My fingers frantically click on the controller as my character runs and jumps around the enemy boss. The controller is a little awkward in my smaller hands but I'm making it work by resting it in my lap so that I can easily reach the buttons. My tongue pokes out as my character dashes to the side, narrowly missing one of the boss's massive hits, a hit that would have dropped my character's hp to less than half.

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," I mutter, eyes flickering to my character's OverDrive bar as it creeps toward being full. A grin snaps onto my face once the entire bar turns blue and I smash the X-button. "Eat Raining Balls of Lightning, Boss-man!"

A cut scene plays of my character throwing his sword up and around as his friends twirl their own weapons, leaping behind the main character to support him. Suddenly the sky on the screen crackles and flashes and balls of magical lightning ran down on the boss as he screams.

"Booyakasha!" I cheer, throwing my arms into the air as the words 'VICTORY' flashes upon the screen. "Nobody can beat the Mikester! Wooooooo!"

"Nobody fake dat is, knucklehead."

Jumping, I scramble to keep the controller in my lap before turning on the couch to glare at Raph.

"Raaaaaaph," I whine, hugging my controller. "Don't scare me like that! You know how jumpy I am! I can't afford to break another controller. Donnie might steal this one too. I can't afford to lose another baby to his mad genius!"

"I'm not gonna take another controller from you, Mikey," Donnie sighs as he walks up behind Raph, an aspirated smile on his face. "I promise to make you a new controller to replace the one I took from you."

My eyes narrow, keeping my controller in my protective embrace, eyeing my immediate older brother warily.

"Why don't I believe you?"

Donnie places a hand over his heart, feigning a look of hurt but amusement shines in his eyes.

"What? But I thought I was your favorite older brother!"

Turning my nose up, I sniff while stroking my controller.

"Yes, well, that was before you took one of my babies from me. Now Leo is my favorite."

"Hey!" Donnie and Raph shout at the same time while Leo snickers with a smug look on his face. I stick my tongue out and squeal when Raph lunges for me only to be stopped by Leo.

"Now, now, Raphael. Our baby brother has spoken." Leo pats our hot-headed brother's arm and then turns back toward me. "We're heading out on patrol now." A pout forms on my lips and I fiddle with the joysticks. Leo sighs. "Mikey, we talked about this. Even if you were at your full size, you still weren't coming with. You're still healing and we need time to form a plan."

Puffing my cheeks, I nod solemnly.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Doesn't make me feel any better about you guys leaving though."

"Then allow me to help ease your mind, my son."

Jumping, I watch as Sensei enters the TV pit, a slight smile on his face. There is a messenger bag hanging near Sensei's hip. Tilting my head, my eye ridges knit together as I study my father.

"What's up, Sensei? Going somewhere?"

My brothers also turn toward Master Splinter as he approaches me. I turn my console off as Sensei reaches down and lifts me from the couch. I giggle as Sensei places me on his hip. Sensei must really miss us being this size. I beam at my father as I cling to his robe.

"The two of us are going to visit Ms. O'Neal," Sensei says, smoothing a hand from the top of my head down my cheek. "She has a book that might possibly help us in rebuilding your chi walls and hopefully strengthen them as well."

My eyes widen and I blink up at my father.

"Whoa! Really?"

Sensei nods, his eyes sparkling as he watches me.

"Yes, it was a book she found while traveling to Japan and while I was meditating the Ancient One spoke of the very same book. Ms. O'Neal is nice enough to allow me to borrow the book until you have better control of your chi once more." Master Splinter turns toward my brothers. "Leonardo, please use the utmost caution while the three of you are topside. Our foes will not rest until they find us."

I smoosh my face into my father's shoulder as my three big brothers' glance at me. Sensei ignores them as he starts toward the exit of the lair.

"I expect the three of you home no later than 1AM, my sons. Be safe."

"Hai, Sensei."

I frown as we enter the tunnels, my fingers rubbing the soft fabric of Sensei's robes. The sewers are decently lit for this time of night. The sounds of dripping water mixes with Sensei's footsteps and the clicking of his walking stick. My eyes flicker around the tunnel, not used to being so high up while out here.

