Goodbye Swamp, Allo Araluen.

Yua listens, and her worry becomes a smile, indeed she has seen similar ramblings with Donatello, that usually leave her confused but eager to learn whatever he was trying to teach her. Inaba is a little more easier a teacher to follow but Yua appreciates both the same anyways and nods "I will keep an eye on her." fondly at her Fae friend. Maybe their friendship has been skewed forever but she wants to be a better friend and is trying.


Donatello sighs and changes his position on the track so that he was between Don and Leon and Mikey, cause the other two still looked like they were ready to tease Don about the sparkle shell, he on the other hand was ...


Relieved!


And the pace coooould be classified as a power walk or a slow jog and Donatello at first didn't notice the cart slow to keep them within a safe distance to it. He is busy listening to Don and looking him over as his counterpart tries to explain how he is feeling. A smile hearing the fairy was doing okay, and studying Don a bit, maybe tilting his head a little, " mmmmmm certainly looking better, less.... um under fed and tired eyed. More peppy." grin cause well yes he was very relieved and maybe inwardly kicking himself for not pushing something like this sooner... but on the other hand if he had Bebe might not have been really able or ready to help. Not as far along in her reading of Fae and not as much flying about.

Don is used to teaching Raph. Even in his ramblings, he's learned to keep the important bits clear and concise, even a little slower. He still gives far more information than is needed though, and it's that sort of filler which is delivered more quickly.

He smiles when Yua promises to keep an eye on Bebe. "Thank you." Is softly spoken. Don would keep an eye on Bebe himself, but he's far too restless to do it effectively at the moment. If she's not already up when he wears through this restlessness, he will probably take a turn.

The power walk/slow jog pace is proving a little awkward, and Don winds up sort of half way in between. It's mostly a fast walk, but a couple jogged steps here and there. He's having a little trouble finding the pace they're moving at, but he's actually keeping up alright. He chalks up the difficulty he's having matching the pace to having been down so long and just needing to get moving again and doesn't think much of it.

And grateful for the bit of a physical barrier between him and Mikey and Leon! Even Don could see plenty of teasing in their eyes! So he might have sort of shied back and paying a little extra attention to keep Donatello between him and the other two!

There's sort of a brief, unsure, scrunched questioning look on Don's face as his counterpart explains what he's seeing. Particularly at the looking less underfed comment. "How do you mean?" Is sort of slipped in there quickly. He shifts a little, not unlike a quick check after being thrown to assess if you've been actually hurt. And he does sort of note that his shell doesn't feel too big like it did last time he was conscious enough to care. He's not walking beside his own brothers though so comparisons from his own point of view are a little trickier. And there is no appropriate mirror at the moment either.

He can understand looking less tired and more peppy. "Not feeling like I'm trying to breathe through a drinking straw probably helps with that." The words sound slightly facetious and he does allow himself a bit of a chuckle! But there's an honesty in them too. He actually doesn't know how else to describe the feeling.

Don holds no grudges about the wait before having Bebe try some magic. His own knee jerk reaction had been flat out refusal. He knew that Bebe was new to using the fae magic, and he wouldn't have wanted her to try if she hadn't convinced him that she felt comfortable making the attempt. He still considers what happened to have been his own fault. His own lack of self care while scouring the Internet for data bits. His own weaknesses that ended in his inhaling swamp water in his battle with the squid. Though part of him is reminded of that pneumonia that had nearly killed him as a kid, all the respiratory infections over the years that his brothers never seemed to get, or if they did, it was never as bad. The lead up to the Outbreak virus. He had probably been predisposed from the start, and everything just came to a head.

Yua smiles and settles to watch... and sort of in an amused way watched the two little ones playing, giggling with a nawwww sort of way as Don left the cart the way the little blue genio innocuo darted to the edge and watched them, and made a sad little sound his tail drooping, which made inaba glance back fromt he front and notice they were out pacing the runners and slow the cart. Making Liam's tail wag and his smile came back at the guys half caught up again, still a little distance back though.


Elena giggles at her friend and opened her wings and gives them a flap - launching herself off the cart and towards Donatello.


Liam watches... sure he'd take small flaps around small spaces... but very few! But... well he does take after a Leo - little guy gathers up his courage and opens his shell, his wings all the way out, giving them a nervous flap.


Mikey and Leon... would keep teasing Don even around the buffer but Donatello was too in the way annnnnnd now there is an adorable little Don boy - " you got this Liam... come on you can do it!" Leon calls out.


Mikey grinning beside him. " yeah come on kiddo, your dad wont let you fall, and we wont either..." cheerfully.


Donatello smiles at Don, " less like your a turtle whose just had a a shed or two in the body armour but the body still needs to catch up... assuming you and your brothers still shed regularly, my brothers and I have slowed last year and I assume the rest of our lives, we are down to a single shed usually before its what would be our brumation months so we have reached our adult years for sure." meant gaining size now would be an immensely slooooow thing but considering how large himself and his brothers already were probably for the best - and sees his daughter coming, opening arms up to catch the fiesty little terror and once she flaps into them bringing her in close keeping the easy pace settling for a slow jog trying to match something for Don's energy, " glad you can breath better." immensely so!


Liam chirp for his friend... flapped his wings and hesitates... but so wanting to and bouncing a little at the encouragement from Leon and Mikey.

Don had heard the little sound, and chuckled softly. And again when Inaba let the cart slow just a little so they were a bit closer.

He considered his counterpart's explanation even as he grinned at Liam's excitement! Oh, the little guy is adorable!

"Fairly regularly, yeah... Leo was actually shedding just before we got pulled here." Maybe a slight frown as Don has to think back to the last time he shed. "It was awhile ago for me..."

But living off Master Splinter's restorative tea instead of food and sleep, and turning off basking lights for the last several months would certainly not be conducive to healthy growth. He can only assume it's a matter of time and actually getting healthy again. Don and his brothers are definitely not adult years yet, and Donatello might recall that back in the fortress when they were searching for each other during the attack, that Don's responding call had still had a juvenile quality to it.

There is a slight, mildly concerned, thoughtful frown at the explanation. He's definitely thinner than when they arrived, he can tell that didn't actually change, so his shell fitting better makes no sense...

"I would say that's not possible, except I learned a long time ago not to say things like that... especially when magical beings are involved." Not a lesson he had relished learning, but one that had definitely been necessary. And even Master Splinter's meditation trainings for them had discouraged words like 'impossible.' And the Tribunal had been most effective at driving that lesson home. Though he's mildly concerned about what that means long term.

"Heh... me too, though I'll feel better when Bebe wakes up." Don admitted. He is worried about her, though at the same time, he's pretty sure she's alright.  And he hurried to catch up with the cart a little more. Just so Liam didn't feel like he had to go quite as far.

"I'm right here, go ahead. Jump!" If Liam manages a few flaps, Don will back off and let him get what distance he can, but he's close enough to catch if the little guy just falls.

And it's subtle, and only someone really paying attention would notice, but stepping lightly and with the ingrained, unconscious desire to keep footsteps hidden, grass that Don has stepped on returns to its former position and shape, not showing tracks. It miiiight just be the light, practiced, nearly undetectable tread of a ninja, or there might be a small assist there that Don doesn't even realize yet.

Donatello grins back, he nuzzles Elena and churrs for the wriggly excited little girl, whispering to her as Liam hesitates, but also is on the verge of jumping into Don's arms, " go show your little buddy how its done my brave pretty girl," and steadies until she takes off with an excite -


" okieeeeeeeeeeeeee Dad!" fluttering her wings a little harder this time to chase the cart and be back beside her hesitating friend.



Donatello watches until she lands and like Mikey and Leon hurry to catch up to Dons pace, at first not really noting the almost feather light passing Don left on the ground behind him, and even the grasses dry and tough seeming to bounce back and be even greener!


But behind them Mikey has as skids to a stop to look.


The taller turtle however is back on the talk, and Leon adds on, [color:4eaa=0099ff]" Your.... shell seems smaller.... or leaner?" not teasingly this time genuinely sort of wowed tone.


" maaaaaaybe a little?... mmmmm." thinking noise out loud and well just happy for his counterpart that he sounds better. He had noted Don sounded younger in the noises he makes than he does, but given the new information he and his brothers still shed fairly regularly he's not surprised. The shedding for growth slows in turtles as they age, so makes sense. " wait did your brother finish a shed or due or in the middle? that could be annoying..." chuckling cause it was a bit of an irritation sometimes the dried peeling feeling especially when not in a humid enough spot to loose the too small scutes and scales easily. But maybe his brother would have extra and friendly hands to help out if need to.


Liam watches Elena - and well he can see Don is closer, Dad is closer he feels the fluttering nervess but now more a eagerness and when Elena says like dis! and flaps away towards Donatello again he launches himself after her and flaps, clumsily and perhaps managing one or two towards Daddy! beaming the entire time!

But living off Master Splinter's restorative tea instead of food and sleep, and turning off basking lights for the last several months would certainly not be conducive to healthy growth. He can only assume it's a matter of time and actually getting healthy again. Don and his brothers are definitely not adult years yet, and Donatello might recall that back in the fortress when they were searching for each other during the attack, that Don's responding call had still had a juvenile quality to it.

There is a slight, mildly concerned, thoughtful frown at the explanation. He's definitely thinner than when they arrived, he can tell that didn't actually change, so his shell fitting better makes no sense...

"I would say that's not possible, except I learned a long time ago not to say things like that... especially when magical beings are involved." Not a lesson he had relished learning, but one that had definitely been necessary. And even Master Splinter's meditation trainings for them had discouraged words like 'impossible.' And the Tribunal had been most effective at driving that lesson home. Though he's mildly concerned about what that means long term.

"Heh... me too, though I'll feel better when Bebe wakes up." Don admitted. He is worried about her, though at the same time, he's pretty sure she's alright.  And he hurried to catch up with the cart a little more. Just so Liam didn't feel like he had to go quite as far.

"I'm right here, go ahead. Jump!" If Liam manages a few flaps, Don will back off and let him get what distance he can, but he's close enough to catch if the little guy just falls.

And it's subtle, and only someone really paying attention would notice, but stepping lightly and with the ingrained, unconscious desire to keep footsteps hidden, grass that Don has stepped on returns to its former position and shape, not showing tracks. It miiiight just be the light, practiced, nearly undetectable tread of a ninja, or there might be a small assist there that Don doesn't even realize yet.[/quote]

Don smiled as Elena flew back to show Liam one more time how to flap and fly.

"Just like Elena. You can do it."

And Liam finally jumped, and tried to fly. Even managing a couple sort of effective flaps of his wings! Don laughs as he catches the little boy as promised! He pulls the child close, snuggling him.

"That was amazing, My son! And you are very brave." He hasn't noticed the sort of fear of heights in Liam that Leo suffered from, but he can't help but wonder if they're there somewhere. Maybe to a lesser extent, especially since Liam has wings and should be able to fly someday soon. Don is still going to go the extra mile to encourage the flight.

Even if Don himself finds that whole learning process terrifying!

