"…Doctor Filch currently being sued for $10 million in light of his failed attempt to remove Kraang infection…"

"…mental health hospices currently out of space…"

"…unhappy with your new alien look? Well search no further, because Doctor Filch is here to help! His state-of-the-art equipment and top surgical professionals are sure to remove that untrendy alien look and get you back to your old, gorgeous human self…"

The Tv abruptly shut off. Splinter grunted, turning to find his youngest standing beside him, a tray with a bowl of soup on it.

"You really should… watch what you're watching, Dad." Mikey set the tray on the table next to his Father's favorite recliner.

Splinter waved a hand, dismissing the notion. "I was channel surfing to find my soaps but everything has been preempted by all this…" His head lowered, worry clouding his brow. "By the invasion news."

Mikey set a gentle hand on Splinter's shoulder. "Humanity is pretty good at bouncing back. I'm sure they'll find a way to cure the infection, or else they'll adapt."

Splinter moved his hand to cover Mikey's. "My son… your boundless optimism is a great strength of yours. But I don't think humanity is good at accepting things different from them."

"If all we can do is hope, that's enough for me." Mikey sent him a smile. "I still have faith that we'll be accepted… someday. I mean, April and Casey have accepted us, and they're human, right?"

Splinter sighed, patting his son's hand. "Thank you for your concern, and your encouragement. You may be right… it's been difficult to sleep this past week."

"Maybe it's time for a TV break and a nap, huh, pops?"

Splinter stood, stretching and cracking his back. "You know, Orange, sometimes I think you might be as wise as me."

"And sometimes I think I am wiser than you." Mikey chuckled.

Splinter let out a laugh before it faded and turned into a yawn. He hobbled back to his room, Mikey watching with a small smile on his face.

Mikey's attention snapped to the training room as grunts of varying intensity echoed off the walls and hit his ears. He peeked in, frowning at the sight.

Leo, drenched in sweat, practiced his moves for what Mikey could only expect was likely the umpteenth time. Leo's footwork was getting sloppy as his movements became slower, the turtle in blue panting heavily. His eyes were wide and his stance alert, but Leo clearly wasn't paying attention to his full surroundings, instead focused on the practice dummy in front of him.

"You… You want some?... Come and get it!" Leo swung his swords around, spinning in a flurry of blue bandana tails before slicing the dummy's head clean off. He doubled over, panting more as he stared at the dummy's head.

"Leo, are you-?"

In a flash, his sword swung around, pointed directly at the intruder's throat.

Mikey immediately held his hands up in defense, eyes bulging. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's me! It's Mikey!"

Leo's own eyes widened before he dropped his weapon, hands shaking a bit as they fell to his sides. "I… Michelangelo, you should know better than to sneak up on me like that!"

Mikey knelt down, picking up the sword and offering it to his brother with a small smile on his face. "I know. You were in the zone. But to be fair to me, I wasn't exactly sneaking."

Leo ventured a glance at his brother, slowly taking the sword and returning it to its sheath. He gave a small nod, gaze still on the ground as his voice came, low and quiet. "Thank you…"

Mikey widened his smile, tilting his head to look at the dummy's recently severed head. "So… What did it do to you this time?"

Leo raised an eyebrow, following his brother's gaze. "It was practice, Mikey."

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun while practicing." Mikey scooped the head up, placing it back on the dummy's shoulders. "I sometimes imagine the dummies as, like, villains. Makes for fun, cheesy dialogue." He stepped behind the dummy, moving its arm dramatically as he imitated a villain. "I did not kill your father, Leonardo… I AM your father!"

The corner of Leo's mouth tugged upward slightly. "Do you do this when we're sparring against each other, too?"

Mikey poked his head from around the dummy, smiling sheepishly as his gaze diverted from his brother. "Maaaaybe…"

A smile finally broke on Leo's face. "Who do you typically picture us as, then?"

"Donnie is usually either Lex Luthor or Eggman." Mikey shrugged.

Leo's eyes widened, as did his smile. "Eggman? From Sonic?"

Mikey stepped out from behind the dummy, swinging an arm around Leo. "Well, if it helps to know, ever since you've been edgier, I picture you as Shadow the Hedgehog."

Leo chuckled slightly, shaking his head. His smile died as his gaze fell to the floor. "I… I'm sorry for yelling at you."

To Leo's surprise, Mikey pulled him into a hug, squeezing him reassuringly. "I know you didn't mean it."

Leo returned the hug, letting out a loud sigh. "Hey, Miguel?"

"Hm?"

"…Thank you."

Mikey gave one final squeeze before pulling away. "How long have you been training? You stink."

