Author's Note: I'm so happy to bring you the next part! I believe I'm probably aiming for a month a month upload, maybe sooner if I can! Thank you all so much for the positive feedback and excitement! I can't wait to get this started with you guys! Please feel free to message and/or review your thoughts! (also totally uploading this before work so I gotta make this quick!) Thank you guys! I hope you enjoy!

2

Michelangelo learned at an early age that no matter how much, or little, control everyone thought they had— it was never indefinite. It all feel in a weird category of possibilities, hope, worry, and fear summed up in one word.

Maybe after hours on this level, I can actually clear it tonight. Maybe Leo won't notice I totally stole one of his pancakes. Maybe Raph will invite him to have a drink with Casey.

Maybe, no one will get hurt in this fight.

Maybe Donnie won't get a cure, and forever be trapped in a monster. Maybe Leo won't come home, and they'll never know what happened. Maybe Raph took a hit too hard and won't get back up.

Mikey could think of plenty "maybe" days, or moments in their lives when they face unpredictable outcomes. But, each time they faced it together the best they can. Leo faces "maybes" with his vigor, always the first to strike, protect, and address— he truly was Fearless. Raph shrugs them off, wanting to act in the moment and fight as hard as he can. Donnie calculates, planning for different outcomes so a "maybe" won't shake his ground. Mikey knew faces "maybes" with a laugh and poorly timed joke, putting his faith into his family and the world to favor the heroes side.

Sometimes, maybe days are okay.

This time, it didn't feel like it.

Michelangelo felt pretty confident about how the events of the evening would unfold. For the first time in years, he and his family found a somewhat steady peace. If you minus the Purple Dragons, maybe occasional stray Foot activity, random thugs— no major catastrophic event that cripples the whole city. It was odd, for the first few months everyone started doing their own thing.

The world has a weird sense of humor. What he didn't know, was just how cold the universe can be.

Like, his own family turning the tables on him and proving the most ultimate betrayal— a prank orchestrated by his own brothers against him. Hell, even Leo was in on it! Or, Raphael totally not stocking for the night. Those were little things that he can warm up to. But, if Mikey has learned one thing— it was to expect the unexpected.

Like, Usagi showing up not to hang, but to totally let us know 'oh hey, you guys chilling? The world doin' good? Ha, you thought. Your dad called. How would you guys like to hope from different worlds to avoid a bunch of ancient assholes from using you?' Did I miss anything? Oh. Yeah. The part where I'm totally #1 on the hit list for my family.

It felt like they were getting sucked into another storm. Maybe they were fated for this life of chaos and destruction. Or maybe it's a curse, that someone decided to plague his family with. Did Shredder actually curse us? Was he into weird magic stuff? Whichever it was, Michelangelo felt an all too familiar empty feeling of watching his entire family scramble to pick up the pieces.

It was slipping, Mikey feared. Their happiness, their hopes. Like how still and stone cold Leo's face gets, Mikey noted, when faced with a dilemma, Or how Raph places himself just enough on the outside of their circle in case something else happens, knowing his hotheaded brother would rather throw himself in a storm then loose any of them. The worst is Donatello's silence, a sign of his focus and concentration— trying to think ahead for all of them.

Don stayed in his lab with Usagi, attempting to patch him up as quickly as he could with April. Casey was checking on the weather topside, debating whether to walk back to their apartment or stay with Leatherhead until it dies down. Leaving the others together to gather equipment and gear. Leonardo paced back and forth from the dojo while Raphael was on food supplies, leaving Mikey to double check and pack their bags with Leo. Everyone came in and out, without saying a word.

It was too silent, too quiet besides Donnie occasionally murmuring to Usagi. It was uncomfortable, too uncomfortable.

Mikey did the only plausible thing he could think to do.

"So, I'm assuming it's a no go for Jenga tonight?"

"Mike, please." Leonardo dismissed coldly, not bothering to look at him as he gathered all their weapons together. "Just make sure we have everything that's needed, that doesn't mean your comics or junk food. Just necessities. You can do that, right?"