He is happily nuzzling Liam when Leon comments on his shell seems smaller. Which sort of lines up with Donatello's earlier assessment of it 'fitting' better. Don sort of wishes his brothers were here to compare to. Particularly Leo. Leo and Don were close to the same size before this trip. About the same height though Don was a little leaner to start out, still close.

"That seems backwards... though I suppose it makes some sense if you think about it from a stand point of magic and building blocks from which to work..." His body had been consuming itself since before he even arrived in the Nexus, with the exception of only a couple weeks before landing here. A healthy body from what Don had been at the time of the spell would have to be smaller than he was before everything happened.

"I'm not sure I understand why the sparkles though..." He is also not thrilled by the prospect of relearning how his body moves, but... not the first time.

He doesn't know that Mikey might be about to figure that out!

He laughs as Donatello asks about Leo's shedding. "It's Leo. Hard to say. He's good at concealing things like that." As much as it could be anyway. The others typically figure it out eventually. "At least to a point, anyway. I would suspect he was just about finished though."

Don is already concerned about the sparkles if they wind up doing any sort of recon at some point moving forward here.

"Mikey do you have a-- ...what are you doing?" Because Mikey had stopped. And Don's request to see if Mikey had a shirt or something in his pockets is cut off.

Elena laughed with an excited whoop when her friend finally flapped off! and leapt after him - flying back excitedly into Donatello's arms, eeping and squeaking when he gives her a light happy toss after catching her then draws her in close to snug. " a few more demonstrations like that pretty one and you will have him zooming around after you in no time." though perhaps Don was not quite ready for his son to be zooming, just flapping is probably plenty for now. Though it was an exciting and worrying though. Donatello often worried that Elena would flap up out of sight or try to fly as high as Bebe, but she never did, just above some lower scrubbier trees seemed to be her limit. Which Donatello was thankful for!


He grins over at Don - amused that Leon sort of eeps and then when Don does indeed and of course catch Liam - pretends, terribly not to have worried and covered it up with jumping in with much nodding, " it looks good, the shiny shell and sparkles and fitting a bit better - happy for you." immensely, he was a Leo after all - worrying is their middle name... or should be. Yep even this pudgy one.


Liam giggles and - it didn't help his first attempt at flying his tail had started wagging so hard and still did once in Don's are, wings spread and wrapping as his small arms did as far as they could around daddy's shoulders nuzzling there!, " I is flyyyyy! gonna fly muuuuuuuuuush and get big!" he declares happily snuggling back with all of him! making Yua and Inaba naaaaaaw.


And this was when they noticed Mikey was behind, Inaba pulling up the heavy cattcle or bison like beasts up front to a slow lumbering stop.... Donatello and Leo pausing a few jog paces beyond where Don had stopped and also now just realizing Mikey had fallen behind them and was on his belly almost creeping along the tracks they didn't leave because they are ninjas!


Mikey for a moment doesn't realize he is being called out - or at least half hadn't noted, in one hand he was carefully if awkwardly not using to crawl alone there seemed to be flowers... yes he is collecting them.



Donatello's borws shoot up as both kiddos giggle spotting Mikey.

Don us careful not to let Liam see the look on his face when Donatello makes the comment about Liam zooming around after Elena.

Nope. Not. Ready.

At all. There's a hint of a sarcastic "thanks a lot," in his expression, and definitely as worried as Leon is about the prospect of Liam flying around. Though he does his best not to show it to the kids.

Though, if Liam takes off like Donatello sort of fears Elena might, Don does realize that he can avatar up if he needs to chase down the little guy!

But Don is careful not to show those concerns to Liam.

"Someday, yes. Yes, you will, My son." Still feels good, and sort of strange to say that. And at the same time, it's getting hard to remember a life without Liam in it.

He then looks at Leon, and it's mostly a smile at the compliment. Slightly unsure, similar to how he felt about the shiny, buffed shell back in the fortress.

"It... stands out..." The ninja... and the introvert in him is definitely not thrilled about this. Even if his companions do think it's pretty, and... well... he doesn't disagree, but... it's just too bright! Which prompted the request for a shirt or something that was interrupted. And Extra Mikey is definitely being extra Mikey, but where did--

thought.

No.

Thought.

Don brushed it aside, poked Mikey with a toe.

"Mikey?" Though he's not sure if he's asking what the smaller turtle is doing this time, or if he's going to ask about the shirt just so 'thought' can't be confirmed.

THOUGHT!

No.

So where did the flowers come from?

Thought

Shell.

"Mikey... what are you doing...?"

He knows. Some part of him already knows. Silently hoping Mikey won't say what Don already knows he's going to say.

Luckily for Don, just like almost all, the little ones are at the moment focused entirely on giggling at Mikey, cause he did look quiet the image, covered in grass bits and other debris from crawling about on the ground, and his tail was up in the air lazily wagging away, though when he saw a flower it would beat fast for a moment -


And well the kids were very amused! not that Donatello could blame them for being amused, thats just funky and funny the way the orange banded turtle was moving about like a weird version of their wild actual turtle cousins.


So the little ones also missed Donatello's sheepish sort of 'sorry dude' grin. And then he also has a thought and wonders if he could use his new found wind gift to chase down Elena if needed.... probably


And he waits watching like the ladies, sniggering a bit with the kiddoes because their heck cute waiting for Mikey to respond.


Leon just bumps light against Don, hey they were ninjas, shiny and glittery and all wouldn't stop them disappearing into the shadows he was very sure.


And Mikey was at Don's feet just as something sprouted, it was sort of unnoticeable unless you really looked! The grasses a little greener and there! another little five petalled star like flower opened up, white this time! not like the blues and yellow sand purples and oranges ones in his hand already! He looks up and then jumps up excitedly, a decidedly scruffy looking turtle now, dirt and sticks' and bark and leaves all clung to him! but he holds out the flowers excitedly to show Don, " duuuuuuuuuuuuuuude I only saw this happening where Bebe walks... like a fairy! you have some of that too!" yes excitedly. he definitely was very excited about it.

Mikey is definitely extra Mikey. And Don can't blame the kids for being distracted. He is a bit distracted by what's going on too, though with his training, he hasn't completely turned off other senses.

And sure, he could probably still manage, but he's a bit concerned about the glitter look! He's worked with glowing chi before, but at least he can turn that off! More to adapt to. Great. But at least he can breathe, at least so far! So there's that.

When Mikey crawls even closer, Don takes a sort of half hop step backwards, giving just a little more space. Still watching with trepidation! There's a small yelp when the little white flower opens! He looks at Donatello and Leon, a little shocked and unsure.

And Mikey said exactly what Don was hoping he wouldn't.

"Mikey, I'm not--" saying he's not magic is probably ridiculous at this point. Instead he pouts at the ground for a moment before looking for a nearby shrub. He gives Liam a hug and sets him down before approaching the shrub. It's sort of a sad looking one, only a few patches of green left. He touches the ground at its base.

He's felt Leo giving energy to him much of this trip. He was there when Leo showed Mike and Raphie how to do the same, and he tries something similar now for the shrub.

His chi lines don't spring to life, but the sparkles seem to light up on their own as the plant receives the boost, growing green once more, leaves opening and regaining their brightness.

Don opens his eyes and took a shaky step backwards before plopping down on the path, sitting there a moment. He has to focus a moment to control his breathing after the run followed by the shock he's feeling now. He is having another asthma attack, but it's mild, and he's managing it on his own. He's still a little shell shocked by what just happened.

Don doesn't really care for magic. He has so far managed to draw a line between what chi energy can do and magic, but... well, he doesn't have a line he can draw for this one...

but Liam doesn't want to go down! he tries to curl his legs up and keep off the ground as if it is made of larva, but once down he flap his clumsy young wings and stopping once he sees Elena is on the ground and immediately dashes over to flop on top of her!


Elna eeeeeeps and batters her playmate with her wings and away they race! a distracted Leon shouting, " hey!" and like it was his brothers he bumbles after them. Stumbling cause he kept trying to watch Don and what he was doing and as a result running into a tree!


Kids stopping and giggling at him.


Donatello oooofs a little but - is entirely distracted, but of course he has been worried sick about his counterpart most of this trip so the sight of him having a asthma attack immediately triggers his worry and he moves closer and kneels beside his fellow Donatello to watch him, worry all over his face, had it -


not?


...


no wai a relieved breath, Don was managing this time... he was... it was like... Donatello sort of slumps a little under the sudden loss of the weight of worry and a small smile... he eyes the busha nd Don and Mikey whom looked estatic...


weirdo...


but in an affectionate thought sort of way, " its... the spell was only moments ago, perhaps... perhaps this part will wear off after a while?" Maybe?


Mikey is paying no attention to the mess on him, " ooooooooooooooor she's made you a fairy...." in a voice ladened with excitement!


Leon is herding bouncing wrestling little ones back over, Liam immediately bouncing over to Don and pausing next to him wagging his tail, " you breee better?" brightly, observantly even in his excited play with his buddy!

If Don hadn't been as distracted as he is, Liam's desperation to remain in arms would have been amusing. As it is, though, he coaxed Liam to the ground with a snuggle. Or pried him off, one of the two.

He is briefly distracted from the shrub by Leon's crash, and he cringed briefly. That had to hurt.

He is staring at the now thriving bush when Donatello kneels next to him. It's a bit of a struggle, but he manages to speak, hoping to reassure him.

"It's okay. I'm okay. I've got it." It's a little rough and broken, but definitely a huge improvement! And a few more breaths, and a moment to calm down helps dramatically.

He looks up at the comment that it might be temporary. It's somewhere between sort of hopeful, but also... like Donatello miiight have sprouted a second head.

And looking at Mikey with a similar expression.

He brushes at the sparkles again, allllmost violently for just a moment.

"'Fae warmth, light, life,' doesn't sound very... temporary." That's what she said, right? He'll get over it. Probably even learn to use it. It actually sounds like Mikey might be right! Bebe turned him into a fairy! Oh, Mike is never going to let him live this down.

He smiled as Liam ran up asking if he could breathe better. He pulled the little guy close for a hug.

"Yes, My Son. A lot better. So far, it seems to have worked. And..."

Sure, he's not excited about the shiny shell or the fae powers, but...

"And as side effects go, these aren't so bad."

He will probably be found in a sweatshirt or something a bit more often though...

Don felt a searching brush from Leo. He batted back at the feeling. Vaguely trying to put it off a little longer Not ready to show off the sparkle shell to his brothers. But... it's not just Leo anymore. Mike's there too. And Raph. Master Splinter is probably not far behind, and Don realizes that it's probably best to just deal with them now.

Uuuuuuugh! Don sighs and looks at his companions.

"I guess I need to go... 'dazzle' my brothers now."

Don gave Liam a little kiss on the forehead before hopping back into the cart. His hop is just a touch short, and he had to readjust his landing. It's a little awkward looking, but he's fine. And he checks on Bebe quickly before settling in the back of the cart to let his family contact him.

Donatello held his breath until reassured Don was okay - he... was so relieved he could have cried... it was the sort of relief that was -


he would take his counterpart having fairy attributes for a while or ever as long as he was okay!


