“We call each other brothers. You say you love me, I say I love you. Words aren’t enough anymore, brah.”

“Then what do you want, Michelangelo?”

“Act like you mean it.”

So, my dear friend @brightlotusmoon is having a rough time and her latest post about Mikey got me thinking about Mikey and Ki and that’s where this short little snippet came from. Borrowing from some DBZ fandom as well but given Season 5 of TMNT2003 also borrowed heavily from that style of anime, I think it’s allowed.

__

Mikey had left his brothers and Sensei a while ago. They were engaged in another conversation that they saw fit to leave him out of and that suited him just fine. Much as he wished to participate, he had given on it a while ago with the possible exception of Leonardo if he could get him by himself. No chance of that right now though.

Besides, he had some thinking he had to do. 

The incident with taking on the Dragon form against Demon Shredder had done...something.

Mikey didn’t really know what it had done. Actually, it was more accurate to say that the entire adventure with the Ninja Tribunal had done something. The ability to tap into ki, through those medallions had made Mikey’s world implode. When he had first tapped into that super speed, it had been like all the neurons in his brain had exploded at once. It was akin to a high. 

The second time he had done it, it had been easier and he had been able to see...sort of...as he went. Not see in the traditional sense though. This was deeper, some other sense entirely.

A bit like when he felt his dreams meant more than they seemed to or when he got...ideas about items or places that no one would bother hearing him out on. Or how he had suddenly known where that Triceraton had kept that jail key when they were trying to break out. How, somehow, he had managed to take it from him without triggering an suspicion.

This was like that but more intense. Like he was standing on the edge of an ocean but instead of waves, he could see individual pockets of foam, animals, bubbles of air released by dolphins.

He had no idea what to do with it. 

So, it seemed reasonable to go out for some air. Out here though, that sense was even more refined. He could feel where Angel, Casey and April were even though he couldn’t hear them, see them. They were miles away but it was like they were right in front of him. 

Mikey closed his eyes, took a deep inhale in.

It was like going into dragon form in a way except not. Similar in the sense of his body feeling like it was...translucent. Like it was no longer just flesh and blood and bone and shell but something far more important.

“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” He chuckled at bit to himself but that was the closest he could conjure as to what it felt like. Like living starlight.

Maybe...could he move it into a ball or something? Could he pull that energy and do something with it? He no longer had the medallion but that didn’t seem to matter. His brothers didn’t feel like this. He knew they didn’t. He’d wanted to ask Master Splinter or the Ancient One about this but they didn’t want to be bothered. They wanted to talk to Leo and Donnie especially. 

So, that left Mikey to do what he did best--experiment.

Mikey set his thoughts on April. She was the human they had known the longest. He knew more about her than she probably knew about herself. What her footsteps sounded like, what her breath sounded like, how she smelled, and now, he was SURE that familiarity was how her ki felt. It was as individualized as her fingerprints. No mistake.

Then there was this sense of a wide ocean, of energy just dipping and bobbing. Mikey had learned a long time ago about his hyperfocus. So hard for him to really stay on task unless it was something that truly mattered to him like art or writing or things like that. One reason he was so good at video games was his hyperfocus. 

Now, he added understanding ki to his list of fun things to focus on. 

It was like a switch. The moment he made the decision, little itty bitty details about April’s ki came into focus as if he were standing right in front of her...

“Mikey!”

Jolting back into the moment, Mikey fell back when a fist hit his cheek. Stumbling a bit, his shell hit a familiar cabinet. Turning, he recognized one of the display cases in April’s shop.

And speaking of which, said owner was who he had to thank for his bruised cheek.

April was right in front of him, trembling, shaking and looking decidedly spooked.

Mikey just stared at her and then looked around. He jabbed his toe in the ground. Yep. No illusion. He was in April’s shop.

A minute ago, he had been over five miles away.

