#nighty writey

Leo was staring at the ceiling. It's not a new thing. He's been doing that a lot since he was younger, unable to sleep. Insomnia, Donnie had informed him on a normal day, long before they had first left the lair. Tonight, it isn't just insomnia. There is more. His head is full of thoughts, fixed on what happened a long time ago.

Normally, way too often to his liking, Leo would be occupied by the memories of the pink aliens, his hurt family, and the cold– endless– prison. Tonight, it is different.

Tonight, he is thinking about the armor, the loss of GramGram, the day how he almost lost his dad. About how Raph so easily jumped off a tree, trusting them fully. How he knew they'd catch him.

Tonight, Leo is thinking about how he failed his family. How he failed to trust them like Raph did and brought the apocalypse. How he failed to protect them. How he failed to protect GramGram.

Just like how the Shredder destroyed everything they had in mere minutes, his ghost of a memory destroys what little sleep Leo has left. So Leo sighs and rolls in his bed, grabbing his phone to look at the hour. He is greeted by the dim light and the screen showing 2 am. Usually, he'd be able to sleep by now, but considering how his mind decided to be evil, he might as well change his plan.

As much as he enjoys the coziness of his blanket, right now, he prefers to do something that can clear his mind. This means a nice portal, and taking care of some tasks can be the answer he seeks. He picks up his gear and katana and wears one of his hoodies and sweatpants, thinking of what he should do in the process. He decides that he can get some of the gifts he has been planning to for a long while. The holidays were soon to happen, therefore this is the perfect time for buying them. (He ignored how the thoughts of almost spending the holidays alone or how he could've celebrated it with GramGram if only he had done a better job keeping her safe. He didn't want to spiral again.)

He opened the portal, smiling as the comforting sparks of his ninpō came to life. Right on the tip of his hand, he could feel it. Like a spark, a beating heart. Like a hug from his family. Alive and free, wanting to break free and yet stay close to the connection surrounding Leo all the time. Every single emotion and comfort radiating from his ninpō brings calmness along the excitement for his new destination. Leo walks through it.

Before him is a bookstore. Books might not interest Leo, but the decoration and the hot chocolate the cafe part of the store served definitely did. The Christmas decorations were all around the entrance, bright lights greeting the customers. A Santa plushie on the counter placed as if he is reading a book, and there are many snowman decorations that held some recommendations for various genres of books. A "bookish secret Santa" event caught Leo's attention briefly, but he kept walking towards an aisle of books. Science fiction. He knows Donnie's wish-list of books. But he knows his twin better than his twin himself. Which is why he picks the book that Donnie will love (if anyone asked how Leo did know, and then suspected if he spent time researching new books and if he read way too many summaries to find the perfect book, he'll confidently deny all of it). Then he grabs two other books from Donnie's wish-list (a fantasy book and one about a specific family of plants).

Walking around, he wonders… Donnie always gave his all when he did his gifts. Some may not work well, like his gifts that were supposed to help them during fights against the bad guy of the week. The shock collar is definitely not on Leo's top 10 gifts from Donnie list. But if he didn't mention the other masterpieces his twin did, crafted with skill and love, he'd do injustice him. He still adores the perfect miniature replica of Jupiter Jim's spaceship from Jupiter Jim Sails the Seven Galaxies. But there is no way Leo is going to get uranium for Donnie. So he thinks. He sits on a stool and holds his chin with a hand while the other keeps the books on his lap.

While he is looking at nothing, gears turn in his head in wonder if he can find something else from here, Leo sees a kid with a pop-up book. The kid is laughing happily as he looks at the pages that show a fantastic world. A cryptid– the Bigfoot– is among the drawings. Leo's face lightens up with the idea he suddenly has. Donnie might have spent hours in there even after he got kicked out of the Mystic Library, but Leo is the one who had noticed the book about the plants the yokai had kept as a part of their own culture. He smiles, knowing well what he'll do on the night of the Christmas Eve (along a masterful plan of avoiding Mikey's attempt on catching the Santa). Satisfied with the idea of getting a plant (that will not murder them, or cause any sorts of disasters while being in Donnie's care) for his botany nerd brother, he gets back to his feet. After checking if the hood hides his face and is sure no one will question his handsome face for not being human, he goes to pay for them. Before leaving, he also buys a cup of hot cocoa. When he steps out of the store, he has a bag of books and a nice cup of heaven.

The warmth he feels isn't just from the cocoa but the hopeful idea of seeing the joy on his brother's face. Now, all that is left getting the other gifts. The lingering fear and anxiety from the thoughts creeping in his mind become less visible, and once Leo is hidden in the shadows, he lets another portal envelope him with its sparkling comfort.

The next stop is for Mikey. He slides down from stair rail and makes a beeline for the store before him. He had visited this place a short while ago– the owner accepted commissions to make custom skateboards, and Leo is very excited to see the result. He walks in, and the owner– a middle-aged woman with braided black hair and cool tattoos– turns at him. "How can I help?"

"I'd come several days ago for a custom skateboard, orange flames and a turtle?" Leo reminds her. The simple description must've been enough. The woman nods with recognition and goes to another room to retrieve the skateboard. While Leo waits, he looks around. The shop is small, but there are several skateboards around. They are placed neatly, showing the artwork under them. It kinda reminded Leo of those shops that sell musical instruments. The walls are pastel red, and the windows are big enough to display the skateboards. The door to the other room is open and not visible from Leo's angle. Just as he is looking there, he spots the owner coming, skateboard in hand.

The skateboard is better than what he had hoped for. A big fiery explosion behind a skateboarding box turtle that is wearing an orange mask. It is colorful, as the artist put a lot of details. Leo, thanks and compliments the owner's work, very eager to see Mikey's reaction already. The woman jokes about the turtle, "You sound so happy. One might think you're the turtle in there."

Leo grins, "I wish I was that cool."

After he leaves the place, he thinks if he should take care of the cardboard cut of Mikey tonight. Maybe he should check Mikey's health files first, just to be sure he gets the height right. Of course, Leo wants Mikey's own cardboard copy to be perfect. After all, that's what his little brother wished for Christmas… for some reason. Leo guessed he had to wait and see what Mikey planned to do with that (he is a hundred percent sure it is for pranks, and Leo is very excited for them).

He had already bought dad and April's gifts (a nice robe and a fancy kettle pot from Japan, and for April the video game sequel she awaited with excitement but couldn't buy yet along a very fluffy blanket). He had even bought Mayhem a dog toy as a gift. Hopefully, the dog-cat-thing will love it. April said he'd, and Leo chose to believe his sister. This left only one person to buy a gift for: Raph.

Finding a gift for his big brother had been the hardest. Whenever Leo thought about it, he felt like he owed him so much that no matter what he got, it wouldn't be enough. He spent nights and days and had to fight many anxiety inducing thoughts, but finally, he had found what would be the right gift.

Once safe from anyone seeing him, Leo opened another portal. The energy felt as good as Raph's hugs… Maybe he'd pay a homage to their childhood and visit Raph tonight. He used to go to Raph as a kid a lot when he couldn't sleep and wanted to instead of feeling like listening to Donnie or watching him. Raph had the habit of hugging others in his sleep, and it somehow would be enough to get Leo to sleep.

Oh, he is sidetracking again. At least unlike the first months, the portal leads him to the right destination. He'll do two stops before he returns home, and one of them is Raph's favorite teddy bear shop. The second one will be Ghost Bear himself, as Leo plans to make the guy sign the name tag of Raph's soon to be added to his collection teddy bear version of Ghost Bear. Leo is now walking into the shop and looking for it and other bears.

It doesn't take long for him to find the perfect bears with different fur colors and accessories based on four colors– red, purple, orange, and blue. Then he finds one that is actually based on Ghost Bear- he didn't even know it'd be that easy. They've made a wrestler series of bears! After paying for them, Leo runs to the shadows and opens a portal to home. The portals warmth is just exactly the same as he feels naturally now, as he is filled with eagerness and satisfaction. His first part of his brothers' gifts are almost ready– all he needs to do is add a little touch to the teddy bears!

So he hides the gifts except the bears and then opens a box that he hid a while ago from his family. His room offers him space to hide his presents from everyone, as the family has yet to get used to the lair and discover everything about it. That is an advantage for Leo, especially now. He opens the box and grabs the masks. One of his, and the others of his brothers'. They are in great condition and stolen without anyone noticing. Now instead of being forgotten inside wardrobes or in a pile of various stuff varying from art supplies and Jupiter Jim merchandise, they're now a part of the bears (minus the one that looks like Ghost Bear).

He took a deep breath, couldn't stop the painful coughs coming after that. It hurt a lot. As he coughed and tried to breathe in the overwhelming pain, he tried to remember where he was. His sense were going crazy, he must remember. What—

Oh. His hand immediately went to his throat. The memory of the Krang Hound. Raph— Mikey—

His hand found emptiness. His hazy vision was clearing but his mind fog became worse with the increasing panic. Where was he? Where were his brothers? Were they okay? They must be okay! He needed to know.

