Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Me lo merezco

Anteriormente en "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"... La guerra contra los Krang lo cambió todo. Cuando una invasión interdimensional amenaza con destruir el planeta, Leonardo, el bromista del equipo y aún en proceso de convertirse en el líder, toma una decisión desesperada: sacrificarse para salvar a sus hermanos. Atrapado en el mundo de los Krang, Leo logra sobrevivir gracias a la ayuda de Casey Jones, un viajero en el tiempo del futuro que confía en él para cambiar el destino del mundo. Con la ciudad devastada pero segura, las Tortugas regresan a casa... pero las heridas no desaparecen con la victoria. La dinámica cambia. Las miradas se vuelven frías. Las palabras se vuelven escasas. Y para Leonardo, la carga del liderazgo se convierte en una sombra de la que no puede desprenderse. Las consecuencias de sus decisiones aún se sienten. No todos están listos para perdonar. Y Leonardo... no está seguro de que se lo merezca.

-------------------------------------

Nunca pensé que el silencio pudiera doler tanto.

No era el tipo de silencio que te calma o te da espacio para pensar. No. Esto era espeso, incómodo. Lleno de todo lo que ya no se decía. A veces escuchaba risas desde el otro lado del cuartel... voces entrelazadas, planes, bromas, discusiones triviales. Pero ninguno dirigido a mí.

Hablaron entre ellos. Se escucharon unos a otros. Me vieron... y luego miró hacia otro lado.

Desde que me desperté de la última batalla, todo cambió. Y no puedo culparlos por ello. No después de todo lo que sucedió. Si tan solo hubiera sido más rápido, más inteligente, más fuerte... Tal vez las cosas no hubieran salido tan mal. Tal vez no hubiéramos llegado a ese punto.

Tal vez todavía sería su líder.

Ahora, apenas soy una sombra en la periferia de su mundo.

Chapter Text

I don't know when my body stopped keeping up with the rest of me. I only remember one night, lying in bed longer than usual... and then never getting up at the same time again.

The first week was a blur.

I would wake up when the den was quiet, sometimes well into the afternoon. My brothers had already trained, eaten, made their plans. All that remained was the distant echo of their voices and the cold remains of a pizza forgotten on the table.

At first, I thought someone would ask me what was wrong. That Raphael would notice I wasn't training anymore. That Donnie would ask if I was sick. That Mikey would at least make some sarcastic comment about my new "vampire mode."

But they didn't.

---

I spent hours in my room. Staring at the ceiling. Thinking. Remembering. The fights. The decisions. The disappointed looks after the battle. The way Splinter never laid a hand on my shoulder again.

My mind was a cage, and my body responded only to gravity. I stopped eating at normal times. Sometimes I just didn't eat. Not out of punishment. Not out of pride. Just... there was no point in getting up to reheat something that wouldn't taste good to me.

I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. My eyes were sunken, my shell looked duller. Even my posture had slumped. It was as if the leader I once was had disintegrated... and what remained was nothing more than an empty shell.

The second week, I started timing how long it took them to notice.

I left my sword lying in the training room. No one said anything.
I sat in the dojo for half an hour without moving, hoping someone would notice I wasn't training. No one mentioned it.
One night, I locked myself in the bathroom for over two hours. Nothing.

Do you know the saddest thing about feeling invisible?
When you stop pretending you're invisible, and even then no one bats an eye.

---

The third week, the sadness became something heavier. A physical weight. I slept too much, but never rested. I dreamed of distorted versions of my brothers: laughing at me, turning their faces away, yelling things they never said… but that I felt they were thinking.

I started writing. Little phrases, scattered thoughts. On the wall, on napkins, on the backs of recycled sheets from Donnie's lab that I picked up off the floor. "I'm useless." "If I leave, will they notice?" "Why am I still here?" "It's not their fault they hate me."

And yet, everyone went about their routines. As if nothing had happened. As if I weren't falling apart feet away.

---

The fourth week… was the breaking point.

Mikey organized a group meditation session with Splinter. I watched as they set up incense, pillows, and soft lights. I approached the door, quietly, waiting to hear my name called.

Nothing.

Just the four of us. My name was never mentioned.

I went back to my room, closed the door, and sat on the floor. I hugged my legs. I closed my eyes. I didn't cry. I had no more tears left.

But it was in that moment, in that absolute emptiness, that something changed.

It wasn't an epiphany, nor a brilliant revelation. It was… a painful, but clear conclusion.

They may be hurt. They may be angry with me. But I am their brother. And even if they hate me—even if they really hate me—they should at least care.

Not out of obligation. Not because I'm the leader. Just because I'm someone who's lived alongside them their entire lives.

And if even that doesn't work for them… if they can watch me wither away day after day and don't lift a finger… then something is seriously wrong.

And not just with them.

With me too.

I've allowed this guilt to consume me. Let their silences define my worth. I've accepted their rejection as punishment. As justice. As what I deserve.

But I can't keep living like this.

I don't want to.

Leaving isn't cowardice. It's not giving up. It's survival.

My mental health is breaking down. My body is collapsing. I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't think straight.
And if I stay here, waiting for them to look at me, to acknowledge me, to hug me... I'll break completely.

I don't want to hate them.
I don't want to hate myself.

So yes...
I'm going to leave.
Not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But this time... I'll do it for real.

Not out of selfishness.
Not to punish anyone.

But because I finally understood that if no one is going to take care of me... at least I should try.

---

🟠 Miguel Ángel (Mikey)

I noticed.
Since the second week, I think.

Leo didn't joke around anymore, didn't train, didn't complain about anything. He just... passed like a ghost. I saw him sitting in the kitchen one night, alone, eating cereal without milk, staring at the wall as if it might answer him.

I wanted to say something. I really did.

But then I remembered the way he screamed that time. In the battle. When we were all losing control and he thought he could handle everything. That he knew more than anyone.

And what happened? He almost killed us all.

So I told myself I needed space. That if he really wanted to talk, he would.
That it wasn't my fault he didn't know how to fix what he broke.

Maybe it was cruel to leave him like that...
But didn't he deserve a little solitude to understand what he'd done?

---

🟣 Donatello

Of course I noticed.
The changes in behavior are as obvious as a mistake in an equation.

Leonardo stopped training at his usual times. His diet became inconsistent. Even his steps were slower. I mentally recorded it all.
Just... I decided not to say anything.

Because if I did, I'd have to listen to his excuses.
I'd have to look him in the eye and remind him how his decision almost cost Casey his life. How he put everyone in danger because he wanted to "sacrifice" himself like a comic book hero.

And worst of all...
Maybe he didn't even learn anything.

So I opted for the simplest logic: if he wants space, I'll give it to him.
If he wants to play the martyr, he can do it quietly.

It's not my responsibility to carry his guilt.

---

🔴 Raphael

Did I see him fade? Of course I did.

I'm not blind.

