Riverside Rescue

Raphael, sure working hard rowing! Thankfully a little easier when Donno comes out to set a beat to row to, and then slows it!

But he also is relieved to see Donno, DonnieBoy, Donatello out and about. It surely meant for the moment Leo and Lee were okay. If a tad worried about Donnie but his Raphie and Mike no doubt had it under control. So he is focused, though there is a general glee of knowing they have their BigM back. So he starts some bawdy playful jokes. Opening with every stroke of the drum made Monroe above have fluttery pink splotches!

Monroe is not embarrassed by the call out to his scale changes, just braces his feet and shakes his tail showing the pink flushes through his green scales in rolling intervals to the beats.

There are general hoots and teasing at this of course.

The kids see this and Elena especially is gleeful about announcing Monroe's scales are sooooo pretty!

~

Mikey ignores the protective puff Raphie did this time - eeeeeing and scooping up their little brother! " What?! you look that cute and... were we that small at thirteen?! ... and you dare ask what?!" he laughs and then ows as Raphi comes to Donnie's rescue and swats the clown brother on the back of his head.

Tugging Donnie out of Mike's grip and putting him on his feet Raphie's glare is definitely not fierce, not even the growl he gives Mike's sheepish grin at them. There is amusement! but also worry, yep he recognized the breathing technique and held Donnie until a bit more stable, doing it again now after Mike hugs and churrs, " I think he is trying to way the what is dat we are now like ancient now." he teases, " Just relax a moment when you're ready we'll go up, and then Mike and I will help with the ship so you may have to hang with Leo, Addy, Donno most likely and Lee." blushing as Mike sniggers and steps behind Donnie -

" Yooooourrrr boyfriend!" And he has Donnie back from Raphie! " Maybe'll we'll get to see Raphie being a huge marshmellow..."

Donno miiight be somewhat (or a lot) distracted by the shifting scale colors and Monroe's tail shaking! He does manage to keep himself mostly on task though! It's not easy though! And Donno is blushing more from the teasing directed at Monroe than Monroe himself is!

MikeyMikey and Ralphie are definitely sure to get in on the teasing!

~~

The expression on Donnie's face as he looks up trying to decipher what Mike is going on about is definitely a familiar one. There's a surprised squeak when Mike scoops him up! There are puppy eyes directed at Raphie when Donnie realizes he's not sure how to escape the hold!

"I'd assume so..." is barely slipped in edgewise when Mike asks if they were all that little at thirteen!

Donnie assumes wrong, but has no reason to think otherwise! Splinter will know for sure, and Leo will definitely suspect.

Donnie appreciates the rescue though the outburst from Mike had been a comforting sort of familiar! Except for the Mike actually being able to scoop him up that easily! Sure, Splinter had been making sure they were strong enough and knew how to carry each other home if need be, but not like that! He doesn't know that both Mike and Raphie would have noticed that he's lighter than they would have expected, even accounting for how little he is.

Once rescued from Mike, Donnie does take that moment to relax and just snuggle with his brothers. He frooowwwwwnnns at the comment that his brothers are ancient now. It's just... weird. He's not sure he likes it.

But he does sort of like this spot curled up with big, protective brothers. He feels safe here, even though everything has turned completely crazy around him!

After a moment though, he is ready to go up and try to help Leo. The feeling after shifting back into his turtle form is fading, and he's feeling more steady on his feet. His neck is still looking like it could use some attention though, and his tail is bruised like his dragon tail had been where it had slammed into the water.

"Boyfriend? ...Wait, Lee? Like Leo?" Yup, you might have broken Donnie with that one! Raphie... and a LEO?!

Mike laughs, he doesn't mind having big brotherly Raphie save lilDonnie from his overtly affectionate grasp. And their sounds are not serious, the huffs and grunts have no rumble edge to them. It's mostly in play.

And hell yeah Mike is very much aware that Donnie is much lighter than any one of them had been at thirteen, even Donnie who had always been a little on the lighter side in the first place. But he's like half that! and even given the slimmer shape of their brother's smaller shell. But Raphie is giving him a less than friendly 'No, don't you dare bring it up!'. And he guessed he knew why. Donnie's life had plenty of upheaval since landing here in Nexus, and sometime before that had been a sort of depressive slump of a time. Not all the time just sometimes! And well being told he is a whole lot different than the thirteen-year-old Donnie they knew and were like at that age.

And he agrees, let Donnie get used to this... as best he can!

And ease themselves that way too!

He laughs at the blush that spread over Raphie's cheeks, " Exactly! hahaha a Leo!" giggling and playfully elbowing Donnie in the side, " Maybe our brother here has a thing for being lectured.. ed?... is that the right way to say that?" tease and hoping to distract Donnie a bit from the probably mind-melt moment of the knowledge that their Raphie indeed found himself a Leo from another universe to have as a boyfriend!.. or at least help ease past it hahaha!

A bit! cause they were about to see Leo and Lee. And he and Raphie will both let Donnie lead them up that way!

" I... um... you know what... I probably do have a thing for that.. and our Leo definitely likes it!" he adds blushing but tryign to pretend he is not!

Donnie adds in a couple of soft sounds in the brief moment of play as well. He's technically only three years younger than his brothers, but the small 13 year old's soft joining in is sort of a subconscious reminder to bigger brothers that there is a smaller, younger player in the game.

Donnie is completely oblivious to the look that Raphie gave Mike, or any reason that Raphie had felt inclined to give their orange clad brother that look! Donnie missed it all. He has no idea at this point that he's smaller, thinner and so much lighter than he was a few days ago... at least as far as he remembers.

And since it's unlikely he'll return to the old lair that he knows, he may never realize it unless someone eventually tells him.

Donnie is blinking at the blush on Raphie's cheeks, still not quite able to fully process what his brothers just told him. Raphie with... a... LEO just does not computer.

And even if Raphie was such a glutton for punishment that he wanted a second Leo in his life, how in the multiverse had be convinced a LEO that being with a Raph wasn't also completely insane!

Mike's not quite right pronunciation does snap him out of the state though! Because the correction, "Just 'lectured'." is darned near automatic.

Donnie makes a face at Raphie's response then heads up to the upper deck to make his way over to the Leo's and anyone else who happens to be watching them in that moment.

Donnie pauses when he reaches the top deck and reaches a point where he can actually see where Leo is resting in the cart. He hesitates and will need a bit of a push ot keep moving forward.

Oh, the soft younger sounds have a similar call on the now older brothers that hearing the babies' little sounds does. They moderate their playful punches and or shoves or bumps against Donnie almost instinctively and unless highly emotionally charged will bear Donnie in mind always, and the toddlers of course.

And good Mike's plan worked and unfroze their poor brother from his spot! hah! At the hesitation Raphie claps their little brother's shoulder gently, it's a sort of clap and light shove. " Come on, Leo will want to make sure you're okay if he is awake still and you want to see him too." A churr and another nudge for their little brother to lead the way over to where Leo is as Addy sees them, is whispering something to Leo and shifting about so she is still there! But so that Donnie can get in close to his big brother.

Addy is whispering to Leo, in excited, soft proud tones that Donnie has of course as she was sure he would manage the transformation back! She is a cat and wriggles her way around to be out of his way so Donnie can have all the big brother attention Leo is capable of if he is stirred by her soft attentions, or never truly rested either way!

Mike sniggers he brushed his knuckles to Donnie's as Raphie is encouraging him forward - because they came up at a time Mikey is happily telling of a time DonnieBoy got his tail kicked by a psychic monkey in front of his mega crush on an almost date!

It's an incident far enough ago that now the blush is more out of indignation still he was beaten so easily! And less about the embarrassment of that time!

But hey! their teasing Donno and this way he can, if he has stories, jump in with a few of his to tease brothers back! or interdimensional brothers! haha! It's all on the table now so to speak and a great distraction from the slowly creeping in tiredness. So whilst he is not going to break up teasing Mike also needs a Donno or DonnieBoy! " Heeeeeeey I am pretty sure my early exploits as Turtle Titan had moments like that. And which boy in purple wants to do the bloodletting?" laughing and just joining in the teasing with a raze on himself! But apropos because he is sure he was a bit cringy trying to fit in with the likes of Silver Sentry as much as it sounds DonnieBoy was trying to win his April's affections and probably as cute as it is watching Donno and Monroe!