Emptiness. No skin. He kept blinking, but he couldn't reach the spot that hurt. Or rather did, but it was much deeper. It definitely wasn't his skin either. Was he wounded? It was the spot the hound had taken a bite at after all… he must be wounded. He poked gently to understand, but it caused another throb of pain in his throat.

"Leo– oh Newton– don't touch it!"

Donnie?

He tried to call to him, but his voice came out as a broken sound and the pain became worse. He shut his eyes, a whine escaping him. He heard some talking but struggled to focus. Everything was spinning.

"Deep breaths, okay? It's alright. We're here." Raph? H-how— "Me, Donnie, Mikey… we're all here."

He felt the embrace of his big brother. Let himself to be surrounded into the enormous hug. Two other joined. Finally, his heart started to calm down and his mind slowly cleared. He truly was surrounded by his brothers. He couldn't understand. He had seen Raph getting crushed and Mikey getting in contact with the krang goop. How..?

"Donnie." Mikey answered, as if reading his mind. Leo caught the glare the youngest sent to Donnie.

Donnie glared back, "Stop looking at me as if I did something wrong."

Mikey, in return, glared at him even more intensely.

Leo opened his mouth to ask what he meant but all that left his mouth was a painful sound and all he felt was that powerful sting coming from his throat. That hound really messed him up, huh?

That was enough for Raph to hug him tighter, and for Donnie to come closer to inspect his wound. Leo didn't like being examined like a bug so he shut his eyes and waited till his twin was done.

"Can you help him?" Raph asked.

"I already had a plan for his arm but this… hmm… his throat generally is in a bad condition. How could I miss it's affects on his vocal cords." Donnie murmured as he gently touched his wound. Eugh, it stung but mostly was uncomfortable. Wait. Did Donnie mention arm?

"I can fix this." He announced, stopping whatever he did but not moving away.

Leo opened his eyes. He couldn't talk, so he used the alternative and signed 'arm?'– or would do, but his right arm didn't do what he wanted. So Leo turned to see, maybe it was wounded. Except he couldn't see it. He– what– he didn't remember– wait—

"Leo—"

He remembered Raph getting crushed by the skyscraper, he remembered trying to run at him– the hound that tackled him down—

"—no he's spiraling again—"

—He remembered seeing Mikey about to get krangfied, shining with ninpo—

"—Nope, no spiraling, stop—"

He remembered seeing the hounds teeth as the last thing before it aimed at his throat and—

Sudden warmth made him yelp– or rather the closest thing to it with his messed up throat and he winced in pain. "Sorry, had to get you out of your mind." Mikey said, hand bright with ninpo. "You're welcome by the way."

Leo gave him a look before noticing how he was covered in… scars? Lighting scars? Marks? He wasn't sure. But these were new. Did that mean… He turned to Raph. Leo observed that his plastorn was cracked, some parts broken and all the same for his shell. He had wounds on his arms, and his right eye seemed to be damaged. Leo swallowed and turned to Donnie. He seemed to be the only one unharmed, minus the prosthetic on his left arm from years before now.

He didn't want to figure out how to sign properly with an arm, so Leo used his limited ninpo and reached to Donnie through mind meld. What did you do?

Donnie gasped, "How dare to assume I did anything before anything else!"

Leo simply looked at him. He bet that Raph and Mikey were giving him the same looks.

"Fine, yes, I did it. Which I must take pride—"

"Yes, take pride in your insanity." Mikey huffed.

"Once again, I don't care about immorality or the danger when I'm making things right." Donnie glared.

"Yeah, I guessed that much when you participated resurrection with us." Mikey sighed.

 Raph has had his bad mornings. He had been sick from overworking too. With how he felt today, he could tell it was a mix of both.

 Except it turned out there was more than that. It must be, or else why would a clone of himself stare at him like that?

 Raph yelped as he fell from the bed. "What the-?!"

 His copy didn't seem to care. It lay on his bed, not even looking at Raph. The turtle blinked in confusion. That was definitely his own ninpo copy. Why was it here, and why was it moving like that? Raph tried to focus and control it, just like he always did, but he failed. The copy still lay on the bed.

 He stared at him. Raph was too tired for that, not to mention how early it was-

 "AH-"

 Raph turned around. "Leo?"

 There was nobody else in his room though.

 "Is this some sort of joke?" Raph grunted. "If so, Raph's going back to bed and leavin' you to deal with today's plans alone. All day."

 "RAPH NO-"

 He turned around again, looking everywhere searching for his brother. Again, nothing.

 "I am really not in the mood for pranks-"

 Suddenly Leo appeared in front of him, "RAPH HELP I-" and disappeared.

 Raph looked at the empty spot where a second ago his brother stood. First his own copy, now Leo. What was going on?

 "RAAAAAPH!!" 

 Raph groaned, “WHAT IS IT DONNIE?”

 “WHAT THE HECK ARE YOUR COPIES DOING?!”

 His copies? Raph glanced at his copy on his bed before leaving his room and heading to the living room. He had many ideas, most of them nonsense considering his tired and hazy mind. But nothing could’ve prepared him for this:

 Many copies of himself running around, accidentally breaking some stuff, some sitting in random places... Donnie was standing at the other entrance, looking tired and angry. Pissed off even.

 He noticed Raph looking. “Dear brother, may you explain what is going on during such an early hour that you have decided bring out a whole army of yous?”

 “It is not me...” Raph mumbled as he walked towards Donnie, not being able to look away from the chaos going on in the room.

 “They are your copies though. Can’t you control them?” Donnie pointed out. “Genuinely asking. I am too tired to be salty.”

 “I tried but it is not working.” Raph tried again, failing. Then gave his full attention to Donnie, “You are tired too?”

 “I suspect I have caught a cold.” He nodded.

 “Me too. I’ve been feeling down since I woke up.”

 “Groan. It better not be some sort of illness.” Donnie said.

 “As long as it is not rat flu, it will be okay.” Raph reassured.

 Donnie shuddered. “Rat flu. Let’s forget about the failure and move on to our current problem.”

 “Cold or them?” Raph asked.

 “...” Donnie stared at nothing before answering. A usual sign of Donnie being sick. “Yes.”

 “Okay, okay. Sickness. Leo has the most knowledge about this.” Raph said out loud. “I’ll go and ask him.”

 “Mhm.” Donnie had already begun walking towards the kitchen.

 Raph started walking towards Leo’s room, ignoring the messy hallway. Since when did they have all that stuff and who was responsible for this mess? Probably his clones... When he reached to the room, “Leo?” he called. He received no reply. Raph didn’t bother asking again. He walked in, not caring about Leo’s upcoming protests. Except there was none because Leo wasn’t in there. “What?..”

 Oh. Right, he had seen Leo for a second in his room for a second. He had appeared and disappeared as if teleporting. But Raph didn’t remember seeing his katanas. He glanced around and saw the swords near his bed on the ground. He was right.

 What did this mean?.. What was going on this morning?? Raph began getting annoyed with whatever was going on. Not to mention how anxious he started feeling not finding Leo in his room. Where was he?

 Maybe he was with Mikey. Maybe they were doing some stupid prank.

 Raph a bit faster from before left the room and began walking towards Mikey’s room. Normally Mikey would be up, making breakfast. But if he and Donnie were right, he should be in his room resting. As he stepped into Mikey’s room, he hopped to see him and Leo doing some sort of mischief.

 Instead, he found Mikey levitating, golden chains around him, asleep.

 “What the shell?!”

 Mikey yawned, blinking. “Mmmmmorning Raphie!” He smiled, being the morning person he was. “Is there any possibility you let me sleep a bit more?”

 “Mikey, you are flying.”

 “What?”

 “Look around, Mike.”

 Mikey did. In a second his expression shifted from confused to shocked to excited to panicked. “I AM FLYING!”

 “THAT’S WHAT I AM SAYING!” Raph yelled. “GET BACK TO THE GROUND NOW.”

 “I DON’T KNOW HOW TO!”

 “WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON’T KNOW?!”

 “Boys, what is all this yelling for?..” Raph heard Splinter’s voice come from behind. Then he heard a gasp. “ORANGE WHY ARE YOU LEVIATING?”

 “I have no idea.” Mikey answered. He noticed the chains around him, “Oooh I also have no idea what these are but cool.”

 Raph took a deep breath. “Okay. Okay. First things first. Pops, have you seen Leo?”

 “Uh- no. No, I haven’t.” Splinter turned his attention to Raph, less surprised and more worried.

 “Mikey, did you see him?”

 “Nope!”

 So Leo was lost. Don’t panic Raph. He is probably somewhere around here, he thought. “I’ll text April.”

 “Red, is everythin—”

 Suddenly, just like how it happened in Raph’s room, Leo appeared in the room. He looked very puzzled, tired, annoyed, and a bit panicked. Before Raph could be sure, Leo disappeared again.

