying that I am afraid?"

He heard Phoenix giggle next to him, as Eliza shrugged and replied.

But it was Murikami who came to save his honor at having to concede defeat.  "You are outnumbered, Splinter-san," he said.  "Surrender before you are overrun."

"Your friend is a smart man," Phoenix said, jumping to her feet.

The tip of one side of Splinter's lips raised as his smile threatened to burst forth.  He took Eliza's hand, a warm, comforting feeling enveloping him, but released it almost immediately once he was up.

In a flash, he was in the middle of the dance floor, as if he'd just appeared there,  his face stern and his heart soaring.  "Michelangelo," he said.  "If you please."

In a move that mimicked his father's, Mikey appeared suddenly at the turntable, irreverently spinning a record in his hands.  He placed it down, dropped the needle, and "Soul Train" began to blare.

Splinter twirled, his tail whipping behind him, his legs twisting and turning as he did, to end with his head down, his arm upraised, and a finger pointing to the sky.   The single move sent the room into whoops.  The children all smiled impressively, The Phoenix jumped up and down laughing and clapping her hands like a small child, and Eliza popped her hip out, placing her hand on it and smiling smugly.

He did nothing to hide his own smile now.  They thought this was good?  No, he hadn't even started.

As Splinter took center stage Eliza had to admit that he was rather impressive. His dancing was far more acrobatic than she would have thought possible in a robe, she  wished that he were wearing pants, bellbottoms would have been appropriate, so that she could see his legs and footwork better.

After Splinter’s solo performance everyone else joined in and it wasn’t long before they were all joined together in a twisting ‘train line’ dancing its way through the dojo. She was towards the middle of the pack with Murikami in front of her and Acros with a firm handle on her hips from his place behind her. After one circuit around the room and a loop past the tree the line formation broke apart, people and mutants dancing in smaller groups or signally.

Murikami was scooped up by Medusa, who then joined Casey and Raph. Eliza was about to shimmy her way over to Splinter, Phoenix and Leo when she felt a tug on her hips and found herself pulled back against a fuzzy chest. “No fair Mrs. V.,” Acros rumbled in her ear and she felt the vibrations through her back. “I haven’t had a dance yet.”

“You’re right, Teddy Bear.” The ferret woman teased, using the nickname she had over heard Phoenix use. “I wouldn’t want to be accused of choosing favorites.” She smiled as she leaned into him more, moving her body sinuously. The music continued with a mixed disco beat and Eliza lost herself in the rhythm. At some point Aretha Franklin’s rendition of 'Respect’ came on and she twisted in Acros’ grip so that she was facing him.

Now muzzle to muzzle she began to sing to him. The words leaving her in a slow seductive tone as they danced close together. As the song built she backed away from the circle of his arms, letting her voice soar louder and unrestrained, unaware of the others who were now observing her performance. She didn’t care, she was free, higher than the notes that erupted from her and bounced off of the vaulted ceiling.

The room watched as Eliza put her elongated neck up, threw her triangular head back and belted out "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, tell you what it means to me!" Arcos laughed, his teeth showing in a predatory fashion. "I have nothing up the utmost respect for you, Eliza," he rumbled. He'd gotten much too close a look at those pretty eyes just under those pretty little ears to let something that scrumptious go so easily.  With his arms still out, he danced toward her, as if what she had done was choreographed between the two of them.

Splinter made a move to intervene, once Eliza's show was dojo-wide, but the bear's mother, put her hand on his forearm.  "Let them have fun," she said.  Her eyes twinkled in a way that made him sway.  He blinked, not sure if it was her, the music, or the drink.  "She'll be here when she wakes up in the morning."

"Of course she will," Leo replied.

