Iluka Islands. Many sea faring peopls a major township in this collection of tropical islands.

Raphael enjoys the contact and chuckles, [i]' ya know we will bro, and he has like three fangirls right here, already been given a drying bath by the kittycat. Hah yeah Leo he sooo did, Raph and I found it sweetly endearing.'[i] He beams at the contact it felt amazing and reassuring and he didn't mind sharing some with the other turtles out there.


Very pleased they could now feel them all for sure.


Even the little guys!


Amuuuused at the Leo's Mikey's enthusiasm.

There is a soft groan. Leo had forgotten how hard it had been for Master Splinter to keep Don out of trouble when they were kids. Not because he was fighting with anyone like the rest of them, but because he simply disappeared into the background doing his own thing and... they would turn around and find he had done something like disassemble a microwave that he manged to get from who knows where. It's not like they went on solo junk yard runs when they were seven.

Then there was that time he managed to get into the cleaning supplies and mixed a bunch of them. Another miracle that they all survived.

Ooohhh... what has he gotten himself into... Not that he's backing out! Just... oh... what has he gotten himself into...

Leo felt Leonardo join him in spreading strength to the team that was trying to unite, and break out the two drugged turtles. Between that, and Mike's enthusiastic greeting, he turned his attention once more to Mike and the turtles with him.

Raphael chuckles the conversation from the other turtles and Leo's Mike sounded like it was coming though a water looged radio - only because he wasn't as practiced at this as Leonardo and probably most the Leo's here so offering strength and remaining focus was taking most his concentration!

And reasonably assured for now his brothers Donatello and Michelangelo were well enough for the time being Leonardo is content to just enhance the strength of the connection, the shared offered strength and to be 'close' to Raphael in this as they can be, both breaking out into deep contented sort of churring that echoed into the astral world and vibrated with their sort of alert contentment.

Leo and Raph are both back from where they had been talking to their brothers. They haven't come out of their meditation yet though, and instead just join in with the big guys for awhile. Offering strength to whatever turtles out there may need it.

Raph is content, glad his brothers are doing better. He adds an additional contented churr to the connection.

Leo... is not so content, but he accepts some assurance from the connection then joins into the chorus as well. Adding his own strength and energy to the connection once more.

Duncan is becoming restless. He can't see his fave big turtle, and is pouting at the rock and pebble and bone he was deciding on adding to piles...


but he is still behaving...


Pouting and bottom lip stuck all the way out and gazing out at the rain and storm beyond... but the sound he wanted to let loose was still held in... then he'd go through the routine of touching and smelling but not tasting the items in his hands and placing them in the piles then back to gazing, waiting - big purple eyes looking to Addy.

She can feel and see the restlesslness and sighs a little, " he will be back Duncan.... patience a little longer..." she tugs the boy closer into the curve of her belly smiling a bit when the pouty face grows even more so and he drops his current distraction to just nestle against her for a moment, snuggling she purrs fluffy tail moving to tease the boy a little on the snout with it's fluffy from the gromming and drying efforts fur.


If he still looks sad in a bit she'll have to give into the urge to lick him again, not to clean or dry him it'll be only for comfort, she'll purr loud and lick his face, that ridiculously hug adorable pout and big eyes.


For now she lets him run hands through her side fur gripping now and then and snuggle against her many nipples along her belly.

A chuckle of a rumble, it is soft and he lightly bumps against Leo's Mike in returne, feels Raphael add to it, their silent reassurance they would.


A tad bit of amusement for Leonardo, but he had no intention of not taking care of Leo. As much as it would probably drive his fellow alpha, leader and big brother insane. So he won't be too overt about it. Sides he admired the slightly younger Leo, true the guy was a bit wrong footed to think he or Raphael... Dontallo or Michelangelo would abandon this world, especially if there was babies to come back to and father not just donate sperm for.... but his ire was understandable and admirably so.


He hangs on as long as the turtles all need feeling Donatello's excitement and Michelangelo's rising mood and cheer and more importantly focus. Raphael's voice comes through with the rumbling churrs. Both the bigger turtles waiting patiently for when Leo was ready to leave the connection. " be safe out there guys and most importantly travel as soon as you can, can't keep the little guy content for ever."



" we'll do our best Raphael and Raph, just keep our little team safe.' it's a gently put sentence because he trusted between two Raphs they would indeed keep the three gals and the baby in hand.


Raphael sort of 'bumps' against Leo now, no they were not the guys brothers - but they were there for him. Leonardo's churrs grow louder from it enjoying the affection and adding to it.

