Hello everyone!

I know! Two chapters in the span of 2 days? What shenanigans is this? But I did tell you I had chapter 29 in the works and I was rather excited for it XD. And here it is!

Now I know I usually put the note at the end of the chapter but I will warn there will be quite a bit about blood and its description. So, if that bothers you, I'm sorry. It's quite a bit of the beginning portion of the chapter. If it helps, look for the line ""Done!" Tiny Donnie suddenly cries out and I fall back onto my heels, panting."" and you shall be just fine after that.

I can't tell you how much I've missed having time to write this story. And to everyone who has guessed correctly on which version of the turtles they are now with, virtual hugs or virtual cookies for you if you don't like hugs :). Technically they are the 2003 turtles, but they are more based on the Back to the Sewers Turtles, mainly because I want them to be older and to have things that have already happened in 2003 to have happened. But, I did take a few liberties, i.e. Their Shredder still being alive and such.

Anywho! I won't keep you waiting any longer! Hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Happy reading!

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"MIKEY!"

My head snaps in the direction of 3 distraught screams. My heart pounds as my eyes fly across the sea of black-clothed and maroon-clothed bodies littering the ground. Air catches in my throat when I finally manage to spot the four younger turtles and my heart hits the floor.

Mini Me is standing above a downed Tiny Leo with a spear sticking out of his stomach and an Elite Foot standing directly in front of him. The Elite yanks the spear out with one swift movement, blood dripping from the tip. Time slows and I'm moving before I can fully process what is going on as Mini Me slumps backwards. Tiny Leo catches his brother as Tiny Raph roars and tackles the Elite to the ground and Tiny Donnie hurries to his brother's side. I slide to my knees with Master Splinter slipping in next to Tiny Donnie. Tiny Leo's eyes are wide as he presses his hand to his brother's stomach. Blood bubbles up between his fingers as he applies pressure to the wound causing my stomach to churn unpleasantly.

"You're okay, Mikey," Tiny Leo whispers as Mini Me moans and whimpers. "Shh, we've got you. Father is right here and so is Donnie. We've got you."

Panic rises in my chest as Mini Me coughs and blood starts to drip from his lips as he struggles to get a full breath in. Frantically, I yank my mask off and shove it under Tiny Leo's hand to help further staunch the bleeding in anyway. Master Splinter's hands press against the paling turtle's face, his ears drooping as his wise eyes flicker across his youngest's body.

"Michelangelo, my son, look at me," he orders softly and Mini Me drags cloudy baby blue eyes up to meet his father's dark brown. "You are going to be just fine." He looks back at Tiny Donnie as he pulls his phone out and starts scanning. "Donatello?"

I swallow thickly at just how badly the genius is shaking as his screen lights up his face. When his face falls and he leans in to whisper to Master Splinter, I quickly look away and take Mini Me's hand. Dulling baby blues drift over to me and I smile at him.

"Hey, kiddo. That's one heck of a way to stop a blade. But next time? You gotta use your nunchaku. It's what they're there for."

Mini Me's eye ridges furrows and slight movement catches my attention. He lifts his right hand and I wince. My nunchaku rests in his grasp but the chain is snapped and the wood splintered down the middle. Mini Me chuckles weakly.

"Stupid Foot…broke your nunchaku, dude. Didn't like that…I used it to stop an attack on…D," Mini Me forces out quietly before coughing up some more blood.

Tiny Leo turns his head so he doesn't choke as he coughs, curling closer to his little brother, using his thumb to wipe some of the blood away from Mini Me's lips.

"Shh, Mikey. Save your strength," Tiny Leo mutters against his little brother's head.

"But…did you see how fast I was, L-Leo?" Mini Me asks, lolling his head to the side. "Bet…You didn't even see…me comin'."

My throat tightens as Tiny Leo lets out a wet laugh.

"Yeah, little brother, you were very quick. Faster than I was, even."

"So…I did a good job?"

My jaw clenches at the weak yet hopeful tone in Mini Me's voice. Tiny Leo tightens his grip on the smaller turtle, his dark blue eyes flickering up to my face before glancing back down at his little brother.

"Of course, Mikey. You always do a good job," Tiny Leo whispers, obviously trying not to let his voice break as he wipes some sweat from Mini Me's forehead. "And once Father gets you fixed up, we'll make sure to get you a celebratory pizza for it."

"P-Promise?"

Unable to take it anymore, I squeeze Mini Me's hand to regain his attention.

"We both do, little dude," I state firmly. "And we'll get you any toppings on there."

"Awe-Awesome, dude. Better…have pepperonis and hot sauce…" Mini Me says, a weak smile on his face as his eyes start to droop. Panicking, I squeeze his hand harder.

"Ah! Mikey, you can't go to sleep or you won't get your pizza, dude," I say and Mini Me releases a whine of disappointment.

"But…But I'm tired, dude."

I shake my head as Tiny Leo shoots me a frantic look, his face also paling.

"I know, dude, I know. But you gotta stay away so your sensei and D can help you. And you remember our promise, right?"

