Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Working day and night was something that was quite common in the undercity. The populated area saw no rest, no quiet there were always Yokai to be seen and heard.

That counted for Donnie as well. Though they stayed in their “lair” a busted-down area that they had to re-make completely from the ground up to even call livable it was his lair and home nonetheless, From the blinding green and blue lighting down to the roof that gave them shelter over their head.

They never slept, work was demanding, Yokai were demanding and if They didn't meet the demands they could kiss Their shell (and life) goodbye. It seems that their shell is seen as a popular dish in the undercity by how much they are threatened to lose it and be eaten.

Donnie did however lose many of those lower threatening clients after their talents were noticed by the owner of The Grand Nexus Hotel owner "Big Mama" everyone called her that Nobody really even knew her real name at the top of their heads. Donnie was sought after by Big Mama to make the tools for the Grand Nexus arena. They agreed if they didn't have to make any type of deadly weapon Big Mama allowed this bargain and they signed a contract.

It was also true in the sense that Donnie was also never alone. In their lair, you could see slightly off things that wouldn't seem like the type of objects or decore the Soft-shelled turtle would have.

In the four corners of Donnie's home, you could see blotches of colour. A busted skateboard that seemed to glow vibrant paint with the bioluminescent lights radiating off Dons machines, Laying carelessly on a ramp that led to a small pocket in the wall. Colouring materials, Crayons, pastels and paints of all kinds brought more chaotic stains into the mostly two-tone area. Or like Mikey always said, “more character.” into it.

Mikey was their younger brother. The two siblings were alone since they could remember. Donnie was lucky enough to have a gift and fascination with technology. From basically living in the mystic library and dumpsters, they were seen as efficient for local Yokai, which brought in some sort of income for the two. Mikey always felt pretty useless when it came to helping so Donnie would always let him put the easier things together. That did however end fast when Mikey got curious causing a mass explosion which would bring about the box turtle going blind in his right eye.

The mark on his face still remains there a constant reminder of Mikey's recklessness. Unlike Donnie, The younger brother was prone to injury with his lack of calculation or thinking twice. Mikey was also known to “run away” to find materials for Donnie's tech. Usually ending with the older sibling scrambling to find him for hours.

Nevertheless Mikey always comes back with the right objects. They also realized though that sometimes he’d come back more beaten and dented up than before. Donnie learned not to mention it because it always led to arguments. Arguments are typical for siblings to have but when you're a Soft-shelled…

The first time it happened was when they were 19 and fighting over who got the last slice of Pizza.
“You always get it Mikey I should be allowed it once and a while!” Donnie yelled at their brother.
“Yeah? Well, why don't you go outside and get the materials you need all by yourself!” Mikey snaps back.
“I could get it just fine, your the one who constantly disappears without a trace to get me the shit!”
“Cause I'm useless either way I get the shit and you make the shit!” Given the volume of the argument, they wouldn't be surprised if the whole undercity heard this parade. Mikey reached for the pizza quickly as if it were now a frustrating fun race to who could grab it first. But instead, it sparked something.

Donnie looked to see the Pizza still in the box, but their brother's hand was nowhere near it. The silence was deafening and they didn't know why the air felt so thick.

A quiet sniff broke the silence and Donnie's head shot up to see their younger brother cradling his palm their blood went cold freezing temperatures, a slight smear of red contrasting the typical green that they falsely hoped was painted on, Donnie knew though deep down, what they've done.
“Jesus Mikey I’m-”
“You can have the last slice I’ll leave you be to cool down.” Mikey left for the door leaving Donnie alone in dead silence, staring at the pizza. Their stomach turned decided it wasn't that hungry anymore.

After that Donnie made themselves a mask. They told Mikey it was for air purification since he worked with chemicals and smoke was a common occurrence which was part of it. But it was also so they wouldn't hurt their brother again if another outburst occurred.

The memory still hurts a bit knowing one of the markings scarred on their brother's body was caused by them. An older sibling, a Yokai Mikey trusted to keep him safe. Yet they failed at that in those moments. Donnie knew they were not meant to be the oldest given their nature but they always knew nobody would just step up to that role randomly on a whim.

They were all they had and Donnie and Mikey were going to be fine with that till their last days...

Mikey came back to their house about six hours after departing. Bringing with him a bag full of tiny trinkets.
“I got the stuff, Lucky for me it's pretty basic dumpster diving objects.” He states throwing the bag of metals onto the desk beside Donnie.
“I do say though, Yokai are getting very defensive about their trash being looked through.” He huffed before plopping onto the beat-up orange bean bag.