Leo had missed Mike’s contact with his larger counterpart. It was probably for the best. Leo might have been indignant about it. He did catch the chuckle, and sort if wondered about it.

He felt the bump from Raphael, and accepted it, pausing briefly before responding in kind.

”We’ll be back as soon as we can.” Leo added to his counterpart’s promise.

He was ready to break the connection, but before he does so, he wraps some energy around Duncan, giving him some reassurance that everything is okay, and he’ll be back soon.

Raph gave Mike his own subtle affirmative! He was sure the big guys would have Little Blue's back, and while Raph would do his best, he had a feeling his place might be more helping keep him from being too serious. Yeah, he could at least do that.

When the contact ended, it took Raph a moment to fully come back. But when he does, he's all grins.

"I can't believe that actually worked!"

And maybe... just maybe... that whole thing was cool enough that he's starting to understand why Master Splinter and the Leos seem to enjoy this meditation stuff.

Or at least he's beginning to understand what it's capable of.

Raphael is coming away from Leo and Leonardo slowly letting the connection drop and breathing deep, glancing about, Kovu was still on watch looking out - Lilo against her and gazing out the other way. Addy was curled up about Duncan...


He chuckles and knuckles Raph's shoulder, " pretty cool huh? I mean it's still not something I'll do all the time at home but here with limited phone service I am thrilled to as you are to be able to do that." so very pleased they managed it, it worked.


Duncan was less pouty and maybe reassured by the sense of Leo even if he was wondering about it because he could see or touch the big turtle! still he could Addy and relishes the 'presence' of his fave big turtle whilst burrowing against her purring body.

Raph chuckles and actually gets up. Moving once more to Lilo and at least joining her on watch. He looks out for a moment before chuckling at his counterpart.

"Yeah, and we don't even have to reverse the charges."

He glances back at Addy and the little turtle curled against her. Then to Kovu and finally Raph looks back to his counterpart.

"How far do you suppose they are?"

There is a happy hummmmmm and Lilo shifts, turning to give Raph a teasing, a light and soft and thankful nuzzle from neck crook to ear hole. Her tail curling gently over him.


Raphael grins and moves, rolling his massive shoulders and cracking knuckles he was an action turtle this forced inaction was making him restless. Still he'll be a good boy and work on his patience a bit. " exactly! haha no charges reverse or otherwise - best phone service ever." he laughs and stands on the other end of the storm watching line, Addy he realised was mostly listening not watching her ears turning to them and then back out into the rain to listen. Kovu was more watching from his side of things and Lilo with Raph.


The next question made him shrug a bit, " I can't be sure but I think we'd probably hear each other if we shouted. No need for roaring."

Leonardo lets the energies fade naturally and he comes out of it slowly. And in a display of brotherly affection shifts, letting his shoulder bump lightly against Leo's. The Nymph had come closer to them, watching them curiously. And Leonardo did not object to her being curious over his tattoos.


He was proud of them really and given that most of their scars were from a time that predated their mutation. The few they did have and remained, Raphael's burned on mark, the rang of tattoos, were a testament to Donnie's ingenious thinking... and their pain tolerance. As most of them came with a server burning as well as inking to by pass their healing ability.


" your Michelangelo and my own are quiet similar in personality, open, caring, loving, fun turtles with a taste for companionship, easy love and adventure." a compliment of course, who wouldn't be proud of such a younger brother?

There's a slight smile and a soft, "heh..." at the shoulder bump. He appreciated it, just... isn't quite sure what to do about it yet.

As the nymph checks out the larger Leonardo's tattoos, Leo takes the opportunity to scoot away slightly. Not far, just... slightly.

There's a slight chuckle at this larger Leo's definition of Mikey. It's not untrue.

"He can also be a cocksure, over-exuberant pain in the shell... with a girly scream." Leo added, though it's stated with a slight chuckle and definite fondness in his tone. No... Leo definitely loves his brother, despite the words he just spoke.

Even as he said the words, missing his brothers right now is almost physically painful. Sure, he'd just gotten a chance to talk to Mike, but... oh he missed them.

He's still listening and feeling their surroundings, but Leo half curls up nearby. Just sort of... actually allowing himself to be lonely for his brothers. At least for a little while. He knows they're at least safe for the time being and he's grateful for that! But... they're still all so very far away.

A deep chuckling, a soft churl for the nymph, he doesn't mind she is looking, tracing his markings, the paint on his shell, unlike Raphael he didn't yet have the tag 'Mikey was here' painted on the carapace.


