Werribee Hills. Arid rocky, dune riddled, desert beach terraine

MikeyMikey grins from his spot next to Raphael, but for now doesn't actually wag his tail. He will save it for next time he really needs it. No sense in letting Raphael get too used to it, and gain that tolerance that his brothers have for him being cute.

"Gross." Donno insisted regarding the scute collecting. Even though he could see how the items were sort of cool.

Donno starts with Raphael and MikeyMikey, giving them a quick check over, and applying any salve whenever it's necessary. Like DonnieBoy, he does accept a little of the food from the trays when they come around, in mostly one or two bite options. He starts going through the omegas next.

Raph chuckles as Lilo almost trips over Kovu. He's amused by this! And there was a bit of a rope burn on his left hand and wrist. He isn't really paying much mind to whichever Donatello comes along first to patch him up. He's more interested in watching her!

Raph does sort of give Addy an unsure look when she brings around the Ariki.

"Pretty sure I already took a bath in this stuff... You sure this is such a good idea?" But it is just one little shot, and he does take it.

MikeyMikey doesn't object to the ariki at all. He's downs it quickly, and makes a bit of a face afterward. He's not used to it, but it was sort of interesting.

Donno doesn't object to the ariki on principle, but he does want to wait until all the medic work is finished before he accepts a drink. He'll wait for Leo and Mike to get back.

When Mike's laugh disturbs the little ones, Leo gives his brother a 'cool it!' look! Though there's not really any heat in it. The little guys didn't really wake up and Leo had actually been rather amused by the whole thing.

Leo is also amused by the snuggly little ones. Duncan curled up on his shoulder, not unlike the way Leo has seen Don curled up when he's exhausted and done for the day! Actually, the way Duncan is sort of sleeping on Leo's shoulder isn't entirely unlike the position he's found Don in at his desk on far too many occasions.

There's a smile at Mike's explanation of the kids playing! The three of them all running about is just a wonderful thought! And Leo can't wait! Well... he can. But he doesn't want to.

"I know we all need the break, but part of me really just wants to keep going." And he does know that the break is really the best course of action! They're all tired!

But Leo really wants to get to Don and Liam. As excited as he is about getting to them, there's just this little niggling thought that something isn't right. He can't place it, but it's definitely there. Leo would like to think it's just that same unfounded nervousness he had as they neared Mike's group! Except... he doesn't know what it is.

Fussing Donnies will be tolerated. He will accept whatever salves and whatnot they want to put on him. And is unconcerned about the shoulder. It's an old injury. He knows how to take care of it, and it's okay.

DonnieBoy laughs, both at Mikey Mikey - and Raphael rubbing his head and at Donnie insisting that yep yuck collecting scutes.


DonnieBoy just didn't think of it and Mikey's other weird obsessions much or anymore. He takes the shot just as their finishing up fussing over Leo and Mike... Maaaaybe lingering just to fuss over little boys too!


Mike just grinned at Leo's look and snuggled his limbs everywhere liquid slinky child, smiling in a way Splinter often had at them when he is feeling the affection very strongly. And for the moment he is not picking up on the edging of worry in Leo's tone or his stance but enjoying imagining having Donnie here and three small sons to play with. "soooo Malcolm, soooo Duncan there will be yoooour Liam and Donnie, our Liam and Donnie. Awwww you guys will be adorable running amok... must set you all on the wrestler sized turtles." he schemes grinning at Leo and nudging him, eagerly in light bumps and pushes and not really needing to cause clearly Leo was ready to be resting to be on their way! And Addy is handing out something! Oooohing as he hears Raph's words, "oooh we gotta hear that story in the next rowing time." he teases glancing about.


Raphael having lost his growth for now was taking the moment to enjoy the salve on his fee callouses and sunburned patches but he was healing fine and in the shade and having had a hand if snacks was stretching out on his belly post shot to get comfy and off the smaller turtles his shell to lean against. Or lay on their plastrons beside. Leonardo was taking the tray from Kivu lightly and encouraging her to have a moment to drink and eat too as shots came around and then adding Lilo and Dana's arm fulls to his big hands and arms to allow the gals a moment to snack too and drink. Lilo bouncing to Raph of course once she had a handful of the vegies and fruits too. Eyeing the shots warily. Though also with a flirty tease to Raph with a tail flick catching his bandana tail end lightly and making it flutter. [color=#F08080["you are a cuuute drunk."[/color]


Addy smiles seeing Mike and Leo, purring a little, but her attention is still on Raph and now Lilo making sure they had their shots. " well can't be a pirate without the occasional shot." out loud for all but with a soft laugh she adds, " I cut a bit with some honey for you all, I ... had recalled you had that experience and sort of have leaened you all haven't had much in the way of strong spirits before or often so this will be sweeter and should only gives yous all a slight warm glow of a feeling not a buzz. And definitely a must for a brief afternoon nap." she chuckles as the Don work on Mike and Leo, and behind them Leonardo is definitely keeping it balanced until Leo and Mike have some food too.

