✨️Wren✨️

Creature Con is coming up THIS WEEK so we are announcing the official participants and all who got nominated!

Participants!

We look forward to spending the next month and a half with you all hearing your wonderful AUs!

Dragon Bishop AU!! Made by @bambiraptorx Under these categories: Mythological, Mystic, Urban TW/CW: None They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/bambiraptorx Onryo AU!! Made by @ledgendweaver Under these categories: Mystic, Mythological, Urban TW/CW: Self Harm, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Phobias, Abuse, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death, Mind Control, Horror (body, psychological), Drugs They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/ledgendweaver/774927695686598656/hello-welcome-to-the-onryo-au-synopsis-links-to?source=share Synergy!! Made by @a-simple-gremlin Under these categories: Extra Mutations, Krangified TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Phobias, Mind Control, Sickness/Illness They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/a-simple-gremlin/766609173407531008/synergy-au-masterpost?source=share The Cat the Krang and the Turtle!! Made by @the-cat-the-krang-and-the-turtle Under these categories: Krangified TW/CW: Discrimination They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/babbles-aus/787640835914203136/act-zero-no-happy-end

TMNT: Wait Up!!! Made by @thetacoshellturtle Under these categories: Krangified, Mystic TW/CW: Self Harm, Blood/Gore, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Death, Mind Control They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/thetacoshellturtle?source=share TMNT: Mutant Cycle!!! Made by @leysha-kun Under these categories: Mythological, Urban, and Time TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Self Harm, SA/CSA, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death, Mind Control, Body horror, Generational Trauma They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/jurassicpark63194

A Grave Situation!! Made by @matrixxsystem Under these categories: Mystic, Mythology, Time TW/CW: Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/matrixxsystem/821219782756057088/a-grave-situation?source=share

Old Roots!! Made by @creationstews Under these categories: Mythical Creature, Spirits/Ghosts TW/CW: Abuse, Death, Family trauma They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/creationstews/785185298108776448/rottmnt-au-old-roots?source=share

No Eres Tú!! Made by @bluemooneagle01 Under these categories: Time, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/bluemooneagle01/818820720681418752/bg-info-for-the-no-longer-you-animatic

Kaiju Cowboys!! Made by,@voidwitchboots Under these categories: Deity, Mythological, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/voidwitchboots/784736170954424320/rise-of-the-kaiju-mutant-ninja-turtles

Vamp Leo AU!! Made by @bobbypeach Under these categories: Extra Mutations, Time TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Death, Mind Control They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/bobbypeach?source=share Of Blood And Souls!! Made by, @cartoonistfreak101 Under these categories: Deity TW/CW: Death They can be found here!!! https://cartoonistfreak101.tumblr.com/?source=share Oni Leo!! Made by @sir.artie Under these categories: Mythological, Extra mutation, mystics TW/CW: Abuse They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/lartiel/820575266310078464/arties-master-post-remastered?source=share Hadestown: The Tragic Tale!! Made by @thenurserysys Under these categories: Mythological, Deity TW/CW: SA/CSA, Blood/Gore, Sickness/Illness, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/thenurserysys?source=sharehttps://www.tumblr.com/thenurserysys?source=share

Zoochosis!! Made by @cerulneon-cobark Under these categories: Extra Mutations, Urban, Mystic TW/CW: Self Harm, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Phobias, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Death, Mind Control, Child Experimentation They can be found here!!! https://cerulneon-cobark.tumblr.com/?source=share

TMNT: Heritage!! Made by @oddestfoxontheblock Under these categories: Krangified,Mystic and then Extra Mutations TW/CW: Self Harm, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Phobias, Abuse, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Death, Cults, Hallucinations, Religious Imagery They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/oddestfoxontheblock?source=share

Just Keep Swimming!! Made by @wafflekidgirlboy Under these categories: Mythological, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Phobias, Death, Watching worlds get destroyed They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/wafflekidgirlboy?source=share

RotTMNT: Stay Where You Are!! Made by @sstrangeart Under these categories: Time, Mystic, Deity TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Phobias, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death, Lots of dissociation and unreality-based horror They can be found here!!! https://sstrangeart.tumblr.com/?source=share

Fated Ties!! Made by @wand3ring-s0ul Under these categories: Time, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Abuse, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/wand3ring-s0ul/820890443799740416/when-fate-brings-a-group-of-societies-outcasts and https://archiveofourown.org/series/4975036

