Author's Note: SURPRISE! Happy New Year! Inspiration kicked in full speed and resulted in a quick update! I'm still aiming for monthly uploads, but this all happened so suddenly and to make up for the missed updates I decided to finish this one up to share! I can't wait to share more! As always, thank you so much for all the support! Please feel free to share, favorite, follow or comment! I appreciate it all! Thank you! Enjoy!

4

There was nothing unusual about Splinter calling them for their gathering in the early morning hour. Leonardo found himself, as always, being the first waiting. Already awake hours earlier, Leonardo felt accomplished and rejuvenated from his morning exercises. Leonardo greeted his father with a quick bow, "Good morning, Sensei. I hope you slept well."

Splinter gave a quick nod, offering a small smile. "Ah yes, I did, my son. I hope your brothers can follow your suit this morning, hm?"

"I'm here, I'm here." Raphael murmured, shuffling with his head hung low. Leonardo knew mornings did not get along well with Raph, let alone the morning after a night with Casey.

Shakking his head, Leonardo turned his back to Splinter to give him a short disapproving look, mouthing to him, "Really?"

"Yeah, yeah." Raphael brushed past him, waving him off. Giving a short bow, he took his seat. "M'sorry, Sensei, just tired."

"I can tell." Splinter chuckled, taking his seat at the head of the room. "I know we usually don't meet at this time—."

"Sorry, Sensei!" Donnie rushed into the room, Michelangelo not too far behind. Nodding over to the youngest, Don sighed. "I had to make sure this one was up."

"Geez, D. Way to rat me out— Hi, Sensei!" Mikey recovered humorously, bowing alongside Donnie before taking their respected seats.

"Thank you, my sons." As if a cloud loomed into the room, Splinter noticeably flattened. His voice saddened as he looked at each of them. "Together, you all have done hard and honorable work. You have all grown together— through great hardships and accomplishments. You all supported each other as teammates, as allies, and most importantly as brothers. I am immensely proud of each you— as your Sensei and father— to watch you grow into honorable men of the Hamato clan. But you are no longer children. You are adults. With the world steadied in peace, it is this time that presents itself with a new opportunity for each of you. It is with this great joy that I contemplate your futures as individuals, and what more you could accomplish."

"Father," Leonardo worryingly leaned forward, "what are you trying to say?"

"Is something wrong?" Raphael tensed up, fearing for his father's health. "Are you okay?"

"I am fine," Splinter quickly dismissed, offering a sad smile. "Truly, I am. But, I am growing older by the day. With each day, I am able to reflect on many trials in my life. Successes and mistakes, included. I raised you four as a team, to rely on each other for strengths in time of need. It is in this great lesson, I believe I have failed to teach you all the importance of what you each bring to each other— and how you can share that with the world."

"You mean," Donnie gently interrupted, not hiding his own concern. "making sure if we stay true to ourselves as individuals versus who we are as a family?"

"Precisely. What I mean, my sons, is perhaps, spending each of you spend time away. Going anywhere, doing anything that you feel draws. Each of you bring something wonderful to each other. I…am not getting any younger. And, I believe, I raised you four to rely too much on each other. But, you can share so much with the world…" Splinter watched each of his sons flinch in response. Leonardo, looked so hurt, almost as if it was his own fault. Raphael appeared the most confused, arms crossed he watched fiercely at Splinter. Donatello worryingly slumped in his seat, carefully watching for his next words. Michelangelo too looked pained, but almost panicked, leaning forward and watching his brothers' own reactions before returning his attention back to Splinter."

Rising from his seat, Splinter approached Donatello first. Leaning his hand onto his shoulder, he smiled proudly, "Such as yourself, Donatello. You work tremendously to better yourself for the sake of your family, but imagine what you could share with others and what other wonders of the world are beyond these walls below. I believe you can learn, and truly make others' families and the world benefit from your thoughts and ideas. I'm certain the Kraang would allow you to join them for a short period of time, or whatever you see best fit."

Walking beside him, he followed suit with Raphael. He watched as his second oldest hesitantly looked away from his gaze, "Raphael, my brave son. Your fire and passion for justice and protection could greatly benefit those in great need. There are many who need support, companionship, and guidance. I can think of many places both in this world, and another, who could greatly benefit from you— and who knows, perhaps you will shape into your own leader in others' ranks."

"Michelangelo," Splinter followed down the line. Never wavering his smile. "You have so much light, hope, and love in your heart. Though you struggle, you never lose sight of what's important to you— and that of others, as well. I see how much great joy you get in helping those in need. You always see the good in those— it is that strength that I am the most reminded of my late master Yoshi. I understand 'The Turtle Titan' can be a great asset to the Justice Force, and I'm sure they will be honored to have you— that is, if this is your chosen path."