"Yeah..." It's slipped in there softly when Mike corrects himself to say 'our.' Even though Leo's had Duncan with him for awhile now, the idea of this many kids is still sort of crazy! Though mostly in a good way. So though his tone does belie a little of that concern about Don and this sort of 'off' feeling that Leo can't quite place, most of the tone is sort of awe at the 'our.' Awe at the idea of these little guys being in their lives at all!

Leo can't help but chuckle at Mike's description. Letting the tiny kids run crazy around the largest group of turtles! Yes, Leo is looking forward to that too.

There's a chuckle from Leo at Mike demanding to hear Raph's ariki story.

"HA! You got it!" Raph promised! He would absolutely tell the story after the break when they're rowing. Be a good way to break up the monotony.

Raph had been enjoying the moment to let the salves that the Donnies put on him do their job. It was definitely a welcome relief, though actually the burns hadn't bothered him that much. And there's a grin on his face as Lilo makes her way over. And a laugh at her calling him a cute drunk!

"Alright, then I suppose it's okay, as long as you think it's cute." And he did accept the ariki, though he is glad to hear that it had been cut with some honey to make it a little sweeter and less potent! Especially as he's actually ingesting it this time.

MikeyMikey grinned at Addy as she came around with the drink!

"Like, totally, Dudette" MikeyMikey absolutely agrees with Addy that you can't be a pirate without a shot from time to time! That's like a pirate thing, right? He had been one of the first to accept the shot. And he's already coming down from the work of the trip after the snacks, and light treatment from the Donnies, so after finishing a little more of the snack, he's ready to snuggle up against the giant Raphael, and maybe Dana too if she makes her way over here, and curl up for that nap Addy was talking about.

Leo does have a bit of a sunburn. He's generally a bit paler than Mike and Raph are, and they are not used to getting this sort of sunlight! Though he time at the farmhouse before coming here, and the time on the island had probably helped more than he realizes. Though the island had provided pretty good foliage for sun protection so until they were actually on this ship and sailing, he hadn't spent that much time in the open sun.

Leo doesn't fuss as the Donnies apply salve to the burn and to and raw spots. And he does placate them regarding the shoulder.

"It's an old injury. I just make sure to take care of it so it doesn't tighten up or anything and become a problem. It's okay, really." And it is. He's truthful about that.

Before taking Duncan and guiding Mike to a spot where they can settle down for a nap, Leo makes sure to get a little of the food and drink. He also makes sure that Mike gets some. Though Mike taking advantage of a moment to eat rarely requires encouragement. They're going to need the energy to get through the rest of the day after the nap. And now is definitely the opportunity! He doesn't take a whole lot though, and is quick and efficient about the snack and any items he chooses.

He even accepts the ariki from Addy. It's definitely not the way he would normally handle a mid day  break for this sort of exercise, but he trusts her and does as she asks. "Thank you, Addy." A quick kiss to her cheek! He can't really do much more than that with Duncan passed out on his shoulder like he is!

Though even cut with the honey to weaken and sweeten it, he very nearly choked on the ariki! Solely because he isn't used to it. He shakes his head quickly. Oh wow, weird sensation as it goes down.

When he does settle down for a nap, he makes sure it's in a shady spot with Mike and the kids, and plenty of space for Addy to join in with them.

Dana once free of the tray waggs her tail all the way over to Addy and taking her shot with a bit of a siiigh and a giggle she flops elegantly against Raphael with MikeyMikey licking her lips, " mmmmm that stuff is pretty good yeah? and I've never tried it with honey thats different usually for me if I want to weaken it I have to stir a little of it into Llamoat milk." she describes but is mostly already closing her eyes and her voice is soft, and wriggling closer to MikeyMikey her tail curling over him and a little on the shell of the big genio innocuo. Raphael had not started snoring yet so wasn't in a deep sleep - or the warmth of Dana and MikeyMikey made his would be snores mostly start out as churrs for now. Sleepy low thrumming barely there churrs that would vibrate more than make much sound.


Mike grins, he'd ate as many fruit and crackers and cold meats and cheese he could! " I'll hold you to that - hehehe oooh hoooow cute?" playfully though and he is, after his shot of ariki and licking his lips and well there is a face and a shiver but... he wants to ask for more! it was a bit like vanilla extract but also honey! He is mumbling as he settles beside Leo, shifting Malcolm on his plastron so the little boy could spread all the way out - with one of those happy baby sighs the little ones sometimes did in sleep, hah! the open mouthed look was cute cute cute! And the way Malcolm star fished, but in a way that mirrored Mike getting close to his brother, Malcolm seemed to know where Ducnan was too and in the spread now had contact with his too, " hehehe thats a very Don look." he murmurs letting his eyes drift because yep the way the little guy was on Leo's shoulder and arms tucked at his sides so no one can tickle him was definitely Don - hehe and oooh how cuuuuuuute! sleepies baby smiles! " mmmm you have worried look... tell mmm eeeh... after... nap..." he had caught Leo's worried face.


