"Donnie!" Leo's voice echoed down the sewer tunnel, desperate to catch the genius as he ran, "Donnie, wait!"

Purple mask tails flew as Donatello shook his head in a vehement, albeit silent, no. He could not wait, would not.

He needed to distance himself from the specters of the brothers he'd killed in cold blood, and the flesh and blood siblings that he undoubtedly still posed a threat to. Why else would these new caves materialize his darkest nightmares? The engineer's shoulders shook with repressed sobs even as the chocolate brown gaze leaked liquid horror. Why did it have to be here, though? Yes, this was his greatest fear, but Donnie thought he'd conquered that when they were transported one hundred years into the future and met Cody. That was the moment when the purple ninja finally took his first breath free of the dread that had been building in his gut for months. Which was why he'd been so eager to explore the New York of the future. Every discovery was another piece of evidence cementing the fact that they would not die at the hands of the Shredder, that they wouldn't be lost in a vain pursuit of saving an apocalyptic world destroyed by their enemy. Obviously, it wasn't as conquered as he'd thought.

Rounding a corner, Donnie finally slowed his escape, leaning against the slimy wall so to crouch as he grieved the memories once again resurfacing from the darkest reaches of his mind.

He couldn't forget his experience when they were scattered into the dimensional void. No matter how hard he tried, the memory stalked him in the dark jungles of his mind, like a tiger stalks its prey. His brothers' death screams, the way Raph pulled himself along the ground, leaving a bloody trail, just so he could at least die nearby the leader he'd claimed to hate just a few days earlier. Their bodies laying so still on the ground, limbs splayed in a grotesque tableau of carnage. Donnie shuddered, his breaths speeding up into full on hyperventilation, bordering the edges of a panic attack. He'll never forget the way the Karai bots surrounded Mikey, running their many blades through him, the sickening sound of his plastron and shell crackling under the assault still something that haunted the purple ninja. No, he'd never forget any of it. No matter how many years passed, he'll never forget how he led his brothers to their deaths.

"Donnie?"

The engineer startled when a green hand gripped his shoulder, whirling around to see two, unscarred, sapphire eyes staring at him in evident concern, "Talk to me, otouto," Leo pleaded, slowly lowering himself into a cautious crouch, "I'm here, and I'm not leaving you. Please, just tell me what's wrong?"

Donatello opened his mouth to answer, but it seemed that his tongue was still buried in sawdust as only a strangled squeak of a sob broke through. Leonardo didn't mind the genius' reticence, but merely pulled his brother in for a tight embrace, muscles bulging as he desperately tried to shield the younger turtle from the obvious trauma this testing ground had stirred up, "You're not alone, otouto," the eldest whispered, even as Michelangelo and Raphael joined their huddle, "we've got you."

The scientist nuzzled his beak into the soothing bulk of his leader's strength, reveling in the comfort that Leo's arms offered. He took several shuddering breaths, attempting to reign in his rebellious emotions and explain himself, but only succeeded in melting into a round of guttural sobs. His oldest sibling's reassuring murmurs, even as the calloused fingers rubbed soothing circles into his carapace, reducing the genius back to a tot crying to his big brother for protection. This was what he needed, what he craved, the entire time he'd been stranded in this horrible place. If Donatello were being truly honest, the most shocking part of this alternate future wasn't New York being ruled over by the Shredder, or even the desolate landscape displaying the once fair city as a post apocalyptic mess.

No, the biggest shock was the cold hatred hanging between the brothers he so loved, wafting off their shoulders like steam off dry ice. The energy bitter and angry, like frostbite burning across your skin, leaving behind only brittle shards of their once vibrant familial devotion.

It both frustrated and grieved Donnie to see it, and he'd often found himself yearning for the hugs Leo would give when any of them were upset, wishing for the comfort of his brothers. But it never came. Instead, he was cast into a lonely exile devoid of anything he'd thought an irrevocable part of their relationship. Stranded, alone, hopeless.

But now, despite being once again trapped in this hellscape, Donatello was able to cling to his leader, each sob a wordless cry, begging Leonardo to live, to fight, to protect, to never betray his brothers by walking away. Desperate hands pulled Mikey and Raph closer, creating more of a turtle pile than a hug, as the scientist included both orange and red in his plea. Praying once again that this terrible fate was never one they'd be forced to endure. Embarrassment stung Donnie's conscience, but he squelched it down, the need for his siblings' presence taking priority. Although, he could sense their confusion and their fear over his behavior, and that worried the scientist, but how do you say 'please don't leave me' in a way they could understand? How does one verbalize the intensity of his desire that they avoid this potential future at all costs?