DonnieBoy doesn't mind the teasing about that time now - and is also glad to share some of it away from Donno and Monroe casting his counterpart q questioning look, if he wants to do the care Leo still needed well DonnieBoy has the needed medical kits in his pockets, or he could just step over to do it. Either way looks like Mike is there to take over!

Addy is aware they will all have to rest and have brotherly time soon!

Donno is welcoming of any distractions from the teasing! Some was drawn off him and Monroe just in time. Donnie might have started a little brotherly fight for Monroe's honor if it continued much longer! So far though, the need to keep doing the job he was assigned is keeping him in his place. And Donnie, Mike and Raphie's return is perfectly timed! And their Donnie is smaller than he would have anticipated. He's almost worried about taking blood for Leo from the smaller turtle. Though by 13, some should be okay. Even if he is small for his age.

Donno does have stories about his brothers! Like the time MikeyMikey was 'mistaken' for a rich kid's toy. Or when Leon thought he was D’artagnan from the Three Musketeers.

Which probably wasn't a great idea, since MikeyMikey countered with that time that Donno actually earned a degree... from a women's college. And took Irma, of all idiotic people, to get it!

So yes, distractions are welcome! Even if they come in the form of Mike comments as cringe as that one...

"Do you have what they need?" He calls over to DonnieBoy. Donno can do it if he needs to, but if DonnieBoy has the equipment in his pockets, no need for two of them to be over there. Donno will stay and keep the time on the drum.

~~

Leo does sort of half respond to Addy's excited words. He glances over and does smile tiredly at his brothers. Including a turtle Donnie! He's too out of it to think much of anything beyond being grateful that they're all here and safe. And Donnie managed to get himself back to his turtle form!

Donnie looks hesitant, even with the nudge from big brothers who do know that he needs to see Leo as badly as Leo needs to know for sure he's okay.

Donnie does move to Leo's side, and carefully snuggles up against his big brother. Oh, this doesn't seem good at all. Leo's awake, but he's not quite able to focus right. Donnie's worried! Soft, worried churrs.

After a moment of snuggling, there's a slight, confused pout and a curious glance to Lee. A slight, expression of 'weird...' He then turns back and snuggles into his own Leo and frowns at the minimal response.

It's not long before his attention is drawn back to Lee for another moment. When DonnieBoy makes his way over, Donnie can't keep his question to himself anymore.

"Why does she echo?" Addy's a 'she' and is right there, sure, but... Donnie is clearly looking at and speaking about Lee.

DonnieBoy grins and shifts along the row bench to slip out, carefully stopping when it is time to row! " I got it Donno - hah! I think these guys need to hear some more crazy bro stories." take more of the teasing and turn it on those that end up the subject of brotherly tale shares and rubbing!

And he has some stuff he could use. Moving out of Mike's way.

Mike slips in laughing, and yep some cringed at the way he said go do what has to be done to help Leo. Amused! And also, " Thanks DonnieBoy."

DonnieBoy nods and of course a Mikey is bouncing about eagerly saying ooooh he could describe all the times DonnieBoy was grabbed by the face! Earning a glare his way as Donnie hurries into the shaded cart the shade and underneath utilised as the infirmary, above where playful kids hung out!

He is getting things from his pockets!

And catches

~

Donnie's question so mid " heeeey look who is a turtle again! Nice - whaaaat? Lee? He shouldn't be echoing... not sure what that means..." casting a worried glance at his brother but shaking it off, smiling at Donnie. " But I'll try and figure it out after we give Leo a little blood okay? Just a little,." because Donnie is not as old as he would prefer to do this with, as large as his brothers and well he wants to monitor how Leo might react to blood from a brother he might match with but he still now also has Fae in him!

Raphie grumbles in his throat softly, it's a worried sound. He does rub his brothers heads and then checks on Lee too.

Lee sighs softly but otherwise doesn't wake.

Addy purrs and licks Leo's cheek worried but it's a soft affection lick! " I'll give yous a bit of room... and get us some rest time..." they may have to toss nets over the sides to pretend to be fishing and try to avoid attention, out in the more open massive lake that connects river systems there will probably be many boats.

" Thanks Addy, Donnie I'll stay here with you and Leo and Lee." though snuggled close to big brother Leo maybe it might be all the comfort a younger Donnie needed? Maybe?

But here just encase!

DonnieBoy smiles and a glance at Lee as he was setting up the blood collection baggie. Time to focus. " You know which blood vessels in our arms blood is usually extracted from and why?" purely for distracting the younger Don and also if the kid is focused on that be less on  having his arm strapped for a moment, to help build pressure and find a vein to work with them stick in the needle and undo the strap around Donnie's bicep... All after swabbing the skin in Donnie's elbow of the arm he can reach at this angle of course.

Raphie figures that they must be choosing to ignore for the moment Donnie referred to Lee as a she. And well not a big deal he guesses.

~

Addy takes a moment before announcing herself to force worries aside and focus, take in where they are, their surroundings and how much of this part of the river she thinks they have.

Annnnnd well she was as eager as some to hear brother embarrassing stories!

Big M piping up and making Leonardo oh no when he threatens to delight them all with the story of the time Leo sat on his swords and cut his tail!

Added bonus that does make most the turtles probably cringe a little!

Donno laughs at the others needing to hear more stories. It's probably a good call, though the Mikeys getting in on the action is a welcome reprieve!

Donno seemed to be pretty heavily involved in causing shenanigans...

MikeyMikey laughs a "Classic!" When Mikey tells the stories of DonnieBoy getting his face grabbed by Leatherhead.

There is more laughter at the time Leonardo sat on his swords.

Donno is back in the spotlight for his stint as "The Dark Turtle."

~~

Leo is not entirely cogent at the moment, so Raphie staying was definitely the right call. Leo nuzzles at Addy as she heads off to get the ship settled. And hugs Donnie slightly before Donnie moves for... whatever DonnieBoy feels is necessary to take care of Leo.

Donnie clings to Raphie when he says he'll stay. Though perpetually curious, this particular Donatello was also raised on Splinter's horror stories of what humans would do to them if they were ever found. With equipment just like what DonnieBoy is prepping now.

Donnie is very much an engineer at heart, and has not yet been called on to help his brothers in a medical capacity yet. He has not had to learn medicine so he could help his brothers. He's not the one patching them up after every outing ...Yet. He hasn't confronted this fear before. Other than to see it confirmed in Liam's memories.

For those who know that Don would routinely, flat-out insist that he is an engineer, not a doctor, even though he clearly knows plenty of medicine here is a clue as to why.

He is very curious about what DonnieBoy is doing, but also very scared and clinging to Raphie. Perhaps even his brothers have forgotten that once, not long ago, Don had been at least as frightened as any of them had been about the medical equipment one might see in the labs of their nightmares.

It's a fear Don had conquered only after some serious injuries drove home to him how the equipment in his nightmares could be turned around and used to save his brothers' lives in dire situations. So he had learned out of necessity, but he did not like it.

Donnie has not yet reached the point where his brothers have ever been seriously hurt. Just small accidents and injuries that Splinter has cared for, though Donnie can apply bandaids, or gauze, or even wrap a joint if needed. The fear of anything more than that, is still very much there.

"He..." Donnie's tone is weird. Like somehow that doesn't fit in his mind, but he doesn't question the information. "'k..." is sort of a general response regarding both Lee and what DonnieBoy is about to do to Donnie.

He shakes his head at the question about which blood vessels are used.

"Veins?" He thinks that's right. Something he saw on TV, but he doesn't know why. And an engineer, afraid of human medical devices, he didn't look into it.

The explanation is working well as a distraction, and Donnie is definitely torn between being fascinated by the explanation and what DonnieBoy is doing, and clinging and hiding his face in Raphie's shoulder until it's all over.

~~

Leo will react well when the blood is introduced to his system. There is not bright snapping shock like with the tots' blood. Instead, the combination of a matching blood with the added fae and dragon traits and magic is wonderful. He looks blissful, and feels like most wonderful basking sunshine Leo has ever felt is coursing through his body. He can feel it moving through his blood stream, joining and healing and encouraging healthy re-growth of damaged cells. It also stimulates Leo's body to replace some of the lost blood. The edges of the stitched areas are slowly, but visibly starting to close. He will need more fluids, but some of his color starts to return to a slightly healthier shade.