"Sensei?" I ask quietly. It's not often that I get to have much alone time with my father without at least one of my brothers nearby. I sense more than see Master Splinter look at me.

"Yes, my son?"

Chewing on my bottom lip, I lean back enough to look my sensei in the eye. Sensei remains silent as I try to formulate my words properly.

Shell. Words are more of Leo and Donnie's department. Might as well just ask it.

I sigh.

"Sensei, do you really think that I'll be able to regain my chi walls? While it's awesome that I can do all this awesome powers stuff but the fact that I might turn into this," I gesture to myself. "Really isn't cool at all. I don't wanna be turned into a child every time I overuse my powers! I hate that I can't help my bros like this! And it doesn't seem like any of that meditation is working."

Sensei's eyes flicker across my face, a frown forming on his lips.

"Michelangelo, listen to me. It has only been a few days since your walls were destroyed. You cannot expect immediate results. Your body has had 19 years to build walls, walls that were there even before I started training the four of you. Even if I had not started teaching you the art of Ninjitsu, your body would still have had the basic walls surrounding your chi, I merely gave the four of you a means of accessing it and strengthening your wall so that outside forces could not use it against you." Master Splinter moves the tails of my mask back over my shoulder, the long tails swaying with each step we take. "And as we well know, that has saved our family many times over. But here like this, and in your 19-year-old form, you are vulnerable. We have many powerful enemies that will not hesitate to exploit this weakness against you and we cannot let that happen." A soft, sad smile forms on my father's lips as he rests his palm against my cheek. "In this world, we only have each other. Yes, our little family has grown and I never thought that the four of you would ever be able to meet humans without fear of what they might do. Mr. Jones and Ms. O'Neal have certainly helped in that aspect and our family is even happier for it. But, at the core of it all, there are the four of you. My four sons. And each of you provides a role in this family, a role that only you can fill."

My fingers twitch against my father's robes, frowning in thought as my mind processes his words.

Roles? Well, that's just obvious, isn't it?

Leo is our leader. Our team's calm. Our resilient leader. Without him, we wouldn't have gotten out of so many jams thanks to his ability to create a plan on the fly. Like, I'm pretty sure all the times that he says that he's meditating Leo is actually just sitting there thinking of every possible situation that we might run into. But, there is also just something about having big brother there to reassure you that, one way or another, all four of us will be getting out of this mess that good ol' Turtle Luck decided to throw our way. And it doesn't hurt that he has a way with words to get us out of some trouble when we forget curfew or get in trouble with Sensei.

Raph is our strength. He keeps us safe and watches our backs no matter the situation. A bro always knows that he's gonna come out on top when paired with Raph because he just refuses to accept defeat. Which is really comforting, ya know? Knowing that when you turn around, Raph is there, sais at the ready and a smirk that tells you that he's got this. That he can just chase away the monsters in the shadows just by walking into the room because his presence is so big. It's partially why I enjoy watching horror movies with him.

And then there's Donnie. Donnie is our team's mind and medic. He keeps us healthy and in one piece while also making awesome new toys to help protect us. There's isn't a problem that we've faced that Donnie couldn't find a solution to and I know in the future it'll remain that way. We've been through so much: going into the future, going into the past, going to alternate universes. Donnie is going to take all of those experiences and learn from them. Heck, he already has, using his knowledge from the future to upgrade all of our defenses and make it so our BattleShell can actually FLY. We would have never made it this far in our life without him.

And then there's me.

My frown deepens.

I don't think that my position on the team is so easily defined like my brothers' are.

I like to think that I provide a sense of lightheartedness to the group. That I remind everyone that we're more than just a ninja team. That we're brothers first and ninja team second. That no situation is as bad as it seems as long as we stick together. It's why I joke around. It gives my brothers something else to focus on when their inner demons are getting to them. I prank and joke and badger them to help them relax and release extra steam.