He could tell them what happened, sure. He had no doubt that they'd understand why he was so affected by it and would surely be just as appalled as he was. However, he hadn't the foggiest idea on how to speak the weight that this experience had placed in his mind, the way it plagued him with endless nightmares, and planted a seed of dread that had birthed the burning ulcer that throbbed in his stomach.

Donatello winced as a wave of guilt washed over him as he thought over the things he'd hidden from his family. Yeah, he'd been keeping a lot of secrets from his brothers, the kinds of things he'd surely scold them for trying to dealing with on their own had they done the same.

Chocolate brown eyes popped open, and Donnie sucked in a sharp gasp of revelation that whistled between his teeth.

Maybe, that was what his test was about? Maybe, that was why he'd not grown as much as his siblings? Because despite all the life lessons they'd learned together, he was still operating on his default settings? Keeping secrets, and not allowing his brothers to help. Sure, he'd rationalized it as him being the family handy man, fixing what broke and not asking for their help due to their lack of knowledge. However, that meant that he'd committed the same blunder as the eldest, that being, just because you fill a specific niche in the family, doesn't mean you have to walk that path alone and figure everything out for yourself. How many times had he scolded Leo for that exact same thought pattern, watching as it bullied their leader, pulverizing his self confidence and reducing him to the same turtle who ran from his family, convinced he didn't deserve to be a part of it?

Just like…. he had run away…just now.

A groan rocked Donnie to his core, making him curl even tighter into Leonardo's embrace. Regret at how he'd berated Leo for leaving burned a hole in his heart, shame at how he'd essentially done the same thing. He had told himself over and over the last time he was here that he'd never leave his family, that this future was only possible due to his disappearance into the time stream. But what if this world's Donatello really had left? What if the stress of keeping their family from falling apart had become too much, and he left to escape it all? As much as the scientist didn't want to admit it, that didn't change the fact that it was entirely possible. That meant that when he was sending his brothers to their deaths, it was likely that his dimensional counterpart, the Donnie of that alternate future, was tucked away somewhere ignoring the call to honor his responsibilities to his family and his city.

That thought alone left a sour taste in Donatello's craw.

"Come on, Don, you need to breathe with me. Deep, even breaths."

Once again, Leonardo's calm tones broke through the spiraling tumult afflicting the scientist's mind, bringing to his attention the fact that his hyperventilating was making the inside of his throat raw. Donnie gave a spasming swallow, wincing when his throat ached in protest. Lungs fluttering from the effort, the purple ninja took an experimental breath, shoulders jittering as it shuddered down his throat, aggravating the abused muscles. The chin resting against Donatello's temple gave an encouraging nod, the strong hands never stopping the soothing circles.

"Very good, little brother," Leo's voice smiled, "just like that, one more time."

Another breath, this one steadier (albeit hitched) was pulled into the aching body. Then one more. Then still yet another. Donnie allowed himself to be coached by his leader, unabashedly clinging to the eldest, as if his sinewy muscles were the lifeline saving him from being cast into a mindless abyss dark with grief and pain. It was as if they were tots again, and he wasn't the scientist/engineer/medic/handy man that carried the weight of the world on weary shoulders. The engineer embraced this change. Finally giving up the pretense of omniscient strength and allowing his beleaguered brain the chance to be vulnerable in front of the ones who knew him best. The sense of relief from the pressure he'd placed on himself engulfed him, making the clenched limbs tremble as they finally loosened, and once again Donatello found himself weeping as he realized how ridiculous he'd been. How he'd kept himself apart thinking he had nothing that needed changing, without acknowledging his own Achilles heel.

But no more. Today was the day that those unhealthy habits died. Starting with coming clean to his brothers.

"Aniki," Donnie breathed in a tortured whisper, lifting the damp face from his leader's shoulder and gazing on his brother with sorrowful brown eyes, "I need to confess something."

If Leonardo was surprised, he didn't show it. Instead, he continued caressing Donatello's head, kneading at the tense muscles in the back of his neck, "Go ahead, otouto," the eldest encouraged softly, "we're listening."

"Um," despite having a genius level IQ, it seemed his rather loquacious vocabulary had abandoned him in the face of admitting a grievous mistake. Donnie drew in another stuttering breath, cheeks flushing a deeper shade of green as he struggled to pull himself together, "I need to tell you about here…or, about what this test is about…or what it has to do with me…I think?"

"Hey, calm down," Leonardo's voice had taken on the tone he used when the younger siblings were distressed and unable to pull out of their spiral, it was soft but commanding, offering a shield of protection from whatever they were fighting, "no need to rush, we have all the time in the world. Just start at the beginning and work your way through to where you're at now."