Leo rolled his eyes. "Probably… a little over an hour?"

"Yikes." Mikey bit his lip. "Doctor Feelings is prescribing you a snack break and then a shower. For your sake, and the sake of our noses." He waved a hand in front of his face.

"What happens if I refuse?"

"Doctor Delicate Touch takes a crack at ya." Mikey pointed at him, giving him a wink.

Leo shook his head, lifting his hands in surrender. "All right, all right, I'm going…" He elbowed Mikey's arm playfully. "Wouldn't wanna get on Doctor Delicate Touch's bad side."

Mikey raised an eyebrow. "How do you know you aren't already?"

Leo waved a hand, not turning around as he headed for the kitchen. "I like to think I would have known by now."

Mikey smiled, watching him leave. He turned, smiling fading as his shoulders slumped, and headed for his room.

On the way, he passed Donnie's lab, noting the door was shut and had a 'do not disturb' sign on it. Mikey rubbed his chin, eyebrows lowering as he recalled Donnie missing breakfast… and lunch…

He tapped his knuckles lightly on the door, leaning against it. The occasional odd sound of a drill whirring or blowtorch sizzling metal came from behind the door. Mikey took one last glance at the sign before opening the door.

The lab was littered with empty cups and wrappers, some still with food in them that the ants and mice seemed grateful for. Mikey shuddered, gaze lifting to his brother, sitting at his table, shell to the entrance. His goggles must've been on his face since they weren't perched in their usual spot on his head.

Mikey's gaze drifted further, finding the emergency escape pods lining the walls, all under construction. Some of the panels removed, Don must be replacing them with a new, stronger material.

Mikey cleared his throat to hopefully not startle his brother.

Donnie whipped around, eyes wide and bloodshot and let out a hiss as the light from outside hit his face. He removed his goggles, rubbing his eyes. "Is it evening already?"

"It's after sunset, Don. When was the last time you ate?" Mikey stepped forward, his feet brushing against the wrappers.

"Uhhhhhhh…" Donnie rubbed his temples, eyes shut tight. To answer, his stomach let out a low growl.

Mikey perked an eyebrow, grabbing Don's arm and pulling him up.

"Fine, fine, I'll eat quick. But I have to finish-"

"Nope. After you eat, you're gonna stretch your legs and then go to sleep."

"Michael, please. I don't need you to-"

Mikey turned around, sending Donnie a glare.

The softshell groaned, shoulders slumping. "Fine…"

Mikey's usual demeanor returned as he dragged Donnie to the kitchen, finding Leo already there and rummaging through the fridge. On the table was a loaf of bread and a plate.

Mikey pulled out a second plate, handing it to Donnie. "Do I need to watch and make sure you actually eat, stretch, and sleep?"

Donnie rolled his eyes. "Please, Mikey, don't patronize me."

Mikey held his hand out, his pinky extended. "Promise?"

Donnie sighed, taking his own pinky and intertwining it with Mikey's before shaking his hand slightly.

Mikey beamed, turning to Leo. "You all set, Leon?"

Sandwich already in his mouth, Leo merely gave a quick nod.

Mikey put his hands on his hips, glancing around. "Hey… have either of you seen Raph in a while?"

Both cool-toned turtles shook their heads. Mouth half full of food, Leo pointed toward the door. "Said he was patrolling, last I heard."

Mikey's brow furrowed slightly. "I'm gonna go find him. Leo, can you make sure Donald doesn't break his pinky promise.

Leo gave a thumbs up, and Mikey pulled his gear together, throwing on a coat. He stepped out of the lair and moved down the tunnels until he reached the surface.

The brisk winter wind hit his face and he shivered, pulling the coat about him tighter. He let out a yawn, ignoring the gnawing feeling in his stomach as he headed straight for the tall building at the center of the city.

Every so often, the wind whipped up some snow and swirled around, and Mikey swore he saw something like the Technodrome in the sky again.

It's just the wind. Relax. They're gone.

Even if, logically, he knew that, the building's presence was an unwelcome reminder. Especially given half the city was still under construction and trying to rebuild. Every which way he glanced, there was something-a dump truck hauling away excess Kraang vines, the shambles of the construction site April and the others had dropped on top of sister Kraang, the building a Kraangified copter had scaled…

Mikey forced his gaze to the ground, shutting his eyes briefly. Everyone was a little freaked out by the reminders. No need to get so worked up over this.

Upon reaching the center building, Mikey's gaze lifted to the other nearby building tops. Smiling, he spotted the unmistakable silhouette of his brother and approached, climbing the ladder.

"Skies looking clear, Captain?"

