Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Down under New York, the sewers of the bustling city, the teenage mutated ninja turtles lived. 

They’ve been living there for the past years, unknown from the humans above, who continued on with their daily lives. 

It’s been a couple of months since the Kraang invasion took place in the busy city. A tragic event that ended with the almost end of the world. 

Thankfully, the bloodthirsty aliens were stopped by the turtles, and their allies. But the people of New York didn’t know who stopped them. Some saw the turtles that day and knew the truth of how it ended, while some came to the conclusion that it was the government with their weird experiments. 

But now the days were quiet and peaceful, and the turtles did whatever they could find to keep themselves busy. Today, Leo was just reading his comics on the couch, Raph was training in the dojo like always, Donnie was busy working on his inventions in his lab, and Mikey was drawing in his room. 

Since their old lair was destroyed just like the first, they had to find another abandoned subway, and made do with what they could use in the area for rooms to stay in. 

It looked like their previous lair, which gave them a comforting feeling, but it still didn’t feel the same as before. 

It never did. 

The brothers were bored out of their minds in the lair, except for Donnie, he was just working away in his lab. 

Mikey decided to leave his room and see what his brothers were up to, since he had nothing better to do. 

Entering the living room area, he saw Leo on the couch, just lazing around reading his Jupiter Jim comics. 

He dropped himself down onto the space next to his brother, and leaned back on the plush cushion. “Hey Leon, anything interesting you thinkin’ of?” 

Leo set his comic down on his plastron, looking at his little brother with a bored expression. “Nothing, nothing at all.” 

The two shared a look, before going back to what they were doing. Mikey just fidgeted with his fingers, sighing as he stared at the ceiling, before noticing Raph coming out of the room made into a dojo. 

“How was your training, dude?” Leo didn’t even look to see if it was Raph, he just knew it was him. 

Watching the giant turtle tying his bandana back onto his head, Mikey watched as he walked over, and leaned onto the side of the couch. “Same ol’ same ol’, still reading that comic?” The red-eared slider laughed, flipping another page. “Yeeeep.” 

“Ugh! This is so boring! There’s nothing to do!” Groaning, Mikeys sat up straight, looking over at his brothers. “We haven’t gone out in so long!” 

Raph sighed, looking over at the younger brother, “Well, I guess we could go out tonight for a patrol-” 

He was suddenly cut off as Donnie emerged from his lab, sliding his goggles back onto the top of his head. “Gentlemen, gentlemen! Stop what you’re doing, I believe I have found something to cure your boredom!” 

This obviously caught the three’s attention. Mikey perked his head up, Raph crossed his arms, before Leo rolled his eyes and closed his comic, setting it to the side. “Oh really? And what is this, grand idea of yours, Don?” 

“Well my dear brother… NOT twin, there appears to be a signal coming from just outside of the city!” Donnie said, showing his holographic screen, showcasing the radar, with a little beeping location on the screen. 

Before Leo could speak, Raph cut in, raising his fist and clenching it, “Great! We can go to that during patrol!” He had a determined look on his face, finding the idea perfect for that night. 

Getting ready for patrol, Leo was in his room, making sure that he had his swords ready in their holsters, the black strap holding them secured, wrapped around his back, and waist. He had on his iconic black leg and arm warmers. 

Tightening his mask, he took a look at himself in the mirror, doing a dramatic pose, before he laughed to himself, before his smile dropped, being replaced with a frown. 

The past months had been tough on them, so Leo did whatever he did best, making jokes to cheer himself and his family up. He tried to be the one to joke through the pain to make them smile. 

But the jokes never seemed to help him through the nightmares. 

He knew that what happened that day in the prison dimension would never leave his mind. It would stay with him forever. 

Did he want to ask for help? Yes. Why didn’t he? Leo didn’t want to seem like a burden on the others, so he stayed silent. 

Leo was supposed to be the leader, he was supposed to be able to lead them. What good was he if he couldn’t stay strong for them? 

He figured that if enough time had passed, he’d get over it. That it wouldn’t matter. 

Though, Leo didn’t notice someone enter his room, completely focused on checking out his appearance in the mirror. 

“Leo?” 

His eyes widened as he felt a hand on his shoulder, causing him to flinch and turn around, quickly grabbing the hand of whoever touched him. 

He felt a shiver run down his spine, before he tried focusing on who it was. 

Raph. 

Leo sighed, shaking his head, before he put on a smile, and chuckled nervously, as he let go of his brother’s hand. “Raph! What a surprise!” 

But he could tell the expression on Raph’s face. “I’m fine, Raph.” 

Brows creasing, his older brother huffed, “Leo- are you sure-” 

“Yes! Raph! I’m perfectly fine!” 

Both were taken aback by his snap. 

It was awkward. The air felt thick, like it could be cut with a knife. 

Thankfully, Mikey popped into the room, not noticing. “Guys! We good for patrol?” 

Leo quickly grinned at their brother, “Yes we are, little hermano!” 

“Great! I’ll go get Donnie!” And with that, Mikey swiftly left the room. 

The two shared a look. Leo gulped as Raph stared at him with that ‘We’re going to talk about this later’ expression, before he left after Mikey. 

Groaning, Leo set his hands on his dresser, looking into the mirror as he scowled to himself. “Great, just great…you blew it.” 

He knew he couldn’t do much at this point, so he left his room. 

The night air was nice. The lights were their usual brightness, as the city kept its average noise. 

The normal New York. 

The New York that wasn’t invaded by aliens. 

The New York that wasn’t destroyed. 

Leo breathed in the fresh air, setting his hands on his hips. He looked at the view, whistling. “Wow, this looks great.” 

But they couldn’t admire the view for very long, knowing that they had to patrol the city, and check out that signal. 

“Do you think we’ll run into anyone tonight?” Mikey asked, as he stood up, previously sitting on the edge of the building. 

They shared a look, as Donnie piped in, “It is a possibility, a very low one, it’s been months since our last villain encounter.” 

Right. 

The last villain encounter. 

The Kraang. 

Raph cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. “Let’s get patrol started!” 

And off they went. 

As expected, there were no problems in New York. 

Which meant there wasn’t any to worry about. 

And now they were on their way to the place where Donnie’s tech pinpointed. 

“How much farther is this thing?” Leo groaned, as he slouched, “My legs are tiredddd.” 

Donnie rolled his eyes, “Scoff, it’s only been 10 minutes, you’ll be fine.” 

Eyeing him, Leo had his arms behind his head, “10 minutes walking in a forest? Are you sure your doohickey isn’t broken?” 

“Of course it’s not! I just upgraded it this morning!” 

“Doesn’t seem like it.” 

“And how would you know?” 

“It’s leading us nowhere.” 

“Well-” 

“Guys, look at this cave!” Mikey interrupted them, running over to the entrance of a dark cave. 

Leo looked at the entrance with a look of disbelief, “Huh, I guess it did lead us somewhere.”

“Haha! See! Not broken!” Donnie said, smugly smirking as he walked over to Mikey, leaving Leo to look at him in a deadpan expression. 

They all walked to the cave entrance, seeing how dark it was inside. 

“Hmm, not spooky at all.” Crossing his arms, Leo looked over to his brothers. “Sooo, anybody got a flashlight?” 

Donnie sighed, before one of his spider arms popped out, holding a flashlight. “And this is why one should always be prepared-” 

“Yeah yeah yeah, let’s go now!” Leo and Mikey sprinted into the cave, not waiting for Donnie to finish his sentence. 

Raph and Donnie shared a look, before they both shook their heads and walked in after them. 

The cave looked normal, like a cave should be. 

But the more they entered, the stranger it got. 

It felt weird. Like they weren’t supposed to be there. 

The deeper they went, they saw strange equipment and machinery all around the tunnels. 

And the crystals weren’t familiar either. 

The dark purple crystals had an off vibe to them. 

“Guys, I don’t know about this cave anymore.” Mikey said, staying closer to his brothers, well- more to the light source. 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Mikey.” Leo tried reassuring him, knowing that his brother didn’t like creepy stuff that much. 

Looking around the tunnels, Raph found it strange how everything in the cave looked abandoned. He made sure to keep an eye out, making sure that if someone was here, he’d be quick to know. 

He needed to make sure that no one would be able to ambush them if this turned out to be a set-up. Raph needed to protect them in case anything happened. 

He felt a shiver go down his back, quickly turning around to look at the tunnels. 

He swore to himself that something was in there with them. 

He swore that he felt the eyes of someone staring right at him. 

He wasn’t hallucinating, right? 

No, he wasn’t crazy. 

Maybe it was just the air. 

Maybe he just hallucinated it. 

Maybe there was nothing there. 

No. 

There was something there. 

He knew it. 

But the more he thought, the more he felt his skin crawl. 

His breathing quickened, his chest started pounding, as his eyes darted around the cave, desperately trying to find the feeling of where the staring came from. 

“Raph?”

His little brother’s voice broke him out of his thinking.

He looked down, seeing Mikey look at him in concern. 

Raph took one last look around the cave, seeing nothing there. It was just him, and his brothers in the cave. 

Just them. 

He sighed, breathing in and out to ground himself. 

Looking down at Mikey, he gave him a smile, as he put a hand gently on his head. “Don’t worry, Mikey, Raph’s okay!” 

They both knew that he wasn't, but Mikey knew it wasn't the right time to ask. 

Though, he ended up finding nothing, and let out a breath, before looking back and speeding to catch up to his brothers. 

“Maybe I should take a sample to study back in the lab.” Donnie said, zooming in on one of the crystals, trying to check for traces of any mystic magic. 

Raph quickly looked over to his brother, raising an eyebrow, “Are you sure that’s a good idea? This whole place feels off.” 

Mikey nodded, as Leo shrugged. Donnie however, waved him off, “Not to worry, it will just be a small sample.” 

They knew Donnie would just find a way to sneak it back to the lair, so they agreed to let him take some, as long as it was only a little that he took. 

Though, when their backs were turned, Donnie ended up taking a large chunk of the dark purple crystal, and stored it in his battle shell. 

Instead of walking through the forest, Leo portaled them back to the lair, saving them the pain of having to walk that long distance. 

“Well, patrol? Boring. The cave? Kinda cool.” Leo said, as he dropped himself on the couch, finding the soft material nice after patrol. 

Mikey leaned on the couch, his arms over the back of it. “Buuuut, it was nice to get out at night. We haven’t had any patrolling in a while!” 

“You’re right there, little brother. And now I have something new to research! Now if you’ll excuse me.” Donnie quickly made his way to his room, not wanting to waste any time on looking at the crystals they found. 

The three shared a look, before Leo spoke, “How long do you guys think he’s gonna stay in there?” 

Mikey thought for a moment, “A couple of days.” 

“Eh, I’d say weeks. What about you, Raph?” 

Silence. 

They both looked at their older brother, confused. 

He looked lost in thought. 

The cave was weird. It felt weird. 

It felt like they were being watched. 

“Raph? Big man, you okay?” 

The snapping turtle quickly looked back at his brothers, “Uh- sorry what did you guys say?” 

Leo and Mikey shared a look, before Leo cleared his throat, “We were talking about how long Donnie would stay in his lab again?”

Raph mentally slapped himself, “Oh right- er- weeks?” 

“Hah, 2 against one, Micheal, guess we gotta wait and see” 

Mikey stuck his tongue out at Leo, before he yawned, “I’m gonna head to bed.” 

“Good idea, walking made me tired.” Leo got up, and walked away to his room. 

The other two just decided to turn in for the night after Leo left. 

Mikey was drawing on his bed, his marker case was next to him, as he was just doodling in his sketchbook, completely bored out of his mind as he doodled away. 

There was never really anything to do anymore in the area, since there were no villains as of lately. It’s been like that for a while, it’s like the majority of crime in the city had stopped after the invasion. 

It was a good thing that there was no crime, but it just left Mikey bored all day. All he’s been doing is drawing, reading comics, riding his skateboard, and spray painting graffiti all over the walls. He’s grown a little tired of it, if anything. 

There was more to his day when he was able to go out and fight crime, now it feels like how it used to be, staying in the lair more often now, instead of being able to fight at night with his brothers during missions. 

Though, he doesn’t stay inside the lair all day. Mikey usually sneaks out at night to go and take walks around the city, helps clear his mind, and it at least gives him something to do. 

Speaking of which, his brothers should be asleep by now, which is the perfect time to go out into the city. 

He grabbed his bag next to his bed, which contained his spray painting supplies, and made sure that everything was in the bag. 

Walking out of his room, Mikey quietly snuck through the lair swiftly, making sure not to cause any noise so he wouldn’t wake any of them up. 

He sighed with relief, as he saw that there was no one in the main area, which confirmed his question of if his brothers were asleep or not. If they were up and they saw him trying to leave, there would be so many questions. Mikey didn’t think he’d be able to answer any of them at all with the way Raph would bombard him with the questions of asking why he would be going out this late at night by himself. 

Seeing the now familiar ladder leading up to the surface, Mikey quickly ran over to it, and started climbing to get out of the sewers. 

Feeling the temperature change as he reached the surface above the sewers, he climbed out, and put the manhole cover back in place. 

Stretching as he stood up, Mikey quickly started jumping on some of the stuff in the alleyway to get to the rooftops, it was easier traveling that way instead of sneaking around on the ground. 

He got up the building just fine, as he looked at the view of the city, smiling as everything turned out okay. Mikey was glad that there was no crime these days, it gave them time to relax, but who knew when it would start up again. 

Mikey clutched the sleeves of his orange hoodie, feeling the fabric scrunch under his hold, before he started traveling from rooftop to rooftop, looking for somewhere with empty and plain walls to do his iconic graffiti art. 

Finding an abandoned subway station, he entered through the dusty entrance, and stepped over the piles of trash inside. 

The subway walls were as clean as an abandoned place could get, which was a perfect place for doing some late night graffiti. 

Setting down his bag, Mikey got out some of his new spray cans, and started to think to himself about what he should spray on the walls. It’s been a while since he did his usual graffiti art, this was the first time in a while. 

While he was lost in thought, there was something going on from above the station, in the alleyway on top of it. 