Because for a while there it seemed he was going backwards no matter what they were doing and wouldn't reach Lee in time for those healing hands!


And now he was... healthier looking and managing to get that breathing back on track on his own! Oh Donatello would cried in relief. But he manages to grin instead and channel that into a nod and standing back up, straightening and shifting a little on his feet grinning at the look from his counterpart and chuckling, mumbling, " yeah that does sound rather permanent..." too relieved to be sheepish or worried about it. Just - woooooooooooo


He would still worry at coughing and moments like this - but for most the part he was just uber relieved! chuckling and nodding, " Alright, we will keep travelling slowly and let the kiddos run a little." a promise to keep an eye on the two and Leon and Mikey.


Leon seemed to have shook off the collision and grins at Don's words. " man imagine their surprise!" the blue pudgy exciteable Leo exclaims watching Don get back to his feet, reaching over to rub the happy little boy's head and laugh when Mikey bounces on his feet.


" bet they be jealous, he looks cooo cooool!" the small freckly Mike cheerily said catching a dashing over Elena and giving her a little toss in the air and then snugglign her, ducking just in time Donatello's swat at him for that!


Donatello siiighs out a chuckle and gently prys Elena free of Mikey though she is laughing so he knows she is fine, but puts her down to play with Liam, it distracted the watching and eager little guy and off they go! racing about int he little gap between them three and the cart... Donatello looks up. " go very slow if you can Inaba, please?"


" sure thing Donatello - looking goo Leon!" she calls back twtiching her puff ball tail and flicking her long ears their way.


Yua beside Bebe smiles at Don, nods, the fae was okay as far as she could tell, still deep slow breaths and resting. And even her colorless wings had soft very faint purple as Don's chi lines on the tips.

It takes Don a moment to pick up on his counterpart's relief. Mostly a result of having been so focused on his breathing, and getting it back under control. But it had worked! It actually worked! Once he picks up on the relief, he puts a hand on Donatello's shoulder, a silent 'thanks.'

And he really hopes this one sticks a little more than the other things that helped for a time before he went sliding backwards again. He's pretty sure it will. This whole situation feels more permanently infused than the other things which all felt like stop-gap measures.

And maybe his feeling a little better about the fairy thing is in part because he's picking up on Donatello's relief and excitement about this maybe having really worked!

"Sounds good." The kids definitely need as much opportunity to run off energy as they can get, and a little chance to move a bit slower for that to happen really does sound like a great idea. Don has a feeling he's going to be pretty tired when he finishes this contact and his little jog back there catches up with him.

"Heh..." Shuffling under the compliment from Mikey and Leon's excitement about how Don's brothers will react. Definitely nervous about showing his brothers what happened.

He returns Yua's smile then pauses a moment, sort of a curious look noticing the purple on the edge of Bebe's wings. He almost, but not quite brushes the purple on the wing. She is breathing though, and as far as he can tell, seems alright. Just tired.

He's out of time though. Leo is getting more insistent.

Don finally settles in the back of the cart, reaching back to his brothers.

And Leo is the first one there, enveloping him in a hug before Don can even really fully materialize... for lack of a better descriptor. Geez, Leo feels bigger... like quite a bit bigger. All his brothers do! He remembers what the others said about his shell seeming smaller, like it fits him better. And almost missing that jump into the cart...

Leo had been noticing the same sort of thing about Don that Splinter had. He doesn't really know how to describe what he's getting off the change in Don's presence. Is 'greener' a thing? There's a warmth and light there too that's also part of the new feeling, but definitely... greener? And Don actually feels healthy! Truly so! In a way that Leo hasn't actually felt off this particular brother in a long time. Even before they arrived in the Nexus. Leo hasn't felt Don actually, physically healthy since about the time they returned from 2105.

Leo is mildly annoyed when Don batted him off those first couple of times. He's not sure why his brother did that, and was definitely not getting a sense of Don being busy at the moment. Just... wanting to avoid them for some reason. And Leo has very little patience for that! Especially from Donnie. There had been too much of that in the past few months. And this time, Leo does not let Don get away with it!

When Don finally relented and reached back, Leo grabs him up in a hug almost before he can fully form in the astral plane, so he didn't really get a good look at his brother, but did he see... sparkles? There is plenty of room for other brothers in the embrace, but Leo had been so worried, and this felt like something good for a change! He's thrilled.

And in the embrace, Leo is sort of noticing the opposite of what Don did. Even here, Don feels smaller. Obviously so. Leo pauses and backs off a bit to really look at Don.

"Hey guys..."

To Leo it was almost weirdly reminiscent of the words when they finally got Don back in Area 51. Returned to himself after being a monster. It sounded similar - glad to see them, but almost embarrassed - but Leo is also sort of feeling that same sense of relief!

"Wow... Donnie, what...?"

There were definitely sparkles. Mostly green and golden, more green on the carapace, and gold on the plastron, but a smattering of each everywhere. And... a couple light blues here and there too? Definitely a few light, sapphire blues. Don made a bit of a face as Leo touched some of the sparkles on his chest. Don is shuffling under Leo's inspection, clearly embarrassed.

Leo and Don had been about the same height when they had been whisked off into the Nexus. Leo is pretty sure he's grown a little here, having just finished a completely obnoxious shed shortly before they were ripped out of their world. But he had hugged Mike since, and hadn't noticed anything this obvious! No, Don is much closer to Mike's height - it's not a huge difference, maybe an inch - but Don definitely doesn't have Mike's... er... bulk. No, Don is almost too thin, but it looks almost oddly healthy on him. This is, of course, compared to his own brothers. Compared to Don's counterparts, it's less glaring.

"Yeah... uh... Bebe - she's a fae - did this spell. It was supposed to be a healing one. I think it worked... Ah... maybe a little better than she intended."

There's more here. Leo knows there's more here, and that Don's being sort of purposely vague. Leo hates it when Donnie does that! But he's so darned grateful to have his brother feeling healthy again, it's hard to care about it. He pulls Don into another hug.

He or another one of their brothers will pull out the rest of the story in a moment!

Donatello feels the comforting touch, reassuring and also the gratefulness behind the gesture and he smiles. True brotherly affectionate smile, one not unlike the one Splinter got when he recovered from being beaten by Shredder.


The deepest relief.


He chuckles and lightly bumps Mikey and Leon as Don goes about getting comfortable. " come on guys stop making Don shy and let him focus, we should spread out a little so the playing little ones are in the middle of the crew." he encourages, " slow walk keep up with the cart." gentle in tone, also the space would give him a moment to compose himself. Don's thanks helped. Now he just needed a little more time and maybe a moment to shed a relieved tear or two. And them moving slowly would let the bumbling, playing little ones now dashing about Elena giggling and flapping her wings but not flying and behind chased by Liam who was also flapping.


Instinctively Elena is trying to show her little buddy how to exercise those muscles, grow strong and learn the motions... though Liam had had first tried to follow his father - but when he couldn't leap after him! - and by then she bumbled into him distracting the little guy and soon there was laughter!


Leon grins and hurries out to one side of the cart whilst Mike runs to the other, there they could catch and direct kids away from wheels and be the screen for them and walk along with the slow cart. The crawling pace was not going to cover huge distances. But it rested the beasties, it let the children play and run and flap and that was crucial. Allowed Don a moment to catch up with his brothers. And Donatello to recover after the guilty heavy feeling of failing was lifted. And of course let Bebe recover too.

Donatello noooooooooow has a moment to think about - and something he had noticed wasn't right?...


he glances over at Leon who seemed to be humming out loud in a 'huh?' sort of tone and over at Mikey whom was doing funny little hops...


so maybe he wasn't the only one?


and so he sort of casts this question to everyone. " did any one noticed something that shouldn't have happened?... or at least not as it should have?" he wonders out loud.


Leon nods, " yes I - like I saw something and something was off about it?"


Mikey shrugs ooooh so helpfully.


Grunt... no Donatello enjoyed this brain space he was sure!


~~~


Splinter grinned at Usagi, " thank you, and most definitely I will." oh yes yes he would definitely share!


~~~


Mike was just behind Leo! -


And having sensed Leo's impatience - echoed by his own - he hangs back until the second hug and laughs launching himself forward and body slamming into both of them because here in the astral plain it wouldn't hurt as much to be the very eager affectionate Mike! " Ahhhhhhhhhhh you look soooooooooooooo cute! and sparkly - I'm jealous! eeeeeeee you actually look younger too!" like a young maybe? his shell fit better! " but even better you feeeeeeeel good! this feels good!" and does it look like he shares the same relief that Donatello had? -


well he is! he had worried for his brother! known for a while Don was not at his peak as of lately!


So he is snuggling in! Leo and Don caught int he tidal wave of his joy at the gleaming green and warmth and blue, gold, green sparkles and love and relief!


Raphie appears about this moment - because Lee's touch had made sinking further into the astral plain harder for some moments! grrrrrrrrr he would pay for that! -


later!


and he was churring and tail is out in astral plain as it is out in life and wagging!


So he is giving off warm and fuzzies and definitely rushes in to join the embrace. " woooooooooow Don you.... geeeeeeeeze! ? wha how?" just floored for a moment...


Mike laughs and nuzzled Don - maybe getting Raphie and Leo in the attempt and " Something about a fairy - come on Don give us the full story." excitedly! and amused by Raphie's voice which is extra gravelly cause of churring.

Don had been more focused on checking on Bebe when Donatello was giving the instructions to the others about spreading out to give the kids a little space to play. He sort of wonders at the purple on her wings, but... hopefully it's good? There's not much he can do right now other than be sure she's still breathing okay. Hopefully she wakes soon!

As he settled, he sort of peeked an eye open for just a moment to chuckle softly at the bumbling kiddoes! They were adorable.

He is not aware of whatever the others seem to have noticed.

~~

If Don had been sort of shuffling and embarrassed under Leo's inspection and reaction, he's actually blushing as Mike joins in. This is followed quickly by confusion, but caught up in the hugs! And a Mike hug in general is serious business. Add in the relief pouring off his... now... larger...(?!) brothers, and it's almost overwhelming! A confused repeating of Mike's 'cute...?' is more mouthed than anything. That wasn't a reaction he was expecting. Then again, he wasn't sure what reaction to expect from his brothers. He does manage to sort of squeak out an unsure, "younger...?" Don hasn't exactly had access to a mirror. What is Mike talking about?! And whyyyyy does Leo look like he's sort of agreeing?!

"And your aura is really different. Definitely still you, but brighter. It's warmer and greener too."

And Raph joining in too with that same sort of warmth and relief that he's getting from all his brothers. Oh, he feels bad for having worried them so! But for the moment just being with them. Returning brotherly affections. Hopefully reassuringly! He does sort of put off responding to Mike's question while he's still sort of trapped in his brothers' embrace. He'll get to it, but hopefully he can stall just long enough for Master Splinter to arrive too.

"I'm sorry I worried you." It was a good thing the astral plane didn't require breathing! Don's pretty sure his brothers would be crushing him in person!