Double the Masks, Double the Fun!! Made by @just-another-wren Under these categories: Urban, Mystic, Krangified TW/CW: Self Harm, SA/CSA, Discrimination, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death, Blood, Phobias, Abuse, Mind Control They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/just-another-wren

Lost in Time!! Made by @writingravencove Under these categories: Time TW/CW: Self Harm, Blood/Gore, Abuse, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/writingravencove?source=share and https://archiveofourown.org/works/69872151/chapters/181341026

TMNY (Teenage Mutant Ninja Yokai)!! Made by @pinkgrapez Under these categories: Urban, Mystic, Mythological TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Death, Mind Control They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/pinkgrapez/820984616288649216/offical-masterpost?source=share

SuperBat AU!! Made by @delicatechildwitch Under these categories: Urban, Deity, Time TW/CW: Self Harm, SA/CSA, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Phobias, Abuse, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Pregnancy/Birth, Death, Mind Control, Selfcest They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/delicatechildwitch/777305318139052032/superbat-au-masterpost

Fallout!! Made by @octolingkiera Under these categories: Time TW/CW: Sickness/Illness, character in a coma They can be found here!!! https://octolingkiera.tumblr.com/

Resurgence of Magic!! Made by @blackstar5078 Under these categories: Mystic, Urban TW/CW: Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Death, Possession/corruption They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/blackstar5078-art/821276726789341184/welcome-to-the-resurgence-of-magic-au?source=share

A Little Too Far From Home!! Made by @snowleopardtherebel Under these categories: Krangified, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Mind Control They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/snowleopardtherebel/820559632208740352/a-little-too-far-from-home-au

Rise Under Pressure (R.U.P)!! Made by, @leonmyeon Under these categories: Extra Mutations TW/CW: Self Harm, SA/CSA, Abuse, Starvation They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/leonmyeon/821002274896805888/rup-masterpost?source=share

Disaster Dimension!! Made by @wowee-art Under these categories: Krangified, Time, Mystic TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Abuse, Sickness/Illness, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/wowee-art/813920072016052224/my-masterpost?source=share

The One That Fell To Earth!! Made by @leontheneon12 Under these categories: Extra Mutation, Krangified, and Deity TW/CW: Self Harm, Blood/Gore, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/leontheneon12

Rise Of The Undead Turtles!! Made by, @PavrickMonthly Under these categories: Extra Mutations, Urban, Time, Mystic TW/CW: Self Harm, Discrimination, Phobias, Abuse, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Death, Mind Control, Schizophrenia They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/snowleopardtherebel/820559632208740352/a-little-too-far-from-home-au?source=share

The Mad Cats!! Made by @sw33tlemon-poists Under these categories: Mythological, Mystic, Deity TW/CW: Phobias They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/sw33tlemon-poists

Honorable Mentions

We thank the audiences for submitting these awesome stories!

Charmed AU!! Made by @octolingkiera Under these categories: Mystic, Urban TW/CW: None They can be found here!!! https://octolingkiera.tumblr.com/

My Brothers Keeper Made by @ledgendweaver Under these categories: Mythological, Mystic, Krang TW/CW: Self Harm, Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Abuse, Sickness/Illness, Death, Mind Control, Child Abuse, Experimentation, Parentification, Background Drugs, Adult Themes They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ledgendweaver

A Vow To Remain Made by @ledgendweaver Under these categories: Krangified, Time TW/CW: Parentification, Background Drugs, Adult Themes, Self Harm, Blood/Gore, Sickness/Illness, Death, Mind Control, General movie and future rottmnt stuff They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ledgendweaver

TMNT: Time’s Up!!! Made by @snowleopardtherebel Under these categories: Krangified, Extra Mutation TW/CW: Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Abuse, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/snowleopardtherebel/806758715326939136/infomasterpost?source=share

The Prophet’s Child!!! Made by @bluemooneagle01 Under these categories: Mystic, Time TW/CW: Blood/Gore, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/bluemooneagle01/786634229709684736/introduction-masterpost?source=share

Blood Depravation!!! Made by @sir.artie Under these categories: Extra Mutation, Time TW/CW: Discrimination, Blood/Gore, Suicide/Suicidal Ideation, Sickness/Illness, Death They can be found here!!! https://www.tumblr.com/lartiel/820575266310078464/arties-master-post-remastered?source=share

Thank you all for promoting these Legendary AUs!