The clinging and Leo being down and his mate right there makes Raphiepuff and hiss warningly at any moment DonnieBoy is NOT explaining every move he is making, and every bit of equipment.

Gulp says DonnieBoy with a soft churl noise of reassuring submission to the protective Raphie -

And he will explain, first showing Donnie the equipment and the names of items, of course prefacing everything with a note that things might have different names in his dimension or at least pronunciations.

An approving nod at Donnie's right answer. " That's correct! For non mutated turtles, the brachial plexus, subcarapacial venous sinus, and jugular vein are the major sites where blood can be obtained from a turtle or tortoise. The venipuncture site will depend on the size and species of the patient and the preference of the phlebotomist -" touching gently on Donnie and himself and Raphie where those places are if they were their wild type normal turtles. " For humans, blood is usually drawn from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle maybe inserted into the larger median cubital, or basilic or cephalic veins are most frequently used, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. And as we are structured bipedal like humans I will use a similar method - you can sand should just tell me to stop at any moment. Especially if you feel lightheaded or nauseous okay?"

And DonnieBoy will keep his word. If at anytime aside from the moment he has a needle in place he will stop and pause or back up and explain more. The entire time.

He takes the barest minimal middle amount before it will be hard for Donnie to recover quick and just enough to bring Leo back from the pale shades and out of it haze he is in.

Even after he takes the blood from Donnie he is explaining the process of attaching it to Leo and where it is introduced.

It all almost puts Raphie to sleep -

If he wasn't watching closely Leo's reaction to the new blood. Nudging Donnie when some color comes back to their brother.

DonnieBoy is careful to keep eyes on where he puts the blood baggie and tubing and needles.

Raphie meanwhile leans to rub Leo's shoulder as some color comes back and there is a look on Leo's face that looks like he is basking. " Leoooo?" soooftly churring -

He'd been making the soft sounds as Donnie snuggled and louder when his brother covered his face or his against him. Mostly to comfort the younger brother. But also it stopped himself from making DonnieBoy more nervous by growling at him.

Donnie's fear is slowly giving way to curiosity. He is still clinging to Raphie, but it's a little less frantic, especially after he had been correct about the veins and DonnieBoy starts getting into a little more of the lesson. Then the curiosity really starts to win out. Donnie doesn't interrupt to ask question, but he is definitely listening and following the information being offered! There are a couple of points where the fear starts to get the better of him again though.

Other than clearly being nervous about the whole situation, Donnie is handling the blood draw pretty well.

By the time DonnieBoy removes the needle from Donnie's arm, and starts working on Leo, he has an eager observer hanging on his every word. Though one who still won't let go of Raphie.

The blood moving through Leo's system feels warm and sunny. He basks in the feeling contentedly. For the most part, that look of basking bliss is all that's visible, but as the fae and dragon infused blood has circulated to most of his body, there is a light shimmery effect, not unlike the sparkles Donnie now sports. The coloring is similar too, mostly green and gold with a hint of the multi-colored ones.

Unlike Donnie, the effect does not stay. After it passes, Leo opens his eyes and looks up at Raphie's soft call out of his name. He looks tired, but alert.

"What did--" He cuts himself off as Donnie leaps out of Raphie's hold into Leo's.

"We were so worried! They had to use my blood which I didn't know, but somehow I did know, and soIhadtoturnbackintoaturtlesotheycoulddoitsoIdidandRaphieandMikehelpedmethenDonnieBoywasabletodothebloodtransfusion,andIwasscaredbuthetaughtmeaboutitanddidyouknow..." Bits and pieces of DonnieBoy's lecture are repeated at Leo who is definitely not following it at the moment. Not because he isn't coherent, but because Donnie's worried babbling is too much for him to really follow on a good day. Leo does recognize it for what it is though. And he churrs softly for the little brother in his arms.

"It's okay, Donnie. I'm okay now. Thank you."

Donnie is still babbling, and Leo just holds him, churring softly.

He looks to Raphie, much more himself. Clearly tired, but much more present than he had been a short while ago. He smiles at his brother then at DonnieBoy who had helped him.

The babbling has shifted from the blood transfusion to more general topics. Some chittering about how the shifting from dragon to turtle again had gone, Donnie is running out of steam by now, and between the blood donation on top of the aftermath of the fight, being here with Raphie and Leo snuggled up and listening to Leo churr, Donnie is quickly running out of steam. He's tired, and the rapidfire rambling is turning to less understandable muttering. Leo thought he heard something in there about echoes and Raphie's weird Not-She-Lee boyfriend girl. Nah, must have heard that wrong.

Raphie is mostly at the halfway point sort of blanking most of the demonstration and talking out - though now and then he snapped back to attention when Donnie would cling against him more, churring. Staying relaxed though on occasion there was a growl that makes DonnieBoy's voice crack a little with nervousness or makes him make a chirpy sound.

In the cart above them, five little faces kept randomly peeking over the edge to look at them, watch them and Raphie will grin at them back, oh their adorable! Even a sixth face popped over now at then. Chompy, probably held by one or two of the other kiddos.

So there is a Duncan, Malcolm, and Elena face when Leo comes around -

And there Donnie is definitely not the only excited youngin! Raphie chuckles shuffling his butt forward and shifting an arm around his brothers, it's a move that could be mistaken for just hugging them but he is offering Leo a little bit of support in that he has an eager rambling Donnie in his arms and had only just revived to this point. " Glad to hear it, bro, like Donnie said had us worried and... the rest..." Yep entirely admitting he had not caught all that even if he had tried a bit in the beginning!

And a tad amused about it, adding his churrs to Leo's.

And a soft growl at DonnieBoy that makes him eeeep and drop the empty blood baggy! hahah!

DonnieBoy scrambles to pick it up and squish it into a baggie to keep sharps and biological waste away before squishing back into his pockets, " Ho hooow do you feel? I mean that was not a lot, of course... but you do looook a lot better." a little amazed but also he had sort of expected to be amazed, given both fae and dragon blood in that small offering. Still, Leo does look more... him.

He catches the bit about Lee and shrugs a little, when he has a moment he will gather the Dons in all, even Duncan probably! and maybe try a process of elimination with them and whatever they can gather as far as Nexus colds and flu and eliminate things in a list as the travel for Lee, it could be nothing, he might recover in a couple of days, it might be serious and he'll need more time or attention. Either way, until he has wrung the brain trust he just goes with it.

~

On the deck Addy is encouraging the bawdy talk, making it loud, and yes please all do laugh a lot - the typical sort of Fishing trawler sounds! and when she likes a spot out in the main lake she will direct sailors to pinning the sails down, bringing oars up, getting deck clear so others can get the nets from below - sadly that wrecks Ralphie and Lilo's nest spot but it can be resorted later and its a busy time - she hasn't had a chance to check in on Leo and his little team yet -

yet!

Donnie doesn't really notice the kids as they're peeking over the edges. He is too focused on what is immediately in front of him. The blood donation, the explanation and the transfusion, and Leo waking are taking his full attention. This is followed by the sheer exhaustion of the events of the day taking over once Leo is awake and aware and Donnie feels like he can breathe again.

Even with the projectile brother, and the rapidfire babbling, Leo does manage to catch a glimpse of the kids peeking over the edge. He smiles reassuringly to them, and very much does appreciate the assist from Raphie.

As Donnie is clearly running out of steam and falling asleep, snuggled in his brothers arms, Leo takes a moment to consider his response to DonnieBoy's question.

"Really good, actually. Definitely better than I've felt all day." Well, okay, maybe there had been a moment just before he'd passed out while in the captain's cabin with Addy that had maybe felt better...

But from a physical health standpoint at least, the statement is true. Leo could easily get up now, even with Donnie on him. Leo could pick him up and carry him to a new spot without a problem at all. For now though, he knows Raphie had worried, and DonnieBoy is finishing his check up, so Leo stays put for now. Also just letting Donnie rest.