But what a way to go!

"We're just glad you're doing better now." And yes, that same relief Don felt from Mike and Donatello is definitely coming off Leo too! Leo hadn't been that worried about actually losing one of his brothers in a long time. And Leo is almost sort of chuckling as Raph joins them! Sort of over his own shock at Don's... er... new look, it's sort of funny to see Raph's reaction!

But yes, like the others, he wants the full story!

"Bebe is a savannah fae. She was the servant to the princess my counterpart was forced to marry. She's been learning some magic since we left the fortress." From the book that Don stole for her, but that's not exactly necessary information as far as he's concerned! "She tried a spell to help me breathe a little better... and while she was doing it, Liam put his hands on our foreheads. I... um... It worked on the breathing, ah... mostly... I think, but seems to have come with a few... ah... side effects?" Noooooope, not giving up the fairy thing that easily!

And this soon after the spell, Don is maybe not entirely certain what exactly those side effects actually are just yet. And anything involving Liam has proven up to now to be something of an incredible wild card. But he does feel good.

"What kind of side effects? I mean, aside the obvious." Leo is maybe slightly concerned. Though he's pretty sure Don's referring to the aura change and perhaps something associated with it.

"Um... liiiiike... plants really like me?"

Leo is eyeing Don with a look that says he knows that Don is holding something back. And Leo's pretty sure he knows what it is!

Splinter deliberately hung back from joining too quickly.


Mostly just to revel and let his relief flood out of him here where he could mostly in private, focusing only on the way his most intellectually gifted son feels moooore himself and well and whole but also different, new... but healthy and whole.


Sure
Just lingering and absorbing before focusing on the new glow, the warmth, the feelings of his other sons as they greet and thrill over this magical recovery.


He smiles and listens to Donatello's description of what happened, how this came about and hums softly moving closer to the excited embrace of his sons. " indeed, younger... it is an incredible feeling and look - how are you feeling?"


Slipping into the embrace to give Donatello one too, a lot of warmth and love in his, and also to free Donatello from his brothers a little so they can talk more properly and marvel together. Smiling and chuckling a bit. " I don't know much about the fairy folk of this world perhaps Usagi will know more... describe the new affection plant life has for you my son." amuse by the turn of phrase. But any bit he could tell Usagi might help him understand a bit more.


Raphie and Mike let go and ease up a bit reluctantly when Splinter steps into the embrace but yeah come on eagerly waiting for more -

Mike nodding yep Don just appeared, felt, just that bit younger ... hah maybe he Mike wasn't the baby of the brothers anymore!
What a weird concept!


Raphie runts a laugh, " must be a dragon to dragon thing, Liam having this sort of affect with you and perhaps on Bebe too?" though all Bebe's differences whereby visible yet aside her wings. But he doesn't know that of course.

They keep using that woorrrd! Ack!

Though it's sort of hard to panic about it too much while in the stranglehug his brothers have him in! And rather grateful when Master Splinter steps in and sort of breaks it up! Though it had been comforting and needed. And his family's reaction had definitely been positive! So there's relief having that over with.

Don takes just a moment before answering Master Splinter's question. It's not really a stalling tactic, more putting his thoughts together.

"Good. Actually, really good. I mean..." Pout! How to word this. And whyyyyy is he sure Leo is sort of desperately trying not to giggle at him?! He is sort of quietly relishing this hug from his father. Master Splinter's arms haven't actually fully reached around him like this in awhile.

Leo is desperately trying not to giggle! Because he has been seeing that same pout on Duncan! And it only makes Don look even younger! And it's adorable. There's a glance to Mike. Mike might not have known Duncan as long, but maybe he sees it? Surely he sees it, right?

But Don does get around to responding. And he does sort of pull out of the hug to actually more face his family and talk.

"Umm... flowers started growing where I was walking... and I touched a dying shrub, and... it turned green and healthy again... I had another asthma attack after that, but was able to control it myself."

Fiiiidget. He hasn't mentioned that Mikey - who has excellent instincts about this sort of thing - thinks Bebe somehow made him into a fairy too. Though from what he did say, it's probably a pretty safe bet.

"We... have a book. There's quite a bit in it." Don admitted. More fidgeting that suggests Donnie might know more than he's saying. He was probably half asleep and/or high as a kite when he learned it, so he doesn't trust the information necessarily.

Leo 'coughed.' Donnie's adorable.

"Le-o!" Don's voice cracked, and he followed that with a surprised squeak. That hasn't happened in a year or so! He slapped his hands over his mouth.

Leo's laughing now, after being called out! Especially like that.  

"How much younger?" Careful, alllmost clipped. He does not want his voice cracking again! The look to Leo is almost petulant, but there's a hint of wide eyed worry there too. Which is not helping Leo stop laughing.

"Young enough, Baby brother." Definitely younger than Mike. And darn it if Leo doesn't feel like he's trying to hit a moving target to answer that question. Like the magic has maybe not quite settled yet. Leo wouldn't be surprised if Don is even smaller before they catch up in person. He's still a little tall for 14, though far less solid than any of them ever were, so who knows. Actually, Don might be shorter than Mike now! Very close. It's hard to tell.

But the look he's getting from Don is perturbed. And really, really not helping! It's just so darned cute!

"Keep looking at me like that, and I am going to say eight."

"Leo!" Exasperation! And definitely a younger sort of tone! Everything Don has attempted to hide the change, or at least get answers about what his family is reading off him has only made it seem more pronounced! Between his smaller build and the sparkles... Donnie looks about as intimidating as Liam. Even if Leo knows better. Actually, that might be useful later. And Leo is chuckling as he settles on a response.

"Fourteen." Maaaaybe thirteen once whatever happened with the spell fully settles. But Leo is certain Don doesn't want to hear that, and will take 14 hard enough. At least at the moment. Though Leo is also pretty sure that Don will settle into the role eventually. And Leo is feeling more sure of his assessment. Young side of 14.

Leo is actually curious to see how Mike takes to being a big brother! That's going to be interesting. A look to Mike, seeing if there's a reaction to this information!

Leo is inclined to agree with Raph.

"Or some strange combination of fairy and dragon magic. Then there's our chi abilities. Who knows how all that might have interacted."

Don shrugged.

"She's still unconscious. Her wings took on some of my chi color though." That's all he knows so far about Bebe's state.

Don looks upset. More sad than mad, but definitely not as thrilled with the situation as Leo is!

"Donnie, it's going to be fine. Maybe even better than fine.  Look at your leg. Remember where the Outbreak monster got you?"

How could he forget?! That had been miserable! He remembers vividly! But he does as Leo asked.

And the scar is gone! It had been a nasty one. It's gone right along with every scar he's gotten since the mousers attacked their first home and they started going topside and fighting regularly.

"What...?"

"I'm just saying... this might not be a bad thing."

"But... I still have the asthma, it's just not as bad."

Leo is making a bit of a face at Don. A silent 'you mean... the occasional breathing problems you always had as a kid?' Leo was too little to remember when Don had pneumonia. He remembers it mostly as a story. He knows that Don is always harder hit by respiratory illnesses, and that there were times their father seemed more concerned about Donnie being sick than the rest of them. Though, Don had mostly grown out of it by fourteen, but his point stands. Maybe this time Don just doesn't outgrow it. Or maybe the reprieve had only ever been temporary.  Or...

"And I could be wrong, but the asthma you've been dealing with has seemed pretty severe. There may only be so much even magic can do."

Splinter lashed his tail a little and because they all just wanted to be close to Don he gestures, leading the way and sitting remaining close to his tail could stop lashing and rest lightly, comfortingly on one of Don's lap as long as he sits, he feels Raphie take the hint and sit, Mike was eager to be at his now younger brothers shell. And Splinter, fighting chuckles of his own at the cuteness. " acceptance is a bit easier with doing our best to understand how this wonderful magical healing worked -" mostly for Donatello's benefit himself, yes his son probably would accept the changes a bit easier if they can conclude with reasonable certainty how the magic was spun, and what they can expect... like a scientist... or an engineer. " tell us the spell - it will help reassure us there is nothing hidden we have to think about, and what of Bebe do you trust her and her intentions?" because intention mattered a lot with magic as far as he knew.


But he could be reasonably assured if Liam helped out then she was a trustworthy being.


Raphie meanwhile had not bothered to hide his chuckling and or the odd eeeeeeeeeeeee and the muttered, " Is not gonna help little brother the gold and green sparkles all match the purple and just serve to make you look younger and cuter - hahaha fourteen I'd say."


Mike, like stepping into dad role, just took this in his stride, he grins and as the hug changes and their father encourages a astral sit down so they can reassure Don and be reassured after so much worry and fear and just feeling bad this was something they could not fix for their brother, he changes from the bear hug to an arm about Don's shoulders, squeezing him at those moments where Leo's amusement and Raphies cute faces grew, and would sit like that if Don does with him. " I am eager to know too - hahaha yeah green and gold don't clash with purple." Little brother, big brothers or sons he was just thrilled Don was actually more like himself than he had been for a long time - well a new shiny himself. " agreeeeee you doooo remind me of when you were just turned fourteen - squeaky voice and all..." cause he was still Mike and he teases!

Don is responding to Master Splinter's silent suggestion to sit, as they all seem to be. He settles near Master Splinter, and Mike is practically on top of him. Don's not sure if he's comforted or weirded out by this. His brothers are all... really big.

If Don didn't know better, he'd think it was Raph's arm across his shoulders now. But he does know better! It's definitely Mike. He's not entirely sure if he's comforted, having bigger, stronger brothers around him or worried...

Instead of worrying about this he focuses on Master Splinter and his question.

But his age sort of came up first, and Don is only growing more perturbed with his now bigger big brothers! There is an adorable, sparkly shelled, little glower at Raphie's comment! It absolutely reinforces what Raphie said! Not intimidating at all. Sure, they meant well. Don understood that! And... Leo is probably right that this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe even good! Maybe? Mike actually seemed sort of of his side... maybe? Until...

GAH! Don punched Mike in the side for the comment about his voice! It's intended as a brother-punch though, and smaller now, probably not as hard as Mike is used to. Still, it's enough to make his point. He scooted away from annoying, teasing brothers and focused his attention on Master Splinter and away from obnoxious siblings! It's a definite 'No touchy!' and Leo will make sure the request is honored, as he's pretty sure they've crossed the line now. Don does not do anything to dislodge his father's tail from his lap, and scoots closer to Master Splinter, alllllmost snuggling up against him. One hand sort of dropping to the leg that Draco had broken in the Battle Nexus Tournament years ago.

"I trust her intentions." Apparently Bebe had wanted to do something naughty back in the fortress, and had actually slipped away from her post to try to do just that! So maybe a little blushie, even if he hadn't understood what she was trying to do at the time. "She helped me once before, but I don't know how intentional it was. Liam instigated that one. And he was involved this time."

"But this time she said,
"Fill this good heart with Fae warmth, light, life,
to heal body and mind, and weather strife."