 His voice, however, was heard from another room. “COME ON!!”

 And then from another room, they heard him again. Raph couldn’t make up the words but he sounded irritated.

 “Was that Leo?” Mikey asked.

 “Yes.” Raph answered, still very confused.

 “Where did he go?”

 “I don’t know.”

 “Boys, what is going on?” Splinter sounded serious.

 Raph sadly didn’t have a proper answer. “That’s what I am trying to figure out.” He sighed. “Can you check Donnie? He is in the kitchen and said that he felt sick too.”

 “I will be waiting you two there.” Splinter nodded. “I’ll look around for Blue on the way.”

 “CAN SOMEONE—”

 Leo’s voice came from his room.

 “—HELP ME—”

 This time from somewhere closer.

 “I think I can handle him.” Raph said.

 Splinter smiled, “I’ll make you chicken soup.”

 “Thanks Dad.”

 As Splinter left, Raph reached for Mikey. Grabbing his blanket, he pulled him closer to him. Mikey watched him with sleepy eyes. “Raphie, can we sleep more?”

 “No, Big Man. We need to help Leo first, and then we need to eat something.” Raph said softly, walking out of the room meanwhile. Mikey huffed but didn’t protest. Raph decided to find Leo following his voice: “Leo? Where are you?”

 “RAPH! Bathroom—” Suddenly his voice was cut. Then continued from somewhere else, “Never mind. I-” Another pause. The Leo calmly yelled, “I’ll go insane.”

 “What’s happening?” Raph shouted.

 “I keep teleported-” “-without wanting-” “-to every second.”

 “That sounds bad.”

 “You don’t say-” “DONNIE IS THA-” “THAT WAS MY MUG!!”

 At least Leo didn't teleport out of the lair.

 "I think we should call Draxum." Mikey hummed, somehow unbothered.

 "Wha- why?" Splinter's reaction hadn't changed even after everything. 

 "He knows about mystic stuff." Mikey said lazily. It reminded Raph of how he was when he had eaten one of the poisoned pizza puffs.

 "You think this is because of a mystic problem?" Raph asked.

 "I know it is because of a mystic problem." Mikey confirmed. 

 "How?"

 "Can't you feel it? Hm?"

 Raph wasn't sure what he was supposed to feel. Donnie leaned towards them, goggles on his eyes. "He is right. There is something wrong with our mystic energies." 

 "I'm calling Draxum." Raph announced. 

 "Already on it." Donnie interrupted. He, from out of nowhere, had found his phone and was calling the yokai. 

 "Please tell me you're solving this." Leo appeared next to Raph, not looking good.

 "We're calling Draxum." Mikey smiled.

 "Oh good, because I- hrk-" 

 Luckily before he could throw up, he disappeared. 

 "We need you here. No, we didn't put the world in danger. We aren't dying either. No, we aren't calling you so you can cook us your new abomination. Abomination as a strange creature made of food, i.e. Sloppy Joseph. No, I'm not talking about your food. Yes. There's a problem with our ninpo. Okay, goodbye." Donnie put the phone on the table. "He'll be here soon." 

 "Good… Donnie, what's that?" Raph pointed at the tech that wasn't on the table a second ago. 

 "Ah. A piece for my new project. Why?"

 "When did you bring it here?"

 "...I didn't."

 "What do you mean I didn't?" 

 Donnie raised a brow. "I didn't bring it here. I was thinking about it and it appeared." 

 "Appeared?"

 Donnie shrugged.

 "Since when do things appear when you think of them, Dee?" Raph questioned.

 "That's a talent of mine, dear Raphael. My ninpo is very unique in comparison to yours–" Donnie began explaining.

 "Since when do they appear without you controlling them?" Raph corrected his own question.

 "Ah. Yes, that would be… since last night." 

 "And you didn't think of telling us?" Raph was losing his patience, to be honest.

 "I didn't think it would be a problem." Donnie admitted.

 Raph wanted to break the table. "You thought it wouldn't be a problem." He repeated. "And what if you accidentally create something deadly?" 

 "Come on Raph, he creates something deadly all the time." Mikey chimed in. "Like pipe bombs." 

 "Mikey, don't!" But Raph was too late. A pipe bomb was formed next to Donnie's mug. 

 "None of us is dumb enough to use a pipe bomb, we will be fine." Donnie stated. Then took a sip from his tea. 

 Raph wasn't sure about that. He trusted his brothers, but he also knew how much of a trouble they could be. 

 Leo appeared among them again. "Dee, I'd suggest you not enter your lab." He said tiredly. 

 "Nardo, what did you do to my lab?" Donnie looked at him with a mixture of horror and anger.

"Adiós." He made a peace sign and disappeared again.

 Donnie immediately opened his phone to check the cameras inside his laboratory. Raph could see the fury in his eyes. Maybe Leo was lucky to be teleported every second, now that he got on Donnie's hit list. 

 Splinter put bowls of chicken soup in front of them, "You boys look terrible."

 "Thanks." Raph sighed.

 "You'll feel much better after my delicious soup." He said. "Now, only if Blue could join us…"

 The soup was warm and smelled delicious. Raph couldn't wait to taste it. He would already, if he hadn't noticed his copy coming in. Ninpo Raph walked towards them, stood by them, then took the pipe bomb and ran.

 "What the-?! HEY STOP!" Raph got up and ran after him, leaving Mikey to float again.

 He chased his clone back to the living room, but it was hard to catch yourself. Especially in a room full of yourself. He stopped, trying to find which one was the right clone. When he did, he was leaving towards the bathroom. Raph didn't waste time following him. Before he reached him though, someone made his copy trip and fell. 

 "This yours, Boss Man?" Leo asked.

 "Yep." And with a punch, poof the copy disappeared. "Thanks."

 "Save me some soup." Leo said before getting teleported again. 

 "I will." Raph sighed, taking the pipe bomb from the ground. He could hide it in his room for now. Then go back and drink some soup so he can focus on the situation better when Draxum arrives. Perfect plan.

 He quickly walked to his room, found a nice place to hide it, and proceeded to grab his mask and stuff. Then he remembered the transceivers Donnie had put on their gear. They could use this to communicate with Leo! If only Leo can stand in a place for a moment. Raph still thought it was worth a try, so he went to Leo’s room to get his stuff as well before returning to the kitchen.

 Donnie had dozed off on the table with a few weapons and tech things that Raph didn’t know their names around him. Mikey was still floating, also sleeping. He seemed to be fine though. Splinter was enjoying his own bowl of soup. Raph sat down and finally tasted the soup. It was delicious, as always, even though it wasn’t warm anymore.

 “Did you boys mess up with somebody evil again?” Splinter asked Raph.

 “No, we were training and patroling the past few days.” He answered. “That’s what I don’t understand too.”

 “Hmm...”

   The first thing he felt was pain. The second thing he felt was cold. The third thing he felt– or rather noticed was the ringing noise.

He opened his eyes.

It took him a second to notice he was laying down. He was… holding a picture? What..?

…

Where was he? It was so dark and there were rocks and stuff all over the place. And who were these people in the picture? Why– Wet? His face was wet. Were these tears? Why was he—

“–pest!” As the ringing in his ear faded he heard the voice, and noticed the metal suit right in front of him. He barely managed to hold on to the picture as the metal fists hit him, sending him flying into…

 …into… he didn’t know.

 It hurt a lot.

 A sob escaped him. He wasn’t sure why.

 The picture. He didn’t know who they were but he pulled it close. The whole picture looked like a direct contrast of this place. Colorful people looking at him. Why..?

 He looked at the void. Who had hit him? His ribs hurt. Was it coming back? Were they coming back? Why…

 Why couldn’t he remember what he was doing here?

 His grip on the picture lightened. He didn’t remember anything. He could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, but he didn’t care. He…

 He was gliding in emptiness. He couldn’t remember. He…

 …

 Who was he?

 He didn’t know. This couldn’t be good. What…

 It was quiet and lonely. His attacker wasn’t around. He was still gliding in the emptiness. Wasn’t there anyone else that could help him? Was he… all alone?

 The thought terrified him. It felt wrong. 

 Why? Why was it wrong?

 Suddenly a bright, yellow light appeared in the middle of the void. It was close to him, and despite the pain he managed to turn and look at it.

 Three faces looked at him. Teary eyes grew big in disbelief when they saw him.

 They… they were the same people from the picture. Orange, purple and red. Where was blue? He wasn’t exactly sure why, but he was happy to see them. Maybe they could help him. Maybe they knew him. As if on cue, the red one took a step behind and did something that he wasn’t sure how to describe. He saw red one’s left arm shine in red and a hologram of it surrounded it. It, with powerful force, reached towards him. On instinct, he reached back. He didn’t want to be alone. Warm red light surrounded him and pulled him towards them. He let the grasp hold and pull, he didn’t have much power to fight back anyways. Nor did he want to fight back. Shock had left itself to determination, but suddenly he saw it shift onto fear on the three’s face. He saw where they looked. He turned, and saw it. Metal armor, bright red light.

