Sorry if these last two chapters have seemed awkward. I was struggling to come up with ideas for scenes to get them settled at the abbey so I can then get to the actual plot of Mattimeo.

Now, to answer a guest's review, they will get their weapons and they are still being trained in Ninjutsu, don't worry! :) (And yes Splinter does decide to stay at Redwall)

I'm trying to get to the plot of Mattimeo, I swear! It's just taking longer than I thought to get them settled lol.

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

The thing about younger siblings, especially more than one, is you don't always get to do what you want to do.

For instance, I wanted to keep listening to the Abbot and Dad talk, but my siblings were begging me to take them outside to play. Evidently, a few of the children in the Abbey had introduced themselves and wanted to play with them.

So, a bit reluctantly, I stand and walk over to Master Splinter. I wait for a lull in their conversation and politely tap Dad's shoulder.

"Yes, Musume?"

"The kids want to go play outside."

"You may, but do not leave the walls."

"Yes, sir!" We all agree in almost unison, then we head up the stairs.

I find a small group of children already gathered, three mice and a squirrel that looked a little older than the mice.

"Dad said we can't leave the walls, but we can play outside!" Mikey calls excitedly.

A young mouse, the apparent ringleader, smiles. "Yay!" He then spots me. "Oh! You must be their big sister, right?"

I nod, shaking his extended hand. "I am. Name's Asami!".

"Mattimeo. Nice to meet you!" He gestures to his friends. "This is Tim, Tess - they're twins - and Sam."

I nod. "Nice to meet you all." They nod back and the kids then start talking about what games they want to play, deciding on tag.

I put a hand on Leo's shoulder. "I'm going to explore out here. You know what to do if you need help, right?"

"Whistle!" Leo replies easily. "Or have Lupa howl."

I nod. "Good. Now go have fun!" The boys go back to the group eagerly and soon I'm alone.

I sigh, deciding to explore around the abbey itself first. From there, I wander around, amazed at the amount of stuff here. From beehives to an orchard and a berry patch, even a grape vine on one wall, this place seemed to have everything it needs within the walls.

I even spot a pond, with my siblings splashing and diving, having presumably given up on tag.

I then decide to explore the abbey building and head inside after telling Leo where I'm going.

The abbey is even bigger in the daylight! There's a massive tapestry I somehow hadn't seen before, depicting various scenes, but none as impressive as one showing a mouse in armor wielding a sword, leaning casually on it and smirking as cats, rats, foxes, and other evil-looking people fled behind him.

Was it a trick of the light, or was the mouse staring at me..?

I am so focused on the tapestry that I don't hear someone come up behind me.

"Like it?" A male voice asks.

I turn, startled, to see the warrior (Matthias, right?) behind me, gazing at the tapestry like it was an old friend.

"Oh, um, yeah. It's a wonderful tapestry. I can't really explain it, but I feel a little drawn to it…" I turn back to the tapestry, and I swear the mouse on it is smiling directly at me. He somehow looks both intimidating and gentle at the same time…

Matthias smiles. "I know what you mean, Asami." He sighs wistfully. "I wish I could have met Martin, but he was long, long before my time. He helped save Mossflower from an evil wildcat and her horde of vermin. They say he did it alone, but somehow I doubt that."

We share a chuckle when all of a sudden I hear Lupa's distant yips and barks of shock, so I jog outside, Matthias beside me.

"Who is making that noise?" He asks, eyes darting to see anything amiss. "Never heard anything like it!"

I laugh. "That's Lupa, probably getting an impromptu bath. C'mon!" I pick up the pace and, sure enough, Mikey was swimming hurriedly away from an angry Lupa, but it was all in good fun, so I stay on the shore, laughing.

Also in the water were Mattimeo, his friends, and my other siblings, all laughing and playing.

"I see Matti has made new friends." Matthias chuckles, relaxing.

"Yep. Is he your son?"

"That he is, the little rascal." Matthias shakes his head in amusement as Mattimeo dunks Lupa, earning her pursuit, leaving Mikey to dive and explore the bottom of the pond.

The abbey kids are learning Marco Polo, but didn't understand why they had to say Marco Polo, and Donnie is struggling to explain.