While the innuendo was lost on his eldest son, it was not lost on him, and  indignation flared in his breast. "She's making a fool--"

"Let her have fun," Phoenix interrupted him, and the indignation turned to anger.  She took a step toward him, so they were very close together, and her look became knowing.  "She's dancing.  We all look like fools when we dance.  That's part of the point."  She pulled at his arm, as if tugging him down to her level.  She was a smidgen shorter than April, but no where near as built.  However, the strength in her tug was surprising, more so in that he found himself bending slightly.  "When was the last time she had fun?"  He squinted at her scowling, her breath still smelling like warm sake.  Her jade eyes returned his stare with her own, "When was the last time you had fun, Yoshi?"

The sound of his name from her lips almost bowled him over.  It shouldn't have, he knew it shouldn't, she'd heard Eliza say his name only a few minutes before.  He hadn't given her permission to use his name, he wanted to tell himself, but that wasn't what struck him.  It was the ultimately familiar way in which she said it, as if she'd been calling him that from the get-go, that caught him.  He should be angry at her for doing so.  But he wasn't.  He glanced back over at Eliza, who was consciously trying to look like she was unconsciously avoiding Arcos' arms.  

Phoenix tugged at him again.  "Song's over, Fancy Feet," she teased.  "No more respect."  A slower song came on, and the little healer let out a whoop, had both of his hands in hers before the first bar was played, and was pulling one of them to her hip.  "Dance with me!" she commanded with a laugh.  He chuckled, taking up position in front of her, realizing there was little else he could do.  As Murikami had noted, he was outnumbered, it appeared.  It also appeared he was being overrun.

Eliza ducked and weaved teasingly but without any real attempt to escape being recaptured by Acros. It was inevitable and she giggled at his antics when she was firmly cocooned in his arms once again. His massive paws held her firmly, one on her back just below the shoulder blade and the other impressively half encircling her more than amble hip. When a slow song came through the speakers Eliza gave a little push against his chest, her natural inclination to go and check on Gwyn, but the bear did not budge. Instead he began to sway and the ferret mother had little choice but to follow his lead.

"You do realize," she said, her tone light, "that this constitutes as three dances?" Without realizing it she dug her fingers a little deeper into his pelt, the tips of her filed claws grazing the skin underneath as she looked up at him through her eyelashes coyly. "Now you've had more than your fair share."

Acros laughed under his breath, the sound was deep and vibrated through both their bodies. "Not sure if I care too much about being fair anymore if the scales are tipped in my favor."

Eliza laughed out loud and wriggled her arms free so that she could swat at him. The young man just smiled, with those soft expressive lips that Eliza had come to envy, and twirled them around the floor. The ferret put her hands on his broad shoulders to stabilize herself. As the song progressed she became more relaxed eventually her fingers found themselves interwoven behind his neck and her head resting on his shoulder and chest, bringing the dancers closer than she would have normally allowed. But there was something so comforting about being embraced, for that's what they were doing more than dancing by the time the song came to a close, by someone bigger than herself. It was not a sensation that she had been privy to regularly after losing Grant. She didn't want to think about it too much, just wanted to tuck the feeling away for days when the loneliness became too real. She was grateful but couldn't bring herself to verbalize it. Thankfully Acros was warm and silent when she pushed away from him slowly, just smiling at her kindly, though his eyes twinkled with an inner amusement as they separated.

Eliza smiled back at him shyly but was saved from any awkwardness by a bouncy Gwyn appearing at her side. "Mom! Mom!! Guess what?!"

"What?" the mother responded brightly.

"Everyone heard you singing, your A was flat bytheway, and started talking about karaoke!" the girl was hardly taking a breath in her excitement to pass along her news. "I said I love singing too and then Mikey said that he did and I said we should do karaoke and April said we could do lip sync battles and Donnie agreed and I asked everyone else, well I mean everyone cept' the adults, but I'm asking you now, and they said that it was cool. So that's what we're doing next and Donnie is setting everything up. Will you do the first one, cause I don't want to go first, but Leo said he would sing Aladdin with me!! Isn't that great!"