He is a giant knob at times, but he is also a big brother and can imagine how it would feel to be away from all of them, and probably with the knowledge his brothers were equally as alone in this world as he is... At least Leonardo had Raphael.


But they were also not alone, true it was not their brethren but they were interdimensional brothers.


So the big guy doesn't get up in Leo's space, he doesn't give him lame 'leonisms' or splinterisms that are always awesome he simply -


rumbles his churrs so loud it'd vibrate.... against the rocky ground he decided to roll onto his plastron on - sort of making it perfectly clear to the nymph he was not up to mating with her but also allowing her explorations as much as she wanted to. And he could see she was as interested in Leo too. Also the position left plenty of room for Leo to join him when he was ready or not and simply hear it from over there...


Not enticement, not healing. Just a brother rumble that made the little pebbles and rocks about him bounce and shift a tiny bit. his big and icy blue eyes watching - listening, feeling their surroundings.

Leo sighs at the rumble, accepting it for what it is. He knows he's not really alone, that he has allies here, interdimensional brothers, but... It doesn't stop him from missing his own, and he's really feeling their absence right now. Though Leonardo is here, and Leo appreciates the brotherly churr... there's still a hole that the larger counterpart can't even begin to fill.

He does eventually sort of pull himself back out enough to churr a response. Leo gets it. He does. He hears the words that aren't said in that low rumble.

Leo rolls onto his own plastron, resting his head on his arms for the time being. His lighter churr still pairing with the deeper, lower rumble of his counterpart.

If the nymph comes over, he will acknowledge her with a polite smile, but not much more than that. He's just laying there, resting, listening, sensing.

Waiting for the storm to let up so they can move and get back to their companions.

Their rumbling was almost melodic and Leonardo watches Leo, he doesn't say much for a while just letting their rumbles be there, and the curious nymph sate her curiosity about Leo as she had him.


" I'm sorry yous are all apart, Your brothers and yourself... come on lets get this pretty nymph moving, a little bit of rain wont hurt us and our scabbards are not too dry that another drenching will matter much..." Annnnd he is tired of waiting really.


He couldn't be the companion his counterpart needed right now - but there was a cat woman and a little boy who might take the sting of the absences away for a time - if only because she was on the last of her sweet smelling days and Leo had grown close to her and that sweet smart little tot.


Perfect distractions and though the nymph spoken nothing off their language unlike Kovu she definitely understood when Leonardo stood and seemed to take up more space than usual, he was projecting a demanding sort of command, soft rumble changing tempo to a lightly more edgy one with a slight growl tinge. putting his swords back in place and waiting for Leo to do the same the nymph getting what they want and sending a wild call out into the rain - then listening hard. Kovus return call was echoed once by a male nymph somewhere between them and she gestures for the two turtles, if they were coming to come now.

Leo just sort of lays there as the nymph sates her curiosity. Aside from the soft churr, his demeanor is almost apathetic. He gives his counterpart a slight appreciative smile, acknowledging the comment about his brothers.  Not much he can do other than get moving again, and Leo nods in agreement. He takes a moment to recenter himself before getting up.

Really, it’s the sort of situation when he would let Raph drag him up anyway, so he’s relatively content to follow his counterpart at the moment.

By the time he’s on his feet, any trace of the sad child missing his brothers is gone. And the confident ninja is back. And similar to the larger turtle, he also gives off an air of filling the space he’s in. He is not churring though, and for the moment will follow. The larger Leonardo is the one who established contact with the nymphs.

He takes off silently after the nymph and his counterpart.

“If there’s anything else like that troll slime, mine might be a lost cause...” he comments of his scabbards. They had taken a bit of a beating just in the cleanup process after that! Never mind the water damage that may have been sustained.

Leonardo shrugs a little, and their moving he tugs his swords free of their scabbards again and slows their travelling, " Well we could go one scabbard each until we reach the port and get a hold on something more substantial I guess if you'd like... have a feeling we will indeed find grosser things than troll goop."