"That's just the way you play the game, Sam!" I call.

"You aren't going to join them?" Matthias asks.

I shake my head. "Oh, no. I don't need a bath today." I am not overly fond of swimming or the feeling of wet fur and clothes.

"I see."

The group in the pond are surprised when an otter slides without a splash into the pond, dunking as many as he could wrap his arms around when he surfaces, letting them up a moment later.

"Gale, no fair!" Mattimeo protests as the otter laughs playfully and dives after Donnie and Mikey, who had avoided getting dunked the first time.

I hear Dad's distinct gait walking up behind us, with someone (I'm assuming the Abbot) following close behind, so I turn.

Sure enough, it's Dad and the Abbot.

"Hello." I greet, nodding politely.

The Abbot smiles politely back at me, but his eyes are distracted, looking around. "Hello, my dear. I heard somebeast in distress. Is everything alright?" The Abbot asks.

"Mikey thought it would be funny to yank me into the deeper water without warning, Mr. Abbot. Sorry about that!" Lupa, taking a break from swimming, had swum up to the shallows where she could sit, half-in and half-out of the water as she rang her hair and mask tails out, grinning.

"I see your clothes will need washing, Musume." Master Splinter comments wryly.

"Yeah…sorry, Dad." Lupa replies, grinning sheepishly.

Mattimeo, close by, tilts his head. "I thought her name was Lupa, not moosoome." He comments, likely before he thought better of it.

Before Matthias can reprimand him (I see a frown on the Warrior's face), I answer. "Musume is another way of saying 'daughter'. It's Dad's nickname for Lupa and I." I explain. "That's all. If I want to give him a nickname, I sometimes call him Oto-san, which means 'father'."

Master Splinter nods. "It is the Japanese language."

Everyone frowns.

"Japanese?" Matthias asks. "Never heard of that before. Is that a language?"

"Indeed, from the land of Japan."

Matthias looks sheepish. "I'm afraid I don't know where that is, sir."

"Far away." I reply, remembering that Dad seemed to want to pose as wanderers.

"Yes, across the sea." Dad adds, confirming my thoughts.

"Well, it sounds like quite the place." The Abbot nods as if the matter were resolved. "Now, if you goodbeasts are through with your bath, there are some late strawberries that need picking and some apples left in the orchard. Oh, and if you'd like some strawberry and rhubarb pies for after dinner, I'd suggest gathering rhubarb as well."

The abbey dwellers in the pond shot out, leaving us standing a bit confused, but willing to help.

My siblings do various somersaults or flips to get out of the pond, Lupa shaking herself off and causing everyone to protest, covering their heads.

"Lupa!" I complain. "I didn't want to get wet!"

"Oh, you're fine!" She sticks her tongue at me, then runs off as I laugh and make as if to tackle her. She runs off toward the mentioned orchard and squeals when I catch her and tickle up her ribs and tweak her tail.

"Not the tail!" She squeaks, wriggling skillfully out of my grasp to find Mattimeo and the others laughing as they grab some baskets that seemed to always be stationed in the strawberry patch for someone's use.

I grab one, panting. "Alright, alright. Let's get these chores done so we can try strawberry and rhubarb pie tonight."

Sam and the others look aghast. "You've never had strawberry and rhubarb pie?!"

I shake my head. "Nope! Could never find rhubarb." I shrug and start picking berries. "We've barely had strawberries."

After some light teasing, we pass a few hours playfully gathering various things and delivering them to the kitchen.

"Oh, by the way, I've been meaning to ask…" Mattimeo trails off, a little sheepish. "Why do you wear those masks?"

I blink. I'd gotten so used to wearing the mask, I hardly even noticed it anymore. "Oh…er, I guess cus they're a gift. An old family friend gave them to us and we've worn them ever since." I shrug. "I don't remember why he made them for us, but they're just for fun."

"I see." Mattimeo then grins, leaning in and putting his paw up conspiratorially. "It might partly be to tell the turtles apart. I could hardly see any difference between them if it weren't for the masks!"

Mikey tweaks his ear. "Oi! We resemble that remark!"

The pair giggle and start pinching and poking each other.