It's only after the words are out of his mouth and his chi lines are flaring to life and the sparkles on his shell seem to take on a light of their own that he wonders if... maaayyyybe he shouldn't have done that... Oooops... But point of no return. Maybe his father can feel better. Don focuses on that as the spell continues.

Don can only assume that the spell comes with the same sunflower warmth, he wonders about the scent though, if the fairy nature of the spell overwhelms his usual sort of leather and motor oil. He can't know that like his aura, he's picked up a hint of a sort of greenery scent. Vines and grass, slightly woodsy shrub scent more than floral. He doesn't know if this would stand out in the magic, or if Master Splinter smells those roses too. But the same warmth he experienced is there.

As the magic flows, Don sort of watches Master Splinter. Hoping to see his reaction.

As the magic fades, Don will remain in this astral form only a moment before he reverts to that little glowing ball, his energy spent. It's similar to last time, that iridescent purple, but the opal fire flecks on his shell are visible in the glowing ball too.

~~

Leo had to check his own reaction to whatever Don had just accidentally done! And he holds brothers back too! Not letting them interfere.

"So... anybody else pretty sure this Bebe turned Donnie into a fairy?"

And he's possibly doing the same thing to Master Splinter...?

When the spell ends, and Don reverts to the energy ball, only then does Leo rush forward, catching the ball of energy gently, and kneeling next to Master Splinter, pretty sure he seems okay, but needing to check.

Raphie grins watching the moment, the way Mike eeeeps and lets go of Don but its all in play, the punch landed well but being smaller now and it also being meant in a brotherly sort of way it didn't hurt but dang it if the smarty pants didn't know exactly where to hit to make Mike squeak and sqwuack like that hahaha - Raphie shoves him and butt shuffles closer to Mike sniggering, " that was a bigger squeak than Don's you gonna shrink too Mike?" teeeeease and hah! Mike's glare at him!


but their distracted at once, Raphie sooort of reaching over to allllmost poke at that blushie Don cheek.


Master Splinter eyes his other sons, its a look to shuuuush and Michelangelo and Raphael snap to attention. He had not been sure what to make of Donatello's blush, but that was something to pursue another time, maybe face to face. He nods at Leonardo just the smallest nod, an acknowledgement that he was brought his brothers a little further under control and pats Don's hand on his bad leg. Encouraging him to go on, tell him everything, tell them everything.


His smile is slight cast at both Leonardo and Donatello, " sounds like Bebe is a good person at heart even if her spells and magics don't go exactly as she plans... and Liam may have some instinctual drive to try and make magics more powerful with his innate dragon half... maybe." mostly thinking softly, but out loud and eager for the rest.

Feeling the heat and warmth and ... green nose twitching as he takes in a wild sort of bush scent bringing to mind roses and ti tree and wow he feels... gooood - though his eyes are taking in the blare of Donatello's chi wooooooooooow -


He is stunned for a moment... gasping... and yes soaking up all that magic Donatello shared, greedily - but not selfishly, trying to make sure his son doesn't accidentally end up like eleven years old. Fourteen, or barely fourteen was quite enough to adjust to! He is sort of feeling the magic fade as Donatello reverts to that energy state only... he sees Leonardo capture it, hold it gently, Rapheal moving cloer to touch the ball and Michelangelo had shifted around to be behind himself. " I am fine my sons... and I think without the added whatever Liam shared with Donatello and Bebe I probably wont be infected with a bit of fairy too... but I do feel ... frankly incredible... like really good!" his aura had a thick warm silver glow with just the odd streaks of green. He reaches over to the ball of energy of Donatello to just stroke it too, tell it, " I am okay my son, really okay...and I am over the moon Bebe has helped, if not all in the way she meant to."


" well maybe but Don is definitely part fairy - might have affected his dragon avatar too, and also this Bebe." Mike suggests rubbing his chin.


Raphie shakes his head a little, " well dad if you start reviving dead plants gotta let us know... and I don't care as long as Don is better." and that is all he has wanted for his been unwell little... now littler bro... !


Smiling Splinter cannot see even here is fur has lost the fluffy grey look, it looks sleek and shiny as it has been as a younger rat. And his tails has a deeper pink color, that he would have noticed if he wasn't busy just enveloping Donatello's bubble in as much of the fatherly love as he could. " You may need to rest my son after this, and I think your brothers are right Bebe gave you some incredible gifts." and passed along to himself? At least the health and vitality. Some youth.

Leo is chuckling at Raph's tease of Mike. It did sort of help draw the teasing off Don, and Don looked almost amused by the change sitting over there almost, but not quite curled up against Master Splinter.

While he did manage to refrain from comment, or nearly touching again as Raph nearly did, Leo is just as curious as his brothers about the blushing. He knows they saw it too though. They are definitely going to have to ask when they find their little brother! Hopefully this evening!

Leo did note that Don was nodding when Master Splinter agreed that she was a good person. Don clearly thought so.

"She only found out she can actually use her magic a few days ago." So... Don doesn't really blame her for sort of hiccups in her spell work. it's actually understandable that she might not have the control over it that would be ideal. That hadn't actually been Don's concern when she had attempted the spell, but it probably should have crossed his mind. He had been more worried about her safety. "And ideally, the language should be ancient Fae, but she doesn't speak that... yet?"

Because Don's actually impressed with how much Bebe has learned from that book in such a short time. And maybe someday she'll find out more about her ancestors and her magic, and will be able to learn the language! Oh, he hopes she can! Or at least has an opportunity to, even if she chooses not to pursue it.

Don nodded a bit regarding Liam's instincts to make magic more powerful. He sort of looked like maybe he wanted to expound on that topic, but wasn't quite sure how he wanted to word it. And decided that Master Splinter's explanation had certainly been sufficient for now. Don wants more information on the topic though, and will pursue it given half an opportunity!

Leo can only stare and hold his brothers back as the magic works. Wow... It's incredible to watch! And the change in their father! Still, he had to confirm that Master Splinter is, indeed, alright! And Leo laughs softly once Splinter soothes that worry!

Donnie has gotten some help that he needs, and apparently some new abilities to go along with it, and Master Splinter is healthy, and looking younger and more spry! And Leo is a little careful with his next words. Because he never thought Master Splinter looked bad, but he definitely noticed a change.

"You look like you feel better too. Your fur is sleeker, and you look brighter." Like physically so, and a little brighter in the aura too, like he was energized. And a chuckle at Raph's comment. Definitely some agreement there from Leo! "You don't have that green feeling to you though." Sort of maybe confirming that Don hadn't passed on fairy attributes without the Liam boost. Though Leo sort of wondered as Don has his own dragon qualities. And is Leo crazy thinking those had felt stronger in this contact too?

Leo is considering Mike's words as he lets Master Splinter envelop Don's energy ball, giving the others just a brief moment to share too. There's an impression of a sleepy sort of half churred sound. Almost a chirp?

"He did say her wings took on some of his chi color." Leo finally agreed with Mike as he sort of stood to return Don to his body. "Hopefully we'll see him tonight. Maybe he'll be ready to talk more by then."

Leo hasn't quite left the group, but he does guide Don back to his body. Allowing his now actually little brother to get the rest he clearly needs. He wishes he could get a read on what this spell had done to Don without Liam's boost, but the magic is far too unsettled and the weak energy ball state... well, there's no way for him to know.

~~

Don's chi and the fae magic flared to life visibly for his traveling companions just as it did in the astral plane. It was probably at least a little surprising. Once he is back in his body, he is far too exhausted to actually stay up. Unless someone is there to catch him, he'll collapse onto the floor of the cart.

"oh!!oh!!" Yua is not sure what alarmed her more the sudden glow! Which caused the first sort of gasped shriek that made Inaba whirl about and almost fall off the seat!


Or the sudden arrival of Donatello! Like how?!


He was just there!


And reaching cautiously catching his counterpart and freaking for a moment that he was hurt!


Had something gone wrong?!


He is careful as he catches his fellow Don's shoulders, and worried but -


"ahhhhh!- and she swatted at Mikey as he appeared too!


Leon made a decision as he saw the glow too to run to gather the kids, but the little buggers !


Bwhahaha giggled Elena flapping away ! And heheehehe sniggered a Liam dashing and flap hopping the other way! "oy!" he calls chasing the scamperers!


Mikey grins, he slips closer and wows eyeing the Don, " that's what it was before! When he leapt for the cart and misjudged, it's because he is ... younger! - and maybe the Fae magic or dragon helped make sure he landed." oh this was exciting and the effect was so pretty!


Donatello could have collapsed and finally that niggling puzzle in his mind was still! He smiles and lifts Don, murmuring to him not sure if he is back yet. "rest Don, we got you, it's okay this will hopefully be the last unwilling teleportation you do... maybe." and more gentle words to encourage his counterpart to not fight, just rest. Churring and settling him beside Bebe, not snuggled in just beside her if Don wants that or moves closer to the warmth it would be on his own terms.


And now he can turn to Yua and gently take her hands rub her fine knuckles, " sorry didn't mean to startle you guess we ninjas move too quick sometimes... Mikey Don is okay go help Leon with those two." amused the flappers were having the best time it seems with this game of chase!

Aw Splinter feels a rush of wary affection for the unknown fae, she was a newbie to her magics, thats a big deal he supposed. He nuzzles the ball of energy and his tail lashes, before Leo takes his brother to guide him back home. " I am glad she is trying, and trying to do only good with her new found powers, and now I understand how it might have gone a little awry... still thank her when yous can for me." yous because perhaps Leonardo's groupa nd Donatello's groups will be together by the time this wave of exhaustion has receded and the two are awake again? he is glad their both doing okay and beams a bit at Leonardo's observation. " I feel like a whippersnapper once more." something old folks call young folks and he is not sure why but it feels as close to a oh yes I feel fantastic as he could at the moment.


Raphie doesn't let Don go without a churr for that almost chirp - doesn't matter which is the youngest brother to him or Leo he knows, they had their shells.


Mike had poked his tongue out at Raphie, muttered, " heeeey not all of us sound like gravel in a brooklyn hub cap dude." teeeease and duck of the playful swat that came his way for that! hah! he makes a you can't get me ninja face! and manages to get in on the snuggling Don power puff ball before it goes nuzzling! and tail wagging watching them go.


They wait for Leonardo to return Mikey making a face. " wouldn't Don's dragon do the same thing to you? pass along the fae?" curiously genuinely curious.


Splinter hummmms thoughtfully and will wait until Leonardo returns before answering with a gentle, " normally I would say... yes... I can't say if its just being new to fae magics as much as Bebe or lacking the instinctive just do it drive Liam probably has being so young and no thoughts or intentions behind his doings... I can't answer but... I don't feel as if I could encourage a plant to find the spark of life that it has and grow stronger." a smile at the lack of 'green' and nod, " yes that, I lack the green thumb." he muses and was going to wait for his sons but - " I must go, something has disurbed Usagi... probably me." he admits after a moments thoughts, but he waits to hugs each sona nd see them on their way first before he will hurry off back to his body.