There was a loud crash from above, which interrupted Mikey from his creative thinking. Looking up at the ceiling, he got concerned, and quickly packed up his stuff, before he swiftly rushed out of the subway. 

The alleyway was a complete mess, boxes were scattered everywhere, most of the trash cans were knocked over, the trash spilt out of them. It looked like there had been a fight that happened. 

Mikey couldn’t see anyone in the alleyway who was responsible for making such a mess, and it was sort of small, so there wasn’t really anywhere to look around. Though, the shadow in the back seemed bigger than a shadow would look like, which made him curious. 

He felt a shiver go up his spine, feeling something stare back at him as he looked at the dark area. Looking behind him, he started wondering if he should end up leaving that second, or if he should investigate. 

But a certain noise came from the shadow, a mechanical whirring sound. 

That definitely caught his attention. 

He tried walking over to it, stepping over the piles of trash, and rubbish. 

Mikey could see the shadow moving a bit. He froze as he saw a faint outline of the thing, how giant the shadow really was. 

He gulped, before he slowly moved towards it. 

“H…Hey there?...Uh-...” It was hard trying to talk to something you couldn’t really see. He nervously fidgeted with his fingers, as he stood in front of the shadow, it was dark enough that you could only see 2 light blue lights staring right back at his golden eyes. But Mikey had to crank his head up to see the figure, which hurt his neck a bit, being a 4'8 mutated turtle was a struggle. 

As he looked up at the shadowed figure, he just stood there, “So um-...did you cause this mess?” Mikey asked, trying to see if the thing could talk. He heard beeping coming from the figure, before he realized what it was saying, which was strange, since the figure only spoke in beeps. 

[Didn’t mean to make a mess.] 

He just stared up, looking at the figure in curiosity. “Can you uh- come out?” Mikey didn’t know if the figure would listen to him, but he was hoping that the figure wouldn’t do anything too sudden. 

Clutching his weapon attached to his waist, he looked in caution, you could never be too careful with who you meet. Especially when it was this late at night. 

Hearing heavy metal dragging across the floor, he took a step back, seeing the figure slowly come out of the shadow. 

It just registered in his head of how giant the figure was compared to him. 

The moment the figure stepped into view, the world around him seemed to slow down, like the very air recognized his importance. His sleek, yellow-and-black armor gleamed under the moonlight, polished to perfection from countless battles. Black racing stripes traced along the contours of his chestplate, sharp and precise, accentuating the natural curves of his streamlined body. He moved with the fluidity of a predator, every shift of his metal plating a symphony of mechanical elegance.

His helm bore a faceplate that, while lacking a mouth, spoke volumes with the glowing intensity of his piercing blue optics. They were like twin cerulean stars, burning bright with loyalty and determination. His compact yet powerful form was built for speed, but there was nothing fragile about him. His arms looked capable of delivering a punch that could shatter steel. 

But beneath that warrior-like exterior, there was a sense of warmth. And though Mikey could only assume that his voice was gone, his presence spoke louder than any words ever could. 

Mikey didn’t realize that he was staring at him, before he heard the thing beep at him, pulling him out of his thoughts. 

“Oh- what are you?” He asked, as he tilted his head in confusion, the thing was something that he’s never seen before, well, maybe? It was hard to remember, though he would’ve remembered at least someone from the Hidden City who looked like this guy. 

He beeped out his response. 

“Bumblebee, that’s a nice name! Uh- cybertronian? Autobot? What’s that?” Now he was confused. The only terms he knew were humans, mutants, yokai’s, and the Kraang, and this Bumblebee guy was neither. “Is that like- are you an alien?” 

Bzzz, beep bzzt  

[In your terms, yes.] 

Suddenly, Mikey was beaming with excitement. He’s meeting an alien who won’t kill him? Who probably wouldn’t trap his brother in a prison dimension and beat him to death? This was the coolest thing ever! 

“Wow! This is so cool!” His eyes sparkled as he continued to look up at the alien- autobot- guy? 

Buuuuep bzzr bzzt?  

[Who are you?] 

Mikey stared at him for a moment, before he realized he had forgotten to introduce himself earlier. “My name's Mikey! I’m- uh- a turtle- mutated turtle.” 

He saw how Bee tilted his head, looking at him in confusion. “Uhhh- do you not know what that is?” 

Shaking his head, Mikey tried to put the explanation into words. “Okay so um- I was like- a regular little turtle, and I got experimented on- and so I’m half human, and half turtle?” He only saw Bee getting more confused at his sort of poorly put together explanation.

Mikey then realized that at that moment, Donnie would be better at explaining what happened to them then he would. “Uh- I’m not really good at explaining…sorry.” 

Bee hummed in an understanding tone, before he looked up at the sky, seeing how it was getting close to daytime. 

Bzzz bzzt beep  

[The suns coming up soon.] 

Mikey whipped his head around, seeing how the usual color of the sky was going to take over soon, which meant he had to get back home before his brothers woke up. 

“Uh- shoot- I gotta go- wait uh- do you need help getting out of this alleyway? It’s kinda small…” He asked him, seeing how the mess was sort of blocking Bee’s path to getting out. 

Seeing the giant robot nod, Mikey helped him clear out the alleyway, trying to make as little noise as possible. 

They had little small talk in the alleyway to pass the short time, before it was soon back to normal, sort of. 

Beeeep bzzt brrip  

[You can’t really tell anyone about me] 

Mikey looked back at him, and smiled. “People aren’t supposed to know you exist? Guess we’re in the same boat!” 

Bee let out a laugh, it was a laugh, right? 

Bzzzrt beep bzzt  

[I kinda need to have you meet the others soon- it’s sort of important.] 

“Me- I get to…meet other aliens?” He asked him, staring up at him. Nodding, Mikey had to hide his excitement. This was literally the coolest day ever. 

Just standing there, he shook his head, “Well, I gotta go- wait! Do you have something like- a phone number- or whatever?” 

Bee nodded quickly, kneeling down in front of mikey. “Great! Let me just-” Pulling out his phone, he opened the phone app, showing Bee his number. “I don’t know if you have like- a command or something, but here!” 

He assumed that Bee was able to use it in his systems, since he was just standing there for a couple of seconds, kind of silent, but there was a whirring noise coming from him, before it completely stopped. 

“Alright! So uhh- I’ll see you later?” Mikey asked, getting ready to pull himself up onto the rooftop. Seeing the nod made him smile, so he said his goodbyes, before he quickly left the alleyway. 

It didn’t register to him how he thought Bee was going to get out of that alleyway, but he heard a lot of mechanical noises, so he just assumed whatever made sense to him and left. 

Thankfully, Mikey got back to the base right before any of his brothers woke up. Sighing with relief, he made his way to his room, careful not to make any noises on the way to the bedroom. 

Being a ninja did have its perks after all. 

Finally reaching his room, he slumped onto his bed, groaning as his body hit the soft plush mattress. 

Even if they weren’t able to buy furniture from stores due to the fact that they were mutants, they were surprised that their genius brother in purple was able to find the best conditioned stuff in junkyards, and with the help of their human friend, April O’ Neil. 

He stared up at the ceiling of the subway cart of his bedroom, just rethinking all the events that happened in the last couple of hours. 

This all felt like such a weird dream to him. Did he really meet another species of aliens tonight? Who knows how this was going to turn out? 

Just knowing that he’d have to go out again and meet more of them later that morning made Mikey feel nervous. He just hoped that it was going to go okay, they didn’t need any enemies. Things were going to stay peaceful. 

Everything was fine now, it should be able to stay that way. 

Right?

Chapter Text

Another day in the lair. 

Yet again, Donnie was in his lab, Leo reading his comics, Raph was training, like always. 

Though today, Mikey was in the living room with Leo, though he was playing video games on the tv, trying to beat some of the levels since he’d been bored. 

Since yesterday, they haven’t done much, so it’s been a slow day. 

Looking at the time on the clock on the wall, Mikey’s eyes quickly widened as he realized that it was time for him to head out so he could meet up with Bee. 

And as if right on cue, Raph walked out of the dojo. Seems like he was done with his training.

All he did was train these days. 

Hmm, weird. 

Mikey knew that he was going to have to come up with excuses so that the others wouldn’t get suspicious of where he was going. 

Raph was more paranoid than usual when the others wanted to go out by themselves, so Mikey had to come up with a good excuse. 

Let’s see… 

Suddenly it hit him. 

Quickly saving the game and turning off the console, Mikey stretched his arms out, before setting the controller down, and looked over at his brothers. 

And on the spot, he told them, “I’m gonna head to April’s to hang out with her and Sunita.” 

“Cool, have fun.” Leo said, not bothering to look at his brother, he was just absorbed into the comic, since Donnie found him a new series. It had something to do with superheroes and mutants, or something like that. 

Before Mikey could go, Raph stopped him, raising a non-existent eyebrow, “Hold on, you sure you wanna go by yourself?” 

He looked up at his brother, with a groan, he placed his hands on his hips, a gesture that hinted at his impatience, his body language radiating a mix of annoyance and determination, “Yes, I can handle it! Besides, I’m only going to April’s.” 

He saw his brother thinking for a moment, before he sighed, “Alright, just- stay safe, and call us if you need anything, okay?” 

Mikey nodded, before he walked out of the area. 

Raph looked nervous as he watched him leave, “You think he’s going to be okay going out?”

Leo put down his comic, seeing his brother’s expression, “Hmm? Oh yeah, he’ll be fine, big guy. It’s Mikey we’re talking about here.” 

Looking at the exit, Raph sighed, knowing that Leo was right. 

Though he couldn’t shake the feeling that something would happen soon. 

Since it was bright out, Mikey couldn’t swing through the city like he wanted to, so to get to the alleyway, he had to travel between the many alleys of the large city. 

Even if it took quite a while, he made it. 

He smiled as he saw Bee waiting there for him. 

Giving a wave, the large autobot gave a wave back, the mechanical noises coming from his large servo. 

Though, a question hit Mikey. 

“How are we uh- gonna get to…where you need to take me?” 

Bee quickly stood up, and started walking near the exit of the alleyway. Mikey quickly got out of the way, confusion growing inside of him. 

He didn’t expect the next part. 

Seeing Bumblebee transform into a car was something he never would’ve thought to happen next. 

It was awesome though. 

Was he a Camaro? 

Though his thoughts were cut short, as he saw Bee open the passenger door, getting the hint that he wanted Mikey to hop in. 

He didn’t hesitate with getting into the car, finding it cool how his new friend could transform into a fully functioning working vehicle. 

Mikey sort of guessed that Bee could do something like this, with how motorized the autobot looked, and the door wings he had on his back. 

Bee started driving through the city. 

The box turtle hasn’t really ever been in a car ride before. Well, not if you count the vehicle that used to be in the Jupiter Jim movies before Donnie completely turned it into a Turtle Tank. 

The inside was nice and clean inside. 

Mikey looked out the window, he had his hoodie on, in case people looked inside of the car, they’d just see what looked like a human. 

Seeing as they were leaving the city, Mikey was a little grateful that ever since the Kraang Invasion, Donnie hadn’t put any trackers on them, as they were destroyed in the attack. 

If anything happened, he could handle himself. Even if people didn’t see it, he was tougher than he looked. 

Mikey literally threw a cargo ship and a whole office building with ease, safe to say that he could take someone easily in a fight. 

Plus, he’s been getting better at fighting hand-to-hand combat, with Draxum giving him one on one lessons, in both his mystic powers, and regular combat, in case one day he didn’t have access to his weapon. 

Though, Mikey always suspected that Raph still thought of him as a little kid. It made sense, since Mikey was the youngest out of the four. 

But after everything they went through, he just hoped that just a little bit of his thinking of him changed. That he could be seen as a responsible turtle that could take care of things without help. 

Maybe he had to prove himself. 

Maybe that if he could show them that he could handle things, that they’d stop treating him like a little kid. 

Just maybe if he- 

RrrRrrrr

However, Mikey was quickly snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Bumblebee blurt out a few beeps. 

“Hmm? What was that?”

He heard Bee repeat what he had said before, before shaking his head. “It’s alright, I’m fine, just doing some thinking, y’know?” 

Sitting up in the car seat, he looked out the window, seeing how they were in a desert outside of New York. It was pretty far out. 

How much time had passed that he didn’t notice? 

Mikey guessed that he stayed quiet for some time during the car ride. 

Bzzp bzt beeeep  

[How are you feeling?] 

He just shrugged, and laughed a little nervously, “Uhhh- a little nervous? It’s not everyday that you get to meet alien robots.” 

Mikey heard what he assumed was a laugh. 

Bzzzzt brr beep  

[I think you’ll be fine.] 

He smiled, before looking out the front window, seeing a mountain coming up. 

“Wow, your base is far away.” 

But Bee didn’t show any signs of turning away from the mountain. 

“Uhh- Bee?” 

He heard a beep of reassurance, but this made him nervous. 

Bee sped up, going towards the mountain faster. 

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-”  

Just at the last second, these giant secret doors opened up the wall of what seemed to be a base inside. 

Mikey quickly tried to calm himself down, taking deep breaths, seeing how Bee was now driving down a tunnel. 

“Woah…” 

Maybe he overreacted a bit? 

It took a couple of seconds, but after the tunnel, they entered a giant room. 

Bee slowed himself to a stop, and opened the passenger door for Mikey, who excitedly hopped out of the car. 

Seeing him transform back from being a car, the turtle looked around the room, seeing how humongous it was.

He was pretty short, so it’d made sense that the base looked huge to him, though it would seem pretty huge to a regular human as well. 

Looking around, it was sort of empty, except for the large equipment around the room. Mikey did see a station with a bunch of monitors, which reminded him of Donnie’s lab. 

At the station, he saw what he could only assume would be another Autobot. 

The soft hum of machinery filled what he assumed was the med bay, with the amount of tools scattered around the area, the sound was punctuated by the occasional clatter of tools against metal. 

Mikey’s wide, bright eyes darted around the room, taking in the towering shelves of glowing vials and alien instruments. His hands fiddled nervously with his sleeves as he had to crane his neck to get a better look at the massive figure standing at the workbench.

“Whoa…” Mikey whispered, almost forgetting to breathe as he stared at him.