Lilo giggles watching them go and wherever Raph gets comfy she does too, snuggling close when given the chance, " we'll make sure to tell them about Raphael running to big bro to save him from dead egglings yeah? and oh you are the sweetest cute drunk." nod nod and letting the shot of ariki do it's job and sooth with the faint very vague buzz once she and Raph were nestled.


The Omegas Addy let rest too of course but she encouraged them to the sides of the boat that wasn't made difficult to get onto by the tree they were moored near. In the shade of the sails or the railings but where if someone tried to get past or were most likely to try crawling on board they would disturb one of them. She is making her way back past when Leonardo encourages those going to settle in to eat the last few bits off the platters, and moves to place them down where they would be rinsed to be used again before he would have his shot and thank the Dons for their care and go to settle with Kovu and Raphael. Then she waits as Donnieboy and Donno, having finished up - " thanks guys, those burns will fade over night as long as we salve them later too. Rest well." And she will make sure they have their shots before moving to place the last dish down and the water and ariki skins into the shade for drinks when they rose and then she moves to Leo's side and noooow she can returnt hat cheek kiss with on to his, well half cheek half lips, smiling and catching the ends of Mike's mutterings, curious but glancing at Leo and resting her head on his shoulder and plastron edge opposite to where little Duncan was, she reaches a hand to rub little purple sapphire and gold shells - it meant her arm was across Leo and it was a good spot. " Your welcome ... annnd maybe the wind will be with us later and we'll get to Donnie quicker." a maybe and hopeful tone but she was determined to make it so. With all rowers and a few on sails to try and catch night breezers she was sure they would eat up the distance to his other brother quicker.


DonnieBoy grins, glad they could help the group - and reassured that Leo had his old injury under control. He nudges his fellow Don as Addy thanks them for their efforts, " think we can find some cuddle space with your brothers?" a nod at the patch between MikeMikey and Raph with invitingly soft fluffy ladies close to them.

MikeyMikey considers the llamoat milk with the ariki.

"Should try it with both sometime." Because he thinks that sounds like a pretty good combination! And he snuggles into the fluffy fox fur and the giant Raphael's side! Yup, good sleep spot! He joins in the churring as he snuggles in to rest.

Raph is nearby with Lilo, snuggled up in a similar patch of shade. Raph sniggered at that last part of the story. Sure, he'd been pretty fuzzy by that point, but definitely did remember the big guy racing off!

"Deeeefinitely. Mm... talk later. Snuggle now." And Raph is starting to doze too. Definitely time for a rest! And here with Lilo against him and his brothers close by is perfect.

"You're welcome, Addy. And you too." Donno then turned to DonnieBoy's question. He chuckled softly. "There might be juuuuust enough space." His brothers sure looked cozy! And he heads to wiggle in somewhere between MikeyMikey and Raph.

There's a smile on Leo's face as he hums an agreement with Mike's comment about Duncan having a very Don look about him as he sleeps! And he chuckles softly at Malcolm

"And that is a very Mike look."

Leo nods at Mike calling out his worry face. "Mm hmm..." He could answer fully, but he opts for the soft sound hoping to encourage Mike to sleep a bit more. Leo himself waits until those who are going to settle do so. Even if he's pretty sure he's feeling that ariki hit his system. And who knows, maybe by the time he wakes up, he'll have figured out what exactly it is that's wrong!

Leo smiled as Addy joined them and he turned to meet that kiss. He is very content with this spot, especially once everyone is settling and drifting off.

"Hopefully..." The addition of Addy's furry warmth, Leo's not going to be able to hold out much longer! Still, he is worried. He's more and more sure that something isn't right. He is far too tired to go into it now though, and he's not even sure what 'it' is! No, now is definitely time for sleep!

Addy grins - " definitely." it is whispered as she allows herself to lick away that brief Leo flavor from the kiss and snuggle into him -


determination in her tone, she was turning that hopefully into a oh definitely!


she was getting him to his brother!


Little boys snuggled their on their fathers but also snuggled into each other.


And both would probably need a little more nap time before ready to wake when Sam came around to wake people up after hour was up.


Or in this case he'd worked out by now if he and his fellow omegas start with Leo's they will mostly already be awake or aware of the coming touch to wake them.


And it was so for Monroe who had scurried towards Leonardo and found - with a shocked sound and stumble back that made him almost topple onto DonniBoy - and then really topple over on top of the two Dons - that Leonardo's eyes were open and watching him.