 It… it was here to finish what it started, wasn’t it? To kill him?

 He looked back at the strangers. He didn’t want to die. He didn’t even know what was happening, where he was, and- who- who was he?

 He couldn’t die like that. Not without knowing who he was. He didn’t want to die, please. He didn’t—

 A purple hologram– a drill– passed by him and hit the pink face in the middle of the suit (he didn’t notice that before). Where did the drill come from? He looked back at the strangers, and realized it must’ve been the purple one’s doing. He heard the metal suit following him though. But he was so close to them. With one last quick, he was no longer gliding. Instead, he felt gravity and he fell onto the ground on his back. He groaned before opening his eyes. 

 The ground was cold, and he wasn’t floating anymore. Here– wherever here was– was warmer, nicer. The strangers were around him; the orange one was the last one to run towards him. They looked at him in worry. “Leo?”

 Leo? Who was that?  They all looked extremely worried. They all also were still watching him. It must be his name then. The longer he didn’t talk, the more worried they looked. They had just saved him– he didn’t even know why they did that! But he was grateful, and it stung to see them like this. They clearly knew him… and he must’ve known them. He had a picture of them, still in his hand. He… he didn’t want to worry them.

 “Hey guys.” He smiled. It must’ve worked because their faces turned to relieved ones and they pulled him into a tight hug. He barely heard one of them say “Come here!”. Everything hurt, but even though he couldn’t recognize them, he had to admit this was nice. Much better than being punched. He relaxed a bit. They knew him, and they for certain cared for him. He might not remember or understand anything, but it was definitely better than being beat up in a void by a metal suit. What even was that thing?..

 “Leo,” He heard the big, red one talk. Leo, right, that was his name. The big guy continued, “Never do that again.”

 Oh, what had he done that this guy was about to cry? He’d figure it out eventually… hopefully. “I won’t, you can be sure I’m never doing that again.”

 “Good, because…” Red sniffed. “I… I’ll… ah, who cares. You’re back and safe now.”

  “And we’re never letting you go. Ever!” Orange chirped in.

 Purple was silent, but he felt his and everyone’s hug get tighter. It was a bit overwhelming, and his… everything hurt, but it felt nice. It felt safe.

 “I’m fine with that.” He responded to the orange one. His mood changed once he started coughing though. It hurt to cough, and it took a bit for it to stop. The familiar strangers called his name, and they were worried again. They became even more worried after he stopped and whined in pain.

 “Is that… blood?” Orange whispered in fear.

 He hadn't noticed he had shut his eyes. Opening them, he saw it. It was indeed blood, and that couldn't be good.

 “Donnie.” Said the red one. A new name? Who?

 “On it.” Purple one answered. So he was Donnie. Good to know. Donnie put on his goggles, and with one hand on them he stared at him. What was he doing? Donnie pushed the goggles back to his head. “He needs medical attention immediately.”

 He didn't like how this sounded.

 Red grabbed them all (he was really strong…) and got on his feet. “We need to go back home!”

 “You can't run all the way back from Staten Island, Raph.” Donnie said. Another name. Raph was the red one… All he was missing was the orange one's name.

 “What do we do then? We hafta do something!” Raph yelled. Ow. His head hurt…

 “Shh, he must have a headache guys!”  Orange one said, (rather loudly, in his opinion).

 He groaned. “Thanks.”

 “Guys!” A girl's voice was heard from Raph's… wrist thing? “Guys? Can you hear me?”

 “April!” Raph gasped. April? He heard sobs faintly coming from the device.

 “Raph? Are you guys okay? Is Leo–”

 Raph brought his arm closer to himself. “Leo's with us, but he's injured!”

 “Leo's with you?!” April shouted. Why was she so surprised? Wasn't he supposed to be with them? He also heard a loud gasp coming from the device.

 “Splinter! He's with them!”

 Splinter? So many people…

 There was a second of quiet.

 “Blue? My son?” He heard a trembling voice coming from the device. He didn't understand until he realized everyone was looking at him. Blue was also his name, okay… And… son?.. His head hurt so much– “Blue?” Splinter (he guessed) called again.

 “I'm here.” He quickly said.

 “My son…” A sob responded. Son– he– he forgot… he forgot his dad. He wasn't sure if he felt sick because of how much everything hurt or because he didn't remember having a dad. The man sounded so heartbroken. He gritted his teeth, “I'm fine… dad.”

 “You're injured and need medical attention!” Orange glared at him.

 “Y-yes, my son. Hold on. We'll help you.” Splinter said. “Boys, where are you?”

 “Staten Island.” Raph answered, and by his side Donnie shivered.

 “Ugh– okay. April–”

 “I got this. We can meet. I-”

 “Sensei?” Another voice, small yet clear, came from the device.

 “Casey? Are you alright?” April called. So the guy who sounded like he had cried was called Casey. All this information has been making him dizzy. Or was it the pain? The pain was kinda numb though. So was it really that? He didn't exactly feel it…

 …

 He was getting sleepy…

 “Leo?”

 And it was nice. Raph sure was good at hugs… Good to learn…

 “Leo, open your eyes!”

 But he was so comf– oh when had he closed them?

 “Leo!”

 He couldn't fight it. The sleep… it felt… nice… 

 Leo and Leon had spent the time waiting for Draxum to come without talking about the nightmare. Or rather, they would, if Donnie wouldn’t have bothered them with questions. And oh Pizza Supreme in the Sky, he asked so many questions. Leo mostly let Leon answer them, but sometimes Leon nudged him or stared at him until Leo answered too. They both were Leos after all, they both got tired of the questions after a while. 

 This was why Leo had gotten lost in his thoughts. Of the nightmare, the Prison Dimension and Krang Prime. Mikey opening the portal. His brothers holding him, pulling him to safety. To home.

 The red light.

 He snapped himself out of the memory slash nightmare. Instead he began thinking about this morning, specifically the moment Mikey called Draxum. It was a funny moment, a good distraction. Leo wasn’t able to hear what the goat had said, but had been able to feel the confusion and the surprise. To be honest, Leo couldn’t even blame him. When Mikey got too excited about something, he would talk way too fast and fail to explain what he had in his mind properly.

 As if on cue, they heard Mikey’s cheerful voice and Draxum’s tired talking. He had arrived quite fast, and sounded unsure what was going on and yet understood that there was something important going on.

 He, along with Mikey, Splinter and Raph entered the room. The moment he saw the two Leos, he froze with shock. And then, in mere seconds his face turned to an expression of being done with this family– which wasn’t uncommon to see him like that.

 He turned to Donnie, “You found a cloning spell?”

 “What– No.”

 “Then why do you need me if you cloned him with one of your inventions? I’m an alchemist–”

 “No. Why does everyone think it is my fault?” Donnie whined.

 “It’s because you’re the only one with the big brain to be able to accomplish such a thing.” Mikey smiled brightly at him.

 “Ah. Right, now that you say that…” Leo could see Donnie’s ego grow bigger than his forehead.

 “Also you’re the insane one of this family. The one who at any moment can get out of control and try to turn us to your copies.” Mikey added.

 “Insane?!” Donnie gasped. “I am sure you meant genius, my dear brother.”

 “No.” Mikey answered cheerfully.

 “Oh you little–” Donnie looked so done with him, that if Leo truly considered Draxum family he’d joke about how Donnie took after him.

 “Will someone explain what is going on?” Draxum interrupted. Leo noticed that Donnie was still mumbling about how he only once tried to make his brothers as smart as him and how they’d never get over it. 

 Next to Splinter, Raph began explaining from where he sat. Leo turned to Leon, “Do you think he got any answers to our situation?” 

 “Wanna bet?” Leon asked.

 “You both will bet the same thing, dum dums.” Donnie pointed out.

 “And how are you so sure?” Leo smirked.

 “How do you know we might be so similar and yet not?” Leon smirked as well.

 “I hate you.” Donnie replied.

 “Which one of us?” Leon questioned.

 Donnie picked up his phone and started looking at it, “Yes.”

 “Rude.” Leo said.

 “So unkind.” Leon joined.

 “Nothing of brotherly love.”

 “Nothing of kindness.”

 Suddenly a pillow flew to Leon’s head, and another to Leo’s face. Leo pulled it away and blinked in confusion. “Cut it out you two!” Raph warned, but Leo noticed the mischievous smile he had. 

 “Not when Donnie has such a big forehead.” Leon said.

 “What does my forehead have to do with any of this?” Donnie raised an eyebrow.

 “It is so big, it has to do with everything, Dee.” Leo grinned.

 “Boys, focus!” Splinter warned this time, as Raph was busy grinning.

 “Yes, dad.” Both Leos said, and then their eyes met. Something in Leo made him feel terrible, but he ignored it.