Raphie nods, huh... probably as close as they could get to the actual answer to that mystery and it settled okay with him, he lightly knuckles Leo's and Mike's shoulders whent the leader reappears, still churring and tail waggy. " sounds good dad, thrilled Don looks, feels... is better and that you seem to have a new lease on life - its so exciting! - eeee okay yous didn't hear that!" he fake serious faced grumps and begins to fade out after accepting a moment to hug their father, lingering if Leo wants to lead him but nor forcing it and he has a strong connection so he can find his way back.


Mike swats at the punch and grins muscling fading Raphie out of the way to snug Splinter! He and Leo has the same way to go so he will fade out when Leo does!

"Of course, Master Splinter." Leo would definitely be thanking the fae as soon as he had the opportunity! And there's a chuckle at Master Splinter's 'whippersnapper' comment.

Leo is thrilled! His father seems younger, and healthier. More energetic! And that's amazing!

He is patient as Raph and Mike add in a little attention for Don's little energy ball. And thoroughly amused by the banter! Oh, Leo's missed this. Sure, there's been some play amongst his companions, but it's different.

Leo's efficient about getting Donnie home. Adding a light nuzzle of his own before returning Donnie to his body, and leaving him in the care of his traveling companions. And he's certain that his little brother is in good hands. There's a sigh as he sort of watches Donnie snuggle against his counterpart. He doesn't want to leave, but knows he has to.

And he returns just in time for Mike's question and their father's response.

"And Don might have had the control of his intentions to keep the spell healing only. Even if it's possible for him to pass on the fairy or dragon traits without Liam." Or perhaps it will be possible someday.

There's a soft chuckle as Master Splinter says he needs to go. That he's probably startled Usagi. Yeah... if what Leo saw here also happened in the real world - and based on what he saw when he returned Don's energy ball to his body, he's pretty sure it did - then it was probably quite alarming for Usagi.

"Be careful." Really, it's intended for both Master Splinter and Raphie. They're both having to go back to their own sections of the Nexus, far from the rest of the family. And Leo will worry. It's Leo-speak for 'I love you."

Leo gives slightly with the knuckles to the shoulders, and slings an arm over Raphie's shoulders for just a moment. It's almost, but not quite a hug. He lets Raph leave on his own, but Leo does sort of linger. He doesn't guide Raph back to his body, but he does sort of make sure he gets there before joining Mike on the trip back to their own bodies. And like with Raph, Leo makes sure Mike makes it back before fully returning himself.

Don is mostly unaware of the hubbub he's caused. He does manage to barely open his eyes at Donatello's words. As he's moved, he snuggles into his larger counterpart and repeats that mostly churred almost chirp sound, an oh so very tired response to the comforting churr of the larger turtle. Whether or not he understood all that was said is unclear, but he is not fighting the movement.

He doesn't realize that he confirmed Mikey's explanation. It was a soft sound acknowledging and accepting comfort from a big brother, but a decidedly younger noise than he's made before. It's definitely not the sort of still there juvenile quality within a more adult sound his teenage call in the fortress had. This is younger, though it possibly sounds even smaller due to exhaustion.

There is a very light objection when Donatello tries to settle him on the floor of the cart. He wants to stay! This complete exhaustion is a very vulnerable state, and he feels safe here. But Don is far too tired to actually resist and he is easily put down.

He does shift slightly to reach Bebe, almost desperately seeking contact despite his exhaustion - his own fledgling fae magic recognizing hers as it's source.  He curls into her warmth before he drops fully off to sleep. As he gives in to his desperate need for rest, the sparkles on his shell dim, just as her wings had gone clear for a time after she had first cast her spell. He's not shivering, he does not have the energy for that, but he still somehow manages to look cold, curled up against the fae and so deeply asleep.

At the moment, Don is still the larger of the resting pair, but as they sleep on, and the magic settles, completing Don's adjustment to his new age and solidifying his new fae status, that will likely change. He will be solid, strong and slightly on the tall side for a young, male fae, but short and thin for a mutant turtle of similar age. Particularly compared to his brothers.

Don will be extremely disoriented and alarmed when he does eventually wake up, but for now, he sleeps soundly.

Annnnd as he fades with a cheeky Master splinter like grin, " annnnd I look forward to meeting your Catptain Leonardo." making the fading away Raphael laugh then awwww loudly as he adds, " annnd my interdimensional Leenardo son..." it is also a bit of Master Splinter speak for I love you and we will be together soon. He promised as much as he could given what they were facing...


He wanted to linger but he couldn't ditch Usagi if things were tenuous or it was more serious that being startled by him.

Mike laughs at the knuckling, he makes a 'just you wait' gesture to Raphie - when they see each other face to face he will tackle bear hug his brother and try to squish him for that! but he is a happy turtle and waves away their father - following Leo back and -

Donatello churred all the louder. And nuzzles Don as he had pried him loose whispering, "I will rest with yous I just have to comfort my spooked by ninjas wife." he had finally disentangled himself and scent the Mikey out to help Leon round up rowdy kiddies, aaaaaw though they are ute dashing away from them and laughing fit to burst.


He is there comforting Yua, nuzzling her drawing her in as he apologizes and she relaxes, he is warm from his time in the sun and exercise and smells like it too he knows ,perhaps unpleasantly for Yua who does a commendable effort of not showing it but it would be comforting he supposed for Don in his needed rest state and Bebe too maybe. And she looked smaller too, the face more fuller and shorter and oh dear she might have deaged a bit too...


Yua chuckles and looks sheepish, " it's okay but you sure the bell thing wouldn't help?" appreciating the snuggle but yep E felt like a warm rock! And smell like corn chips, not bad and she was tempted to like and see if he tasted salty but not right now!


Donatello laughs and shakes his head squeezing her lightly before letting go and nuzzling her neck. " won't help at all.." and gently pulling away to carefully lower himself beside his counterpart spooning him and Bebe carefully, more for Don than her, the heat from what he absorbed in the sun on the jog radiating through his body where plastron met the smaller shell.


And amused by the sounds of Mikey and Leon who must be just playing themselves by now enjoying the chase.


He won't sleep but he will just rest until these two look warmed up enough and his body looses some of the heat from the exercise then back out at it again.


They are still slow whilst the kids play but once their in with Leon and Mikey for some lunch they must make some miles, close some distances towards Leo's crew.


Bebe snuggles right in against Don in her sleep smiling a bit.. too far gone still to have much of an idea of what she was doing but it's a nice familiar feeling, snuggling.

Don is oblivious to playing kids, or the trouble that Mikey and Leon seem to be having catching them! There's a sliiiiight frown as Donatello pulls away to go soothe Yua, but he sleeps on.

Donatello will feel Don relax as the larger turtle settles in behind him. The fae and turtle within him soothed by the others' presence. Don is getting smaller quickly. Donatello might be able to convince himself that he can see it happening, though it's not actually quite that fast. Every so often Don will shift and make a small pained sound. He doesn't wake though, falling still again after a moment. Attempts to wake him, even in these moments will fail. Which is probably for the best. Heat and contact seem to reduce the frequency of those moments.

As they cover those miles, start moving more quickly, Don is closer to the size he will finally settle at. He's shorter than Bebe already, and continuing his downward trend, though at a much slower rate as the opal-like flecks are starting to brighten again as he nears a point that he might wake soon. The greens and golds are still there, similar to how they were before. Slightly more dense on his now smaller shell, but a smattering of his own purple has joined them, and even a few warm silver flecks are present on his carapace.

Don is slowly waking. He has to pee, but this is an awfully nice, warm turtle pile he's in. Except...

It's not.

Is that a fairy and a tiny, blue Leo...? What? And who are--?

He's up! There's a soft, gasped, slightly strangled, yelping sound, and Don tumbles over whatever happens to be behind him! He scrambles away from anyone who might try to stop him, even skittering up a wall of the cart in a way the ladies probably think shouldn't be possible, but the ninjas in the group would probably figure out what a small, lithe, young ninja might have done to manage it. There's a quickness in his movements, courtesy of his new fae attributes, that he has not displayed before. He tumbles off the back of the cart, and given half an opportunity, he will run away!

There was a restlessness about Liam - Donatello swapped places with Leon during the travelling relieving Mikey from watching the kids for a while, and after a bath beginning to settle them for rest Donatello could not help notice the way the little blue lLeo was consider Don, he couldn't possibly understand what he had helped instigate or what it would mean...


And Donatello felt shaken himself - kicking himself inwardly.


This was not what Don had agreed to or Bebe had meant to do, or Liam he was sure, and just how much would Don deage? Oh man Donatello felt a twisting of guilt in his gut, he cannot know so far away and no Don to tell him, Don's brothers were mostly just happy their brother had a fighting chance to be healthy and well for a change. He could not know they would not hate him for this, what he encouraged... that he hadn't failed -


Unless he let the scampering looking scared Don get away and lost!


Liam chirps for Don in that greeting happy sort of way - and watches his go scampering to the edge of the cart and looking like he might decide to flap after him.


" Leon watch Liam, Mikey catch Don, I... I don't know whether he knows us... just... be gentle and try not to frighten him more okay?" Donatello would be fast enough, as fast as Don was being smaller and lighter, Donatello's stride was just greater and he had all the endurance of a long trained ninja. And being larger Donatello didn't want to make the chase frightening and or risk hurting Don like this - a smaller bodied Mikey with the non threatening spacey smile and friendly look should help sooth this part.... oh he had to get Don to Leo...


And he developing a stress head ache he knew.


Bebe had sat up when Don yelped, her wings fluffing out and she looks at them alarmed... oh she was a cute little fairy, with the blue highlights in her hair and now instead of black eyes blue and purple - it was a strange swirl and quite pretty in the green skin and with the blue tips to her purple highlighted wings. Yua gasped and Bebe looks over and alarmed, " my lady, Princess Yua I'm sorry I didn't mean to sleep, I must have been ill, let me ... um arrange you dinner my lady and then brush your furr and hairrr... um." even though she wanted desperately to ask where they were and why here and wow when did her mistress look taller and more... lady shaped then the fourteen name days lean tall gal?


Yua oooy vies and moves to Bebe -


Donatello can't focus on them he is watching for Don and Mikey worriedly.


Mikey dashed after Don, the cart had slowed as they left it but was still going so it was mostly him and Don, " Don... Donatello! don't run, its okay - remeber me? Mikey?... well a Miiiieky - we are on our way to meet up with yooour Mikey." in his cheerful talking to loons voice.


Or talking like a loon voice.

Once regaining his feet, Don does not stop! He is racing away from Mikey as quickly as he can! And he is very quick! Though, he is slowed by the terrain, more the rocks than the plant life. He has never been anywhere like this! Not even close! They spent an occasional night playing in Central Park, but even that isn't even close to the same! This is wild, not cultivated and controlled like the city!

If Mikey is really watching, Don should have been clotheslined by a branch that moved out of his way. Don does not notice this, not in his panic to get away from Mikey. The same branch might have swatted at Mikey as he goes by.