TMNT Creature Con: Legends begins this Friday, July 10th, 2026!

Want to see the Convention in its full glory? Our discord server is waiting! We look forward to seeing you there!

Do note that the server is **currently under construction** and will be officially open on Friday, July 10th!

Audio (and music video reference): Choose Your Fighter by Nova Twins

IT IS HERE!!! PLAYER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL MAY 24TH!

(no this is not april fools)

LISTEN CLOSELY BEFORE APPLYING!!!

There are 2 types of mods needed; regular mods, and math mods.

Regular mods will be in charge of looking after the discord server and keeping the peace, you know the usual.

Math mods are required to calculate all the results of the players, workload will be split evenly amongst the math mods of course.

MODS CANNOT PLAY THE GAME AT ALL!!! As you will be exposed to spoilers and it basically ruins the game if you are spoiled. If any information gets leaked, it breaks the game entirely so it's better to be safe than sorry. (You'll be allowed to participate in a testrun in mid/late-April before the comp starts and you are welcome to "play" behind the scenes. I'll give you an honorary mod crown or smth lol.)

Both types of mods must understand this comp lasts all summer. From June 1st to August 23rd. You must have consistent internet access and access to a computer/laptop.

Math mods specifically will be required to work on Day 2 of each round (each round lasts 3 days, you'll have work every 3 days). You must be tech savvy enough to follow instructions and do data input tasks (putting numbers into spreadsheets). Thanks to our lovely game dev, @delicatechildwitch, the math is done for you! All you need to do is type in numbers, it's easy I promise. Just a lot of steps lol. (And it gets easier as we lose more and more players, lightening your workload. So June will be the busiest for you, but by August it's lightwork.)

If you are unsure about any of this, fill out the form anyways and list that you would like to be a back up.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AND CAPABLE, FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW!!! We need as much support as humanly possible, especially math mods and backups! (The more math mods, the less work each one needs to do)

B - A pairing–platonic, romantic or sexual–that you initially didn’t consider, but someone changed your mind.

C - A ship you have never liked and probably never will.

D - A pairing you wish you liked but just can’t.

E - Have you added anything cracky/hilarious to your fandom? If so, what?

F - What’s the longest you’ve ever been in a fandom?

G - Have you ever had an OTP? If so, do you remember your first one? Who was in it?

H - What is your favorite source text for fandom stuff (e.g., TV shows, movies, books, anime, Western animation, etc.)?

I - Has Tumblr caused you to stop liking any fandoms, if so, which and why?

J - Name a fandom you didn’t think about until you saw it all over Tumblr. (You don’t have to care about it or follow it; it just has to be something that Tumblr made you aware of.)

K - What character has your favorite development arc/the best development arc?

L - Say something genuinely nice about a character who isn’t one of your faves. (Characters you’re neutral about are fair game, as are characters you merely dislike. Characters that you absolutely loathe with the fire of ten thousand suns are exempt, as there is no point in giving yourself an aneurysm over a character that you hate.)

M - Name a character that you’d like to have for a friend.

N - Name three things you wish you saw more or in your main fandom (or a fandom of choice).

O - Choose a song at random. Which ship or character does it remind you of?

P - Invent a random AU for any fandom (we always need more ideas).

Q - A fandom you’ve abandoned and why.

R - Which friendship/platonic relationship is your favorite in fandom?

S - Show us an example of your personal headcanon (prompts optional but encouraged)

T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending? 

U - Three favorite characters from three different fandoms, and why they’re your favorites.

V - Which character do you relate to most?

W - A trope which you are virtually certain to hate in any fandom.

X - A trope which you are almost certain to love in any fandom.

Y - What are your secondhand fandoms (i.e., fandoms you aren’t in personally but are tangentially familiar with because your friends/people on your dash are in them)?

Hi ROTTMNT fandom I’m not dead I’m just like. Not. Super into ROTTMNT right now lmao.

I’ve been planning a rewrite while doing my other big projects so I’ll probably do some small stuff with it and then start working on the remake after those are done. Should be much better written

Kadeen wanders over to Astra, wherever she may be, their tail idly flicking behind them. "Uh- hey, Astra...?"

Their ears point downwards slightly. "I know we haven't talked for a while, I just figured I'd warn- someone. I'm... not going to be coming back to camp, next year. I haven't been able to put as much energy into it as I should, as counselor, or as... I guess, a friend. I'm going to take a step back, and in the meantime, someone is going to step in for me."