The purple ninja nodded slowly, sucking down three or four breaths, even as Mikey patted the heaving shell of their resident genius, "There ya go, dude," the youngest murmured, joining the eldest in the comforting stream of reassuring words, "we won't push you, but just by going your reaction, I think this is definitely something we need to talk about."

"Can't believe I'm sayin' this," Raph said, directing towards Donatello a playful smile, "but I'm with the kid on this one."

Mikey's features shut down into a fierce pout, giving his brother a bombastic side eye, "What did I say about calling me kid, Raphie?"

The brawler gave a careless shrug, looking away innocently, "Nothin' worth rememberin'." He drawled, then gave a wicked smirk, "besides, we all know yer always gonna be our baby bro, so why fight it?"

"Gah," the youngest growled, throwing his hands up in aggravation, "will you stop treating me like I'm a tot?! I'm the same age as you!"

"Before we was turned inta humans, I would have believed that," Raphael chuckled, "but now I'll always see ya as that cute little kid with fluffy blond curls."

Donnie found it much easier to breathe as he allowed the sounds of his brothers bickering to center him, even as he discovered an irrational urge to giggle bubbling up his throat, "Yeah, Mikey," he should not be laughing, not in this situation, but the inane energy his siblings exuded washed away the fear and anxiety like the ebb of a retreating tide, "you were adorable. How are we supposed to forget about that? It's impossible."

"Im sure you can figure it out, just think real hard," Mikey huffed, "I'm not that small in real life, and I'm not a baby. So, stop treating me that way."

"Alright," Leo announced, cutting off Raphael as the brawler opened his mouth making Donnie chuckle yet again, "no more picking on Mikey. We're getting sidetracked and we need to stay on task if we want to make it out of here.

"Now," their leader continued, turning sapphire eyes back to their resident genius, "What were you trying to say earlier?"

Significantly calmer, Donnie nodded, finally able to begin his tale, "You remember when Ultimate Draco separated us?" He asked softly, "And father used the war staff to bring us back to the nexus?"

The brothers nodded, none wanting to interrupt now that Donatello felt he could speak candidly to them. The genius heaved a sigh heavy with regret, "Well," he stated, voice soft in remembered grief, "I was sent here."

"So, what is this place?" Mikey asked gently, "and who were those turtles from before? Because, maybe I misheard, but I think they called themselves your brothers."

"That's because they are," Donnie rasped, head bowing slowly.

"You mean dimensional counterparts, like those weird turtles we met a couple years ago?" Leo cocked his head in confusion.

The scientist shook his head in a hesitant no, "Not like that," he clarified, eyes shying away to look down at the slimy floor in guilt, "this place is…was…a possible future for us. One that we narrowly avoided."

A sharp gasp of both horror and shock was sucked between Leo's clenched teeth, the sound echoed by the orange and red ninja on either side of him. However, the clawing fear raging behind those sapphire eyes was one Donatello was on intimate terms with. Green shoulders slumped as the scientist sighed. Yeah, he knew the feeling well. That jolt of dread melting into a molten steel ball of terror and utter despair, all before lodging in your gut, a burning twisting orb of agony that would eventually afflict your entire nervous system. He knew it all too well. That's probably why he had an ulcer. The scientist winced. That was another thing he needed to confess, but one secret at a time. In halting tones, the scientist slowly spun the tale of his time in this future hellscape. Including how he'd led his brothers to their deaths.

"How did it come to this?" Leonardo's voice was reduced to a terrified rasp, hands gripping the engineer's shoulders almost hard enough to bruise, "How did it all end up like this?"

"According to them, or you, this all started because thirty years in this dimension's past I disappeared," Donatello murmured, guilt for a sin he'd never committed raking his conscience with venomous claws, "they said that everything fell apart after that. Shredder took over, and they were unable to stop him. Because I failed."

"You didn't fail," Leonardo suddenly snarled, his features shifting from horror into indignation, "you were put into an impossible situation, and you led to the best of your ability."

"But they still died because of me!"

The blue ninja shook his head, "No, they would have died regardless," he rasped, shoulders slumping with the weight of Donatello's experience, "the facts of the matter is simply that if the Shredder had reached that level of control of New York, then nothing short of the combined forces of the entire United States military could have stopped him. I know how you feel, Don, but any assault no matter how well planned would have suffered massive casualties against an enemy that strong. If anyone understands the weight of that pain, it's me, which is why I can say that you did nothing wrong."

"Even so," the scientist scowled, wanting to believe what his brother had to say, but struggling nonetheless, "it doesn't make the fear that this was our future any less."

"This ain't our future," Michelangelo spat, "we know this isn't how things go down for us. We've been to our actual future, and we met Cody. No way any of this happens! How could the New York we spent months in possibly come out of this?!"