"Obviously, geez, Leo." Mikey shot back, defensively. He hated when Leo got critical, but Mikey knew he was just upset. Most likely worried, probably coming up with ten thousand plans. Mikey knew better than to push, but he still felt the sting— and his voice didn't hide it. "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood here. I mean, another day, another nut job who wants us dead, right?"

Leonardo didn't seem to be listening, his focus on packing each of their bags. Or at least, Mikey didn't think so until he heard Leo let out a deep sigh. He stopped in place, putting the weapons down as he looked back up at Mikey. Somehow Leo always manages to age enough to have a hint of Splinter's worried frown. His voice softened, as he helped Mikey with the weapons. "That's usually how these things go. But, you don't have to worry. We're going to be okay, I promise. We need to be cautious and careful. We have no idea what we're running from, and anything can happen. I just really need your focus right now, okay? I grabbed what we can carry, give the rest of the bags to Raph to finish. I'll be there in a bit."

"Yeah, on it." Mikey hoped he sounded more convincing than he felt. Grabbing their bags, he rushed out of the dojo. He wasn't sure why he picked up the pace when he turned his back to Leo. His gut told him to avoid the obvious conversation topic of why Usagi is here in the first place. Maybe Leo will totally forget that part and just do the normal leader thing?

Another maybe to shrug off as Mikey continued with his mission, shining his light down the hall. With the majority of their candles migrated to Don's lab, there wasn't much light in the living area or kitchen. It was weird to enter back into a room that was moments ago filled with laughter and fun. Mikey shook it off, he promised Leo he'd keep his focus straight— despite the panic he feels. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! Who be the turtle? Oh…man I'm really wishing it wouldn't be me right now.

"Yo," Mikey picked his head up at his brother's rough voice. Raphael leaned over the counter as he waved him over, "food's ready to go and Don's about to wrap up. You and Leo done?"

"Yeah, just about. Leo should be out soon." Dropping the bags on the counter and putting his candle aside, Mikey stuffed the rations into each of the bags. Leo was a bust for support right now, leaving his second best not-distracted choice brother. Maybe he could clear some tension with Raph. Offering a sly smile, Mikey leaned over the counter and nudged him, "Man, guess it's a good thing you didn't restock, huh?"

"You're telling me." Raph chuckled, shaking his head. "Talk about fate working out— well, mostly. Now we got some frickin' weirdos coming after us. Well…really you. I mean, technically we could just drop you off and the rest of us can make a run for it. Hm, possibilities, possibilities…"

Mikey knew his brother was being his typical cold-joking self by the way he smugly smiled to him. When Raph stood up straight a proud huff, practically anticipating a loud and abrasive response from his younger brother. Mikey forced a laugh, uneasily fighting back. "Come on, man, that's totally not funny. Did you literally see how Usagi talked about it? Usagi literally fights demons for a living! Demons! And these people freak him out more. Don't blame me for kinda doubting our odds here, Raph. Even if we get away from them maybe it would be better for you guys if I go-…"

"Hey, enough of that crap." Mikey always appreciated how Raph learned to quickly shut down any joke if he knew it was hitting too close. Raph circled around the counter, playfullying shoving him. "You know I'm kidding, shell-for-brains. We'll only think about making a trade."

"Asshole." Mikey laughed, preparing to shove his brother back before being met with a cold stare. "Right, ok, I know when to retreat! I'm gonna just pack the bags and- WAIT! We can't go yet, hold on!"

Mikey shoved the food into the bags without counting or looking before rushing off to his bedroom, ignoring Raph's confused comments. Shining the light around his room he ducked on the floor and frantically searched around. "Klunk? Buddy, I'm sorry I'm totally buggin' your snooze time but you gotta go stay with April and Case, Klunk! So totally not cool, bro. Klunk!"

Tugged under his bed, Klunk was curled up comfortably. Mikey knew Klunk hated wake ups, barely picking up his head as Mikey slowly dragged him out. "Dude, you gotta lay off the kitty foods!" Tucking him into a hug, Mikey petted him. "Sorry, Klunk. Things aren't looking too good right now, you can't stay here by yourself. I promise I'll come back home soon, okay?"