Actually, Leo doesn't feel ready to sleep at all. Not necessarily overly energized, but like he's had a wonderful night's sleep and is ready to face the day again. He is, however, trapped. Leo makes no attempt to go anywhere.

If DonnieBoy checks on the stitched injuries, they are mostly healed. The deepest ones will need a little more time, but some of the stitching looks like it was put there just for show.

Leo churrs softly for a little while, as Donnie sleeps. He rubs his brother's small shell, and after a moment frowns slightly and shoots a questioning glance to Raphie. Donnie's too small for 13. At least... Leo's pretty sure he is...

~~

The stories continue. That time that Ralphie and Donno wanted to join a goup of mutants, only to find that they were wildly fanatical and dangerous.

Some of it shifts toward just bizarre adventures. The Maestro, and his crazy alien piano. Yes. Piano. Then an organ too. Irma dated him for awhile. Yes, she's a little bit crazy.

Raph manages to grab Mikey in a free moment and give him a noogie.

But the work continues, and at least at the moment, Ralphie doesn't mind the nest being used for it's actual, intended purpose. They all have brothers back now, and turtle piles are definitely going to be necessary after this day.

Raphie catches the look and nods guessing what it is about. " Lighter and smaller than before huh?" sure he wasn't the only one to notice and also feel it and pretty sure he wasn't dreaming... surely?

DonnieBoy yays and is done beaming at Leo, " I know a certain cat lady that will be very happy to see yous doing better, very worried about you."

He is sort of listening as he finds his notepad and begins his diagnosis list for Lee

But on another page makes a Donnie one too, " miiiight be the Fae influence, I'd imagine with the wings she has, Bebe would be very light in body weight" he guesssssses to the brothers looks and what Raphie had just said.

Raphie looks to Leo to get his reaction to that, sorta made sense to him, but big bro miiiight sense something more. And there is a bit of a smiley grin to the look too at the well no duh his cat lady was worried for him, means some serious tlc!

Like Raphie was worried for Lee but it looked like DonnieBoy was on it and would probably draw his fellow Don's into it!

~

When she has a moment, Lilo drops down and will glomp Ralphie!

It's a bit chaotic at the moment, laughter and jokes and stories still being encouraged -

But it is slowing and Addy organising dinner, Sam, Pip and Monroe on it...

And then it is mostly down, their anchored and the nets over the fishing sigal for boats is up and fluttering -

Leonardo and Raphael arrange the spare sail and flop together churring their deep rumbles, Donatello is dragged over by BigM- the base of a turtle pile!

Mikey only play complains about the noogie! Trying to tickle Raph! And shares the story of Raph being mind switched with a Kraang - then the big turtle made themselves a base for a turtle pile! And he is mid story telling of Raphs squish kraang face! And drags Raph towards the pile to make it bigger with themselves! " DonnieBoy get out here!" laughing and continuing his story!

Mike hurries in and almost over the top of the skinny bean DonnieBoy! " Leooooh oooh man am I glad you looook better... Donnie alright?" plopping beside his brothers, making Lee squirm at his loud voice and beaming at them. " wanna join the turtle pile out there?!"

"I guess I'd best not keep her worrying." Leo responded lightly to the tease. If he's honest, he is actually looking forward to dispersing her worry. He knows she had worried, and he's sorry about that, but all seems well now.

"Yeah..." Leo agreed with Raphie. Leo was sure they had been bigger than this at 13. Even Donnie. And definitely not this light. Even allowing for his smaller, slimmer build now.

He considered the theory from DonnieBoy and his expression turned unreadable, but he nodded in agreement. It definitely seemed likely. Leo is pretty sure that Donnie while light for a turtle, would be heavy for a fae. Donnie does have a shell after all, and those are heavy.

He starts shifting to get up. If Raphie lets him, Leo will pick up Donnie and carry him. He does feel much better, and their now little brother is much lighter than the brothers Leo is used to carrying. Though he sort of suspects that Raphie will take Donnie from him anyway.

Leo can't help the chuckle as Lilo pounces Ralphie who gives an exaggerated

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Ralphie lets her hit, and semi cushions the fall as they go down! He shifts to wrestling. Though he's not trying very hard. It's clearly a game.

It's about the same time that Raph is tackling Mikey for the Kraang brain swap story. Somehow it turned into Mikey dragging Raph into the turtle pile. And well, a pile sounds perfect right about now.

MikeyMikey and Donno are chuckling, and sort of shifting their tasks to the last few jobs that need to be done before they can rest.

Donnie slept through it all. Poor kid must be exhausted. And with the past couple days he's had? Leo's not actually surprised.

Leo smiled when Mike turned up in the cart.

"I feel better. And he's okay. Just tired." Exhausted apparently by the look of him. Donnie will sleep through being moved too. "And a turtle pile sounds pretty much perfect right about now."

It's much needed now that they're all together again! Though he needs to make a moment for Addy too before really joining the pile. And Leo isn't actually tired after whatever happened during that transfusion.

Kids alarm Kovu by trying to figure out how to climb out of the cart! Elean started it, she had just peaked over the edge to grin at Leo, waving, and in straightening back up sees her dad in a turtle pile! she squeaks indignantly and with a tiny huff sound throws herself over the edge flapping that way! " Don't foootet me!"

Donatello laughs, Yua was moving to the edge of the pile giggling, and the sore but so very happy Donatello catches the little winged daughter, " Now why would I ever forget you?" churr and nuzzling her, she squeaks in joy - even more so when a Raphael growls and leans in to nuzzle her too - then a Leonardo and the BigM! Welcoming this little niece into their family, and their interdimensional brothers as they come over too!

Oh Raph's tackle worked! Mike just sort of turned and aimed it at the pile so he rolls and laughed wrestles - in that tickling his brother!

Leon had stopped to laugh at Ralphie - but there is a fluffy tail on his face too! and she is gently poking him towards the pile, not that he needs much! - okay with that fluffy tail he does pause! but goes for it, grabbing a MikeyMikey bandana tails to encourage him in too - away from the floofy tail he was getting, and foxy hug!

Lilo loooove the wrestling and absolutely when Ralphie wins, cause she is more than encouraging it! and ooooooh she smooches the Ralphie! either from the top or the bottom! grinning at him, " mmmmm I loved watching you woooork." and she is ready to slip off of him when he is ready to join his brothers!

Mike laughs moving closer and gently scooping Donnie from both of their big brothers - just as little boys copying Elena come a tumbling over the edge of the cart - he trusts entirely that Raphie, a DonnieBoy and Leo will probably catch those cheeky little winged dare devils! He nuzzles Donnie,c churrs and waits watching, grinning, [color:e265=FF8C00]" I am glad to hear it bro wooooow were wweeeee this light as young teens?" he wonders - missing Raphies amused look as that is what they had been discussing!

And yep an eager flappy Duncan aims for Leo with a happy chirp for his fave big turtle, and there a Randal is flapping wobbling his way! Raphie laughs and manages to catch and eager can't decide where he wants to go Liam who and leaves the aiming for Mike Malcolm to Leo or DonnieBoy.

Lean bean ducks to let little guy fall to Leo ! though he is there to catch if missed.

Lee is stirring, sitting himself up a bit and blinking at all the noise!

Addy can see soon they will be coming out, Leo was up - oh she loudly happy purrs!

Raph has Mikey in a hug-- hold. A wrestling hold. Yeah. When they roll into the turtle pile. Then he shoves Mikey a little farther into it, and is definitely not shifting into a position where he can reach any brothers that have made their ways into the pile as well.

While Lilo was on top.

"Enjoyed the show, huh?" At least she was when she started the smooch, Ralphie shifts pulls one of her arms and rolls her over to finish the smooch. "More where that came from."

Then he keeps rolling, and into the pile they go! Sniggering at Leon once there because, yeah, he saw that! HA!

MikeyMikey happily follows his foxy friend! And maybe settles toward one side of the pile so others are safe from tails boofs! He likes them.

Donno seeks out Monroe, and encourages him toward the pile as well.

Leo is amused by Elena flying over the edge of the cart toward her dad as Mike pulls Donnie from his arms. Leo couldn't help the smile as Donnie gave a soft, sleep churr in response to Mike. He debates only for a moment his response to Mike. Donnie seemed very much asleep. Hopefully he wouldn't remember this conversation... though Leo is pretty sure Donnie has remembered several things he's heard in his sleep.