The Autobot turned sharply, his orange and white armor gleaming under the bright sterile lights. He was tall—really tall—like a skyscraper compared to Mikey’s small ninja-turtle stature. His frame was robust and broad, giving him the air of someone who was built to endure rather than evade. 

It seemed like he was taken by surprise when he saw the small turtle standing there. The autobot looked at Bee, with a confused expression on his face. 

His dark orange accents, bold against the stark white of his smooth plating, traced the contours of his arms and shoulders, adding a distinct, almost regal quality to his design.

“What is it now?” The autobot’s voice was gruff but not unkind, layered with an undertone of exhaustion that suggested he’d been dealing with more than his fair share of chaos recently. His piercing blue optics narrowed as he studied the unexpected visitor.

Mikey took a hesitant step forward, trying to suppress the awe bubbling up in his chest. “You’re like…a robo-doctor or somethin’! That’s so wicked!”

He exhaled a sound halfway between a sigh and a groan, setting down the tool in his servo. His servo—a massive, intricate combination of sharp precision and unyielding strength—seemed far too big to be able to perform delicate work, yet Mikey couldn’t help but notice how gracefully he had moved. 

“Yes, ‘wicked’... That’s is certainly one way to describe Cybertronian engineering,” He replied, sounding dry, but there was a small flicker of amusement behind his sharp tone.

Mikey’s grin stretched wider. “And you’ve got those, like, epic shoulder pads! You’re rockin’ the battle medic vibe for real, dude!”

He arched a metallic brow of his. “Is there some point to this…inspection, or do you just make a habit of rambling at strangers?”

Mikey laughed, a sound that had been so full of life and light that it briefly softened the Autobot’s usually hardened expression, just for a moment. “Nah, dude, I just think you’re awesome—like, total ‘grumpy-but-wise mentor in a sci-fi flick’ vibes!” 

He straightened his posture, crossing his arms over his chest. His frame shifted just ever so slightly, the orange highlights catching the light as he regarded Mikey with a small mix of suspicion, yet reluctant curiosity. “I see. Even if I do not understand Earth movies, I’ll assume that’s a good thing. Anyway, if you’re here to marvel at my… ‘wicked’ appearance, make it quick. I’ve got some work to do.”

Mikey gave him a mock salute, his grin unwavering. “Gotcha, Doc Bot! But just sayin’—you’ve got serious hero vibes.”

For the briefest moment, his optics softened. He realized that he was talking to a kid, wasn’t he? He reminded him of one of the kids that often visits the base. “Hmph. If only the others appreciated my ‘hero vibes’ as much as you do.” 

Mikey chuckled, feeling oddly at ease in the presence of the tall and towering medic. 

For a second, he forgot the reason that Bee had brought him there. He looked over at Bee, who was signaling him to introduce himself. 

It seemed embarrassing at that moment, that he forgot to introduce himself at first. Even if he was energetic, he had started becoming more nervous about introducing himself to people these days- well, more like introducing himself to the yokais in the Hidden City. Guess he lost his touch over the months after everything. 

Mikey shifted from foot to foot, his fingers fidgeting with the bottom of his sleeves, as he looked back up—way up—at the towering Autobot. His orange mask tails flicked nervously as his hood fell, as he tried to work up the courage to speak. 

“Uh…so, big guy!” he started, his voice cracking slightly. He cleared his throat and tried again, forcing a nervous chuckle. “Name’s Michelangelo. Or Mikey. Or, uh, Dr. Feelings, if you’re into nicknames. Not that you’d, you know, care about nicknames. Or feelings. Unless you do?” His eyes widened, before he waved his hands in front of him, “Which is totally cool if you do! I mean, I’m not judging—”

“Michelangelo,” He interrupted, his deep, no-nonsense voice cutting through the turtle’s babbling. He tilted his head slightly, blue optics narrowing, as he raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you always talk this much, or is this a special occasion?”

Mikey froze, his cheeks burning under his orange mask. “Oh, uh… yeah, I kinda ramble when I’m nervous. Or excited. Or both? Which I totally am right now because—dude, look at you! You’re huge! And shiny! And probably way smarter than me!” He paused, glancing at the tools scattered on the medic’s workbench, the tools he could barely see, with how small he was. “Are those alien tools? That’s insane! Like, insane in a cool way, not a bad way—”

“Michelangelo,” He said again, his tone firm but not unkind, as he tried to get him back on focus. He folded his massive arms, the sharp lines of his armor catching the light as he leaned down, just slightly. “Take a breath before you pass out.”

“Oh! Right! Breathing! Got it!” Mikey took an exaggerated inhale, holding it for a moment before exhaling loudly. “Better?”

He straightened, his optics scanning the turtle as if trying to make sense of the hyperactive bundle of energy standing before him. “Marginally.”

Mikey grinned sheepishly, rocking back on his heels. “So, uh, what do you do around here, Doc Bot? Besides looking intimidating and super cool, I mean.”

He sighed, though there was a faint flicker of amusement in his optics. Ratchet regarded the small, orange-masked creature standing before him, his piercing blue optics scanning Mikey with a mix of wariness and curiosity. He straightened, his broad shoulders shifting as he crossed his arms, the soft hum of his internal mechanisms filling the brief silence.

“I am Ratchet,” he began, his deep, authoritative voice cutting through the room like a scalpel used. “Chief medical officer and engineer of the Autobots. And, more often than I’d prefer, the one tasked with keeping this team from falling apart—sometimes too literally.”

Mikey blinked up at him, his wide eyes sparkling with excitement. “Whoa… so you’re, like, the team’s healer and the brainiac? That’s so epic!”

Ratchet sighed, clearly unimpressed by the flattery. “Epic is hardly the word I’d use. Tiresome, perhaps. Exasperating, definitely.” He paused, studying Mikey’s enthusiastic expression with a faint frown.

“Judging by your energy levels, I’ll likely need to add ‘babysitter’ to my list of duties, if you’ll be here often.”

Mikey laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Heh, yeah, sorry about that. I get a little…enthusiastic. But I swear, I’m not as annoying as I seem! Once you get to know me, I’m actually pretty chill!”

Raising an eyebrow, his expression was somewhere between skepticism and reluctant tolerance. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“Fair, fair,” Mikey said with a grin. “But hey, at least I’m memorable, right?” 

Ratchet gave a noncommittal grunt, turning back to his workbench. “Unfortunately, yes. Now.” He took a breath, “What is it that you do?” 

“Well, with my brothers, I’m the heart of the team, the artist, the party dude! And sometimes the therapist. Y’know, when everyone needs to chill out and talk about their feelings.” 

Ratchet arched a brow, his optics narrowing slightly. “A therapist, you say? Fascinating. I suspect your… talents will be put to the test here. The Autobots are not exactly known for their emotional openness.” 

Mikey grinned nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Heh, yeah, I’ve got plenty of experience dealing with grumpy older brothers. And, uh, grumpy alien doctors, I guess?” 

The faintest twitch of amusement flickered across Ratchet’s face, though it disappeared as quickly as it came. “If you insist on staying, try not to get underfoot. I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with unnecessary distractions.” 

Mikey gave him a mock salute, his grin unwavering. “You got it, Doc Bot! But, uh, just sayin’—if you ever wanna vent about the chaos, I’m your guy.” 

Ratchet sighed, turning back to his tools. “Why do I get the feeling I’ll regret this interaction sooner rather than later?” 

There was a heavy, rhythmic sound of footfalls that echoed through the Autobot base as Mikey stood in the center of the room, his head swiveling around at the sheer size of the place. He had only just finished his slightly awkward introduction to Ratchet when the ground seemed to tremble. 

“Uh… that’s not an earthquake, right?” Mikey asked, looking back up at Ratchet.

Ratchet, ever unbothered, glanced toward the entrance. “No. That would be the rest of the team. Try not to overwhelm them with your… enthusiasm.”

Before Mikey could respond, the large hangar doors slid open with a mechanical hiss. A towering figure stepped through first—a massive, red-and-blue mech whose sheer presence was enough to make Mikey’s jaw drop. Behind him came three others: a lithe, sleek femme with glowing blue optics; a bulky green mech with what looked like armor built for a tank; and a slightly smaller white and blue Autobot who radiated youthful energy.

“Whoa…” Mikey muttered to himself, his eyes darting from one towering robot to the next. “It’s like meeting a whole team of superheroes. A turtle dude, meet robo dudes—this is officially the coolest day ever.” 

Bee offered a hand to Mikey so he could stand on it, so he could be a good height to seem at least- normal- when meeting the other autobots. 

The red-and-blue Autobot stepped forward, his tone calm yet commanding. “Greetings,” he said, his voice resonant and rich, almost comforting. “I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. And you are?”

Mikey blinked, snapping himself out of his awe-struck state. “Oh! Right, introductions! Uh, I’m Michelangelo, but everyone usually calls me Mikey. I’m a mutant turtle, also a ninja!” He chuckled, looking at them in excitement, though he was a little bit nervous.

The femme stepped up next, her gaze sharp but curious. “A mutant turtle, and…a ninja,” she said, her tone tinged with dry amusement, as she examined him. “That’s a new one. I’m Arcee. And just so we’re clear, I’ll believe the ‘ninja’ part when I see it.” 

“Totally fair,” Mikey replied with a grin. “But trust me, I’ve got moves!”

The green Autobot laughed, his deep voice booming. “This little guy’s got energy—I like it! Name’s Bulkhead. Welcome to the team, lil bro.”

“Thanks, big guy!” Mikey said, giving Bulkhead a grin. “You look like you could bench-press a building. Respect.” 

He reminded him a little of Raph in a way. Maybe it was the vibes he gave off. 

The younger white and blue Autobot practically bounced forward, his enthusiasm mirroring Mikey’s. “Smokescreen’s the name. Rookie Autobot, future legend, and—get this—big fan of ninja movies. Mutant turtle ninjas? That’s just next-level awesome.”

Mikey’s grin widened. “Dude, I can already tell we’re gonna be best buds!” 

And as expected, Smokescreen seemed to show just as much excitement as Mikey did, “You gotta tell me where you’re from! Earth? Somewhere else? You look like you’ve got some serious moves. Are you actually a ninja or something?”

Mikey laughed, scratching the back of his neck. “Uh, yeah, something like that! I’m pretty good at dodging and flipping, you know. Comes with the territory! And yeah, I’m born and raised here in New York!”

Smokescreen’s optics lit up. “Oh, that is awesome. Maybe you can show me some of your moves later!”

Arcee sighed, shaking her head. “Smokescreen, let’s not overwhelm him. We still don’t know much about him.”

Optimus stepped forward again, his presence instantly quieting the group. His calm, steady gaze settled on Mikey. “You are welcome here, Mikey. However, I trust you understand that our work is both important and dangerous. If you intend to stay, you must exercise caution.”

Mikey gave a thumbs-up, his grin as bright as ever. “Got it, Big O! I promise not to get in the way. And, uh, if you ever need help with anything here in New York, I’m your guy!”

Bulkhead chuckled. “I like this kid. He’s got energy.”

Smokescreen nodded enthusiastically. “And style!”

Arcee crossed her arms, still skeptical but slightly less tense. “We’ll see about that.”

Mikey couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of belonging as he looked up at the towering bots. “You guys are awesome. This is gonna be so cool!” 

Smokescreen was leaning against one of the towering metal pillars in the base, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he listened intently to Mikey’s animated storytelling. Mikey, in turn, was practically bouncing on his heels, gesturing wildly with his hands as he described a particularly daring escape from a “ridiculously huge” mutant pig.

“And then, like, I did this flip over the thing's back and—BOOM! Took out its legs with one swift kick, like a pro! My brothers were so impressed! And don’t even get me started on the aftermath—everything was exploding!” Mikey finished with a dramatic flourish.

Smokescreen chuckled. “I gotta say, you’ve got some serious flair, Mikey. I could totally see you pulling off moves like that on the battlefield.”

Mikey’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, man! I’ve got style, right? Everything’s gotta be a little flashy when you’re ninja-ing your way through stuff, or it’s just not as cool!”

Smokescreen laughed again, clearly enjoying the interaction. “You definitely do know how to make a big entrance, that’s for sure.”

Mikey was just about to launch into another story when something caught his attention. He tilted his head slightly and asked, “So, uh, what are you guys doing in New York, anyway? I mean, I’m really stoked to be here, but it’s not like I expected a bunch of giant robots to just roll into the city for no reason.”

Before Smokescreen could respond, Optimus Prime’s deep voice had rang out from behind them, both steady and authoritative. “The Autobots have been monitoring events here in New York for some time, Mikey. We arrived after hearing reports of an attack several months ago—the Kraang incident.”

Mikey’s eyes widened slightly, his breath hitching slightly. “The Kraang? Wait, you mean those weird alien guys that took over the city a couple of months ago? I remember that mess clearly. They were all over the place, with their creepy tech and stuff. That was the whole thing.” 

Optimus nodded solemnly, his blue optics narrowing. “Yes. The Kraang’s invasion had caused widespread destruction, and though their forces were stopped, the damage to the city lingered. We’ve decided to come and investigate the nature of the Kraang’s technology and their involvement in the attack that's left here in New York. Furthermore, our previous base in Jasper has become too dangerous to stay in, with recent attacks from the enemies of our fight.”

Mikey looked around at the Autobots, his thoughts racing. He had only just begun to adjust to being around these towering mechanical beings, but hearing them speak about the Kraang—about the invasion—made something inside him tighten. The memories of that day, that terrifying invasion when everything seemed to fall apart, came rushing back to him. 

He couldn’t ever forget about what happened that day. The memories still stuck with him, even after months of it all happening. 

No amount of talking could really take away the pain that he and his brothers had endured. 

“I-...I can do my best to explain what happened during the invasion,” Mikey said, his voice unexpectedly quiet, his excitement slipping away for a moment, it was sadly noticeable to the Autobots. “It was insane. And, uh... if it helps you guys figure stuff out, I’ll tell you everything I know.” He met Optimus’ gaze, his eyes serious for the first time during his visit here.

Smokescreen blinked in surprise, his grin fading slightly as he looked at Mikey, then at the others. “Wait- wait what? You were there?” he asked, his voice less playful now, feeling the atmosphere of the room drop.