Eliza laughed, genuinely happy for her daughter. "That is great Bugaboo! I'll sing, just let me grab something real quick." Eliza rubbed her stomach to emphasize the point. "I'm feeling a little peckish."

Acros, who was still at her side, leaned in, worry on his features. "Are you ok?" He made to place a paw on her abdomen but thought twice about it and let his arm fall to the side. "Do you need to rest?"

"Oh I'm fine." Eliza waved one hand in dismissal while the other settled on the rise of her stomach, the gesture instantly recognizable though there was little to outwardly distinguish any new curves from her naturally plump frame. "All that dancing has finally caught up to me. I just need a snack. The buffet is still in the lab. I'll just grab a plate and be right back to enjoy the show."

"If things get set up early let someone else start Gwyn," The girl made to protest but Eliza silenced her with a look. "I promise that I'll take my turn. Go. Have fun." She shooed them both towards the dj table before heading towards the exit and the lair beyond. Focused on her suddenly voracious appetite she did not see the shadow that followed her into the lab.

"Are you alright, Mrs. V?" Leo's voice drifted through the darkened room as the ferret woman fixed herself a plate of the remaining kinds of chicken from the buffet.

He'd seen her make a hasty exit, and expected she need to go to the restroom.  But then, both his father and Phoenix looked the way she'd gone with slightly concerned looks on their faces.  They were about to separate in their dancing when he had nodded to his sensei.  There was a pregnant pause, where his father and the little healer will still touching in their dance, before his father nodded back at him.

Eliza startled and had to do a little juggle to keep her plate of BBQ chicken and potatoes from tumbling to the floor. Looking over her shoulder the darker fur of her natural mask crinkled between her eyes in agitation as she saw Leo. Freakin' ninjas.

"I'm just fine." She heard the annoyance in her voice and took a small cleansing breath. She knew the hostility was unwarranted. "Thank you Leo." She said much more amicably as she took her plate to the table near where he was standing and taking a seat. "I got a little hungry is all."

She smiled at him before tucking into a thigh, chewing thoughtfully as she evaluated the teen. She and Leonardo didn't always see eye to eye but she had noticed that over the last week he had made a more concerted effort to be accommodating. Though sometimes she felt overwhelmed by his occasional hovering. As she was scooping a forkful of seasoned potatoes another thought crossed her mind. Eliza paused her meal as she felt a genuine affection for the teen bloom within her. "You didn't have give into Gwyn like that," She looked up from her plate and meet his gaze. "but I'm really grateful you did. That song means a lot to her, to both of us."

He smiled, basking in the praise.  He was his father's son, hovering and the love of praise were two things that had definitely inherited from the rat.  "It was nothing," he said.  "She doesn't seem to be too into the dancing.  I want her to have a good time, too."  The girl, while usually very out spoken and upbeat, had not participated in the festivities earlier in the evening.  He had assumed she was simply waiting for the right time, but when Mrs. V had left the dojo, then come back in to announce and all girl's dance, he'd realized, after getting back on the dance floor, that Gwyn was trepidatious about dancing.  He couldn't see why.  She'd done just fine on the floor.  Granted, she wasn't going to win any dancing competitions, but she was just a joyous as everyone else, and Leo knew that was what a celebration was about.

And wasn't this a celebration?  Albeit, he wasn't entirely sure what the celebration was about, specifically, but is a fabulous one nonetheless.  The food was good, the drink was good, the companionship was good, the dancing was good.  He liked having so many people dancing together.  It was a much different feeling than just them and April.  It almost made the experience more exhilarating.  He wondered if that's why people went to dance clubs.  Seeing his father dance had been a delight.   Oh, he knew Sensei would get up on the floor eventually, but it was a hoot to see everyone cajoling him.  Seeing him slow dance with Phoenix was disconcerting, though.  It was as if he shouldn't be doing something like with anyone.  Tang Shen was too important in their lives for him to desecrate her memory that way.  He knew in his head it wasn't a desecration, but in a way, it felt that way.