Hahaha Leonardo chuckles softly and reaches over to help Monroe back to his feet -


DonnieBoy has been attacked by Mikey similarly so just whistled snored on a bit -



" I'm up.' the big guys says chuckling at this and standing slowly so he can gently catch Kovu ont he way down and lower her for a moment, stretch and reach down to help Monroe squeeze shoulders of MikeyMikey and Dana, Donno and DonnieBoy lightly. Raphael he nudges with a foot roughly seeing as Monroe wouldn't touch the thundersnore big guy hahaha.


Sam meanwhile missed that over here approaching to wake Leo and CaptAddy.

Addy grins - " definitely." it is whispered as she allows herself to lick away that brief Leo flavor from the kiss and snuggle into him -


determination in her tone, she was turning that hopefully into a oh definitely!


she was getting him to his brother!


Little boys snuggled their on their fathers but also snuggled into each other.


And both would probably need a little more nap time before ready to wake when Sam came around to wake people up after hour was up.


Or in this case he'd worked out by now if he and his fellow omegas start with Leo's they will mostly already be awake or aware of the coming touch to wake them.


And it was so for Monroe who had scurried towards Leonardo and found - with a shocked sound and stumble back that made him almost topple onto DonniBoy - and then really topple over on top of the two Dons - that Leonardo's eyes were open and watching him.


Hahaha Leonardo chuckles softly and reaches over to help Monroe back to his feet -


DonnieBoy has been attacked by Mikey similarly so just whistled snored on a bit -



" I'm up.' the big guys says chuckling at this and standing slowly so he can gently catch Kovu ont he way down and lower her for a moment, stretch and reach down to help Monroe squeeze shoulders of MikeyMikey and Dana, Donno and DonnieBoy lightly. Raphael he nudges with a foot roughly seeing as Monroe wouldn't touch the thundersnore big guy hahaha.


Sam meanwhile missed that over here approaching to wake Leo and CaptAddy.[/color][/quote]

"Oooof!" Donno had been curled up, tucked between DonnieBoy and his brothers. The flailing gecko sort of made him splat on the deck, shoving MikeyMikey into Dana and Raphael, and Raph into Lilo!

And somehow DonnieBoy apparently slept through the initial contact?

Impressive...

"Hey, MikeyMikey, what's the big idea?"

"Like, wasn't me this time, Dude." MikeyMikey wiggled, trying to ignore the disturbance, but there was a squeeze to his shoulder and he sighs and starts to sit up.

Raph was also trying to get a little more sleep when the squeeze came to his shoulder.

"Aw, Mooooom, do we haaave to?" Yes, he is talking to Big Blue with this one. Though it's not a real whine. He does know they have to. He wants to get to Leon as much as the other turtles want to get to their brothers!

"Oh good grief. Get up, guys."

~~

Leo likewise aware when the Omegas start moving around to wake them. And he was rather glad that they had a little distance from the rest of the group as Monroe went down! Though it had definitely been amusing to watch.

He looks up at Sam, shifting a bit, hoping to let the guy know that he was awake and aware. Leo actually is making an attempt to not startle the guy!

"I'm awake, I'll take care of them." Leo promised to encourage Addy and Mike into wakefulness. Though he does hope they can shift the kids to a new, appropriate sleep spot where they can rest a little longer. There's no reason to wake them.

So the touch for Addy is gentle. A light kiss to the cheek first. And Leo does try to sort of secure the boys before attempting to wake Mike. The nudge to Mike is a rather harder than the attempt to wake Addy!

It had been a good, and much needed rest. And Leo had slept pretty hard for him! That was good, knowing they have another hard stretch of rowing ahead of them! Unfortunately, it also means that Leo is no closer to knowing why he feels like something is off. He can't worry about that though. Instead, he will just do everything he can to get to his little brother! Their little brother!

Leonardo just laughs and in his best mom tone, " yes yes my dearies time to up and at them!" all bright and cheerful too like any over eager 'oh what a wonderful afternoon we have ahead! 'Mommy!'


Raphael ignores the shove of the foot against him - and the feel of bodies squishing against him, but he dooooes shift his head and give Leonardo a raised eyeridge look, " neeeeeeew you would make a wonderful mother some day bro." grunt and the begins to stretch chuckling at the way MikeyMikey got happy cheek licks from a eager waggy tailed Dana as she came awake -


Lilo was hanging onto the sleep a bit longer stretching beside the squished up against her Raph and humming happily eyes closed! awaaaaake.


Monroe is glad to be on his feet, " I am sorry! sorry guys!" as Leonardo helps him up.


Raphael just shrugs and grunts whilst girls don't really mind.


