A/N: Raph and Mikey didn't want to give up control just yet, so this chapter is all about them. And thank you, thank you, thank you to the reviewers. They not only make my day, but also keep me writing.

Please note: Character thoughts are in italics.

Disclaimer: I haven't won the PowerBall and I don't own the turtle's either, so frustrating.

Chapter 6-Moving In

Raphael was walking down the streets of the Battle Nexus alone. He needed time to collect his thoughts after everything he had just heard from both the orange turtle and his master. No wait! Make that his brother and his father! He was faced with the difficult decision of where to go once the tournament was over. Return back to the Triceriton homeworld with Traximus or embark on a new adventure by returning to Earth with Master Splinter and his annoying younger brother Michelangelo?

After all these years, I finally have some answers. I have a family! Heck I have a planet that I came from! There's no fighting on the Triceriton homeworld anymore. And the Triceriton's are at peace with the Federation. There's nothing for me to do on the Triceriton homeworld anymore. No one needing my protection anymore. But how can I leave Traximus? After all, he has practically raised me. Yet it sounds like there is plenty of fighting to be done on Earth, breaking up gang fights and stopping crime. And what about my lost brother Leonardo? Maybe Michelangelo and I can work together to bring him home too? And what about our fourth brother, Donatello, I wonder what happened to him?

It seemed like the longer the red masked turtle walked the streets, the more unanswered questions he gathered. He paused outside of an alley and pulled a knife from his belt. Leaning against the wall he twirled the knife deep in thought. A voice from out of the darkness made him jump and his knife clattered to the ground.

"Hey bro, thinking hard are we?"

The orange masked turtle seemed to melt out of the shadows. Mikey noticed Raphael jump when he spoke.

"Dude, relax, you just need to learn some ninja stealth. Don't worry, Master Splinter and I will teach you."

Leaning to pick up his knife the startled turtle replied. "Who says I'm coming with you?"

Michelangelo was surprised that Raphael hadn't already decided to return with them to Earth. "Bro, we are your family. You can come home now. You're just going to pass up this chance?"

Raphael couldn't figure out this orange turtle. He was so certain that Raphael should return to Earth with him. But Raphael didn't remember ever being on Earth! And from what he'd heard, it didn't sound too appealing. Having to always hide in the shadows, forced to live underground, in a friggin sewer of all places. He may not have been able to breathe the air, but at least on the Triceriton homeworld Raph could walk around any time of day or night, and not feel like an outcast. But wait, was that really true?

Raphael began twirling his knife again. It was a nervous habit that he did when he was thinking or itching to start a fight. Aren't I already an outcast on the Triceriton homeworld? I may not have to hide in the shadows but I can't breathe the air on my own. And I don't have anyone to protect anymore. No reason to fight anymore. Peace is great but it's also a bit…well boring!

Michelangelo watched his red masked brother muse on what to do. Clearly the knife wielder was struggling with his decision. But Mikey couldn't let Raphael slip through his fingers. The orange turtle was tired of being alone. Now he had brothers! But with Leonardo running loose with the bad guys, Michelangelo didn't want to let yet another brother turn his back on him. He's so close to no longer being alone. Raphael was standing right in front of him. His real family needed him, Mikey needed him. He just had to figure out a way to convince Raphael. The orange masked turtle had to show his older brother that it was more fun to be with him than to be alone anymore. Then an idea popped into his head and his eyes lit up. Ninja tag!

Michelangelo started to bounce from one foot to the next as he got his brother's attention. "Hey Raphie."

Startled out of his thoughts Raphael looked up. "What?"

No longer able to contain his excitement the nunchaku wielding turtle playfully punched his brother on the arm. "Tag, you're it."

With a loud laugh, Michelangelo bounded away.

For a moment, Raphael was startled. Then his arm started to throb where Michelangelo hit him. No one hits Raphael and gets away with it. The red masked turtle growled as he took off after him. "Don't call me Raphie!"

Traximus watched Raphael and Michelangelo wrestle each other on the ground. He could not remember the last time he had seen his young charge act so carefree. Clearly the orange masked turtle brought out the softer side in Raphael.

Master Splinter cleared his throat to announce his presence next to the Triceriton warrior. "I don't remember the last time I've seen Michelangelo so happy."

Traximus had to agree with the old rat. "I could say the same for Raphael. He is a proud warrior, but often too serious and easily angered. I've never been able to help him control his temper."

Splinter nodded his head. "Raphael has always had extreme emotions. I had hoped with age his aggression would have tamed. But just as fierce as his temper, is his heart."

Traximus was happy that Raphael had finally found his family, but also sad to know that the red masked turtle would be leaving him. "Rejoining his family is the best thing that could have happened to Raphael. He has a purpose again. He has brothers to protect now. And it sounds like you will have your hands full, with training Raphael while trying to take on your lost son Leonardo."

Splinter placed his paw on the Triceriton's arm. "It was not easy to discipline four boys. Each one of them is strong willed and stubborn. But together they complement each other. Help each other find peace and happiness." Then Splinter turned to face Traximus and bowed deeply. "I thank you for taking care of my lost son."

The minute he saw the orange turtle in the arena, Traximus knew that Raphael had finally found his family and that he would not be returning to the Triceriton homeworld with him. Traximus had never doubted that Raphael should rejoin his family. Being part of a family is life's greatest gift. And even if he would never admit it, he knew that Raphael was happy to finally return to his true home. He would no longer have to be the only teenage mutant turtle. He would no longer be the only one of his kind. He would no longer be alone. Getting to talk with Raphael's father and to see what his lost brother was like, made having to say good-bye easier for the Triceriton warrior. He knew his young charge was going to be in good hands.

Raphael was not a turtle for long good-bye's. He was more of a turtle of action. Yet the red banded turtle couldn't help but get a little chocked up as he said his final good-bye's to Traximus. He had spent 10 long years with the Triceriton warrior. And now he was returning to his family and a world he didn't even remember.

Master Splinter and Michelangelo stood patiently by the portal to return to Earth.

Raphael's voice was a tad softer than normal. "Traximus, I don't know what to say."

Traximus also did not enjoy long good-bye's. "This is not good-bye Raphael, merely so long for now. Good luck with finding your remaining brothers."

The two warrior's firmly gripped their hands together before Raphael reached his other arm around the Triceriton's side and hugged him tightly. In a voice barely over a whisper he croaked out. "Thank you Traximus…for everything."

Then the knife wielding turtle turned and walked behind his father and orange masked brother, eager to tackle this next phase in his life, ready to face whatever challenges fate decided to throw his way next. Raphael was finally coming home.

A/N: Yay, Raph is coming home! If only Leo would be so easy to convince right? This was another short chapter but the next chapter is nice and long and should be up in a few days. Please write a review, it really helps keep my plot bunny happy. Virtual oatmeal raisin (or chocolate chip) cookies to those who do!