 “Draxum,” Splinter turned to the yokai.

 Draxum stepped forward, “First of all I need you to tell me what exactly you saw last night.” He began talking. “And your process of coming here.” 

 Leo explained everything, detail by detail. He just didn’t mention how afraid he was. How much he felt like a glitch in a game, how unreal everything felt when he truly thought about his situation. Seeing himself talking with his family, and yet them not being him and his family and how his brain struggled to accept it. He said no word of these thoughts. He didn’t want to anyways. And he didn’t elaborate on the nightmare. Leo knew himself, he was aware Leon wouldn’t want his family to know what he went through, especially not like this. So he just said it was Prison Dimension and Krang Prime.

 “I see.” Draxum hummed. “As I thought.”

 “What is it?” Mikey asked.

 “In timeline or dimension hopping, according to the limited sources, there are records of the hopping causing side effects.” He explained. “You saw his memories after a few days of your arrival, which is most likely you having a memory link due to having the same soul or ninpo. That is just a theory though, since there has not been any way to prove how it works.”

 “Memory link?” Leo repeated. “So how often does this happen? And is there anything else it does?”

 “I don't know that. Limited records mean limited information, much to my disappointment. And to answer your second question, as far as I know, no. Except a few theories about both people having their personality or soul becoming one, or one of them losing their true identity.”

 “Oh, yeah, that is definitely not worrying.” He said sarcastically, but still smiled, hiding the worry he felt. “Okay. You said other side effects, what are the ones you know and have been recorded?” 

 “DNA malfunctions, ninpo or soul getting harmed, physical body getting deformed and ‘glitches’ happening…” Draxum stated, “There should be some other side effects as well, but I am afraid I need time to figure out.”

 “It would be very nice if you could figure it out soon, but I am sure it will be fine since I will be leaving pretty soon!” Leo said, laying back on the bed comfortably. Because that was the truth. He will be fine. A few days and he will be back at home.

 Draxum hummed, “How are you so sure about that?”

 Leo stared at him, but didn’t drop his smile. “Because I know exactly why I missed last time and it won’t happen again.”

 “And what was it?” He asked.

 Leo wanted to tell him that it was no business of his, but it would be a lie, wouldn’t it? “I was running away from a murderous alien and had been beaten up badly, maybe that is why?”

 Draxum examined him, then nodded, “Can’t confirm, but it is likely. Still you need to be prepared if this is not the case.”

 “What else could be the case?” Leo questioned.

 “I am not sure, but it could be about your ninpo for example.” Draxum answered.

 “My ninpo is fine.” Leo waved him off. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

 “I am not worrying.” Draxum huffed, Leo wondered if it was the truth or if it was a lie.  "What I am saying is you need to be careful. The longer you stay here the more possible for you to get hurt."

"Don't worry old goat, I don't plan on staying long." Leo smirked. "I'm sure everyone is sad about this news but... I got another audience to entertain as the star of the show."

 "Ugh, please tell me now you understand our pain." Mikey groaned, looking at Leon.

 Leon was watching Leo, "Hm... yeah. I need to fix my posture a bit, I would look even better then..."

 Donnie stared at him, "I will demutate both of you."

 "No, you won't. You love us." Leon grinned and hugged him.

 "I will drown you in freezing water." Donnie retorted, standing still as a statue.

 "Aww, you know we can hibernate-"

 "Brumate."

 "-so that means you love me and me!"

 "You literally freeze with the smallest weather change."  Raph pointed out.

 "Details, details…”

As the bickering continue, Leo smiled. Completely ignoring everything Draxum said and focusing on the fact soon enough he will be home, having a similar conversation with his own family and finally be able to relax with no worries about shared dreams or anything else.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

  A few days. A few days and he’d go back home. He didn’t care what Draxum said. He’d find a way home no matter what anyways. There was nothing to stop him. If his little brother could open a portal to the Prison Dimension with bare hands out of hope and love, so could Leo with his sword and hope and also love. He could do that. He’d do it for them.

 He missed them so much, and being with some sort of copies that were almost exactly like them but also not them… It made him feel sick. As if he was trapped in a dream, an uncanny reality. It reminded him a bit of Coraline. He shuddered, this was a whole situation, and he didn’t have to worry more than he already did. He wouldn’t admit this to anyone but his anxiety levels were off the charts. He was close to racing Raph’s, and that wasn’t fun at all. Definitely not a competition he'd want to win.

 At least he had the Nintendo 3DS and the tablet Donnie himself had made with him in the med-bay. Oh, how he wished to be freed from this room! But he was stuck in here till his leg got better. Which would be soon, hopefully. He sighed as he looked at the table, the clock said it was already 2 AM… He was starting to regret that he had said he could sleep alone. No– nope! He didn’t need this Raph to pull a bed and stay with him (even though he hated being alone here, especially last night. He hated being left alone with his thoughts). 

 He rolled around the bed, dropping the tablet back to the sheets, not wanting to sleep yet and see that face again. He grabbed the 3DS and groaned when he saw that the battery was almost empty. Honestly, he should’ve noticed the red light going on and off in alarm. He closed it, staring grumpily at the ceiling. He also didn’t want to watch anything. He wasn’t in the mood for anything, really.

 That was when he noticed the movement in the entrance. A small shape barely made any noise as he stood there. That was enough for Leo, though. “Mikey, I can hear you bud.” Leo leaned a bit to look at the door.

 “Aw, I thought I was doing a good job hiding.” Mikey whined as he fully revealed himself.

 “You were, you’re just not as good as the world’s greatest ninja.” Leo joked, ignoring how the phrase made him feel a strange pain. All the world’s got is this guy, echoed in his mind as he pushed the memory back. 

 Mikey huffed, but then smiled as he sat on the bed. “I thought you might be bored.”

 “At 2AM? How come you’re not asleep instead?” Leo raised a brow.

 “Too much energy.” Mikey answered. And yeah, that was completely fair. Then Leo noticed that his alternative timeline little brother was holding a notebook. 

 “Post midnight art inspiration?” Leo took a guess, pointing to the notebook.

 Mikey shook his head but grinned. “No, it’s actually for you!”

 “For me?” Leo was confused. Was this timeline’s Leo an artist or something?

 Mikey this time nodded and gave him the notebook and a pen. Leo soon realized it wasn’t an art notebook. It was a nice notebook suitable to fill with stories and for journaling. “It might be useful,” Mikey said as Leo examined the blue notebook. “You can write stuff in it until you go back home. I know that Donnie mentioned fixing your phone soon, but until then I thought this might help distract you.”

 “Thanks, Mike.” Leo smiled at him, opening his arms and offering a hug to him. Mikey brightened up as he jumped for the hug. Leo made a small oof sound at the sudden weight, but he laughed. He couldn’t wait to hug his own little brother like this. “Were you so excited to give me this that you couldn’t sleep?” Leo grinned.

 “Maybe.” Mikey grinned back. “Did you look in it?” He asked.

 Leo opened the cover of the notebook. He saw the doodle of this family done by none other than Mikey himself. He also noticed how it had two Leos instead of one. Leo felt warmth, “Mikey that's amazing!”

 “It’s just a doodle.” Mikey replied, but clearly he was proud of it too.

 “An amazing doodle, dude!” Leo exclaimed. “Your Leo will be so jealous.”

 “Noooo he won’t ever shut up about it till I draw him one too!” Mikey whined dramatically. It was all a joke of course. Leon would keep asking for his own Mikey art notebook, but wouldn’t actually force the kid to draw if he got no mojo. How he knew? Just a Leo feeling.

 “Thanks for the gift, really loving it dude.” Leo said, every word genuine. As Mikey yawned, he petted his head. “I think it’s time to sleep, huh?”

 “Mmm…” Mikey mumbled. He gave Leo another hug and then got up to his feet. He wished goodnight and left the med-bay. Leo, so selfishly wished that Mikey had ended up staying a bit longer with him. But he pushed this thought away. After everything he had learned through the hard way that he couldn’t have things the way he wanted. He had to deal with being alone, just how he had to deal with some other stuff.

 Leo looked at the notebook. Maybe it truly would help him, huh? He opened the cover again, turning to the empty page and starting to write… 

 After a few hours of writing various ideas (a bit of journaling and some fanfiction ideas), he had ended up falling asleep with the notebook on his lap. Somehow he had managed to keep the pen around his hand, not dropping it. He had woken up only because he had heard a brief noise. He ended up seeing Donnie, who stood before his bed, staring at him. Totally not scary at all to wake up like that! Good thing he was used to his twin’s habits. “Why can’t you just wait like others instead of coming and staring at my soul till I wake up for whatever reason you came for?”

 “Wow, you couldn’t describe this in any worse way.” Donnie commented on Leo’s rambling. “However, I am glad you’re awake, alternative timeline twin of mine! For I have good news for you–” He pulled out something from his pocket. Leo blinked until he was able to see clearly that it was his own phone. “–I have fixed your phone!”