"No! You're crazy! Go away! Leave me alone!" A frantic child's shout. A very young teen, perhaps, but sheltered in a way that everything around him is utterly strange, and nearly incomprehensible! He's terrified. He has noooo idea where he is, or why his family - that he has never truly been without - is suddenly gone! Or who these creatures are! At this point in his life, he would buy the existence of other dimensions, but is unlikely to accept the possibility of traveling between them. Additionally, his world has nothing like him and his brothers. He only knows the stories and warnings he's gotten from Master Splinter all his life about what humans might do to them if they were ever captured. Forcing hallucinations would be on that list somewhere, and that's what Don thinks has happened!

And he's wondering if it's a hallucination since he's seeing other turtles, and a rat who is definitely not Master Splinter.

But this turtle claiming to be another Mikey was in his dream! He's not sure if that's better or worse. Or.., maybe he's not actually awake?

No, his arm hurts where he landed on it when he tumbled out of the cart. He doesn't care that it's bleeding. Not at the moment! But it's enough that he's sure it's not a dream! You can't get hurt in a dream, right? Though it's pretty bad compared to the little injuries he's had up to now, too young to have been in a real fight yet!

"Where'd you take me?!" Another screech!

He doesn't feel good, he is pretty well locked in a panic state, and given the choices of fight or flight, he has chosen flight! But he's bleeding, and scared, and this is so weird! He has no idea where to run though! No idea how to get home!

There's a child's keep back hiss as Don stumbles over more rocks and falls again, and he sort of gives up his run, staying down this time. He's terrified, suddenly without his father or even his brothers! And he's doing a terrible job of trying not to cry.

Mikey gave chase - but he wouldn't chase for too long.


Because ACK!


Bloody fairy was intentionally or instinctively getting branches to swat him! Ack! Pffft phhhhtbbbb he spat a few feathers and twigs out of his mouth and still has a bit of twig and leaves in his bandana as he sparks and crackles a little speeding up.


And also Don would hurt himself ! Probably had already! And that was counterproductive to their goal of trying to help! Trying to get him to his brothers safe.


He sparks and runs coming in beside Don and carefully, gently catching the smaller turtles shell. Panting a bit but voice is the usual warm light Mikey. [color=#ff6600]" nah not crazy just different, a different universe and many different universes of turtles in one place, your Mike read comics right and your a smarty pants you know it's possible... Hey hey it's okay we won't hurt you man, we only want to find our brothers and get you to yours." He has a friendly tone, well his voice is default a bright friendly tone.


Though his brothers would insert he is crazy.


Still no need to tell this frightened Don that. And he is light of touch Don could pull away if he wanted too but Mikey hopes talking about what a Mike would love and would have run across in his comics and the Donnie love of science and possible theories of other universes would at least make the little guy curious enough to stay, and let Mikey try to explain a little more to him.


Maybe.



Donatello paces watching the two had vanished. Watching, waiting and keeping close encase Liam tries to fly away, the little guys wings were open and he makes that long call the call that almost made Don attack Inaba.


But Donatello had to wonder if it would affect being it seemed he lost a couple of years. Oh dear.

The branches are definitely not intentional. Don has absolutely no idea about his fairy status! He hasn't even noticed the sparkles on his shell yet.

Liam's call reaches them about the time Donnie tumbles. If Mike is paying attention, Donnie's nictitating membranes have slid into place as he hisses at the larger turtle! Though he doesn't understand the reaction and passes it off as fear of the larger turtle! It's not as strong a reaction as when he nearly attacked Inaba, but there was a response.

That response is overwhelmed by fear of the sparking turtle chasing him!

But... Mikey is gentle when he arrives at Donnie's side, and when Don had expected an attack, he got a gentle touch. He's still confused, and trying not to cry. One hand over his rather heavily bleeding arm. He's applying pressure, but it's a difficult spot to do it himself.

"Those are just comics! They're not real!" Definitely not old enough to have even started to experience the absurdity that becomes their lives as they approached 15!

But also... technically not impossible... but he's not telling this stranger that!

Even if Mikey does have his attention. Especially if they're really just looking for their brothers too. He's quiet for a moment.

"Promise?" As if someone untrustworthy wouldn't just lie... still, Donnie's on the ground, and his arm's bleeding. And... Mikey's at least being kind...? And more than anything, Don wants his brothers back! And he has no idea how to find them.

Mikey just smiles, the slight sparking and sizzling sound dying away and he lets go, but holds up his hands to get Don to just stay, just relax, not armed and slowly reaching into his belts normal pockets for some of his wrapping tape. " yeah just comics, but its possible right? you Don's have some theories about multiverses existing right? all occupying relatively the same space but vibrating at different frequencies yeah? or at least my DonnieBoy babbles about that sort of stuff." in exasperated attempts to lodge something in Mikey's brain. And it has worked but the orange clad turtle has no idea what any of it means. He gestures at the arm. " here let me patch that for you dude, I promise me, Mikey from twelfth earth, the really tall Donatello you might have briefly seen - and I don't blame ya for being startled he is tall! but he is a gentle intelligent guy - from fourteenth earth and the pudgy Leonardo you might have caught brief sight of from eighties earth are all kind and wont hurt you and we are all looking for our own brothers so will like to help you find yours, we have all ended up here after being sucked through a portal not of our own doing. Inaba the fluffy bunny is about as dangers as a actual bunny, Yua the rat lady like Master Splinters is sweet and kind and is a princess so all prim and proper no harm will come from her or her fairy hand maiden Bebe who is cute! and the kids of course are not going to hurt you. Actually I think the little blue guy Liam will bite or scratch anyone who tried hurting you he is small but he can be fierce - and Elena is as a bumblebees snoozing in a flower." he is talking lightly in that Mikey way of rambling.


And if Don lets him he will use a few fast food kept in his pockets alcoholic wipes to clean the arm first. Then slowly get the pet tape onto the spot over a bite of gauze. Perhaps it will heal by itself. for now just get the bleed under control and later check on it. If Don lets him he will do this as he talks.


Explaining and introducing in a way, having a sinking gut feeling Don not only deaged but was actually back tot hat time where none of this would have happened for him yet! so its all very scary, he got that!


But ooooh he sensed heart ache for the little blue boy ahead - and much confusion for Don if those memories come back to him over time.


And what of Bebe?



Well he shoves those away, he was just going to keep calm and when, if Don accepted they'll head after the cart together. Until then he'll just stay with the younger turtle and reassure him they were not going to do anything to harm him.

Don shies away from the sizzling and crackling, but does stay as Mikey seemed to want him to.

"How do you do that?" Curious turtle! And that was awesome! But he's still timid, so the question is asked very quietly.

And there's a sort of restless, wiggly fidgeting as Mikey goes on about multiple dimensions. Yes, he's heard a little bit about some theories that would suggest multiple universes, but he's young still, and can't babble about it like DonnieBoy can... yet. He will get there.

"I gueeessss..." That's still a stretch to get him to believe interdimensional travel!

There's a soft " 'kay," as the smaller turtle lets Mikey have access to his arm. It's a pretty big mess. He's lost enough blood in his run that he probably won't feel amazing for a little while, but not so much that it should be dangerous. Still, it's a pretty heavy bleed. Don is not good at concealing his ouchies, and flinches every time Mikey touches the injury. Occasionally, he hisses when Mikey does something that stings. He's trying not to! He really is, but he's usually the one with the gauze if it's not Master Splinter wrapping them up. Don is actually pretty good at avoiding getting himself hurt in his and his brothers' play.

Don is listening and watching Mikey intently as the larger turtle sort of introduces him to the group he'd seen in his frantic race away from the cart. Don is puzzled when Mikey specified that Liam was protective of him! He had actually opened his mouth to ask the question.

"Why--" But a glance downward, and Donnie is completely and utterly distracted! HUH?! "Why am I sparkly?!"

Mikey grins easily and makes the buzz and hum of the sparks jump across his skin lightly, only over shell, sides he wasn't charged enough to do more. " I was hit with an electrokinetic beam and somehow instead of dying, took on the powers myself. Pretty cool huh?" and he is trying to be exceedingly careful as he cleans up the injury, pausing at the hisses but continuing after counting to five each time to allow the stinging to ease.


As he is finally wrapping and smiles at the curiosity encouraging it. And once satisfied the tape will hold and the arm was good he was bout to answer about Liam but is not sure what he was going to say.


Sadly Don probably won't know Liam in this state. And he is confused enough without the addition of being called dad by a starved of love toddler. What were they going to do about that?


But he carefully pays Don's plastron again. It's a turtle thing to do his churr light and comforting under his voice. " Bebe used some of her Fae magic to help you, you had been hurt landing here in Nexus... And she may have given you some Fae powers and pretty sparkles cause of it too." he explains and patiently stays with Don. " are you ready to rejoin them? We are hoping by late tonight we will be back with your Leo and Mike and my DonnieBoy and a few others. I could give you a shell ride." be like giving April a shell ride. He would offer his Chuck's to sit carefully on and he'll dash them back to the cart. Well maybe just run cause the zap is mostly gone for now.

And Donnie is AMAZED!!! Absolutely enthralled by Mikey's story! Wide eyed! Open mouthed!

"That is soooo cool! You can really do that? And it doesn't hurt you? Ooooh, can you make lightning? I mean... not like real lightning, I guess, but like a really big discharge? Do you have conscious control of it, or does it just sort of happen. Does it really not hurt you? Can you blow things up?!" Absolutely full of questions! Far more questions than answers at this age.

And while Donnie is firing off questions, Mikey is actually getting a break from the constant flinching as he cleans up the bleed. Donnie is thoroughly distracted! Unfortunately, the break from flinching comes with a little, light bouncing! So curious, and now energized by this new thing to learn about!

But he did slowly calm to listen to Mikey's introductions of their traveling companions.

And there is a dubious expression on his face, head cocked slightly. Nooooot sure he's buying what Mikey's selling on the fae thing. But more importantly...

"Is a fae a fairy?" Donnie has heard of fairies, and he thinks he heard this Bebe described as a fairy before, but also a sigh because he's decided that Mikey is either dumbing it down for him, or straight up lying because,. "Magic isn't real, Mikey." Hard to believe that this grew into the guy that turned into a literal dragon in the cart yesterday! And if there had still been any questions in Mikey's mind as to whether the branches swatting at him had been intentional or in instinctual, they are probably answered now.

But Donnie does accept the shell back ride. He actually is sort of tired, between the blood loss, and the events of the day. He'll crash sooner or later, but first... he has questions. So many questions.

Mikey laughs a little and double checks the arm before he pulls his chucks out to make the seat for Don to comfortably rest on, or at least as comfy as possible and bends a little so the dude has a easy climb on answering questions, well those he recalls.


" yoooour seriously doubting a turtle that can indeed fire lightning out of his hands if charged enough if fairies are real?" he teases playfully and kindly with a chuckle. " dude she is cute and has wings and all! you'll see... and well yeah I can even teleport with my electrokinesis if charged enough but that takes massive amounts of energy to do." he explains waiting patiently for Don to climb up and also to keep him happy and engaged in the now and not so much ont he fear. " I have a witchy friend whom would disagree big time about magic not being real dude..." tease! inspire more questions he hopes.

