"You're the Kyūkyoku no buki, aren't you, Mikey?"

My eyes widen and my stomach drops. Apparently, no matter what version of our world we go to, Leo will be as perceptive as always.

Brain scrambling, I shoot Chichi a quick, and only slightly panicked, glance. He glances back at me, meeting my gaze and lifts an eyebrow. My lips purse.

Very helpful, Papa. Very helpful indeed.

Sighing through my nose, I open my mouth to answer as the tense air continues to linger.

"What on Earth did I just walk into?"

Tiny Donnie stands in the doorway, what I'm assuming is an empty mug in one hand and I can just barely make out the Dimension Bracelet in the other. His red-brown eyes are wide and he's glancing around the table in bewilderment. Cautiously, the brainiac of the family approaches the table, standing next to Master Splinter.

"Is everything all right?" Tiny Donnie asks, a troubled frown morphing on his face as he looks at his blue-cladded brother. "And what's this about Mike being a Kyūkyoku no buki? I thought that was just part of some old story you used to tell us when we were younger, Sensei."

Master Splinter nods and smiles slightly at his brainiac son.

"It indeed was an old story that I would tell the four of you at bedtime. However, all old stories come from some type of truth, my sons."

Tiny Raph leans forward, frowning.

"So, what yer sayin' is that there is quite possibly a large walking suit of armor just roamin' around somewhere?" Tiny Raph snorts. "Right. 'Cause DAT'S believable."

I raise an eye ridge at the red-banded turtle. However, before I can say anything, my Mini Me turns toward his older brother.

"Awe. C'mon, Raph! It's totally plausa-beel, dude. I mean, we've totally dealt with weirder things than a magical suit of armor."

Tiny Leo nods, his eyes never leaving me.

"Mikey's right," Tiny Leo says causing little me to beam at the praise. "We have dealt with weirder. Squirrelanoids. The Kraang. Giant killer wasps." A smirk forms on the blue-cladded turtle's face when he finally tears his gaze away from me to glance at his slightly younger brother. "Vengeful killer cockroaches. And that's just to name a few. Who's to say that there isn't a suit of armor roaming the wilderness of Japan right now? Just because nobody has seen it, doesn't mean it isn't there."

My interest peeks at the list that Leo rattled through. I hide a grin when Tiny Raph pales at the mention of the 'Vengeful killer cockroach'. Interesting. I really hope I get to hear some of these stories before we get back to our dimension. But it is funny to think that almost all Raphs, no matter the dimension, are terrified of bugs. Especially cockroaches.

Now that I think about it. I wonder why Raphie is so terrified of cockroaches. They're the only ones that make him truly freak out. He even pulls the little brother card and forces Leo to get rid of them for him. I fiddle with my fork. Maybe that's why Raph hated Leo leaving so much. Because he didn't want his 'little brothers' dealing with bugs when he's the 'big brother'.

The brainiac turtle moves around the table, placing his empty mug into the sink before standing in between Tiny Raph and Little Me. He fiddles with the D.B. in his hands, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

"I mean, it would make sense that we would have our own version of the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā and Kyūkyoku no buki. From talking to Mike, it sounds like their universe and our's is very similar in some ways and different in others. They have a Dr. Rockwell and Leatherhead. However, in Mike and his sensei's world, Leatherhead is apparently as smart as Dr. Rockwell." Donnie rubs his thumb over the D.B. as he continues. "They also have the Kraang but another, similar creature known as the Utrom. So, in theory, it's really not that farfetched to assume that our world here also has a magical set of walking armor. We've obviously seen much stranger things."

Tiny Raph rolls his eyes.

"And who's ta say that we do? And none of this explains why Fearless here seems ta think that this Mikey is the Kyūkyoku no buki or whatever."

"That is because he is."

Chichi lowers his tea from his lips, his dark brown eyes shifting across the table at our counterparts. Mini Me looks pretty amazed by Chichi's declaration while Tiny Leo and Tiny Donnie both have a range of disturbed mixed with horrified mixed with a small ounce of curiosity on their faces. Tiny Raph just looks pissed. Which, I mean, is pretty typical for a Raph. I'm pretty sure that's just a Raph's default look. Anger. And their Master Splinter? Well, he has the most passive face I have ever seen on a person. Which tells me he's most likely trying not to freak out. Chichi does that exact same face whenever he learns about some crazy stunt that we did while on patrol. It usually leads to one, if not all of us, getting grounded for no less than a week.

Can an alternate universe Sensei ground me? He's not technically MY dad but he is a version of MY dad.

Chichi sighs, which draws me back to the conversation at hand.

"It is not something that should be shared lightly," Chichi warns, mainly staring from me to the other four turtles at the table. "Especially knowing that you also have a tale very similar to our own about the Kyūkyoku no buki and Kyūkyoku no purotekutā. We still do not know just WHAT exactly Michelangelo can do or just how hard he can push himself without falling ill."