"I don't think we were that light when we were ten." There is a bit of exaggeration to that. It's probably not far off the mark. Though he's pretty sure Raphie at least weighed more at 10 than Donnie does now. His tone hiiiiints to brothers who know him well that he's worried. It's definitely something they're going to have to adapt to. Especially Donnie.

But well...Being worried? That's pretty much Leo's life, really.

His worry about his brother is short lived though, because the kids grab his attention for the moment! Leo snags Duncan out of the air in a hug with one arm, and catches Malcolm by the ankle with the other hand. He will then swing the little, golden child up to DonnieBoy. That Leo is confident enough to do this is a sign that he is feeling much better! It's smooth and sure, and a movement much more 'him' than he has shown today.

He heard the purr from Addy and looked over at her, giving her a wink. He's okay. Much better! Encouraging her to join them in the turtle pile.

Raph caught that Lee was moving around a bit.

"Yo, bro. Woke up just in time for a turtle pile. Get over here."

Lee blinks, he sorta wants to return to snoozing, feels full, and not very hungry, thristy though! But DonnieBoy and a cackling energized little gold boy is taking him along - then Raphie has scooped him up!

Since Mike stole Donnie!

Raphie has a Randal and Once he plopped a hugged up little Liam onto Mike and Donnie he grabs his lover to carry! And will bump his brothers to hurry! Moving to the pile to take Lee to his brothers DonnieBoy hot on his heals!

Lee chuckles despite himself and does reach for Mikey and Raph! DonnieBoy hurrying to join them! Malcolm crawls back to his Daddies! Nuzzling Raphie as he settles side by side with Lee, big turtles sort of in the middle of the huddle so the others can gather their brothers and close!

"the epicness of this turtle pile needs to be a photo!" Leon yelps happily, miiiight have been a little bit of a pinched butt from Inaba! And yep he is there with his brothers!

Smirking a bit as Ralphie and his monkey.

Then over at MikeyMikey and Foxy Dana the fox's tail floods the MikeyMikey a bit then as they sit wraps about his shell!

Monroe happy soft rose pink blushes and hot list pinky scale shifts between Donno's green and other turtle greens that are in contact when he shyly takes his spot, nuzzling Donno. Lilo laughed all the way into the pile, making the kiss last until their in the pile and her tail is around his thigh teasing close to his but not quite, "Enjoyed that a loooot, so more pleeease." a flirt and tease and truth right in Ralphie's earhole!

Mike had grinned in response to Leo, " awwww feels unusual for a turtle, even a small one but he'll be okay bro..." though this is Leo he will worry regardless! Hah he grins and there is a Liam in his arms with Donnie so he snuggles them harder churring for them, and when he can nuzzling Erica, nipping her shoulder, yep still his! And toooo the pile!

Addy fans herself a bit moving closer to Leo and his giggling purple armload snuggling him like a life line, " that was a cute all too exciting and so cool... I assume then you feel pretty good muscles?" as she had called him on one of their earliest sailing times, because yep it had been quite the view watching him catch toddlers. She is close enough to lick a Duncan cheek and then Leo's.

Oh, that tail and that tease, Ralphie is going to have a very hard time being a 'good boy'! Though, the kids in the pile with them will be good encouragement! Then there's also the fact that he is tired. It's been a long day. But he also shifts so he can reach brothers, as does MikeyMike where he's snuggled up with Dana.

Donno snuggles in, sort of protectively wrapped around the sort of weird, little gecko man. He is also in contact with brothers. It's been too long separated from them.

Raph still has Mikey in the 'wrestling hold' that surely no one is buying by now. Mikey might as well get used to it. This is his life until Raph decides to let go. Chompy has even managed to appear in the turtle pile as well, so he has the little guy too. Raph is definitely in contact with all his brothers too.

Leo takes a moment to accept Mike's words. "Thanks, Mike." Leo will worry, but hearing it said that things will be okay like that actually does help.

Leo does take a moment to snap a picture of the massive turtle pile! Then sneaks a selfie with himself and Duncan and possibly Addy in the corner too. Because he has actually been scolded for not taking pictures with him in it too.

There is a smile on his face as Leo responds to Addy. "I feel so much better." The smile shifts to a bit of a smirk as she comes in to lick his cheek and Duncan's. "Shall I show you sometime?" is whispered into her ear, just for her. It is more tease than anything though because right now is definitely not the time.

Instead, Leo guides Addy into the pile as well, and settles Duncan near his brothers, and Leo will curl up as well. Also in contact with all four brothers! And a bit amazed that Donnie managed to sleep through that entire transfer into the pile. He's now snuggled up against Mike. Though Raphie and Leo are also in contact with him.

Lilo giggles, waggling her brows best thing for keeping him close to her tail. A soft kiss to his cheek, " Couldn't be happier for all of you." a soft whisper, and she is, Ralphie has all his clutch mates and the other clutch mates too! She is aware as much distraction as she and sailing probably has been he has probably also been very very worried. Certainly, his blue brother seemed to be doing the blue thing of counting all the heads before snuggling into big turtles and Ralphie with an Inaba under his other arm, a Donno and shy but fluffy pink happy Monroe slips into the bundle more against her as Donno and Ralphie are closest with a MikeyMikey and Dana snuggling in closer.

BigM amusingly pauses his big rumbling happy churrs and nuzzling against his tiny adorable niece and his brothers to tease the slightly pudgier smaller group of brothers, " Seems you guys are four for four." nodding to the four tag-a-longs that group had, very amused but it's a tease that has a bit of a soooo cooool note to it. Then a soft laugh with his brothers and he nods at Mike and his brothers too as they began to snuggle up in this great big turtle pile. " Mmm and you guys too - almost."

Mike winks, in the middle of giving Leo a grin, dude was always going to worry but at the very least it seemed he had managed to make him feel a little less harried by it all. For a moment or two and the turtle pile will help! so knowing it will make big brothers hurry up and nuzzle little brother with a loud churr for him Mike sat comfortably with the others, Erica joined him he hears BigM and chuckles. " It's the cute factor." he grins, Erica was curled up just below a Donnie, he grins at the mate he hadn't seen for some time, glad to be here and now they're getting a chance to just... be - he reached out and drags an unsure hovering Bebe into the hug too. Her wings had the same fuzzy fluffy stains of pink Monroe has!

Has to be the cute factor! And more so is he certain when a Mikey pipes up eagerly " Can confirm - we are adorable right Raph?" playfully cause it will cause his wrestling brother to probably noogie him but Mikey was eager for it! Grinning when Lee is plopped carefully there with himself and Raph, DonnieBoy with him. " You look like you need to hibernate or are coming off a coma." he teases Lee. It's not an obvious sort of tiredness like with humans but definitely notable to a fellow turtle, and definitely so to brothers.

Lee rubs his face. " I know... I feeeel it too even though had plenty of sleep..."

Inaba fluffs her ears up, " if we have all the ingredients I'll make a big batch of pepper-up potion to help you perk up and hopefully fight off any shared something from the rest of us too." If that was what was wrong with Lee.

DonnieBoy suppoooooses echo could mean a cough was building so you know he was all for a bit of help, he is still making a list! but it is paused for the moment as they snuggle up, once he is among them and all are relaxed he will bring it back out!

Leonardo is indeed like Leon and probably a sleep Lee and even the curious little Liam! is counting heads. All of them as they got close and snuggled! haha! And quietly checking ont the condition o everyone as they join them. Relieved, Lee looks tired but okay, Leonardo much better, Donnie like he is just having a good nap and the rest of them fairly well! It is relieving and wonderful!

Addy purrs! and Leo causes a rush of scent from her that she knows he will pick up on, making all her fuzzy regrowth puff up. " Oooooh I assume that comes with a demon too?" tease and flirt and follow Leo over, when he helps her into the group she smiles and piles eloquently against Erica and Mike beside Raphie and waits eager for Leo to join to do the lap cat thing! She considers Inaba's words when she mentions pepper up and nods, " We should have all the stuff needed yes... that wouldn't hurt to do. Thank you."