Arcee’s optics narrowed, her stance shifting as she stepped forward, her tone sharp. “How exactly do you know about the Kraang, Mikey? You weren’t just watching the news, were you?”

Mikey hesitated for a moment, running his hand up and down his sleeved arm. His usual bright energy was dimmed as the weight of the memory had settled in his mind. “Well, uh... I wasn’t just watching. I was right there when it all went down. My brothers and I were in the city when they attacked. We didn’t have any choice but to fight them.” He swallowed hard, his thoughts turning to that day—the chaos, the destruction, the panic. He had seen so many people get hurt that day. 

The room fell silent for a beat as everyone processed his words. Arcee’s expression shifted from suspicion to disbelief, her brow furrowing. “Wait, you were... you were there, during the whole invasion? Like right in the middle?” she asked slowly.

Mikey nodded, his gaze distant as the memories flashed in his mind. “Yeah. I didn’t even know what was happening at first. We were going to get back some key that opened up the portal, but we failed at that, and then the Kraang just showed up that day—these weird, purple, gooey... things—and they started wrecking everything. Turning people into aliens like them. My brothers and I fought back, but it was crazy. You could barely think straight with all the explosions and gunfire. I thought we weren’t gonna make it out of there...” 

Bulkhead stepped forward, his tone softer than usual. “That sounds...intense.”

“It was,” Mikey murmured, eyes flickering briefly to the floor before he looked up again at them. “But we tried to do all we could. We tried saving as many people as we could... but I don’t think anyone was ready for the mess those guys ended up causing.”

Optimus Prime’s voice was much quieter now, almost reverent, as his gaze at the turtle was soft, and full of so much empathy. “Your courage that day was not unnoticed, Mikey. The people of New York owe much to you and your brothers for your efforts.” 

Arcee stood still for a moment, her arms still crossed but her gaze softening. She looked between Mikey and the others, finally understanding. “You fought in that attack... you experienced it. That’s why you know so much about the Kraang.” She let out a slow breath, the tension easing from her shoulders, as they dropped down. “I— I didn’t realize.”

Smokescreen was the first to break the silence, giving Mikey a thumbs up. “Man, that’s… that’s tough. I couldn’t even imagine going through that.”

Mikey shrugged, the intensity fading slightly from his expression. “I mean, we’re used to danger here in New York. But that was next-level. I’m just glad we made it through. And I’d do it again if I had to.” 

Bulkhead placed a large hand on Mikey’s head, the gesture surprisingly gentle for someone his size, before pulling back. “You’ve got guts, kid. I think you’ll fit right in with us.” 

Optimus nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. “Your bravery is commendable, Mikey. And I believe that your knowledge of the Kraang will be crucial as we continue our research here in New York.” 

Mikey gave a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll help however I can. We may not have been able to stop the invasion back then, but we sure made sure those alien creeps didn’t get away with it.” 

The Autobots stood in quiet acknowledgment, a bond of shared understanding settling between them. For Mikey, it was a weight he’d carried in silence for months—one he wasn’t sure he could talk about with anyone. But now, with the Autobots, he felt like he could share it. After all, they were all fighting for the same thing: protecting Earth from the dangers that lurked within it.

And if the Kraang were just one of those dangers, Mikey would be ready for whatever came next.

The atmosphere in the base shifted quickly as Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Arcee, and Optimus Prime exchanged a series of quick, terse words, their expressions darkening. The humming of the base’s systems became almost deafening as the trio gathered around a holographic map projected from the central console, their optics scanning the data with urgency.

“Another signal,” Arcee said, her voice sharp. “It’s coming from the outskirts of the city. Definitely not a friendly signal.”

Optimus stepped closer, his tone authoritative. “It’s most likely another Decepticon. We need to investigate. Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Arcee—prepare yourselves. We’re leaving immediately.”

Bulkhead nodded grimly. “Got it, Optimus. Let’s move out, guys.”

“Stay sharp,” Arcee said over her shoulder, her voice cold with determination. She turned and followed Bulkhead toward the exit, her feet thumping against the metal floor. Smokescreen gave them a wave goodbye, as he followed along with the others. 

Optimus Prime lingered for a moment longer, his gaze sweeping over the room before it landed on Mikey. “We’ll be back shortly, Mikey. Stay here, keep an eye on things with Bumblebee and Ratchet.”

Mikey gave a quick salute, his usual playful grin still firmly in place, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, but it was only for a second. “You got it, Big O! I’ll hold down the fort here. Nothing’s getting past me!” 

With a final nod from Optimus, the Autobot leader turned and followed his three comrades, the groundbridge opened, as they transformed into their alt-modes and left through it. The sound of their departure echoed in the distance, leaving a stillness behind them. Mikey looked to Bumblebee, who was leaning casually against a wall, watching him with his usual quiet attentiveness, and then to Ratchet, who was already working on something at the console, not acknowledging Mikey’s presence.

Mikey, feeling the sudden weight of the silence hitting the room, as he shuffled awkwardly where he stood. “Soooo, uh... what’s a ‘Decepticon,’ exactly?”

Ratchet’s voice was dry, but there was a hint of hesitation as he spoke to him. “I suppose it’s about time someone explained it to you.” He let out a soft sigh, his optics flickering as he adjusted something on the console. “Decepticons are the enemies of the Autobots. They’re a faction of Cybertronians who wish to dominate our world, and your world. Unlike us, they care nothing for peace or coexistence. Their goal is power, plain and simple.”

Bumblebee clicked his servos in confirmation, offering Mikey a small, reassuring smile as he rolled his hand in a circle, miming the idea of an ongoing fight. 

Mikey raised an eyebrow. “Whoa, wait. So, those are the guys you’re always fighting?” he asked, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. “And you’ve been fighting them for… how long?”

Ratchet’s tone softened a bit as he looked down, his gaze almost weary. “For thousands of years. Their leader, Megatron, has waged war against the Autobots for as long as we can remember. It’s not just a battle of weapons. It’s a fight for the future of our kind and your world.”

Mikey looked from Ratchet to Bumblebee, processing the weight of what he was hearing. “So, these Decepticons, they’ve been causing all kinds of trouble for years? And they’ve got some big, scary leader, huh?” He scratched his head, eyes darting back to the spot where Optimus and the others had just left. “That’s... a lot to take in. But hey, I guess you guys are pros at dealing with that kinda stuff.”

Ratchet huffed softly. “We’ve had to be. The Decepticons will stop at nothing to get what they want, including laying waste to entire cities, destroying the environment in order to achieve their goals.” 

Mikey nodded solemnly, though his mind raced with the possibility of what was happening outside. He had no idea how serious these Decepticons could be, but the more Ratchet spoke, the more clearer it became that this wasn’t just some random encounter. This was something that was much bigger than it sounded. “Man... I didn’t even know all this was going on in New York. So, if Optimus and the others are going to handle it... does that mean we just hang back here?” He glanced from Ratchet to Bumblebee again.

Ratchet’s voice held a hint of frustration. “You’re to stay here, Michelangelo. It’s safer. And... frankly, we don’t need you getting in the way of things you don’t yet understand.” His tone softened immediately afterward. “Not that you aren’t capable, but this is dangerous business. These Decepticons aren’t a foe to take lightly, especially when you know so little about them.”

Mikey’s face scrunched up, a mix of curiosity and concern showing through. “Yeah, I get that, but it feels kinda weird just sitting here while everyone else is out there, y’know? I mean, what if I can help? I’ve had my share of face-offs before.”

Bumblebee gave Mikey a playful thumbs-up, his yellow exterior gleaming even in the low light of the base. His optics flickered with a mix of encouragement and caution, telling Mikey without words that he was capable but also needed to understand the gravity of the situation.

Mikey chuckled nervously, rubbing his neck. “Yeah, yeah, I guess I should probably wait here. I don’t wanna mess up anything for you guys. Not like I have much experience with giant, evil alien robots or anything.”

Ratchet’s tone was firm but not unkind. “I’d advise you to stay here. We’ll handle it. And when Optimus and the others return, you’ll be updated on the situation.” He returned his attention to the console, clearly now focused on something else in the meantime.

Mikey took a deep breath, walking over to one of the worktables. His fingers drummed against it nervously. “So, you think this is just another Decepticon attack? Just like the last one?”

“Most likely,” Ratchet answered briefly. “They’re persistent. But not all encounters are the same. We need to gather as much information as we can before thinking about making a move.” 

Mikey nodded again, though his mind wasn’t entirely at ease. There was still so much to learn about these Decepticons—and a sinking feeling told him that whatever was happening right now was going to be bigger than anything he’d ever faced. But if they were anything like the enemies he and his brothers had faced in the past, Mikey knew one thing for sure: he’d be ready for whatever came next.

Even if it meant to stay waiting in the meantime.

Waiting in the base was boring, but Mikey knew that he had to stay there while the others took care of the situation outside of the base. 

He leaned back against one of the smaller tables they had, his chatter with Bumblebee flowing effortlessly as they compared notes on "cool moves." Mikey was in the middle of a reenactment of his infamous moves, when Ratchet’s voice cut through the air like a scalpel.

“Pardon the interruption,” Ratchet began, his optics fixed on Mikey with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny, as he turned to them, “but I have a few questions about...your unique physiology.”

Mikey froze mid-pose, his hand still in the air as if preparing to mime another flip. “Uh, sure, Doc-bot,” he said nervously, dropping his hands and straightening up his posture. “Fire away.”

Ratchet stepped closer, his servo gesturing vaguely toward Mikey as he spoke. “You mentioned earlier that you and your brothers are...not entirely human. Yet you also stated that you’re not an alien species. I’d like to understand more about your mutation—of how it occurred and how it has affected your biology.”

Mikey scratched the back of his neck, his smile faltering just slightly. “Oh, uh, well... It's kinda a long story. You see, we weren’t always, uh, like this.” He gestured vaguely to himself, his three-fingered hands doing little to illustrate his point. “We were born as turtles. Regular, tiny plain old turtles.”

Bumblebee tilted his head and chirped a sound of surprise, while Ratchet’s optics narrowed with scientific intrigue. “Born as turtles,” he repeated slowly, as though testing the words.

“Yup. Shells, tiny limbs, the works,” Mikey said, his smile returning briefly. “But then...There was this, uh, accident. We got...er- experimented on.” His voice trailed off, and he shifted uncomfortably, his usual energy dimming just a bit.

“Experimented on?” Ratchet pressed, his tone sharp. “By whom?”

Mikey hesitated, his gaze flickering to Bumblebee as though searching for backup. “It wasn’t aliens, if that’s what you’re thinking,” he said quickly. “It was a scientist. Not a human one, though. Oh boy, he was...something else.” He stopped, visibly grappling with how much to reveal. “Look, it’s complicated, okay? The guy did some weird science-y stuff, and boom—we turned into... this.” He gestured to himself again, as though that explained everything.

Ratchet leaned in slightly, his optics scrutinizing Mikey like a specimen under a microscope. “This scientist, was he using mutagenic compounds? Or perhaps bio-engineering? I’ll need specifics if I’m to understand the full extent of—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down, Doc!” Mikey interrupted, holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. “I’m not the science guy in the family. That’s my brother, Donnie. He’s the one with the brains. Like, serious big brain energy. He’d probably love talking to you about this stuff—if he wasn’t totally freaked out by the whole ‘giant alien robot’ thing.”

Ratchet raised an optic ridge. “Your brother might be a better source of information, then. If he’s as intelligent as you claim, perhaps he could shed light on this mutation of yours.”

Mikey chewed his lip nervously, glancing away. “Yeah, uh... about that. I’m not sure my brothers would be super into the idea of meeting you guys. It’s nothing personal or anything! It’s just... the last time we dealt with aliens, it didn’t exactly go-...great.”

Ratchet tilted his head slightly, before a flicker of curiosity crossed his features. “You’re referring to the Kraang.” 

Mikey nodded slowly. “Yeah. Those slimeball weirdos made life a nightmare for everyone here in the city. So, uh, my brothers might be a little... wary of meeting anyone not from Earth. Even if you’re the good guys.” 

Bumblebee let out a reassuring series of beeps, offering Mikey a thumbs-up. His optics shone with understanding, as if to say, ‘We get it. No pressure.’

Ratchet, however, didn’t look entirely convinced. He crossed his arms, his gaze lingering on Mikey with a skeptical edge. “You’re certain it would be beneficial to have more of your kind involved here? The more individuals who know about us, the greater the risk of exposure.”

Mikey’s smile turned sheepish. “Yeah, I get that. Honestly, I don’t even know if my bros would want to come here. But Donnie’s the smart one, and if anyone could help answer your questions, it’d be him. As for the rest of us...” He shrugged. “I’d have to ask, but... they might take some convincing.” 

Ratchet considered this for a moment, his optics narrowing as if weighing the risks. Finally, he gave a small nod. “Very well. If you believe your brother’s expertise would aid us in understanding your mutation, I’ll defer to your judgment. But tread carefully, Michelangelo. The fewer complications we introduce, the better.”

“Got it, Doc-bot,” Mikey said with a grin, giving a mock salute. “I’ll think about it.”

As Ratchet turned back to his work, Mikey let out a quiet sigh of relief. The conversation had gone better than expected, but the thought of bringing his brothers into the mix still made his stomach twist. Convincing them to meet the Autobots—and convincing himself that it was a good idea—wouldn’t be easy.

But, like always, Mikey figured he’d cross that bridge when he got to it. For now, he’d focus on keeping the peace between his worlds.

The hum of the base filled the air as Mikey and Bumblebee sat together, their conversation meandering between the heavy and the lighthearted. Bee had just finished explaining some of the Autobots’ history on Earth—the constant battles, the desperate missions, the tireless fight to keep the Decepticons at bay. His beeps and warbles carried a mix of pride and weariness, his gestures punctuating the stories he couldn’t fully articulate with just words.

Mikey sat cross-legged on a nearby table, his head tilted thoughtfully as he absorbed everything Bee was saying. Decepticons. Evil alien robots bent on destruction and domination. The concept felt like something out of one of his favorite sci-fi movies—only, it was real, and these guys were fighting them on the regular. Bee had painted a vivid picture, one that made Mikey’s mind spin with questions he didn’t dare ask aloud.