"You certainly do!"

"Well by that logic, you should all wear different colored robes! I can hardly tell you all apart!"

"Those 'robes' are habits of the Order of Redwall Mice, you cheeky beast! It's an honor to wear it!"

"Alright, alright!" I call, laughing. "That's enough. We're almost done with these apples, then we'll head to the kitchens. I think it's almost lunchtime."

"So it is." Comes a new voice, accompanied by large footfalls. I turn to see the badger I saw at breakfast, towering over us as she smiles down. "I see you lot are hard at work." She nods. "Oh, and you must be the guests. Welcome."

I nod as my siblings stare at the big badger. "Uh, yes, ma'am. I'm Asami, these are my siblings, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Lupa." They all nod politely, still too surprised by the badger's size to speak.

"I saw you all at breakfast. I hope you're finding everything you need here."

"Oh, we surely are, ma'am." I smile and she chuckles.

"No more of that 'ma'am' if you don't mind. My name is Constance. Why don't I show you to the kitchens? Lunch if being set up." We follow her lead despite having been to the kitchens already.

"I've never seen a badger that big before!" Lupa murmurs in my ear, trying not to let Constance hear her.

"I know." I reply. "But at least she's friendly. I'd hate to get on her bad side."

We drop off our last haul to the little fat mouse in charge, Friar Hugo. I'm told Friar is his title, and he seems to take great pride in it, swaggering around and giving orders, so we duck out of the kitchens and head toward where we'd eaten breakfast, finding tables set up with the same amount of food as at breakfast, with the same creatures digging in with a will.

There were more breads and cheeses, more cooled teas and juices, salads, pastries that smelled savory and some that smelled sweet, with cakes for dessert. In short, there never seems to be a shortage of good food here.

I get some savory pastries, a beaker of cooled mint tea, and a small loaf with some yellow cheese I think is cheddar.

This time, Dad finds a more secluded area and we all sit down.

Not long after, however, the hare I saw at breakfast comes over and he's nearly as big as Constance.

"What ho! Visitors!" He sits himself down, oblivious or uncaring of our startled faces as he begins eating like he hasn't touched food in days. "Not often we see new folks here at the abbey!" He then extends a hand to me, as I sat closest to him. "The name's Basil Stag Hare, marm, retired footfighter at yer service!"

I smile. "Asami Hamato, and this is my dad, Splinter, and my siblings, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo." I indicate them all and Basil nods.

"Pleasure! How long do yeh think you'll be staying? The Season Nameday feast is soon, you know."

I frown. "The…season nameday feast?"

"Indeed! It's quite the event 'round here, doncha know? Every season, we give it a name, such as Autumn of the Small Chestnut or Winter of the Deep Drifts, and we hold a large feast to mark the occasion!"

"That sounds awesome!" Mikey squeals, almost in sync with Lupa and before I realize they've moved, the pair are scooted down to face dad, almost knocking Donnie off the bench.

"Can we go? Can we can we can we?" Lupa pleads, leaning on the table with her hands clasped.

"It'll be so fun!" Mikey adds, his hands clasped as well.

Dad smiles at their antics, then hums a bit in thought. "Perhaps. I will think about it."

Before I can stop myself, I shrug and add my two cents. "If you ask me, I don't see why we can't or shouldn't stay here for the feast, Master Splinter. It sounds like a lot of fun."

"..." Dad strokes his beard in thought as he ruminates. "If the Abbot doesn't mind the extra guests, we can stay."

The elation is instant on Lupa and Mikey's faces, as well as Donnie and Leo's, who'd been listening hopefully. They all cheered and hugged and Basil is hugged, too, by an excited Lupa and Mikey.

"Alright, children. That's enough." Dad chides, but he's smiling as they try to settle down.

"It's alright, sir. I don't mind an excited young 'un, wot? Good to see their blood pumpin'!" He ruffles Lupa's hair and I can't help thinking how much I like it here already. Here, no one freaks out when they see us.

The only hitch was these people not knowing what a wolf or a turtle is, but even that wasn't a big deal.

But back on Earth, if humans saw us they'd freak out and either try to hurt us (maybe kill us) or would call the police and the police would capture us and turn us over to the government for experimentation.