"Yeah," I interject, chuckling weakly as everyone's eyes turn toward me. "Like, all of this has been happening so fast and not even four days ago, I was bedridden for, like, an entire week from chi depletion, so it's all a work in progress, ya know?"

Mini Me turns a thoughtful bright blue-eyed stare toward me. His eye ridges furrow as he draws another circle with his finger on the table's surface.

"So, like, if you're the Kyūkyoku no buki," he starts slowly and I nod, encouraging him to continue though I think I already know what he's gonna ask. "Does that also mean that I'M the Kyūkyoku no buki?"

Alarm flashes across his older brothers faces as they turn toward the smallest turtle. I stare at him, unease pooling in my gut at just how innocent he looks, feeling much younger than I know he actually is.

How do I answer that without freaking everyone out?

"There is just no freakin' way that Mikey could be the Kyūkyoku no buki!" Tiny Raph snaps, gesturing toward his younger brother. Both Mini Me and I frown at the red-cladded turtle. "I mean, no offense Mike, but I just don't see how ya can be some sort of 'Ultimate Weapon'. Ya can barely handle fighting the Footbots by yerself without one of us there with ya."

Hurt flashes on my counterpart's face and he looks down at the table. My eyes narrow as Tiny Leo and Tiny Donnie both also glare at their red-cladded brother.

"Mikey can hold his own just fine, Raph!"

"Raph! Mikey is just as capable of a ninja as any of us," Tiny Leo snaps, eyes mere slits as he scowls at his brother. Tiny Raph crosses his arms and raises a challenging eye ridge at his older brother.

"Leonardo is correct," Master Splinter interjects, a deep frown on his face as he stares across the table at his sons. "Michelangelo is just as capable of fighting as well as any of you." The tall mutant rat narrows his gaze at his oldest middle child. "And, if I recall, ALL of you have had your own share of difficulty in fighting these Footbots. Or must I remind you of your own injuries from last week that took MICHELANGELO defending all of you by himself? So, do not talk down about your brother's skills when all of you are still learning and growing."

Seeing the scowl growing more and more on the red-cladded turtle's face and the slightly shocked look on my counterpart's face at the praise, I can't help but feel like this isn't the first time that this comment has been made about my counterpart. But it seems like this might be the first time anyone has defended him against such words. My fingers flex around my fork. Which means that my counterpart either has finally proven to his other brothers that he's just as capable of fighting or this is the first time this comment has been made in front of their sensei and they don't want to be scolded for not defending their brother. Either option doesn't sit well in my chest and I glance at my counterpart.

He glances up and meets my gaze. Shock is swirling in his baby blue eyes and I can see doubt and concern lingering deep inside of him as well. Time for some damage control. I offer him as small smile.

"Honestly, little dude? You probably are this world's Kyūkyoku no buki," I answer honestly, earning myself a death glare from the turtle in red. I choose to ignore him as I keep those bright blue eyes on me. "Because it isn't the amount of skill that you have that makes you the Kyūkyoku no buki, but the size of your heart and willingness to help others, dude."

Mini Me blinks and I can see the wheels turning as he processes my words. His purple and blue-cladded brother pale at my words and I can sense the anxiety coming from their master and father. Tiny Raph sneers at me but doesn't say anything when Mini Me suddenly smiles and shrugs. However, before he can say anything their Master Splinter stands abruptly and walks over to the sink causing my smaller counterpart to snap his mouth shut. He warily watches his father walk by as his older brothers exchange looks.

Oops. Guess I hit a sore spot…

Biting my lip, I glance at Chichi, who merely offers me a small smile.

"Donatello," Master Splinter states. "I sense there was a reason you had come into the kitchen."

I share a look with my Mini Me at the sudden change in topic as Tiny Donnie jumps at being suddenly addressed by his father. Fumbling slightly, Tiny Donnie nods as he places the Dimension Bracelet onto the table.

"Oh! Uh, yes, actually." Tiny Donnie looks over at me. "I wanted to ask if you know exactly whose tech is inside of this device. I recognize some parts as Kraang technology but the rest looks similar yet foreign. Which I'm assuming is the…Utrom?" I nod as he continues. "The Utrom Technology that you mentioned earlier in the lab."

Nodding, I fiddle with the utensil in my left hand, shooting their sensei's back a look as he has yet to turn around.

"Uh, yeah. If I recall right, the doc said he used a mixture of Kraang and Utrom tech to build those and this huge dimension gate thing. It's why he needed Leatherhead's help. Or, well, OUR Leatherhead's help," I clarify when the other three turtles look at me in confusion. "Our Leatherhead was raised by the Utrom, who are like nicer and more intelligent version of the Kraang. So, Dr. Rockwell needed his input on the Utrom tech that Mortu provided him with to make sure he was using it correctly or something like that." I duck my head sheepishly as I glance from Chichi to the brainiac turtle across from me. "Too be honest, I didn't really understand most of what the doc said. I was more worried about the impli-whatevers that little bracelet could mean for us."