The older sibling lifted their goggles to look into the bag of objects inspecting them quietly before turning to look in Mikey's direction. “You found all of these in a dumpster.” Raising a brow, they didn't believe that for one second.
“Nonono ten dumpsters my luck was just so good today,” he says punching the air with his fists.
“I’ll believe that when I tune in one day and don’t hear you running away from some random Yokai,” Donnie smirks before turning back to their work.
“You sound like a protective parent, You gave me these when I was twenty and you still check up on me after almost ten years?” He signals his finger to the two circular objects around his ear.

Donnie smoulders at the project he's doing before responding. “I also gave them to you because you're sensitive to noise, plus it's handy if you want quick contact with me. I’d wish you'd use it more I put lots of effort into it during my free time.”

It’s quiet for a split second before Mikey answers. “I'll use them more often if I can design the next project.” Donnie stops their work briefly and looks at him again.
“Last time you designed something it wasn't aerodynamically possible to work. That poor old Yokai almost had a heart attack.”
“She was fine it only smashed into her table. Plus I apologized!” Mikey yelled back playfully.
“Didn't stop her family from destroying my lab.” The box turtle huffed before laying dramatically on the beanbag.

"Plus these are commissions from Big Mama, she's our biggest client and I need to be sure that everything works out. On. My. Own." Mikey groaned loudly, and Donnie rolled their eyes.
"Can I at least do the colour schemes? you always do purple."
"And what pray-tell is wrong with purple?" he spins his chair fully to stare at the other sibling.
"Nothing it just gets boring after a bit you know?" Donnie didn't know. His tech was made for durability and efficiency, not as an art statement. But alas, Donnie wanted to stop said bickering to get back to the task at hand. "I'll let you do the colour schemes for the next one." With that promise given Mikey gives a toothy smile before running to hug Donnie tightly. "Thank you, Don, I promise I'll make it look good." The sibling then snatched his skateboard and scooted over to the ramp. A small smirk appeared on their face. Even close to his thirties the younger Yokai always acted so youthfully.

After that Donnie waited a few seconds before going back to work. Toying with the project a little more before frustration took over and they slapped the object back onto the table. A little voice craved sleep, going on a three-day streak wasn't exactly the healthiest decision but they couldn't go back now. Donnie decided they would sleep this day and get back into their job with “fresh eyes” That's the term Mikey used when he hit a creative block, and that's the excuse they'll tell their brain to get it to cooperate.

They took off their goggles plopping them on the desk, while their armoured shell dispatched and went to its hook. Donnie glanced at Mikey one last time to see him back on the ratty bean bag huddled up in his own shell, clamped off from the outside world. Don couldn't see his face but he was most likely sleeping. Being sure that he was asleep and fine Donnie headed to their end of the room.

It was still full of random colours but this time it was a paper wall. Drawing upon drawings of project ideas, failed or yet to be finished but mostly artwork that Mikey has done throughout the years. From ages ten to twenty to twenty-nine. Birthdays to Holidays to even His own ideas. Donnie use to correct Mikey when he designed objects for them. You could see a fine ballpoint pen clashing with the crayon correcting the object on said paper.

Their brother always hated it. But loved it when Donnie would actually make the machines for him whether they broke or not he was always excited to see his creativity in real-time. That was until they were given priorities and jobs. Now many of Mikey and Donnie's drawings lay on the wall unused and unmade.

Taking off his mask he landed on the squeaky mattress. They barely noticed the painful springs falling asleep seconds after their head hit the stained pillow.

Chapter Text

Big Mama was a name every Yokai in the undercity knew. And with that title came the knowledge to not discourage her. She got what she wanted whether by brute force or by her own clever way with words.

Clever in the sense that Donnie sometimes has no idea what the hell she's saying. Making words as she spoke like everyone had a dictionary with the meanings. Going into the hotel with Mikey was always a stressor not just for their lack of understanding but also because if this tech failed the contract is destroyed, which could mean anything for them and their brother. In the end, they were just glad that the younger sibling didn't seem to mind accompanying them during their quick “Business trips.”

Right now Mikey and Donnie are getting ready to head to said hotel.
“Why does this take so long I can do them myself.” The Soft shelled said reaching for the black marker, Mikey shifted it out of their reach. “Because you never do it right I’m clearly the sibling with the real razzmatazz, now stop fussing it’s why this always takes a millennium.” They rolled their eyes “Clearly” mumbled begrudgingly. A few seconds passed and Donnie heard the cap click closed. “There we go Big Mama better watch out because there's a new hierarchy in town.” He spins around to grab a mirror and show the older sibling.

