Hello everyone! I know that I usually put this at the end of the story so that you can read right away but I have a little bonus at the end of this chapter that is in Donnie's perspective that was requested by BrightLotusMoon on AO3 and I thought it would be fun to do, so I tacked it onto this chapter because I really didn't see this as a full on chapter but wanted to provide this for everyone. Also, sorry for not posting in awhile. Just needed to find my groove once more.
And to everyone who has favorited this story and stuck with it, thank you all so much! I truly appreciate it! And for those who have reviewed on here, I do read them and appreciate at them so much! So, thank you all!
Happy reading!
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My eyes widen as Dr. Rockwell beams from his spot next to his I.D.G. Honestly, this machine looks very similar to the device that Cody made to return us back to our own time. I don't really remember what the Shredder's machine looked like but apparently Donnie did if he was able to give the doc such a description that he MADE it. My eyes glide over to Donnie as he rushes toward the machine, circling it while rapid fire questions are spewing from his mouth. Most of the words that he is using I don't understand but that's okay. This is all Donnie.
Leo steps closer, eyeing the machine warily.
"And what exactly are you planning on using this for?"
My eyes roll toward the ceiling, an amused smile quirking my lips at Leo's suspicious tone. Dr. Rockwell grins and he floats down toward Leo while Leatherhead lifts Donnie so that he can get a closer look at the top of the machine.
"I am pleased that you asked, Leonardo," Dr. Rockwell states, floating over to a table and scooping up four wrist bands. "I am hoping for us to gain reinforcements through this portal. Ask alternate versions of ourselves for aid. As we all know, the Foot has split into two sections now. One that is now on our side with your cousin in charge and the other that Michelangelo has dubbed the Fist. And the Fist is under the control of Tiger Claw and Hun. And, well, now, the Shredder."
The doc shoots me an apologetic look and I quickly drop my gaze, sipping my tea. Leo nudges me, offering me a smile when I glance at him. Relaxing, I lift my head again just as the doc approaches us and hands both Leo and I what appear to be metal bracelets. Tilting my head, I lift the bracelet to my face, studying it closely.
The metal, almost a polished silver, has three hexagons forming a small screen in the top of the bracelet with the latches hanging down. The hexagon screens are a light blue and they appear to be able to light up by the dim darkness behind the screen. There is a green button on the right side of the screen and a red button on the left side. The bracelet itself has some weight to it and I can see a small light hole above the screen.
Dragging my thumb over the smooth metal, I look up at the doc as he glides over and taps the green button. Excitement glitters in Rockwell's brown eyes, as the bracelet lights up, humming with energy.
"What are these, doc?" I ask as he moves over to Leo.
"These here are Dimensional Bracelets that I created," Rockwell explains, turning Leo's bracelet on. "These are what are to be worn when entering through the I.D.G because these can be used to call up a new portal from this side. And it will also help those of us on this side to track your movements while in another dimensions. See this button here?" Rockwell points toward the green button. "Not only does this turn it on, by holding it down for the count of three, it will also call up the portal after you type in the dimension that you want to go to by touching the screen here." The doctor taps on the now glowing screen bringing up a scroll of numbers. "Bring up the numbers here and once you have the numbers in, press the green button to form a portal, which will shoot out through this section here." Rockwell points to the little light hole that is now blinking above the screen. "The red button here is to close the portal behind you with one tap and will also turn the bracelet off if you hold it down for the count of three."
I blink as Rockwell speaks, frowning as I try to keep up. How was he could fit so much technology inside such a tiny device? I jump when Rockwell pats my head. He turns toward Leo and Master Splinter.
"I was actually going to ask if you would like to help me test these bracelets. I haven't had the chance to test the long-range of this."
Donnie appears seconds later, eyes shining.
"How did the short-range tests go?"
I instantly zone the science mumbo jumbo out and I stare down at the bracelet. I mean, I'm not gonna lie and say that this isn't amazing, because it is. But I'm also not gonna lie and say that it doesn't make me uncomfortable. Because it does. We've dealt with going between dimensions before and while the experiences were unforgettable, it also left a lot to be desired. Donnie still gets nightmares from the alternate future that he was sent to where the Shredder took over and enslaved the entire world. I STILL haven't told my brothers or Sensei that I helped superhero versions of us kill their father, OUR father. And then there was when that wacko Shredder from a less serious version of our reality brought those…childish versions of us to our reality. And in doing so, brought back the Utrom Shredder. He's gone permanently now, but now we have another Shredder to deal with. One that was brought back by my own hand.