Donatello gave a slow nod, acknowledging the youngest's reasoning, "I know," he breathed, "why do you think I was so excited to be there? And put off our leaving for so long? Being in the future with Cody, it was like a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. A comfort that I had managed to change the future into something more hopeful."

"So, then what's the problem?" Raphael asked in his usual brusque tones, "If ya know that this ain't gonna happen, why ya still scared of it?"

"Because it could still happen." The purple ninja answered in a tortured whisper.

"Why would you say that, Donnie?" Leo's voice had regained it wisdom filled calm, soothing and comforting as it washed over the engineer.

The purple ninja's shoulders hunched, discomfort radiating from his distressed form, "Because," Don rasped, "the common denominator in this equation is me. If I stick around and start O'Niell Tech, then we'll get Cody's future. But, if for any reason I disappear, we'll inevitably end up here. And I'm scared, no, I'm terrified of that happening."

If Donatello expected his brothers, or his leader, to simply accept that rationale then he was very quickly disappointed. Leonardo was already shaking his head in a vehement no before the scientist was even finished speaking, "No, no way, I beg to differ," the blue ninja said, eyes shining with conviction, "in fact, I directly refute your hypothesis."

Count on Leo to be semi competent in the use of science speak when he's trying to make a point, "Oh yeah," Donnie asked wearily, "then please, pray tell your reasoning for your disagreement?"

"First of all," the leader began, features taking on a lofty look of smug wisdom, "this batch of turtles doesn't look like they've gone through what we've gone through, they don't even act like they care about each other. So, I can deduce that the likelihood of their going through the caves or helping their Leo through all the crap we've been through, is pretty much nil.

"Secondly," the blue ninja continued, lifting an authoritative index finger so to boop Donnie's nose, "even if they had, which I very much doubt, this future couldn't be possible because we all know for a fact that the Shredder is dead, and you all kicked his slimy soul back to the underworld!

"And lastly," Leo was on a roll, and Donnie was here for it, clinging to his every word as the eldest did what he does best, protecting his brothers, "you cannot, I repeat, you cannot put this pressure on yourself! You can't say that the ball that got this mess rolling was your absence. That's just not sound thinking!"

"How is it not sound thinking?!" Donatello groaned, not wanting to be argumentative but was so tired and desperate for answers, "I've thought about this, over and over, I've thought and thought until I've thought a hole in the ground, and the only hypothesis that makes sense is that my disappearance made the family fall apart because I wasn't there to do what needed to be done!"

"Such as?" Leo queried, cocking his head as if to challenge the genius, "Donnie, I'm not stupid, I know how you and Mikey often worked together to keep the peace in the lair, especially when Raph and I were at each other's throats. Even I can admit that if we lost you before we all went through the caves, then yes, we'd be pretty much screwed. However, can you say that this is something we struggle with now?"

Donatello gaped, keen mind whirling as he suddenly found himself struggling to come up with a reasonable counter argument, "Well," he stammered, "I mean…I don't think…maybe we…no?"

"I said this once to Mikey and I'll say it again, if one of us goes down, we all go down." The leader spoke gently, a tender hand reaching up to cup the scientist's cheek, "Yes, I can agree that we wouldn't do well if you were to disappear for any reason, but that goes for any of us. If Raph or Mikey were to disappear, I can say that I'd be just as much of a wreck, and don't make me remind you of what I put you guys through when I ran away, myself.

"However, I can confidently say that it wouldn't end in a post apocalyptic mess, like this," the leader stated, guilt at his own betrayal evident in sorrowful blue eyes, even as Leo continued in a tone brimming with conviction, "and it isn't fair to put this kind of pressure on yourself over something, that we've already confirmed with empirical evidence, is impossible."

"But…" Donnie wanted to believe it, his heart was pounding with the desire to grab his eldest brother's words and engrave them on his very soul, but the fear instilled by that experience clung to him like a blood sucking tick, "but what if…?"

"No more ifs, aren't you the one always saying that we should trust the science?" Leo's gaze turned playful, giving the younger turtle a smirk as he lifted Donnie's chin up from its tucked state, "So, why are you turning on it now? You don't have to be scared anymore, because everything we've come through, everything we've conquered, is proof that this is no longer in our future. Ever."

God, and here he thought he was done crying.

Tears welled in the chocolate brown eyes, quickly spilling over to soak into the purple mask encasing his head. Leonardo merely chuckled at the reaction, pulling Donatello back into an affectionate hug, nuzzling the trembling head tenderly, "Don't worry, otouto," Leo whispered, "we've got your back, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure you'll never have to be afraid of us falling apart ever again."