At first, it made me angry. Because Leo always thought he knew everything, the one who had to make the decisions, the one who “got the big picture.”
And in the end, it was his vision that nearly destroyed us.

I didn't say anything when he stopped training.
I didn't force him to come when we were strategizing.
I didn't push him to talk when he went days without a word.

Because I thought, "This is what it feels like, isn't it? Being ignored. Being left alone."
The same way he made us feel when he decided to act on his own without trusting us.

Maybe now he understands what it's like to bear the consequences.

Maybe this is how he learns not to fail again.

---

⚫ Splinter

Leonardo… my most stubborn son.

I noticed his silence. His isolation. The way his shoulders no longer rose with confidence, but with weight.
It was as if he wore invisible armor… one made of guilt.

But he didn't intervene.

Not out of cruelty. But because I thought it was part of the process. That pain teaches us. That sometimes, after a big fall, silence is necessary to reflect.

Besides... I was hurt too.
Not just by what happened... but by him.
For trusting him. For believing he was ready.

And in the end, that faith left me watching my children almost be destroyed.
How could I talk to him as if nothing had happened?

So I left him alone. Believing that when he was ready, he would come back.

And now that I think about it... maybe he did come back.
But we were no longer there to welcome him.

Chapter Text

There are nights when the echo of the dojo, though silent, resonates louder than the thunder of a battle. During those nights, my mind travels down paths I never imagined it would take.

The four weeks of silence, of emotional absence… left scars deeper than they seemed. Then, my need was no longer just to escape the contempt, but to find a place where I could stop feeling guilty and broken. A place where I could breathe without feeling the constant weight of their gaze—or their absence.

Looking for a Way Out

I began exploring options online. What if I found a hiding place, a city where no one knew who I was? I heard of quiet corners, distant mountains… places that seemed straight out of a dream I no longer dared to dream out loud.

But it all remained just that: just vague ideas. I was looking for something real, not a fantasy. And then my mind went to her.

---

Big Mama's Memory

Big Mama. A ruthless organizer, and at the same time… a curious kind of ally in desperate times. I remembered when, after the last battle, she offered me… something. A break, perhaps. A moment away from it all.

Big Mama is a disturbing figure: a Jorōgumo, a spider-like yōkai creature who hides her true form behind a human disguise. Owner of the Grand Nexus Hotel—a building connected to the Hidden City—and also proprietor of the Battle Nexus, a brutal arena where mutant beings battle for glorified entertainment.

Still, beneath her deceptively friendly facade, she was often diplomatic with me… like that time when Splinter and I sought help against the Shredder, and she agreed to assist us in part because of the history she shared with my father.

Now, with a weary mind and a wounded heart, I thought: maybe that memory… could be a way. Maybe a single meeting, a talk without demands, could… ease some of this burden.

---

The decision was born of necessity

It wasn't an invitation to an alliance, nor a dark pact like in the past. I just wanted a neutral place, without expectations. Where I could, perhaps, reconnect with myself.

The idea settled quietly. Not as a cowardly escape, but as a conscious decision to take care of my mental health. I could no longer allow each day at the dojo to grind me down a little more. I shared the idea with my sword—a faithful companion who at least doesn't judge me.

I thought about sending him a note: something brief, courteous. A request just to chat for a while. Perhaps at the hotel, away from the sewers. Not to be part of his Battle Nexus... but to sit down, across from someone who, despite everything, knows how to see me beyond my mistakes.

If that meeting didn't work out... at least I would have tried. And it wouldn't be an abandonment like the other days. It would be a step toward my recovery.

This fleeting desire to become independent was no longer an escape… it was a strategy. A way to remember that I can take care of myself, even if no one else does. I would have to be the one to help myself heal.

---
The reply came faster than I expected.

A rolled-up letter, scented with a sweet, heavy aroma, sealed with purple wax and Big Mama's spider emblem. I opened it cautiously, knowing that even a "yes" from her could come with hidden agendas.

But this time… it felt different.

> “My dearest Azulito:

How wonderful to hear from you!

It warms my heart that you've finally decided to leave those dark passages behind and honor me with your presence. You've always been my favorite, even though I've never said it out loud (until now). What a pleasure it will be to share a conversation again without swords, just words—and a good wine.

I've made a reservation for a private balcony tonight.

Don't be long.

Love,

Big Mama 🕷💋”

I didn't know whether to smile or frown. She always had that tone somewhere between flirtatious and theatrical… but there was something genuine there, I felt it. And that, amidst everything I hadn't felt lately, was enough.

---

The Getaway

I knew no one would care where I was going.
None of my brothers asked what I was doing with my time. They didn't ask me about the letter. They didn't notice that I cleaned my katanas more thoroughly that night, or that I fixed my bandana so it didn't look so wrinkled.

The thought hurt.
But also... it suited me.

I could finally leave without having to explain myself. Without having to pretend I was still part of something.

The night was cool when I slipped away. The city had that silent calm you only feel when everyone is asleep. I climbed onto rooftop after rooftop, crossing shadows and alleyways until I reached the agreed-upon spot.

A restaurant hidden among abandoned structures, decorated with soft, violet lights, on a private balcony overlooking the New York skyline. It was more luxurious than I expected... and more inviting, too.

---

Dinner with Big Mama

Big Mama greeted me with a big smile—disguised, as always, in her human form, elegant and gleaming. She wore a dark red dress that matched her wine, and the soft tone of her voice contrasted with the image the world had of her.

"Bluey, dear. You look even more handsome than last time."
"Thank you... you look good too, Big Mama," I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

The start of dinner was formal. We both spoke precisely, like two nobles exchanging pleasantries.

"I've been expanding the Grand Nexus, you know? New arenas, more variety of creatures. Business is... dangerously good."
"I... I've been training. Thinking," I said. I wasn't going to go into details just yet.
"Thinking, huh? Dangerous pastime for someone so emotionally intense."

I smiled for the first time in weeks.

As the wine flowed—though I barely tasted it—and the food arrived in delicate and exotic dishes, the conversation loosened up. We began to speak more freely, more... humanly. About past battles. About defeated enemies. About thwarted plans and future plans.

Until, unexpectedly, she lowered her voice and said:

"You were always my favorite, Leonardo."

I froze for a second.

"Really?"
"Yes, yes. Your brothers are charming, of course. But you... you're complicated. You're like a riddle with swords. Do you know how fascinating that is to me?"
"Not many people find that fascinating these days."

She looked at me over her glass, her eyes shining with a tinge of understanding I hadn't expected.

"Ah... I guess that's why you're here, huh?"
"Maybe." I took a deep breath. "Actually... I wanted to ask if your offer still stood. The Nexus one. The warrior job."

There was a brief, measured pause.
What for others would have been a surprise, for Big Mama was barely a flicker of restrained curiosity.

"Do you want to work for me? Now?"
"I want... to start over. And I need something to get me out of where I am. I'm not saying this out of greed. I'm saying this for... sanity."

Big Mama studied me more closely. As if she were finally seeing me, really.