@brightlotusmoon There be downsides to being a psychic empath

 "Donatello!" The purple banded turtle paused in his run after his brothers and father as the temple literally began to vanish around them. Turning around, he spied his youngest sibling, actively stumbling and clutching at his head. "Michelangelo!" He immediately rushed back to his sibling's side "What is it?!" "They hurt...." he whimpered "They hurt so much Donnie!" Michelangelo had not called him "Donnie" since they were quite young and struggled with one another's lengthy names at times. They'd all come to prefer their full names though and nicknames had fallen by the wayside. "Here.." Donatello swung his brother's arm over his shoulder "Lean on me, little brother." Thus they started forward again, with the scientific turtle doing most of the walking. Michelangelo continued to stumble, his eyes tightly shut and obviously in immense pain. Donatello could only imagine. He was unnerved by this place and he wasn't a sensitive empath. They weren't moving fast enough and Donatello began to dread that they would be lost here as everything around them began to vanish. He had to squint to keep his other two brothers in sight and any shouting was quickly swallowed up by the atmosphere. Stopping, Donatello crouched to the ground and pulled his younger brother across his shoulders in a fireman carry before standing and rushing forward once more. Now, they could move substantially faster. His brother had never been very heavy to him and right now, he was barely moving at all. In fact, the only sign that he was even alive was his rapid breathing. Too rapid. "Slow your breathing," Donatello snapped. "You'll hyperventilate." "Trying..." Michelangelo wheezed. "Don't try." Donatello snapped again "Do." Allowing himself a light chuckle as they ran, he added "What is it that Yoda always says?" "Do...or...do not." Michelangelo managed. "There...is...no...try." "So do it." Donatello remarked "I know you tell me that it's hard to block out emotions so try to focus on mine instead." "Di...version." Michelangelo remarked as he closed his eyes tight and attempted to do what his brother asked "That's always worked best for you." Donatello said simply. He was slowly but assuredly catching up to the rest of his family and he could feel the cool air from outside the temple. "We're almost there, Michelangelo. Hang in there." Nodding, Michelangelo clung tightly to his brother, as if he would vanish under his grip if he didn't. Focus...focus...focus So easy to say, so hard to do. He felt all that anger, sadness, misery, depression....this entire place, temple and forest alike were soaked in it. He felt sick. Physically, spiritually and mentally. Fever ravaged his body and by the way his brother tended, he knew he could feel it. It felt like dozens of souls were clambering for his own and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't help them. Too many of them and the emotional energy it was taking was too much. Walls...put up your walls, he tried to coach himself but it was no use. Too tired, too worn, too frightened. He slept. ***

@brightlotusmoon So, here's a wee little piece I forgot I did for 2003 Mikey being an empath, I originally meant this to be an aftermath to my "Guilty by Association" Piece but I haven't fleshed it all out yet. Thought you'd appreciate it all the same:

@brightlotusmoon I found this piece and knew I had to post it for you...

So, I’ve never done a 30 day challenge before but it definitely sounds fun so I figure, why not try it?

Day 1: Who is your favorite ninja turtle?

This one is easy.

Michelangelo has always been my favorite and he has remained so through every single incarnation—comic, movie, cartoon, etc. my first exposure was the 1987 cartoon and that version is tied with the Movie version for my favorite. 2003 version is close after with others following.

I always loved Mikey’s attitude. He has a wonderfully sensitive outlook and a connection to others that really make him both a loyal friend and a devoted fighter. I’d call Michelangelo a “reserved fighter” in that he doesn’t necessarily like the violence or fighting, though he won’t turn down the adrenaline rush, but he can be fiercely protective if you threaten those he cares about! I’d wager because he doesn’t truly try when training, if you ever make him go full force, you are in for a world of hurt.

Honestly, when people ask me what I think a truly focused Michelangelo would be like, I can only say—terrifying. I see him, if pushed to it, not talking, not making any of his usual quips and all those exercises that everyone thought he was blowing off is put into fluid precision that makes Leonardo turn green with envy. Since I see Mikey as loving all kinds of recreation including dancing, gymnastics etc, I just see him incorporating that into his own personal fighting style that makes him impossible to predict.

I always saw Michelangelo also as being the most intuitive. The original series had him get “hunches” and a few predictive dreams which I really saw as an empathic spiritual ability that truly should have been explored more. The other series have done pieces of this as well. Leonardo may be the most disciplined and focused but Michelangelo was the most intuitive and naturally skilled. The original series also had Michelangelo able to understand animals, which I feel is another dip into these emotion-based abilities. Michelangelo communicates best by heart.

Most of all though, Michelangelo was just...nice. Genuinely kind and thoughtful, putting everyone else before himself often at a personal emotional cost. In my mind, all Mikeys suffer from low self esteem and lack of self worth, often exasperated by their family, though unintentionally. He will play a role, be it clown, jokester, brother etc because it keeps others happy. I can’t help falling in love with that kind of selflessness.

Ooo, this one is fun! I'm one of those people that actually really LOVES crossovers, provided that they are written well. I've seen so many ideas that are excellent but could just use a little fine tuning. My big thing with crossovers is that both (or more) universes  that are crossing over have to be relevant. It shouldn't be a case of "Oh Universe A is the real hero and Universe B is the damsel" I like to see the different sides work together.

So, first off, I will say that I love the idea of a TMNT multiverse where they can crossover with one another. While I did have some complaints with Turtles Forever, I still really enjoyed it! I've had my own ideas about how to resolve my issues with that crossover; namely, that the 80s Verse Turtles were actually hit with that 'Giggle Ray' Krang mentions prior to the adventure beginning due to a mess up by Bebop and Rocksteady which his why they act a bit OOC. I love to cross the 2k3 verse and the 80s verse and the NICK verse is fun too. I admit also to liking mixing in the PD movies with the multiverse. That is the utter joy of having a multiverse!

Outside of the multiverse? I'd love to see TMNT meet Gargoyles. Both of them exist within New York, they all take on the role of protector, though I think the Gargoyles would take a more active role. There are such potential for great interactions with these groups! Donnie and Lexington, Mikey and Broadway, Raphael and Brooklyn, Leonardo and Goliath, Splinter and Hudson.