‘What are they like? Would I ever run into one? Could I even handle it if I did?’

The thought made his fingers drum idly on his knee, his gaze drifting to the floor as he lost himself in his imagination. He pictured massive, dark figures with glowing optics and cruel grins, their metal forms towering over the city as chaos erupted around them. A shiver ran down his shell. If they were as dangerous as Bee made them out to be, he figured it was probably best to take the Autobots word for it. Still, curiosity gnawed at him.

Bee’s soft chirp broke through his thoughts. The yellow bot tilted his head, his optics flickering with concern. He gestured toward Mikey, as if asking if he was okay.

“Oh, uh—sorry, dude!” Mikey blurted, snapping out of his daze. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, his grin returning, as he gave him an apologetic look. “I was just... thinking. You know, about everything you’ve been through. It’s a lot to take in, y’know?”

Bee let out a soft series of beeps, his optics narrowing slightly in an expression that seemed to say, ‘Yeah, no kidding.’

“Anyway,” Mikey continued, eager to fill the silence, “it kinda reminds me of the stuff me and my brothers deal with. I mean, not alien robot level or anything, but we’ve had our fair share of crazy missions. Patrols, fighting bad guys, keeping the city safe...all in a day’s work, right?”

Bee perked up at that, his optics brightening with interest. He motioned for Mikey to elaborate, leaning in slightly like he was settling in for a good story.

Mikey chuckled nervously. “Well, uh, it’s not as fancy as what you guys do. We don’t have giant bases or anything. But we’ve taken down plenty of bad guys in the city. Gangsters, mutants, sometimes weird science experiments gone wrong... you name it, we’ve probably fought it.”

Bee chirped encouragingly, clearly impressed.

Mikey grinned wider, his confidence growing. “There was this one time we had to take down this guy who could shoot electricity out of his hands. Dude almost fried us, but we managed to outsmart him. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?” He paused, glancing away for a moment. “And, uh, there’s... other places we’ve been. Stuff we’ve done that’s not in the city. But that’s... complicated.”

Bee cocked his head curiously, his optics flickering with silent encouragement.

Mikey hesitated. ‘ Do I tell him about the Hidden City?’ He chewed on his lip, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. ’Not yet’ , he decided. ‘ It’s too soon ’. Instead, he focused on the moment, on Bee’s unwavering attention and the chance to keep building trust.

“For now, let’s just say my bros and I have seen some wild stuff,” Mikey said with a chuckle. “But, y’know, you’ve probably got me beat. Fighting Decepticons? Saving the world? That’s next-level hero stuff, Bee.”

Bee’s response was a modest beep and a shrug, but his glowing optics seemed to shine with quiet pride.

Mikey laughed, leaning forward. “Don’t be humble, dude! You’re a legend! Seriously, you guys are awesome. And, hey, maybe one day we can swap more stories. If my brothers are down to meet you, that is.”

Bee’s optics softened, and he gave Mikey a thumbs-up, his silent way of saying he’d like that.

For now, Mikey pushed aside the questions swirling in his mind—about the Decepticons, about the Hidden City, about whether his brothers would ever be ready to meet the Autobots. There’d be time for all of that later. Right now, he was just enjoying getting to know his new, metal friend.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the base as Optimus, Arcee, Smokescreen, and Bulkhead returned. Their faces—well, what passed for faces—reflected varying degrees of weariness. Bulkhead looked relieved, Arcee seemed on edge as usual, Smokescreen looked tired, and Optimus carried his usual calm, yet commanding presence. Whatever had required their attention appeared to be resolved, for now.

Mikey glanced up from his conversation with Bumblebee, offering a wave. “Hey, guys! Everything cool now?”

Optimus nodded. “The situation was contained, though it required swift action.”

“Typical Decepticons,” Bulkhead added with a grumble, rolling his shoulders as if to shake off the tension. “Always stirring up trouble.”

Mikey nodded along, even though the mention of Decepticons made his chest tighten slightly. He still wasn’t entirely sure what they were like, but from the Autobots’ reactions, he knew enough to trust they were bad news.

It was then that Mikey noticed the time. His eyes widened, and he let out a startled laugh. “Whoa, dude, I didn’t even realize how late it’s gotten! I gotta head out before my brothers start freaking out.”

“You’re leaving already?” Bulkhead asked, his tone almost disappointed.

“Yeah, gotta keep my brothers from thinking I’ve been kidnapped by someone or something,” Mikey joked, slinging his nunchaku over his shoulder. “They worry, y’know?”

Bee chirped a quick series of beeps, his optics dimming slightly in what could only be described as concern. He gestured toward himself, then to the door, as if offering something.

“Huh? Oh—oh, nah, man!” Mikey said, holding up his hands. “You don’t gotta give me a ride. I’ve got my own way of getting around. Pretty good at staying outta sight, too. Perks of being a ninja.” He grinned, tapping the side of his head for emphasis.

Bee made a hesitant sound, but nodded, his optics conveying trust.

“Thank you for spending time with us today, Michelangelo,” Optimus said, his deep voice filled with sincerity. “You are welcome here anytime.”

“Thanks, Big Guy,” Mikey said with a wide smile. He turned to the rest of the group, giving them a two-finger salute. “You’re all pretty awesome, y’know that? I’ll catch ya later, alright?”

Bulkhead gave a thumbs-up, Arcee offered a small, reluctant nod, Smokescreen and Bee waved enthusiastically.

As the massive base doors creaked open, Mikey turned and took a step out into the cool night air. He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Stay safe, okay? Don’t let any of those Decepticons mess with ya.”

“You as well,” Optimus replied, his tone carrying the weight of a promise.

With that, Mikey disappeared into the darkness, his nimble form vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. The Autobots stood in silence for a moment, the faint hum of the base filling the void.

“He’s an interesting one,” Bulkhead finally said, breaking the quiet.

Arcee crossed her arms, her optics narrowing slightly in thought. “I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about him at first. But...There's something about him. He’s got heart.” 

Smokescreen nodded, grinning as he shook his head, “He’s really cool too.” 

Bee chirped in agreement, his optics brightening.

Optimus glanced toward the doors, his expression unreadable but thoughtful. “He carries a unique perspective, one shaped by challenges we have yet to fully understand. I suspect Michelangelo’s story is far more intricate than he has shared. But I believe he will prove to be an ally worth knowing.”

With that, the team began to settle back into the base, each of them wondering what the next encounter with the vibrant, mysterious ninja would bring.

The cool night breeze rushed past Mikey as he swung through the towering skyscrapers of New York, his trusty nunchakus acting as an impromptu grappling hook as it extended. He soared through the air with the grace of a seasoned acrobat, each swing carrying him closer to home. The city lights blurred below him, and for a brief moment, he felt weightless, free. 

It’s funny, someone could mistake him as Spider-Man with how he was swinging through the city. 

Landing lightly on a rooftop edge, he surveyed the streets below. With one final leap, he dropped into a shadowed alleyway, landing with a soft thud. Glancing around to ensure no one had spotted him, Mikey slipped into the familiar entrance to the sewers, the world above fading away as he descended into the labyrinthine tunnels.

The sound of rushing water and the faint echo of dripping pipes greeted him like an old friend. Navigating the twists and turns with practiced ease, he finally emerged into the cozy, slightly chaotic haven he called home. The warm glow of their makeshift living room lights spilled into the tunnels, accompanied by the low murmur of a movie playing on the television.

“Yo, Mikey!” Raph’s voice cut through the quiet as Mikey stepped into the room. His older brother was sprawled across the couch, a bowl of popcorn balanced precariously on his plastron. Donnie was sitting cross-legged, engrossed in the screen, while Leo lounged nearby, his katanas propped against the wall. “How’d the hang-out go?” Raph asked, his tone casual but curious.

Mikey paused, his smile small but genuine. “It was good,” he said simply, waving off the question as he headed toward his room.

“Good?” Raph repeated, arching a brow. “That’s it? No crazy Mikey story to tell?”

“Not tonight, bro,” Mikey called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. “I’m beat.”

Raph shared a look with the other two, before shrugging, and turned his attention back to the movie. “Alright…if you say so.” 

Closing his door behind him, Mikey let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging as the weight of the day finally settled on him. He tossed his nunchakus onto his desk and flopped onto his bed, the familiar mattress welcoming him like an old friend.

Staring up at the ceiling, he let his mind wander back to the Autobots—their towering frames, their battle stories, and the strange sense of camaraderie he’d felt in their presence. It was a lot to process, but Mikey was too tired to dwell on it for long.

“Tomorrow’s another day,” he muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

And with that, he closed his eyes, letting the gentle hum of the lair lull him into a deep, well-deserved sleep.

Chapter Text

The rhythmic thud-thud-thud of Mikey’s strikes echoed through the training room, his nunchaku glowing faintly with the familiar orange energy of his mystic powers. Sparks of mystic light danced in the air as he moved, but his motions were slower than usual, lacking their usual finesse and enthusiasm. His strikes hit the training dummy with less force, his focus visibly wavering. 

From across the room, Baron Draxum, had been observing silently, his arms crossed. The former alchemist-turned-reluctant-mentor stood in his usual composed stance, his piercing eyes scanning Mikey's every move. It didn’t take a mystic genius to notice that something was off. 

“Michelangelo,” Draxum finally said, his voice calm yet commanding. 

Mikey froze mid-swing, looking back at him with wide eyes, almost like a kid caught sneaking snacks before dinner. “Uh, yeah, Draxum?” 

Draxum frowned. “Your form is sloppy. Your focus is absent. Whatever has taken root in your mind, it is interfering with your training.” He stepped closer, his tone softening just slightly. “Care to explain?” 

Mikey shifted uncomfortably, lowering his nunchaku. “It’s nothing, really. Just... stuff, y’know? Turtle stuff.” He offered a sheepish grin, hoping it would be enough to deflect the question.  

Draxum raised a skeptical brow. “Turtle stuff?” He tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “Michelangelo, you and I both know you’re a terrible liar.” 

Mikey chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Aw, c’mon, Drax, don’t sweat it. It’s not a big deal. I’ve just got... a lot on my mind lately.” 

Draxum stared at him for a long moment, as if trying to dissect the truth from his words. Eventually, he sighed and stepped back. “Very well. If you choose not to share, I will not pry.” 

Mikey relaxed slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing. 

“However,” Draxum continued, his voice taking on a sterner edge, “whatever it is you are keeping to yourself, tread carefully. Your mystic power is deeply connected to your emotions. If you allow distractions to cloud your mind, it could lead to mistakes—potentially dangerous ones.” 

Mikey winced, knowing Draxum had a point. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. I’ll work on it, promise.” He gave a thumbs-up, hoping to lighten the mood. 

Draxum didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded. “Good. Now, again.” He gestured toward the training dummy, his tone firm. 

Mikey sighed but complied, raising his nunchaku and channeling his mystic energy once more. As he trained, his mind wandered back to the Autobots—the towering metal warriors, their stories, their battles, and the strange sense of belonging he felt when he was with them. 

What would Draxum think if he knew about them? Mikey wondered. He doubted the alchemist would approve, especially given how protective he was of Mikey’s mystic training. 

But for now, he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the glowing energy in his hands and the steady rhythm of his strikes. Whatever came next, he’d figure it out. He always did. 

The training room hummed with energy as Baron Draxum stood at its center, a stoic figure surrounded by the faint glow of mystic artifacts and runes. Across from him, Mikey knelt on a circular mat etched with intricate symbols, his eyes closed in concentration. The air was charged with an almost electric tension, the faint shimmer of mystic energy crackling around him like a barely-contained storm.

“Focus, Michelangelo,” Draxum intoned, his voice steady but firm. “Your potential is vast, but it is chaotic. If you do not learn to master it, it will consume you before you can wield it to its fullest extent.”

Mikey exhaled slowly, trying to center himself as Draxum had taught him. Mystic energy flickered at his fingertips, struggling to stabilize. “I am focusing,” Mikey muttered, though his tone lacked its usual cheer. “This stuff’s harder than it looks, y’know?”

Draxum’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t let Mikey’s complaints distract him. Instead, he stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. “Harnessing your mystic energy is not a task for the impatient. Begin with the breathing technique I showed you. Let the energy flow naturally, like water, rather than forcing it like fire.”

Mikey inhaled deeply, counting to four, and then exhaled, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. He visualized the energy in his body as a gentle stream, flowing through him and pooling in his hands. Gradually, the flickering sparks settled into a steady glow, forming a small, stable construct in the shape of a glowing orange ball of light, there was electricity surrounding it.

“There you go!” Mikey exclaimed, grinning at his progress.

Draxum gave a small nod of approval. “Good. Now, sustain it. Do not let your excitement disrupt your focus.”

Mikey bit his lip, his grin fading as he concentrated harder. The ball of light pulsed faintly, holding its form for several moments before dissolving into a shower of harmless sparks.

“Aw, man!” Mikey groaned, slumping forward slightly.

Draxum’s voice cut through his frustration. “You are improving, Michelangelo, but control takes time. Do not let minor setbacks dissuade you.”

The session continued with a series of focused exercises. Draxum guided Mikey through techniques to control the size and intensity of his constructs. Small, precise shapes gradually evolved into larger forms. Mikey’s powers flared and wavered, but Draxum’s steady instruction kept him on track.

Later, they moved to endurance training, focusing on maintaining his constructs for longer periods. Mikey’s breathing grew heavier as sweat beaded on his brow, but he pushed through, determined to make Draxum proud.

“Remember,” Draxum said, his tone taking on a rare note of encouragement, “your mystic energy is a reflection of your will. Strengthen your resolve, and your constructs will follow.”

Finally, the session transitioned into meditation. Mikey sat cross-legged on the mat once more, his hands resting on his knees as he focused inward. Draxum circled him like a vigilant guardian, occasionally offering pointers to adjust his posture or breathing.

“The goal,” Draxum explained, “is not to suppress your energy, but to harmonize with it. Feel its rhythm. Learn its ebb and flow. Only then can you command it with precision and ease.”