Tiny Donnie nods slowly while Tiny Raph grumbles something that sounds oddly like "Why doesn't THAT surprise me?" I choose to ignore the temperamental turtle's grumbles as the wheels turn behind tall turtle's eyes. I tilt my head to the side.

"Why do you ask?"

Reddish brown eyes snap back into focus and he looks over at me. His lips purse as he glances down to the metal in his hand, sighing. My stomach sinks.

"There's been a lot of damage to this device, or Dimension Bracelet as you called it. Pieces that I recognize for sure as Kraang tech I know I can get my hands on if we manage to get ahold of one of their robots. But the other?" The frown that Tiny Donnie gives makes my stomach sink all the way to my knees. It's NEVER good when Donnie frowns like that back home. "The pieces that I'm assuming is the Utrom tech is going to be harder to place. And there is more of that tech used in making this device than the Kraang. Seeing as you and your friends are on better terms with the Utrom. So, while I could, hypothetically fix this, I'm not entirely sure how LONG it's going to take me to fix this."

Tiny Leo leans forward to look at his taller brother.

"And why's that, Donnie? Is it because you don't have all the parts?"

Tiny Donnie's face scrunches.

"You could say that. But it's also going to take me a while to figure out equivalents that the Kraang tech might have, if any. Because, for sure no human tech will be able to replace anything in this beautiful piece of technology." TD shakes his head as his fingers close further around the D.B. "But wading through any piece of Kraang tech we can find is going to take a while. Maybe if we could find one of their portals and dismantle it, I'd have a better chance of finding replacement parts but we almost NEVER find those and the ones we do know of for sure are in the TCRI building." The purple-banded turtle shudders and I feel a pang of sympathy for his as a tired look crosses his face. "And I don't know about you, but I don't really want to go anywhere near that building right now."

A silence falls over us as a thoughtful look crosses Tiny Leo's face. As if the harder he stares at the table, the more likely a plan is going to form inside his mind. Which, with him being a Leo, could possibly happen.

I swear, any Leo can just talk to things in their mind and have them come up with plans. It's how he always knows when I sneak out to buy a comic book or a late-night pizza.

After a beat of silence, Tiny Leo sighs.

"You're right, D," the older turtle states causing his two youngest brothers to lower their heads and his immediate younger brother to cross his arms and glare off to the side. "We can't afford, nor can we risk, breaking into the TCRI building. Not after the stunt we pulled last week. We need to wait a little bit longer. It's why the Kraang are even searching down here for us. But…" TL pauses long enough to gain his brothers attention and he looks them square in the eye. "But, maybe we don't need to go into the TCRI building. We just need to find one of their external portals instead." He gestures toward Mini Me. "I mean, Mikey has a knack for finding them and I'm sure we can find a group of Kraang to tail just fine."

My lips twitch as my counterpart beams at the praise, happy to see the look of doubt disappear from his face. TD rubs his chin in thought.

"That…actually could work. If we can find on of the Kraang's portals and dismantle it, I can take those parts and use them for this device so we can get this Mikey and Master Splinter back to their dimension. Shell, we could even have Casey and April keep an eye out for us as well."

I perk up a little at that. The thought of getting home and making sure that my big brothers are whole and in one-piece fills with me with hope and anxiety. Hope to know that there is a CHANCE to return Chichi and I home. And anxiety to think about what is waiting for us when we DO get home. Will my brothers be hurt? Are any of our friends hurt? Whose been around to cook for them? Who's watching Klunk? Are LH and the doc okay? Were they able to reach Casey and Muckman too? Or were the Fist Ninjas only going for my brothers?

My jaw tightens until my teeth hurt as I force myself to focus on the chatter of the turtles in front of me. Something warm and slender wraps around my ankle, startling me enough to blink in confusion. The rhythmic tapping against my ankle bone has me relaxing enough until my teeth no longer ache and I'm able to focus on what is exactly being said.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Mini Me exclaims, throwing both of his arms into the air. "Let's go find some portals, dudes!"

Movement to my left catches my attention as Master Splinter turns around. His brown eyes narrow and he folds his hands behind his back.

"You will do no such thing at this hour of the day. It is barely even 2 o'clock in the afternoon." He lifts his head higher when his sons wilt a little under his intense gaze. "What you will do, in the meantime, is head to the dojo so that we can being our afternoon practice. And then, after your practice you may talk further on your plan to locate the Kraang and how to do so SAFELY and UNNOTICED. Am I clear?"

"Hai, Sensei." Four different voices ring out.

Chichi and I remain silent as the other tall mutant rat nods and starts walking across the kitchen. He pauses briefly in the doorway and looks back at the two of us.

"The two of you are free to join us as well." Brown eyes flicker toward me. "However, I do understand if you need more time to recover before doing so."