"Leonardo." His oldest son's pained face never altered as Splinter put his hand on his shoulder. "I'm afraid, I have dishonored you the most. My loyal, and most fearless son. I have taught you to become your brothers' hope, and voice in most dire times. You have worked so hard to protect us all, including sacrificing yourself. I cannot deny my own guilt, for I know I pushed you the hardest. I have never once asked if this was a path you wanted. It is time for you to live for yourself, my son. I imagined this transition would be the most difficult for you, that is why I have taken it upon myself to speak with Usagi. He has agreed to allow you to join beside him in his travels. And, perhaps, provide you with a different experience that can continue to shape you into a great master someday."

"Sensei," Leonardo breathlessly responded, "you want us all to…leave each other? To separate?"

"Yes, but not as coldly as it sounds, Leonardo. You may still see each other, and contact each other. I propose a chance to see the world on your own, and create your own experiences. After all, you are not children. I merely offer this as an opportunity, nor will I pressure any of you to do it. I hope you all will respect each other's decision, regardless if you want to leave or not. Of course, each of you do not have to decide now. Take your time, give it a month or so. After all, you four will live on long after I'm gone. What you want your mark to be in the world, is up to you."

Donatello couldn't help but feel completely blindsided. He knew Splinter always discussed and planned ahead, but why now? "Sensei? What…brings this up all of a sudden? I mean, I know you have shared before about creating our own paths but…Are you sure nothing is wrong?"

"I found this time to be the most attractive, so to speak. The Shredder is no more, threats have greatly minimized— there is no great disarray. Giving you all more freedom."

"I figured this might happen, one day." Raphael sighed, unable to shake his own puzzlement. "I mean, it did before when Leo left and I was…out. Mikey, Don, you two got jobs. It was different situation but…this time can be different."

"B-But what about if something does go wrong?" Mikey's voice cracked, "I mean, it's okay now but what if something happens to one of us when— or if— we all do our own thing? How do we know if one of us is in trouble?"

"If in great need, I believe you can all find a way to contact each other to connect. Otherwise, you will have to trust in each other to call for help when needed or rely on those around you. Again, my sons, you do not need to decide right now or do you have to discuss it with each other if you do not want to." Splinter returned to his seat, "if you wish for counsel on your own, you all can seek me. Otherwise, that is all for today."

"Sensei—." Leonardo painfully asked, "Did…was there something I did wrong? Did I not-."

"Please, my sons." Splinter begged, tearfully, "Do not see this as a punishment, or my rejection of any of you. As an old man's wish, I merely ask you four to consider it. You are all dismissed."

No one moved for what felt like hours to Leonardo. He himself was frozen in a trance like state, his mind racing with thoughts and fears for his own future— and that of his families. He did not realize the others left when Splinter slowly approached him, his voice softened, "I understand this must pain you deeply, Leonardo."

"Sensei, my whole life has been to protect this family. Everything you've taught me, and everything I've been thought— all of you have been my purpose. It's all I know. It's all I want to know. If any of them does want to leave…I'm afraid I don't have anything."

"That is not true, my son. I hope you can reflect more on your strength and capability. Take some time, reflect on it." With a final smile, Splinter left Leo with nothing left more to do then to think. Leo would never hold back any of his brothers for doing what they wanted to do. But a part of him couldn't shake the fear of being left behind.

After all…what else can I really do then to look after them?

—-

"Donnie? Bro, are you okay?"

"Ugh," Donnie found himself back on the cold wet grass like he was not too long before he felt something blunt knock him out first. His vision shortly cleared, making out Raphael's silhouette beside him. He found himself no longer in the field, but on a cold concrete ground. Looking around he realized they were back in the shrine with a small lighted fire. Struggling to sit up, he rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, I'll be alright. What happened— Wait-!"

"He's gone." Raphael broke, anger still seething through his words. "You can thank Usagi for that shit, including your headache."

"Usagi?" Sitting up, Don saw not too far ahead Leonardo sitting next to Usagi. The two looked to be in deep conversation, Leo's expression painted with anguish and hurt. Raphael was quick beside him as Don rose to his feet to approach the pair. "Leo?"

"Hey, are you alright?" Leonardo jumped in front of him, quickly inspecting him. "Do you feel lightheaded? Nauseous? What can you remember?"

Donnie shook his head, offering a small sad smile. It wasn't too long ago that he has been teaching each of his brothers basic first aid and medical interventions, Leo as always the diligent, took it the most serious. "I'm fine, really. And not too much I…I came back and Mikey looked freaked out about something and then lights out for me. Why, what's going on? Mikey's..gone?"

"I'm afraid it is my doing that caused this." Usagi carefully approached the group. Raphael quickly stepped in front of Don, protectively. Usagi noticeably flinched, hanging his head. "Donatlello-san, please forgive me. It was I that hurt you. I owe you all an explanation for what is going on."

"No shit." Raphael huffed, shooting an angered glare at Leonardo. "It's his fault that Mikey's gone and you want to defend him-!"

"I didn't say I was defending him," Leo cut off, "I said to give him space and let him tell us together. I'm just as hurt as you are Raph, but arguing all around isn't going to help anyone especially Mikey. Now, Usagi, please. Tell us the truth."