 “Huh? For real?” Leo yawned and reached for the phone that Donnie was busy displaying on his hand. The softshell gladly handed him the phone.

 Leo inspected it. It looked all the same. The space themed case, the Jupiter Jim themed lockscreen… He entered his password and noticed how there was absolutely nothing different– except an app. It had the Genius Built logo on it. It said “GBMSA”. 

 “Genius Built Multidimensional Signal Assistant” Donnie informed. “This app will let you open and use the apps. You might be unable to post anything due to your account not exactly being the one belonging to this timeline, but you should at least be able to view whatever is posted by the timeline specific world web without any issues. You can also make calls, but remember that it will call whoever owns the number in the timeline you are in.” Donnie explained. “There is of course more, but I doubt any more explanation will do you favors. Unfortunately for me, but fortunately for you.”

 “Woah, Donnie, that's awesome! I mean, I probably won’t need it for long but I still appreciate it. I’m sure my Donnie will appreciate seeing it as well.” Leo grinned, “More than appreciate even. I’m sure he will kind of go all nerdy and insane trying to learn it all.”

 Donnie smiled with pride, his ego becoming so big that it would be impossible to miss. Leo could let it slide this time, he owed him big time. “Ah, only a genius could appreciate another genius after all!” Leo didn’t miss how he beamed with joy at the genuine praise. “Although I have yet to add the update, there is a draft of a multidimensional communication app. With more time it can be made possible, but I believe you won’t be staying for long so I left it as it is. Your Donnie should be able to work on it and reach us with no hardships.” 

 Leo looked at his phone in awe, the idea of a multidimensional communicating app sounded like something out of sci-fi movies! Also this reminds Leo… “Hey, now that you updated my phone it won’t try to come alive like in that one guinea pigs as spies movie, right?” 

 Donnie groaned loudly, much to Leo’s delight, “It happens one time and everyone keeps expecting it to happen every single time!”

 “You kinda have a record with your stuff gaining sentience and trying to kill us all, Dee. Both back home and here I guess.” Leo commented with a grin, “Wow. Double record.”

 “That doesn’t work like that, I only have one record, and your Donnie has another, to put in simple words.” Donnie explained, annoyed.

 “I see… nerd stuff.” Leo teased.

 Donnie rolled his eyes. “Anyway, I didn’t come here to banter all night. You still have to sleep if you are so eager to go back home.”

 “You were the one to wake me up because you were so excited to give me my phone back!” Leo protested.

 “Not my fault that you woke up despite my incredible ninja skills regarding being quiet.” His other timeline twin huffed.

 “Not my fault your skills suck.” Leo retorted. 

 “I can disable the app any moment.” Donnie squinted.

 “You wouldn’t. You can’t destroy your baby just yet.” Leo replied.

 Donnie stared. Then he grabbed a pillow and threw it on Leo’s face. As Leo laughed and threw back the pillow back to Donnie, he noticed how the softshell was also grinning. Then the two had a small pillow fight (bless for Raph bringing him a bunch of pillows earlier on), and finally bid each other goodnight.

 Leo ignored the fact how everything felt like home, and yet not at the same time as he tried once again to sleep in loneliness.

 If Leo said he slept, that would be a lie. Instead he spent hours doom scrolling. The fact Donnie had fixed his phone was both a blessing and a curse. Well, at least he could catch up with some Jupiter Jim comics. Also could check what comics expected him in his timeline. This whole timeline or universe or whatever hopping might be weird and confusing, but he didn’t care as long as he could read comics earlier than supposed. A win in all of this mess!

 Then he noticed the silhouette approaching him.

"Hey." Leo called.

"Hey." Raph responded. He approached quietly despite him being a small giant.

"What's up, big man?" Leo asked.

Raph smiled, "The ceiling?"

"Ay, that's a joke coming from my brother?" Leo grinned as he teased.

"Don't get used to it." Raph laughed, as if he didn't joke often and wouldn't do it again in the future.

"What brings you here at this hour?" Leo checked the time on his phone while Raph gently sat on the edge of the bed. "You're a morning bird, you'll be a zombie in the morning."

"I was curious, are you really leaving as soon as you can? You haven't healed fully, ya know." Raph looked at him with those big worried eyes. Ah, he should've guessed.

"I'll be back home and will make sure to tell you I'm fine. Once my Donnie can handle the communication, that is." Leo reassured him.

"And what if you aren't?" Raph's eyes pierced through his soul. "What if you won't go home? What if you'll end up somewhere worse?" He stopped, and quietly went on but couldn't finish his sentence: "What if you end up to…"

The way Raph's voice broke was enough for Leo to understand what he meant. Where he meant. Leo did everything he could to stop himself from visibly flinching at the mere thought of it. "There is no way I'll go back there." He stated. The nightmares alone (along the ones he had borrowed from his alternative self) was enough for his lifetime anyway.

"But what if you do?" Raph pressed. "You didn't plan coming here, you planned to go to your home."

"Trust me, that place is nothing like home– unlike here." Leo leaned and patted Raph's arm. "It'll be alright. If I wasn't sure I'll be okay, I wouldn't leave."

Raph looked at him uncertainly. Leo knew there were only a few words left unsaid to convince him. "Trust me, I got this." He ignored how the words tasted like poison on his tongue. An unpleasant memory briefly shining before his eyes. He ignored it quickly, not daring of losing focus or showing any of the fear. "My family are probably worried sick. Not to mention how my Raph is definitely worried ten times more than you, big red. I need to return before they start tearing the whole city into pieces just to find me."

Raph kept looking at him with trembling eyes, but finally he took a deep breath. "Yeah, you got this." He whispered. "You always do. Just… don't do something dangerous or stupid."

Leo didn't like hearing that. Not after how bad he had messed up. They all die, Casey had said. But he kept quiet for the sake of his goal. The hole in Raph's shell was enough to tell him how he didn't always got this. Not he himself, nor the other Leo. Raph should've known that by now.

And yet, all he could hear was the unsaid, silent pleading: Not ever again, please.

Leo didn't have the heart to ever tell him that he'd do it a million times if it meant for just another day for his family to live.

A hand over his shoulder distracted him, "Stay safe, okay? And you better reach out to us once you're done there." Raph huffed.

"Bet I will at the first chance I'll have." Leo accepted the hug, holding himself back from showing how much he needed one right now. Good thing, it seemed like Raph needed one as well, so the hug went on a longer time than he expected. It was enough to help Leo feel better.

Soon Raph was back on his feet, wishing good night and telling him to sleep instead of doom scrolling till early morning. Leo smiled, watching Raph leave to visit others first and then finally go back to his own bed.

Funny, he could easily expect Donnie or his alternative self visiting him at this time of night. Mikey and Raph were surprises. Good surprises.

The guilt from before had subsided, leaving itself to a strange form of comfort. Leo at least felt himself feel slowly drifting asleep.

He woke up earlier than he'd like. Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was his own self watching him from the door-side. No, wrong. That wasn't his own self. True, it was a Leo but he wasn't him. He was an alternative timeline Leo. Right. What was he even doing here?

"Oh hey, totally normal to watch your other self sleep at– uh–" He glanced at his phone. "Ah, yes. Eight in the morning." Leo joked as he yawned.

"You were busy at the night." Leon shrugged.

"You were awake all night."

"I'm jealous of your peaceful sleep."

"I'll join you in a month or less." Leo smirked.

Leon shook his head playfully. The he approached Leo. "So you're ready, huh?"

"You know it."

"I know me." Leon grinned.

"What a surprise." Leo rolled his eyes at the slider that stood by his side.

Leon hummed, "You know, I never thought of seeing what my brothers saw months ago, how… ironic."

"That's life for you." Leo didn't want to think about the fact how Leon had suffered worse. How they were the same, and yet deep down, not.

Leon grabbed the chair and pulled it close, sitting on it. "I want to share something with you."

"Oh?" Leo raised an eyebrow.

"When you go back home… you… they will still trust you. And love you. Even if it feels like they don't." Leo could see how Leon struggled with the words. He wondered what he had went through, but then again if you had Leo talk about his family and his emotions and issues about them, he'd struggle as much if not worse as Leon. The slider continued talking: "Don't let your mind deceive you. They believe in you, and they're there to help you."

"You're telling me all of this as if I already don't know it." Leo said maybe too quickly. Maybe it would've been better if he had spent a minute to think over the words he had just heard.

"You're me, Leo. I know myself." Leon was serious now. Leo was aware he had been so, but it was even more clear now, leaving no place for jokes or goofing around. "I know that after everything, you'll hide your issues. Force yourself to become better, but tearing yourself apart in the process. Thinking you're making them proud but… disappointing them again. Not because you're not perfect but because you didn't take time to care for yourself. Didn't tell them the truth." He stopped, eyes fixed on the ground. Leo almost dared to ask what happened. Almost. Leon turned to Leo, "So please, don't make the same mistakes. For them… don't let them go through this."