Donnie is almost laughing as he climbs up on Mikey's back. It takes him just a moment to figure it out. Mikey's bigger than Raphie is! At least so far as he knows.

And Donnie is squealing softly in excitement as Mikey tells him that yes, he can shoot lightning AND teleport!

"That is sooooo cool! But that's not magic, Mikey. That's electromagnetism and biophysics. And... maybe quantum mechanics. It's completely different from Magic. Ooooh How much energy? How do you charge up?"

There's a soft grunt at the insistence that magic is real. For the most part Donnie ignores that, and keeps asking his questions!

Mikey stands one once Don is on and grins over his shoulder, " make sure you hold on tight my main man, we gotta run a while to catch up to the cart, bet the others are frantic about us." and he doesn't move until Don give him some sign he is hanging on with his hands with all his might!


And then he sets off at a good run not exerting himself but not slow jog either. and thinks over the questions again. " uhhh yeah my DonnieBoy said something about that.. I think... and as far as I know it depends on the source, just basking can charge me some but it takes aaaaaaaaaages to do more than perhaps zap my brothers for fun. Then there is touching something with a current thats the best source of charging if only because its available. The very best is actually getting struck by lightning - but that rarely happens unless I run around with a kite at nite oooor a rod conductor of some type." he explains keeping the kiddo secure, true he wasn't a tiny kid, about thirteen or fourteen but still Mikey was going to be mindful and careful.

Donnie won't fall off. He is more than capable of staying on by himself, even without the offered seat. He's practiced enough at this that it will be fine, even though Mikey is quite a bit bigger than what he's used to! No, he's not that much younger, but he has been very sheltered in many respects, and he's very small for a mutant turtle his age. He is also lighter than Mikey likely expected, not as dense as a 'normal' mutant turtle is either, not with dragon boosted fae magicks within him! So even though he is thirteen, he might seem younger anyway.

Master Splinter did a good job taking everything that Don had to offer, but there is only so much even they could do. At least this time the change was a few months, rather than years.

He cuddles tightly against Mikey's shell! Holding on. He tucks in close, just like Raphie makes him.

"Ready!"

And wiggling slightly as Mikey explains the charging.

"So a current is best? AC or DC? And you have solar power too? That's soooooo awesome!" And aaaawwwwwwweeeeeee. Complete AWE! "You can be struck by lightning and be fiiiine?! Woooow! What can you do if you're struck?" Definitely far more wiggly and bouncy than Raphie would ever allow from him! He's too excited about this topic!

Once again, Donnie does not notice that the tree branches are getting out of their way.

Mikey is woooooowing as plants stop smacking his face this time!



Annnnd he has a feeling he knows why but will keep from trying to push the fae thing for now soon enough they will be back with the group and Don will see for himself the little fae -


He chuckles and doesn't mind the wriggling about just keeps running!


" yep solar powered, but it takes longer to get a good charge for anything. And as far as I know both ac and dc?> I've never understood the different though so you may have to explain it, I think my Donnieboy has a few times but sometimes I just don't remember!" he explains sheepishly and finally the cart is coming into view - there was a worried tall Donnie standing their looking out for them!


Mikey is closing in on the cart and can see the bouncing excited babies. oh dear... but his tone is still happy and light for Don. " when I get struck by lightning dude I can power a city block for a day - its so cool!"


The tall guy waves spotting them.




Mikey doesn't have to be up close yet to know Donatello just sunk out of sight in a crouch in the cart because of relief! Oh they were going to give that guy guy shell for sure!



And he had crumpled in relief - oh god he hadn't lost don! and he glances at Liam whom looks excited... and well he looks at Leon.. " I... don't know how Don will react to Liam so... we'll see how it goes but if Don is confused or scared might have to remove Liam and try to explain to him... some things." that for the moment wasnt his dad or really able to be dad right now. And Donatello loathed that for the little guy.

Still bouncing, very much enjoying this discussion.

"You have your very own superhero origin story! Mikey... uh... my Mikey would be jealous!" He giggles as Mikey admits he can't keep the AC vs DC thing straight.

"AC is alternating current. It changes direction. It alternates! Like this!" And Donnie sort of flops side to side on Mikey's back. It's not a huge movement, but enough that Mikey can definitely tell what he's doing. He's stronger than he looks, and holds on easily.

Flop. Flop. Flop. It's sort of fun! Raphie would definitely throw him off now, and might punch him for it too.

Whooaaa... dizzy, but hanging on! Probably shouldn't do that this soon after that bleeding arm.

"DC is direct! It's steady, holding the same value." and he stops flopping, and holds very still, tucked up close to Mikey.

He will go on about how batteries are direct current, but the US transports electricity using alternating current for the electric grid. As long as they still have distance to cover, he will happily babble about electricity!

Until they get close to the cart, when he goes quiet again, almost huddling against Mikey. Nervous about rejoining the group he ran away from, and everything that's going on! He is very shy, not really having been around anyone other than his family before. Except that one kid until Splinter busted them.

Ack!


This would usually be one of those times explanations went in one ear hole and directly out the other! And sometimes someone would actually claim they could see the words actually go in and out and his innocent face whilst it happens!
Though Mikey does not believe that!


He is however for some moments having to hop with the flop flop flops to those sides in large lurching steps to keep from falling over as he flops flops flops - and because he is trying to focus and actually learn this time he doesn't consider tossing Don off for that!


And was about to ask more to keep the kid distracted when he feels him snuggle a bit more. And guesses what is behind it. " don't worry kiddo, Donatello only looks scary cause he has been eating his greens, he is a gentle giant really." and running to make up some ground he lost during the flop flop flops!


Liam was bouncing and waving and happy chirping flapping open his wings and beating them!


Donatello nudges Leon, "be ready to take Liam away - I may need to talk to him..." swap places after reassuring the little Don he, Donatello was a friendly counterpart.


Leon nods, a little sadly. But sure he could do that and he understood why.

Donnie wouldn't really notice, or care if the explanation was going in one ear and out the other. He's actually thrilled that no one is actively trying to stop him from chattering! Usually his brothers stop him, and make him explain concisely and simply or not at all.

And Mikey is actually sort of responding to a lot of his chatter! So Donnie is absolutely thrilled!

At least until they approach the cart and he goes quiet again. Really, Donnie is scared of all the others, not just the GIANT counterpart! He does respond to Mikey's reassurance with a soft " 'kay..."

And the little blue Leo... not-Leo has WINGS?! WHAT?!

"What is that? Did it have wings earlier?" Donnie had thought it was a turtle! Did it have wings earlier? He doesn't remember! His observational skills mid-panic are not very good yet.

Mikey can't help chuckling a bit, and he is closing in on the cart so he checks over his shoulder the smaller Don, " you can stay on my shell as long as you need to alright? but I promise everyone here is very nice and we will find your Leo and Mike soon, your Raph is further away and it will take a bit longer to get to him." friendly open honest tone and well he certainly wasn't going to hurry the younger, shier Don to get off him if he is not ready to or feels safer there for now as he speeds up, checks his stride briefly and leaps -


its a perfect leap and he will land in the cart just perfectly even so is glad Donatello reached out and caught them and set them on Mikey's feet once more.


Donatello catching his breath... oh looord... yep he had barely seen the lithe younger Don properly when he took off - now he could see and ...


and fights a sad look at the little boy as he stops leaping about excitedly and is instead sort of staring a confused face... and then a beam at Mikey - a friendly 'Hi!' up at Don but turns back and lets loose that long chirp - that once for Don... clearly not recognising this is his Don, just also not his Don... oh man... but if it keeps him distracted for a moment so they can make sure Don doesn't flee again in the wrong direction well... he feels bad for thinking, good!


Leon waits nearby to snatch away the kid if need be, but like Donatello hides a sad face at the little boys reactions and just gives Mikey and Don a friendly warm smile - " heeeey are you two okay?" to them both.


Mikey nods, " we're mostly okay Don may need a good drink and some food shortly but we're alright, Don this is Donatello and Leon, over that way is Inaba the bunny lady, Princess Yua the ratty gal and thats Bebe." whom looked as confused and unsure and lost as Don for a variety of thing, none the less her own wings cause last time she looked they had been small and round bumblebee shaped, now were long like dragonfly wings and had blue tips and purple hues around the edges, her hair was also shoulder length rather than the bob cut she recalled and usually kept at and purple with blue tips, her eyes a swirl of the purple and blue too - wow she was cute! but now definitely too young for Mikey to be anything but playful flirty with. about thirteen or almost fourteen surely. But to Don's question now he had assured everyone they are okay and introduced the cart load again - " thats Liam, he is um... a hybrid of mutant turtle and dragoness... and yep always had those wings just usually tucked away under his shell...' dutifully not pointing out 'fairy' cause he meant what he said to Don, he could stay on his shell as long as he wants and hopes the curiosities of a fairy and a winged baby mutant would help ease the kid Don's shyness and encourage him off in his own time.

There's a second soft sound of understanding. And yes, he would like to stay here for a bit please. And a sad sigh as Mikey tells him Raphie is farther away. But Don stays huddled up on Mikey's shell as they reach the cart. And wiiiiiiide-eyed as Donatello CATCHES them and sets them down.

Yes, yes, he understands that he's been told the guy is nice, but sheeelllllllll...

Don is staring at Liam just as confused, but he does return the little boy's "Hi," and was just starting to look around again when Liam called.  

The sound makes Don whimper. He bites his lip and presses his forehead into Mikey's shoulder pretty hard. Whatever that was HURT! He doesn't LIKE it! But he doesn't actually say or do anything to stop it, and he's not really sure why not.

Donnie fidgets for a moment at Leon's question, listening to Mikey's answer before he responds. "Not hungry... My arm hurts." Though there's not a whole lot to be done for it as Mikey already disinfected and wrapped it up. And he doesn't want food. He wants to go home!

His arm hurts enough for him to complain, but it does not hurt enough to relinquish his spot on Mikey's shell.

As Mikey gives all the names, Donnie mouths them afterward, committing the names to memory. Once the introductions are complete, he repeats the soft "Hi..." Don had looked at each of the traveling companions, but doesn't really think that much about any of them. His eyes do pause briefly on the fairy, but it's more a vague 'hunh, sound. Nope, not convinced about the magic thing! Though perhaps a little surprised that there is an actual fairy. He actually does note that some if her coloring matches his mask... and the little blue guy. But Don doesn't give it that much thought.

Part of him is pretty sure that Master Splinter would be disappointed if he didn't give them a formal greeting. That's what you do with introductions, right? But Mikey said Donnie could stay here on his shell, and so Donnie stays. Huddling into the larger turtle.

Donnie is listening dutifully as Mikey explains about Liam and his wings. He watches the little boy a moment longer, really hoping he doesn't make that loud sound again!

"What's he doing?" He's... pretty sure the toddler is being weird, but hard to say since he's never been around a toddler. At least not since he was one! Don is curious enough to ask, but not curious enough to come down yet!