I'll admit, sometimes my methods can be a little over the top or can get out of hand. But that's never the intention. And I even learned to dial back when Leo was going through his 'Raph' stage. And, well, when Leo was gone for almost 2 years and Raph was going all vigilante and Donnie was working him into an almost early grave, my pranks kinda went down the drain because I knew that even if I did my usual stints it wasn't going to change anything. One brother gone means that the rest of us can't function. Especially when that brother is our leader.

So, it kinda feels like my position on the team isn't as need as it once was. I know that my skills are still needed, but I want to provide more than just being the distraction or loudmouth ninja. But, I think I've fallen too deep in my role and will just have to live with it for now.

Especially when I'm stuck like this, I think sadly, staring down at my tiny body.

My thoughts are jostled when Master Splinter suddenly stops. Glancing around, I peek up at my father only to find him watching me, his dark eyes calculating.

"Somethin' wrong, Sensei?"

A heavy pause hangs in the air as Sensei continues to just stare at me. Biting my lip, I resist the urge to squirm in Chichi's hold.

Now, THIS is a sensation that I am VERY familiar with. But usually, Sensei only uses his 'Intense Stare' for when one of us (mainly me) starts getting out of hand. Honestly, I don't even know what I did to provoke such a stare, seeing as I've been in Sensei's hold this entire time and I haven't even started one of my favorite pastime games of 'Are we there yet?' I consider myself quite the champ of that one. The rules are simple. Keep repeating 'Are we there yet' until a brother cracks. So far I'm the reigning champ and only the winner gets to say the sacred phrase. Raph, on the other hand, holds the title for longest losing streak with Donnie coming in a close second, surprisingly. Leo is holding true with his second-place standing. But I think most of that is due to the fact that he spent 2 years away from home and really missed having people to talk to. I also think that Grampa Ancient One taught him a few dirty tricks to keep his temper in check.

A rumble snaps my attention back to Master Splinter. He shakes his head once I refocus on him, only just now realizing that we've stopped before the manhole ladder that leads up to April's antique shop.

"Sensei?"

"There is much for you to still learn in this world, Michelangelo," Master Splinter states as he shifts me to his back. "And that includes about yourself. Do not allow yourself believe that a being can only be a singular entity. Each person is deeply complex. So, do not sell yourself so short, my son."

My body tenses and my cheeks burn as I secure my arms around Sensei's neck. How on earth does he do that? Just somehow knowing what I'm thinking about?

"I know because I am your father and have raised you and your brothers for nearly 20 years now," Master Splinter states, chuckling as he starts climbing. "Now, hold tightly so that you do not slip. Your body will not be able to handle such a drop like it normal would from this height."

Nodding into his shoulder, I tighten my arms a little more, happy to have some sort of distraction. A small part of me is giddy. It has been a very long time since Sensei has carried me (or any of my brothers) like this and I'm a sucker for being carried. (By family members. Enemies can go eat some sewer apples.) There is just something nice and cozy about being carried.

My cheek rubs against Sensei's warm brown fur as he pops the manhole cover upwards. The light from the streetlights pours into the sewers and a cool breeze caresses the top of my head. Sensei's fur rustles as he cautiously climbs out of into the dim alleyway. Sensei keeps to the shadows as he silently moves, not at all hindered by the extra weight on his back. I stifle a giggle as I mentally picture myself as a little living backpack that Master Splinter wears and can use to defeat enemies. My face presses into my father's shoulder, trying to keep quiet as Sensei slides up to April's side door and gently raps on it four times. Sensei turns as we hear movement on the other side of the door and I know he's scanning the alleyway as he keeps his back, and me, close to the wall just in case. It's something that Sensei did often when he would take one of us scavenging with him before we got too big for him to carry.

Click.

"Guys?"

Tension leaves Sensei's shoulders as April pokes her head out and turns to look at us. Peeking around Sensei's head, I wave at her with a large smile.

"Heya, April! Long time no see!"

April's eyes widen as she moves aside, letting Sensei and I into the shop. Sensei gently detached me from his shoulders and placed me down to the floor just as April mechanically shuts the door, her eyes never leaving me.