Blinking, I turn toward Chichi. I really don't wanna go back into the lab and rest. It's not like I really want to go train but being in the lab is just another harsh reminder of where we're not supposed to be. It's Donnie's lab but it's not MY Donnie's lab. The equipment isn't the same. The smell isn't the same. The beeps aren't even the same! At least if I can do some katas or something I can be a little more 'mindless' about it. And contrary to what Raph believes, I DO try to do my katas with most of my focus. I just end up getting bored and start thinking about other things. But at the moment? I just want to go through mindless katas without a reminder of the past 24 hours. My hand moves and rubs at the center of my chest.

At least I know that the U.P. can't contact me here. So, that's kinda nice. My lips twitch into an almost frown. Even if he was nice enough to warn me about Shred-head's plan.

"Michelangelo?"

I jump when my father calls my name softly and I glance back up at him.

"Y-Yes, Sensei?"

My thumb runs up and down the fork nervously when I realize everyone in the room is looking at me, as if waiting for an answer to something. Chichi's eyes roam my face, his tail giving my ankle one last squeeze before letting go. He rubs my forearm and smiles softly at me.

"Do you feel up to at least meditating for at least an hour? Or do you wish to go lay down again?"

I perk up. Sensei is giving me the option to do something more than just sleep?! Shell yeah am I gonna take it!

"I think I could meditate for a little bit! Besides! I think it'd be fun to see what things you dudes know that me and my bros might not know." I flash the other turtles a grin. "Kinda like a cultural exchange of sorts. You show us what you got and then Sensei and I could so you what we got."

Amusement dances on Chichi's face as Tiny Leo and Tiny Donnie shake their heads, wry smiles on their faces. Tiny Raph merely rolls his eyes while Mini Me looks excited by the prospect. He bounces on his knees in his seat, baby blue eyes sparkling as he leans forward to grab my now empty plate.

"That'd be so rad, dude!" Mini Me's smile slips a little. "But won't training aggravate your injuries." His eyes flicker to the stitches on my cheek. I smile, feeling the wound tug a little but I ignore it as I shrug.

"I mean, it's not like I'll have to go all out for a kata or two. Right, Sensei?"

Chichi chuckles as he also stands and brings his now empty mug to the sink to be washed later. He turns and glances at the other Master Splinter still standing in the kitchen doorway. He inclines his head toward the other master.

"The two of us would be delighted to join in on your afternoon training." A slightly mischievous look crosses my father's face as he straightens. "I will, however, apologize beforehand if my son suddenly falls asleep during meditation. That is just one habit he has not been able to shake."

Heat flushes my cheeks as the younger turtles snicker and even Master Splinter lifts an amused eyebrow in my direction.

"Sen-seeeeei. That's not fair," I whine, standing from the table to follow my father out of the room. "I only did that once! And that was because it was the day after I woke up from being sick! You know that!"

Chichi chuckles as he places a hand on my shoulder, steering me toward the dojo that I noticed yesterday but never got to see.

"And as your brothers would remind you, my son. It only takes one time." His warm hand squeezes my shoulder gently. "However, I do believe you shall do much better this time around then you did a few days ago."

"Your father is correct, Michelangelo," Master Splinter states as he leads the way into the dojo. "From what he has told us so far, you appear in much better health than you have in the previous days. You certainly have improved from yesterday when my sons brought the two of you in."

And that part is true. Except for maybe having a little more gauze on my person and stitches, I do feel better than I have in a little while. It could be just the fact that I've slept for so long and now have food in my stomach, but I also recover my energy faster than my brothers usually do after a long training session. Donnie saying something about me having boundless energy. My head tilts to the side in thought as we enter the well-lit dojo.

Maybe my chi is slowly restoring and that's why I'm feeling more energized than I have the last few days? I think as I follow Chichi and Master Splinter toward the center of the room.

My eyes are quickly drawing to the massive tree that resembles the one in our own dojo back home. My eyes then move to the colorful rugs lining the floor as cushion for more hands-on training and sparring before moving toward the rice paper Shoji with a beautiful painting of a battling Samurai and Ninja. I follow the painting along until I spot a small wooden shelf with what appears to be a picture on it. I can't really see what the picture of from my distance but it's obviously important if their father is willing to have it displayed in space so frequently used like a dojo.

I swiftly refocus on the beings around me when four sets of footsteps fill the air. Sensing the four other turtles behind me, I step off to the side, closer to my father as I wait for instructions of what Chichi would like me to do. I haven't had the chance to train since before bringing the Shredder back. And, to be honest? I have no idea if this is even going to go well. I can feel Tiny Donnie shooting looks at me, probably remembering the little stumbles I was doing in the lab when I first woke up. But I was disoriented! Anyone would be acting like that if they just woke up in a strange lab and were told that they nearly slept the day away! Besides! I'm a growing turtle! I still have to grow into my feet!

Not that I've got a lot of growing left according to Don, I think sourly as Master Splinter finally turns and motions for his sons to form a line.

"I shall give you five minutes to stretch before we start your katas. Then we shall move onto sparring."

Chichi looks over at Master Splinter as the four younger turtles start their stretches.

"Would you mind if my son and I used the far side of the room to go over some of his meditation and katas?"