That gets Mini Me to look at me. Confusion swirls in his dull eyes and I scoot closer, doing my best to appear relaxed. I know nobody is going to hurt us. I can sense Chichi, Tiny Raph, and the other turtles from this world close by, keeping the enemy off us as we patch Mini Me up.

"P-Promise?"

I nod.

"Yeah, dude. Remember? In the lair? You and I had a talk about that thing you wanted to discuss with your bros? Right before we got here? You promised that you'd have a chat with them. Remember?"

He didn't actually promise anything and I know that, but if he takes promises as seriously as I do then this will be a good motivator for him not to fall asleep. Tiny Leo shoots me a puzzled look but I ignore it as I maintain eye contact with the youngest turtle here.

"I…I did?"

"Yup," I state in the most convincing tone possible. "You promised me that you would talk with them and you can't do that if you fall asleep, now can you? I mean, you could if you talk in your sleep but that won't solve anything, now will it?"

Mini Me's face scrunches in confusion but he slowly nods anyways before changing his mind and shaking his head 'no'. Tiny Leo soothes a hand against his forehead and peers down at his little brother.

"What do you need to talk to us about, Mikey?"

Dull blue eyes shift up to meet his eldest brother's face before shooting me a worried look.

I offer him the best smile I can.

"It's okay, little dude. You don't have to do it here. You just have to promise that you'll do it after we get you all patched up, okay?"

"But…pizza?"

I chuckle weakly, doing my best to not flinch at just how labored Mini Me's breathing is becoming.

"Obvi pizza comes first, dude. Nothing comes before pizza. Everybody knows that."

That earns me a weak smile and Master Splinter leans back in. He turns Mini Me's face toward him and he smiles down at his son but the twitching of his whiskers tells me that he's just as stressed as the rest of us.

"Michelangelo, listen to me. I am going to need to do Healing Hands on you, alright?" Mini Me nods and his father strokes his cheek. "It is not going to feel pleasant, my child. Your wound is deep and it is going to take a lot of energy, but I need you to remain awake, am I clear? I do not want you falling asleep. It is going to hurt but we are all here for you and I know that you are strong."

Mini Me's lips tremble as he nods and I squeeze his hand more gently this time. He squeezes back feebly. Master Splinter also nods before shooting me and Tiny Leo a glance.

"He is going to probably start screaming but I need the two of you to hold him as still as possible. Donatello is going to track the healing progress and let me know when we are out of the woods. I do not have enough chi to be able to heal him completely but I can get the wound to a more stable state that will only require bandages."

Frowning, I nod, not entirely sure what is going on. I recall Sensei at one point telling us that when a ninja reaches a certain level in chi mastery they can bend their chi to do things like healing but I always assumed they had to be at Gramp's age not a once almost 50-year-old human turned rat.

Just how strong is Sensei really? I think briefly as I watch Master Splinter carefully remove Tiny Leo's hand and my blood-soaked bandana.

"Donatello?"

"Re-Ready when you are, Sensei," Tiny Donnie says quietly, his voice trembling. I purse my lips at the glossy gaze of the purple-banded turtle but there isn't really anything I can do for him at the moment. Once we get Mini Me stabilized, hopefully, most of the Foot will be gone and Shredder will have left and these new turtles can show us a safe place to finish patching up Mini Me. Then I can try to help Tiny Donnie and the rest of his bros. But right now? We gotta focus on Mini Me.

Biting my bottom lip, I watch as Master Splinter makes a set of quick hand movements. His hands start to glow a shimmering green and he swiftly places his hands on top of the bleeding wound.

"ARGH!"

I flinch as Mini Me screams out, his body trying to arch up. Not sure what to do, I move to keep him down with my body weight, hoping that I can keep him from hurting himself further if I cover a larger portion of him. Tiny Leo is holding down his shoulders and I can hear him whispering words of encouragement in Mini Me's ear as he sobs and screams. Heat prickles behind my eyes and flashes of when U.P. destroyed my chi walls comes to mind. Was this how my brothers felt when they heard me screaming like this? Did they feel this same helplessness and sick horror at not being able to take away the pain?

"Sensei, it's not working," Tiny Donnie says after a beat, hands shaking. "The wound is barely closing! He's going to bleed out before you can close it at this rate!"

My head snaps up at the genius's words, my eyes flickering up to his distraught face, tears ready to bubble over. Shifting my gaze, I glance up at Master Splinter. His ears are back and his eyes are wide as he glares down at his hands, the light glowing brighter and I can feel an enormous wave of energy radiating from the once human.

"I already lost a wife and daughter. I am NOT losing my youngest son!" Master Splinter growls.

"Father, you don't have enough chi to keep up with the bleeding," Tiny Donnie states weakly, voice barely audible over his little brother's wails.

I stare down at their father's hands once more before glancing over at mine. Didn't Sensei tell me that if I start using too much chi I can use my regular energy in replace of it? That…That was a thing, right? Which was why it would be dangerous if I tried using too much chi at once? Because I haven't learned my boundaries yet? But…Master Splinter only needs enough to beat the bleeding, right?