He makes a loud sound - sort of a lions territorial call, but it wasn't and since he sensed Raphael was closer he didn't send out that searching roar, this time just a call - pausing the Nymph too she sent her own sounds out and to Leonardo's relief he hears Raphael's returning low sound.... he grins at Leo, " wanna give that one a try? it's helpful for finding brothers who are in hiding."


~~~


Raphael hears the sound, sending it back and grins. " their coming." softly, for Raph as the ladies were mostly dozing right now content and secure feeling with him and his counterpart on watch.

Leo offers his counterpart a smile. He appreciates it. Really. "Thanks... I think I can keep them together a little longer. Hopefully until we get to the port." This does depend a bit on the weather and any battles they may come across. He's been taught how to make his own scabbards, but he at least needs material to do it.  Hopefully at least that could be found in the port.

The searching call irks Leo, though definitely not to the extent as that first roar. He grits his teeth against it. It's not as loud, not as insistent, but it does have that same sort of demand that the original searching roar did.

Once he manages to calm down again, he sort of gives the larger turtle a slight dubious glance before attempting to imitate the roar.

And it started out okay... then broke and turned into something closer to a chirp.

Well... that went well... Leo's normal spring green coloring flushes brown and he focuses on where he's walking.

Leonardo wants to gently laugh. But he doesn't and there isn't even a sigh of it around his sort of gentle gaze. But heck that was adorable!


" it's all in the practice like everything, and best thing the sounds confuse most enemies. And in some cases reaches a deep primal part of the human animal and scares them. Freaks them out.... Donatello thinks they might be subconsciously acting on dormant instincts learned when humans where prey -" he goes quiet Raphael had responded to Leo all the same - but most importantly and adorably and in a call that caught even Leonardo off guard and caused their Wal to return to a quicker run and his sword to remain free of the scabbard -


~

Duncan hears the sound then he is scrambling excited and making Addy eeeek to catch and hold him just out of the rain, his call warbling and loud and all for Leo -


His shell clicking, opening and the call for the parent long and drawn out!

Leo siiiighs. He understands the whole practice thing, just like anything else, but... He's not excited to go out and chirp like that again either. Though it does sound like a useful sound against at least human opponents.

He heard Raphael's call back... then Duncan's. And Leo is off, his swords remain in their scabbards for now, but he can draw them almost as quickly as most he's met can lift them. At the moment, he would prefer to use his hands to help him make his way through the jungle. Leapfrogging over downed logs, an occasional swing on a branch as he follows the child's call.

He does not call back to Duncan at the moment, instead just hurrying to get back to him.

Raph sort of looked at his counterpart questioningly at the strange calls he was making. He was pretty sure he figured it out the second time though. And he startled slightly when the child opened his shell and called out like he did.

"Ah... there are the wings." He's sort of amused and amazed. Chuckling slightly as Addy struggles to keep the child from rushing out in the rain!

Leonardo stays out of Leo's way, or sort of with his own weapon out if he judges there is a tangle too deep he does part the ways otherwise he is to the side and hanging back, both as fast and silent as jungle cats - that boys calls long and loud and if nothing else the pull to respond to them is strong.


And there.... barely able to be seen - they would be among the cave dwellers before they knew they were there if the little fellow kept making that noise and Leonardo is quiet puckish when he wants to be. Eager to arrive among them like a shadow, in silence -


And they are there - Leonardo punching Raphael's arm and knuckling Raph's gently his sword going away.



Lilo had mostly ignored the nose and activity snuggling Raph her tail light and soft fur warm and silky from the finger combing. eeeeping amid nuzzles to Raph's shoulder when suddenly the two blue wearing turtles are there!


Raphael had ignored the look, but some time he was going to have to teach his counterpart to make them and whhhyyy then a grin - and burst of laughter becoming a grunt when Leonardo is there! and Leo he didn't doubt but before he can retailiate and just as he is commenting. " oooh yeah I definitely see more dragon about the kiiiid now." watching amused as Leonardo pauses, grinning is approached by Kovu, the other nymph fading away. "about time ya guys tracked us down ya slow pokes." poke of tongue, his teasing meaning he is all the more pleased they are there.


Annnnd Addy is distracted but keeping a hold of Duncan barely who was wriggling and eagerly reaching - rather blindly as he couldn't see Leo any better than the rest of them, she expects Leo will appear and take and snug the little guy so she hold the eager little guy waiting...