 I have to say though what intrigues me the most is the turtles interacting with Demona. She has become the way she has because of how her kind was treated, how she was treated and I think for the turtles, who face the same kind of discrimination, it could be a real eye-opener. Might draw some attention to how important it is for them to process some of these emotions all their adventures create! I'm also totally seeing Mikey feeling sorry for Demona, even though she's doing all these horrible things.

Second? Ghostbusters. I know they did a comic book crossover but given I don't really keep up with the IDW comics (though it's on my list of things to catch up on) I am talking more about crossing the animated series. They all deal with the same kind of weird stuff and I can just see them becoming allies after starting with a major misunderstanding about the turtles being some kind of demon. Maybe the Ghostbusters could buffer some of the bad press the turtles get or cover for them when their covers are blown on occasion. Again, I really see some awesome potential with these characters interacting. Honestly, I always saw Mikey as able to get through Peter's rather gruff exterior. Mikey is good at that!

Third? Okay, so I realize this one is a bit odd but you know what? I read a fanfiction on it a while ago and it was freakin' awesome. Dragonball Z. The main reason I love this is because the concept of ki based attacks/techniques is not entirely out of the realm of possibility for the turtles. I think it could be a really neat way for Mikey to come into his own spiritual abilities. I have to say, I've had this idea in my head of Mikey training to go save his family, make use of the DBZ time chamber and come back so utterly in tune with his abilities that it's ridiculous.

The other thing that I admit to loving the idea of is using a young Gohan (Cell Games or younger) and having him interact with the turtles. Here is someone that has been through so much crap and has maintained that sweet outward nature. I just see so much potential for those interactions. It would definitely need to be a universe cross though. If you're interested, the fanfiction I've read is called "Saved by the Saiyan."

Plus, I mean, c'mon, there has never been a more appropriate character to launch the "Turtle Destructive Wave" than the TMNT.

So, this one is actually fairly easy. Given I said I like both 1987 and 2003 equally, it only makes sense to give one for each. I could likely give several for each but there’s usually one that always sticks out to me.

For the 1987 verse, “What’s Michelangelo Good For?” hands down. It’s one of those episodes where, yes, there is some silliness to it but the overall heart of this episode is self worth and communication. It also introduces for the only time Dr. Jane Goodfellow, a veterinarian that is allies with the turtles though the details of their first meeting is never discussed.

This is the episode where it’s discovered Michelangelo can talk to and understand animals to a certain degree. While he endures some teasing for it, it turns out to be a vital component in saving his brothers later. It also brings to light that one reason he can do this is a genuinely loving and respectful view of them, something he and Goodfellow clash over. She views them as “dumb animals” whereas Michelangelo simply believes she doesn’t try to understand them. He is accepting of them as they are and they repay that with kindness.

Much of Michelangelo’s self doubt comes forward in this episode too! He doesn’t view himself as nearly as capable of the others but sets out to save them anyway. He doesn’t necessarily believe he can but he’s going to try regardless.

This is the episode I think really focuses on Michelangelo’s empathy and connection to others. He doesn’t try to over explain things or find reasons, he just takes things as they are and accepts them as they are without judgement attached. That’s easily one of my favorite aspects of him.

“I still have a hard time believing you understand that pigeon’s noises!”

“Look, I don’t understand how you heal the animals I bring you but I believe in you, anyway.”

Also, while it may be brief, we do see some protectiveness from the others over Mike in this episode, particularly Leonardo. Being leader, Leonardo comes across as fairly calm, despite the craziness they routinely encounter. Here though, when he’s told Michelangelo is killed...well, he’s PISSED. And I love it.

As for the 2003 series, while there are several that I truly do enjoy immensely, my favorites have to be “Notes from the Underground.” It’s one I rewatch constantly.

Why? Well, to be honest, it’s a really good build up for some good Mikey action. We get to play around with not only his love and knowledge of monster movies but also the fear that such knowledge inspires. I always thought Mikey’s fear here was entirely justified. He’s faced with something he thought was fantasy being turned in a true reality. I’m sorry but if I was to find out Freddy Crugar was real, you can bet I’d be petrified, much as I do enjoy those horror flicks.

Secondly, we see Mikey fight back despite his fear. So often, I see characters suddenly lose their fear and I’m glad they didn’t take that angle. Mikey is still afraid; it’s just the safety of his brothers and new friends matter more to him than his fear.

Lastly, we have a hint of Mikey’s spiritual abilities here. It’s two things actually. The dream is definitely the most prevalent one. He gets an image of a city he’s never seen before and not only a vision but a vision of where he needs to go. Second, though minor, his intuition regarding the crystals. Donnie may not give him credit for it but his thoughts on how they work were spot on.

Also, minor thing but I love how when Mikey is startled and afraid, it’s Leonardo he clings to.