"Someone who... isn't going to be used to these multiversal shenanigans. I don't know much about them, but I just... I guess I just wanted to say goodbye. For real this time.

We didn't talk much, but it made me feel really cool whenever we did! I don't doubt whoever comes in place of me will still admire you, your future sight, everything. Heck, maybe they'll still have similar powers!

I don't... I don't have anything to give, sorry. But- I will miss you, if that's... anything?"

They smile, their ear twitching nervously.

(I would've sent this to three, but I wanted to get in one last interaction with Astra, and the brain is giving me issues ihfhfiydykdiyf)

Astra looks up, and nodded, sitting there as she looked at those coming and going. "That's completely understandable. This has been... rough, I can feel how exhausted everyone is, its like a really painful ach on the shoulders... That and.. I dunno, maybe its cause I'm also grieving the loss of Marco and his brothers... So being extra sensitive." She huffed, looking at her lap, then looked up and smiled softly, despite her brows knitting. "Its all good, also, ya' did good, and I'm sure we'll find ways to talk again. So goodbye, and.. till we meet again, yeah?" She grinned, lifting up a pinkie.

An odd, scarred figure approaches, from Cabin 4! (Don't worry, they don't bite! ...Stabbing is situational, however.) @tmnt-fandom-family-reunion

(At school rn so no art, mostly for this entire thing, I think golden silence or tmnea got in- soo- )

"Leon where did you portal us!?" Mikey exclaimed, rubbing his head and getting up off the pile, followed by raph, holding cobalt.

Raph, mikey, leo, donnie, and cobalt fell through the portal, landing in a turtle pile in the center

"Hey, it wasn't me! Trust me, my portals are better!"

"Sigh, can we turn to the obvious mutant in the room?" Donnie remarked, getting up and turning to the new figure.

Mikey lit up at this new figure, moving to them quickly and shaking hands, "hi! I'm mikealango, you can call me mikey, the other turtles are my brothers, raph, leo, donnie, and the last turtle is, well she never told us her name yet"

Wow! Thank you Arson for giving us the big ol run down!! Thank ya!!

SO

for this year we will have extra points systems!

As before we have the events, the themes. Each theme has a rep (and for one theme we will have 2)

For points within the themes! For collabs and posts with the reps gains 2 points, for no reps 1 points.

Each theme will last as long as the duration and at the end of it we will count the points and within the break days we will have the winner cabin and the points total for each individual cabin announced with a drawing of the winning rep/reps!

For the *, these events are Draw this and write this in your styles! These will have 2 points. If you do both you get 3, that way. These are made this way so if the participants feel burnt out or like they cannot do the theme anyone in the cabin can do these for extra points. You can also choose to do both the * events and the theme.

For magmas and activities such the heart and star events, these do not gain you points but are extra fun! Some activities have not been decided but I've been thinking about movie nights as well!

For the SUMMERWEEN event..

For costumes 1 point

For the special summerween art and writing prompt! 3 points.

For collabs 2 points (even without the rep)

And for the dress up prompt 1 point.

But Three! What is the dress up prompt? On the start of summerween we will have a dress up prompt to dress our host Sprite! In a Halloween costume of your choice! Keep it pg 13 and non sexual.

But Three!!! Why so many points for this event??

Because! Why not? The point system is for fun and this year is about creativity. This is also a way to make easy points and have options to choose from! This comp is for fun and friendly competition and points have a GOAL that affects the story. We will talk about that later though.

For the July 16 SECRET EVENT. It is a secret! But! We will not only have a draw this, and write this in your style prompt we will release color this in your style color pages! This is very specifically made to be a treat for YOU, the prompt is for you to make it how you want it to be. This event will also, for any...and all participating... (It will not overlap if you do all 3 because of this) 5 POINTS! YES YOU HEARD ME, 5 WOPPING POINTS! THIS EVENT WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF RAPH'S THEME EVENT. And ALL cabin members will gain 5 points not just the reps for the themes as it over crosses.

Early in the comp I will also release a writing and drawing prompt that will not earn points. However. These will end up in the finale animation. Like last year I want to incorporate your art again into the animation. Last year I took random chunks of art I could find and placed it in. This year I want to do the same, and also give you guys the opportunity to draw something specifically for the finale animation. You have all comp until I announce the cut off in August.

Now. I mentioned earlier that points mean something. Points from the start has always affected the story. For last year the points was to dictate if Mama/Soul won the fight against the beast.