My eyes flicker over to Mini Me's face, tears rolling down his incredibly pale cheeks as his screaming gets hoarser. Tiny Leo glances up at me, his face gleaming with tears as he continues to try and soothe his little brother.

Sitting up, I shift myself until I am directly across from Master Splinter and I release a shaky breath.

I know I don't have any chi right now, but this is important. So, body or whatever, if you're listening, I really need to use my energy to help Master Splinter. Capiche? You let me do this once without killing me and I will try not to do it again.

"Michelangelo? What are you doing?"

Ignoring the other mutant, I open my eyes and mimic the hand movements that I saw him do earlier. I grit my teeth as a wave of pain flares up through my arms but a small flicker of familiar orange-gold light appears in my hands. Breathing harshly through my nose, I glare at the light and will it to grow bigger. My hands twitch as another wave of pain filters down my body but the light does grow and I quickly place it on top of Master Splinter's hands.

"You needed extra chi, right?" I force out, throwing a grimace of a smile up at this alternate version of my father. "Well, I got free access to some, so why not share, ya know?"

Master Splinter opens his mouth to protest but I meet his gaze and hold it even as another shiver of pain ripples through me. A flash of gratitude flickers in his eyes before he drops his gaze back down to our joined hands.

"How's…he lookin' now…D?" I ask through clenched teeth. A sharp inhale of breath nearly sends me backwards.

"Oh, my gods. It's working," Tiny Donnie whispers. "The puncture in his stomach has already closed. Just a little more and all he'll need is a couple of blood transfusions."

Nodding, I hunch my shoulders and try to dig a little deeper.

"C'mon," I mutter to myself. "What kind of Kyūkyoku no buki or whatever are you if you can't even heal someone in need? You brought your crazy uncle back from the dead! You can heal your alternate self!"

I hiss as a large flare of pain slices down my arms but the only thing I focus on is my orange-gold light increasing and melding with Master Splinter's shimmery green.

"Done!" Tiny Donnie suddenly cries out and I fall back onto my heels, panting.

My hands shake as they fall to my sides, feeling as though I just dunked both of my arms into scalding hot water. Shell. Now I can understand why I'm not supposed to do that. Not pleasant in the slightest.

"Michelangelo?"

My eyes snap open, (When did I close them?) and I glance over to where Master Splinter is hovering over Mini Me.

"Mikey?" Tiny Leo calls out, his voice small as he strokes his little brother's head. "Little brother? You with us?"

I swear the air is still as if everyone is waiting to see if the smallest turtle here is okay.

A tiny twitch of a hand has me leaning forward and a weak smile forms on Mini Me's face as he cracks an eye open.

"Like a turtle do," he whispers and I swear a weight lifts off his family's shoulders.

I glance over at Tiny Donnie as his eldest brother presses his forehead against Mini Me's, huffing out a laugh that sounds awfully close to a sob. Tiny Donnie offers me a watery gap-tooth smile as he clutches his phone to his chest.

"Mikey!"

I jump as Tiny Raph appears out of nowhere, joining Tiny Leo in rubbing the youngest's head. I spot some red smeared in certain places on his face along with wet streaks that is making his face shine but the relief shining in those bright green orbs is more than enough for me to ignore what I know probably happened to the Elite Foot after the hothead tackled him.

"Oh, how touching."

I glare over my shoulder as Shredder claps his gauntlets together his sneer evident in his voice.

"So nice of you to save the little freak's life just so that he can watch all of you die before I also kill him."

This world's turtles form a nice wall between us and their Leo points his katana at Shredder.

"You'll have to go through us first, Shredder. And I can promise you that you won't lay a finger on them."

"Yeah, Shred-bear," this world's Mikey taunts, twirling his two nunchakus. "We've kicked your can more times than I can count, what makes you think this will be any different?"

Their Donnie spins his bo.

"And we've already taken out more than half of your Foot Soldiers,"

"And we can easily take out da rest," their Raph growls. "Right here, right now, if ya like. We can always use more weapons practice."

Shredder growls back and I shift further in front of the downed family as he is about to take a step forward. He only pauses when Karai appears and places her hand on his forearm.

"Father, the authorities are on their way," she states and I frown. I don't hear any sirens. "One of the people in the apartments nearby heard the little turtle screaming and called 911. We must leave."

The Shredder growls, shooting us another soulless glare with his dead red eyes.

"Consider yourselves lucky, turtle freaks. You and your rat masters will meet your end by my blade, mark my words. And that day draws closer with each passing breath you take."

My snout wrinkles as Shredder dramatically turns and slinks into the shadows. Karai barks out a sound, one that isn't quite a word but isn't just a sound either and the remaining Foot and Elite throw down their own smoke bombs and vanish into the night.

Nobody dares move let alone breathe, just in case this is a trick and Shredder or his minions' return. After what feels like an eternity, this world's Donnie, who I think I'm gonna just dub Donatello and call all his bros by their full names for my own sanity, rushes over, searching through a brown duffle bag that reminds me too much of my own Don's to not feel a little nostalgic over.