As the session drew to a close, Mikey’s constructs had improved in both stability and duration, though he still had a long way to go. Despite his exhaustion, a small sense of pride welled up within him.

“Not bad for a guy who used to just wing it, huh?” Mikey said, grinning up at Draxum.

The alchemist allowed a faint smirk to cross his usually stern face. “Not bad. But do not let your progress breed complacency. There is much work yet to be done.”

Mikey nodded, already eager to see how much further he could push his mystic powers. “You got it, Drax. Let’s keep this train rollin’!”

Draxum sighed, but the faintest trace of amusement lingered in his expression. “Tomorrow, Michelangelo. For now, rest. You’ll need your strength.”

Mikey flopped onto the mat, spreading his arms wide in exaggerated exhaustion. “Rest sounds awesome right now.”

As Mikey finished wiping the sweat from his brow, he couldn’t shake the curiosity that had been buzzing in the back of his mind ever since his encounter with the Autobots. He stood up slowly, stretching his arms above his head, his mind still on the towering metal warriors he had met only a few days ago.

Draxum was cleaning up the training area, organizing the mystic artifacts that had been scattered during their session. Mikey hesitated for a moment before asking, “Hey, Drax, quick question.”

Draxum didn’t look up, but his sharp hearing caught the change in Mikey’s tone. “What is it now, Michelangelo?”

Mikey glanced around, making sure they were alone. “Well… I’ve been thinking,” he began slowly, unsure of how to phrase it. “Are there, like… other alien life-forms out there? I mean, besides the Kraang?”

Draxum paused mid-motion, turning to look at him with a raised brow. “Other life-forms?” he repeated, his voice tinged with mild confusion. “You wish to know about other life beyond your world?”

Mikey nodded eagerly. “Yeah, exactly! I mean, you told me there were other dimensions and worlds, right? So… what about aliens? Are there more? Robots? Cool stuff like that?”

Draxum sighed, setting the artifact down and crossing his arms. He studied Mikey for a long moment before nodding. “Yes, there are countless life-forces out there. Not just Kraang-like entities, but entire civilizations. Some advanced beyond our understanding, others primitive, struggling to survive. The universe is vast, Michelangelo.”

Mikey’s eyes lit up, clearly fascinated. “Robots?” he asked, his voice full of wonder. “Like, big metal guys who walk around and talk?”

Draxum paused. It was clear that Mikey was particularly interested in this part of the conversation. “Yes,” he said slowly, studying Mikey’s eager expression. “There are robotic species out there. In fact, there is one such species that may interest you.”

Mikey leaned forward, all attention on his mentor. “Tell me more!”

Draxum sighed, as if he knew Mikey wasn’t going to let this go unless he told him. “They are called Cybertronians. A complicated, ancient species whose history is rooted in an endless war. They are powerful, intelligent beings made entirely of metal. They can transform into various mechanical forms, like vehicles, weapons, and even machinery.”

Mikey’s eyes widened with excitement. “No way! That sounds amazing! What are they like?”

Draxum’s expression grew distant for a moment, as though remembering something long forgotten. “They are a species defined by conflict. Their war has been waged for eons, with no resolution in sight. One faction, the Autobots, are defenders of peace, while the Decepticons, their bitter enemies, fight for power and conquest.”

Mikey’s excitement faltered just a bit as he took in the seriousness of Draxum’s tone. “An endless war... that sounds pretty intense. But, like, what happened to them? Where are they now?”

Draxum’s gaze grew distant. “I haven’t heard anything of the Cybertronians in centuries. Their war, as far as I know, continues, though I, and others, have had no dealings with them... It’s possible they’ve moved on, or perhaps their conflict still rages.”

Mikey’s mind raced as he processed the information. “So, like, do you know any more about them? Any cool history books or something? I mean, you’ve gotta have some stuff on them, right?”

Draxum gave Mikey a curious look. “You’re quite persistent, aren’t you? Well, perhaps there’s something that may satisfy your curiosity…” He turned and walked toward one of the shelves lined with ancient scrolls and books. After a moment of searching, he pulled out some dusty old books from the back, the leather of their binding worn with age.

“I do have some records on the Cybertronians, yes,” Draxum said, his tone almost reluctant. “Their history is long and complex. The Autobots and Decepticons are not a simple matter to understand. The books I have will give you some insight, but I must warn you—these texts are ancient and may be difficult to decipher.”

Mikey grinned widely, his hands practically trembling with excitement. “I don’t care if it’s ancient or written in alien symbols, I’ll figure it out! Thanks, Drax!”

Draxum eyed him for a moment longer, as if questioning Mikey’s sincerity. “I find it curious that you would ask about this now, Michelangelo. Why, of all things, are you so interested in these Cybertronians?”

Mikey hesitated for a moment, but his gaze quickly drifted to the bag slung over his shoulder, where he had tucked his nunchaku, still glowing faintly with mystic energy. “Just… wondering if I could learn more about other kinds of heroes, y’know? Different species, different fights. Thought it could help me understand… stuff.”

Draxum nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with the answer. “Very well. Take the books with you. Perhaps, in time, they will help you in ways I cannot predict.”

“Thanks, Draxum!” Mikey said enthusiastically, grabbing the books carefully and stuffing them into his bag. “I’ll be sure to return them in tip-top shape!”

Draxum gave a small, bemused nod. “See that you do, Michelangelo. And remember, don’t let this distraction interfere with your training.”

Mikey flashed a grin at him. “You got it, Drax! I’ll totally stay focused.”

But as Mikey left the training room and headed back toward the lair, his thoughts were already consumed by the ancient Cybertronian texts, his mind racing with the possibility of meeting the Autobots again—and maybe, just maybe, learning more about these powerful, metal beings who had left such a profound impact on his world.

Mikey returned to the lair, the familiar scent of pizza and the sound of his brothers talking filling the air as he entered. It was quiet as he made his way down the hall, his thoughts still spinning around the new information he’d just learned from Draxum.

“Yo, Mikey!” Leo’s voice greeted him from the living room, his eyes lighting up as Mikey walked in. He was leaning back in one of the chairs, a game controller in hand, with Raph sitting nearby, already in the middle of a heated game. “You back from training already? You want to join me and Raph for a round of—”

“Pass,” Mikey said quickly, flashing a smile as he dragged his bag with him.

“Really?” Leo blinked, surprised. “That’s new. You’re not down for some friendly competition?”

Mikey shrugged, “Nah, man. I gotta study up on some stuff Draxum gave me. Some crazy alien history stuff…”

Raph furrowed his brow, raising an eyebrow. “You mean, like- uh- the stuff we fought? Or are you talkin’ bout somethin’ else?”

Mikey hesitated, suddenly unsure of how much he wanted to share. The books were still fresh in his mind, the possibilities of what he might learn still rolling around like a tidal wave. “Uh, kinda? But not like them. It’s, uh… it’s about this- other alien species. But they’re, uh, not like anything we’ve ever seen. Really big, really powerful, and they, uh, fight each other. I gotta get through these books Draxum gave me, so, uh… yeah.”

Leo blinked, his curiosity piqued. “Weird. You usually play a game first, then do the boring study stuff. What’s got you so focused?”

Mikey flashed a quick grin, trying to downplay it. “Eh, I just wanna get through it. Be done with it and hang out later, okay?”

“Well, alright then,” Leo said with a shrug, turning his attention back to the game. “We’ll save a spot for you if you change your mind. You know, we need all the help we can get.”

Mikey gave him a thumbs-up before turning and heading to his room. As he walked down the hall, he could feel Leo and Raph’s eyes on his back, a silent exchange happening between them.

Once Mikey disappeared into his room, Leo exchanged a glance with Raph, the unspoken question in the look hanging between them.

“What’s up with him?” Raph finally asked, his brow furrowed. “Mikey never passes up a chance to game with us.”

Leo shrugged, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. “Maybe he’s just in a mood. I mean, Draxum’s been putting him through a lot of weird training. You know Mikey, he likes to bounce between stuff. It’s probably just one of those days where he wants to focus on whatever Draxum’s giving him.”

Raph didn’t seem entirely convinced, his gaze lingering toward Mikey’s door. “Yeah… I guess. But he’s been acting kinda weird lately, don’t you think?”

Leo sighed, his tone light but a little distracted. “He’s always weird, Raph. It’s Mikey.”

But Raph didn’t respond right away. He thought about it, his gaze fixed on the door that Mikey had just entered. There was something different about his brother today—more distant, more focused than he’d ever been when it came to Draxum’s training. And that wasn’t like Mikey at all.

Raph opened his mouth to say something else, but Leo had already turned back to the game, nudging him playfully. “Come on, let’s kick this up a notch. We’ll deal with Mikey later.”

Raph grumbled but followed, shaking off the uneasy feeling in his gut. For now, he’d let it slide, but it didn’t sit right with him. Mikey was always the one who would rather goof around first and get his homework out of the way later. This? It was something different. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Mikey sat cross-legged on his bed, the glow of his desk lamp casting a warm light over the pile of books in front of him. His nunchaku, resting against the edge of the bed, were the only sign of his usual upbeat self. He wasn’t a fan of reading, but these books—these ancient tomes on Cybertronian history, anatomy, and technology—were different. They were important.

His fingers traced the worn pages, flipping through one after another. He paused at an illustration of a Cybertronian—a similar towering, metallic figure, much like the ones he had seen up close a few days ago. His mind wandered back to those moments spent with Smokescreen, Bumblebee, and the others. That feeling of awe had never quite left him.

The text detailed the mechanics of their bodies: how they were built for both combat and complex systems. Every Cybertronian, according to the books, had a unique set of abilities, with some specialized in speed, others in strength, and some with impressive technomancy, able to interface with computers and machinery. Mikey found it fascinating, especially the part about their transformation capabilities.

Transformation... he thought, his eyes lingering on the diagram of a Cybertronian’s transformation sequence. He flipped the page to reveal more details. It wasn’t just about size or shape; it was about functionality. Cybertronians could transform into anything, from vehicles to jets, even massive, powerful weapons, as long as they had their T-Cog, a special organ located deep within their bodies. Without it, they would be unable to shift forms.

That's insane. Mikey couldn't help but think about how cool it must be to have the ability to change into anything. Imagine—anything. He thought about how he could barely even control his mystic powers, let alone have the ability to turn into a massive truck or a sleek, fast car like Smokescreen and Bumblebee.

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment, allowing his mind to drift. His mystic chains were impressive in their own right, but they were nothing like the Autobots’ ability to transform at will. He’d never really thought much about it before. After all, no one—no mutant, no human, no yokai—could transform like that. It was a power reserved for Cybertronians.

What would it be like to transform like that? He wondered. He was getting used to their size and their ways, but that? That was something else. The Autobots could shift in and out of different forms as if it were second nature. He thought about his first moments with Bumblebee, how the Autobot had transformed into his car mode with ease and speed. It wasn’t something Mikey could just do. Even the idea of something so alien to him—transforming into a whole new form—made him feel... small. Out of place, even. He wasn’t like them. He could never be like them.

He shook off the thought. He had enough to deal with already. The books had more for him to study, and for now, that was enough. There was still so much to learn.

One page had caught his attention. A chapter dedicated to the Autobots’ ongoing war with the Decepticons. He hadn’t met any Decepticons yet, but something about their name sent a shiver down his spine. From what Smokescreen had said, the Decepticons were dangerous. They were relentless, ruthless, and they weren’t afraid to attack.

Mikey turned the page and found himself staring at another diagram. This time, it wasn’t a Cybertronian body, but rather a Cybertronian weapon. It looked like a large, bulky cannon, capable of causing serious damage. 

The chapter detailed not only the destructive power of the Decepticons, but their intricate methods of war. Their obsession with power, control, and domination. But there was something else, too. A mention of their leader—Megatron. The name sounded like a legend, almost mythical.

Mikey swallowed, feeling his heart race slightly. He didn’t know what to expect when he met a Decepticon, but if they were anything like the ones in the books, he didn’t think he’d be ready.

He had to admit, though, part of him was curious. How would they react if they saw a mutant like him? He didn’t really think much about it at first, but now? Now he wondered what they might do if they found out about his mystic abilities. Would they try to recruit him? Or worse—would they consider him a threat?

He could feel his thoughts racing. He wasn’t used to this—being in a world where everything was larger than life. He’d been in plenty of scraps before, but nothing like this. This was different. These were Cybertronians.

With a sigh, Mikey leaned forward, flipping the pages one by one, until the diagrams of Decepticon warriors faded into another section about the Autobots’ leadership—Optimus Prime. A massive, noble leader who had, according to these books, inspired countless warriors to fight for freedom. Mikey paused. He’d met Optimus a couple times now, and there was no denying the respect he felt for the Autobot leader. His words were full of purpose, of honor. Optimus was the kind of leader Mikey admired.

As he read about Optimus's strength—his resolve, and the Autobots’ unwavering hope that they could one day restore Cybertron—Mikey felt a stir of something he hadn’t expected: hope.

Maybe he could make a difference. Even if he wasn’t like them, even if he couldn’t transform or even fight like they did, maybe there was a way to help. Maybe, just maybe, his mystic abilities had a place in this war. It wasn’t like he’d be taking on the Decepticons by himself anytime soon, but...

A soft knock on the door pulled Mikey from the pages of the ancient tome he had been immersed in.

"Yo, Mikey, dinner’s ready!" Leo’s voice called through the wood.

Mikey blinked, realizing just how long he had been reading. His stomach growled as if on cue, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. “Be right there!” he replied, carefully closing the book and stacking it with the others. He figured he could dive back into Cybertronian history after dinner. For now, food—and his brothers—awaited.

When Mikey stepped into the kitchen, the usual buzz of activity greeted him. Plates clinked, laughter filled the air, and the tantalizing smell of pizza wafted through the space. But tonight wasn’t just his brothers—it was a full house. Casey sat in his usual spot, laughing while Raph cracked jokes, while April and Sunita chatted quietly at the end of the table.

“About time, Mikey,” Leo teased, gesturing toward the last open seat. “What were you doin’? Tryna reinvent another combination for pizza in your room?”