The cut off was 300 points total from the entire camp. If it didn't reach it she would have failed..if it did she would win...

Last year the comp got a whopping 2,246 points!!!

With that she won by a landslide and ended up where she did this current comp.

This year's points does not dictate a win or lose situation but inspiration, encouragement. With every point added a character in this year's story will become braver to face what needs to be done. Be brave for the campers and to fix this year's issue.

And with that all being said...

Hi pookies. Its tiiimmeee...

Let's start out with the map

Oh yeah...oh yeah that's bangers right there..

All the cabins are color coded to the discord cabin sections, we got a medical tent, a kitchen, a campfire, a stage...the SHELL-

And the nest for Barnaby.

Up on the mountain we have a trail for boggoning with your lovely self crafted by this year's host wooden sled. We have a cave for you to enjoy some lovely glow worms and stalagmites! And up on top we have another nest for a second dinosaur.

He shies away, and they know immediately why they were placed there. Even if it wasn't the reason for it, they knew they had to help him as much as they could without doing harm. It took them a lot to speak first, as it always did, but they would smile warmly at him, turning towards him with crisscrossed legs.

"Hey. Would you like some help with those four?" They glance at the turtle tots in his arms. He clutches the chirping, clicking, and squirming turtles closer.

"Who are you? Why are you offering your help?" He narrows his eyes. "You do not know me, do you? Who sent you after me?" They pause, their smile wavering for a moment, taking a deep breath and shaking their head before continuing with another warm smile.

"I haven't ever really had a real name, so... just call me Pink for now. I'm... an oracle of sorts." It wasn't entirely a lie, but the full truth could come later. "I do know you, but nobody sent me after you. I just want to make sure your children's future is at least somewhat better than what I have seen."

He hesitates, looking the teen human over for any lie, any indication that they were mystic as they said. They had short, side-parted hair, bike shorts, no shoes, glasses, and a ripped-up, black Calvin Klein shirt(who was that?) over a lime-green tank tank top. There seemed to be nothing to support their claim.

He studies their face, seemingly genuine- they could still be good at lying, so he would test them. "If that's true... what's my name?"

Pink huffs a nervous laugh. "Which one? You have like, three. These four," they gesture at the chirping turtles in his arms, "know you as Splinter. And dad, obviously, but that could apply to many people, so whatever. Your most recent name was Lou Jitsu, and your first name was... I think Yoshi Hamato? Hamato Yoshi, sorry- I forgot about the order switching thing, sorry." They rub at the back of their neck, smiling awkwardly with another breathy laugh.

It was... certainly something, but not enough for Lou. His mouth forms to a thin line. "Right. Then... how did I end up with these four?" he asks, holding up the three turtles in his arms. Wait, three?

Pink makes an odd noise, reaching quickly for the escaping box turtle. "Going up..." they coo, pulling him closer. He reorients himself in their palm, and Pink can't help but smile at the little one's innocent confusion. Lou feels his hair stand on end, but the fear dampens when Pink only reaches to delicately scratch at the top of the turtle's head.

"Hey, little guy," they coo softly, visibly melting as he chirps and leans into it. They shake their head, turning back to the new father in front of them. "Sorry. They were...

...made artificially by a goat yokai who aimed to make soldiers to defeat a prophesied evil. He got the enemy wrong, and... he won't realize that, not for a long while. But he was successful in creating the turtle-teens to stop this threat." They smile warmly, still looking down at the bundle of cuteness still squirming in their palm. Lou doesn't respond, processing their words with an indescribable but subtle emotion.

The box turtle attempts to climb onto Pink's wrist, which causes them to clasp him in between their hands with a cat-like noise. He chirps and clicks in annoyance. "I know, but you can't, you'll fall off." He attempts again, and they click twice, which he finally understands, sitting back in their palm.

They smile again, giggling as they go to gently pet the top of his head, which he chirps happily at. "I can't stay mad at you, you little cutie..." Lou's eyes widen as he notices the human behind them a moment too late.

Pink clutches the box turtle close as a human yanks them to their feet. "Get away from this poor girl, you foul man!" Pink yanks themselves out of the woman's grip, turning towards her.

"That's my dad, woman!" they snap, thinking of the lie quickly. The woman only seems offended.

"Then he should be turned into the police! No drug addict should be taking care of a teen girl." Pink scoffs, scrunching their nose and baring their unstraightened teeth.