"How healed did you manage to get him?" Donatello inquires as he pulls out a large thing of gauze.

"They managed to heal everything," Tiny Donnie explains, showing the larger turtle the readings from his phone, hand still trembling. "All Mikey needs is a transfusion now and something to replenish his electrolytes and a good night's sleep."

Donatello nods, shoving the gauze back into his bag and I swear I can see him taking mental notes.

"What blood type is he?"

"O positive."

"Well, you're in luck," Donatello states, grinning as Tiny Leo, Tiny Raph, and I help Master Splinter lift Mini Me into his arms. The youngest too weak to even hold his head up as his father cradles him closely. "Our own Mikey is O positive and we've been stocking up."

"And I am as well," I pipe up, doing my best to appear chirper but I can feel my body starting to crash. "So, just let me know if you need—"

"You will be doing no such thing until you have slept."

I jump as Chichi appears behind me. He stares down at me, brown eyes hard and I shrink back. Uh oh. Dad's beyond angry.

"Your father is quite right, Michelangelo," Master Splinter states. "While my family and I are grateful for what you did, using your own energy in replacement of your chi, that could have gone very poorly if we had to go any longer."

"You did WHAT?"

Turning, I glance back at the approaching Leonardo, and boy howdy if he doesn't resemble my Leo so much right now.

"Well…I…" I stammer as angry brown eyes glare at me.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"

My face scrunches up.

"Of course I do! It's literally the only thing people have been talking to me about since my chi walls got destroyed!" I try to throw my arms into the air only for them to flop around like useless noodles. "But what else was I supposed to do?! Let Mikey die? When I KNEW I could do something to help?"

"Have you ever healed someone before, Michelangelo?" Master Splinter asks in a quiet but firm voice and I lower my head to gaze up at him sideways.

"No…"

"And there was a very good reason why I have not started teaching you and your brothers that yet," Chichi states firmly, walking up behind me and placing his hands on my shoulders. "But we can discuss this later. We must get Michelangelo that transfusions swiftly."

More than happy to agree, I glance over at the four native turtles. Leonardo, still looking a little peeved, nods. My eyes flicker over to their Michelangelo and the two of us make eye contact his sky blue shining and he waves a dismissive hand before offering me a smile. Relaxing slightly, I refocus on Leonardo.

"We'll bring you to our lair," Leonardo states, motioning for us to start following him. "We just had guests over so we have quite a few rooms already prepped for sleeping." He glances over at his Michelangelo. "Mikey, I want you to make a quick call to April and see if she'd be willing to do our grocery run tomorrow instead of Saturday." The orange-banded turtle salutes and pulls out his cell, already dialing as his eldest brother turns toward the emerald turtle. "Raph? Call Sensei and let him know that we're, uh," the leaf green turtle glances at us as he leads all of us to the ledge of the building. He shakes his head. "Just let him know we're bringing home a few friends." Raphael gives him a thumbs up as he also starts dialing on his cell. "Donnie?"

"Already called LH and asked him to bring over the extra bags of blood that we'll need and he promised to get the lab ready for Mikey." A bitter smile forms on Donnie's face as we all climb down the fire escape to the nearest manhole cover. "Though, he didn't exactly let me explain that it wasn't for OUR Mikey but I consider him close enough." He shoots the barely conscious Mini Me a look as Tiny Donnie continues to scan his little brother the entire time we move.

Nobody comments and we all fall into a tense silence as we work our way down to the alleyway. I lock my jaw as I try to keep myself steady on the ladder but my hands just refuse to cooperate. I've nearly slipped 3 times climbing down and if it wasn't for the fact that Chichi hasn't left my side the entire time we've moved, I would have become a Mikey-pancake on the ground below. My hand twitches painfully and causes me to lose grip again and my stomach drops at the sudden rush of weightlessness. Warm arms wrap around me and I collide with a warm chest. Glancing up, I smile weakly at Chichi but the pursed lips and hard gleam in his eyes is telling me that he's still not quite happy with me. He places me back onto my feet just as I hear a manhole cover gets removed from the ground.

"Anatatowatashi wa, watashitachi ga yori puraibētona basho ni iru toki ni hanashiaimasu,*" Sensei whispers and I tense. Uh oh. Sensei is speaking Japanese. And when he starts talking to you in Japanese, you know he's mad.

Swallowing thickly, I nod weakly.

"Hai, Sensei," I mutter. He nods and doesn't say anything else we approach the manhole.

They've already lowered Mini Me down into the tunnels below. Raphael studies us as we approach before nodding toward the hole. It's so strange seeing someone so similar to my Raph but with just enough changes that I know he's not the same as my own brother. He's slightly more buff and much taller than my Raph is and I've noticed how he appears to much larger than his own brothers.

My lips twitch as I just drop down into the hole.

Raphie's gonna be so jealous that another version of him is the tallest.

I stumble as my feet hit the ground but Michelangelo catches my arm before I fully fall. He opens his mouth but I quickly shake my head just as I sense my father dropping down behind me. Taking the hint, he discretely releases me and I turn back to Chichi just as he walks back up to me. Sensei nods when I smile at him but otherwise remains silent.