Raph turned around, blinking in surprise before he gave Mikey a toothy grin-a toothy grin that, as Mikey noticed, did not last very long.

"So far, so good."

Mikey sat next to Raph, leaning against his older brother. "You ok, big guy?"

Raph nodded slowly. "Yeah, yeah… Just, uh… had a nightmare. Had to come check it out."

"Lost track of time?"

"Mhm."

Mikey tilted his head, eyebrows furrowing. "It's cold out. You should get inside."

Raph sighed, shifting slightly to face Mikey at an angle. "What about you, little man? You're gonna fall asleep if you don't bundle up more."

Mikey waved his brother's concern off. "I only popped up to get you. I had to drag Leo and Don out of their respective hidey holes again."

Raph's brow furrowed. "How long had they been at it this time?"

"Don hadn't eaten since yesterday and was up all day, I assume. Leo smelled rancid and said he'd been working out-like, hardcore-for over an hour."

Raph rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh boy…"

"How long have you been out here?" Mikey crossed his arms, unsure if it was to seem more serious or if it was because of the cold. Likely both.

Raph winced, standing. "Uh… that's not nearly as important as the both of us gettin' home now, is it?" He offered a hand to help Mikey up.

Mikey raised an eyebrow. "You've been up here all day, haven't you?"

Raph let out a defeated sigh. Mikey took his hand, standing and pulling his brother into a hug. Raph embraced him back, noting his younger brother's skin was almost icy cold now.

"Geez, we better get you home. You're gonna become a Mikey-sicle soon." Raph put a hand on the back of his brother's shell, and they both moved toward the ladder.

As they reached the ladder, a crash sounded in the alley below. Raph hit the deck, pushing Mikey down as well. Heart throbbing in his throat, Raph's breaths came faster and faster.

Mikey, eyes wide, watched Raph a moment before his brows furrowed. He crawled on his belly and peeked over the edge, sighing with relief. "Raccoon, Raph. Dumped over a trash can."

"Oh. I-I knew that…" Raph stood sheepishly, though his stance remained with a low center of gravity. His breaths came slower, though his eyes continued to dart around the area as they climbed down the ladder into the alley.

Mikey reached over, holding Raph's finger in his hand.

Something about the gesture felt… familiar.

A tiny Mikey lay on his plastron, an old crayon box by his side as he scribbled along the wall. The wall was filled with other art of his. Today's artwork featured himself with his family, and everyone got their own color.

"DAAAAAAD LEO STOLE MY JUPITER JIM TOY!"

Mikey winced at the sudden exclamation, his crayon scribbling off course. He frowned, dropping the crayon and peeking into the other room.

Leo held their latest Jupiter Jim action figure in one hand, his other arm extended to push back a desperate Donnie as the turtle in purple tried to grab the figure.

"It's not your toy, Don, it's our toy! And it's my turn." Leo shouted indignantly.

Splinter emerged from his bedroom, groaning as he straightened his back. Mikey couldn't help but wonder if every day he was getting shorter. Did adults start to shrink again when they got old enough?

"Boys, please… Papa has a headache."

"It is not your turn! We agreed to trade turns by the hour, on the hour. I still have 17 minutes left!"

Splinter pinched the bridge of his nose. "Blue, can't you pick out another toy?"

"No! Give me Jim or give me death!" Leo raced toward his room, Donnie in tow, shouting about rules and agreements. Splinter followed, chasing them around with a tired expression.

"Boys… I'm going to take Jim away from both of you if you keep this up…"

"NO!"

"NOO!"

"Blue, can't you wait another…" Splinter turned to Donnie. "How much longer did you have?"

"17 minutes."

Leo stopped, having climbed onto a table. He held the toy up high above his head. "Donnie's stupid rules don't mean squat!"

"DON'T CALL MY RULES STUPID! YOU'RE STUPID!"

Leo gasped, hand over his heart. "DAAAAAAD, DONNIE CALLED ME STUPID!"

"YOU SAID MY RULES WERE STUPID!" Donnie reached the table, rocking it back and forth. Leo swayed, arms frantically swinging as he tried to keep balance.

Mikey's eyes shut tight at the loud THUMP as it echoed through the rooms. He turned away, shell to the wall as he faced away from the other room, his heart beating faster.

"OW!" Leo rubbed his arm, a small stream of blood falling from the fresh scrape. On the floor sat the Jupiter Jim toy, broken in three pieces. Leo's lip quivered a bit before he wailed, clutching his arm.

Splinter knelt down, sighing. "You see, Blue, this is why we don't climb tables."

Donnie fell to his knees in front of the toy, his expression only showing shock.