Mikey grinned as he plopped into his chair. “Nah, just... y’know, stuff.”

“Stuff,” Donnie repeated, raising a brow. “Sure didn’t look like ‘just stuff’ when I saw you holed up in there with books. What’s the deal, huh? Actually doing the ‘homework’ Draxum gave you for once?”

That got April’s attention. “Homework?” she asked, leaning forward with a curious glint in her eye. “What kind of homework does Draxum even give you?”

Mikey hesitated, his mind racing for a plausible response. He couldn’t exactly blurt out ‘ Oh, just reading about Cybertronians and their endless war! ’ His brothers and friends would probably freak out—or worse, start asking questions he wasn’t ready to answer.

“Uh, alien stuff,” he said vaguely, hoping that would satisfy her. “You know how he is. Super strict about the mystic arts and, like, secrecy or whatever.”

April tilted her head, clearly intrigued but not pressing further. “Alien stuff, huh? Sounds intense. Is it related to… y’know?”

“Not exactly,” Mikey said quickly, stuffing a slice of pizza in his mouth to avoid elaborating.

Sunita giggled, as she grabbed a slice of pizza. “Figures Draxum would be all mysterious about it. Probably got you meditating on a rock or something, right?”

“Something like that,” Mikey mumbled, trying to steer the conversation away.

April shrugged, switching gears. “Well, speaking of assignments, I’ve got my own load to deal with. Journalism professors are no joke. One of my pieces is about covering community efforts in the city. Kinda makes me wish I had Donnie’s tech skills to map out interviews.”

Donnie beamed at the mention of his genius, like always. “Naturally, my skills would definitely make your work infinitely easier. But, alas, the burden of greatness is mine, and only mine alone to bear.” 

“You mean the burden of putting up with you,” Raph teased, earning a couple of laughs around the table.

As the conversation shifted to April’s college assignments and Raph’s latest training routines, Mikey stayed quiet, grateful the spotlight had moved on. He listened to his family laugh and joke, their voices a comforting backdrop to his thoughts.

His mind wandered back to the books in his room, their pages filled with Cybertronian secrets and stories. He couldn’t share this part of his life with them— at least not yet. For now, it was his to figure out, one ancient page and fact at a time.

For right now, he’d just enjoy the laughter and warmth of home. For a moment, everything felt normal again.

The flicker of the desk lamp cast a soft glow across Mikey’s face as he sat cross-legged on his bed, the thick tome open in front of him. His nunchakus— resting on the side of his bed—reminded him of the power and potential he held, though tonight, his thoughts were on something much heavier: the fate of the Cybertronians. 

After dinner, he returned to his room to continue reading the book. He knew he wouldn't be able to read the whole thing that night, so he tried to read as much as he could. For the next day, he decided he would pay them a visit.

He turned the page, his eyes scanning the dense text. The further he read, the more details came into focus, painting a picture of a world torn apart by conflict.

The history of the Cybertronian Civil War was brutal. The Autobots and Decepticons had once been united—one people, one planet—but everything had changed when their ideologies diverged. The Decepticons, led by Megatron, believed in the strength of force and domination, while the Autobots, under Optimus Prime’s guidance, fought for peace, equality, and the protection of all life.

The war had raged for eons. And in the aftermath, the scars left behind were undeniable. Cybertron was a shattered planet, and both factions had scattered across the galaxy in search of refuge.

Mikey felt his chest tighten as he read about the exodus from Cybertron, the Autobots’ desperate attempt to save what remained of their people. He could feel the weight of their loss, the sacrifice of those who had given everything to protect their home. It wasn’t too different from his own family’s struggles in New York.

Just like the Autobots had fought to protect their world, Mikey’s family had fought to protect their own—against the Kraang, against anyone who threatened their peace. Mikey wasn’t a soldier by nature, but his brothers? They were warriors. And they had each other’s backs, no matter what.

Mikey flipped another page, his eyes catching on a passage about the Autobots' struggle to rebuild, to find peace after the destruction of Cybertron. They didn’t just lose their planet—they had lost so much more. Family. Unity. Purpose.

Mikey’s thoughts drifted to the Autobots he’d met—Optimus, Arcee, Bulkhead, Smokescreen, and especially Bee. He thought of the way Optimus had spoken to him, that quiet yet overwhelming sense of responsibility he carried. Was Optimus hiding more about the war? About what they’d lost? Mikey had a feeling there was more to the Autobots’ history than they let on. He could see it in their eyes, feel it in the air around them—the weight of a past they weren’t quite ready to share.

But maybe, just maybe, Mikey could help them find a little peace. He wasn’t sure how—he didn’t have the answers. But he knew one thing for sure: whatever the Autobots were up against, they weren’t alone.

Mikey yawned, stretching as the lateness of the hour finally caught up to him. The thick books were still spread across his bed, their weight pressing into the blankets as if they carried the gravity of the history they held. He closed one, carefully setting it atop the others, when something caught his eye.

A faint glow radiated from one of the pages in an open book, a strange, intricate symbol softly pulsating with light. Mikey blinked, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn’t just seeing things. But no, the symbol remained—its ethereal shimmer almost inviting him closer.

“What the heck…?” Mikey muttered under his breath, leaning over the page. The glyph was unlike anything he’d seen before. It looked ancient, yet futuristic—like a blend of art and technology. And as he stared, he felt it.

A faint hum stirred within him, a resonance that he couldn’t ignore. It was the same energy he felt when using his mystic powers, as if the glyph was somehow in tune with the very essence of his abilities.

Draxum’s voice echoed in his memory, stern and warning.

“Knowledge is a double-edged sword, Michelangelo. Especially knowledge of forces beyond this world. It can illuminate the path ahead, but it can also lead you to darkness if you’re not careful.”

Mikey hesitated, his hand hovering over the glowing symbol. Was this one of those dangerous paths Draxum had warned about? But the curiosity tugged at him like an irresistible thread, pulling him closer to the unknown.

“Okay, just… a little peek,” he whispered to himself, his fingers crackling faintly with mystic energy as he focused on the glyph.

The glow brightened as his energy connected with it, and then—

A flash.

Suddenly, Mikey was somewhere else. He stood in the middle of a vast metallic battlefield, the sky above a swirling chaos of fire and smoke. Towering figures clashed around him, their forms massive and alien. One side gleamed with vibrant colors of red, blue, and gold—Autobots. The other side was a dark, ominous blend of sharp edges and shadowed metal—Decepticons.

The clash of metal on metal rang in his ears, the ground trembling beneath his feet as explosions tore through the landscape. He saw Optimus Prime, his blue optics blazing with determination as he led the charge, his sword clashing with a towering Decepticon wielding a jagged, serrated blade.

Behind Optimus, other Autobots fought valiantly: Arcee, quick and precise with her strikes; Bulkhead, a juggernaut smashing through enemy ranks, there were multiple other unknown Autobots darting through the chaos with speed and precision.

But the Decepticons were relentless. There were many jets that soared above the fray, sharp laugh echoing from some of them as they fired missiles into the melee. Vehicons charged in waves, their faceless forms moving as one. And in the distance, a shadow loomed—a massive figure with glowing red optics, watching the carnage unfold.

Mikey’s breath caught in his throat as the shadow’s gaze seemed to lock onto him.

“No…” he whispered, taking a step back.

The vision shifted, blurring into fragments. A shattered planet. A falling city. A distant starship hurtling through space. And then—peace. The faint image of Earth, its lush greens and blues a stark contrast to the desolation he’d just witnessed.

Mikey jolted back to reality, gasping as he found himself once again in his room. The books were as they had been, the glyph’s glow now gone. His heart raced, his mind swirling with questions.

“What was that…?” he murmured, clutching his chest as if to steady the frantic beating of his heart.

The vision felt so real, so vivid. It wasn’t just a dream or a trick of the light. It was something more—something connected to the Autobots and the Decepticons, to their war, and somehow… to him.

He glanced at the books, then at his nunchakus, which lay dormant on the bed beside him. The faint hum of mystic energy still coursed through him, a lingering reminder of what he’d just experienced.

Shaking his head, Mikey exhaled deeply. “Okay, maybe Draxum was onto something about the whole ‘dangerous knowledge’ thing,” he muttered, closing the book and setting it aside.

As much as he wanted to dive back in and find more answers, his body had other plans. The weight of the day—and the vision—was too much to ignore. For now, sleep would have to come first.

He grabbed the rest of the books and looked around his room. Mikey trusted his brothers, but leaving the books out in the open of his room was a tad risky. 

He just decided to shove them under his bed for now, he’d find a better place later. 

Pulling his blanket over himself, Mikey lay back, his mind still reeling from what he’d seen. Whatever the vision meant, he knew one thing for sure: the Autobots’ story was far from over.

And somehow, he was a part of it.

The lair was quiet the next morning, save for the faint sounds of Donnie inventing in his lab and the hum of the TV on in the common area. Mikey, however, had his mind elsewhere. His thoughts lingered on the glowing glyph from the night before and the vision it triggered. It wasn’t just a glimpse into the Autobots’ history—it felt like a warning.

After a quick breakfast and a rushed goodbye to his brothers, telling them he was off to Draxums, as an excuse to leave without them thinking too much. Mikey grabbed his nunchakus and made his way toward the Autobots' base, it took a while, and some time hiding, but he managed. 

When he arrived, the massive steel doors slid open with their usual mechanical groan. Inside, the Autobots were gathered around a holographic display, their towering forms casting long shadows over the control panels.

Optimus stood at the center, his presence commanding yet calm. Arcee and Bulkhead stood next to him, their postures tense, while Bumblebee and Smokescreen hovered near the display, their attention fixed on the glowing map they had of New York City.

Mikey approached cautiously, not wanting to interrupt. “Uh, hey, guys. What’s up?”

The Autobots turned, some offering brief nods of acknowledgment. Smokescreen was the first to break the tension, waving enthusiastically. “Mikey! Perfect timing. We were just talking about something you might find interesting!”

Arcee, however, was less enthusiastic about it all. “Interesting isn’t the word I’d use,” she muttered, her optics narrowing at the map, as her arms were crossed. 

Optimus inclined his head toward Mikey. “Greetings, Michelangelo. We have intercepted a Decepticon transmission. It appears one of their scouts has been sighted near critical infrastructure on the outskirts of the city. We are still deciphering their intentions, but the proximity to populated areas is concerning.” 

The mention of a Decepticon made Mikey’s stomach twist. He remembered the books’ vivid descriptions of their ruthlessness and power. “You think they’re planning something big?”

“Possibly,” Optimus replied gravely. “Though it is unusual for a single scout to act independently, it warrants investigation. We cannot risk any harm coming to the humans or their city.”

Mikey hesitated, his fingers brushing the strap of his bag. He wanted to tell them about what he’d read, about the war and Cybertron’s fall, but something held him back. Maybe it was the fear of revealing too much, or maybe it was the memory of Draxum’s warnings about dangerous knowledge.

Instead, he nodded. “If you need an extra set of hands, I’m in. Just tell me what to do.”

Arcee crossed her arms, clearly skeptical. “Are you sure about this, Mikey? Decepticons aren’t like the Kraang. They’re bigger, stronger, and a lot meaner.” 

“I don’t think that’s true…,” Mikey muttered to himself, before replacing his frown with a confident grin, “I can handle it!” though a part of him wasn’t sure if that was entirely true. 

Optimus studied him for a moment, his optics scanning the young mutant as if weighing his resolve. “Very well. You will accompany Smokescreen on this mission. However, you are to follow his instructions at all times. Is that understood?”

Mikey nodded eagerly. “Got it, Big Bot.”

Smokescreen grinned, patting Mikey on the shoulder—though the gesture nearly toppled him over. “Don’t worry, Mikey. Stick with me, and we’ll show that Decepticon scout what’s what!”

As the team dispersed to prepare, Mikey followed Smokescreen toward the base’s exit. His mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. This was different from his usual patrols with his brothers—this wasn’t about protecting New York from petty criminals or the Foot Clan. This was a clash between titans, and he was diving headfirst into it.

As they climbed into Smokescreen’s alt mode—a sleek white and blue sports car—Mikey settled into the passenger seat, gripping the edge of the dashboard.

“You ready for this?” Smokescreen asked, his voice brimming with excitement.

“Ready as I’ll ever be!” Mikey replied, though his nerves told a different story.

The engine roared to life, and with a screech of tires, they sped out of the base and toward the unknown. For better or worse, Mikey’s journey was expanding by the second. 

The forest was quiet, save for the hum of Smokescreen’s engine as he navigated the uneven terrain. Mikey sat in the passenger seat, his weapons resting across his lap, scanning their surroundings. Ratchet’s earlier transmission about a faint Decepticon signal had been vague, but the Autobots weren’t ones to ignore potential threats.

“You know,” Smokescreen said, his voice casual despite the tension, “it’s probably just a false alarm. We’ll check it out, log the location, and be back at base in no time.”

Mikey didn’t respond immediately. Something felt off about this place—the air was thick, and the trees seemed to close in around them. “Yeah… sure,” he muttered, gripping the edge of his seat, he felt nervous from all this.

The signal grew stronger as they entered a clearing, revealing the remains of an abandoned Energon mining site. Rusted equipment and jagged rocks littered the area, glowing faintly with traces of Energon.

“Looks deserted,” Smokescreen remarked, transforming into his robot mode and scanning the area.

Mikey hopped down beside him, his nunchucks at the ready. “You’re sure about that?”

Before Smokescreen could reply, the sound of shifting metal echoed through the clearing. From the shadows of the mining site, a squad of Vehicons emerged, their red optics glowing menacingly.

“Oh, come on,” Smokescreen groaned, raising his blasters.

The Vehicons parted, and a tall, spindly figure stepped forward. Starscream’s wings flared dramatically as he surveyed the scene, his sharp grin cutting through the tension.

“Well, well,” Starscream sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “A young Autobot and… what is this? A pet?” His gaze landed on Mikey, his expression equal parts amusement and disdain.

Mikey bristled. “Pet? Dude, I’m not a pet!”

Smokescreen stepped in front of him, raising a hand as if to shield him. “Back off, Starscream. This is Autobot business, and you’re not invited.”