Sighing quietly, I glance around these new tunnels, hoping to distract myself from the impending lecture that I'm going to be receiving. It's been a very long time since Sensei has fully scolded me, Leo took over that job the moment we started going topside. Not saying that Sensei hasn't scolded me, but usually, it was when I was with my bros because we went past curfew or he caught us doing something we shouldn't.

Drumming my fingers on my thighs, I frown at just how well-lit the entire tunnel is. Tiny us's world was much darker and it was pretty spotty on when there would be well-lit areas. Our tunnels back home were more lit than that but this? This feels almost weird on how bright everything. Almost like the city knows that there are people living down here who will need the light.

Which isn't a scary thought in and of itself, I think as Leonardo motions for us to follow him further down the tunnel.

We set a pretty brisk pace but the longer we move the more my body is reminding me that I haven't done this much activity in a very long time. And also why I probably SHOULDN'T use my own energy instead of my chi. My snout wrinkles as I casually let Raphael and Michelangelo pass me as we take another left turn.

I don't regret it, I think stubbornly as I stare at Chichi's back. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. And I know Sensei knows that. My lips purse as a spasm of pain ripples down my arms again. Huffing through my nose, I do my best to ignore it. I can worry about the consequences later. Right now I'm more worried about Mini Me.

A surprised yelp escapes me when my toes hit something solid and I crash to the ground, my arms collapsing under me.

"Michelangelo!"

"Owie," I mumble, pressing my palm to my snout as I try to get back onto my feet. Chichi is beside me in an instant, already shifting me into a sitting position. My eyes water as he takes my chin in his hand, studying my face.

"You okay, dude?"

I jump as Michelangelo appears next to me, squatting next to us and his large blue eyes flickering across my face. I can't help but feel a small pang of jealousy at how much more buff he is than I am but I quickly shove it away. There's no need for that right now and I can already tell that he's also the smallest out of his brothers and I'm far more buff than Mini Me, so it's time to pick and chose my battles.

Realizing that he just asked me a question, I do my best to nod with my face in my father's hands.

"Ye-Yeah, dude. Just didn't watch where I was putting my feet," I state trying to grin only to wince when Sensei rubs his thumb over the tip of my snout. Michelangelo nods and glances over his shoulder.

"You dudes go ahead," he calls out. "I'll get these two to the lair. You get the little dude to LH." The other orange-banded turtle turns back to me and Sensei and smiles. "It's always nice to be reminded that cement isn't as soft as it looks, isn't it?"

I snort before wincing at the movement.

"Yeah, well, I coulda lived without a reminder," I grumble.

Chichi clicks his tongue and releases his hold on my chin.

"Nothing appears to be broken. However, you will have quite the bruise there, my son." Dark brown eyes flicker up to meet my ocean blue. "Are you able to stand? Or would you like me to carry you again?"

Heat spreads across my face. Last time I didn't really get a choice with Sensei but doesn't mean it was any less mortifying to have my dad carrying me when I'm almost 20 in front of alternate versions of me and my bros.

"Otherwise I don't mind giving out free piggyback rides," Michelangelo chimes in, smiling warmly at me. "Shell might make it a little uncomfortable but we're pretty close to the lair, so it won't be for very long."

Chuckling, I return his smile the best I can and I shake my head.

"Nah, I…I'm pretty sure I can make it."

"Michelangelo…"

"Honest, Chichi," I say at Sensei's warning tone. "I just tripped. I can totally make it to the lair. If we walk…"

Chichi's lips purse but he merely nods. He and Michelangelo grab my arms and haul me up.

"Whoa…" I mutter as everything sways and greys.

"Easy, Watashi no nikkō," Sensei mutters as he readjusts his grip on me.

My stomach rolls unpleasantly so I only nod in response. The other sea-green turtle lifts my arm over his shoulder, easily taking my weight. I glance at him and he grins.

"Nothin' wrong with using a bro as a crutch," he says, winking. "We're here to support each other, ya know?"

That forces a chuckle from me but I allow my alternate self to take a little more of my weight.

"Heh. Sounds like you've been hanging out with your Leo too much."

Michelangelo laughs as we slowly start forward.

"I mean, is hanging out with one brother a lot really that bad, though? I think I'd much rather sound like Leo than Raph. Or Donnie…" A thoughtful look appears on his face. "Well, I guess sounding like Don wouldn't be bad. But I don't think even I would understand what I would be saying. That brainy turtle. Using large words that nobody ever seems to understand."

My lips twitch into a smile and I remain silent as the other turtle just rambles on about which brother he'd rather sound like. It's almost soothing to listen to. It allows me to not think for a little bit. To just exist and take one step at a time. Master Splinter keeps pace with us and I'm grateful but I also know that the slow pace is eating at Dad's patience. But I want to prove that what I did isn't as big of a deal as he, and everyone else, is making it. I helped save a life, that should be the only thing that matters.

And it's not like I'm the one still close to death or anything, I think tiredly.