"I don't care about your reason, Bluey. I'm just glad you came (Lie). And yes... the offer still stands. The Nexus always has a place for you."
"But no tricks. Nothing hidden, no contract with fine print. I want to do this right. With clear rules."

She gave a soft laugh.

"Oh, Leo. Are you telling me you don't trust me?"
"I'm saying I've learned to be careful with alliances... even the most elegant ones."

Big Mama nodded graciously.

"I accept." Tomorrow we'll sign the contract together, without hidden magic. I swear it on my sixth paw.

And although I knew I should keep my guard up, for the first time in a long time... I felt comfortable.

We spent the rest of the night talking about schedules, fights, circuit rules. He showed me arena layouts, explained the ranks, and how Nexus warriors earned freedom in exchange for demonstrating strength and loyalty to the system.

It was a different world than the one I knew. But for some reason... one where I could breathe.

---

As dinner ended and the city began to fade under the mist, Big Mama leaned slightly toward me.

"I'm happy you came, Leonardo. And even happier you're staying."

"Thank you... me too."

I didn't know what would come next, but something inside me felt clear:
I had taken a step, a real one, out of the pain.

And for the first time in weeks... I didn't feel alone.

---

The city was calm when I returned.

I walked through the dark tunnels, past the smell of mold, the dim lights, the hallways I'd always known. The hideout was just as quiet as when I left, and even more emotionally empty.

I entered my room quietly. No one noticed my return. No one asked.

I took off my bandana, left my katanas leaning against the wall, and lay down without a thought. My body was tired, my mind calmer than usual. Maybe it was the atmosphere, maybe it was the conversation... but I slept. Really. Like I hadn't in weeks.

I woke up hours later.

It was nighttime again. The hideout continued its indifferent routine. The distant echo of the TV on in Mikey's room. The constant hum of Donnie's lab. But no greetings. No "where have you been?" Just... the same old thing.

I stretched a little, disoriented from the deep sleep. It was then that I noticed a small envelope slipped under the door. I recognized the elegant handwriting and the purple seal without even touching it.

> “My dear Bluey:

I found myself thinking about our conversation last night.

I don't usually admit it (out of politics, pride, drama), but I really enjoyed your company. Would you like to do it again tonight? My schedule is open to you.

Same place. Same balcony.
More conversation... and maybe some dessert.

Love,
Big Mama 🕷💋”

I sighed. But not out of annoyance. It was... relief. Because at least someone was taking the time to think of me.
Even if it was someone like Big Mama.

---

The Second Encounter

I arrived a little early this time.

The balcony was already set up: candles lit, soft instrumental music floating in the air, the night breeze subtly moving the restaurant's heavy curtains. Big Mama greeted me without her exaggerated theatrics this time. Her smile was warmer… and her tone, calmer.

“You look rested.”
“I slept. A lot, to be honest.”
“I’m glad to know that. There’s no glory in a warrior who doesn’t rest.”

The conversation flowed more fluidly this time. There was less protocol between us.

We talked about the hotel, how it had expanded some hidden floors, and the eccentric creatures who came from other dimensions just for its magical spa.

“You don’t know it, but many come just for the mineral baths. You should try them sometime. It works wonders for stress… and cracked shells.”
“I might consider it, if you give me an employee discount.”
“For you, Bluey, even a presidential suite.”

We then went to the Battle Nexus. She explained in more detail the rules of the combat system, the betting, the underground tournaments, and how she kept everything “organized” in her own unique way.

"Everyone wants to fight, but no one wants to follow rules. Ah, the hypocrisy of modern warriors."
"Sounds exhausting."
"That's why I enjoy it so much. If everything were predictable... what fun would there be?"

As the conversation progressed, I noticed something curious: the way she spoke to me had changed. She was no longer just the elegant businesswoman or the scheming recruiter. There was something... softer. More human.

The way she checked on me about whether I was getting enough to eat, whether I had a comfortable place to sleep, whether I needed new clothes for the Nexus. It was subtle, but constant.

Almost maternal.

I didn't mention it. Maybe I didn't want to notice.
But a part of me... appreciated it.

And it was then, between a casual comment and a sip of tea, that she changed her tone.

"Leo... can I ask you something a little more personal this time?"

The question caught me off guard. I just nodded.

"What really led you to accept this offer? What's going on at home... with your brothers?"

Silence enveloped me for a few seconds. I thought about lying, softening the story, changing the subject.
But I was tired of pretending.

So, without embellishment... I spoke.

"It's not a single moment. It wasn't a giant fight."
"So...?"
"It's the silence. The absence. The constant weight of being ignored by everyone... even by those who should care the most."
"Your brothers?"
"Yes. They blame me. For what happened. For what almost happened."
"And I... I blamed myself too. But the worst part was that they let it be. They watched me break. Day after day. And they did nothing."

She listened in complete silence. She didn't interrupt. She didn't question.

"I felt like if I stayed... I would lose myself. Disappear completely. So I decided to look for something else." Something that made me feel... visible. Even if it was just for surviving, for fighting, for moving.

I closed my eyes for a moment.
It hurt to say it. But it also relieved me.

Big Mama put down her glass, and for the first time since I'd known her, her gaze wasn't cunning or charming. It was sincere.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Bluey.
You deserve to be seen. Not as a leader. Not as a soldier. As you."
Leonardo.

I didn't know what to say. I just took a deep breath... and for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to justify myself.

---

We spent the rest of the night talking, this time with less business and more humanity. Between work plans, we shared soft laughter and comfortable silences. Before I left, we signed a draft of the contract that Big Mama promised me not to change.

"No surprises. Spider's word."
"I'll save that word for you."
"And I, your trust."

When I returned home, the den was still just as quiet.
But I wasn't anymore.

I had begun to speak.
And with that... to heal.

Chapter Text

—Narrated by Michelangelo—

Leo’s been going out every night.
Not just once or twice… every night.
He leaves when we’re about to sleep and comes back when even the rats have gone still in the sewers.

I know because I don’t sleep well anymore.
Lately, my dreams are weird. Restless.
And when I get up to grab water or check the kitchen for mutant leftovers, I see his shadow slipping through the tunnels. Sometimes he doesn’t even make a sound. He just appears... and disappears.

And yeah, I notice.
I see it.
Leo’s not okay.

His eyes don’t shine like they used to.
His voice sounds tired—almost like he’s already given up.
And sure, he was always the serious one, but now there’s something different about his silence. It’s not calm... it’s loneliness.

And the worst part is, for weeks… I haven’t said a word.

Because part of me feels like I shouldn’t say anything.

Why would I? Why comfort the same brother who decided to do everything alone? The one who made choices for all of us and then expected forgiveness like nothing happened?

He was the leader. Our leader.
He was always the one who stood tall, who said “I got this” even when he didn’t.
He always thought he was the strongest…
And when he broke, he dragged us all down with him.