In the words of Raphael, good old Fearless.

Count on Leonardo to make the accurate deduction in that Donatello's greatest fear had more to do with their family falling apart, than the shredder taking over. Granted, their enemy in any form taking over would suck, but they'd handle it like they handle everything. Together. However, if they were to fall apart the way these brothers had, the that would be torment beyond anything the genius could handle. Not that he had to worry about that, anymore. Not with Leo on watch. The weight he'd carried for years fell off his shoulders, and in the realization that he was not going to be held responsible for his seeming failings in that alternate future, he was finally able to bid goodbye to all the guilt he'd held on to.

"Thank you, aniki," Donnie breathed, nuzzling further into the embrace, "thank you so much."

The moment lasted several heartbeats, with Leonardo quietly murmuring soft reassurances to their genius, while Donnie finally vented the last of the anxiety that had been plaguing his heart. It was a soft moment, a cocoon of warmth in an otherwise cold world, but it wouldn't last. There was still a test to finish after all.

"Thought ya could run away from us?" The gruff tones of the older Raphael, angry and bitter, echoed down the tunnel accompanied by heavy stomps of three pairs of feet, "Not that I would expect anythin' less, Don."

The present Raph released a low snarl, hands clenching into tight fists, "Hey, you lay off-!"

"Don't," Donatello cut the brawler's rant short, feeling a surge of confidence burn through his limbs, giving him the strength to stand to his feet. It was time to end this, once and for all. Swiping an angry fist across his eyes, scattering the gathered tears into the air, the purple ninja pinned the specters with his fiercest glare, "don't waste your energy, I've got this."

The older turtles startled at the change in tone, each taking a slight step backwards, even as Donnie stomped towards them, "None of this," he growled, even as tears continued their rebellious trek down his cheeks, "is my fault!"

The old Leonardo gave a bitter scoff, "And what makes you say that?" He sneered, "I thought you were smart, Donatello?"

"Oh, I am," the genius nodded, happily accepting the charge, "I'm smarter than you, that's for sure, because unlike you I'm willing to rely on my brothers and not be a prideful, pigheaded jerk!"

The blind eyes narrowed behind dark sunglasses, the former leader's features swiftly morphing into an angry snarl, "Say what?!"

"You heard me!" Donnie bellowed, hands clenched at his sides, "You claim that this all happened because I disappeared, but did you even look for me? Did you even try?! Or did you immediately fall apart?!"

Old Michelangelo scoffed, "Of course, I looked for you!" He yelled, his one good arm flailing, "but how was I supposed to find you when I don't know how to use half your techno-crap?!"

"What are April and Leatherhead, chopped liver?" Donatello scoffed, rolling his eyes, "They could have helped you, and besides you guys didn't even think of working together, did you? But that's the difference between you and us, because my brothers would never have let anything stop them! My brothers would have done everything in their power to locate me or died trying!"

"How do ya know we didn't?!" Old Raphael howled, "What makes you confident that we didn't look for ya?"

"Because if you had, you'd never have been reduced to this," the genius snarled, voice suddenly turning quiet, danger lurking in its undertones, "the way that you guys fell apart, the fact that you treat each other like strangers, or even worse, like enemies. That tells me that you're using my disappearance as an excuse. If you genuinely cared, then none of this would have happened!"

Donatello pulled in a breath, holding his head high, even as he gave a brief glance of affection over his shoulder to his true brothers, "My brothers, my real brothers, we faced our personal demons and we conquered them. We chose to face the mistreatment of Leonardo, helping him overcome the darkness that lurked in his mind, and then we faced the problems within ourselves. Granted, I should have grown more, at least as much as they have, but I'm willing to admit my shortcomings now."

"Donnie," Leo scolded softly, "you don't have shortcomings, you've been the strongest out of all of us."

"No, I haven't," Donatello denied with a shake of his head, "I've kept secrets from you, like the fact I've been so worried over my family I've developed an ulcer. Or, how despite the fact I've scolded you over it time and time again, I'm guilty of the same sins, that I don't tell you when I'm in pain or I keep it to myself when I'm feeling overwhelmed. How many times have I yelled at you for not being honest with us, when I go back to my lab day after day with my own secrets? Just like this one?

"This didn't have to be my test," the purple ninja insisted, turning to cast grieved but determined eyes on his brother, "if I had been smart, if I had just listened to my own advice and trusted you all from the start, it never would have come to this! But I'm putting a stop to it now! I'm going to leave this test, and I'm going to be the brother you deserve. I won't run away anymore and rationalize it as protecting you. I'm going to emulate the same strength you've modeled for me by facing my demons and conquering them myself!