Leo ghosts in like his counterpart, though he is perfectly capable of puckish behavior, this time it is simply him needing to get there. Arriving alongside Leonardo, Leo fully bypasses the red-wearing turtles. They are not even a blip on his radar.

He is a bit surprised by the wings, despite the fact that he had been told about them. There is no hesitation though as he scoops up the child, hugging him close. Nuzzling the boy and churring softly. It’s a gentle, comforting one.

There’s a moment of focusing on the child before he searches for Addy too. Shifting to pull her into the hug as well. There’s a slight sigh of relief being reunited with them. He still misses his brothers, but this is something, and for now he’s content with that.

Raph had been sort of half watching their surroundings and half paying attention to Lilo. He laughs as the Leonardos return!

The knuckling to the shoulder, though gentle for the larger turtle, is just enough to force Raph to rebalance! Guys are BIG! But he's grateful to see the two blue masked turtles.

He's not the least bit surprised when Little Blue has other priorities, but he snarks all the same.

"Well there's a fine howd'yado."

Leonardo breaks out a laugh - he is most amused by Raph's words and with a playing daaaawwwww he catches the smaller turtle up and hugs him. " better/" all in play he knew it was a tease snark after all! Lilo heeeeeys and tugs lightly with her tail still wrapped about Raph she was dragged closer too and now is half in the hug too giggling and very amused.


Kovu is watching, waiting, smiling glad they all seemed much happier to be back together.


Laughing a bit and crossing his arms, though noting the small boy still had to put some weight on - too thin under his shell! - he is very much amused - even more so when Leonardo dawwws and yanks himself and Kovu into the snug - mostly to squish poor Raph and Lilo he is certain!


Addy dawwwww she'd stepped back a little glad for the save, geeeze for a little guy who definitely looked lik ehe needed even more good food still though she knew since first seeing him he was beginning to put on the toddler wait, still he needed more... awwwww it was cute to watch the little boys delight and his happy chirps - nuzzling into Leo wings akimbo and half wrapping about the big shoulders with his little arms and hands. " oooh!' she'd not expected to be drawn into the hug too! But is glad, and purrs for them both nuzzling the kid not minding it meant sometimes nuzzling Leo or meeting his nuzzles in the process, even licking him at times. Her tail wrapping about the two special guys.

While Leo is aware of the goings on behind him, it might seem as though he isn't. Though certainly Leonardo and probably Raphael too would know better. He is currently focused on Duncan and Addy.

He doesn't mind the nuzzling or occasional licks from Addy. In fact, he returned some of the nuzzling he received from Addy

Leo holds them tightly for another moment before releasing Addy a bit hesitantly and letting his churr fade. He sort of resettles Duncan so he can look at the child's wings. He touches them gently. There's a bit of awe in his expression. Sure, Don had told them that the kids had wings, but some little part of Leo hadn't quite believed it until now.

Between that and the healing abilities in their blood and looking like genio innocuo... Leo doesn't even want to imagine what these kids might be worth to the wrong parties.

"Your wings are amazing, Duncan. Thank you for sharing them with us."

Sure, they're alone for now, but how long will that last? Leo hugs the boy again, disappointed that in a moment, he's going to have to tell the child that he's going to have to hide his wings away again.

"Ack!" Raph is caught up in the giant hug by Big Blue! He chuckles as Lilo pulls on him a bit before Raphael and Kovu are all pulled in too.

"Much. It's not a reunion until there's a shell crushing."

He is glad to see the Leos. He might have returned the hug, but... he can't really move with the way he's squished in here. It's not a bad spot to be though. If he's going to be squished... this is the way to go!

" hah! ya not kidding!" Raphael grins and with a jerk of his muscles he frees himself from the hug - and joins back in this time as the bear hugger not huggee, squeezing the group - showing off that he can lift all of them like this - Leonardo included.


And randomly nuzzles heads, not care who he got and or how many times just playfully joining in the reunion and maybe as long as Leo or Leonardo are not favouring anything reassuring himself their both in reasonably good shape and not too injured. Though he can already see their scabbards maybe a little damaged.

Leonardo laughs and his effort to let the group becomes a Raphael dominating hug, a bear hugging Raphael hug! that squished and mushed them together, though he is at least bracing his arms a little so that Raph and Lilo and Kovu can breath whilst the boa constrictor arms of the bear hugger wrap around them. It was very amusing.


Kovu was not used to this close proximity and touching and indeed the strength of the hug! buuuut she is close to the plastron of Leo sooo enjoys the moment.


Lilo meanwhile giggles and hums, not in the aroused way Raph had her doing, more amused than anything, not aware the BigL was keeping them from being squished by Raphael.