Ralphie had been worried, and wow, does it feel good to have everyone together again. Well... almost everyone. Evidently there's a Master Splinter out in the Nexus somewhere. But this, having all these different sets of turtle brothers together? It feels good.

He can't help but chuckle when he catches all four Leos doing the head count thing.

Some things, it seems, never change.

Though somewhere out there, surely there's one who doesn't?

But here, and content as all the brothers and girls snuggle in!

"Ha! You know it!"

"We ARE adorable." MikeyMikey adds sleepily as he snuggles in.

Ralphie's pretty sure he heard a content noise of agreement from Donno too.

Raph huffed a laugh at Mikey's question.

"Yeah, all but one of us." He agrees, but doesn't actually say who that one is as he does noogie his brother! Who he has not released from the wrestling hold. Though he does relax it a bit to allow DonnieBoy and Lee close.

Worried about Lee, but it sounds like there's some sort of plan or whatever. So just snuggling in for now.

Leo made a biiiiit of a face at BigM's comment about them 'sort of' being four for four. Sooooort of. Donnie keeps calling Bebe 'Mom.' Which is a pretty weird stretch for that 'sort of.' But it's a Michelangelo, and well... He sort of supposes Mike would say something like that too. Donnie is also 13, and waaay too innocent for anything like BigM is talking about. Then there's the whole... Leo's not sure 16yo Don would have been interested. He supposes they could say three for three, but... that's also weird, and sort of worse.

Leo chuckled and gave Addy a brief, deeper churr. The almost smirk became a full smirk and Leo gave her a quick wink. Nothing that Duncan should understand. Then he moved to the pile and snuggled in with his family. Resting and spending time with them, but he will mostly meditate on this crazy day and keep watch from here. He's not ready to sleep.

Monroe has a different 'chur' to the turtles, almost similar to Addy's purr but more of a brrrr beer sound as he snout boops Donno for his content sounding noise. The gecko has been on his own since leaving his hatch creche so he might not understand full the relief these genio innocou feel being all together. But he does see and hear it and is happy about that! Happy for this cute Donno that makes him turn all sorts of colors.

Lilo does get it. Even if she sails with Addy for the rest of her days and she probably will she will make trips back to check on her troop, be with her maternal family, meet new young faces. So she definitely understands the closeness of the turtles and grins at Ralphie's look smooching his snout. Tail flicking gently against his.

Unlike Dana's tail there flooding against MikeyMikey and a bit against Inaba who is ignoring it entirely! The foxy gal nods empathetically, " Oh I agree the adorableness est!"

Leon and Inaba snigger at the funny faces of a Donatello and a DonnieBoy and glance to check Donno's and sleeping Donnie's for the reaction to that bad grammar hahaha!

DonnieBoy maaaaybe went to correct it buuuut finds a milk bottle lolly in his mouth!

Mikey then hands out little sweets to the pile that is awake!

Ooooh Addy definitely slips her furr tail along Leo's thighs for that teases teasey adorable smirking and wink! A tease back!

And amused grin as toddlers nuzzle into their big turtles, or in the case of Liam flops on-top of Donnie in Mike's arms and gives Bebe a fishy eyed look when she tries to snuggle in too! But his little tail is wagging and Malcolm cops it on the snout a couple times before trying to catch it!

Mike sniggers and churrs nuzzling the boys apart. Now is not wrestle time! Duncan is clinging to Leo and very amused by Randal and Chompy playing peek a boo.

Donno had been quite content where he was falling asleep. At least until Dana spoke. He peeks an eye open at the fox and her grammar. He does make a face, but then accepts the offered sweet and closes that eye again and is back on his way to a nap. MikeyMikey and Ralphie are snuggled in already and also accept the treats. Ralphie also sniggering quietly and peeking to see how the Donatellos react to that grammar!

Donnie squirmed a bit and looked like he was smelling a particularly nasty fart. Then shifting and sleeping soundly once more, curling around Liam a bit, and snuggled against his big brothers.

Leo will also accept the offered treat as he settles in with Addy. And maybe it will help him rest a little. But he will use the time wisely. Rest as he can and meditate on this day and keep watch when he can't. Mostly though... Leo is just here, with his brothers, and absolutely relieved to have them all back. Even if not all in the state they were when they were separated.

The large turtles, the bottom and or well more accurately the middle of the turtle pile churr deep and long and loud, nuzzling each other, Kivu and Yua in their midst, Elena, and smaller turtles they are closest to, especially Big M against the shortest bunch of turtles.

It's a turtle pile of turtle piles!

Leonardo is closer to Leo and his brothers and is light nuzzling and rubbing their shells, Donatello closer to Lee and his mob so is encouraging DonnieBoy to let himself rest a moment in the turtle pile before working too hard on his list.

Just relax and he, Donno and DonnieBoy can have a good think over it together

Raphael is more cuddling his brothers like the giant teddy bear he was!

Puuuuuurrr and Addy is content to curl mostly against Leo, annnnd yep like all cats her loooud purring comes with liiiicks!

all over little faces and Leo's cheek or shoulder now and then, fingers making biscuits!

The smaller group of turtles is very content in this greatest of all turtle piles. They're all either snoozing or nearly snoozing.

Raph actually stays awake long enough to make sure his brothers and Chompy are resting quietly. Then he too will drift off. He did notice that Leo seemed to be meditating more than sleeping.

Donnie is sound asleep, snuggling into his brothers.

Leo doesn't let himself completely separate his awareness from the physical world around him. He is still paying some attention. He does gently rub Addy's arm in response to the licks before he drops deeper into his meditation, and following a brush from Splinter and Usagi.

Leo off to Here

Lee only just napped he didn't think he would feel like it again, but he does, snug under Raphie s arm and up against Raph and Chompy and snoozes. DonnieBoy and Mikey will both cast a worried look at Raph, as in the days of the coma they would look to Raph to lead and care for them when Lee had been down.

Raphie is mostly guarding Leo's shell and napping very lightly, because there on Donnie is four baby boys snuggled and together, just holding each other. Liam sometimes nuzzling Donnie, Duncan has a hand on Leo, Malcolm seems very content to just peek every now and then and see Mike, MikeyMikey and Donno right there! Randal is closest to him and Lee. Awww their cute and with Donie bundled and resting as he is it's an adorable now immortalized thanks to Mikey image!

Addy let's herself and her crew rest a bit. Just rest. Be together. There is a last leg to the battle grounds and they may have to put the boat somewhere safe and travel on foot or the cart with wheels. But it will be difficult to not draw attention from here.

Raph isn’t entirely sure what to make of what’s going on with Lee. Not only was the first nap unusual, but he’s asleep again already?! No, absolutely, definitely unusual!

But there is nothing more to be done right now, so Raph just churrs reassuringly for younger brothers. The Donatellos will just have to figure it out… later.

Now, they rest, as ordered.

For now though, Raph wraps himself protectively around DonnieBoy and Mikey. Within reach of Lee, but it’s his younger brothers who need the comfort most.

Donno, MikeyMikey and Ralphie are resting soundly. Content with the current situation. There are still things to deal with, but it can wait until tomorrow.

Donnie occasionally gives a sleepy, half churr when Liam nuzzles into him. Raphie has Lee on one arm, but Donnie is curled against his largest brother too in a way that probably feels like it's been awhile to Raphie, but seems like yesterday to Donnie. Though the addition of the kids does make him shift slightly to make room for them.

Leo is meditating, but it would only take a light warning from Raphie to draw him back.

Leonardo is not sleeping, almost in the middle of the big turtle pile he and Raphael churr the deepest, longest, rumbling for all the smaller brothers, slightly younger brothers gathered around them. He is watching, listening, relaxed by all the gathered breathing and lightly meditates.

Not enough to join in on Leo's moment unless needed, but does offer some strength and warmth of a big brother as much on guard as Leo is.

As Raph is. And a Leon too if those peeking eyeballs are anything to go by - ha!

It's just so if Leo needs the bolstering it's there. If not that is cool too.

Mikey and DonnieBoy accept for now not much can be done except DonnieBoy making a long list of possible ailments both normal from their world and whispered ones from Inaba, Addy, Dana and Lilo, Kovu is snuggled with Yua and Elena against Donatello.