I...
I was there.
I saw him hesitate. I saw him make bad calls. I saw him put Casey, Donnie, all of us in danger.
And now I’m supposed to comfort him? Heal him?

No.
That’s not fair.

Sometimes I repeat it to myself like a prayer:
“It’s not my fault.”
“It’s not my responsibility.”
“It’s all Leo’s fault.”

But then… I see him sitting alone on the couch.
I see his food go cold because no one calls him for dinner.
And it hurts.
Hurts more than I want to admit.

Because I’m supposed to be the empathetic brother. The fun one.
The one who makes sure everyone’s okay, even when things aren’t.
That was my role.
But I haven’t been doing it.

And even though I keep saying it’s because of what he did—because of how he let us down—
There’s this voice in the back of my mind that won’t shut up.

> "What if he needed someone to help him stand back up too?”

I don’t know what he’s doing every night.
I don’t know where he goes, who he talks to, or what he’s looking for out there that he can’t find here.
But the part that hurts the most is... maybe I don’t blame him for looking.

Because here, we don’t see him.
We don’t hear him.
We don’t feel him.

And maybe, just maybe… that’s also my fault.
---
—Narrated by Raphael—

Leo doesn’t flinch anymore.

He used to look… nervous, I guess. Hurt, even.
Every time we ignored him, every time we walked past him like he wasn’t there—it used to show on his face.
Now? He barely reacts. He doesn't try to fix things. He doesn’t even seem bothered.

And that pisses me off.

He’s not supposed to just… move on. Like nothing happened.
Like he didn’t nearly get us all killed.
Like he didn’t make those reckless choices. Like he didn’t look us in the eye and lie, thinking he could handle everything on his own.

We suffered because of him.

Casey got hurt. Donnie almost lost his arm.
I lost sleep for weeks. I still hear the alarms. Still remember how we almost didn’t make it back that night.

And now he walks around with this… calm face. This “I’ve accepted everything” look.
Like he’s over it.
Like we’re the problem now.

No. That’s not how this works.
You don’t mess up that bad and just expect everything to go back to normal.

He has to understand what he did.
He has to feel the consequences.

That’s why I ignore him.
That’s why I stay cold.

Not because I don’t care.
Hell, I care more than I’d like to admit.
But that’s exactly why this has to happen.

He has to earn his way back.
Pain teaches. Silence teaches. And Leo—Leonardo—needs to learn.

I see it. The way he’s changed.
He doesn’t talk much. Doesn’t argue back like before.
He doesn’t try to give orders or solve things or pretend to lead. He just… fades into the background.

And part of me…
Part of me wonders if we went too far.
But every time that thought creeps in, I remember the feeling of that night. The fear. The weight of almost losing everything.

No.
He needs this.

Even if I love him.
Even if he’s my brother.

Right now, this silence? This distance?
This lesson?

It’s for his own good.
---
Donatello’s POV – “The Consequences”

You don’t get to break everything and expect the world to hug you after.

That’s what Donatello thought every time he passed by Leonardo’s room and heard nothing but silence. No crying, no muttering. Just a heavy, dense void—like a room without a soul. And oddly enough, that silence annoyed him the most.

Leonardo was depressed. Sure. He wasn’t eating properly, wasn’t sleeping. He dragged himself around the lair with dark circles under his eyes, his steps slow, his gaze empty. And yet… Donatello didn’t feel sorry for him. Not even a little.

—“He deserves it.” —He told himself, again and again. Not to convince himself… but because he genuinely believed it.

After all, who had led them into that mission? Who made the final decisions? Who had risked everything with his desperate need to lead?

Leonardo.

Yes, he was technically Donatello’s twin. They came from the same mutagen batch, raised side by side… but Donnie had always felt different from Leo. More rational. Less emotional. Donatello thought. Leo felt. And that difference—once tolerable—had become a chasm.

—“Maybe if he hadn’t been so obsessed with doing everything his way… maybe if he had actually listened to us for once.”

But no. Leo had to be the leader. The brave one. The tactician.

And look where that got them. A mess. One that scarred them all. And while each of them tried to move on—in their own ways—Leonardo just collapsed. And Donatello… had no patience left for that.

Not after everything.

Raph threw himself into training, harder than ever. Mikey pretended everything was okay, with jokes that were more hollow than funny. Even April kept her distance. But Leo… Leo expected someone to hug him. To take care of him like a wounded child.

—“You’re not a child, Leonardo.” —Donnie thought, eyes glancing over his desk littered with half-finished projects he’d abandoned after the incident. —“You’re a leader. Or at least, you were. And leaders face the consequences.”

The thought was cruel, yes. But also logical.

Why should he comfort Leo now, when Leo didn’t protect them then? Where was his brilliant plan when everything went to hell? Where was his accountability when things fell apart?

The answer was simple: buried under his guilt. And maybe that guilt was already eating him alive.

And Donatello… let it. Not out of hatred. Out of justice. Or so he told himself.

Because if someone can’t learn from their mistakes… then they don’t deserve to lead anything. Not a team. Not even their own life.

And if Leonardo ever decided to leave—just vanish?

Donatello wouldn’t stop him.

He wouldn’t even say goodbye.

Chapter Text

The first time he thought about leaving, it was just a whisper in his mind. A fleeting thought, quickly drowned out by guilt. But now, six weeks after hitting rock bottom, that whisper had turned into a certainty.

Leonardo stood in front of his room, katana strapped to his back, eyes lost in the sight of the empty shelves. He had started packing that very morning. The walls, once covered in clippings, maps, and photos, were bare. Every item he placed in his bag weighed more on his heart than on his shoulders.

In silence, he left a small object on his bed: an old, broken action figure that Mikey had once given him when they were kids. For a moment, he considered taking it with him, but no... that Leonardo no longer existed.

During those weeks of depression, he had believed he deserved the rejection. Raph wouldn’t look him in the eye. Donnie barely spoke to him. Mikey... didn’t even bother to hide the distance anymore. Every conversation was a dagger disguised as indifference.

But he wasn’t going to keep blaming himself. Yes, he made mistakes. Yes, he had hurt them at some point. But did that justify being ignored? Being made to feel like a ghost in his own home?

Big Mama had been the first to listen to his full story without interrupting. The first to truly see him.

One week. Just one week was enough for an unexpected bond to form. She wasn’t just an ally or a figure of power—she felt almost like... a mother. Something Leonardo hadn’t realized he’d needed.

She offered him a way out. A purpose. A place where he could be useful again. Where he could fight, grow, live... far from the pain, far from the rejection. Warrior of the Nexus. The title carried weight, honor, destiny.

“In three days,” he told himself, staring one last time at his reflection in a glass case. “Three days, and I’m gone.”

He wasn’t going to leave a note. Wasn’t going to say goodbye. What for? If they really cared, they would have noticed he was falling apart. This wasn’t revenge. It wasn’t a tantrum. It was what was best. For him. And for them.