I'm jostled back to reality when Michelangelo slows us and passes me over to Chichi. Blinking, I watch as he approaches a seemingly plain brick wall. He glances over his shoulder at me and grins as he reaches up and tugs on the second small pipe to his right. It gives easily and a soft click fills the air. Instantly the wall shifts and slides to the right.

"Welcome to our homely abode!" Michelangelo says cheerfully as he retakes his place as my living crutch and leads Sensei and me through the door.

My mouth falls open as I glance around.

This lair is HUGE! Where the shell are we? A massive computer sits in the middle of the main area. To our right, I can just make out a large kitchen and I can just make out the entrance to a dojo right across from the kitchen. To our left, I can see a few tables set up with various parts and pieces waiting for the resident genius to finally finish putting them back together. And just a little ways further behind the tables I can spot a doorway leading into what I can only assume is the lab/infirmary by the way that Raphael and who I can only assume is this world's Leatherhead are hovering near the doorway.

"Looks like they've gotten little dude all hooked up," Michelangelo comments as he maneuvers us over to the main area where some couches rest. "Wait here and I'll grab you dudes some water and then I'll see what Raph has to say about what's going on."

"We would greatly appreciate that," Sensei says as I mutter a soft 'thanks'.

Michelangelo waves off the thanks as he helps me sit down.

"Ah, Michelangelo, you are home as well. Welcome home, my son."

Both me and Michelangelo jump as a new voice enters the fray. Glancing behind me, I blink in surprise as I spot a short grey rat with bushy white eyebrows and a long thin beard standing behind us. He holds a wooden walking stick in his right hand and his light brown robe flutters around his knees as he approaches.

Wait…Did he just say 'son'?

Michelangelo smiles at the newcomer.

"Hiya, Sensei. Yeah, uh, alternate me needed a moment so I agreed to bring his sensei and him here while everyone else tended to uh littler me." Michelangelo's smile slips a little as he shoots a look over his shoulder. "Uh, speaking of smaller us, any word on how he's doing?"

This…This is their Master Splinter? I think as he walks around the couches to stand next to his son. He's…He's so small! And old looking! Will my father shrink to that size when he gets old?

I swallow a surprised noise when I'm suddenly jabbed in the side softly. I peek over at Sensei, who is watching me out of the corner of his eyes. Nerves dance in my chest as I quickly stare ahead once again.

I knew you could read minds, Dad. Why else would you elbow me like that?

I swear I see my own father roll his eyes as if asking the silent powers above to give him strength. I cough into my fist to keep from giggling.

This world's Master Splinter reaches up and places a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Donatello is currently in with him and his family getting the IV and the necessary machines ready. As far as we are aware, he is quite stable, just a little weak. Rest and nutrients will be the best course of action for him right now." His sensei brushes the tails of Michelangelo's mask off of his shoulder before turning toward us. "I am having Leonardo freshening up our guest rooms once more." Wise light brown eyes twinkle as he glances over at Michelangelo. "I was going to head to the kitchen to prepare some tea for our guests. Michelangelo, now that you are home, would you please prepare some sandwiches? From what I have heard so far, our guests have yet to eat."

GRUMBLE.

Embarrassment warms my face as three sets of eyes land on me. Grinning sheepishly, I shrug helplessly.

"Heh, sorry. Stomach has a mind of its own when it hears the word 'food'."

A fond sigh escapes my father as Master Splinter smiles at me and Michelangelo snickers. The sea green turtle winks at me.

"Don't worry, dude. Mine's the same way. We're growing turtles! We gotta eat."

A snort answers his comment as Raphael approaches.

"Growin', right. Ya haven't grown in nearly 2 years, squirt. At dis rate, yer just gonna grow out rather den up."

Michelangelo pouts as he places his hands on his hips.

"You callin' me fat, Raphie?"

The emerald green turtle shrugs as he glares at his younger brother.

"Not yet I ain't, but ya call me 'Raphie' again and I just might make somethin' else of yer's fat."

I bite my fist to keep from laughing as their master pinches the space between his eyes as his two sons glare at each other.

"Boys!"

Michelangelo's mouth snaps shut at his father's sharp tone, retort dying instantly at his lips. Even Raphael glances at his father sheepishly. Master Splinter holds his walking stick with both hands.

"This is neither the time nor the place for such petty arguments. Let alone doing so in front of our obviously tired guests."

"Sorry, Sensei," the two say in unison.

Their father nods.

"Good. Now, Michelangelo, please go do what I asked. Raphael, go help your older brother with the rest of the rooms."

"But—"

The grey rat master's eyes narrow and Raphael's mouth snaps shut.

"Unless you are feeling up to doing some extra flips at this very moment?"

Golden eyes widen and the emerald turtle rubs the back of his neck.

"Ya know what? I think I hear Leo callin' me, Sensei. I better go see what he wants."

As his oldest son here rushes away, Master Splinter turns toward Michelangelo, who smiles awkwardly.

"Sandwiches, right? Nice big platter comin' right up!"