Their eyebrows did look really sharply done. But that's what they were going for half the time. “Looks good, now it's time to head out, we're already behind schedule.” Mikey jumps up grabbing the backpack full of random tech, Don does the same stuffing their work into their armoured shell.

Walking was always nice. Donnie rarely left the house so this was the only time they could manage to squeeze ‘fresh air’ into their schedule. These are also the few times Mikey seems to pace himself walking at the same speed as his sibling, at first they found it odd given his thoughtless behaviour. But it clicked a few years ago.

He was taking his time because he wants to get there as slowly as possible.

Their brother was usually fine when getting there. Watching the Battle Nexus in one of those big orbs while Donnie was in and out within thirty minutes, usually needing to drag Mikey with them by the shell because his favourite guy was always fighting while they left. They didn't care to really ask who this oh-so beloved Yokai was that he cared so much about watching because Donnie just wanted to get away from the constant chill the hotel left on their skin.

“Mikey no matter how slow we walk you are never going to finish watching a battle those things are around 2 hours long.” They would know, those things are long enough to be on disk. They’ve seen them floating around of certain battles. Big Mama offered some for free when she used their tech to film. They refused through which they knew Mikey would never let down till they were eighty with dementia.

“Doesn't mean I can’t watch the speed runs.” Poking his sibling's face, Don swatted it away and started to pick up the pace before going into a sprint. “Hey, that's no fair!” They hear their brother yell after them causing an evil laugh to bubble through their throat while continuing to run towards the hotel.

They regretted running as soon as their feet were in front of the hotel doors. The same chill came back, and the sudden heat from exercise seized as they stared at the big red doors. “Jeez, who knew you could run that fast from sitting all day,” Mikey commented opening the doors as if he never had a fear of it in his life. It did give Donnie the guts to gather themselves and crack open the entrance.

The lobby was normal enough. Fancy red carpet plus plush yet uncomfortable couches with ugly designs to match. Random potted plants on every table somehow survive the harsh climates of a hotel hall. Walking to the elevator the bell boy was sadly the big owl. They always wished it was the tiny octopus kid, he was always so friendly. But nine out of ten times it was this big ass owl that could make anyone want to piss themselves.

Huffing the owl Yokai clicked a button to Big Mamas' office, but right after Mikey clicked to the main guest area. A lump in Donnie's throat was building feeling sick to their stomach. They knew the Yokai has seen Mikey do this every time, but It didn't stop them from wondering if one day the owl's short temper would crack.

Lucky for both the siblings today wasn't that day. The doors first opened to see crowds of Yokai whether guests or entertainers. And around eight clear orbs depicting the fight that was taking place at the time. Mikey jumped out of the elevator and started tapping his feet vigorously with excitement. “I’ll be here when your done Dee.” Throwing the bag he carried with him Donnies direction landing loudly onto the elevator's patterned floor. With that the door slowly closed, leaving Them alone with the bell boy.

The second felt like forever the hum was louder than before without their brother there to hum an obnoxious toon over it. Finally, when the entrance made it to the top floor like always they were greeted by seeing a fox and seal Yokai staring straight at them. Donnie sighed and started stripping away all their gear. The first few times this happened it scared them shitless but now it was just a hassle.

The three grabbed all that was on Donnie leaving them bare no goggles, no mask and definitely no armoured shell and sadly no “Walking stick,” they tried to call it but still weren't allowed either way. This left them completely at a disadvantage. Not that Big Mama ever did anything threatening, didn’t stop Donnie from wanting some sort of defence when fraternizing with her.

Walking in a triangle formation they made their way towards the office. This always was when the heat of hell decided to open in his insides. Cold sweat drizzled down Don's temple as they fidgeted with their fingers, knowing there was nothing else to really go but straight to the lion's den.

The fox knocked twice before a joyful “come in” stabbed through the doorway.

All four walked inside the workplace smoothly and trudged over to Big Mama. She was in her natural spider form huddled away in the far corner of the room, not surprising given she didn’t have to be in her and they quote ‘absolute popballou of a human form.’ Though for her small figured human form it was almost laughable if it wasn't frightening by how huge of a Yokai she truly was. “The turtles here with your commissions.” The seal confirmed before dropping the two bags and shell onto the polished desk. “Oh lovely gifts for Big Mama.” she squealed sliding down the wall slowly,

She snatched the bags while opening the shell like shes done so many times before, a smile plastered on her toothy face while she eyed all of the objects. Poking a prodding with fascination. She turned most of them on with ease “Truly remarkable as per usual.” Big Mama chirped. This was the part Donnie loved the most. The praise would never get old to them no matter how what age or number of times it's been told to them, it would always strike a cocky grin to appear.
“Thought this gidgitiwin is a bit different.” She inquires Donnie's eyes follow hers to look at a drone that they've created.