My fingers tighten around the bracelet, lips pursing.
So, is dimension hopping really a good idea? Should we really risk asking alternate versions of ourselves for help? What if they're already dealing with their own Shredder problems? Or even a larger problem than the Shredder? Like an alien invasion? A zombie apocalypse? The extinction of pizza? Would that really be fair of us? To ask such a thing? I mean, we weren't really given an option all those other times, were we? The Ultimate Drako was the reason we were sent to those alternate worlds and the Sliver was going to destroy the world outside of his tower, killing millions of innocent people just to make sure that his sons never left his side again. Don had to fight for his life and thought he was trapped in a world that his alternate self vanished from and just wanted to help the alternate versions of us. Shell, we didn't even get a choice when we were taken to the future. Cody's machine malfunctioned and sucked us in through the portal that it made, trapping us for an entire year. And our more kiddish alternate selves weren't given an option either. They were forced here by THEIR Shredder and then we were ALL forced to dimension hop to stop one of OUR Shredders.
But here?
We have the OPTION of asking our alternate selves for help. But would they be willing? I mean, it's technically not their fight. And how would they react when they find out that I'M the reason the Shredder came back in the first place? How would that make THEIR Mikeys feel? I know that I would feel pretty crummy if an alternate version of me came to me and told me that he accidentally resurrected their worst enemy and now needs help to fight him. Or her. Who knows, maybe there's a female Shredder in one of these universes. Or like, it flips and Karai finds Saki and raises him while she's the Shredder and—
Focus, Mikester. Gettin' off topic.
Shaking my head, I lift my gaze back up to the chatting geniuses. At some point April and Leatherhead have joined the conversation, with LH writing stuff down on a tablet. April is examining one of the other bracelets, throwing in comments that Leatherhead also writes down. Leo is staring at the bracelet in his hands, eye ridges furrowed in thought. I blink as I can practically see the wheels turning behind his brown gaze. When my brother lifts his gaze and we lock eyes, I know exactly what he was thinking of.
He has the same concerns that I do, I realize, swallowing thickly as my eyes shift over to the large portal behind the large group of talking nerds.
A warm hand lands on my shoulder, jerking me from my thoughts and I glance up at Master Splinter as he appears between me and Leo, who he also rests a hand on.
"Dr. Rockwell," Master Splinter calls out, gaining the attention of the other once-human. "We would be honored to help you test out your technology. However, are we absolutely certain that these devices are safe?" Master Splinter's fingers twitch on my shoulder, squeezing gently. "Do not take this wrong, my friend, for I know that you would never put us in a dangerous position. But after everything that has happened in the last few weeks, I cannot help but…worry."
Rockwell's face softens and he floats over to Sensei, offering our father a small smile.
"I promise you, my friend, that this technology is absolutely safe. Almost all of the components inside both the bracelets and the I.D.G were made by the Utrom and have been thoroughly tested by myself AND Leatherhead. And with Leatherhead having been raised by the Utrom, I would always have him check it first before I even attempt to put it into one of my inventions."
"So THAT is why you kept handing me random pieces of tech," Leatherhead exclaims, a mischievous glint in his eyes as his lips curl into a small smile. "Mischievous mammal, you."
Rockwell grins at the large crocodile but merely shrugs.
"When would you like us to test these out?" Leo asks, determination flashing across his face.
"Well," Rockwell starts, rubbing his arm sheepishly. "I was wondering if you would be willing to test them tomorrow night? I have strategically chosen places around the city that vary in distance to help give me a better idea of how the bracelets will function in another dimension."
My eyes light up and I turn toward my sensei and eldest brother.
"Am I allowed to help? This doesn't sound too dangerous or too strenuous. Can I? Please?"
Leo purses his lips as he stares at me, eyes narrowing and he crosses his arms.
