"We've not decided on a plan," April knelt on the ground between Leonardo and Raphael while Michelangelo and Donatello sat opposite them. "Obviously, taking Donnie straight back to Shredder's base would be a really bad idea," she smiled at him apologetically, "but us splitting up here would also be a terrible idea."
"How so?" Leo enquired, shuffling around on the hard pebbled ground.
"Well, think about it," April sighed, placing her hands on the floor, "if we split up in order to return to the base while the others head back to the Shredder's base, what will we do if they're planning an ambush? We can all defend ourselves, yes," April added quickly as all four turtles opened their mouths' to protest, "but against large numbers and possibly Shredder's henchmutants, we'd have lower chances at getting away."
"April's right," Donnie piped up, his eyes dropping as everybody looked at him before he looked back up with a confident expression. "I have no idea on what happened to me in your world but I assure you that the same won't happen in my timeline. I know you're all just being protective and I thank you for your concern; however, if I ever want to get back home to the present time, I need to face the Shredder with all of you."
"Bro...This is Shredder," Mikey stated lowly, his eyes narrowing. "He came after our Donnie because he knew how to open the Kraang portals to several dimensions. Shredder possibly believes that you know how to do that, too. Ya' know," he shrugged, "considering you came from the past and all."
"But I have no clue on how to reopen the portal!" Donnie protested, his heart thumping fast against his chest despite the fact that he was finally being told about his future-self's fate. "Even if I did know, I'd never tell the Shredder how to do it!"
"That's the mistake that Donatello made," Leo said sadly before turning to April. "We can't send him on our mission, April! We're basically handing him over to the Shredder if he comes with us!"
"Exactly," Raph added gruffly, not looking very thrilled with having to agree with Leo.
"You're all treating me like I'm some kind of weakling!" Donnie suddenly yelled, his frustration getting the better of him. "I'm not some stranger you picked up on your travels; I'm your brother! I'm Donatello, even though it seems that you all keep saying I'm not the same as the one you knew; I'm him!"
"Donnie!" Raph shouted as the younger Donatello suddenly stood up and ran off as fast as he could. Raphael stood up but Leonardo grabbed his arm and shook his head, causing Raph to pull his hand away angrily.
"Let him go, Raph," Leo said, calmly. "He has every right to be stressed out over all of this. Remember, he's still only fifteen, he doesn't understand."
"I know that," Raph snapped, turning away from his older brother. "It's not safe to let him run about! Especially given the situation!"
"He sounded more upset, to me," April bit her lip and shook her head slightly. "Give Donnie some space, guys, he probably misses his Leo, Raph and Mikey."
"You know, I never thought about that," Mikey smiled to himself. "Those three must be worried sick! Do you think Splinter's there with them? Comforting them and stuff?"
"Of course he is," Leo replied, even smiling a little at the thought of their beloved father and teacher. "He always looked out for us."
Donnie's throat burned as he continued to run further and further away, he didn't care where he was headed, he just needed to be away from the chaos so he could think. As he ran through the forest, his foot caught one of the roots that were stuck out of the dry and cracked ground, sending Donnie flying forward and smacking the floor hard. He made a little noise as he tried to stand up, but decided not to bother and let himself smack the ground again as he pushed his chin against the dry dirt tiredly.
"I just want to go home..." he mumbled to himself, not caring that he was saying his thoughts out loud or that he sounded like a baby. He missed his brothers and father so much; just thinking about them made his stomach drop and his eyes begin to tear up. He felt completely responsible over the whole situation; Angel was at the Shredder's mercy because of him and the Shredder was looking for him, which also put Leo, Raph, Mikey and April in danger.
The thought worried and even scared him a little but he knew deep down that if he wanted to save his friends and family from being killed, he'd have to go straight to the Shredder; alone.
He pushed himself up and stood up, adjusting the strap and harness of the belt he wore before walking along the stone path that lead straight to the outskirts of New York city. I'm sorry, everyone, Donnie thought to himself as he found himself looking ahead at the huge city in front of him.
A/N: As always, thanks for all the support everybody! :) ^^