Leo didn't want to make anything worse than it was for his family. This warning didn't help his worries, but he had a feeling he would need to keep this in his mind. He nodded, just as serious as the other. "You know I'd do anything for them."

"I know." The words felt heavy. Leo didn't want to think about what it meant.

Leon must have realized how tense the room was, so he sighed and smiled, "Just don't separate yourself from your family more than you already have, yeah?"

Oh, so this was how he looked like when he tried to convince his family using his charm. Not bad at all. "I'll close the gap in no time." He'll go back home and he'll fix everything. He'll do it. He had an idea what awaited him, and he was ready to help as much as he could to fix what he had done. What he almost caused. Fix it for good.

"I know you will." Leon smiled, and the words were genuine. They were filled with hope.

"Always trust yourself." Leo smiled back. He really was enjoying all those jokes, and he was sure Leon did too.

As Leon walked away and bid goodnight, Leo looked after him. Then he suddenly had an idea. "Hey, Leon!"

He stopped, looking at Leo with curiosity. "Yes?"

"If you ever need to reach out for anything, once Donnie– yours or mine– figures out the whole alternative timeline or universe or whatever communication, feel free to do so. We are the same, right? Bet I could lend you a hand."

Leon blinked, then: "Oh, is it so or is it because you're enjoying the freedom of talking about everything without any fears to someone feels pretty good?"

"If you say so, you must be thinking that…" Leo smirked.

"We're literally the same people." Leon chuckled.

"So is it a deal?"

Leon's smirk grew wider, "Deal."

As he left, Leo sighed. It was nice to have someone around to go if things got messy. Someone who was more experienced with his brothers in a sense. Like a safety net… He really hoped one of the Donnie's figured it out. Back at home, he knew he was awaiting a very angry and worried family to calm down…

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

It had been days. Five days. April had never been that worried before. The worst they had gone through was the Shredder, losing Karai and watching Splinter almost die. But this? This was worse.

They didn't know where Leo was.

She had been helping New York recover as much as she could, doing her best as a volunteer. But at the same time she was searching for a trace of Leo on the surface in case Donnie's theory was wrong. What if he wasn't on a different dimension? Better not risk it.

Her brothers spent their time researching. The Hidden City didn't suffer the same damage as New York City fortunately. Draxum had provided information, but it wasn't enough according to Donnie. So they were after more information. Books, scrolls, people… Whatever you could find. They kept an ear for rumors and their eyes open for any possible information. Anything could be their key to Leo.

Splinter was firm of the boys staying at the lair and recovering, so the boys were forced to spend their time at the lair a lot. Luckily for them, Draxum kept bringing them books with possible information. He also had told them he'd try to find information at the Witch Town the first chance he gets.

April was reading pages of a book about people that claimed to dimension traveled. So far it all sounded fake, and totally nonsense. The alternative dimensions with minimal changes that are hard to spot were interesting though. A bit creepy too, she didn't like the idea of ending up to a different reality and not being able to notice that or prove it because of the difference being almost nonexistent.

She stretched her arms on the couch, looking around to see what the others were doing. Raph was sleeping– he had spent the whole night searching for information in the Hidden City. He planned to visit Hueso tonight too, but his family had forced him to rest first. His eye was still healing. Mikey was reading a book similar to April's, laying next to Raph on the soft pillows on the couch. Donnie was going through something more of a heavy scientific book. Something about physics and mechanics.

"How's it going?" She asked him.

Donnie didn't look away from the pages or the notes he had spread all around him on the ground. "These people are useless. For mystics that lack of information is ridiculously low. I got Shelldon search any possible mystic or yokai database for different books in different languages."

"Ah. Yeah, mine isn't going to provide answers I fear." April groaned.

"I will make that portal." Donnie replied. "Answers or not. I will."

"I know." April sighed. "I know…" She couldn't help but worry though. Will Leo be alright when they find him? Will he be okay? Maybe he will be. Maybe he would even get into his own adventure, mess up with someone and have fun. Defeat a bad guy or have a vacation. Nobody could guess with this family what awaited them next. Who knows, maybe they'd find him singing in space at this point.

"Will you join Raph when he visits Hueso?" Mikey asked, looking away from his book.

"Yeah. I agree with Splinter and Draxum. Going out alone isn't safe." April said. The two had a conversation and decided that hanging out together was the safest. Both because the world had never been this dangerous before– the krang aftermath and the fear the people had didn't help– and also because they were worried of something happening to boys since they had yet to recover properly. Even Mikey had to wear the special gloves Donnie had found (she was sure he had stolen them) and adjusted for him. Donnie was still not allowed to wear his battle-shell too.

Mikey lowered the book and gave her puppy eyes, "Can I join?"

She was stronger than those eyes though. "Nuh uh."

"But why? All I do is reading this stupid book! It doesn't even provide any information for Donnie's portal." He whined. Raph snored, and April shushed him so he would lower his voice.

"Because you need rest as much as he does!" She reminded him. "Also someone must keep an eye on Donnie or he will forget about himself again." He had a terrible habit of forgetting to rest and eat, also at any possible moment could try to put on his battle-shell which was even worse. "Also we won't visit him till after tomorrow. The topside is still a mess. Sunita messaged me it would be safer to wait a few days."

Mikey looked away from her, sulking and frowning. But he didn't say anything, April guessed he saved his reasons on why he should join them for when they actually would visit Señor Hueso.

The room once again became quiet, only filled with the snores of Raph. She grabbed her book again and tried to read, but focusing was hard. April wasn't a fan of the quiet. It wasn't the comfortable quiet that would come after a victory. No. This one was worry, fear and the fact that what they could do was limited. Oh, how much she wished that Splinter would appear at the entrance and announce he found his Baby Blue… She was alright, her parents were alright, and yet she had lost one of her brothers and it's been almost a week since they saw him. She missed him, his jokes and the chaos he would bring. Even the trouble he would cause. Leo was like a brother her, like the others, a part of her family. Losing one of them was enough to feel so much pain.

What if they'd lose him for good? What if they never find him? What if he is gone for forever? What if they find him and its not him anymore? What if they find him, but he changes so much that he is no longer the Leo they know?.. What if she changes before they find him, and when they do he doesn't see her as family anymore?

She knew thinking what if situations did no good, made things worse even, but it was hard not to. Not when she was reading about terrible experiences of multiverse travelers. "Worries of Multiverse: a Guide for Multiverse Hoppers"? More like a guide to maximize your fears.

Her phone buzzed, saving her from the nonstop spiral of nightmare scenarios in her mind. It was from Casey Jr. He had ended up being quick to learn how to use a smart phone. He was asking if they could meet. The poor guy was spending almost all of his time volunteering or joining the brothers in their search of information. He had faced them with the katana in his hands, crying and grieving, and ever since he learned what happened to Leo. He hadn't stopped doing something to help ever since. To be honest, April was worried for him too. She had yet to see him rest, which he supposedly did in the lair.

She texted him back, confirming she'd be able to meet him in a while and turned to the rest. "I gotta go,"

"Huh? Did something happen?" Mikey asked, turning to her.

"Future Boy wants to meet. Maybe he found something." She explained. "I'll come for a visit later."

Hearing his name, Donnie flinched. He and Casey had a fight that day. Donnie was still struggling with Casey, April was sure they didn't solve their problem with each other (or rather the one Donnie had with Casey) in their grief. Unlike Raph, Donnie was struggling to talk about it. Unlike Raph, he didn't show all of his anger at the boy at once, didn't yell at him for what he did. For doing something like that despite knowing who Leo is to them, and supposedly to him. Unlike Raph, who not long after realized his fault in tears of anger and worry and apologized and sobbed. Unlike Raph, Donnie didn't get out all of the anger and grief he kept in him from Casey. He blamed him and decided keeping a distance and ignoring him was the best. He had taken the katana from him, told him something that broke the poor guy (April had yet to learn what) and left.

The longer Leo was away, April worried the worse things would get between them. Casey was also separating himself from others. Being quieter and often absent.

What really bothered April was that this time she couldn't do anything about any of this. About Leo, about her brothers or Splinter, or about Casey. It wasn't like the time after they lost Karai and Splinter got caught. There was no one to guide her or others. As if the ancestors had left them on their own…

…wait a minute. The ancestors. "Has anyone tried to ask the Hamato ancestors about other dimensions and portaling?"

That grabbed both Mikey and Donnie's attention. There was a glint on their eyes. "They could know! Newton they could tell us how his portal works!" Donnie gasped. "If they know about Prison Dimension… we could get some information and figure out how to track his ninpo!"

Mikey got on his feet, "Dad should have saved some scrolls. I could find them!"

"Alright! But don't try to summon them without me, okay?" April nodded. "I will be back in no time."

Mikey gave her a thumbs up as he ran to Splinter's room. Donnie turned to her, "If they have even a small amount of knowledge… April, this could be it."