"Mikey…"
"Oh, c'mon, Leo," I plea, pouting. "I haven't been out of the lair in DAYS. And I'm feeling so much better!"
Leo straightens to his full height while Sensei remains silent, studying me as I glance up at him briefly.
"Have you forgotten that you currently have a target on your head?" Leo growls, eyes flashing. "The Fist ninjas are searching for you as we speak, especially with the Shredder knowing exactly WHAT you ARE. And he won't rest until he has you! So, little brother of mine, tell what part of this plan is exactly SAFE for you? Which part, hmm? Not only will you not be in the lair, but you will also be out in the open! On which ever building that the doctor found! And must I remind you that you haven't been able to train with us since you've woken up? Or the fact that you can't even meditate without falling asleep? OR at the fact that you've been grounded to the lair until we can figure out a way to keep you safe? Or have you forgotten?"
I flinch at that. Of course he would bring that back up. Party pooper. Crossing my arms, I pout as I glare down at the floor. I was really hoping that he forgot all about that little arrangement after me being all sick and stuff but I guess not. I swear. Leo has a better memory than an elephant. Or Donnie. And Don has like a photogenic or whatever memory.
"I was grounded to the sewers not the lair," I grumble, huffing.
"Michelangelo."
Sighing, I look up at Master Splinter. His eyes flicker around my face before he smiles softly.
"I am sure that there is something else that you can help with that does not require you to leave the sewers, exposing yourself to the enemy."
"Of course there is!" Rockwell says, excitement lacing his voice. "Michelangelo, you are very detail-orientated and I could really use your help in checking the different wavelengths that will pop up during the testing."
My eye ridges furrow.
"But, uh, I don't really know how to read graphs and stuff, doc."
The once-human haves a dismissive hand.
"Oh, don't worry about graphs, my boy. What you would be doing would be telling me how many peaks you see when one of the bracelets are activated and what color the wavelength turns. Each wavelength color represents a certain distance and the peaks with represent power, but we will discuss that more tomorrow. Besides, Leatherhead and I will be here to read the other graphs and needed another set of eyes for the wavelengths, so this works perfectly.
"I guess…"
Rockwell places a warm hand on my head and offers me a smile.
"I promise that you will get to be the first one to travel to a different dimension the moment we are ready for that step. So, let your brothers have this one," Rockwell says, winking. "You will get to have the biggest trip out of all of them, promise."
That puts a grin on my face and I stick my tongue out at Leo. My blue-cladded brother rolls his eyes but there is a ghost of a grin on his lips as he shakes his head.
"But, until then, my friends, why don't we just enjoy tonight and celebrate not only such scientific achievements, but the fact that our youngest friend here is healthy," Dr. Rockwell states as more tea floats out from the kitchen area.
"I can drink ta dat," Casey cheers, popping the tab on a can of pop. "Gotta admit, I didn't really understand most of yer tech talk, doc."
"That's not really surprising," Donnie mutters to me as we all head for the living room area. Giggling, I open mouth only for a warm arm to wrap around my shoulder, tugging me back a little. Blinking, I glance up at Raph in confusion as he slows our pace a little, letting Donnie get a good few paces ahead of us. Amber eyes shoot down to me, a smirk forming on his emerald face when Raph lifts his free hand. A can of pop dangles from his fingers and my eyes light up when he slips it into my hands, taking my cooling cup of tea. My mouth falls open when he throws the cup back, downing the rest of my tea in one go. Raph HATES tea and we can barely get him to drink it when he's sick!
Warmth spreads across my chest as Raph lowers the mug, eye twitching slightly in disgust but the smirk never leaves his face. My second oldest brother winks at me and leads me over to an open spot on the massive sofa. The two of us sit down and I spot the moment that both Leo and Donnie see my drink. Donnie scowls at me while Leo narrows his eyes at us. I stare back innocently as I pull the tab and take a sip. I nearly sigh as the liquid burns going down but I keep my eyes locked on my other two big brothers, waiting to see if they will try to take my drink from me. After a second, Donnie shakes his head, sighing in defeat as he turns back to engage with Leatherhead about something on his tablet. Leo, on the other hand, stares for a moment longer until his face eases and an amused smirk forms on his own lips as he turns to pull Muckman into conversation with April. My body relaxes the moment Leo is no longer looking at me and Raph squeezes me toward him. He winks at me again when our eyes meet but he doesn't stop the stream of words coming from his mouth about motorcycles with Casey and Slash.