"No more hiding! No more living as a victim of my own cowardice!" The scientist gave his attention to the specters, back straight and shoulders strong with confidence, "You guys didn't have the strength to face your own flaws, much less try fixing them, and I won't end up like you by copying that cycle of self destruction! I'm going to live a life free of those fears and anxieties alongside the best brothers in this, or any, universe! I choose freedom from the past, and I choose to live for a better future alongside my family!"

The ghosts of the future turtles froze, until with a sound similar to falling rain, they disappeared in a cloud of ash. Donatello watched until every last speck had dissolved, a flame raging in his heart, joy that he'd conquered his fear and passed his test, shining brightly.

A green hand clasped his shoulder, and the purple ninja turned to see the same joy reflected in sapphire eyes, "I'm proud of you, Donnie," Leo stated softly, patting the muscular shoulder of his younger brother, "well done, otouto."

Donnie couldn't resist a wide grin, basking in the eldest's praise, "Thanks, aniki."

…

Michelangelo's smile stretched across his face, even as he watched Leo rub the top of Donatello's head, treating him like the younger brother he was. See, at least he wasn't alone in their older brother's inability to view them as anything other than a little kid. However, Mikey wasn't about to step in and interrupt. He knew that for all his whining, he'd be grinning like an idiot and preening under Leonardo's head rubs too if it were him.

"Ya ready fer this?"

The rumbling growl that materialized a little too close to his right ear startled the youngest, eliciting a girlish shriek as he flinched away dramatically. Baby blue eyes swung around to find a smirking Raphael standing next to him, and the baby brother immediately wilted, one hand clutching his plastron, "Jeez, Raphie!" He scowled, "Do you have to sneak up on me like that? I nearly had a heart attack!"

"What, ya wanna be the next heart patient now that Leo gave up his hospital bed?" The brawler chuckled, pulling Mikey down to give him a fond noogie, "Don't worry, kid, I ain't tryin' ta kill ya, I just wanted ta check and see if yer ready fer yer test."

Michelangelo sighed, choosing to not comment on Raph's use of the nickname he'd already said he disliked.

Not that he had anything against his brothers showing him affection, but Mikey had his own problems that he had a nagging feeling were going to be the prime topic in his test. Ugh, just the thought made the youngest turtle shudder. There were fears and worries that he'd been hiding in the back corners of his mind for months, if not years. He wasn't really ready to have them displayed for all to see, yet.

"Uh," the youngest faltered, then pasted his signature smile back on his face, "yeah, I'm totally awesome, dude. No worries!"

If the youngest thought he'd be able to fool Raph, he was wrong, because all his grin bought him was a cynical raised eyebrow ridge, "Oh, yeah?" The hothead asked, topaz gaze watching the baby intently, "Ya wanna try that again, Mikey? Or do I need ta get physical fer ya ta be honest with me?"

Physical, a term which implied being treated to either a headlock, or a tickle attack, until such a time in which he gave in to his big brother's demands. It really sucked to be the youngest sometimes, "I hate you," Michelangelo deadpanned, "and your underhanded tactics!"

"No, ya don't," the brawler shrugged, undaunted by his brother's words, "now, ya gonna answer my question, or do I gotta make good on my promise?"

Mikey released a theatrical groan, rolling baby blue eyes in his brother's direction, "Fine," he huffed, "maybe I'm not entirely jazzed to be on my way to my test, there, ya happy?"

The brawler gave a slow nod, gaze turning from mischievous and playful to soft with understanding, "I get that," he murmured, "that's why I came over here. Donnie's test wasn't too bad, at least he didn't have ta see us about ta die from a freakin' pendulum, but…we don't really know what ta expect from this place. So, I had a feelin' ya might be nervous."

You know, for all the grief Mikey gave Raphael for being a hotheaded bull in a china shop, it was times like this that the youngest took a step back and appreciated just how far the brawler had come. Sure, the crimson turtle had always been observant, in his own fashion at least. However, this was different from what they were used to. This was Raph allowing his softer side to be seen by checking in on his siblings. Definitely not something that was displayed very often before the caves. Granted, Raph had his moments, but not like this. He was just as protective as Leo; he just didn't show it as plainly. One of the brawler's many quirks, but Mike was happy to see that he was starting to become more at ease with showing how much he cared.

The youngest graced his big brother with a smile, his anxiety ebbing away in the face of his brother's strength, "Thanks, Raph," he finally sighed, "I know I'll probably be fine, I mean, you and Donnie aced yours right away! So, I'm probably nervous for nothing."

Raphael shook his head, "Nah," he disagreed, "you've got plenty of reason ta be nervous. At least ya won't have ta do it alone."