As April grabbed her stuff she gave him a supporting nod, "I think we are on the right track. Now let's hope Casey has some good news too."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The rest of the days pass by fast. Leo fills the journal, scrolls on his phone and hangs out with the alternative version of his family out of med-bay as he starts being able to walk with aid. Turns out a cane do wonders.

It takes a little more than a week, nine days that he stayed away from his family. Thanks to his fast healing bones, he trusts himself to leave. Leon agrees, telling him he can go but only if he keeps the cane Donnie made for him. It's modified to be able to turn smaller and be portable without any issues. Leon also reminds him that he shouldn't tire himself too much, he has yet to heal fully. Draxum informs him that his ninpo has yet to heal fully, but it wouldn't harm to portal between dimensions. Or timelines. This was a bit confusing, but whatever. What mattered was after portaling he must not use his ninpo for a while. Good thing he didn't plan to.

He had packed, getting the journal and his phone and a few snacks this family had given him. "Just in case," Raph told him. "You might struggle find proper food for a few days." Leo didn't like to think much on this, and what the events had caused in New York City. Instead he focused on his home and how it hopefully would be in a better state than he had left it to be. Donnie had suspected the time difference wouldn't be much, even all the same as theirs. Leo hoped so, but also didn't. He hated worrying his family.

But they will be alright. Their home will be fine, they will be safe and will have anything they need because they will be together. Things will get well. He was sure his family had taken care of everything, or would even if time passed all the same way there and it had been days for them too since Leo had portaled away.

He ignored how he was a whole dimension away from them. Right now he was away from them. He glanced at the sword he was holding, his reflection looked back at him. In a short while, he will be reunited with them.

The whole family, including Casey Sr. and Junior had joined them to say farewells to Leo. He had managed to spend proper time with the Caseys in that last few days. Case was awkward around him, but he was much better than he last saw him. Eh, it made sense. The last time he had heard the guy talk, it was when he had asked him to trap him to the Prison Dimension. Good to know he forgave Leo for asking him to do such a thing. Brave kid, strong. His sensei must've been brave and strong too. A true leader, a warrior. Something Leo could never be. He wasn't sure if he should feel happy or sad about it.

And there was Casey Jones. Cassandra, but she had insisted on being called Casey. "That's what my friends call me and it won't change." She had said. Fair enough, Leo had replied. It was nice to learn she became a friend, not just an ally. He knew that she, April and Raph were good friends already, but learning she befriended the whole family was even better. It was great to spend time with her, definitely a unique character.

Now he was standing in the living room, waiting for others to join him to say their goodbyes. He was done with breakfast, too eager. They were finishing up, maybe cleaning up. April and the Casey duo had brought supplies, so they were taking care of that.

"Blue?" Leo turned towards the entrance, seeing his– no, Leon's father look at him.

"Ah, hey Splinter." He greeted, ignoring how he wanted to call him dad so bad. He missed his dad, but it was fine. He'll be reunited with him too in a short while.

Splinter approached him, his hands reached and Leo lowered himself to be eye level with him. He gently cupped his face, "Are you ready to leave?" he asked.

Leo chuckled, "I thought you guys were whining about me repeating that the whole morning."

Splinter smiled, but he asked again. Voice soft yet serious, something unexpected. "Are you sure? Do you feel good enough to leave?"

Maybe it was the cracks on his shell that will never heal proper, maybe it was the wounds on his neck and leg that would scar. Leo wasn't sure what exactly worried Splinter, but he knew why he was worried, asking that. He had seen how he looked at his sons. How his eyes got stuck on the hole at Raph's shell or on Leon's cracked shell. The guilt, regret, sorrow… Somehow, Leo thought he understood even if not fully. For ignoring a warning from their ancestors maybe, or maybe it was simply the fact he couldn't protect them. The worst part was that he looked at him like that too, and Leo couldn't help but wonder if he felt all these feelings because Leo had made this family relive their worst day. As if opening their wounds again by laying almost dead on the floor, stuck on the med-bay and tormented by the nightmares. How much of a friend was, and how much of a terrible reminder was he?

He knew why Splinter was asking him that. The answer wasn't an option. "Yeah, I'm all good and ready." Leo smiled brightly. "Trust me!"

For a moment Splinter looked at him with worried eyes, but then sighed. "I trust you, my son."

Leo raised a brow, asking playfully "You know I'm not your son, right?"

Splinter huffed, "Different place or not, you are no different."

"If you say so." Leo hummed. His heart felt warm though, the comfort of his father meant a lot to him.

Splinter let him go but shook his family, "You better not cause trouble to your family. And you better rest and heal properly." He told him.

Leo rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah everyone has been telling me that since days ago. I think I've got it now."

"Good." Splinter nodded. Leo expected him to smile and leave, as he would do usually. Instead he met with those eyes. Worried and caring. That look that made Leo feel so small. "And Leonardo," Splinter said once again soft but serious. A rare tenderness. "Take care of yourself my son, please."

Leo blinked, trying to push back how felt. He couldn't let him worry anymore. There was no need to tell him how scared he was when he would be back at his home in a short time. He smiled, "You can be sure I will."

"Promise me you will." Splinter held his hand, much more serious.

He will be home. That was a promise he could keep. It shouldn't have been so hard to say he will. And yet, wouldn't it be a lie when he was ready to throw himself against every danger to keep his family safe? But Splinter's wasn't a request, was it? He was his father.

So Leo nodded, much more serious than before. "I promise."

Splinter looked satisfied, he let go of his hand and nodded. "Very well. Now… where are these boys…" He turned his back heading to the kitchen, back to his casual self. Leo watched him leave.

Leo sighed again, getting back on his feet. He sat on the couch until everyone came to the living room one by one. He chatted, laughed and ignored how Splinter sounded so, so worried. Time passed, and the time to say farewells came.

He got back on his feet, and the others followed along. He got pulled into hugs and was swarmed with good wishes. Once everyone was done with the hugs, Leo stepped away.

"I owe you big time guys." He said with a smile, a genuine one. He wasn't sure how to express how grateful he was for them. He might be a talkative guy, but right now he was sure words weren't enough to describe what he wanted to tell them. He simply hoped they understood. "Really." He added.

Leon chuckled, "You are me, all you owe us is a call saying you landed safely."

"Bet I will once my Donnie figures out yours' invention." Leo grinned.

"I'm certain if the time passing isn't different, we will be hearing from him tonight." Donnie said certainly with a proud smile.

"Don't forget to ask of your Casey's record too!" Casey Sr shouted from where she stood, next to Raph.

"Sure." Leo replied, still unsure what the heck that meant. Record about what? Kicking butt or did she keep a record of something else? Maybe it was something crazy, maybe totally normal. Very hard to tell with her.

"And give a big hug from us to your fam!" Mikey exclaimed. He was the most excited to meet with Leo's family.

As he gripped his sword better, Leo winked. "They'll get a big one for certain."

Casey Jr waved with a small smile, "Stay safe Neon." He said. Leo had a feeling that Casey was used to saying farewells, there was a strange heaviness with his words.

Leo nodded, looking one by one at them all. They all looked similar, sad but also hopeful for him. His eyes met with Raph's. The big guy, for a second dropped the smile, he opened his mouth but it took a few seconds before he actually said anything. "Take a break from that saving the city stuff, yeah?"

April leaned towards him and added with a smirk, "And not just you. You all doofuses need a break. Take a vacation."

Leo laughed, "That sounds like a good plan." He gave them a big smile. "Thanks everyone, until I see you all later… take care." After a moment, he took a deep breath. It was time.

He swung his katana and let his ninpo come alive. The bright blue portal swallowed him a whole, and felt the comfort and warmth of his ninpō all around him. Home, he focused, I'm going home.

He let the portal close, leaving behind the familiar face for the sake of his as he looked at where he was. He did his best not to drop his katana with the shock as he was met with a ruined New York City.

A deserted area, the ground mixed with dirt and whatever was left of pavement. He could feel the dust in the air, see how much of a hell the sky looked. The sun almost invisible, the blue had left itself to a red and purple mix. All around him were abandoned buildings and rubles of what once was skyscrapers.

His heart beat started beating faster, his mind raced. He knew what this was but didn't want to believe. He had heard how Casey talked about the future. How he described it.

He saw the purple vines far away. He saw the spaceship he destroyed with his own plan in the sky.

Leo froze on his spot. He was in the future he had desperately fought against.

"Watch out kid!"

Before he could react someone ran to him and punched the krang-dog like creature (when did it appear?) away from him. They were huge, wore a cape. He noticed the prosthetic right arm. He noticed how much it looked like Raph's arm. Then he saw the katana on other hand.

It couldn't be.

They turned around, and Leo saw the face– half covered with red metal and the other half of a slider with a blue bandanna. The big turtle mutant froze just like Leo did, gasping, and not long after whispering:

"Pizza Supreme in the Sky… what the hell?"