During those three days, Leonardo walked through the sewers like he was saying farewell to a world. Gentle touches on the walls, quiet whispers to old memories. Everything he had been, everything he had given, stayed there. He was leaving changed. Stronger. Clearer.

The night before his departure, he sat in his now-empty room. For the first time in weeks, he smiled. A small, broken smile—but a real one.

“Thank you for who I was,” he whispered. “But now... it’s time to become who I need to be.”

And so, the countdown ended. The warrior stood.

---

The lair was completely silent.

Leonardo moved with light, calculated steps, as if afraid the echo of his own footsteps would betray him. He knew it wasn’t necessary. No one would get up to look for him. No one would notice he was leaving.

His backpack was snug against his shell, light but packed with the essentials. Nothing more. He didn’t need to carry memories—he already bore enough of those in his heart.

He paused for a moment at the entrance of the lair. Glanced back one last time. Shadows wrapped around him. That darkness was more familiar than any light. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath... and moved on.

He walked through the sewers with a strange calm. Fear no longer held him. Only a quiet resolve. His path led him directly to the hidden elevator Big Mama had installed for her “special guests.” When he arrived, the system recognized him instantly and carried him to the surface without a word.

The New York night greeted him with a warm breeze, heavy with promise. Leonardo looked up. In front of him, like a castle rising from the chaos, stood the Spider Hotel—Big Mama’s home. Bright. Imposing. Alive.

The doors opened as if they’d been expecting him.

Big Mama was already waiting in the lobby, dressed in an elegant purple robe with golden details. Her expression softened the moment she saw him—from regal to maternal. She approached without hesitation.

—"My dear Blue Lion... you came." Her voice was sweet, soft as silk. "Are you sure about this?"

Leonardo nodded firmly, though his eyes still carried the exhaustion of the past weeks.

—"There’s nothing left for me there. This is where I need to be."

Without another word, Big Mama wrapped him in a warm, unexpected hug. A mother’s hug—one from someone who didn’t need him to be strong all the time. Leonardo didn’t respond at first, but little by little, his arms rose and returned the gesture. Not as a warrior. As a son.

—"I’ve been waiting for you, darling. Your room is ready, right next to the Nexus. That way, you’ll be close to the action... and to me, of course."

She led him through softly lit hallways filled with warm aromas and crystal details. Everything radiated luxury, but also... home. A home that didn’t need to pretend to be family to offer safety.

The room was spacious, decorated in shades of blue and silver, with a large window overlooking the Nexus Arena—the place where he would prove himself. Where he would be reborn.

—"Rest now, champion. Tomorrow your new life begins," Big Mama said, gently caressing his cheek with one of her legs. "I’m very proud of you."

And with that, she left. Leonardo stood still for a few seconds in the middle of the room. Then he collapsed onto the bed, exhausted... relieved. For the first time in weeks—he slept without nightmares.

---

Light filtered through the curtains in soft blue tones, casting gentle shapes on the walls. Leonardo slowly opened his eyes. For a second, he didn’t know where he was. Then the distant roar of the Nexus Arena reminded him.

He sat up in bed. His body still carried the weight of what he’d left behind, but his mind felt... calm.

On the nightstand was a note written in violet ink with an elegant design:

> “My little champion, join me for breakfast in the Arachnia Hall. Just you and me. With love, Big Mama.” 🕷

Leonardo showered and dressed in the comfortable outfit prepared for him—a lightweight combat robe with Nexus details—and stepped out of his room. Everything was quiet, as if the hotel itself understood he was still healing.

The Arachnia Hall was a private room styled like an indoor garden, with hanging plants and polished marble tables. Big Mama waited, seated on a divan, sipping jasmine tea.

—"Good morning, my rising star," she greeted with a tender smile. "Did you sleep well?"

—"Better than I have in a long time."

She made a gesture, and within seconds, a floating table arrived with trays full of exotic fruits, sweet toasts, tea, and a warm Nexus seaweed broth.

—"No fighting today. Today, you eat, rest, and breathe. We’ll talk about training tomorrow." She winked. "Today, you're just Leo. Not the leader. Not the brother. Just you."

Leonardo sat across from her. For the first time, he didn’t feel judged for who he had to be. Only accepted for who he was.

As they ate, they talked about simple things. Likes. Anecdotes. Stories of the Nexus. Big Mama laughed as if she had no hidden agenda. And Leonardo... laughed too.

That breakfast wasn’t just a meal. It was a quiet ritual of welcome. Of rebirth.

And although the path of the Nexus warrior was only just beginning, Leonardo knew that—finally—he was exactly where he needed to be.

Chapter Text

The roar of the crowd was deafening. Voices from all over the Nexus shouted the name of the new challenger—though most did so out of curiosity, not real support.

> “From the depths of the human city, a warrior with a ninja legacy and a soul of steel... welcome the Blue Lion!”

Leonardo stood behind the stone gate, katana sheathed on his back, heart pounding. His body was calm, but his soul burned. For the first time in a long while, he felt alive.

The gates opened, and the light of the Nexus Arena washed over him.

The stadium was immense—a blend of magical technology and ancient architecture. The stands were packed with creatures of every kind: demons, mutants, warriors, merchants, spectators. All waiting for blood, victory... a show.

His opponent stood at the center of the arena: a three-meter-tall beast, muscular, clad in bone armor and wielding a double-bladed axe. His name: Gorak, Clan Destroyer.

Leonardo approached without hesitation.

—“Ready to fall, turtle?” —Gorak growled, spinning his axe with ease.

Leo didn’t respond. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath... and unsheathed his blade.

The battle began.

Gorak struck first, launching himself forward with a brutal downward slash. Leonardo rolled to the side, the blade of the axe grazing the ground. The arena shook. The crowd roared.

Leonardo retaliated quickly, slashing through the air with precise strikes aimed at Gorak’s arms. He wasn’t trying to overpower—he was studying, wearing down his weak points. He wouldn’t win with brute force. He’d win with precision.

Minutes passed in a violent dance—clashes of steel, narrow dodges, growls, dust swirling in the air.

But Leonardo… flowed.

He didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He wasn’t the leader forced to stay calm, nor the older brother constantly judged. He was just a warrior. Fighting not for validation… but for himself.

A mistake. A slip in Gorak’s footing.

Leonardo didn’t waste it. He jumped, spun mid-air, and with a fierce cry, drove his katana into the monster’s shoulder, forcing him to his knees.

—“SURRENDER!” —Leonardo shouted, blade at Gorak’s neck.

Gorak snarled… then dropped his weapon.

Silence. For a second, the entire arena went quiet.

Then… an eruption of cheers.

The Nexus shook with applause, chants, howls. Leonardo, still gasping for breath, raised his katana with a trembling hand. He had won.

---

Backstage, Big Mama awaited. The moment she saw him, she approached with a mix of elegance and enthusiasm impossible to ignore.

—“My champion! My darling Blue Lion, what a show! What technique! What grace! I’m utterly impressed!”

Leonardo lowered his gaze, blushing slightly.