DonnieBoy mutters from where he is a he comes awake slowly, " meeeh not as heavy as Mikey." yep he could sooo sleep through being pounced on by Monroe, probably Lilo and Dana too, and the little ones or Addy.... cause Mikey was definitely rougher and heavier. But he was awake! and chuckling a bit at the grumblings and Leonardos faked mothering tone.


Leonardo is not phased and just chuckles nooow reaching down to gently wake Kovu too - "of course... now up up my dearies." chuckling and poking the lot again.


~


Little boys stretcha nd make soft chirps sounds at the sound of Leo's voice - cutting off Mike's would have been obligatory complaint at the brotherly waking to nawwww at them and make googley eyes at them, " awwwww."


Addy grins and shifts the arm across Leo, touching those little boys to catch his cheek and kiss him a little more, both a ooooh hello sailor, and a I'm up! mix of a kiss and then stretch ... like a cat, the stretch going all the way along and up her tail - Mike pointedly doesn't gawk at her, and Sam shuffles looking away too -


She smiles, " did yous rest okay? come we should tuck little ones over here where we can see them and get moving. Thanks Sam bring around water for everyone please." before was ariki time, now was a drink of refreshing cool water and ready for rowing time!


" yes captain." Sam grins smiling at Leo glad for the no need to wake them himself hurrying away to gather water skins and pass them around.


Mike shrugs mid stretch getting to his feet so he can offer to help Leo up with his arm load of kiddoes. " tooooooo brief but a good nap... and not brief enough! lets get Donnie and Liam!" eagerly and energy flowing back into him with the sips of water he had once one of the skins came their way.

Raph is still grumbling at Leonardo and Donno. There miiight have been a snort at Raphael's comment. Pausing for one last cuddle before getting up with Lilo. Then he tickles her side because she is sleeping far too peacefully! He is getting up. and forcing himself into wakefulness. He wants to get to Leon and his group as much as the others do!

MikeyMikey is giggling over the cheek licking! He eventually, playfully wriggles his way out and offers Dana a hand up.

Donno chuckled at Monroe.

"Don't worry about it. If it wasn't you, it just would have been someone else. We're used to it."

Chuckling as DonnieBoy adds in his comment.

"See? If we weren't already motivated, he would have slept through it."

"And if we weren't up quick enough, Big Blue Mom would have gotten creative, and no one wants that."

Leo chuckled softly at Mike and the adorable little boys! And he actually sort of welcomes the distraction! It's nice bot to have the obligatory complaint once in awhile.

This is a nice way to wake up. He returns that brief kiss and very much enjoyed that stretch of hers! Mike and Sam are wise to look away! But Leo runs a hand down her back as she stretched.

There's another soft chuckle at Addy's question.

"Almost too well."

He had sort of hoped to try prodding at whatever is bothering him, but had slept far too well to do so!

Clearly he had needed the rest!

"Thank you, Sam." Just adding on to Addy's thanks. He appreciated the gentle waking, and the water the cowardly lion was heading to retrieve.

Leo does accept that hand up, and moves to settle the snuggly, sleepy, little boys into the spot that Addy had suggested. Aw, they were so cute, and looked so very innocent in their sleep!

" I am with you on that one, Mike." Absolutely! Definitely a too short, desperately needed rest, but... he can't shake a sense of urgency. They need to get moving!

Leo snuggled the boys, laid them back down, and waited a moment for them to settle before standing again.

He is frowning slightly as he waits, quietly trying to probe at Don, and he doesn't like what he's feeling. Don's clearly busy, almost frightened? And he isn't really responding to Leo's brush. Not even the usual sort of 'I'm busy' response. Well, not unheard of if they're preoccupied, but something is definitely wrong, and if he's reading this right, Don's gearing up for a fight. But even for a battle contact, something is weird. Leo can't quite place it.

...or maybe he just doesn't want to.

"Shell..." It's quiet, barely there.

"We need to get moving. And maybe check the map..." Because a fight might be preceded by running. Dammit, he hopes that rest didn't just cost them-- No. not going there.

Leo had considered something insane when Mike had been caught in a battle just before they found each other. Thank goodness it hadn't been necessary, but Leo is considering it again. And with a bigger fighting force here, he would feel better if he had to try it.

Raphael as ready to make fun -


As DonnieBoy stretches and grins at a relieved looking Monroe -


And Dana is cackling and fluffing her tail about and Lilo streeee - then laughing at Raph's tickling her sides and lightly catching his hands!


Addy was still purring deeply when she watches Leo and Mikey hover over the little boys, the way Leo goes from the sweet and oooh so rested light touching hand to a worried face -


She stops her purrs with great difficulty and touches Leo's shoulder giving it a squeeze, " no more delay -" especially as even Mike here serious after a moment and then looked very worried!