The colours were obnoxious bright orange mixed with yellow and blue triangles mingled poorly with the mostly dark hues of purple the rest of the tech was given.
“Ah yes my brother thought it good to add more ‘character’ to some work,” Donnie answered. Big Mama hummed and grabbed the drone, turning around to inspect every nook and cranny as if trying to find a fault in the machinery. “I must say it does have quite the personality.” She eyes the turtle for a split second before looking back at the drone. “I’ll let this fizzlewink go for now but later projects keep your brother away from you gizmadoos okay?” She ordered sounding like a parent scolding a child while dropping the drone back into the bag and placing all the items into the vault locking them in securely.

Donnie nodded stiffly looking away to stare at the Turkish rug beneath them. “Of course, sorry for the dissatisfaction.” The spider chuckled.
“Oh, nonsense we all have our little things.” They looked up to end up staring dead at Big Mama seeing their reflection in all six eyes. Sweat started to form again before clearing their throat.
“Well, I best be off, lot of work to get done.” Don nervously choked out before turning and heading straight for the exit.

With a swift movement, two of the Yokai guards slammed the door moving slightly so that they’d block the exit completely.
“Now why such off in such a scruffy? Your brother is probably enjoying the battle Nexus.” Big Mama slyly remarks. Their brother being mentioned fires many alarms in their head. They talked about him sure, but only for work-related reasons.

Rotating their head they smiled sheepishly, ‘keep your cool’ their brain demanded before twirling their body back towards the desk and shakily walking forward. “No rush, no rush at all is there any reason you want me to not be out of your hair? Or webs.” They joked trying to lean off the tension in their shoulders. It didn't help.

As if she could see right through them she moved closer to the soft-shelled invading some space. “Oh, no need to get all twizzled I actually have a deal for you.” That made them even more stressed. It was off schedule, they should've been out of this office ten minutes ago lugging Mikey out and heading back to the comforts of their home. This was off script they weren’t prepared for such conversations to occur.

Nonetheless, Donnie stood their ground. “A deal? We already have one in case you’ve forgotten,” The bite in the words seemed to go unnoticed or just ignored because she continued. “Sweeten the pot. It must be so difficult going back and forth all the tinkity time with your gizmatiz.” She said eyes not even leaning away from Donnies.

“We get along just fine with walking, I worked hard to create that lab I see no reason to leave such a place I call home.” She didn't seem to like that response backing off faintly.
“Well you could stay in my fine establishment, we have made a room just for your liking, much bigger and professional than that tinytoo box you’ve called a lab.” The insult to their lab made Donnie's brain buffer, gears turned in their head. It sounded like a good deal, it sounded like an amazing deal but there had to be a catch, there always was.

“What do you get from ‘sweetening this pot’?” They questioned making the spider smile generously while turning to grab what looked to be a paper and pen. “Well, not much would change for me besides one tiny thingmizle.” She moved back to sit on her end of the desk, nodding to the chair across from it. “Please sit.” Donnie didn’t have a choice so they sat.

Big Mama slides the paper towards Donnie. They read silently everything seemed in their favour until the last few sentences were seen. “Now hold on It says here ‘To make any machinery or weaponry’ we already have a deal, I make no deadly objects. Not for you or any other client that works with me, its strict moral reasons.” They stated harshly. Big Mama might’ve been intimidating but Donnie wasn’t going to get walked over making this deal.
“Of course, it's a great moral. One pinchimint thought.” She tapped on the middle of the contract. “‘Freedom to roam hotel with on the house food, drinks and entertainment.’” she read aloud, moving the pen down another line.
“‘Safety of the Nexus Hotel and promised safety of any outsider force.’” and one last time down the paper she spoke again.
“‘Own private lab and room with any tools you need to build.’” she lifted the pen off the paper.
“I’m being generous here, all I need from you is that spinkly brain of yours to mingle up some halabalu.”

Donnie gazed a hole into the paper before shaking their head. “It’s a generous offer but I won’t kill people by the hands of my own tech.” Big Mama frowned, ‘wrong answer’ their brain screamed.

She tutted shaking her head. “I didn’t think it would have to come to this.” Donnie sat confused before worry started to rocket through their body. What was she talking about? Was she threatening them? So many questions piled in their head but none dared to be uttered.