A grin splits my face as I fight not to wiggle happily.
Awe. Raphie DOES love me. Nobody likes a sad Mikey. Because a sad Mikey means that their food will suffer and nobody wants that.
I hide a smirk behind my can of pop, sipping it. I nearly jump out of my skin when something taps my ankle. Glancing down, I spot the tip of Sensei's tail poking me and I lean forward. Sensei isn't face me directly, talking with the doctor. Most likely about the new teas that they've been trying. When Rockwell moves to drink I see the small shift in Sensei, side eyeing me from his seat. A single eyebrow lifts minutely and his eyes flicker down for a second.
A flash of sheepishness shoots through me and I merely grin at Chichi. His ears twitch toward me and one of his fingers taps his walking stick.
Translation:
That will be your only can of pop, my son. You shall have tea for the rest of the night.
Mentally pouting, I give a brief nod and lean back in my seat, getting comfortable once more. Might as well savor this one as long as I have it. At least Sensei isn't taking it from me. My snout wrinkles. But more tea means more trips to the bathroom. Lame.
"Yo, Mikey?"
Leaning forward, I peek around Raph to stare up at Slash.
"Yeah?"
"Have ya read the latest issue of Justice Force?"
My eyes widen and I can't stop myself from bouncing in my seat.
"Dude, shell yeah I have! It was so wild! That last battle? Phew! So wicked, dude!"
Raph catches my wrist with my pop in it, lowering it before I smack his with it as I get a little too animated while talking but he doesn't say anything as both he and Casey also listen to my little speech about the latest issue of Justice Force that Stainless Steel Steve released a few weeks ago. Slash's green eyes sparkle as I talk and I can't help but realize that almost everyone else has stopped talking to listen to me. Raph squeezes my knee when I start to falter off, motioning for me to continue as Casey tosses him another can of pop. Deciding not worry about why everyone is now listening to me, I shrug it off and continue on my long-winded spiel about the Justice Force's latest missions, just happy to be talking about something not pertaining to the Shredder or the U.P.
It's nice.
Another spark of warmth shoots through me as April jumps into the conversation, adding her own input and I can't help but smile.
I'm the luckiest turtle in the whole universe having a family this awesome.
Donnie's thoughts during the walk to the train station. As promised for BrightLotusMoon :D.
"I was just thinking what each of us would be wearing if we were Star Trek characters. And I realized that I would be a red shirt."
My head tilts to the side, one hand resting over my pounding heart as I watch Raph grab our little brother in a headlock, giving him a nuggie for scaring us like that before Leo orders him to let our still recovering little brother go.
I guess I never actually thought about what each of my brothers would be if we were Star Trek characters. I certainly never thought that MIKEY out of everyone would be thinking about such things as we're walking to the train station. But, am I truly surprised by such things? No. Not really. I don't think anyone will ever be able to keep up with the different trains of thoughts that go through my brother's head. Shell. Most of the time even WE don't understand what's goes on in there and we've LIVED with him for YEARS. Sometimes I even doubt that MIKEY knows what goes on in his head.
But…
Would Mikey REALLY be a red shirt if he was part of the Star Fleet?
Leo would obviously be part of the command section, donning the typical golden yellow shirt (which were actually green but lighting on the set changed what it appeared as on screen once they started shooting in color) being a naturally born leader much like Picard (who actually wore red) and Kirk. Raph would most certainly be a red shirt. It just…fits him. If he wasn't part of the security detail, he would most certainly be part of engineering. He's so good with engines that I could see Scotty begging to have him on his team. I would obviously be part of the medical/science division, donning the blue shirt. I would hope that I would be more along the lines of Spock's division, the science but I really do feel like Bones a lot of the time with some of the antics that my siblings like to pull. Either way, I would be in a blue shirt for sure.
But Mikey?
That's a hard one.