"He got fucked over by capitalism, dumb bitch! Now go before I bite your head off in self-defense!" The woman scoffs, only backing off and leaving once Pink growls at her. Pink huffs, Lou's eyes widening at how easily they went to defend him and his new children.

He pauses, thinking before turning back to Pink with a question. "Pink." They turn back to him. "If... my children really grow into teens, where is it that we live?" Pink hesitates, trying to think of how to say it.

"I... know what it looks like, but not exactly where it is. But you're right, we should go as soon as we can." They uncover the box turtle in their hand, turning so Lou can see him. "I can carry this one and L- this one." They crouch in front of Lou, pointing to the red-eared slider and holding their hand out. Lou barely hesitates before nodding and letting Pink grab the noisy turtle from his arms.

The softshell notices him gone and clicks incessantly, the slider doing the same as Pink realizes their connection has been since mutation. They comfortingly churr to the best of their ability, hoping that by sounds and gestures, they will get across their point to the new mutants.

"You're not being abandoned, you'll be able to see him the entire time. It's okay, you're still together." *Chrrp, chrrr-rr...*

They click a couple more times before getting the point, at which point Pink goes to stand up, shuffling the turtles to the same arm and offering a hand to Lou. He accepts, keeping the snapper and softshell close as he begins to follow the kind human through the alleyway.

They look through the alleyways, out into the streets- they grab a conveniently-placed ladder, turning and looking out onto the oddly-barren streets of New York. They go once they realize the coast is clear, heading to the nearest sewer grate. Lou cringes, following them.

"A sewer?..." Pink nods, lifting it with surprising ease.

"Yes- you would've gone this route, anyway," they explain, setting the ladder to go down it with their free hand. "And even if we're not close to the lair, it's still better to travel underground where no one can see us." They take a deep breath, nervously and slowly turning to head down the ladder first as Lou keeps a lookout for any people or cars.

He follows in silence, letting Pink take the remaining turtles from his arms temporarily so he can close the grate behind them. The snapping turtle tries waddling down the tunnel, but Pink spots him.

"Hey-*Chrrrp-click!*" He turns his head, and Pink points to him, then flaps a free hand towards themselves. "You, stay close. *Clickclick, chrrrp.*" He comes back, leaving Lou confused as he walks over.

"How do you keep doing that?" he asks, taking the softshell in his arms. He moves to the snapper, but Pink lightly stops him.

"If he wants to walk alongside us, let him- it's not hurting him as long we keep him from going too far," they say softly, keeping an eye on the curious older turtle as they grab the ladder. They walk along for a few moments, then Pink hums.

"For your question, you kinda need a mama tone," they start, keeping their gaze on the snapper as they speak. "It's kinda universal across species. It's a mix of that, and speaking their language. Clicks usually mean "hey, pay attention," or "there's something bothering me," so it's got more of a negative connotation. Chirps and churrs have a more positive connotation, so I've been using them interchangeably so the boys know there's no immediate danger." Splinter nods along, a bit surprised at how calm this kid appears to be.

...They travel along in relative silence together, occasionally interrupted with soft clicks from Pink when the oldest turtle strays too far.

...

"So... you know our future." Pink glances at Splinter. "What... what are they named?" Pink smiles.

"I didn't want to interfere with your process," they answer softly. "What do you wanna name them?" Splinter hums, thinking for a moment.

"...you started with an L for this one earlier." He points to the red-eared slider in Pink's arms, and they nod. He pauses, thinking. "...Leonardo, then." Pink smiles, humming and nodding for him to continue.

"...hm. Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael," Splinter decides, pointing to the softshell, box turtle, and snapper in turn. Pink hums.

"Actually, you swapped them."

"What?"

"I'm joking, sorry," they admit with a laugh. "You also name them after colors, if I remember correctly- they end up colorcoded at least, and you've definitely called them by said colors before. You- hey! *Click-ick!*" Raphael turns his head, staying close. "Hold his hand please- he's been going too far too often." Splinter holds out his hand, and they all pause so Raph gets situated, holding onto his father's hand. They continue as before.

"As I was saying, Leo's color is blue, Mikey's orange, Donnie's purple, and Raph's red. That's... actually why I named myself Pink," they admit, looking away. "I thought I might as well try to fit in in some way. Since... I don't know. I think I'm gonna have to stay with you guys, that's all." Splinter blinks in surprise.