"I know I'm the cute one, April, but I think Casey might get jealous of all the staring," I tease, stretching my limbs as I bounce on my heels.

"Awe!" April coos, kneeling to be at my height and a tender smile forms on her face. "I know Master Splinter said you turned to the size of a child but it's so different actually seeing you in person. You're so cute! Can I hug you?"

My eyes widen in surprise before my smile widens and I hold my arms out.

"The Mikester will never turn down a hug!"

April instantly scoops me up and hugs me just tight enough to not hurt. I giggle as she stands with me in her hold just as the door leading to her apartment opens, revealing Casey holding some sort of satchel.

"Got yer bag, babe," Casey says, holding the bag out and then falling short as he spots me in April's arms. "Holy shit, dude! Ya really did turn inta a kid!" Casey walks forward and leans down to study me. April snorts, readjusting me in her hold and shifting so that Casey isn't nearly nose to nose with me.

"Casey, hand Master Splinter the bag. The book, along with a few others, are in there for you," April explains, rubbing her cheek on the top of my head. "I got those other ones from my last trip to Japan in an old shop in a small village that I never caught the name of. They seem old, so I thought they might help in this situation. I haven't read them yet, though."

Master Splinter takes the bag from Casey, bowing his head.

"This is deeply appreciated, Ms. O'Neal," Master Splinter says, pulling the new messenger bag on top of his empty one, securing it down.

"Yeah! Thanks, April," I say, returning her hug.

"Awe, you're welcome, Mikey," April gushes, squeezing me harder causing me to lightly wince. "And it's no problem, Master Splinter. Most of the time, these old books of mine are just collecting dust anyways. People usually come in here more for the jewelry or clothes. So, keep those for as long as you need them."

Suddenly, I'm plucked from April's grasp by large hands under my arms.

"Geez, babe. Let da little guy breathe," Casey scolds, setting me down on the ground. April crosses her arms, glaring at the blackette.

"I wasn't hugging him THAT hard."

Giggling, I run up to April and hug her legs.

"Don't worry, April. All hugs from you are nice hugs."

The pout melts off the redhead's face and April reaches down, rubbing my head. Seeing that I've pacified my friend, I detach myself to wander around the shop. However, before I can get too far, Master Splinter rests a hand on my head.

"Yes, Sensei?"

Master Splinter lifts an eyebrow at me, his 'Dad Stare' on full.

"Do not go wandering off, my son. We cannot linger on the surface for long. You are too vulnerable."

A pout forms on my lips but I nod in understanding. For a split second, I expect Sensei to bend down and pick me up once more but he merely reaches down and takes my hand in his. My fingers flex in his hold as a sense of safety and nostalgia washes over me.

I don't remember the last time Sensei held my hand when I'm not sick or hurt, I think, peering up at my father. My cheeks heat up when I realize that Sensei is watching me, amusement shining in his eyes. Sensei's lips quirk up in the corners and his thinner hand squeezes mine gently.

"Let us return home. You still need to meditate before bed and I would like to start reading these books. However," Sensei glances at April. "Ms. O'Neal, you would not happen to know if the original book holds anything about the pendant, would you?"

April's eyes widen and she nods.

"Yes! Actually, that was why I mentioned it to you when you called me about possible books on this. When I got home last night, I kept having this weird thought that I've seen that pendant somewhere." April rushes forward and digs in the bag near Sensei's hip, pulling out a very old and worn leather-bound book. Cautiously, she opens the book and starts flipping through the pages. "I spent many days in my hotel just skimming through it and I decided to do so again before heading to bed. Then I found this." April holds the book out, a very yellowed page with an old, faded drawing of the Ikigai Pendant taking up the entire page. April looks up, a pleased smile on her face. "I knew I saw it someplace. A lot of the text is faded but if this book has this pendant, then it might also talk about the Ultimate Protector as well." April turns green eyes toward me. "And hopefully something about the Ultimate Weapon, too."

Wouldn't that be nice? I have so many questions and none of them have been answered! Like how I can stop being the Ultimate Weapon and get my chi shields back. Or better yet, how I can make sure that I don't turn myself into a child again! The powers are kinda cool, but I would much rather just go back to normal.