Mikey assumed Klunk approved, not fighting or fussing like he usually does. Something halted him as he stepped out of his room. Looking back, he felt like he needed to take one final look around. Sometimes, especially before dangerous missions, he found himself wanting to remember things as they were before the chaos. He didn't want to get sucked into the uncertainty of what comes next, but rather attempt to ground himself in the present as much as possible. Nuzzling him one last time, Raphael's voice roared throughout the halls

"Let's go!"

Mikey rushed out of his room, returning to the living space where everyone regrouped. Casey was sitting on the couch with his phone, tapping his foot impatiently. Leo already rejoined the others, grabbing his duffle bag as he poked his head into Donnie's lab. "Don, we're ready to move. Usagi, are you ready?"

"Yes, Leonardo-san. I can be swift." Usagi was quick to rise to feet, ignoring Don's disapproving glares. Reaching for his own katana, Usagi bowed to him. "Thank you, Donatello-san. Once again, I owe you greatly."

"Another IOU to add to the ever growing list." Donnie sighed, shifting his focus to packing his own supplies. "Don't worry about it, Usagi. Don't push yourself too much, I don't want the stitches to tear."

"Of course." Usagi nodded, "I will take caution."

"I texted Leatherhead," Casey spoke, grabbing his jacket along with April's. "I gave him an update. April and I are gonna hang low here before heading back home. Are you guys gonna be okay? Can we do anything?"

"No," Leonardo quickly denied, "you two need to get away for a bit. I don't want these people using you two against us. We'll…try to contact you guys as soon as it's safe. But, for now, I…don't know how long we'll be out of contact."

Casey looked like he was going to say something, anything to try and do his part to protect their family. But he didn't, he bit his lip and bowed out. Something Casey Jones didn't like to do willingly. "Yeah, alright. We'll leave once April's done helping Don."

"You two be careful, okay?" Raphael huffed, lugging his bag over his shoulder. Giving Casey a quick side hug, he forcibly patted his back. "You better not take out all of the Dragons without me. I'm expecting one hell of a drink when we get back though, you better not disappoint."

"Hell no." Casey returned the forceful hug. Mikey poked in-between the two, holding Klunk up.

"Hey, do you two mind looking after Klunk? He only gets hungry really early and really late at night so if you just give him food like right before you sleep and right when you wake up he knows to save food and he really likes to sleep near someone and his treats are-."

"Mikey, don't worry about it." April warmly reassured, gently taking the cat. "We've watched him before. He'll be fine. I promise."

"Forgive me for the intrusion, but we have wasted enough time." Usagi limped over to the group, giving a stern serious look to Leo. "Splinter-san aided me enough to get me to you all, but during the attack I lost my belongings. Leonardo-san, do you remember how to get to the Nexus?"

"Sort of," Leonardo admitted. "I know the symbols and the chant but I don't know how to travel to other realms. Should we go to the Nexus? The Damiyo can-"

"I'm afraid not, if he sees Michelangelo-san he would have to do what he must to bring him to the Tribunal. It is not safe. I know of a sanctuary, we can stay there until dusk and figure out what to do moving forward. If you can draw the symbols, I can bring us there."

"Be careful, you guys." April gave each of them a quick hug, a hurt look of worry that pained her every last glance at them. "Please contact us whenever you can, okay?"

"Of course," Donnie encouraged, throwing over his bag. "You two stay low. We'll try to be home soon."

Mikey felt like someone punched him right in the gut, for a moment he briefly thought that maybe they wouldn't be. The chance that they would never return to their home, or be completely different if they did. That risk is always there, that maybe always lingering. Like a dark shadow that always seems to be following behind his family. Man, karma's a bitch. Maybe I should have read the dotted line before taking that trophy home with me…

Man, really wish I didn't flake on cardio this morning.

Michelangelo groaned as he adjusting his backpack, mentally reassuring himself that they are only a few steps away from their destination. Yeah, that got old hours ago. With Usagi and Leo leading the group in the front, Mikey straggled behind with Donnie and Raph. The first hour involved trekking through the pitch-black woods with flashlights, mostly in silence and with little breaks in-between. Sighing, he caught up to Raphael and Donatello with a loud grown. "Man, didn't he say that this was nearby?"