Little boys churr when Donnie does and Raphie chuckles a few times cause it's adorable!

Ralphie, MikeyMikey and Donno are welcoming the moment to get some rest. Especially in a comforting turtle pile like this one is. It's a light rest, but rest all the same.

Donnie will sort of pass through a couple sleep states. Sometimes he's sleeping lightly enough to churr or nuzzle, other times he's sleeping like a rock. It's been an extremely long day for him. But right now, he feels comfortable and safe, especially here snuggled up with big brothers... so very many big brothers. Bebe's presence calms his still settling fae magic, letting him rest with less tension. And sleepy babies are also an excellent sleep aid.

Raph is lightly resting. He's not exactly asleep, but he's not exactly awake either. Relishing this moment with all of his brothers together again, and safe. Well... whatever weirdness is going on with Lee not withstanding. But even that Raph can sort of let go right now since they're all together and resting.

He stays in contact with all of his brothers, reassuring himself that they're all there, but the light restful state is almost meditative. He's more than alert enough to protect his brothers if anything happens!

And... maybe feeling some comforting brush...

Raph is not well versed in meditation. He has some knowledge and experience, but not as much as Lee, and nowhere near as much as Raphie and his brothers.

But that session that he'd had with Raphie had been pretty cool! Except the whole... plant thing... Darn it... a Plant! Figures. But resting lightly. And maybe could be coaxed into meditating enough to follow that strangely familiar brush if it continues.

Leonardo peeeeaks.

Notes most are resting so shifts his churrs to more felt than heard, a vibrating rumble, meditating only to offer some strength for Leo to use of needed!

Lee is aware of something, a brush, a touch, comfort, but definitely very comfortable!

And deep sleeping!

Leonardo had felt it , and mid being amused as he feels Addy wriggle more into Leo's lap and snuggle, the little boys all chirp and snuggle against Donnie Liam with a bit of a warbley sound to his chirp!

A nudge against Leon to make sure he responds to Leo and concentrates, joins them!

Leo nudges at the requested parties. Encouraging Mikey along, letting Lee rest, knowing that whatever is going on with his counterpart, he clearly needs the rest. No sense in disrupting that.

No, at the moment, Mikey is the better brother to disturb. Nudging and offering a little assistance if it's needed to join him, Usagi and the two Splinters on the astral plane.

Mikey resisted only a little bit eventually with Leon even managing to focus he sits up as straight as he could in the pile were he was and let's himself rest, foooocus, still as the forest!

Leon grins, focusing, slightly manifesting his avatar as he is in contact with Donnie!

Leonardo eases it all along with calm and strength. And there was an almost endless well of strength -

Raph is curious when he notices Mikey sit up like that and start to meditate. He has no idea what's going on, but he doesn't interfere. It seemed that the Blues were up to something too. Best let them do their thing... whatever it was.

He'll keep watch.

And he frowns as Donnie starts to glow and shimmer. The resting young turtle's chi lines shimmering to life, and the shimmering, opalescent flecks seeming to take a life of their own.

The kid chirped softly, seeking brothers and those meditating. Raph found himself churring a comforting sound until the young teen found those he sought and settled once more, though the glowing continued.

"That's a weird color for a nightlight." is very softly muttered to anyone who isn't actually sleeping!

Raphie is touched is fellow Raphs responded to Donnie as he did, he manages to keep churrs soundless to hear Raph's, Feel the massive turtle at the base of their pile shift just that bit closer in the pile to Donnie, and he is unable to see how Ralphie reacted but pretty sure he would have too in some way.

Chuckling a bit at the night light comment. Donnies chi and cute fairy flecks set off his brothers Chi's, Raphs slowly spread, cause he wasn't focused. Mike murmurs and has the same slow spread of orange joins them.

" It is cool, buuuut damn does a turtle feel like a pretty neon light." he agrees with this counterpart keeping voice low.

Ralphie isn't as much of a protector of his group of brothers as his counterparts are, but even he can't ignore Donnie's soft sound. He is also offering a little comfort for the kid. It's actually not quite as protective as Donno's churr, but it's still there. Even MikeyMikey is churring softly.

Donnie settles, still glowing, and will continue to do so, probably until the Leos and Mikey are done with... whatever they're doing.

Raph chuckles at his counterpart's comment.

"I can see that." Then pausing, considering the time they did a little meditative work before they all met up.

"At least you got the cool dragon thing going on."

Raph is NOT thrilled about his avatar being a PLANT!

Raph wriggles just enough that Donnie can bury himself and the little boys, all griping each other even in sleep closer to his own plastron, rubbing their backs one at a time. Reassure them the Raphies are here, always here. Chuckling with Raph and nodding. " That is pretty awesome indeed, though a bit of a burden to sometimes be these fantastic beasts that people are in awe of and have high expectations of but also are terrified of... kind like being a mutant turtle hero I guess." bump playfully against his fellow Raph, and a nod over at Leon with his sort of see through my little ponycorn jumpsuit going on. " I am torn between that is a adorable and that is sort of ridiculous... whats yours?" he asks lightly amused, and curious and pausing a bit when the little boys chirps one at a time, first Liam, then Randal, Duncan and Malcolm with an extra adorable little chewy motion and wag of golden tail, Chompy pops his head up sleepily to eye his new buddies, his little tail flip flopping, a glance up at RaphDad with a extra happy noise then settling himself back into a curled up baby alien fire breather!

Elena sleep giggles from her safe spot against Donatello's plastron.

Raphie is very amused taking in the responses of the other turtles, particularly the sorter pudgy ones to Donnie. The bigger turtles shifted churrs to something just at the edge of hearing, and all vibrations mostly.

Between the astral cuddles from their father, and Raphie offering that spot on his plastron, Donnie feels safe and content and able to really relax. Something he hasn't fully accomplished since waking up in the Nexus.

Deep breath, and a soft sigh as he snuggles in against Raphie and whichever little turtles are in contact.

Raph is amused at the snuggling, but he actually doesn't say anything, because he's busy rubbing a tiny Chompy shell after the little guy peeked up all adorable like that! So... amused but not exactly in a position to judge a counterpart!

There's a grunt at the expectations. He did sort of get it.

"Pretty sure most humans would be perfectly happy if we just disappeared... Well, until the Kraang fully take over. Then they'd probably blame us for that too."  Muttered, a bit cynical, but he doesn't consider it untrue. The. group with high expectations for them is pretty small.

Raph grunts a bit at Raphie's asking what his avatar is. He's done it only once before, but he has done it before! And that was without what is apparently a bit of a supercharge from the dragon kid and Raphie. It also seems a good time to practice it.

Though he would never admit it to Lee's face, he's starting to see how this sort of thing is useful. Perhaps even necessary for this battle with Draco. While he doesn't try to follow the Leos and Mikey off to... whatever they're doing, he does take a moment to clear his mind and try to reach his avatar in a way that Raphie will be able to see it.

It will take... a bit. A little trial and error, and a bit of assistance from Raphie would be welcomed. He's trying! Clearing his mind as he'd been taught. He doesn't struggle quite as much as DonnieBoy does with that aspect of the task, but it's a challenge to focus the way he will need to to make this work. Even with the chi energies flowing around him and sort of helping guide his attempt.

Raphie grins and shuffles so his shoulder bumps against Raph's. " if your like I am with meditation it's difficult to let it go, whatever, it is, so listening to brothers breathing, safe, close, here where we can spring into action and seat anything that bothers them helps me more than trying to clear my mind."

And with their shoulders together he can guide Raph's breathing and settles to focus with him. Around them a lot of turtles breathed, deep and slow, rested, calm, but even so it is easier to focus on his own brothers as they are he definitely picked out his own brothers over the others.

The is a churr for Kids, for Donnie nestled against him. But still focusing. DonnieBoy shifts a bit.

So far, Raph has been unsuccessful. He was about to get frustrated, but Raphie's words come at just the right moment!

He peeks one eye open at his counterpart to listen. Then a deep breath, and he tries again, this time letting his mind relax a bit, and focusing on his brother' soft breaths. There is a little more trial and error. He's really attempting to focus properly! Light contact with at least one of them, and...

Suddenly he can sort of understand what Raphie is doing. He can sort of see how the chi can flow, and what he needs to do to make it happen for himself!