They looked back behind them to see the door still completely blocked. They were stuck she captured them in some elaborate rat cage. “What would your poor brother think when I tell him.” Donnie shot her a confused look. ‘Think about what? That I don't want to make deadly weaponry?’ Their brain was spinning confusedly.

Seeming to take notice she clarified. “What would he say If he learned you went and bid him for the next battle nexus.” It went dead. Even Donnies head was completely empty of words. Until it processed coming to them like a slap in the face. ‘Shes taken him.’

Scrambling to their feet knocking the chair over their brain swarmed with panic they felt sick.

Looking at Big Mama they uttered “You’re bluffing.” slamming their fists into the table. “We had a deal! We’re under your protection still under the contract before!” Tears welled up in the corners of their eyes. They didn't have their earset. It was part of the goggles they'd handed away. They couldn't contact Mikey but he’d be okay they had her backed in a corner.

At least they thought so but she was left unfazed. “That dinkly paper expired a year ago.” resting a hand under her chin she huffed. “Honestly should’ve done it sooner, that fizzlewink of energy I've heard has some good spunk with the agility the Yokai will love him.” Now he was caught stuck in the corner.

Desperately grasping onto any good way to counteract her news about the old contract staring off into space not even slapping back into the moment when Big Mama lets off a dramatically loud sigh. “Fine, I’ll bring him up the bumbling elevator myself maybe he can help change your mind.” she nodded to the owl bellboy while he escorted himself simply.

Donnie had to think fast. What could they do to escape? The window? No, they're on the top floor with no tech to their advantage. They could break open the vault but that could take hours, they didn't know the code. They and Mikey could fight their way through the guards and run out. But even if that suicide mission succeeds where would they go? Big Mama has eyes everywhere sooner or later they'd be sent back with their tails between their legs. Both siblings were stuck, c’mon think Donatello THINK.

The door opened again but this time the owl Yokai came in with two new guests. One was very clearly Mikey, huddled inside of his shell clamped shut in defence while being carried in by another big Yokai by one hand gripping the back rim of their brother's shell as if he weighed absolutely nothing.

Big Mama clapped her hands together playfully. “Oh goodie you got him.” the door shut silently leaving a full family of 7 Yokai in her office. Forget about being boxed in. Donnie couldn't even move at that point. “Mikey stay in your shell okay I’ll figure this out.” They instructed. The shell didn't budge which meant he understood, Donnie nodded and inspected the Yokai that dared to frighten their brother.

The Yokai holding him was nothing to laugh about, he was absolutely massive in size. Probably one of the biggest turtle Yokai Donnie had the displeasure of seeing. He had slight scratches all over his body but the most prominent being two gashed on the left side of his face, they were deep but aged, making the typical green turn into a softer pink hue. One jagged sharp tooth plucked out of his lips, giving a more threatening ora with his build.

And given his strength, Donnie had no chance to win against him anytime soon, they looked back at Big Mama. “He’s not going to talk.” They voice.
“Oh, I know ever since I saw him hide in his swizzly shell. So now I guess have to get him out with drastic measures.” Before the soft shell could question she moved her hand towards the Yokai holding their brother. “Well get on with it, break him out.” Donnie couldn't even process the words before twisting to witness the large Turtle slam Mikey onto the floor causing the ground under the shell to crack and rumble.

“What are you doing stop that!” They yelled about to pounce on the larger turtle but being held down by two of the other guards, Donnie didn't know which ones, they didn't care fear and anger took hold making them turn around and bite hard onto one of the Yokai's hands the metallic taste or iron prominent on their tongue.
“Shit you fucker!” He bellows punching them square in the head, holding them down to stare straight at the sight of their brother being stomped on forcefully even with the whirling in their mind the crack sound boomed the loudest in his skull. Donnie did nothing but struggle widely face dryly rubbing against the carpet causing an immediate rub burn.
“Stop stop!” Was heard screaming through the room it wasn't Donnie speaking but instead Mikey. His command seemed to be heard either way since the bigger turtle backed off.
“Now that wasn't too difficult was it.” Big Mama commented to Mikey before Donnie was lifted forcefully and dropped back down into their chair across from her.

Their head hung low the punch definitely caused some sort of concussion from how dizzy they felt.
“Now that we're done with this whole whompizaz around let's speak business.” she slid the paper back to Donnie placing the pen near it as well.
“I think your brother spoke enough sense into you I hope.” Big Mama remarked. Donnie didn’t answer they didn't even move, moving hurt. thinking hurt. That crack was all they heard still on repeat in their brain. They couldn't win this fight he glazed over the contract and gripped the pen loosely.
“Glad you're being reasonable.”