Starscream laughed, the sound high-pitched and grating. “Oh, I assure you, I never miss an opportunity to crush Autobots—especially inexperienced ones like yourself.”

With a flick of his claws, Starscream signaled the Vehicons to attack.

Smokescreen immediately charged forward, his blasters firing rapid shots that forced the Vehicons to scatter. “Stay back, Mikey!” he called over his shoulder, dodging a volley of laser fire.

Mikey watched the chaos unfold, his heart racing. Smokescreen was fast and agile, darting between enemies and firing with precision, but it was clear he was outnumbered. The Vehicons coordinated their attacks, forcing Smokescreen into a defensive position.

When a concentrated blast from the Vehicons pinned Smokescreen against a crumbling wall, Mikey knew he couldn’t stay on the sidelines.

“Guess it’s time to show them what I can do,” Mikey muttered, spinning his nunchakus as they ignited with fiery energy.

With a whip-like motion, his mystic chains shot out, wrapping around a Vehicon and yanking it off its feet. The bot hit the ground with a deafening crash, sliding several feet before coming to a stop.

Smokescreen gawked. “Okay, totally not what I expected, but I’ll take it!”

Mikey grinned, the flames from his chains casting an eerie glow across the battlefield. He focused on a massive boulder nearby, using his chains to lift it as if it weighed nothing. With a powerful swing, he sent the boulder hurtling into a group of Vehicons, scattering them like bowling pins.

Starscream’s amused expression faltered as he watched Mikey’s fiery display. “What in the name of Cybertron is that?”

Deciding to intervene personally, Starscream launched himself at Mikey, claws extended. Mikey barely had time to react, but before the Decepticon could strike, Smokescreen tackled him mid-air.

“Not so fast, chicken legs!” Smokescreen quipped, grappling with Starscream.

While Smokescreen kept Starscream occupied, Mikey turned his attention back to the Vehicons. His chains spun in wide arcs, creating a fiery barrier that cut off reinforcements from entering the battlefield. He moved with agility, using the flames to disable the remaining enemies with precision strikes.

Starscream, realizing he was outmatched, snarled in frustration. “This isn’t over, Autobot!” he hissed, breaking free of Smokescreen’s hold.

He signaled the surviving Vehicons to retreat, and with a roar of his thrusters, he disappeared into the sky.

As the last glow of Starscream’s thrusters faded into the horizon, Smokescreen bent over slightly, resting his hands on his knees. His cooling systems hissed as they tried to regulate his overheated circuits.

"Okay," Smokescreen wheezed, glancing over at Mikey. "You’ve gotta show me more of those secret ninja fire tricks. That was insane!"

Mikey spun his nunchakus once before tucking them away, his grin faltering just slightly. "Eh, it’s nothing," he said, waving a hand. "I couldn’t just stand there and let them scrap you, dude."

Smokescreen straightened up, shaking his head in amazement. "Nothing? Mikey, you turned a boulder into a wrecking ball, lit up the battlefield like the Fourth of July, and forced Starscream to retreat! That’s not nothing; that’s hero material!"

Mikey chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, I’ve had practice, y’know? Fighting bad guys is kinda my thing. But still…" He trailed off, glancing at the smoldering remains of the battlefield. His stomach churned at the thought of facing more Decepticons in the later future. “Those guys don’t mess around at all. I can see why you all are always on edge about them.”

Smokescreen caught the shift in Mikey’s tone and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Yeah, the ‘Cons are bad news, no doubt. But you’ve got skills, Mikey—skills that could really help us. Don’t let them intimidate you. You held your own out there."

Mikey offered a faint smile, but his unease lingered. The fight had been intense, and for all his bravado, he wasn’t sure if he was ready to face enemies like the Decepticons regularly.

"Anyway," Smokescreen said, his tone lightening as he transformed back into his vehicle mode, "we should head back to base. The others are gonna want to hear about this—and I can’t wait to tell them about your mystic fire powers."

Mikey climbed into the passenger seat, shaking his head with a laugh. "Oh great, I wonder how that’s gonna go."

"It’s gonna be fine, trust me!" Smokescreen reassured him as they sped off, weaving through the forest with ease.

The ride back was filled with Smokescreen’s excited chatter, recounting every detail of Mikey’s moves during the battle. Despite himself, Mikey started to feel a little proud. 

The massive doors to the Autobot base slid open with a low hum, revealing Smokescreen and Mikey stepping in. Both looked slightly worse for wear—Smokescreen’s paint was scratched in a few places, and Mikey’s bandana was askew, but their postures radiated triumph.

The Autobots—Optimus, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Ratchet—were gathered near the command console, deep in discussion over some holographic data projections. The moment Smokescreen and Mikey entered, heads turned toward them.

“We’re back!” Smokescreen declared, his voice ringing with excitement. “And you guys won’t believe what just happened out there!”

Optimus turned to face them fully, his calm yet commanding presence grounding the room. “I take it your scouting mission was eventful?”

“Eventful?” Smokescreen repeated, throwing his hands up for emphasis. “Try insane! Outnumbered, surrounded by Vehicons, and guess who shows up to make things worse? Starscream! Yeah, that guy.”

This caught everyone’s attention. Bulkhead frowned, his arms crossing. “Starscream? That sneaky coward’s been causing trouble again?”

“Oh, totally,” Smokescreen replied, leaning against a console for dramatic effect. “But get this—Mikey totally saved my tailpipe out there!”

Mikey, who had been quietly trailing behind Smokescreen, perked up at the mention of his name. “Oh, uh, I just kinda helped a little,” he mumbled, tugging at his bandana.

“A little?” Smokescreen exclaimed, throwing his hands up again. “You should’ve seen it! He made this massive rock float like it weighed nothing and then—bam!—launched it at the Vehicons like a missile! Took out half of them in one go!”

The room fell into a stunned silence before Bulkhead broke it with a wide grin. “No way! You’re telling me the kid can make stuff float? And fire? That’s awesome!”

Arcee raised a brow, her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “Wait, back up. Fire? Chains? He has powers?”

Bumblebee beeped and whirred excitedly, his tone light and curious. [That’s so cool!]

Mikey fidgeted awkwardly under their gazes, his fingers fiddling with the strap of his nunchaku. “Uh… yeah, it’s just kinda a thing I can do, y’know? My sensei’s been teaching me how to control it better, but it’s not a big deal or anything.”

Ratchet stepped forward, his optics narrowing as he studied Mikey. “Not a big deal?” he repeated, his tone laced with intrigue. “Mikey, from what Smokescreen describes, these abilities of yours are far from ordinary. The energy you wield could rival some of the most advanced Cybertronian tech.”

Mikey shrugged, trying to downplay it even as he felt a swell of pride. “I mean, it’s just mystic stuff. My brothers and I all kinda have… quirks like this.”

Optimus inclined his head slightly, his deep voice calm yet firm. “Regardless of how you view it, Michelangelo, your abilities appear to be both formidable and unique. They may prove invaluable in the battles to come.”

Mikey chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Heh, well, I’ll do what I can. Just don’t expect me to, like, lift mountains or anything.”

“You threw a boulder the size of Bulkhead at those Vehicons!” Smokescreen interjected with a laugh. “You’re underselling yourself, dude.”

Bulkhead smirked. “Hey, not cool using me as a unit of measurement.”

The room filled with laughter, and Mikey felt a bit of the tension ease. 

Arcee folded her arms, her sharp optics scanning Mikey with a mix of curiosity and caution. “So, have you used your powers like this before?” she asked. “Throwing boulders and making stuff float isn’t exactly a beginner move.”

Mikey scratched the back of his head, shifting awkwardly. “Well, yeah, kinda. I mean, I’ve used them before in fights, but usually just against, like… bad guys on my patrol. Nothing this big, though. And definitely not against, y’know, alien robots.”

Bulkhead leaned in with a wide grin, clearly more intrigued than concerned. “Alright, but here’s the real question—can you make me float? Just for fun?”

Bumblebee let out a series of rapid beeps and whirs, clearly just as enthusiastic. [I want to see that, too!]

Mikey laughed nervously, holding his hands up. “Uh, I’m not sure you’d want me to try that. I mean, I’ve never tried it on anyone before.”

Bulkhead chuckled. “Fair enough, kid. I’ll stick to walking.”

While the others laughed, Ratchet remained focused, stepping closer and scrutinizing Mikey with a critical eye. “Fascinating… Do these powers of yours require an external energy source? Or do they rely solely on your own reserves?”

Mikey blinked, not entirely sure how to explain. “Uh, it’s more about focus, I guess? Like, it takes practice to get it right, and it can wear me out if I overdo it. I’ve been learning how to use it more.”

“Hmm,” Ratchet mused, clearly filing the information away for later consideration.

Sensing the attention growing a little too intense, Mikey shifted the topic with a sheepish grin. “But, uh, you guys have probably seen way crazier stuff than this, right? I mean, you’re giant alien robots fighting a war! That’s, like, next-level!”

Optimus stepped forward, his calm presence immediately commanding attention. “While we have witnessed many extraordinary things, Michelangelo, your abilities are no less remarkable. Never underestimate the impact of what you bring to the fight. Even the smallest flame can light the way in the darkest of times.”

Mikey ducked his head, grinning shyly. “Thanks, big guy. That… actually means a lot.”

Smokescreen slapped a hand on Mikey’s shell with a grin. “Told you they’d think it’s cool! Welcome to the awesome team, dude.”

Mikey chuckled nervously but felt a warmth settle in his chest. These Autobots were unlike anyone he’d met before, but they were starting to feel a little like family. Still, a part of him held back—his brothers, his world, his secrets—they were things he wasn’t quite ready to share yet.

As the group began to disperse, Ratchet lingered by Optimus, speaking in a lower tone. “His abilities are intriguing, to say the least. We should keep an eye on how they might interact with Cybertronian systems—or even Energon. There’s potential here, Optimus, but also risk.”

Optimus nodded solemnly. “Agreed. But for now, we must earn his trust, as he is earning ours. Only then will we uncover the full extent of his role in this war.”

As the others dispersed to do their respective duties, Mikey had lingered in the main area of the base, his thoughts swirling around in his head. The weight of everything he had learned recently, the fight with Starscream and the Vehicons, and the Autobots’ reactions to his mystic powers—it was a lot to process at the moment.

Smokescreen, ever perceptive in his own way, noticed the younger turtle staring off into space. With a smirk, he sauntered over and nudged Mikey gently with his digit. “Hey, Earth to Mikey. You okay in there?”

Mikey blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m good. Just… thinking, I guess.”

“Thinking, huh?” Smokescreen said, leaning against the console with an exaggerated air of nonchalance. “You’re not stressing about that whole Decepticon thing, are you? Because I’ve got news for you—you were awesome out there.”

Mikey chuckled weakly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess… but it’s kinda wild, y’know? Like, I’m just this ninja turtle from New York, and now I’m out here fighting robots. Big, scary, talking robots.”

Smokescreen grinned. “First of all, we prefer ‘highly advanced alien life forms,’ but I’ll let it slide. Second, you totally held your own back there. Honestly, I think you might’ve scared Starscream more than we did.”

That earned a genuine laugh from Mikey. “Yeah, right. That guy looked like he wanted to turn me into turtle soup.”

“Nah,” Smokescreen said with a playful wink. “More like he was afraid you’d whip out another one of your fire tricks and turn him into crispy chicken wings. Seriously, those chains of yours? Top-tier intimidation factor.”

Mikey snorted, shaking his head. “You’re such a dork.”

“Takes one to know one, shell boy,” Smokescreen shot back, grinning. “Besides, someone’s gotta keep you from overthinking. You did good out there, Mikey. Really good.”

Mikey smiled, the weight on his chest lifting slightly. “Thanks, Smoke. You’re not so bad yourself. For a giant alien robot, I mean.”

Smokescreen laughed, giving Mikey a mock bow. “Why, thank you, oh master of mystic flames. I’ll take that as the highest compliment.”

For the first time that day, Mikey felt himself relax. Smokescreen’s playful energy was infectious, and while the bigger picture still loomed large in his mind, he was grateful for moments like these. Moments where he didn’t feel like the weight of two worlds was resting on his shell.

By the time Mikey made it back to the lair, the lights were dim, and the faint sound of Raph’s snoring echoed down the hall. The quiet comfort of home was a stark contrast to the day’s chaos, and Mikey couldn’t help but smile. Even after all the insanity, this was his safe haven.

Since it was a bit dark inside the lair, he guessed that everyone was asleep, and he was right. 

He tiptoed through the lair, careful not to wake anyone, though he was sure Leo would tease him about sneaking in late if he got caught. Passing by his brothers’ rooms, he peeked in briefly to make sure they were all asleep. Donnie was slumped over his desk, goggles pushed up on his forehead and monitors glowing faintly. Leo was sprawled out on his bed, a comic laying across his plastron. Raph, as always, looked like he could wake up swinging, even while snoring and holding one of his teddy bears.

Mikey chuckled softly. Another long, crazy day added to the list. It felt like ever since he’d met the Autobots, his life had been a bit on overdrive. But maybe… just maybe, that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Still, the thought of introducing his brothers to the Autobots has still been looming in the back of his mind. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. It wasn’t going to be easy. Their past experiences with aliens hadn’t exactly left a good impression. They were almost murdered by the Kraang in a day. Convincing them to trust giant alien robots after everything they’ve been through? That was going to be a really big challenge.

But that was a problem to figure out for another day. Right now, all he needed was some sleep, since today had tired him out.

Pushing his door open, Mikey trudged into his room and tossed his bag somewhere in the corner. He didn’t bother to unpack the books or his gear—he’d deal with it later. Right now, his bed was calling to him like a warm, inviting hug.

With a heavy sigh, Mikey collapsed onto the mattress, his body sinking into the familiar softness. The day’s events replayed briefly in his mind: the glowing glyph, the battle with Starscream, the Autobots… It was a lot to process.

But as his eyelids grew heavier and the quiet hum of the lair surrounded him, Mikey let it all fade away. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new adventures, and maybe even new ways to figure out how to bring his family into this strange, exciting part of his life.

For now, though, he let the exhaustion take over, drifting off into a deep, dreamless sleep.