=#=#=#=#=

After lunch, we're led on a tour of the abbey by Mattimeo and his friends, starting in what they call Great Hall (the large room with the tapestry and stained glass windows), and my siblings share an intrigued reaction to the picture of Martin. Evidently, they hadn't noticed it yet.

"My dad's the abbey Warrior, like Martin was." Mattimeo declares proudly, eyes shining with reverence as he looks at the tapestry. "And one day, I will take on my father's role and wield Martin's great sword."

"Oooh!" Mikey's eyes are wide. "Can we see the sword?!" Lupa nods in agreement, but Mattimeo shakes his head, face serious.

"Not without Dad's permission. I'll ask him to show you all later, maybe. For now, let's finish the tour!"

Mattimeo, his friends, and my siblings are all so excited about staying til the feast, and I don't have the heart to tell them that we may go home after the feast.

Dad seems a tad uncomfortable being in a place like this, but if I'm being honest, I love it here!

I feel safe, much safer than I was hiding in the sewers.

But, at the end of the day, Dad has final say.

If he doesn't want to stay, I think he could do that weird chant and take us home, but I'm not sure.

I'll have to talk to him.

We pass an hour or so on the tour, where we're shown the dormitories and the spare beds we'd be sleeping in for a few nights until the Nameday Feast, as well as the dim, cool cellars where produce, cheese, and various barrels of drinks are stored and tended by a friendly hedgehog named Ambrose Spike.

Mattimeo eagerly informs the hedgehog we're staying and Mr. Spike smiles.

"Well now, the more the merrier!" He chuckles as Mattimeo and his friends finish our tour at what Mattimeo calls the gatehouse, where he lives.

Matthias is outside the small house, practicing with his sword.

It is the most impressive weapon I have ever seen! The blade is deathly sharp and whistles as it moves, with black leather wrapped around the handle and a large red stone pummel (ruby, maybe?) that flashes nearly blood red.

The blade glitters and flashes in the sun as Matthias swings it skillfully around his body, face concentrated as he moves through motions. He's impressive, no doubt!

It's not how Leo wields his blades, but it is almost hypnotic to watch.

I then spot Dad a little ways away, admiring Matthias's skill.

When he raises the sword in a kind of salute, panting, I start clapping.

"That was incredible!" I cheer, and my siblings add their own exclamations as we walk over to the Warrior.

"I was hoping you'd practice today, father." Mattimeo muses, smiling proudly at his father.

"Thank you all. In fact, it was your practice this morning that inspired me to do a longer practice than I normally would have today."

"Really?" Lupa asks.

"Were we that impressive?" Mikey teases, eyebrows (or rather, where his eyebrows would be if he had any) rising.

"Michelangelo, humility is a valued trait in a ninja." Dad scolds.

"It's alright." Matthias chuckles, his breath returning as he slides the sword easily into the sheath on his belt, belt and sheath made of the same black leather as the handle wrapping.

"Dad, they're staying for the Nameday feast!" Mattimeo blurts, smiling broadly. "Isn't that great?!"

Matthias smiles. "It is! Guests are always welcome here!"

I catch Dad's glance and follow him into the orchard, leaving the others chatting with Matthias and the other children.

"You wish to stay at this abbey indefinitely, do you not?" There he goes, cutting right to the chase.

I sigh, unsure how he would take my response. "...maybe. I just…" I shift on my feet. "I like it here. I can't explain it, but I feel safe here."

"Do you think your siblings would agree?"

"Well…" I chew my lip, then smile. "Considering they've already made friends with Mattimeo and his friends, I'd say they wouldn't object to staying here." I chuckle.

"We will hold a family meeting tonight, and I will discuss our options with the Abbot."

I bounce a little in joy and hug Dad. "Thank you!"

Dad is smiling when I let go, still giddy at the idea of potentially living here.

That feeling doesn't fade, either.

The rest of the day seems to whizz by and then we're sitting down for dinner as the sun sets.

As usual, there's so much food, I almost can't decide what to eat.

I decide on some kind of soup with shrimp in it, a small loaf of bread, and some cheddar with what looks like onion in it, and a big cup of cooled cider.