Master Splinter smiles and nods his head. Chichi nods and motions for me to follow him. Remaining silent, I follow my father to the far side of the room, giving our hosts some space for their own training. My hand starts up for my cheek until I catch my father shooting me a stern look and I drop my hand.

"Sensei?" I mutter once we stop. "Do you really think I'm good to train?"

Chichi looks at me calmly, stroking his little white beard.

"That depends, my child," Sensei answers quietly. "Do you feel up to training? There is so much I can tell you, but only you know exactly what your body is telling you." Chichi steps closer and rests a hand on my head. "Let us start with some meditation, my son. And if you still feel up for something more physical, you can start stretching and going through a few katas. And after that, we shall see how you feel."

Nodding, I offer my father a smile as he gestures for us to sit down. I wince a little as some of my injuries pull but otherwise I'm able to take my meditative pose.

"Now, my son," Chichi's soft voice washes over me as I close my eyes. "I want you to calm your mind and search for your center. Today we are merely trying to recenter you and refill your chi. Once you have managed to gather enough chi, then we will resume our task of reconstructing your chi walls. Understood?"

"Hai, Sensei."

Dragging in a deep breath, I block out the sounds of the dojo around me as I release my breath slowly and calmly. With each breath I take I retreat further and further back into my mind. This isn't something that I enjoy doing very often and I almost never actually do this during our normal meditation unless specifically told to by my father. I don't like digging too deep inside my head. I continue retreating further and further back until a small pinprick of white light forms. A sense of familiarity washes over me and I quickly reach out for it. The moment I so much as brush the light, I'm completely engulfed by the light and yanked forward.

I jerk for a moment, feeling very disoriented at being pulled forward so suddenly. Shaking my head, I press my hand against my chest as I will my racing heart to calm.

"This is why I don't like doing this," I grumble to myself as I glance around at the Astral Plane. "It always feels like I was suddenly dropped out of an airplane with no parachute."

Glancing around, a smile forms on my lips. While I hate the initial journey to the Astral Plane and my 'deeper self' once I'm here, it's always mindboggling.

Everything is stark white and yet it doesn't hurt the eyes. Sometimes when we come with Sensei or if Leo is feeling up to it, we will be in an open field covered in grass and flowers. It's so amazing just how REAL everything feels here in the Astral Plane and yet I know that it's not. That it's merely a deeper level of myself that only the ones who I feel deeply connected with can share with me.

My smile widens as I lift my arms and stretch, glad to not have the feeling of pulling wounds to hinder my movement. And, just because Tiny Leo and Tiny Donnie are here, I reach up and scratch my cheek. No stitches. Giggling to myself, I place my hands behind my head and just start to walk forward, the only direction that feels right at the moment. As I continue to move, a pleasant warmth washes over me. Giddiness fills my chest and, no longer able to contain myself, I start running forward.

I don't know about my brothers, but whenever we come to the Astral Plane and I can start sensing my brothers chi, I always get this sense of excitement and giddiness. It's kinda like how I felt when Cody and Serling brought us to that high-tech Disney World for the first time but times 2. Like a sense of security and wonderment combine. And I know it's because I can feel my family's chi and energy all around me.

And the best part about running in the Astral Plane? You don't get tired or winded!

My cheeks hurt from the amount of smiling that I'm doing just as a splash of color finally breaks the stark whiteness all around me. Five orbs glowing brightly and lazily moving as if dancing to a song that only they can hear stand before me. One maroon, one blue, one red, one purple, and one orange. Each incased in a matching aura.

My smile slips a little when my eyes land on the orange orb. Unlike the first four, the orange orb is duller in color and not shining as much. The lazy sway that the other orbs have seems to be more stilted with the orange one, as if it's putting more effort in trying to move. And the aura that incases the other four orbs isn't present around the orange one.

My shoulders slump.

"Welp, I guess I know what Chichi means by my chi walls no longer being there now."

My lips purse as I start moving toward the dull orb.

CRUNCH!

Tensing, I glance down.

What appears to be orange 'glass' is scattered across the floor of the Astral Plane, so thin and sheer that I nearly missed it, WOULD have missed it, if I hadn't stepped closer. Crouching down, I cautiously poke at the 'glass'. My finger tingles with energy and I quickly draw my hand back.

"Weird," I mutter, eye ridges furrowing. "That felt just like when I touched my dome when I first created it."

My gaze flickers back up to the orange orb and then over to the purple one next to it. The aura around the orb is a sheer purple. Curious, I stand back up and work my way through the shattered orange pieces until I'm right next to the purple orb.

I have been to this area of the Astral Plane more than a handful of times and this is the first time I'm truly taking the time to look at what my family's chi looks like. Usually when we're here, we're doing some sort of lesson or are in some sort of danger and need to get in and get out quickly. But this time? This time I choose to come here and I have all the time in the world right now to take my time. To actually sit here (or stand heh) and truly observe what our chi and chi walls look like.

My smile returns as I stand next to Donnie's chi.