And Leonardo came closer, " should you two... Ummm... can you dragon up to get to your Donnie quicker? Even Iiii can feel something is wrong."


Addy smiles and curious about the answer but also firing out orders, " Monroe, Sam, Pip tie down the sails please the wind is not favourable and will make rowing harder, everyone else drink and line up in the middle of the oars Leonardo and Raphael you two put two more oars in the waters each side please."


To Leo she is bossy toned but there is a caring light reassuring note in her tone as Mike thinks over Leonardo's words and...


worth a shot he kneels I front of the bundle of rope and sacking the boys were in now to focus on his chi and build it. Maybe they could?


"this was why the sleep was important, so you all have the strength needed for this. We will be coming in as back up as soon as possible!" just encase Leo felt bad ... and well maybe he would not her slight worry and guilt there too though she knew it was important!


Leonardo and Raphael hurry to do as told. And urge the rest to also.


Addy was eyeing them, staying close to Leo and Mike and eyeing the rest as they move into place deciding who and where she will make them sit on the oars for best even rowing, especially if Leo and Mike can dragon up and get ahead, " Donnie please spare a moment to check the map for your brothers progress for Leo and Mike." she encourages as the ship is prepared and her crew are trying too.


She would so very much encourage Leo and Mike to fly ahead if they could. If not she will find a spot on oars to move the ship fast!

Donno, Raph and MikeyMikey all sort of stop what they're doing and look over as the mood changes. MikeyMikey continues to help Dana to her feet, and Raph goes about getting up and offering Lilo a hand up too.

Leo appreciates the new tone set by Addy, and gives her a slight smile. A thank you. While yes, he does love her bossy tone, Leo is all business at the moment, and this is a thank you for getting underway and doing everything they can to reach the other group before it's too late.

Then there's sort of a contemplative frown at Leonardo's question.

He hasn't settled to the deck like Mike seems to be doing yet, but he is starting to try and touch his chi. Leo hasn't touched the kids minds as often as Don has. He hasn't made those sort of repeated mental connections, but he can feel the boys and the energy they radiate. His chi lines flare to life as he touches that life force energy.  

He does know they all needed that rest! She's absolutely right. He just wishes that they had more time.

"I know, you're right. Just... don't hurt yourself trying to get there." That might not be what he was going to say, but he had changed his mind. It just was. She's still injured though, and Leo will be mindful of that! And saying it aloud, a glance to Leonardo, he's trusting his counterpart to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't overdo it! And Leo will do everything he can to bring Donatello back to Leonardo in return.

He takes a moment to sort of just feel his chi, see what sort of read he can get on the energy, see if he can reach that dragon state...

"I... I think so." And he sees absolutely no harm in trying.

Donno jumped to attention and ran toward the map at Addy's order, "On it!"

As Donno tossed the stone, Leo settles on the deck with Mike. Leo might not have touched the kids as often as Don has, but he had been pretty well slammed by the Eldunari. It had actually taken an active effort at the time to NOT let his dragon burst forth.

Leo takes a moment to focus on how that had felt, letting that feeling wash over him. He glows brighter for a moment, there's sort of a hesitation, a slight dimming. Whether it had been a moment of doubt, a wave of fear or startle from Don, or just a shifting of how he was choosing to go about reaching his avatar is open to debate. It comes back brighter than before. The ghostly dragon presents and circles Leo.

That's not enough though. Leo is determined. Focusing on - and sharing with Mike - the feeling of the Eldunari's energy slamming into him.

Leo does manage to shift into his dragon avatar! And he looks to Mike. Has Mike managed? Because now here, Leo will give his brother an astral kick if he needs it! If Mike can't get there, Leo will go alone, but he'd rather have a brother with him!

If a location came up, Donno will call it out to the dragon(s) and they'll be off! If Leo remembers the path that the other group had been on, they can't be far from the water's edge. If nothing else, they can follow the river.

And seriously? Whoa! That was... wow... Donno is trying not to stare at Leo and Mike, but he's struggling to keep his attention on his task! Raph and MikeyMikey are openly staring!

Leonardo grins over Addy's head - he will do all he could with the others help to make sure Addy did not over do it.


Addy tries not to be scared of this form, but honestly it was the closest she had ever come to an actual dragon! Okay a once Leo now Dragon! She pats Leo's side recalling last time the check the stones. " Your welcome Leo, just go save them okay? remember thats the side of the river they will be on - and by the looks of this last toss, thank you Donno, go line up with the others, we are a couple of hours out... fly hard and fast, we;ll be along as quick as we can, Mikey take this..." shoving a leather rucksack his way. " its some care supplies encase yous need them and a fire work if yous are a little of course and need us to be able to find yous." she will worry... and also -


A bit of a start as Mike - mostly thanks to Leo's kick in this form finally makes the connection and grows, closing his claws around the rucksack. " the little ones will be safe. I promise."