"Usagi travels around for a living," Donatello pointed out. "His definition of 'close' is probably drastically different from yours."

Mikey rolled his eyes, shining his light around the tall trees. "Well, then why didn't he just teleport us somewhere not a billion miles away? Seriously, this place is creepy as hell!"

"And can ya be any louder?" Raphael complained, spinning around to raise his hand to hit his brother over the head. "We're trying to be inconspicuous here so shut it."

Mikey knew he shouldn't take the bait. He couldn't fight the sinister smile the crept on. He had to make things seem somewhat normal, right? Mikey smirked, "Man how long did you practice saying that word correctly in your head before saying it out loud?"

Raphael stopped in his tracks, completely circling around. Stomping to his youngest brother he lowered his voice, whispering dangerously, "This is your only warning before I seriously tie you to a tree and leave you here for those freaks to come pick you up."

"Enough!" Leonardo snapped, shooting a dangerous look over his shoulder. "Seriously, guys. End it. Keep you focus."

Raphael shook his head, huffing as he stomped off not too far from Leonardo. Don remained close to Mikey, giving a disapproving look. Mikey bit his lip, offering a small shrug, "Oh come on don't give me that look. Just trying to lighten the mood here."

"I know you were." Don spoke tiredly, sighing before following behind Raph. Donnie stopped when he didn't hear footsteps behind him. Mikey was shining his light around behind him erratically. Don remembered how much he hated the dark, and maybe how he doesn't make jokes to help them— but himself. His own way to cope with the seriousness of their situation. He would be damned if he didn't at least try to help him too. Rushing back over to him, he put his arm around him and smiled, "Now that Raph's far enough— that was so worth a shot."

"Really?" Mikey exclaimed, impressed by his brother's sudden interest in jokes. "Thanks, D."

The two were quick to rejoin the others. Leonardo occasionally peaking his head around to head count his brothers, sometimes he'd look a little longer to be able to read their expressions. Raphael looked as locked away as he usually does in situations like these, eyes dead set ahead. Donnie was with Mikey, the two in conversation. Leo figured they were casually talking, a part of him feeling relief they can take solace while the other worried deeper about their attention to their surroundings.

"I understand feeling a bit antsy," Usagi commented. "We are close. Soon we can rest until morning."

"Usagi," Leonardo stood alongside Usagi. Usagi has been a rock to Leo for a few years, and together they faced worse odds. Leo felt a sting of guilt for beginning to doubt his ally. Lowering his voice, he desperately attempted to reach out for any reassurance. "You are one of the few people outside my family I can trust. But, you can't blame me for feeling uneasy about this whole situation. How long do you expect to keep me— us in the dark about this?"

"Until I can guarantee your safety." Usagi said as-matter-of-factly, maintaining his pace he kept his voice steadied. "The little you truly know, the safer it makes you all. Believe me."

"Yet my father seems to know a great deal. Along with the Ancient One." Leonardo couldn't hide the irritability that clouded his mind. He was frustrated, but mostly scared. Scared of losing any more control than he already has. "It feels like my brothers and I are just pawns in this whole thing. I will not let that stand. I'm begging you, Usagi, please give me something more to work with than that."

Leonardo watched Usagi pick up his speed, fixating his stare ahead. He watched as his eyes narrowed to the ground briefly before focusing back on the path ahead. "Splinter-san told me that he will explain everything to you when you see him."

For his entire lifetime Leo rarely found himself doubting his father. Splinter did his best to protect and look after everyone. Splinter always guided him to make the right decisions. Leo struggled with the idea of not understanding his father's intentions. "What does my father not want you to tell me?"

"We're here." Usagi announced, waving the others to join. Turning to Leonardo, he frowned as steadied his hand on his shoulder. "Please trust me, Leonardo-san."

"So, where are we exactly?" Raphael asked, impatiently, as he joined the others. Not too far ahead was a small shrine that sat on top of a hilltop area. "Doesn't really look like it blends in. Thought maybe we were going to a village or something to stay low."