The youngest nodded, "Why don't we get a move on?" He suggested, jerking his head towards the exit door that was now visible, "We're almost done, and I'd rather we get started on the whole 'bonding to the world tree' thing sooner rather than later."

The brawler nodded, before turning back to their remaining siblings, "Yo, Fearless, ya comin' or what?"

Leo nodded, both he and Donnie trotting over to catch up to their brothers, "Sorry, Raph, we're coming."

"Just one test left!" Donatello announced gaily, throwing an arm around Michelangelo's shoulders, "You ready?"

"Oh yeah," the orange ninja drawled, face wreathed in a smile displaying his discomfort, "so ready."

Leonardo chuckled, "I can tell, Mike," the leader grinned, "you're practically glowing with enthusiasm."

"Gosh, and I was trying to hide it," the youngest smirked, enjoying the banter, letting it soothe his nerves, "I guess I'll need to work on that."

His brothers shared a laugh over the youngest's joke, making Michelangelo brighten, even as they walked out of Raph's testing chamber and began their trek to the next hall.

He loved causing his brothers to laugh. He loved helping his amazing, serious, skilled, brilliant brothers take a moment out of their superhero lives to enjoy a short burst of levity. It was the highlight of his day more often than not, and nothing brought him more joy than to sit back and enjoy the view whenever he successfully accomplished his mission. Extra points if he also got his dad chuckling, too! Some may say he was too much of a goofball, incapable of being serious, but Michelangelo disagreed. He saw his contribution to the team, though small, was still an important one. His brothers were the brains and brawn of their motley crew, but sometimes they got a little too wrapped up in the darkness that often surrounded their lives. That was where he came in. He was the spot of sunshine reminding them to take a step back and breathe. He knew they appreciated it, when they were complaining or calling him annoying, that is.

Although, Mikey had to admit, they'd been doing a lot less of that lately.

"Alright, two down, just one to go." Leo murmured, bringing the group to a stop.

Baby blue eyes rose to gaze upon his own obsidian doors. Despite being the same size as his brothers' doors, they somehow seemed infinitely more imposing. Maybe because they belonged to him. Striding forward, Michelangelo placed a hand on the cool, glassy stone, waiting for the inevitable riddle that would appear.

"Look inside a world unknown," Leonardo read, just as he had the last two doors, "a place similar to what you call home. Though what waits inside is an arduous task, his greatest fears will now lay unmasked. For Michelangelo to conquer this deadly foe, he must discover the strength currently unknown."

The youngest gave a heavy gulp, turning a nervous grin to his brothers, "That…sounds about as bad as I expected."

Leonardo winced, even as he released a brief exhale that could almost qualify as a chuckle, "You can say that again."

The brothers glanced at each other, an unspoken agreement to take in the moment before the last test, all feeling the weight of what they somehow knew in their gut was going to be the most difficult test of all. Mikey slumped. It really did suck to be the youngest. Why did he get stuck with all the icky jobs? Not that his brothers didn't get sucky tests, because just going by their reactions both during and after, they had gone through the wringer. But…why did it feel like he was the only one expected to fight?

Aw, shell!

Michelangelo pulled in a deep breath. It was going to be okay. If this was like Leo's test when Raph was taken hostage, then he'll still have his brothers. With them covering his shell, he could conquer anything! He just needed to go in there with confidence. He wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but if he had to fight, then he'll fight. He's not alone, he's got the smartest turtle this side of the universe, a backstreet brawler with a mean streak, and a stone cold ninja assassin on his side. There ain't a single thing he can't handle. Right? Right! He just needed to channel his nerves into a more productive outlet. He could do that. No problem'o. Totally has this completely under control.

"Uh, Mike, ya gonna open the door?"

"Eep!" The youngest yipped, jumping as Raph's voice broke through his silent pep talk. Turning to give a sheepish grin to his brother, Mikey shrugged apologetically before casting his gaze back on the intimidating entrance to his testing grounds, "Right, well then, high-ho, it's off to hopefully not die, I go."

Slapping the flat of his palms against the large doors, Mikey grunted with effort as he strained his muscles against the unforgiving stone. For a moment it looked as if they might open, but with a complaining groan, the doors settled back into their original spot. Michelangelo drooped, shoulders heaving as he panted from effort, "Why didn't anyone warn me that these things are so heavy?!"

"They're made of stone, goofball," Donnie laughed, taking Mikey's left side, "just calculating the weight going by their basic dimensions and the fact they appear to be a solid slab of obsidian should tell you that they are, indeed, heavy."

"Well, you were able to push yours!" The youngest shot back.

Donatello gave an indignant squawk, "What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Come on, Don," Mikey growled, his face an angry pout, "we sit on our butts almost the same amount of time every day. No way am I weaker than you!"