Mikey listened as Splinter tried to comfort the two, his gaze falling to his work-in-progress crayon portrait. And the mistake scribble.

His own eyes welling with tears, the little box turtle sniffled, rubbing his face before running out of the room.

Splinter didn't look up as he patched up Leo's arm.

Mikey raced past Raph as he entered. Raph's gaze followed Mikey as he ran into the kitchen. Raph turned around, tilting his head at Splinter. "What… happened?"

"These two broke your JJ toy."

"It was Leo who broke him. I had nothing to do with it." Donnie crossed his arms indignantly.

Splinter let out a tired sigh. "I don't know what's going on with Orange. Would you check on him?"

Raph nodded, turning back and walking to the kitchen. He peeked in, eyebrow perked as it appeared empty.

Except for one cupboard door that was slightly ajar.

Raph approached, and as he did so, heard muffled noises. Sad noises…

He peeked into the cupboard, smiling softly. Mikey was curled up, knees to his plastron and arms wrapped around them, his face tear stained and lip quivering.

Raph pushed the door open. "They can be kinda loud, can't they?"

Mikey nodded. "My drawing… ruined."

Raph held a hand out, and Mikey curled his small fingers around one of Raph's.

"Hey, it's ok. We're still family. Even if we fight and get on each other's nerves, as long as we're together, we'll be ok."

"Mikey?"

Pulled from his thoughts, Mikey shook his head to clear them, finding Raph with the open door to the lair.

Raph raised an eyebrow. "You've been… awfully quiet this whole time. Everything ok?"

Mikey nodded. "Yeah, just… lost in thought, I guess." He passed Raph, moving inside. Raph shut the door behind himself, eyes on his youngest brother, the crevasse above his brow especially pronounced.

Not that Mikey wasn't allowed to simply think to himself, but it was… uncharacteristic of him.

A yawn escaped the snapper's throat. He covered his mouth, shaking his head a bit.

The rest of the base seemed quiet, the only light coming from Mikey's train car. Raph glanced around, finding his two brothers and father had already turned in. He said goodnight to Mikey before turning in as well, barely hitting the pillow before the lair was filled with the soft rhythm of his snores.

Mikey smiled at the noise, turning back to the sketchbook in his hand and flipping through it. He let out a sigh of relief at the quiet base, eyes closed as he took it on.

The base door let out a whoosh as it opened.

Mikey poked his head out his room's window, smiling as April walked in.

She glanced around, eyebrow raised. "Is this some sort of training exercise?"

"Yeah, sleeping." Mikey stepped out, sketchbook still in hand.

"But… it's night. Thought we were going out for a night on the town."

"I think everyone had a rough sleep this morning. Don't you dare wake them, I had to practically drag Donnie to bed." Mikey pointed a finger at the girl.

April let out a soft chuckle. "Wouldn't dream of it, bud. But I might need to show Raph or Leo this." Her demeanor hardened as she pulled a manilla envelope from its place tucked under her arm.

Mikey's brow furrowed. "What's that?"

She opened it, handing him a picture. On it was a tall man, black hair and shades, wearing a black suit that trailed down to his calves. He had some kind of communication device he was speaking into, and was standing next to a large tank where sister Kraang sat, looking none too happy.

Mikey winced, turning the picture over. "When was it…?"

"The day of, after the Technodrome got portal-chopped." She frowned. "I'm… concerned she'll somehow get loose. I just wanted to let you guys know."

Mikey nodded slowly. "Maybe… wait a while. I think they're still pretty… raw from it all."

April perked an eyebrow. "And you aren't?"

He handed the photo back to her. "I'll be ok, April. I always am." He sent her-what he was hoping beyond hoping was-a reassuring smile. It must have come out significantly less confident and reassuring, since April tilted her head as her eyebrows softened.

"It's ok if you're having a tough time, too, Mikey. We all went through hell last week."

He waved his hand, dismissing it. "I'm fine. Really. Just a little tired emotionally."

"Well… I guess I'll leave you to your art, then." April sent him a smile, moving back toward the door. "I'll be over tomorrow to show the others."

Mikey nodded. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mikey." She gave a small wave before the door closed shut behind her.

Mood shifted, Mikey returned to his bedroom, opting to listen to music instead. He put on his playlist, dancing through several high energy songs before collapsing onto his bed-hammock.

Eyes on the ceiling, a frown formed on his face.

He was ok. At least, more ok than the others. He had to be. For their sakes'.

But sister Kraang was still out there. Hopefully, the division of government-this EPF, whatever that stood for-that had taken her into custody had enough resources to keep her locked up a good, long time.