Placing the pen onto the paper he stuttered. “Can you promise one other thing with this contract?” Don looked up. Big Mama turned her head curisally but didnt reject them so they continued slowly.
“Mikey stays with me, he helps me with the tech without him I won't get anything fully finished.” Donnie's eyes were unfocused but were looking the spider Yokai in the eyes. She simply nodded. “Yes yes, he stays with you no matter what.” She snatched the paper to write that down into the contract before slapping it back down.
“Now hurry your brother seems to have blacked out, and I don’t want the blood to stain my carpet.” The words didn't even fully register in their brain and they flexibly wrote their signature down.

“Splendid!” She plucked the contract greedily.
“Now Mad Dog please escort these two to their rooms tootlito.” The Yokai ‘Mad Dog’ put an almost comforting hand on Donnie's shoulder before helping them out of their seat. On his way out grabbed Mikey's limp frame easily the siblings' body dangling from side to side. Donnie would worry about him being dead if it wasn't for the loud wheezing exerting out of him.

Getting to the elevator a ding rang through it as the doors shut simply moving downwards. The movement was too much causing Donnie to vomit violently onto the ground. They shuddered, gripping the railing for dear life, the smell was powerful making them gag out a cough. A Large hand was placed on their back making them stiff. But surprisingly it started doing a motion of soothing circles, almost calming if it wasn't from such a threatening source.

The elevator stopped sharply making Donnie burp sickly. The hand was gone now instead lightly grabbing their arm and leading them away from the potent smell. Mad Dog spoke quickly to another random Yokai (probably about the vomit.) before continuing on his way to their room.

Opening the door Donnie was glad to feel the cool conditioned air hit their face. They were placed on a soft bed and they grumbled into it. Mad Dog spoke some more to them but none of it processed sounding muffled with a hint of ringing but hearing him walk away they thought he left. Turning their head to see him come out of the (probably) washroom with a trash can and some water.

After setting those down he went away to another room after a few minutes he took his leave hearing the door shut behind them Donnie randomly started to cry, reality didn't even set in, yet they just cried making their head hurt, even more, causing their world to spin while they scrambled for the trash can Mad Dog left. They threw up once more before exhaustion took making them fall into a pained sleep.

Chapter Text

Living the high life is something every person in the hidden city wanted, you were given luxury, money and were literally untouchable to any other low-grade Yokai that came your way.

Raph was given this high life but it wasn't all cut and clean as Yokai's have mentioned. Granted he was born into this life. Big Mama apparently bought him from a shady salesman who sold and trained many abandoned Yokai children, it was Illegal but The legal system never stopped Big Mama from getting her way. He thanks his big stature as a snapping turtle that got him the ticket to this life.

It was a comfortable life. Big Mama basically raised Raph throughout his youth, he got used to seeing and calling her just the standard mom. Having his own separate room with everything he wanted. The spider spoiled him rotten and he was forever grateful to be given such an opportunity to live this lifestyle.

Battle Nexus was always Raphs favourite thing to watch. He use to sit with Big Mama in her VIP booth and watch all the fights break out and who would come out victorious. His mom seemed thrilled with his aggressive enthusiasm for the game and would praise the snapping turtle greatly for it. When he was a kid he failed to realize why she praised him for such violent and aggressive behaviour. A hair-pricking temper that made everyone else crazy, was something his mom was always encouraging.

As soon as he could stand the weight of a blade at the ripe age of 13 he was given the task to fight. First, it was simple. “Fight the dummy.” Almost like a game to the young turtle. Though Raph never enjoyed weapons he preferred to hit the target straight on, breaking the objects with his fist created less need for agility or concentration.

It was always a simple game that always used the same routine, run full speed, hit the dummy until it toppled over, a simple match that required no need for worry or thought. And of course, would end with his mom's abundant chirps of praise at the end of the training.

The dummy only lasted about a month, then it moved to actual Yokai. Just training coaches though the turtle learned any sort of martial art he could think of knowing that it was now his strong suit Raph had a natural talent for most of the fighting styles. It was all running smoothly. He enjoyed getting stronger and seeing visible improvement never really crossing his mind how once a week shifted into five times a week for his "workouts."

Next thing you know it was Raphs 15th birthday and he was put in a room with an adult Yokai strapped to a chair, a paper bag held draped loosely on their head covering the face. That was the first time he’d been told to kill someone.