—“Thanks... I just did my best.”

—“Your best?” —she said, cupping his face gently with one of her legs—. “Darling, that was art. That’s why you’re my favorite.” —she joked playfully, but her eyes made it clear—she meant it.

Leonardo laughed, for the first time in a long while, with pure joy. Something warm bloomed in his chest, like a current rushing through him. He hadn’t just won… he had been reborn.

He had made the right decision. Leaving hadn’t been running away—it had been liberation.

At last, he felt proud of himself.

---

Meanwhile, in the lair...

Donatello frowned at the closed door of Leonardo’s room. He’d been knocking for five minutes, no response.

—“Leo, I need your sword for a nimpo experiment. Come on, open up.”

Silence.

Muttering to himself, Donatello bypassed the lock. He didn’t expect Leo to be asleep. But what he found inside... froze him.

Empty.

Bare walls. Shelves cleared. Not a single piece of clothing. The bed, neatly made. All that remained was a small, old broken toy on the desk—one Mikey had given him long ago.

Donatello stepped back, confused.

—“Leo...?”

He remembered saying that if Leo ever left, he shouldn’t bother saying goodbye. But now, something didn’t sit right.

He rushed out and went to find the others.

—“Raph, Mikey. Leo’s not here.”

Raphael didn’t even glance away from his punching bag.

—“So? He’s probably off training alone. Typical drama.”

Mikey was eating, as usual.

—“He’s probably doing that ‘lone wolf’ thing again. He’ll come back.”

Donatello hesitated. Something didn’t add up.

—“No. That’s not it. His room’s empty. Like… really empty.”

Silence.

—“What if he left?” —he murmured at last.

Raph scoffed.

—“So let him cool off. Nobody kicked him out.”

Mikey just shrugged.

Donnie looked down, arms crossed. A sharp discomfort stabbed at his chest. For a moment… just one… he wondered:

> Were we too cruel...?

But he quickly dismissed the thought, gritting his teeth.

—“No. He brought it on himself. He knew what he did.” —he said, more to convince himself than anyone else—. “Let him learn what being alone really feels like.”

And just like that, they moved on. No questions. No real concern. Just cold indifference.

But Leonardo wasn’t there anymore to hear their judgment.

He was no longer their shadow.

He was shining somewhere else.

Chapter Text

I never imagined I’d one day wake up smiling. That I’d get out of bed with a relaxed body, a calm mind, and a heart that felt… happy.

The Nexus has become more than a refuge. It’s my home now. It’s not perfect. There are monsters, fights, corruption… but there’s also something I never had in the lair: freedom.

I live just a hallway away from the coliseum. My window overlooks the combat ring, so every morning I can watch the warriors training. Sometimes I just sit there with a cup of tea Big Mama makes for me. She says it soothes the soul.

She’s been... unexpected. Warm. Funny. As cunning as only she can be, but honest with me. Some days, I see her more like a mother than I ever saw Splinter. And that... says a lot.

The first day she took me to the underground market, I was like a tourist. She showed me the strangest fruits, five-layered sweet slime desserts, and magic defense necklaces like a proud tour guide. She bought me one—bright blue—and said, “It matches your eyes… and your new life.”

We train together. But we also play. We laugh. We make ridiculous bets on who’s going to win in the arena. She let me design a new uniform, and even let me name a newborn magical creature in her private collection. I named it “Tiny Terror.” She laughed so hard she cried.

She’s also told me stories of the Nexus—ancient legends of warriors who changed everything. She says someday, my name will be told like that too. Not as the failed leader… but as the Warrior of the Nexus.

I’ve spent a month here. And I’ve never felt more alive.
I don’t miss the lair.
I don’t miss them.
And for the first time, I don’t feel guilty about it.

---

“What if we used Leo’s sword to amplify stealth in the field?” Mikey asked, scanning an old map.

“We can’t use it if it’s not here,” Raph huffed.

Donatello stayed silent. He had known for a while but hadn’t wanted to say it out loud:
Leo’s sword had a potential they never appreciated… until they needed it.

That night, locked in his lab, Donnie looked over the plans and records of Leonardo’s ninpo energy. The sword was unique. Its link to his teleportation skills couldn’t be replicated easily. And now, they didn’t even have the original weapon.

Frustrated, Donnie clenched his jaw.
“I can’t do this alone.”

So he called him.

Hours later, Draxum arrived, his robe swirling behind him, his face serious.

“What’s going on, Donatello?” he asked, urgency in his voice.

“I need your help. To recreate Leo’s sword. For missions.”

Draxum frowned.

“Leonardo? Where is he?”

Silence.

Donatello lowered his gaze.

“He left… a month ago.”

Draxum froze.

“He left? And you’re only telling me now?”

“We thought it was just a tantrum. He’ll come back.”

Draxum didn’t respond. He stormed out of the lab, crossed the lair like a tempest, and found Splinter dozing in front of the TV.

“You knew!” he shouted. “Your son has been gone for a month and you haven’t even looked for him!”

Splinter opened one eye, tired.

“Leonardo always comes back.”

Draxum stepped closer.

“Do you really believe that? Or are you just mad at him too, and prefer he stays away?”

Splinter didn’t answer.

Draxum stared at him for a long minute… and understood.
Splinter had let him go, too.

He returned to the lab, furious. He stood before the three brothers.

“Did you kick him out?”

“Not exactly,” Mikey muttered.

“It was his choice,” Raph replied, emotionless.

“He was depressed. And yeah, we ignored him,” Donnie admitted. “But if he left, it’s because he couldn’t take it anymore.”

Draxum felt betrayed. By all of them. By the creatures he had helped raise. By the figure he once admired as a master.

“Leonardo trusted you. And you let him die inside.”

Silence.

“It was just drama. He’ll come back. He always does,” Raph said, though his voice didn’t sound so sure anymore.

Draxum closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Either way... I need that sword. For you. And for the city.”

And so, the experiment began.

For days, he and Donnie worked. They analyzed residual energy, tried to copy the trace of Leo’s ninpo. They failed again and again. The portals opened deformed, dangerous. Sometimes, they didn’t open at all.

Donatello was desperate. He wasn’t eating. Barely sleeping.

“It has to work! With Leonardo, it worked perfectly!”

Draxum clenched his teeth, equally frustrated.

“Because it was tied to him! To his energy! You can’t replicate a soul!”

Both of them were exhausted. Burned out. Pushing themselves to do the impossible.

And even though they kept saying Leo would return soon…
Both knew, deep down, that he wasn’t coming back.

Chapter Text

Life with Big Mama was a dream woven in velvet, golden threads, and eternal laughter. If the Nexus was his new home, then Big Mama was his guide, his protector… his new family.

Leonardo had always liked dressing well, but he’d never had the chance to explore that beyond his blue mask. Now, everything was different.

“There are no limits to style, my darling Blue Lion,” Big Mama would say, taking his arm as they walked through the most exclusive boutiques in the Nexus Royal Market.