"What?" Pink raises an eyebrow.

"What do you mean, "what?" I've been walking around with you guys in the sewers looking for your future lair. Why is it so surprising that I'm staying with you guys?" He shakes his head.

"No no no, I cannot take you in. You must have a family somewhere that cares for you, right?" Pink continues to look away.

"I mean... I did, but you saw the portal I fell out of. I can't go back home anymore."

"But then... how are you taking all of this do easily?" Pink shrugs.

"I'm weird like that- I never really grieved like a normal person. Besides, I figured I was supposed to be here. Be it fate or some powerful being with an intention, I couldn't just do nothing if I knew what would happen to you all."

...

"...what... do you know, then?"

...

"...not... as much as you might think. My vision was given to me a long time ago, and I don't have it with me. But I do know the important things. Oh- like this place!" Pink exclaims, looking around what appears to be a normal sewer system to Splinter. They turn to him, smiling. "The lair should be close by! Follow me."

They head to the nearest place connecting the sides of the tunnels, quickly heading across with the turtles and ladder still clutched in their arms. Leonardo clicks at the distance from Donatello, and Pink pauses sheepishly to wait for Splinter with the remaining two turtles. Raphael clicks and chirps in mild distress.

"*Chrrrp,* I know, we'll rest in just a second- can you pick him up, please?" Splinter nods, crouching and adjusting so he can tiredly scoop up the clicking snapper. Pink continues to lead the way, making sure not to go too fast as they turn the corner and head straight down the tunnel.

Pink giggles, heading into a wide open space, leaving Splinter to blink as the sunlight filters through a grate in the ceiling. He looks around the space in awe- it's not too special, but it's large, and relatively clean.

Pink turns back to face him, smiling. "Welcome, movie star Lou Jitsu, to you and your kids' new lair!" They drop the ladder on the floor, going to sit on the ground with their legs crossed and let Michelangelo and Leonardo explore a small spot of the floor.

"It's not much right now, but it'll be amazing in the future." Splinter sits by them, setting down Raphael and Donatello, who immediately crawls over to happily reunite with his twin. Pink continues to smile at the small bundles of joy, but Splinter spots the tiredness in their eyes.

"Hey- Pink." They turn to him, their smile just barely faltering as he opens his arms to them. They pause, their face going to rest, then turning to a frown as tears well in their eyes. They scoot over, accepting the hug and letting themselves cry softly in Splinter's arms. There's a solemn look on his face, and he holds them closer, accepting that they're now also his to protect.

Leonardo starts to click after a few moments, and Pink turns back to the turtle tots, wiping at their eyes. "*Chrrp? Chrr-rrp?*" He continues clicking, and for once, Pink seems at a loss as to what's wrong. They turn to Raphael, clicking to get his attention.

"Raph. Can you tell me what he needs? Food, sleep?" They pat at their stomach, then turn their head to rest on their hands and close their eyes. They chirp questioningly, nodding to Leonardo. Raphael pauses, then chirps questioningly at Leonardo, who answers with clicks. Raphael pauses again, mimicking Pink and patting his stomach.

Pink huffs a laugh, the both of them surprised at that working. "Thank you, buddy," they coo softly, leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead, and he chirps happily.

"But how are we supposed to feed them?" Splinter asks, and Pink turns to him. "It's not like I can get a job with, well... this whole situation." Pink smiles as he gestures to his face, then they pause.

"I think... maybe to start out with, you might need to go to the surface and steal things for us. That sounds bad, but I'm serious- I'm the only one still human enough between us for a job, like you said."

"I did not-"

"Implied, then. We need to keep my face clean so I can find something to do to ethically take care of the money situation."

"Ethically? How old are you?"

"Fifteen, but they won't know the difference if I say I'm eighteen. I'm pretty much full grown already, and I can excuse anything else as being baby-faced." Leonardo's clicks grow louder, and Pink's expression hardens a bit.

"Look, we can work out the details later. I can take care of the turtles for now, you need to go up there and grab something they can eat."

"But-"

"Splints, do we really have any other options? We can't ask the humans for help. They'll just freak out. And if we go to the Hidden City, who knows who could find us. Just go grab some baby formula, water, and stuff to mix it with for right now. And grab anything else you think we'll need for tonight. Now go!"

Splinter pauses, then nods, standing up and grabbing the ladder before heading towards the tunnel they entered from. Pink sighs, comforting Donatello as he clicks distressedly at his father's absence.