Or, as normal of a life that a teenage mutant ninja turtle can live, I think, biting my lip to keep from laughing aloud. I glance up as Sensei releases my hand and reaches down to his bag, the empty one, and opens it. As the flap opens, the sound of familiar music starts playing and my eyes widen.

"You brought the pendant with you, Sensei?" I ask, lifting myself up onto my tippy toes to peek inside. Sensei purses his lips as he lifts the pendant.

"I did not want to, but I wanted to make sure that the drawing matches," Sensei explains, holding the pendant up to the drawing. "All of this just appears to line up too carefully for my liking. That Ms. O'Neal would obtain this book not even a month prior and then you, my son, have a run-in with the Ultimate Protector with Mr. Jones and become the Ultimate Weapon." Master Splinter glances down at me. "Do not get me wrong. Fate played a major role in all of this happening, but I do believe that there was another force at play here, as well. The Ancient One mentioned that the Tribunal is concerned by the Ultimate Protector's sudden presence. They have been monitoring the ancient being and it had been merely patrolling Mount Fuji and the lands near its base."

Surprise courses through me as I share a look with both April and Casey. My eye ridges knit together and I tug on Sensei's sleeve.

"But if the Tribunal knew about the U.P., why didn't they mention anything? Or have the Ancient One contact us when Hun and his goons started looking for it?"

Master Splinter sighs, passing me the pendant as he takes the book from April to place it in his bag once more.

"The Ninja Tribunal have reasons for why they do everything, my son. Even if you nor I seem to understand it. The Ultimate Protector, Kyūkyoku no purotekutā, was never supposed to come back into working order. They did not want the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā to be used for evil purposes." Sensei sighs. "The Ancient One mentioned that the Tribunal started to notice some behavioral changes in the Ultimate Protector but thought it was just time finally catching up to the contraption. They had no idea that the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā had traveled all the way to New York just to locate you, my son."

Uncertainty settles in my stomach as I glance down at the pendant in my hands, thumb brushing the smooth surface. A small part of me believes that the Ninja Tribunal actually knew what the U.P. was up to and just don't want to admit that they just didn't pay attention. That a large war machine managed to slip out from right under their noses. But I know better than to say that aloud. I mean, they're pretty much our great-great-great-something grandparents since they raised the Ancient One and he raised Sensei. And Sensei always taught us to respect our elders. Even if they're wrong and should have said something about a crazy ancient machine just wandering the mountains of Japan!

My cheeks puff up as my uncertainty melts into annoyance. Just like how they knew that the first Shredder that we fought was an Utrom. Not only when he was Shredder but that he was an Utrom even when the Ancient One raised him alongside our Sensei! So much could have changed if they would just tell people stuff!

I clutch the pendant tightly, holding it to my chest as I glare at a random place on the wooden floor. A loud note suddenly plays from the pendant causing me to jump and stare down at the orange and green jade resting in my palms. The pendant itself doesn't appear any different, the etching just as faint as ever.

Another loud note plays and a harsh throb stabs at my chest. Wincing, I curl into myself, my heart pounding as I suck in a deep breath as another stab hits me.

"Mikey?"

"Mike?"

"Michelangelo? My son? What is wrong?" Sensei asks, dropping to his knees next to me, his hand landing on my shoulder. "Are your ribs bothering you?"

Shaking my head, I hiss through my teeth as another throb syncs with the pendant's loud singing.

"N-No? Or, at least, I don't think so? It's not in the right spot," I state, leaning toward my father for support as another stab happens. "It's right in the center of my chest. It kinda feels like when the U.P. destroyed my chi walls but not as intense."

Alarm flashes across Sensei's face as he looks up at a worried April and Casey. Frowning, Sensei scoops me up, pressing me against his chest as I tuck my head under his chin, trying not to jerk too hard as another sharp pain courses through my chest.