"Too many eyes there, the Tribunal have allies everywhere. Which is why I brought these with me," Reaching into his bag Usagi pulled out a handful of small crystal-like stones. "These are meant to provide a cloak of protection, limitedly being able to hide us from others— at least for the night. If we place them around the perimeter, it should momentarily cloak it's existence from any dark or outside forces. It should protect us from the night until we can move."

The shrine was small, clearly abandoned for some time Don noted. Everyone dropped their belongings in a circle as everyone checked their weapons. Donnie couldn't help but relate to Mikey, seeing how dark it was behind their small lights. He returned to Usagi's side, uneasily looking around the area, "And how long is that supposed to be?"

"We split up," Usagi offered. "It'll be a risk, but it will be done faster if we work as a team."

"This is helpful. But, separating is dangerous, especially now." Leonardo said, "Maybe we need to go in pairs, just to make sure no one is alone. It might take more time but it'll be less risky for us."

Usagi nodded, "Agreed. I will do the southern end. Michelangelo-san, would you mind accompanying me?"

Mikey was taken back at the samurai's request, Assuming he would be with Leo, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. "Uh…Sure, yeah."

"I better go too," Donatello spoke up, "considering Mikey's risk factor is usually high and to make sure you don't push too hard, Usagi.

Raphael tiled his head to Leo with an unamused look. "Guess that leaves us two doing the north side. Great."

Leonardo shook his head at Raphael. "Right. Now, our cells aren't going to work out here. If a group isn't back in 15 minutes then we'll come looking for you. Keep your eyes open and be careful, okay?"

Usagi handed a handful of crystals,"We must be quick, we have much space to cover. We will meet back at the shrine. Be cautious."

"Watch each other, okay?" Leonardo exchanged one last worried look to the pair of younger brothers before walking off ahead. Raphael lingered behind long enough to keep some distance from Leo before mumbling to them, "Seriously Don, just leave him out there if he's annoying." With a quick wave he rejoined Leonardo.

Mikey opened his mouth to defend himself, but was met with Donatello's firm stare. "You know he's just messing with you. Come on, we better move."

The pair returned to Usagi and Usagi crouched down to place the first crystal when he quickly grabbed his side as he struggled to stand back up. Don was quick to rush over, offering him a hand, "Hey, are you alright? Maybe Mikey and I can do this and you just-."

"No, I must." Usagi accepted the hand, returning back to his feet he sighed. "This is my responsibility. I need to do this. Maybe I should take something, like you suggested."

"I have something in my bag back in the shrine." Don looked back at the building, they were still close enough for him to look and come back fast enough without wasting too much time. He hesitated for a moment, practically hearing his oldest brother's voice screaming in his ear. He could risk pushing Usagi, but he knows all too well what it's like to push on in pain. He was confident he could return fast enough. "it's not too far, I'll run over and be back, just wait here."

"Don!" Mikey called out, watching Don already rush over. He panicked seeing his brother fade into darkness that even his light looked so small, he took a few steps forward after him, "Leo said-! And he's gone. Usagi, we really should-."

"Michelangelo-san," Usagi's voice shifted more serious, returning to Mikey's side. "I wanted an opportunity to talk to you, alone. I understand this all must be confusing and difficult.

Mikey noted Usagi's unusual change of behavior, suddenly standing upright and no longer holding his side. He felt uneasy for a moment, keeping his attention on watching Don's small light get closer to the shrine. "Uh, sort of? I mean, I get it these guys are super powerful or whatever. But, why ask some regular person or champion or whatever for help? Like, if they just want to talk to me and ask for help— what's scaring everyone away about it? Why are we hiding?"

Mikey for a moment looked over at Usagi, surprised to find his looked pained. Mikey wasn't sure if it was his side, or something else. He hesitated, "I…cannot say."