Strong, empathetic energy radiates from my genius brother's chi, the mark of a true healer. My hand moves before I can think and I gently press my palm against the aura surrounding my brother's chi.

Air catches in my throat when my hand lands on something that feels like cooling, smooth glass but a surge of something purely DONNIE shoots through me. Feeling oddly choked up, I lean forward and press my forehead against the glass, doing my best to send my own waves of love and pure MIKEY to my immediate older brother. Anything to let them know that I'm here for them.

"You've got this, Donnie," I whisper. "I know that you can keep Raph and Leo level-headed until Chichi and I get back home."

Smiling, I move to the red orb and do the same thing. A rush of protection and pure RAPH rushes through me and I press my forehead against the aura.

"Protect them, Raphie. You know how distracted Donnie can get and how stressed Leo becomes when things don't go his way. Protect them until Chichi and I can get back and protect ALL of you."

Next I move to the blue orb. Steeling myself, I reach out and press my palm and forehead against the aura. The sense of calm and pure LEO rushes through. A weak chuckle escapes me.

"I'm mad at you, Leo. Kicking Chichi and I through that portal without you and Donnie. That was low, bro." I suck in a deep breath and release is shakingly. "But, I know why you did it. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna give you shell for it when I see you again, but I get it. Just keep everyone together and keep them alive until Sensei and I can see you again. And then I'm gonna kick your tail for all of this."

Breathing in deeply, I pull away from Leo's chi and turn toward the last chi. My father's. Smiling, I approach his chi. Even if he's currently sitting in front of my body right now, it just feels right to also say something to my father.

Love and something purely PAPA shoots through me and I know that he's going to say something tonight but at the moment I don't care. Pressing my forehead against my father's aura wall I sigh.

"Thank you, Chichi, for not giving up on me. I know that you and I are gonna get back to Leo, Donnie, and Raph, and we're gonna do it together and with our alternate dimensional family…our, uh, cross dimensional family?" I shake my head. "Whatever. You know what I mean, Sensei. With help, we're gonna get back to our family and we're gonna be the ones protecting them, this time. And, I also want to know how many flips Leo is gonna have to do for kicking us through a portal. No, I'm not letting that go. And I know deep down you won't either. Heh. But, for right now, I want to try and get stronger so that when we do get back, I can help my bros defeat the Shredder all over again."

Michelangelo.

My shoulders tense as a wispy voice whispers around me causing me to pull away from my father's orb. My eyes narrow as I scan the vast whiteness of the Astral Plane but I don't see anything out of the ordinary.

Michelangelo. You need to leave.

Confusion swirls in me as the voice speaks again.

"H-Hello?" I call out, taking another step from the protective energy radiating from my family's chis. "Is someone there?"

You are not strong enough to be here, little one. Leave. Allow your chi to build. Then return here.

My eyes narrow and I squint off into the distance.

"What are you talking about? I feel fine. Well, except for my orb being all dull and stuff, but ya know, chi depletion be like that, dude."

Goosebumps spread across my body as a disembodied voice chuckles. Not because it's creepy (well, it is but not U.P. creepy) but because it's like a gentle spring wind gliding over my body when I'm not expecting it. My lips tug into a frown and I stare up at more vast nothingness. Something, deep in my core is telling me that I've heard this voice before. But that it's been a very, very long time since then.

"Do…Do I know you?"

The same airy chuckle washes over me and I quickly spin around, hoping to catch some sort of glimpse of something. Anything! Be it some sort of energy or maybe even a weird ghostly apparition or something! I'm really tired of all these beings speaking directly to me without me seeing them!

Looking at you, U.P.!

It has been a very long time since we last spoke, little one. And, once you are strong enough, we shall speak again. However, as you are now, you are only going to hurt yourself if you remain here. You will also be alerting those who mean you harm if you do not leave soon.

My face scrunches up.

"Wait, what? How is me being in the Astral Plane alerting anyone to anything?"

You and your family are not the only ones who are able to access the Astral Plane, young one, the voice answers. I tense as I feel a foreign, but not hostile, energy swirling around me. For, even without your chi, you still shine bright in the darkness. And those with the blackest of souls will be drawn to such light now that you have no protection from it.

My eyes widen and I turn toward my dull orb. The voice is right. Unlike my brothers' and father's orbs, my orb is completely exposed now. If the wrong person manages to enter their safe space, it could end very, very badly.

"I…I don't know…"I swallow thickly before reaching out as more of the foreign energy wraps around me. "This is a lot."

The foreign energy warms at my soft confession and I feel it press against my forehead. Almost like a soft peck like what Sensei likes to do every once in a while. My eye ridges furrow but as I open my mouth to speak, the voice cuts me off.

This is a lot to process. But, you will not have to do so alone. Leave here and speak with your father. The book and the pendant are only part of the key in keeping the Kyūkyoku no buki safe.

"And what are the other parts?"

The voice chuckles.

You are smart enough to figure that out on your own, young one. Now, I do believe it is time for you to leave. The darkness is growing and your father is worrying.