It's gonna be okay... it's gotta be. It has to be. あなたわ ひとりじゃない. You're not alone, Yoshi. You're not alone, Pink one.

———

Carol O'Neil hums, flipping the page of her book. Kirby O'Neil is nearby, playing with their young daughter April within the kid-friendly library.

"Excuse me, ma'am? I'm really, really sorry to interrupt your reading." Carol looks up from her book, meeting the gaze of a nervous, short-haired, glasses-wearing teen. She reads their employee tag, finding the name "Rose Splinterson," before looking back up. Why are they an employee here at the library?

"Yeah? What did you need, sweetheart?" Carol asks softly, putting a bookmark in her book and closing it in her lap. Rose sighs, looking around a bit.

"It's- I'm so sorry to bother you, ma'am."

"No- honey, you're fine. What's wrong?" Rose hesitates.

"It's just- I've got a situation, and it's gonna sound a bit crazy. Especially because you may or may not be one of the only ones I know of that could help..." Carol raises an eyebrow, reaching towards her bag.

"Well, it's not really crazy, but I've got-"

"Nonono, not that," they interrupt, now seemingly more nervous than ever. "Not that at all. I've- look, I've got some people that need help, and I can't help them alone." Carol's expression hardens.

"Dear, do you need me to call the cops?" she asks, her voice low.

"No- nonono! Just... it's hard to explain without proof of the problem's existence. Do... do you mind just taking a small walk with me to show you? I promise, we'll be right back in here with your husband and kid as soon as possible, it should only take a few minutes."

...Carol pauses. This feels like a scam, but at the same time... there's no indication that this person is lying. A mother always knows, after all. She nods, and Rose sighs in relief, letting her stand up from her chair and sling her bag over her shoulder.

"Thank you so much- I'm on break, this won't take long at all." Carol nods.

"Of course, baby. I just need to tell my husband-"

"Yes, of course, that's fine, I get it. Go ahead, I'll be at the entrance," Rose murmurs, quickly heading to the door. Carol knows she should be... more afraid than she is, but there's something telling her to continue on.

"Kirby, honey?" He looks up as she walks over. "Would you mind keeping your eyes on April for a minute? This sweet girl's asking me for help, and I just can't say no." He nods, smiling and playfully saluting.

"Yes, ma'am! You go on, I've got- wait, where's April?!" He looks around frantically, and Carol smirks, pointing to a giggling April disappearing into the bookshelves. Kirby yelps and heads after her, while Carol affectionately rolls her eyes before heading to the entrance of the building.

Rose is holding their arms, rubbing at them and hopping a bit on their feet. They spot Carol coming over, and they go to hold onto their bag's crossbody strap.

"Again- thank you so much for doing this for me, Mrs. O'Neil." Rose holds open the door for her, and she hesitates but steps out. They follow her, glancing at her before heading to the side of the building. Carol hesitates once more, every bone in her body telling her to turn back. But she continues on.

She gets closer, listening intently for anything dangerous and instead finding... chirps?

She turns the corner, meeting the eyes of a still-nervous Rose. They're standing near what appears to be a homeless man, holding four... odd-looking turtles, who he's quietly shushing.

"Oh... oh, baby..." Carol steps closer. What was she supposed to do? She couldn't take in a man, his daughter, and four turtles.

"This- this is... Yoshi," Rose murmurs, glancing down at the man who pulls back his hood to reveal animalistic ears. Carol's eyes widen. "And... we need help. You can already see, he's- y'know, not human. We found a place to live, we just need help with... almost everything else, really," they murmur.

"These four aren't normal turtles, either." The largest one looks between Rose and Mrs. O'Neil, chirping a question that Rose nods to. He wags his tail, waddling towards her and hugging her leg with another chirp. "They're... essentially the minds of human kids. Well- babies, and that one's kind of a toddler, but... still. I was hoping, maybe- since you're a mom, yourself... you would understand us and could help?"

...Carol looks up from the turtle tot at her feet, looking over the situation again. Why... why did they choose her, out of everyone? Why did this teen trust her in the first place?

...

She couldn't just leave them. She sighs, crouching down and gently resting her hand on the chirping snapper's head. "Of course I'll help you, baby. You are gonna have to explain a couple things, though." Rose chuckles softly.

♡~~——☆——~~♡

I WAS gonna add another section, but this post is already insanely long in my book 😅