I could see him in a red shirt but doing more of the communications division if he was. Mikey is just so charismatic and has a better knack for picking up languages than the rest of us. I know that he keeps telling us that his Japanese is rusty but it really isn't. I mean, does he really not notice that he slips into our first language when he gets angry or frustrated during a video game? Shell, he learned Spanish just from watching some of Master Splinter's soaps and even helped translate for some of my Latino customers when I still did IT. He secretly taught himself French because there was some cartoons that he wanted to watch and didn't want the subtitles getting in the way. So, he really could be part of the communications department and not worry about being one of the first characters to die. Uhura certainly never had to worry about it.
My eyes narrow as I sneak a glance at my little brother who is once more lost in thought.
But, now that I'm thinking about it, I can also see Mikey in a yellow shirt. Maybe not as a captain, like Leo, but in more of position like Chekov and Sulu. Someone manning the helm. He follows Leo's orders seamlessly, almost never questioning them. There is also a sense of calm that always seems to follow Mikey. He knows how to defuse situations within seconds, keeping the peace and keeping everyone levelheaded. Honestly, I think that Leo probably would have made a much better choice in putting Mikey in charge while he was gone instead of me. Sure, Raph would have been pissed all the same, but nobody can stay mad at Mikey, especially not Raph. And Mikey is so observant, he sees almost everything, sometimes even catching things that LEO misses. Any plan that he creates almost always work and he is always pulling off the impossible. If Mikey was human, I truly think that he would probably look exactly like James Kirk from the most recent Star Trek movies. He just has so much charm about him that if he went to meet a foreign diplomat, he could guarantee a signed treaty.
I think Mikey jumped straight to being a grunt, security red shirt because he just doesn't see the same potential that the rest of us see. He managed to get the Justice Force back together. He stopped a Purple Dragon heist on Christmas and reminded all of us what Christmas is supposed to be about. He defied the odds and became the Battle Nexus Champion not once but TWICE! Even after he was beaten and thrown around like a ragdoll. He's taken over situations when he realizes just how hurt one of us are, allowing himself to show that potential that Sensei keeps telling him that he has.
Shell. I wouldn't even put it pass him on being a blue shirt. He helps me so much in the lab and has the bedside manner out of all of us (outside of Sensei). He listens well to my instructions and I've caught him checking out my medical books. He is also has the steadiest hands out of all of us. Mikey would have to work a little harder to be part of the medical/science division, but he could if he wanted.
My lips quirk.
But, I know that he wouldn't want to. Not because he can't but I know that he would get bored. He needs something to stimulate him constantly and waiting on results or checking samples of dirt from an unknown planet just wouldn't do it for him. No. He needs something that will constantly stimulate that mind of his and keep his attention.
Rubbing my chin, I shoot my brother another look as Leo asks him a random question, just to get the little goober talking.
I think Mikey is right, I think turning my attention back to the walk. He would be a red shirt, but he would be much better as a communications officer than a security grunt. His knack for picking up languages and just drawing people to him would make him one of the better choices, especially on an away team during a diplomatic mission. He would be able keep the energy calm and if things started to get out of hand, he would know how to defuse it for whoever the captain is. Leo most likely.
I shoot my immediate little brother one last look, spotting a pout on his face and I know that he's still thinking about how being a red shirt would mean that he would be killed off each episode of Star Trek. But, honestly, he couldn't be further from the truth. He would most likely become an instant fan favorite and riots would happen if his character would be killed off during an episode.
Maybe I should say something to him…
My lips curl in the corners, forming a sly smirk.
Eh, let him sweat on it a little bit long, I think, fighting the urge to snicker. We don't need his ego inflating any bigger than it already is. And nobody makes fun of my microwaved soup. Nobody.
A low chuckle escapes me, earning me a questioning look from Leo but I ignore my big brother. When he realizes that he's not going to get an answer from me, Leo opens his mouth.
"Yo, guys! Wait fer us!"
Saved by one Casey Jones.
A flash of irritation crosses Leo's face as I shoot him an innocent grin as our two human friends rush toward us.
No. I think I'll let Mikey think on this a little longer and then maybe, just MAYBE, if we're alone in my lab I'll bring it back up. Or not. It'll depend on if he breaks something.
My gaze softens when Casey rubs Mikey's head, earning a bright smile from our youngest.
Yup. Definitely a red shirt.