"No, wait—!"

Words catch in my throat when the foreign energy around me suddenly slams hard into my chest, knocking me backwards. The image of Leo kicking me through the portal flashes in my mind as I land on my back. I blink rapidly, clearing my vision only to realize that I'm no longer staring up at whiteness but at a concrete ceiling with yellow lights.

The worried face of Chichi and Master Splinter appear above me. My eye ridges furrow as I see my father's mouth move but no sound comes out. Confused, and only slightly panicking (at least I'm not screaming this time), I shake my head, hoping to clear my mind of everything.

"—gelo? Michelangelo, can you hear me?"

My body relaxes as I refocus on my father and nod.

"Y-Yeah. S-S-Sorry, Sensei." I press a hand to my forehead with a wince as a spike of pain shoots through my skull. "That…That was kinda a trip, not gonna lie."

Chichi visibly relaxes as he starts to fuss over me, hands moving along my skull to make sure I didn't smack my head too hard on the floor. Master Splinter, on the other hand, motions for Tiny Donnie to come over to check on his handy work to make sure I didn't pull something out of place and start bleeding over the floor.

"What was that all about?" Tiny Leo asks as the rest slowly approach now that it appears I'm not gonna die or anything.

Chichi's ears perk up and he meets my ocean blue eyes with a stern dark brown.

"That is what I would like to know. What happened, Michelangelo?"

Chewing on my bottom lip, I lower my head a little and fiddle with the wrappings around my fingers.

"Uh, I might have gone into the Astral Plane?"

Our dimensional counterparts stare at me in surprise while Sensei stares up at the ceiling, as if asking any invisible entity that he can think of for strength.

"You…YOU know how to get into the Astral Plane?" Tiny Donnie asks, astonishment all over his face. "But…But that takes YEARS of practice to achieve!"

I smile sheepishly at the younger turtles but I keep my focus on my father. Chichi lowers his gaze back on me, an unhappy frown on his face.

"Michelangelo. Whatever possessed you to try and enter the Astral Plane right now? You are not strong enough, physically or spiritually for such a journey right now." I shrink further into my shell at my father's stern words. "And without chi walls, your energy will be broadcast to any being able to access the Astral Plane! Which is very dangerous in your current state!"

Welp. I guess that just reinforces what the disembodied voice was talking about.

Resisting the urge to pout at being scolded in front of our hosts, I continue to play with my fingers.

"I'm sorry, Sensei. It…It just felt like the right thing to do. You told me to find my center and it brought me there." I flash Chichi an apologetic smile. "I sort just ran out of energy and it forcibly shoved me from the Astral Plane. I'm sorry, Sensei. You're right. I shouldn't have done that. I should have known better since we haven't been attempting to go there during our meditation sessions and I'm sorry."

Sensei studies me and I can tell by the twitch in his whiskers that he doesn't fully believe what I'm saying. I'm sure he can tell that I'm sorry but he knows I'm not telling the entire truth. And a quick glance at Master Splinter tells me he is having the same feelings.

That has to be a parent thing, I think as I continue to stare at my father as I try to ignore the prying eyes of the younger turtles around me.

After a moment, Chichi sighs softly through his nose before glancing over at Tiny Donnie.

"Donatello, did my son damage himself further?"

The purple-cladded turtle shakes his head and offers me a gap-toothed smile.

"Nope. His stitches are still in place and it looks like nothing reopened under his wrappings. Just…try not to get shoved so hard from the Astral Plane. Or ANY plane, for that matter. Okay? I don't think any of us can handle that kind of scare right now."

I chuckle weakly, nodding along with the brainy turtle's words but I keep my focus on my father. He quirks one eyebrow at me and I mentally sigh.

This conversation isn't over but we will continue this when there isn't an audience.

Sewer apples.

"Y-Yeah," I admit quietly. "Don't think I want to feel that ever again."

Master Splinter nods as he and Chichi help me stand, holding firm as I wobble a little while the younger four flail as if ready to catch me.

"Getting ejected from the Astral Plane in such a way is very dangerous," Master Splinter states, glancing over at his wide-eyed sons. "One can easily lose their way back to their body if ejected so harshly. Easily becoming trapped in the void between the body and the Astral Plane. It is why it should only be done in extreme emergencies. And why one should only travel to the Astral Plane when they are at full strength."

My shoulders hunch as the 'Father-Stare' I am now receiving from both parents in the room. Unsure what to say, I offer them a weak smile as they lead me over to one of the cushions on the floor.

"Michelangelo," Master Splinter calls out. "Please go get a cup of water for Michelangelo."

My lips twitch at how funny that sentence sounds, almost as if asking me to go get me a glass of water. But my amusement falters when I see the look on my Mini Me's face. His eyes are wide as he nods and rushes from the room and he appears a shade paler than usual. And from the quick glimpse I could catch of his eyes, there appears to be a smidge of horror mixed with his concern.

Shell. I probably freaked him out. I probably freaked ALL of them out.