A secret smile forms on the other sensei's as both of his sons rush off. Shaking his head, this smaller Master Splinter turns back to me and Chichi.

"I do apologize for that. I was hoping once they turned 20 they would have calmed down a little bit." A withered look appears on the older sensei's face. "Sometimes I swear they have regressed in age."

Coughing to cover up snickers, I glance at Chichi. A fond look gleams in his eyes as he inclines his head toward the other rat.

"I understand," Chichi says, placing a hand on my head. "While mine are not quite 20 yet, they certainly seem to have found more trouble as they get older."

"We just like to keep you on your toes, Sensei," I say, cheekily, throwing a smile at Chichi. He taps a finger on my head causing me to laugh again only to try and stifle a yawn.

Master Splinter's smile widens a little.

"Leonardo explained how he and his brothers came across all of you. And what exactly transpired to save younger Michelangelo's life." Wizened eyes land on me and I shrink down into my shell. "Feel free to take any of the free rooms. I will have Michelangelo bring you food once it is ready. We have restrooms on the second floor and the first floor, second door from the left on the second floor and the last door across from the kitchen on the first floor. Each room will have bathroom supplies, courtesy of Ms. O'Neil." He glances back toward the infirmary. "I do believe that your companions would like to have a little more time alone with their youngest."

My mood dampens as I also shoot the lab a look. Leatherhead and Donatello are chatting quietly just outside of the doorway. Tearing my eyes away from the conversing reptiles, I glance back at Chichi as he stands.

"I cannot express how grateful I am for your family's hospitality and I know that our companions are just as grateful. Thank you." Sensei bows slightly. Master Splinter inclines his head, smiling gently.

"While you seven are not from this world, you are still family and will be treated as such while here. So, please treat this place as your home for as long as you all need to stay."

Chichi nods before turning and he reaches out for me. He grasps my elbows, gently pulls me to my feet. My vision spots and blackens at the change of altitude but Chichi steadies me.

"Whoa. Head rush," I mutter.

"Which is why you will be laying down for the rest of the night," Chichi states dryly.

Nodding weakly, I allow my father to lead me in the direction of the rooms that Raphael vanished off to. The metal stairs creak under our weight as Master Splinter leads me up to the second floor. I can't help but lean against my father, my body crashing harder after having been sitting for so long. All adren-line gone from my body.

"Oh!"

My head feels like lead as I look up and spot Leonardo standing just outside of the room with a pile of sheets in his arms. His brown eyes flicker from me to Sensei. He offers us a small smile.

"Raph is finishing up the last few rooms and I'm gonna take these to the washer. However, these four rooms are available, each have a full-size bed and a futon. Fresh sheets and blankets have been laid out for you, so please feel free to pick any room you want."

I do my best to smile as Sensei inclines his head.

"Thank you, Leonardo. It is deeply appreciated. Michelangelo and I shall take this room to our right."

Leonardo nods, his eye ridges furrowing as he studies me. A pang hits my chest as we make eye contact and I quickly drop my gaze. It's just too much. The other four turtles made it easy to remember that they're not my bros. They look so different from them. Shorter, not as muscular. Even the eye colors are different. But these new turtles? It hurts too much. They remind me too much of what I'm missing right now and I'm too exhausted to keep my emotions in check. But I refuse to cry in front of my alternate bros. These buffer versions of us are working hard to keep us comfortable and the smaller ones nearly lost one of their own. What right do I have to be upset right now?

"Did…Did you want me to have Donnie stop by your room later?" Leonardo asks softly as Chichi readjusts his grip on me.

"That will not be necessary at the moment," Sensei says soothingly. "Michelangelo just needs some rest. He was incredibly sick last week and all of this running around, among other things, is just starting to catch up with him."

Silence follows Sensei's words and I can just imagine Leonardo nodding with a pursed look on his face. Another pang of homesickness hits me and I turn further into Chichi.

"Watashi no nikkō?"

"Can we sit down please?" I mutter, pressing my cheek against my father's robs. "I'm feeling a little dizzy."

Not an entire lie, but I need space and sleep.

My eyes close as a warm hand presses against my forehead. Sensei sighs softly before he kisses my head.

"Yes, my son. We can go sit down. If you will excuse us, Leonardo."

"Uh, sure. Rest well."

Biting the inside of my cheek, I allow Sensei to guide me into the closest room to us. He gently nudges the metal door closed behind us before leading me over to the bed and helping me sit down. The moment my tail hits the bed, I wince as a wave of vertigo hits me.

Welp, so much for my dizziness being a sorta lie.

"What hurts, Michelangelo?" Chichi whispers, cupping my cheek.

I shake my head.

"Dizzy. Feel sick."

Chichi vanishes before reappearing and placing a bucket in my hands. He places a hand on the back of my neck, kneading at the muscles there.

"And nothing else hurts? How is your side?"

I blink. Oh. I nearly forgot about my side. Which is funny because now that it's brought back to my attention, it hurts like shell. But, well, what DOESN'T hurt on me right now?

When I don't answer, Sensei reaches out and gently lifts my arm to prod at my side. When I hiss he stops with a sigh.