Every week was a new outing. Big Mama bought him everything: yokai silk tunics embroidered with magical symbols, formal jackets with shining details, modern clothes, tailored trousers, gloves with enchanted crystals, and even… dresses.

Yes, dresses.

Leonardo never felt less than for wearing them. Quite the opposite. Big Mama made sure each one made him shine. All in shades of blue: sky blue, sapphire blue, electric blue, midnight blue. The color of water, the color of change, the color of his rebirth.

The dresses were elegant—some with long flowing capes that trailed behind him as he walked, others form-fitting and gleaming under the magical light of the hotel. Leonardo wore them with pride, without fear, without judgment. In the Nexus, he wasn’t a brother being watched. He was an icon, a warrior, a spectacle.

And he returned that love in the arena.

Every battle in the Nexus was more than a fight. It was a statement. His movements were so polished, so choreographed, that it looked like a dance. Sometimes he even entered the arena wearing one of his new outfits, stunning the crowd, dominating the field not just with skill, but with presence.

Big Mama watched from her private balcony, eyes glowing with pride. She applauded as if he were her son, as if every one of his victories was an extension of her own power.

And for Leonardo, every leap, every spin, every precise strike… was his way of saying:
“Thank you for not letting me disappear.”

He had learned to love himself again—and it was all thanks to her.

Part II: The Smoke of Failure

In the darkness of the lair, Donatello’s lab was the only thing still glowing. The purple lights flickered intensely, the hum of his machines buzzing like an anxious hive.

Draxum had given up.

After weeks of trying to replicate Leonardo’s sword with no success, the alchemist simply left with a frustrated growl, his words echoing in Donatello’s mind:

“You can’t recreate something bound to a soul. You’re trying to force a tool without understanding the bond that makes it work.”

But Donatello couldn’t give up. He wouldn’t.

His desperation had grown with every passing day without Leonardo.
Not because he missed him.
Not because he regretted anything.
But because he needed him.

The sword was useful. The ability to teleport, to move between planes—it was vital for future missions. And if Leonardo wasn’t coming back… then he’d have to manufacture that power on his own.

“I can do it,” he repeated like a mantra. “I don’t need anyone else. Not Leo. Not Draxum. Just me.”

His lab was a mess of blueprints, wires, nimpo crystals, and handmade forged metal scraps. He had created an imperfect replica of the sword. It had no real blade, but it was loaded with compressed energy channeled through a container made from residue of the original weapon.

That night, he decided to test it.

He connected it to a circular base, set the dimensional coordinates, and focused on the nimpo generator.

His hands were shaking.

Not from fear.

But from stress.
Pressure.
Frustration.
And a small twinge of guilt… one he refused to acknowledge.

“You left,” he muttered through gritted teeth, thinking of Leonardo as he connected the final wires. “It’s not my fault. It’s not. You can’t just leave and drop all this work on me. You can’t.”

He activated the sequence.

The fake sword began to glow.

A spark of energy jumped from the core.

A high-pitched whistle filled the air.

Donatello stepped back just as the experiment… exploded.

A burst of violet light filled the room. Screens flickered. Alarms blared. A thick column of smoke rose from the center of the lab, clouding everything.

Donnie collapsed to the ground, coughing, eyes burning.

The sword’s base was split in two. The generator… destroyed. The energy had dispersed.

Another failure.

And through the smoke, he could barely make out seven medium-sized figures before passing out.

Chapter Text

Michelangelo's Perspective

A deafening roar made the walls of the lair tremble. Smoke began to pour out of Donnie's lab as if a smoke bomb had been triggered, but Mikey knew immediately it wasn’t one of his tricks… something was wrong. Very wrong.

"Raph!" he yelled, running toward the lab.

Raphael shot out behind Mikey, and they ran down the hall, dodging cables, open doors, and the metallic scent of burned components. When they arrived, what they found left them stunned.

Donatello lay on the ground, unconscious, with soot marks on his shell and trembling hands. But he wasn't alone.

Seven unfamiliar figures surrounded him.

"What... what is this...?" Mikey murmured, his eyes wide.

Four turtles, about the same height as him, a rat taller than Splinter... and two humans. They all looked... familiar. Very familiar. But clearly, they weren't them.

As Mikey was in shock, Raph quickly lifted Donnie and held him firmly while Mikey, making sure Raph had Donnie, cautiously approached the figures.

"Who are you?"

One of them, a turtle with blue eyes and a blue bandana, stepped forward.

"We are you. But from another dimension."

Silence filled the room like the smoke that was still dissipating.

One by one, they introduced themselves: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo... Master Splinter, a taller and wiser version of their father, April O'Neil, strangely very different from theirs, and Casey Jones. (All from the 2012 universe).

Mikey put his hands on his head. "What kind of interdimensional madness is this?"

Donatello began to wake up in Raphael's arms, blinking in confusion.

"What... what's happening?"

"Easy, bro," Raph helped him sit up. "Looks like your experiment... brought us some guests."

Donnie touched his head and, as he looked around, his expression grew grim. At first, he didn’t say anything. He just watched. He was pale, almost as pale as the smoke barely floating in the air.

Donatello's Perspective (2018)

Everything was blurry. But one thing was clear: he had failed.

He had tried to recreate Leo's ability. Tried to imitate him. Replace him.

And he had brought entire dimensions into chaos.

"I was a fool..." he murmured quietly as he stood with Raph’s help.

The first thing he felt was guilt. For Leonardo. That feeling hit him hard. And failing didn’t help him feel better.

And then he noticed it.

In front of him were... them? Four turtles, a rat, April, and Casey.

What did that mean?

No Perspective

"How did you get here exactly?" Mikey asked, frowning.

"We're not sure," replied Donatello from 2012. "A portal opened beneath us. It was unstable. It sucked us in, and we ended up here… in the middle of this explosion."

"Typical Tuesday," joked Casey from 2012.

Donatello 2018 tried to focus, still shaking inside. The first thing he did was grab his communicator.

"I need to call Draxum."

Meanwhile, Raph did the same with his communicator, calling Casey and April, while Mikey ran to find Splinter.

The visitors looked around, uneasy and confused. But also somewhat intrigued.

Donatello's Perspective (2012)

He immediately noticed the absence.

"And... where...?"

He opened his mouth to ask, but before he could finish, Leo shot him a quick, serious look. This wasn’t the time.

Donatello closed his mouth, understanding that something was off. Something strange.

Leonardo's Perspective (2012)

The silence after the introduction of their counterparts said it all. They didn't mention Leonardo. They didn't introduce him. They didn’t make even the slightest reference to him.

That could only mean one thing: something had happened to their counterpart.

"Maybe he’ll come later," he thought.

But doubt lingered.

Brief Perspectives

Splinter (2012): He watched the Splinter from this world, smaller, more carefree. He didn’t feel contempt... but disappointment.

April (2012): Where was Leo? Why was no one mentioning him? Wasn't he their leader?