"We need to leave," Sensei states firmly, his voice sharp. "Ms. O'Neal, would you please contact Donatello and tell him we need him to return to the lair at once. I want him to check Michelangelo over just to make sure that he is not having adverse reactions to his current condition."

April nods, frantically searching for her ShellCell as Casey walks us to the door.

"Want me ta walk wit ya back ta da lair?"

Sensei shakes his head.

"That will not be needed, Mr. Jones. But I appreciate the offer."

Casey nods and I can see him from the corner of my eye watching us as he reaches for the door.

ROOOOAAAAR!

Ice slides through my veins as the building vibrates and the sound of crunching cement rings outside the door. My chest heaves as I attempt to remain calm in my father's arms. Sensei is here with me. He's not going to let some crazy ancient being take me away. My fingers find purchase in Sensei's robes as he slowly backs away from the door with Casey sliding in front of us, an arm out protectively.

"Damn it," Casey hisses as a shadow passes across the door window. "How'd dat guy find us so fast? Da two of ya haven't even been here for a full 5 minutes!"

I twitch as another white-hot pain hits me and Sensei's arms tighten around me. He growls as he turns away from the door.

"The Kyūkyoku no purotekutā has a very deep connection with Michelangelo and I am certain that the pain that you are feeling, my son, is the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā attempting to reach out to you." A whimper escapes me and Sensei rubs his snout against my head. "Shh, little one. It hurts because your chi is very weak right now. Something that I am certain that our friend outside can sense that. We shall return home and Donatello will tend to you." Master Splinter turns. "Ms. O'Neal, is there another exit that we can use?"

April nods, ShellCell to her ear as she waits for Donnie to answer.

"Yes! This way!"

Sensei rushes after April with Casey hot on his heels just as the door from the alleyway starts to shake. April leads us down a narrow hallway that is piled high with boxes and a single door sits at the end.

"This leads to the backside of the shop," April explains, grumbling under her breath as Donnie still doesn't answer. "There isn't a manhole back here, but it's not overly lit and there should be a manhole on the other side of this building. So, stick to the shadows and you both should be just fine."

Master Splinter chuckles.

"We are ninja, Ms. O'Neal. Ninjas are bred and raised in the shadows."

April manages to smile over her shoulder at us. She swiftly unlocks the door, peeking out before waving for us to go. Another roar rips through the air as we step out, the night air feeling a few degrees cooler than when we arrived.

"Donnie's not answering," April whispers as we creep along the shadows. "However, I'm gonna keep trying and if he doesn't answer, I'll try Leo or Raph." She reaches out and presses a warm palm against my carapace. "Be safe you two."

Sensei bows his head as I offer our two friends a weak smile, unease coiling in my gut at the knowledge that my brainy brother isn't answering April.

They're fine. They can do this. They might just be arguing over something silly. Or maybe Donnie forgot his ShellCell in his lab… Wincing, I shake my head. Yeah, right. Donnie? Forgetting something? Yeah, sure.

"Oh, I wouldn't count on those freaks answering you any time soon," a deep voice cuts from the alleyway.

A pit opens in my stomach as we all turn and Hun and Tiger Claw step out from the shadows. A group of Fist Ninjas drop down around them, weapons at the ready. Gulping, I shrink back against Sensei.

Oh, shell. Looks like Turtle Luck has struck again. Can't we catch a break here?

0o.o0

0o.o0

0o.o0

Hello, lovely people!

So... yes, this is coming out much later than I wanted. I started working on it two Mondays ago and was expecting to work on it that following Friday to get it up. Well... that didn't happen. I worked on this chapter a little on Tuesday and then Wednesday hit and... I got sick. Guess who tested positive for strep .. I was out sick (like really sick) until that next Monday where I had to work all week. And because this is my fun story, I had to work on the story that I will get paid for.

And then my birthday happened XD. So, I spent the day with my folks before going to work.

But enough excuses! I finally managed to finish this chapter so I hope all of you enjoy it! I really like the image of a little Mikey with his 19-year-old mind just running around XD hitting a Nat 20 with his puppy-dog eyes on his brothers. And Master Splinter, too XD.

Enjoy reading!