I sit down and try the soup, only to find it pretty spicy. I grab the loaf, tear off some, and eat it to try to cool off my mouth. Once I've calmed my mouth down, I find the taste somewhat pleasant, so I keep eating as best I can.

Someone puts a bowl of milk beside me, thumps my back, and laughs uproariously.

"I see you found the shrimp and 'otroot soup, miss! Drink some milk. T'will help."

I wipe some tears away and nod gratefully, drinking the milk.

"That's spicy!" I note dumbly when my throat has recovered enough for speech.

"Indeed! It'll put a twinkle in yer eye and pep in your step! By the by, I'm Winifred. I heard we had visitors, but didn't make meself known til now!"

I nod. "Pleasure to meet you! I'm Asami Hamato, and these are my siblings, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Lupa. And that is our dad, Splinter."

Winifred nods to everyone as I introduce them. She then turns to Dad. "How long are you all staying?"

"We are still deciding that, but we will attend the Nameday feast." Dad replies, eating his own bowl of soup, one without hotroot.

"Wonderful! Taint much happening lately, so the name's a bit dull, if you ask me. 'Autumn of the Great Gale', since the weather is about the most interesting thing to happen lately."

"There was a gale?" I ask.

"Aye, a week or so back, but not to worry, we're still standing. In fact, the walls are a marvel at defending us from larger wind gusts, though they can't stop it all." She sighs and stands. "Well, I'm on an afternoon stroll. I'll be seeing you all."

We wave as she leaves.

"Everyone's so nice!" Lupa chirps. "Like Mattimeo and his buddies!"

"I know, right?!" Mikey agrees eagerly.

"Children, I believe we need to hold a family meeting." Dad announces.

"About staying here?" Leo asks softly, hope in his eyes.

"Yes." Master Splinter sighs. "I take it you are all agreed that we should remain here indefinitely?"

He's suddenly overwhelmed by shouts of agreement from everyone, though Leo and Donnie were a bit quieter than the others.

"Enough, you guys. You'll burst his eardrums!" I tease, chuckling as the kids clap hands over their mouths, most of them murmuring apologies.

"I have been talking with the Abbot and he would be more than willing to let us stay here as long as we wish, but I do have reservations."

"What reservations, father?" Leo asks.

"This place is truly wonderful, but it has seen danger from a rat warlord just last summer." Dad's eyes are grave.

"So why don't we get our weapons?" I suggest, putting a hand on his hand comfortingly. "That way, we can be ready if something like that happens again."

Dad hums in thought. "Perhaps…"

"Do you still know how to make the portal?" I ask.

"I…I do not know. I was acting on a dream I'd been having, but I do not know if I can get us home. Or back to this place."

"Then maybe you should sleep on it!" Lupa says it like a joke, but there is logic to what she said.

"Maybe. If you have the dream again, maybe you'll remember, Master Splinter." I add.

Dad sighs. "We shall see." He then takes a sip of some tea and a breath. "For now, we will adjourn this family meeting. I will discuss matters with the Abbot."

With that, dad bows his head a bit at us in farewell and dismissal, then walks off to find the Abbot.

=#=#=#=#=

I find myself on the top of the wall as the sun sets, giving everything a golden tint. It's like nothing I've ever seen, even in movies and shows.

I walk along the wall, surprised how long it takes to reach each corner and taking in the beauty surrounding me. There are woods and fields and a path leading north-south, if I'm not mistaken. Over all of this there is a sense of calm and serenity.

Behind me is Donnie, lost in thought.

We reach a spot where we can sit and watch the sun fade into twilight and I put my arm around my brother.

"How are you feeling about all this?" I ask.

Donnie shrugs. "Frankly…I don't know. It'd be a big change, living here."

"It would, but I think it could be good. Here, we don't have to hide, and if anything happens, we can help."

"I know, but it's up to Dad now."

I nod. "It is. Best case scenario, Dad remembers the chant, we get our weapons and anything else we may need, and then we come back and at least give this place a try."

"Knowing our luck, something might go wrong."

I tug his mask tails a bit. "Nah, it'll be fine!"

This would be a good change, I just know it!