"You are certainly doing your best to make me go completely grey," Chichi states dryly, rubbing my head. "And here I thought your eldest brother has taken that title. But, I think after these last few weeks, you have outdone anything that Leonardo has done. Michelangelo?"

I'm not sure why it starts but I can't stop the sudden sob that escapes me. My face burns as hot tears roll down my cheeks.

"I'm s-sorry," I say between sobs. "I'm so so-sorry."

Warm arms envelope me and pull me close to a just as warm chest. Whiskers tickle my head as Chichi kisses my head. He removes the bucket from my grasp and I turn into him, clinging to his robe.

"Shh, Watashi no nikkō, shh. You are all right." He presses his cheek to the crown of my head. "Talk to me, little one. What is going through your mind right now?"

My body trembles as another sob rattles from me.

"I…I miss them so much," I say, whimpering. "I just want to see my brothers again, Chichi. I want to see Klunk. I don't wanna see anyone else getting hurt. I wanna go home! I'm so tired! I just wanna go home!"

Sensei hums, running a soothing hand up and down my shell.

"I know, little one, I know," Sensei mutters into my ear as I continue to sob. "And we will go home. We just need to wait a little longer. Our family here are going to help us reunite with your brothers before you know it. But, for right now, you need rest. You are only going to make yourself sick all over again at this rate."

I rub my face against his shoulder and whimper.

"But…But all I've done is whine and wait. Why…Why would they want to help me?" I lean back to look Chichi in the face. "I nearly got one of them killed! I should have been there! Shoulda made sure that I had their backs! Why would they want to—"

"Yame."

My words die in my throat as I hiccup as more tears roll down my cheeks and gather at my chin. Dark brown eyes soften as they study me before Sensei leans forward and presses our foreheads together.

"Michelangelo, listen to me," Chichi says softly. "Right now? You are overly tired and not thinking clearly. We have been through a lot these last few days, and even more this past month." He cups my face and leans back, using his thumbs to wipe at my face. "What happened tonight was not your fault. We were not expecting to suddenly be fighting such a volume of enemies. Let alone have one of those enemies be the Shredder. Michelangelo chose to take that hit for his brother as you would if you were in his position. You cannot be in two places at once. You provided Michelangelo with a weapon and I saw you provide one for Donatello when his broke. You were there for them. And, while I am still not overly pleased by it, you helped save Michelangelo's life. Do not mistaken that as me not being proud of you. I am very proud of you for doing that. I knew, out of all of your brothers, you would be the one to catch on to healing chi the fastest."

His eyes flicker around my face as I hiccup again and Chichi soothes a hand over the dome of my head.

"Do I wish you had learned in a less dire situation? Of course. But you did it so well. The only thing that I am displeased with is what could have happened to YOU had you used any more of your energy. At full health, even with chi deletion, I do believe you would be fine. But coming from being so sick and injured, so many things could have gone wrong and we would have been saying 'good-bye' to more than one being tonight had that happened." I swallow thickly as Sensei's eyes shine with unshed tears. "And I refuse to return home without you, Watashi no nikkō. We have come so close to losing you these past few weeks and I am afraid that one of these times will be the one. No father should ever have to outlive his children. Especially not when it is his youngest. And I know that your brothers would be devastated if I were to return without you. So, please, calm yourself. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax. What has happened has happened. Michelangelo is getting the medical treatment that he needs now thanks to you and his father. And Donatello has fixed the Dimension Bracelet for us. Did it bring us to the correct world?" A sad smile forms on my father's face. "No. But that does not mean that it will not bring us there soon. He said that our old coordinates were saved, so the next time we go to use it, we can make sure that we double-check the coordinates and make sure they are the ones that the doctor provided to us when we went to go save your brothers." He rubs his thumbs under each of my eyes. "But, for right now, we need rest. YOU need rest. But, I promise you, we shall return home to our family. This I can assure you of."

Sniffling, I bite my lip and lean back into my father's embrace. He holds me tightly against his chest and continues to rock us gently. Sighing, I close my eyes. Sensei is right. We will get home. Sure, I'm upset now, but we will get there. The D.B. is mostly fixed and is functional. We just need to rest up, and make sure Mini Me is all healed and himself again. And then we can return home.

I just hate being patient.

Coughing, I nuzzle closer to Chichi as I shove that thought away.

"Thanks, Chichi," I mumble.

Chichi's chest vibrates as he chuckles, running his hand up and down my shell once more.

"You are very welcome, little one. Now, rest. I shall wake you when food has arrived."

Nodding, I allow my body to relax in my father's hold as he starts to hum. The tune sounds vaguely familiar but my mind is muddled and tired I barely even register that thought before I fall into an open abyss of darkness.

0o.o0

0o.o0

0o.o0

Edit: Thank you Katerena for letting me know that I didn't add the Japanese translation to this chapter! So here it is!

Anatatowatashi wa, watashitachi ga yori puraibētona basho ni iru toki ni hanashiaimasu

"You and I WILL be having a discussion when we are some place more private,"