Sure he and Leonardo were aware of the snuggling going on behind them but for the moment they pretended not to and allow Leo some moments just with Addy and Duncan. Leonardo more so because he knew the company of the two was needed by his counterpart. So he was happy to not fight Raphael off yet - just protect the smaller bodies from the Raphael bear hug and be close to this own brother.



Addy purrs she doesn't drop her tail or move too far back when Leo lets her go, marvelling herself at the wings, spreading touching, spreading them a little more, " He and his brother really are something incredible huh?" mostly pride, cause she had grown quiet attached to the little guy and always thought he was something very special, but this... was both awe inspiring and worrisome.


Duncan senses Leo needed them, so he is all happy chirps and nuzzling, snuggling hanging on and cuddling when resettled to the side, not minding his wings being looked at - small shivers and giggles when their fingers brush ticklish spots. unawares around his mouth, snout and fingers he still had the minerally smell of the stones, pebbles, bones and dirt he'd been investigating.

Leo is aware of what's going on behind him, and he doesn't pay it much mind. He's still focused on Duncan and Addy.

"They really, really are." He responds to Addy. Agreeing wholeheartedly. And he definitely agrees. Duncan and his brothers are incredible little creatures, and he just hopes that they can protect the little guys through... whatever is going to happen here.

When Duncan resettles, snuggling into him, Leo moves to pull Addy back into the embrace while Raphael gives the others a bear hug.

And with the squawking coming from the smaller Raph, Leo figures that him being here with Addy and Duncan is probably for the best!

He lingers a moment before he's ready to move. And when he is, it's back to business. He's mostly addressing Lilo, Kovu - if she understands his question - and his counterpart, but he's interested in input from anyone in the group.

"What do you think? It's been a bit of a day, do we wait this out and rest awhile or get moving again?"

Raph is pretty sure Big Blue is keeping them from being crushed! He couldn't swear to it, but he's pretty sure. And it does give the phrase 'bear hug' a new meaning.

And he'd thought Mikey's bear hugs were bad! HA!

"Yes, yes, Big Guy, we all missed the Boys in Blue. And Oxygen is definitely optional."

He squirmed just a little. He was actually sort of enjoying the embrace, (especially that Lilo is sort of being buried against him!) But hey, he wouldn't be him if he didn't complain about it a little.

This time Addy is a bit surprised by the pull back into the embrace and this time she simply nuzzles, tail unwrapping a little, though she is very content to be close. brushing her fingers light over Leo's arm and over the little boys wings. Purring as he churrs.


smiling at the way he yawwwwns widely. Well I am for moving, though I know that we may have to wait out the rain."

Raphael laughs and knows Leonardo is protecting the bundle from his powerful grip and slightly playfully squeezes tighter - just a little before gently placing them all down with a huge siiiigh, " well for turtles yes somewhat optional but maybe the lady needs to breath yeah?" all in gruff amusement and churring bumping fists with Leonardo.


A more secret and sort of 'glad ya back bro.' sort of gesture.

Once they were released, Raph made a bit of a show of brushing some sort of invisible ick off of Lilo. With the giggling and humming that had been going on, he's pretty sure she's fine.

"He hugs like a mountain troll, but at least he smells better." Raph commented. "Sort of."

He then looks to the others, waiting for a response to Little Blue. Raph doesn't really care at this point. He's fine with either.

"Hey, what's another drenching between friends."

Lilo is all happy noodley giggles when released and all but manages a happy purr hum in response to Raph's touch catching the hand, " it could have smelt worst that much is certain." she agrees nuzzling the hand and tugging Raph closer again, just to lightly touch snout to snout.


And then she gives the very serious once again Leo all her attention and humphs a bit, " I don't like going out there again in the rain to get wet so quickly... but... we should move on the hunters will eventually widen their search and locate this spot we don't want to be hemmed in. And the quicker we get ahead again the better or the hunters might decide to go ahead and seize the port and will make it hard for us to make a market because we'll be fighting to free the port peoples and local trade from bandits. And the more time we are carrying around sacks of those eggs and silk the more we risk very venomous hatchlings reaching hatching age and possibly biting one or more of us or breaking them and rendering them useless for trade."


She nods to Duncan, " he can walk for a bit in the rain but I would sling him, there are predators out there, the nymphs were one of them but with Kovu among us I don't think they'll attack let alone a child. But there are others and natural bestial ones that will view him as an easy target. Sides he might get washed away in a sudden flood if it catches us unawares and he's not in the sling." she covers it all... she was ready to go but she was not going to honey coat the dangers both options presented especially where the toddler was concerned.