Mike can't help the huff laugh at her start but more importantly bending his neck and nuzzling the little boys, curled around each other and sleepily their eyes half open watching them, two perfectly little half dragons! And they giggle as he puffs smoke over them -


And he launches himself into the air to get out of the way failing to notice it sent the boat rocking and tilting like crazy but out of the way so Leo could lift off too!


Rooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar! he thundered joyously! flying was awesome!


Anyone with good hearing probably had to cover their ears at that!


Leonardo is impressed!


Lilo is uuuuuup - she takes the moment in which her hand was in Raph's to tuck up closer and snuggle in briefly, kiss and hum against his cheek, " you are verrrrry comfortable to sleep against." she giggles and - then cowers a little against Raph's side - the three omegas, Kovu and Dana dragging MikeyMikey all dived behind Raphael -


or at least foxy tried, shivering and close to MikeyMikey watchign the dragons - " ooooh sand snorters there are... two oo ooo dragons!" squeaky voiced!


DonnieBoy is - " ooooh thats fascinating!" thoroughly enchanted!


Leo's brief touch would find the warmth and happiness of two very content little boys, safe and snuggled and so loved they both sooort of wake, and even manage to sooth the elundari spirit a bit with their happiness and make the entire chi finding and focusing all the easier for a master like Leo - and able to better kick start the struggling Mike into his form. And now both lazily giggle Duncan waving away the little bit of smoke over them and watching daddyMike take to the air - mimicking his happy roars with their own oh so little ones! Tails a wagging and now both looking eagerly up at daddyLeo from their nest!

Donno is wowed by the transformations, but hurries off when Addy instructed him to. Raph sort of half pats Lilo's hand as she hides behind him. Like his brothers, he is awed, but not afraid of the dragons.

Sure they're large, but he's seen them in the astral encounters, so isn't concerned.

MikeyMikey allows himself to be pulled, but doesn't actually go behind Raphael, he wants to watch!

"Dudes, it's, like, just Leo and Mike. Not like they're gonna hurtcha."

~~

Leo can't really speak in this form. The response to Leonardo is a barely there nod. One his counterpart would understand with the eye contact, but that wouldn't mean anything to anyone else. He then bows his head, acknowledging Addy's information. If she allows it, he gently and affectionately presses his, large, dragony forehead to her small, furry one when she promises that the kids will be safe.

Leo had been close to the kids when Mike took off. The fond sigh and head shake as Mike rocks the boat is all Leo. A surprisingly familiar gesture even in dragon form! He steps up to the kids fully, gives them a dragony nuzzle, and another warmed breath before backing clear and taking off himself, much more gently, and even counteracting what remained of Mike's rocking! Leo flies straight up, then turns and soars a circle around the boat, a sort of salute.

Once clear of the ship, so as to not deafen his companions, he roars his own call. Louder, deeper and longer than Mike's. Leo's roar is very much a perturbed and searching alpha's warning. Someone is messing with his family, and a wise creature would stay out of his way. Then Leo races after his brother.

Addy allows it, and her shiver is not of fear there is a whisper of " immmmpressive." - moving with the rock and tilt and plunge of the boat when Mike takes off, thankful for Leo countering the motion and settling them...


Sort of - but it creating wakes which continued to rock them... but was useful - she grins over at the crew moving to the little boys and rubbing their little plastrons, they still were not entirely ready, churry and purry happy to have had their fathers attentions letting the boat rock and move a little away from the tree, watching the dragons out of sight for a moment.


DonnieBoy is eeeeeeeing as hoping on the spot. " that is - like hooooow is Mike flying!.... or Leo! their bodies are not the modt aerodynamic!" is he excited? yes! is he catching onto his counterpart as he comes back to them? yes! and totally trying to affix the images in his head to maybe discuss and explore just hooooooooow those dragons flew - " iiiis it all magic you reckon?" to Donno!


Leonardo laughs and waves away the dragons, he'll give Leo the props for that roar later - and totally got a taste of his own medicine for his first roar! but in a great way! amused by DonnieBoys enthusiasm and reaching behind him to comfort a frightened and cowering Kovu.


Raphael chuckles and side steps so MikeyMikey is not hidden with the quivering foxy lady. " still unnerving their bigger than even I in that form."


Her pointing ears shooting up at that and a nod at MikeyMikey, " ooooh I know... I think, it's just... sooo... scary!" but how often does one get this close to dragons these days!? still she is happy to view from here and vibrate with nervous energy as well as wag her tail.


Lilo is all but climbing Raph's shell - a mix of excitement and fear and ooooh also here she could hum right in his ear hole nad curl her tail around him!