My fingers drum on my thigh as Master Splinter pairs off Tiny Raph and Tiny Donnie together to begin sparring the moment Mini Me returns with my water. My eyes flicker over to Tiny Leo, only to find dark blue eyes watching me closely as Chichi pulls Master Splinter to the side for a quiet conversation. However, the moment that he notices me looking at him, Tiny Leo quickly looks forward, his face blank.

"Here."

I jump when a soft voice speaks and a glass of water appears before my eyes. Glancing up, I smile and mutter a soft 'thank you' to my Mini Me as I take the glass from him. He nods, the movement a little stiff and I can see him attempt to smile back. The smile feels disjointed but I know it's because he's still trying to process seeing a version of himself suddenly falling backwards while trying to meditate. I watch him as he quickly scrambles over to where his eldest brother is kneeling. Tiny Leo looks at him the moment the smaller turtle is down on his level. It's a rather quick glance but it's one that I'm very familiar with coming from any of my older brothers. The 'I'm making sure you're all right without asking' type of glance. A slight movement draws my attention down and I hide my mouth behind my glass as my smile threatens to grow. Tiny Leo has reached over and is now holding Mini Me's hand that is closest to him. Which appears to be the correct move from the way Mini Me's shoulders loosen up a little and a tiny smile forms on his freckled face. And the ease now radiating from my counterpart's form quickly translates over to his two standing brothers as they both shoot their kneeling siblings a glance.

I nearly jump out of my skin when Chichi materializes next to me and kneels down. I quickly take an actual sip of the cool liquid, feeling it go all the way down to my stomach. Dark brown eyes scan me once more before Sensei reaches over and pats my knee.

"You are all right, my child. But I do believe we are done with meditating for the day."

"Awe, shucks, Sensei," I say, feigning a disappointed sigh. "And here I was just starting to enjoy it."

Mirth sparkles in Chichi's eyes as Master Splinter walks over to his kneeling sons as his two middle children ready their weapons before barking:

"Hajimeru!*"

Sensei leans over to me and mutters:

"Do not fret, my son. For we will be having far more meditation sessions in the future. And I will be sure to let Leonardo know about your sudden enjoyment of meditation. I am sure he will be pleased and more than happy to let you accompany him."

A spark of panic flares as I stare at my father in shock. He merely smiles at me innocently, eyes sparkling and then, without another word, turns and becomes absorbed in the match in front of us. Sensei then looks at me from the corner of his eyes and signals for me to continue drinking my water.

Disbelief swirls with amused panic as I slightly shake my head as I try to watch Tiny Raph try and sweep Tiny Donnie's legs out from under him. The much taller turtle easily jumps over the attack and moves to round house kick his brother only for the red-banded turtle to roll away.

I can't believe it. Who is this person and what has he done with my sensei?

I risk another glance at my father only to find a tiny smirk on his face. As if he had heard my thoughts.

Well, whoever he is, maybe I can bride him with some cake when we get back home so that he DOESN'T tell Leo about my "sudden love for meditating". Ick. I think I'd rather drink five cups of tea and let Donnie microwave me more soup before I let Sensei tell Leo that. No sir.

Swallowing a chuckle as to not draw anymore attention to myself (I've met my quota for the day thank you) and fully focus on the spar match happening. Or well, focus on it for as long as my mind can handle before wondering to other topics.

Like who that voice was and why they were in the Astral Plane and specifically in the area where only my family should be. And why they would eject me so forcibly from the Astral Plane. Did they not think I would leave on my own? Or were they sensing something dangerous that was too close to wait for me to leave on my own?

Ugh. All these questions are hurting my head.

Scrunching up my nose, I sigh into my glass as I swallow the last bit of water. I'll speak with Sensei about it and see what he has to say privately later. Maybe while these dudes are gone since I'm pretty sure Sensei will not let me help, especially after this little stunt.

Ugh. In another universe and I'm grounded to the lair. AGAIN. Why does the universe hate me?

0o.o0

0o.o0

0o.o0

*Begin! – Hajimeru!

Hello all you lovely people!

I am so sorry for this taking so long! I promise I didn't forget! I just had a lot of life changes happening at once. I quit my job and then 3 weeks later I managed to land a full-time job that is completely different than the one that I quit so I have to readjust my time management since I now work 5 days a week instead of 3 days a week ^.^;. But this new job is better for me mentally and physically and the people there are absolutely wonderful and I get paid really well, so it's been absolutely worth it. I just feel so bad because I had this chapter started right after I published the last one and I just couldn't finish it. I would start then stop then start again and then new job and it was a mess. But finally, FINALLY! I finished this chapter! I can't guarantee when the next one will be up because I'm going on vacation this upcoming weekend, but hopefully it doesn't take as long as this one did. I have really missed writing this story and interacting with all of you :(.

So, I really appreciate all of you who have stuck with this story and all my other ones and to all the new readers coming in, welcome to the family!

Now, enough blabber from me!

See you next chapter!