He eyed the ferret mutant.  She'd escaped the others just after her rather...tight...dance with Arcos.  "Are you having a good time?"

[brightlotusmoon]

Dear TMNT Fandom, especially Bayverse fans:

How do you think Bay Donatello got his glasses?

@remmushound and I are doing a RP scene with Bay Donnie, Bay Mikey, and Rise Mikey. The Mikeys are high on pain relief* and Rise Mikey wants to know where Bay Donnie's unique glasses came from and how they got the lenses to correct his eyesight. Be creative. Tell a story.

*some of that is plant based, gummies that Bay Don and Bay Mike made themselves. We're figuring out that whole thing too. Bay Splinter approves, because arthritis in mutant rats is probably terrible even with a mutant healing factor..

This reminds me to take my own pain relief because my face still hurts and also the back of my skull which is tension and cervicogenic-

Aand I think my spiritually inclined Mikey will suffer migraines as a side effect of being able to directly manipulate the energy of other beings, which @remmushound can absolutely use for future fanfic stuffs. I need to figure out how far that ability can reach.

I say his power got triggered when the Rise boys showed up in the first place, woke up more during the cross reality shenanigans, and really started moving after Meat Sweats gave him that concussion with open head wound.

So the power is like neuroplasticity! It's active and like a muscle, or a growing kitten training to be an emotional support animal, living in Mike's brain like a newly formed neural structure, like a whole new sensory system, like interoception and proprioception merging and creating psychic manipulation**. Maybe.

I need to go to neuroscience websites and then cross reference with websites about qigong and healing.

Oh. No wonder Rise Mikey feels so, uh, intense. Good for her gif meme.

***(I totally did this for 2012 but I need to tone it down for Bayverse, so I'm borrowings from my 2003 AU. I have a lot of ideas. Yay painkillers.

Right right. Sorry. ADHD hyperfixations ramble about Autistic special interests. How did Donatello get his glasses?

[brightlotusmoon]

Bay Mikey and Donnie in the dreamscape of Donnie's mind:

Bay Donnie: So, uh, anyway, I have been having nightmares and panic attacks for like two years, I think something's broken. And so what if I stayed next to your bed for hours to watch you recover instead of getting something to eat it's fine I'm FINE-

Bay Mikey: Hahaha whaaaa nope nope nope you no longer live like this we're remodeling your mental house. Also you owe me snacks and a movie AND YOU'RE EATING ALL THE SNACKS I DON'T EAT YOU FUCKING TREE. Also fuck you and I love you and you're killing my best friend. It's you. You're my best friend. I love you. Fucking take care of yourself. The fuck is wrong with you.

@remmushound

[brightlotusmoon]

[brightlotusmoon]

Me, on Discord: So, in my RP Bay Donnie is being an adorable maternal big brother to Bay Mikey, who has been waffling between Am Not Baby and Okay Yes Am Baby. He's in a fibromyalgia flare and doesn't realize.

Friends: You should write a one shot about exactly that and we want to read that:

Me:

@remmushound

[brightlotusmoon]

I would to read some of those Donnie and Mikey fics you mentioned. They are my fav turtles! Do you have any links to them?

You can find all of my fics here:

Mikey The Lifegiver is an entire series that began as a tribute to the relationship between 2012 Mikey and Donnie. Laugh Til It Hurts and Superheroes focuses on the 2003 relationship from each brother's perspective. Basically any fanfic I write features Mikey as a vulnerable badass with Donnie being respectful of his, uh, quirky curiosity.

And I recommend anything by the other Empath Mikey Elder Fan, @ulisabarbic-blog aka Thicker Than Love, and they're all focused on the emotional bond between the turtles, especially Don and Mike:

-

I actually really need motivation to finish all the unfinished projects. I have way too many ideas bouncing between them that don't stay fixed to one story. This is why I made Quantum Entanglement, to stick the bits and pieces somewhere.