Leonardo and Raphael listen, Leonardo chuckling and offering knuckles to Raph, " noooo kidding though think the rain wash probably helped with that."


" enjoy it, after this rain I will have reached by drenching quota and aim to get stinky again." Raphael warns, totally faking, hey he likes washing. Unlike Michelangelo who sometimes tried to live out some sort of wild fantasy of being a sewer dwelling modern pizza loving day hippie.


Then Lilo begins and the two massive turtles listen, Raphael offering a shrug afterwards, " well I plan to get stinky so a little more running in the rain will be fine with me... not that I am suddenly wanting to get rid of those eggs as soon as turtley possible." iccccck - grooooossssss and iiiiick!


Duncan is not sure what their talking about - he is enjoying the hugging and tracing his fingers on Leo's skin chattering in a mix of his new words and his sounds about the pebbles and rocks and bones eyes on Leos watching him address the group, his wings flapping a little, unevenly and out of sync and briefly because he had barely any muscle development there.


Addy chuckles she was adoring the little guy, she was not happy about possibly moving on but she knew Lilo was right, she'd laid out perfectly good reasons to move on. She purrs nuzzling the two again then moves away to find the sling. It was still damp but that hardly mattered as it was going to get wet again.

Leo is considering Lilo's words. And yes... nooooo one wants poisonous baby spinotods hatching on them. He nods. Agreeing that they should probably get a move on, and Duncan should definitely be on someone's back. He frowns a bit considering that.

"When's the last time you went pee, Duncan?"

He's frowning a bit as he waits for an answer from the child. But back to transporting the child. He doesn't mind carrying the kiddo. Actually, he rather likes to carry Duncan. But it sort of ties his hands a little if they have to fight. And since the hunters are a very real threat, he's not sure what to do. Addy had him for a long time earlier.

"Um... I can carry him."

Leo was almost startled by the offer. He'd been pretty sure the smaller Raph barely even liked the kid.

"Look, it makes sense."

And... it did. Raph was stronger and had better endurance than the girls did. And he had watched Addy struggling there at the end. He didn't really want to cause that again.  The Leos and Larger Raph were stronger fighters than Raph was, though he can hold his own. He can manage the kid's weight better than the girls can, and he had sort of bonded with the kid a bit.

"Um... okay..."

"You don't need to sound so shocked about it."

But Leo was shocked by it! Still... it did make sense. And he goes about taking Duncan to go pee. Who knows when the next easy opportunity would be. Might as well take advantage of them being stationary now.

Duncan was all but happy to pretend he didn't need to pee at all! but but...


now that Leo mentioned it he wriggled and squirmed and wondered about all that had been said as Leo and he move away from the others, " weees Da weeeees?" he is eager indeed! tail becoming to stiff to wag and the tip of doodle poking out.

Addy grins a little, she was not looking forward to moving on, but she was a sailor so the rain wouldn't bother he much and the use of muscles again. It was just... moving again so soooon - ah well she'll make do. And no complaints following Leo and Duncan a little smiling at the boy and murmuring to Leo, " careful of his rock and bone piles he made..." guiding them around the small piles Duncan had been amusing himself with. And maybe showing them off a little.


After all the kid managed to put the collections of stones, rocks, pebbles and bone into their own piles. And she could tell mostly all correctly, quiet the clever boy.

And Raphael hears Addy mumble half sheepish, half guilty and all grateful to Raph on the way after Leo and Duncan, " thanks Raph."


He grins and nudges his counterpart, " hahahaa kid grew on ya huh?" and glad for the little guy, after all it was a rare opportunity to be around, play and care for a smaller mutant turtle.


He and Leonardo both smiling at Leo and Duncan and both sighing at the same time, " can't wait to be a dad." and grin sideways at each other.


In fact Leonardo saying it with him gave the big red dew rag wearing turtle hope they'll be back here, back to find out if they would be. And with their dad probably.

Awwwwwww Lilo eeeees softly, in a sort of weirdish girly squeeeee hummm and she pecks Raph's cheek.


Hey she got the standofishness with the kid, but also it had been fun to see them getting a long a bit, and bonding and now further, a grin that cat lady thanked him and giggle at Raphael's sort of play tease, but mostly gladness for his fellow Raph.


" thanks Raph, good thinking, I'll help keep and eye on him and you." well watch with shells as they are off again! Tail still about him squeezing gently.

Leo chuckled softly as he moved away from the group, taking Duncan somewhere relatively out of the way to pee, and yeah, he probably should himself.

He stepped around the piles of bones and pebbles, smiling as he did so.

“You did that? Great job, Little Guy!” He nuzzled Duncan before setting him down to pee. And sure, Leo will go too!