With a deep sigh, Usagi continued. "Yes. Of course. Please understand that what I am sharing with you is all I know. I was called not too long ago by Splinter-san and the Ancient One. I didn't find this odd, considering at times I do see them or if I am passing through I often stop by. This time was different, I knew right away. Splinter-san looked deeply troubled. The Ancient One told me of the Tribunal's return, and that they were seeking the Champion to be their vessel."

"Their vessel?" Leonardo questioned with deep concern.

"The Tribunal are immortal beings possessed with great power that brought the end to Tengu; an evil spirit. You have encountered it before within the Shredder. While they are indeed victors in combat, since reaching immortality they have become more of a source of wisdom and enlightenment. You can think of them as truly neutral. They seek neither good, nor evil. They are meant to keep the world in balance. The Tengu is a threat to the balance— or as some, like the Ancient One and Splinter believe— is not a threat but more of an ally to them. Some say that was why the Nexus was created in the first place. To find a mortal being who can hold a powerful spirit and ability to combat the Tengu—or as some believe to host it."

"So that Champion is supposed to avoid corruption of the Tengu and defeat the spirit once and for all?" Donatello questioned, his own mind connecting with painful realization. "So…The tribunal wants Mikey so they can help him not…become the like next Shredder?"

"That would be the hope indeed…" Usagi nodded. "Like the Tribunal, the Tengu is an immortal. Together, they were one unit until he betrayed them for more power. But, the Tengu lost his original body long ago in the strife against the Tribunal, Since then, he became a being who desperately seeks a mortal host in order to survive and create chaos. The host must be a mortal spirit so that it is cable of free will and able to hold both darkness and light. Donatello is correct— Oruku Saki was such host, for a time. He became the embodiment of the Shredder. So while you are correct, Donatello, the Tengu cannot be truly defeated— or at least, it has not yet occurred. The symbol of hope is for the Champion to be able to withstand the corruption of the Tengu long enough to either weaken it completely until it can gain enough strength to try again. Or…eliminate the host as quickly as possible."

"He…never told us any of this." Raphael said breathlessly. He struggled to wrap his head around it, but felt angry and hurt nonetheless. "Why the hell would Sensei hide this from us? If this shit was just gonna happen anyway?"

"He did not know this would happen. Splinter's hope was to keep you away from the Tribunal long enough until…I could convince Michelangelo-san to go." Usagi paused for a moment, looking to Leonardo sadly before continuing. "I…I was asked by Splinter to keep you three away from it. I tried to do this more quietly, I had hoped to talk with him privately and let him leave on his own. Splinter hoped I could convince you that he was training with the Ancient One at least long enough so that you wouldn't go after him but…I was attacked. What I said before was true, if Michelangelo or anyone around him refused to bring him to the Tribunal then you all would have been executed on sight. I know this is a great betrayal and hurt…please know Splinter-san wanted to keep you as safe as possible."

"Mikey…" Donnie's voice cracked. Worried was the least of his feelings as he imagined what the future could hold for his only younger brother. It made him scared, fearful. "So…that's it then? We're just supposed to sit back and wait for it to be over?"

"I'm…afraid so." Usagi painfully responded. "It can take months…Even years. Once there, he cannot return back until his duty is fulfilled."

"Years? No. No…" Raphael felt as if he was stabbed right in the gut. Imagining what fate could hold for Mikey made him feel sick. He had to stop it, he convinced himself, there was no question. "We have to do something. How can we get to them?"

"They exist in a world in-between ours, similar to the Nexus we cannot be there unless we are brought or know how to. No one knows how to reach the Tribunal—."

"You did." Raphael hissed. Why he couldn't deny any lie in his story, Raph still couldn't trust Usagi for sending his brother to such a fate. "You brought him right there!"

"That was given to be by the Ancient One only to be used for Michelangelo to get there." Usagi retorted, firmly. "I, personally, do not have the means nor knowledge to go there myself."

"Then we make the Ancient One bring us to Mikey and these freakin' Tribunal jerks and explain the situation!" Raphael turned over to his brothers, passionately pleading, "We can't let this happen. We have to convince them to do something else, or we can all help!"

"You heard Usagi," Leonardo spoke flatly, closing his eyes he hung his head. "If we try to interfere we will get Mikey and ourselves killed-."

"So you'd just leave Mikey, is that it?" Raphael snapped, unable to control his own anguish as he marched to Leo's face.

"You know damn well that is not what I meant!" Leo held his ground firmly, "I'm trying to be realistic here, we have to think this thoroughly!"

"Stop!" Donnie begged, stepping in between the two. "Please, this isn't helping! Sensei and the Ancient One must have some kind of idea? Usagi, can you take us to them?"

"Yes. I will…give you three some space. I will make preparations." Usagi gave one final bow, before walking out toward the field.

"I'm going for a walk." Raphael huffed, walking away from the two as he went in the opposite direction in the field.

Leonardo sighed, his voice broken. "Donnie, I'm so sorry."

"You don't have to be. It's not your fault. None of us knew."

"Splinter did. And I will find out why."

Donatello feared for his family's future, leaving him with nothing but hope that this won't break everyone apart.

—-