"Whoa..." Okay... He focuses a little more, picking out Lee's breaths, since at the moment he was the brother Raph was most worried about. But right now, he is breathing and safe.

And that brings a ghostly avatar to the surface!

A large, vine type plant creature! The vines the same green as his normal skin tone. Thick, strong bands of vines make up arms and legs, his torso much more tree trunk-like.

There is a small, but very pretty, little pink, daisy-looking flower growing out of the top of his head. Just a little off to the left.

"I am Raph?!" Did he do it?! He thinks he did it, but can't quite tell!

Wait... What did he just say?

Raphie is careful to keep his focus, he'd offered the best advice he could to a fellow Raphael, understanding the kinda push a hot head like himself might need. Hotheaded but they were also their brother's biggest protectors.

He churrs for his - opening his eyes to watch his counterpart focus, calm and still and -

What?...

Eye ridge quirking and blinking in shock, but glee too, the grin grew over his face. No he won't laugh at the adorable little pink flower!

Oh, but its hard!

If only because he was not expecting that perfect detail!

His grin grows at Raph's question, not sure how he knew it was not just a name call but a question. " Of course you did, you're a Raph you got this... wow... your... thats incredible... your a Kinoshimobe, one of those tree guardians that protect trees like Jubokkos..." He is not sure if the same legends of protective tree beings where the same in Raph's universe. " Sort of powerful tree jinns or spirits... bet your strengths could probbaly be enhnaced by the fairies." he adds thoughtfully nodding to Bebe and Donnie.

More importantly Raph should note the tone of being impressed. Hey raphie had fought tree things before, been kidnapped by them to take part in the mess that was the Demon Shredder nightmare, he understood how powerful they could be.

Raphie would definitely know exactly what a counterpart would need to hear to bring out an avatar! And Raph did just manage what Raphie had been trying to tell him.

Raph isn't quite sure what to make of the look on Raphie's face for a moment there!

~I am Raph?!~ He's a friggin' PLANT?!

The comment is definitely timed in a way that suggests that Raph does know what a Kinoshimobe is. And he is clearly not thrilled about this turn of events!

And he doesn't even know about the pretty, pink flower yet. The flower miiiiiiiiight have almost looked capable of growling there for just a moment. Raphie might even think that bit is his imagination.

Though... powerful tree spirit doesn't actually sound that bad.

~I am Raph?~ Really? A plant? Again??

Less annoyed, a bit more resigned. And maybe a hint of acceptance, because when Raphie talks about the tree spirit guardians, it actually does sound pretty cool... The sort of plant that might be okay.

And considering for the moment the possibility of teamups with the fairies... Who seem a little too small and cute to be properly useful, but he saw that last fight, and even high and young they handled themselves pretty well out there.

Grunt. Fine, okay. Acceptance.

~I am Raph.~ Still not thrilled about the whole plant thing, but accepting.

And apparently, this is all he can say in this form... Weird.

A bit of a laugh, oooh he couldn't help it! " Not just any plant man, like THE plant to be if one was one." he adds amused he could interpret the single sentence, but it was as easy as any of his brothers... easier than Donnies sometimes very technical chatter! Which took Raphie by surprise but he is also pleased and somehow reassured that if he, he, Raphie could understand that the others will too so he thumps Raph's shoulder, " And what a form - dangerous but a tiny bit disarmingly cute." he fiiiinally makes a small gesture up to the flower.

He'd waited until Raph had accepted it, what his avatar was. It was a high honor after all to be one of nature. A grin towards the fairies, his brother now as much one as the actual fae girl snuggled closer to him and the babies. Those babies...

Raphie churrs and takes a moment to nuzzle four little boys all holding hard to each other after their adventures leagues apart and it didn't look like they were going to let go of each other or donnie for that matter any time soon. he nuzzles them all, bebe too for the heck of it as a proud looking Chompy in Raph's hold chirped and nuzzled cat like boddily against the avatared father. Clearly the little fellow thought the shape as aweseom as he did!

~I AM Raph!~ He IS a plant! And not thrilled about it! Though being THE plant according to a counterpart does soften it a little. Okay, he can--

Cute??

He looks up, not expecting to see what Raphie was talking about, but the little flower's stem lengthens and it peeks down at him as he looks up.

~I am Raph?!~ He has a Flower?!?!

Raph was about to be upset about this too, but he could swear the flower gave him a slightly sadistic grin. Flowers can't grin like that, can they? Either way, he knows that this flower is more than it seems... He doesn't know how yet, but the flower is going to be awesome.

Okay... maybe the plant thing was... kinda cool.

And he's set upon by Chompy!

~I am Raph...~ Well, since Chompy approves, Raph can't much complain.

Raphie laughs and nods, " That you are! Come one man let's practice a bit going in and out of your avatar state the more you do it the easier it becomes, sort of like pulling on a slightly too small but stretching sweater." he grins, especially at the loving plant Raph was getting from his son!

Addy purrs and stretches.

Raph grunts but doesn't immediately respond to Raphie's suggestion. He patpats little Chompy, then takes a moment to focus again and release the avatar presentation.

That part was a whole lot easier than presenting it in the first place!

"What sort of crazy sweaters do you have in your dimension?" He demands, though it's mostly brotherly annoyance.

Still, there's not much else to do at the moment while they're waiting for the Leos and Mikey for whatever reason to finish what they're doing. This at least sort of makes him feel like he might be useful.

Another cuddle for Chompy before Raph takes a moment then tries to settle himself again to make another attempt at bringing his avatar to the surface!

It will still take longer than for those who are more practiced, but here in this moment with so much active chi energy around him, he manages to return to his plant form!

Little, pink daisy and all.

Okay, maybe it is a tiiiiiiny bit like stretching out a sweater... Not admitting that!

Raphie laughs, " the extremely cosy kind." he responds - and smirks when there is a soft Snickers from a Donatello and maybe a huffed chuckle from Raphael and maybe something from Mike.

Their all stirring! And for a moment as Raph is trying again Raphie figures he can feel why there is a general stirring.

Contact.

So he is ignoring Leo's prods for a moment to reach and poke at whomever he can reach to take note, to straighten and focus.

Might mean some girls are in people's laps or snuggled leaning on shells but he is sure they won't mind. Raph looks like he is concentrating already!

Light pokes for Donnie and he doesn't bother babies. Let them sleep!

((OOC: I honestly wasn't sure if I remembered this account's password!))

Raph is still grumbling a bit regarding the sweater analogy, but it's mostly just the usual sort of Raph grumping and not any real heat or anger directed at anyone.

You won't hear him admit it, but... the analogy is actually reasonable.

There is a general stirring, and Raph goes ahead and keeps his state, and the ghostly avatar form he has around him at the moment as he waits since it seems that the others are starting to join in.

Even the little pudgy ones.

~

Donno had been first to sort of notice that something was going on, followed closely by Ralphie and MikeyMikey. Though Ralphie, who has been with Leo and Leonardo all this time is quicker to go ahead and join in with the meditation. Donno and MikeyMikey look at each other for a moment then shrug and join in as well.

~

Donnie. Is. Tired! He wants to sleeeeeepppp! He is physically, mentally and emotionally spent. It's been a long couple days, and between the contact with Liam, the high, shifting and giving blood... Donnie needs rest!

Leo's and Raphie's proddings are not welcome! Especially when he doesn't know why he's being prodded!

But even at 13, there has been an occasional surprise, mid-sleep-cycle ninja training. Not many yet, but enough that Donnie is aware that this sort of thing can happen and he needs to be able to drag himself to wakefulness.

...or something wakefulness adjacent.

Right now, it's definitely wakeful-adjacent.

Since the others seem to be meditating, or getting ready to, Donnie does sidle up against Raphie and follow suit. Though he is definitely exhausted and might need a brother to pull him along at times.

Addy notices the shifts the change in breaths, the focuses. She is purring still and will smile, nuzzling Leo lightly, not enough to call him back to her. Just a brief touch.

She would have to ask what that feels like for him there. And then she is gently dislodging her fellow waiters from their turtles.

Time to make with a light snack, clean and swab and make sure their in the clear still, watch over the waters and banks and boat as the turtles do what they have to! Get drinks ready!