Part of him is thinking he should start trying to call Duncan his son, but it’s not quite in his head like that just yet. The whole Dad thing is still new and strange, and he hasn’t quite embraced it like he knew Don had, but he’s getting there! He is sort of disappointed that he’s not carrying Duncan this time, but... they’re probably going to seek out the hunters, and little Raph is right. It does make sense for him to carry the child. Especially since it’s likely they’re walking into a fight.

Once they’re finished and everything is tucked away again, Leo smiles down at Duncan.

“Shall we get you strapped to Raph so we can head out?” And he offers to pick Duncan up again. A couple more nuzzles before they have to move out.

“Not a problem.” Raph told Addy. They could all move faster this way, and he had been honestly worried about Addy after the run to this spot away from the Spinotods and goblins. He didn’t really want to make her do that again.

He glanced over at his counterpart’s words. ”Something like that.” And maybe the kid had grown on him a little. The kipper was cute.

Also, Raph is not a complete asshole. He might crack wise, but he doesn’t want anyone to be actually hurt if it can be avoided. And, well, this seemed the best way to do that.

Also, it had the added benefit of Lilo kisses, and that’s a pretty great perk.

“Probably for the best. Who knows what sort of trouble we might come up with!” No, he won’t actually make trouble, but he will play iff Lilo’s words.

Leonardo grin around a little and is glad to see their little group coming together a bit more. Even Raph offering to take the boy. And still all business he supposed his counterpart was a tiny bit more relaxed.


True to Leonardo form though neither of the blue wearing turtles probably would not fully relax until they got to see each of their brothers - but it was an improvement on the now and that pleased him.


He smiles at the little nymph as she moves closer to him, nuzzling her head - he was looking forward to dealing with these hunters all told, he was a very alpha turtle and did NOT like being made to look over his shoulders all the time.


Sniggering at his counterparts words Raphael waits, and there is an air of... readiness to get moving about both massive turtles, eager to be out there.


Duncan - took a moment to put himself away - mostly cause he'd realised with delight -" greeeeeeeen!" and he was - " puuurrr pleeeee..." and he is fascinated for a few moments before he realises Leo is there and offering more hugs which Duncan was eager for! finally retracting into his tail not realising that the big turtles and Addy were giggling a bit about his moment of flashing and eager comparisons. His arms go up and he bounces eagerly on his feet tail wagging.


Lilo misses that bit as she gives Raph her best micheivous face, " trouble that I can join in on?" tail unwrapping about Raph cause he had to get the sling on and it flicks his snout tip playfully.


Addy moves closer to show Raph this time how to work the sling, and amusedly realised the bigger two turtles were watching keenly too. It's not hard to remember and once Raph chooses where he wants to where it either front or back, they are ready for the boy.

“Isn’t that the best kind of trouble?” Raph asked, grinning at Lilo’s question.

He might not  be alpha. He might not even be particularly territorial. Honestly, he’s not even particularly worried about having to look over his shoulder. But he does not like this sort of forced inaction. This waiting out the rain is draining in its own way and he is eager to get moving again.

He doesn’t know what happened out there with the two Leos, but Little Blue doesn’t seem quite as off put by Big Blue anymore. So hopefully something good came of that.

There’s a chuckle as Duncan shouts out what color ‘everything’ is.

“Nothing quite says ‘I love you’ like a child learning his colors.”

He opted to put the child on his back like the others had earlier, and lets Addy help him into the sling as they wait for Leo to bring the little tot.

Ooohhhh.... this again. Well, at least Leo has learned not to ignore Duncan’s color practice. Lest he just say it more loudly. So if Leo’s response is somewhat muttered, well, yes, it probably is.

”That’s right, Duncan. I’m green, and you’re purple.” There’s the briefest of pauses before Leo moves again, hoping to catch the child’s attention before he continues the line of discussion.

He scoops up the boy, who was a little slow to put everything away, but... eh, it’s fine. The nuzzles are plentiful as Leo carries Duncan over to Raph and Addy. They seemed ready for the little tyke. And Leo went about tucking Duncan into the sling.

“Thanks again, Raph. There you go, Buddy. You ready for this.”

”Hey, nothing like a run in a weight vest.” But Raph was grinning. Ready to get moving.

Adalind smiled and stepped back to give Leo room as he got Duncan into the sling, he was an old hat at it after all now, wondering about the hug for a bit and the return nuzzling then focusing on the group, a grin at the Kovu taking this moment to get nuzzles and churrs that rumbled low, so low it was less sound and mostly vibration, easily felt even from here.


The little guy was in. She was ready to get wet!


Oh boy she was glad she kept that to herself.


And chuckling a bit at her own inner gaff she rubs the small purple turtle's bald head. " yes that wonderful observant kitt love."