Casey (2012): "Wow, these turtles are huge! I hope my version is this cool. Not like the Splinter here."

No Perspective – April and Casey (2018) Arrive

April and Casey from their dimension arrived shortly after. Raph had called them. They entered the lab, surprised, and he had vaguely explained the situation, but everything felt so strange.

"What the hell...?" was all April managed to say before they started explaining everything as best as they could.

The differences were huge. It was clear that these versions were more united, more structured. Unlike them… a broken group. April (2018) noticed but decided to stay quiet and listen to Raph's explanation.

Mikey's Perspective (2012)

We all knew it. This was really awkward...

We watched as they spoke to everyone, trying to fix "this situation," but at no point did they mention Leonardo from this dimension. That’s already super strange...

Raphael's Perspective (2012)

Raph couldn’t hold it in any longer. He needed to know. He had to know.

"Hey… where’s your Leo? Where is he?"

Absolute silence.

The 2018 turtles looked at each other. They ignored the question and continued talking to April and Casey. That was all the 2012 visitors needed to know that something was wrong.

Something serious had happened.

No Perspective – Draxum Arrives

A burst of dark energy tore through the entrance. Draxum appeared, furious, his face marked by stress and anger.

"DONATELLO!"

Donnie turned, but didn’t have time to react.

SLAP!

A slap echoed through the lab.

Everyone fell silent, and the visitors from another dimension looked terrified.

"I TOLD YOU TO STOP YOUR DAMN OBSESSION WITH RECREATING LEONARDO'S ABILITY! I WARNED YOU! AND LOOK WHAT YOU’VE CAUSED, YOU FOOL!"

Splinter tried to intervene, stepping in front of Draxum.

"Don’t you dare raise your hand to my son!"

"Then act like his father!" Draxum yelled. "Where were you when this reckless one kept going with the experiment? Where were you when he disappeared?"

Silence filled the air again.

No one spoke until Draxum spoke again.

"Let’s fix this, once and for all."

He turned to Donatello and whispered as he remained in shock. "Don’t try to recreate something that doesn’t belong to you again."

Chapter Text

Hi!!!!!

Just a quick note to avoid confusion, we’ll organize the following:

* Donatello (2018) – Donnie (2012)
* Rapha (2018) – Rafael (2012)
* Michelangelo (2018) – Mikey (2012)
* Leon (2018) – Leonardo (2012)
* Junior (2018) – Casey (2012)
* O’nel (2018) – April (2012)
* Pop´s (2018) – Splinter (2012)

Let’s continue.

The lab fell silent after Draxum’s orders. They would stay temporarily in the sewers while Draxum found a solution.

The tension lingered in the air. Still, they couldn’t stay idle. They had seven interdimensional visitors who couldn’t go back for now, and they had to organize the lair to house them.

---

**No Point of View – Settling into the Lair**

The visitors were settling into the lair. Splinter, Casey, Rafael, and Donnie ended up sleeping in the living room, while Leonardo, Mikey, and April stayed in Leonardo’s old wagon-room. But since it was still daytime, they decided to hang out with their counterparts.

Donnie stayed in the lab with his counterpart, helping him clean up the mess from the earlier explosion, but he noticed he was avoiding all eye contact.
Rapha was the only one who dared to walk around the lair, observing the wide-open spaces and murmuring:
—This all feels… way too cold.

Splinter was meditating in the living room, April and Casey were trying to talk with their counterparts about trivial things, while Leonardo stayed in Leon’s room, looking for anything that might help in his research.

Mikey, on the other hand, was trying to talk to his other version while helping with dinner, cracking small jokes and asking subtle questions. But Michelangelo kept "dodging" them, and Mikey didn’t like that.
—What’s up with you, bro? You seem kinda down.
—No… I’m just focused, bro.

April and Casey noticed the most painful difference: the family in this dimension was broken. The atmosphere was heavy. Silent. As if everyone was walking on glass.

And the question wasn’t asked out loud, but it floated in the air:

**Where is Leonardo?**

---

**Second Day**

**Donnie’s Perspective**

Donnie watched his other self from the bench in the lab. He was lost in silence, hands stained with oil and soot, crumpled blueprints on the table.

—Your tech is amazing —he tried to say in a neutral tone—. I don’t fully get it... would you show me a bit?

Donatello didn’t reply. He just huffed and kept welding something. Silence returned once again.

O’nel entered —Draxum arrived and has a solution for the situation—

—Let’s go —Donatello got up abruptly and left as fast as he could.

---

**Raphael’s Perspective**

We all gathered at the ridiculously large entrance, with that tall guy named… Draxum?

Well, he already had a solution, but it was worrying how serious he looked...

---

**Leonardo’s Perspective**

This was concerning. He didn’t look relieved or calm at all with this so-called solution…

We were all gathered and waiting for him to speak.

---

**No Perspective**

—We need Leon.—

That was all Draxum had to say for the entire atmosphere to change completely. Michelangelo looked uncomfortable, Rapha avoided everyone’s gaze, Pop´s looked even more downcast, and Donatello seemed a bit angry —but no one interrupted Draxum.

—We need to investigate the dimension they came from, and with that information, Leonardo can recreate the portal.— He sounded calm, but his expression showed a pain he didn’t know how to express.

—Isn’t there another way to get them home? Maybe we could rebuild the portal and maybe...— Donatello stopped speaking when he saw Draxum’s face —his gaze full of anger directed at him.

Draxum turned to Donatello —**NO.** This can’t go on, Donatello. You all need to fix your problems like the family you once were. Look at what your resentment has caused!!

Donatello quickly turned away.

No one spoke. That uncomfortable silence returned again…

Draxum gave a mission that sounded like an order —but was really an obligation:
**—Find Leon.** This has to be done quickly. We don’t know what could happen if they stay out of their dimension too long... and we also don’t know what could happen if they stay in ours forever...

Following the order, Pop´s laid out a plan:

—You from the other dimension are not going outside. We can’t let this get out of here. Michelangelo, you and I will try to contact him through ninpo. Donatello, you and Raph will search outside, in New York and the Hidden City. Draxum will help us figure out which dimension they come from.—

Draxum and the others simply nodded, while the ones from the other dimension stayed alert to the instructions.

—You heard him, guys. Get some rest, because tomorrow we won’t stop until we find Leon. Let’s go!— That was the last order from Draxum before everyone scattered.

---

**The Next Day – Leon’s Perspective**

He was returning from an outing with Big Mama, something that had become routine between them.

His life had changed a lot in just three months. Three months since he left that place he used to call home. Three months since he developed a motherly bond with Big Mama. Three months since he decided to become a Nexus warrior. Three months since he accepted that he didn’t deserve what happened before all that. Three months since Big Mama decided to train him to become the next ruler of the Nexus and the Hotel. Three months since he decided **that’s where he wanted to be**…

All for that night to bring him a reminder of his past —the one he was just starting to move on from...