"No offense, but it's really annoying that there seems to be a lot you can't say." Mikey snapped, knowing his brothers' lives were on the line for him. He usually doesn't loose his temper much, but watching Don's light get smaller scared him. Not being able to see Leo or Raph, scared him. Usagi didn't weaver, his face scrunched up like he was trying to read him. Mikey let out a frustrated sigh, as he paced himself. "Ugh. Sorry, I didn't mean to be an asshole. This just…feels weird. I feel weird, it's like my gut is screaming to do something but I don't know what to do, you know? Everyone's on edge cause of me. It really sucks, you know?"

"This…did not go as planned, Michelangelo-san. I…was attempting to contact you personally before I was attacked. I wanted to make this as easy as possible, for everyone."

"Okay," Mikey's voice cracked, finding himself instinctively taking a step away from Usagi. "You're doing that weird thing that Leo does where you talk in circles like I'm supposed to be following. Dude, what the hell is-?"

"I hoped to do this much differently." Mikey watched his friend's whole demeanor shift. He reached in his pocket for something small and took a step closer to him. Mikey knew this feeling, this was like he was being hunted. But, Usagi sounded hurt, and spoke softly, "I wanted you to have a choice, but that leisure is long passed— Please know this pains me deeply and I wish there was another way. I hope you can forgive me, Michelangelo-san."

"W-What are you talking about? Usagi, you're really freaking me out here-!"

"Hey!"

Mikey accidentally backed into Donnie, exclaiming as he jumped around. His older brother looked unharmed, holding a pill bottle in hand. He shouted, feeling completely relieved, and safer. "Don!"

"Sorry, guys it took me a minute to actually find my stuff and…" Donnie shined his light on Mikey. He was visually shaken and pale, nervously looking back at him. Donnie worryingly stepped closed to him. "Hey, you don't look too-."

It happened so fast. It took Mikey a few seconds to watch Don's eyes roll back and collapse in front of him. Luckily, speed has always been on hide side. Swiftly catching him into a hug he collapse to his knees he panicked, "Donnie? Donnie! Usagi-?"

Picking his head up, he noticed Usagi standing over Donnie, his katana in hand. Mikey pieced it together, gently putting Donnie down and reaching for his weapon as he protectively stood over Don. His voice dangerously low as he was ready to attack, "Usagi! What the hell are you?"

"Please, forgive me." Usagi sounded so distraught, so guilty, Mikey was surprised at how weak he looked in this moment. "I was ordered to protect your family. I was attempting to go to you alone and make this easier, but I was attacked and needed assistance. This wasn't supposed to happen this way. Listen to me, If you go to the Tribunal willingly, alone, they will not harm your family. I promise you. Splinter spoke with them and stated you will be arriving to present yourself, that bought me enough time to get to you and then bring them to your father. Please, trust me, this is for everyone's best interest. I can send you there, and they will not know about yours or your brothers' attempts to flee. I will tell your brothers that the Tribunal showed up, attacked Donatello and me, and that I sent you to Splinter to protect you. They do not need to know what happened here, at this time. I promise you, that they won't hurt your family. And I swear to you, that if they were I would put my life before theirs. I am…so sorry."

Mikey didn't know how else to take it all in, completely distraught. He had to believe Usagi, hell he never really had no reason to doubt his intentions. He knew he was going to throw himself into literal hell. Mikey felt worse about his family, his brothers. He wanted to say something to them, he wanted to tell him how much he cares about them, how sorry he was for this happening to them. Hell, he was scared himself. Scared of what was going to be ahead, and having to face it alone. He took one last look at Don, hoping he would be okay-.

"We are running out of time. Are you doing this?"

Mikey didn't want them to think he was a coward, or unable to take risks for their family. He nodded, unable to mask his own fear as his voice cracked, "Okay. Can you tell them that I'm sorry, and that I love them? Oh, and that I'll be okay."

"Of course." Usagi quickly drew symbols in the grass that quickly opened a bright portal. "Be quick, there isn't much time!"

"Usagi," Mikey called out over the loud wind, forcing a smile. "It's cool, okay? I forgive you. You do what you have to do. Okay?"

He took a deep breath, and shut his eyes as he leaped in.

Maybe this won't be so bad, maybe everything will turn out okay. But, at least I can know they'll be safe. I just hope that's enough for me…