[brightlotusmoon]

Autistic Michelangelo

Who else headcanons TMNT Mikey on the spectrum aka rainbow infinity knot of Autism?

I myself am actually autistic and ADHD and epileptic with fibromyalgia, which I gave to Mikey in my all my fanfiction AU series. I also have an autistic OC in the CFR AU, she is psionic Mikey's psionic loveperson and polyamorous and everyone is queer along the Asexual spectrum.

But I am curious about other fic writers, neurodivergent or not.

A lot of the fandom likes to make Donatello autistic (or Aspie, which got merged with autism). I say he and Mike display their Autistic traits in different ways. Donnie with hard science and medicine, Mikey with soft science and culture and a little medicine. He's totally Donnie's assistant as long as he focuses.

Mikey is much more intellectual, wise, insightful, spiritual, emotionally intelligent, and savvy than he is portrayed.

[brightlotusmoon]

TMNT Mikey headcanon #200

With Michelangelo being both ADHD and autistic, he has Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, exclusive to ADHD, which will lead to major depression episodes, which will lead to Donatello sensing it immediately, which will lead to Donnie making large mugs of chocolate honey coffee and pulling Mikey into the lab for a night of long talks about life and the Universe, and an internet marathon of indie movies, kitten videos, and parkour tricks. Donnie makes a nest out of blankets and Mikey puts on his family therapist hat and makes Don open up about his fears so Mikey can comfort him. They hug it out and cry, and they do light weapons-free sparring and tai chi, and then they do telepathic meditating where they invent a big outdoors animal shelter in the astral plane. The two wind up falling asleep on the floor together.

[brightlotusmoon]

*writes about paternal neglect, gaslighting, emotional abuse, encouraging of siblings to mock the youngest for Reasons*

Fuck, I am not drunk enough for this.

On the other hand, this chapter rewrite is a lot better than I was expecting. I still need to write out Master Splinter’s dialogue so it sounds less like upset excuses and more like reasonable rationality from his perspective. Mike and Don are too emotionally compromised but Leo and Raph are surprisingly cool-headed during the “family meeting” - who wants to be Splinter’s excuses for me? (Tagging @mysillylittlesoapbox, @cjthestoryteller, and Angel123 if she is reading.)

Also, is it me, or did 2003 Splinter have a snarly scowl whenever Michelangelo said anything in most episodes?

[brightlotusmoon]

*three hours later*

I AM GOING TO BED (angry Splinter voice)

I have no patience. This chapter is chewing on me like pineapple acids (the only food that tries to eat you back). I mean, Donnie and Mikey are being beautiful fucked up emotional wrecks for me, but no one else is and that pisses me off. Splinter, it's like you want your youngest kid to self-flagellate or something just because he was never as good as you wanted. Leo is just being a helpless fretting mother, Raph keeps yelling and getting in the way, and I think the coffee maker broke. Donnie needs a plastic French Press. Gods, I love mine.

*screams in frustrated writer*

[brightlotusmoon]

*sees a wonderful team up camaraderie scene between Donatello and Michelangelo full of wit and wisdom and depth*

See, why can’t Donnie and Mikey be like this all the time? Why do show writers keep trying to turn Mikey into a childish clown to casually abuse, naive and childlike with no intellectual depth unless it’s plot convenient? Don should be his mentor really. Team Sass.

Prepare for tangent ramble:

I guess I can’t ever forgive the writers of the 2003 4Kids series. Shame. It was one of the best shows ever. It just causes way too much Fremdschamen for me. My joy and pride at seeing Mikey’s rare moments of pure badass awesome with sensitive insight kept being ruined, and at least the 2007 film, the 2012 cartoon, and Paramount films tried to write him as useful and beloved.

Being smacked on the head that often should have had consequences, at least. There are fanfics about it somewhere, I think.

I just have a lot of feelings okay. Fuck you, David Wise, head writer for the 1987 cartoon, for turning a greatly empathic multifaceted creative character into a joke.