He doesn't like to think about it too much, he learns to not. The second time he was tasked with killing his mom stated, “Don’t stare into their eyes.” She would say. “Look at their eyes you’ll lose your brain” learning soon after that she would be oh too right. the second time he killed a Yokai it ended with Raph turning hysterical for days. Crying the whole night in the bathroom while washing his hands vigorously. Daring not to look in the mirror scared that whenever he did Raph would be met with the eyes of a killer and the memory of a victims. With no source of comfort, he’d rot nobody could reach out and say words that would soothe this guilty conscious. He needed words that not even Raph could think of, what he needed was a family.

Raph remembers asking his mom for his 7th birthday for a sibling. Someone he could play games with and they could share a room as well as fight and annoy each other he just wanted to do typical sibling things he has see on the TV. His mom made a twisted face “Oh bumpily-boo you don't need siblings, your family is the hotel.” Raph stood up on his chair grumbling loudly before exclaiming.
“But they're all boring and old, I want to play with someone around my age.”
“Now hush, don't speak so poorly about the Yokai here, remember they raised you I raised you. We may not be blood but we deserve your respect all the same.” The tiny turtle sat down in defeat, feeling bad.
“I’m sorry.” Raph simply answered, and his mom's eyes seemed to soften. “No need to fret dear, I know you’d never purposefully do anything to hurt me.” she paused leaning in to hug the small Yokai. “Right?” Raph nodded vigorously smiling greatly showing his crooked teeth. “Right.”

Thinking back now Raph should have seen the next step a mile away. Fighting and training hard he was placed in the Battle Nexus for the first time at 16 fighting rather newbie players that wanted to rank up and hopefully make the top. Raphs job was to make those dreams die.

One by one he’d win every fight he was placed with. Whether it be a knockouts or to the death. Raph always came out as the winner. Didn’t mean he never got hurt. He has many injuries on his body. Most faded and minor but some were more prominent to see. One of them being the tip of his tail being bitten off by a Yokai. His mom always commented on how the size of the tail would affect him in the future and in that scenario she was definitely right. And the other on the left side of his face has two slice marks. Those being the more recent one from a battle where a skilled Yokai almost chopped his head off with two blades, dodging it just in time so it only left a deep wound that now permanently haunts his face.

Never losing a battle put him up high in the bidding game. The money came flooding in quickly after 20 times of being undefeated, never seeing a penny of it though. Raphs mom would keep it locked away in a safe where it could be safe in case the hotel got raided and robbed.

He still laid in luxury with the title of being unbeatable after 15 years of fighting in the arena. Being seen as the “new Lou Jitsu” after a few years of fighting which Raph knew very little about since nobody in the hotel dared to even recall the apparent “legacy” behind the name.

However, Raph had an original fighting name that he got them from the guard dog Gus after they’d played some one-on-one baseball, Gus was around ten years older than the snapping turtle, but he was the youngest worker and the only one who had any interest in knowing Raph more than a long staying guest in the establishment. Almost every time Raph got a score the dog would put an arm around his shoulder and laugh. “You're an absolute Mad dog brah.” After a while, that name stuck and he’d make it to be his trademark, as well as just his name.

Even his mom started calling him “Mad Dog” and at twenty Mad Dog was told to stop referring to Big Mama as his mother altogether. “I didn’t raise you to be seen as soft,” she stated. Words could never hurt more, the Yokai that raised him his whole life now kicking a family title for the sake of public views. But that was how life would truck on and Mad Dog could either ride along with it or Raph could stand by and watch the inexorable future unfold against his will.

So now he was here alone in a hotel full of Yokai.

His days off were never his days off and today was proof of that. Sure he got to sleep in and not train or fight but there was always the job of being a host and guard of the hotel. He’d come into the main area to greet the Yokai guest who were staying there that day and or night. Shaking their hands and letting them take photos it wasn't as much effort as fighting a Kraken but it was definitely draining.

He walked over to the bar area, sitting down and looking up to watch the battles that they are doing at the moment. A bartender slapped a beer in front of him. “I'm guessing you want the usual.” The bartender inquired Raph smiled taking the beer and lifting it to the Yokai “You be right with that,” drinking half of it down in one swing slamming it down onto the table turning back to the orb TV. “What have I missed?” He asked. The bartender turned to look at the fight. “Ah, you missed the big fight, they're doing lightning rounds right now.” Raph nodded taking another sip of beer.

Static filled the walkie-talkie on his hip. “Mad Dog comes in.” Raph pulled his eyes away grabbed the small radio and excused himself from the bar. “This is Mad Dog what’s the problem?”
“Big Mama needs you to keep an eye out for someone that's in your area.” Raph stiffens.
“Of course who's she looking for?” he asked. “A turtle Yokai, shorter late twenties, the right face is fucked up.” Raph quirked his brow. “Messed up how?” There was hostility in the question making the walkie-talkie go silent for a split second. “Right side of the face is burnt.” the voice responds and Raph nods. “Why does she need him?”
“Stop asking questions just find the turtle times short.” The static went dead indicating they shut it off.