"I do not sit on my butt!" The scientist seethed, "What, do you think I just fart around on my laptop all day?"

"Well, don't you?"

"No!"

"Then what do you do?!"

"I'm running very important tests and experiments! Not to mention building new inventions for the lair and to help us on patrol!" Donnie countered, his own face wreathed in a pout exuding wounded pride, "And the equipment I use is often heavy! So, I do a lot of lifting and carrying while in my lab. Which is why I'm in better shape."

Michelangelo rolled his eyes as he gave a scoff of disbelief, "Sure, whatever you say, Donnie."

Donatello opened his mouth, but then paused, brown eyes narrowing even as his mouth twisted into a malicious grin, "I don't have to say anything," he purred, "because as you said, I was able to push my doors open just fine on my own."

Now it was Michelangelo's turn to give an angry squawk, "Don't use my own words against me!"

"I can if I want to," Donnie retorted with a smug sniff, "you said them out loud, which makes them public property."

"Oh yeah, well possession is nine tenths of the law!"

"You don't even know what that means."

"Sure, I do!"

"Then, what does it mean?"

"…Uh…"

"Enough!" Leonardo cut in much to Raphael's amusement, walking up to stand behind the youngest and brace his hands on either side of Mikey's, "Can you two stop bickering so we can finish this, already?"

From where he stood under Leo's, now sizable, bulk (courtesy of working the forge with Rawgrim) Mikey suddenly felt very small, and could only give a meek nod of acquiescence, "Yeah, sure dude."

Their leader turned to cast his authoritative gaze on Donnie, waiting until he, too, wilted in submission, "Sorry, Leo."

Giving a firm nod of approval, the blue ninja breathed out his frustration in a sharp exhale, the braced himself to begin pushing, "Raph, you take the right side, Donnie you push the left, and Mike, just help me push from the front, got it?"

"Yes, aniki," was the unanimous response. Obviously, no one else wanted to risk incurring their eldest brother's wrath.

With minimal effort, the four brothers were able to push the doors open, each holding their breath unconsciously when the green smoke flowed through. Mikey winced as he felt his body tugged by the phantom hands lurking within the jade mist, shuddering as his body was manipulated. Eventually, as it had in the times before, the smoke parted and the youngest blinked the green mist from his vision, blearily glancing around his testing ground, only to gasp in dismay.

It was New York, though significantly more intact than the version they'd just left. Michelangelo judged that he was somewhere in Central Park, as he stood in a large meadow and could see familiar buildings and rooftops in the distance but was currently surrounded by hundreds of trees. It must be almost wintertime, as the grass had long since died, and the branches were bare. The night sky hung overhead, stars obscured by the smog they'd known all their lives, while a chilly evening breeze blew through the last of the dried leaves still clinging to dull twigs. Mikey shivered, rubbing his arms as he tried to gain a semblance of understanding about his test, but was strangely drawing a blank. What on earth did this testing ground reveal about his greatest fear? Because he couldn't see anything. Maybe Donnie or Leo might have a hypothesis.

"Man, it's bad enough that I have no idea what to do, but does it have to be cold, too?" The youngest whined, turning to face his brothers, "I mean, right, gu-?"

Mikey froze, noticing for the first time that his brothers were nowhere to be found, and he was in fact alone.

Dread burned the back of Mikey's throat, dripping down his craw like acid, burning in his stomach. No. He was supposed to have his brothers by his side. They were supposed to have his back. So, where were they? What did the cave do with them?!

"Hello Michelangelo," a gruff voice rumbled in the dark, drawing the orange ninja's attention away from his crisis, "I've been waiting for you."

Mikey's baby blue gaze was drawn away from his terrifyingly empty side of the meadow and up to where a shadowy figure stood, "Who are you?" The youngest asked in a voice that trembled more than he liked, "And how do you know my name?"

The figure was huge. A hulking mass of muscle hidden under a dark coat embellished with body armor made of leather. His head was encased in a flowing black hood, while a strangely shaped skull was obscured by a similarly dark mask. Mike squinted. The guy's skin looked weird, like it wasn't really skin, or at least not human skin as it was too rough. It almost looked like, scales? The newcomer barked out a short laugh, more of an exclamation of amusement than genuine laughter, "I've known you all your life, kid," he sighed, raising startlingly blue eyes to meet his own.

"And you can call me….Ronin."

Here we go!

Okay, so good news; I got a new job.

Bad news; I'm going to be very busy with training.

I'm going to do my best to continue updating as I will not abandon this story, I know how it's going to end, I just have to write it.

Please continue to read and comment, I love reading all your reviews. I appreciate your support and love each and every single one of you!