Addy turns away from little boys, both soothed a bit half back to napping and half watching them all - Malcolm waving at MikeyMikey and Donno lazily from his comfy spot! " alright crew, Sam, Pip, Monroe last checks on those sails keep them clean and tight. Leonardo, Rapahel swap sides, Raph and DonnieBoy join Leonardo's side Raph you on the oar in front of him, Donnieboy you on the one behind, Donno and MikeyMikey move to Raphael's side, Donno you in front and MikeyMikey behind. Lilo join MikeyMikey, Dana Raph, Kovu... you will be with Donno, Monroe once you are finished join DonnieBoy. Pip you line up with Raphael, Sam Leonardo please." Quickly assessing her crew members and where best they can offset each other and that hopefully moved those most likely to distract each other apart.


And as she waits for everyone to get into place she will stand near drum, and smile down at the sleepy eye babies nestled close by. And this was why the rest was important, now they would be rowing hard, but hopefully not as for long at a hard pace and until the night winds blow back up and they can offset with some wind power again. She waits for them to be ready before she will give next instructions.

There was only so much that Leo's departure could do to tame the aftermath of Mike's! The rocking is at least less violent.

MikeyMikey chuckles at Raphael and Dana.

"Dudes, just be glad they're on our side!"

Raph is amused by Lilo's reaction, and hey, he's definitely not complaining. Not with her tail like that, and so well positioned to hum in his ear!

Donno is watching as the dragons head off.

"Gotta be magic. No way either of them can actually use those wings to fly..."

And Addy is calling them to positions! All three run off to where she directed them. They're ready! They have some dragons to catch!

Mike can't help doing a few loop de loops in the air as they go! the sheer joy!


Flying was really something else entirely and even if he was - and even more so after Leo's roar - desperate to rescue -

Addy waits, she knows as the dragons disappear into the distance that she and the dozen crew will have to work hard to catch up with them. Thus the rest.


She clears her mind of the distracting worries of Leo and his brothers, she would have to trust he would be okay. she faces her crew. " I am going to beat the drum, I will set a steady pace, Listen to the tones carefully please." she is firm as she tells them even if she adds manners.


She finds a crew works better if their asked kindly to give their all.


And they were going to have to do that to make it in time to either give aid in a battle or give first aid. " We you hear this note," she taps the center of the standing large war drum, the sound is deep throated and short because of the way she struck it. " Dana, Raph, Donno and Kovu you will take a stroke. This is the motion and you will need to plant your feet to heave these oars, please use leg muscles not back to push through, only use shoulders to keep oar moving." she shows them the motion, taking her time to show each row even if they had seen it before, she makes sure they can do it, making the ship stagger a few times forward. Then drift a little in the current.


It was killing her to tamp down impatience. But she manages, she wanted to have as fewer strains, pulled muscles and fatigue as possible.


" Sam, Leonardo, Raphael, Pip you guys will stroke on his sound." Off center on the drum there the sound more a thrum than a boom. " Monroe, DonnieBoy, MikeyMikey and Lilo your stroke sound will be." on the edge of the drum, a staccato bong noise. " Take moments between your strokes to stretch and breath."


She was going to have to get the little ones to get water to rowers. And so she begins to show the waking little ones how to, firm rules to stay in the middle of the rows, no where they are in the way of the rowers or oars. Just where they can hand out water.


They were going to be exhausted.


And so were her rowers.


Alright little ones are in the middle of the rowing areas where she can see them, she settles the drum stick with it's padded end in her hand and takes a deep breath to begin. Its a pace that feels slow at first when they start out, but really its a steady on and that is best for them. The boom, rest, rest, thrum, rest, rest, bong, rest, rest...


And so on and so on. She was careful to count her moments - and knew Leonardo was watching her for strain. But this was a pace that wouldn't put her injury at risk of aggravation.


But they were a ways yet from catching up to the Riverside Rescue -

Donno, Raph and MikeyMikey do all listen attentively as Addy gives the tones for the drums. And even though they are, as a group, a bit more laid back than some of the other groups, all three take direction very well and they do a good job of keeping with Addy's beat as well as following her instruction on how to row without hurting themselves.

Like Addy, all three of them are impatient, though doing their best to keep it under wraps. Leon is in the group that Mike and Leo just raced off to help. And with the way the dragons rushed off, they can't help but worry about their brother as they row.

Still, even Raph is managing to keep any stress induced snark to himself.

At least with the rowing, it does feel like they're doing something. They're working to get to the other group, even if they all wish there was a way to go faster.

They are taking those moments between strokes to stretch, breathe and maybe get a sip of water or pat a nearby little one on the head.

All three know it's going to be a long couple hours to catch up with the dragons that flew on ahead, and they are doing their absolute best to follow Addy's instructions, trusting her to get them there as quickly as she can. They know just as well as she does that sometimes slow and steady is really the way to go.

They are turtles after all.