Raph grumbled begrudgingly but wasted no time looking around for the Yokai who fit the description. It was a rare sight to see turtle Yokai on a normal day besides his reflection but even that was rare at this point. Everyone seemed like fogged faces not paying much mind to them shuffling through the small crowds. staring at the complexions for split seconds before turning to look at another face.

Suddenly someone starts squealing loudly behind Raph turning around sharply to having to look down to be met with a guest who seemed to have stars in his eyes, or eye one of them -the right one- was fogged up and closed slightly surrounded by pinkish burnt flesh. “Oh my god, I'm such a big fan! Could you sign my shell please!” The Yokai turned around so his shell faced him. Wait… SHELL!?

He grabbed the turtle so that he was back facing his direction. “Oh wanna sign my Plastron? Good Idea be like a cool T-shirt but on my shell.” The Yokai laughed. Raph didn't laugh looking twice at the marks on his face that were no doubt burns. 'bingo Raph found him.' He smiled a toothy grin. “Sure thing I just need to find a marker.” He states walking away and to his luck the other turtle trails after him.

They make it to the lift and that's when the Yokai seems to step back. “Hey, I bet there's someone here with a marker we could borrow.” Shit, he was backing off he needed to think fast. "Haha yeah, you're right but I need to find a certain marker for your shell." The Yokai didn't seem convinced making Raph sweat lightly.

Apparently, luck was on his side since the elevator opened and he was greeted with a big owl staring dead at him. ‘Yes I’m saved.’ he thought victoriously.

“Big Mama thinks you are taking too long to get the bloody turtle.” The victory smirk faltered a bit ‘okay so saved at the cost of mom being angry no big deal.’
“Turtle?” a voice piped in. The owl looked to see the Yokai they were after staring at Raph worryingly "why does big mama wanna see me?" Raph couldn't answer since the turtle started to step back slowly before turning his heels to go into a full sprint.

“Shit get him!” The bellboy demanded. “I got this give me ten seconds.” Mad Dog cracked his neck and chased after the turtle. The Yokai was fast and very swift, getting by all of the obstacles of the main hall with a breeze it was almost calculated and perfected but what Mad Dog had that the other Yokai didn't was familiarity.

He’s walked this hall many times, playing tag with Gus they usually ended up in the main area and with that he also knew shortcuts on how to tag someone quicker.

In thirty seconds he had the turtle in his clutches, dragging him back to the hotel while he thrashed around like a fish out of water.
“Oh good you’ve got him, now c’mon we don't have much time.” Mad Dog nodded before lifting the culprit off the floor causing their breath to hitch and retract into their shell. ‘Didn't know that was possible.’ Shrugging he stepped into the elevator.

The shell was quiet and unmoving all the way up, could even come off as worrying if he wasn't running around out of it not one minute ago. Keeping his guard up not going to give this Yokai the chance to spring out and cause more disturbance.

The lift opened its doors and the three started walking down the hall. He never understood why they made an empty hall that led to Big Mamas' office but Mad Dog found it best to not question.

As they opened to door Big Mama seemed to be in a type of meeting with yet ANOTHER turtle Yokai, but this one his back seemed to be more rubbery a softer shell, he could be fooled into thinking he was a lizard. The two turtles seemed to have a standoff.
“Oh, goodie you got him.” She responded clacking her hands together quickly. He didn't pay attention to her words to focus on the intense stare the turtle was giving him gaze shifting to the shell every few seconds. “Mikey stay in the shell I’ll figure this out.”

He looked terrified those eyes gave away so much fear, but his voice stayed stern and the apparent ‘Mikey’ didn't budge out of his shell though the slight trembling was vibrating through Raphs fingers.

The turtle turned around to speak some more words to Big Mama he knew what was coming from these short exchanges but it never made him any more ready to get this job done. Too soon Big Mama swiped her finger toward Raph making him snap back to reality. “Well get on with it, break him out.” Raph spent little time to waste, lifting the shell up by its rim
‘I’m sorry.’ Slamming him down hard onto the ground. “What are you doing stop that!” fuzzled through his ears before the soft-shelled got tackled to the floor.
‘I don't wanna do this.’ smashing his heel into the shell repeatedly.
‘Please just come out so I can stop.’ suddenly a crack sound broke through the chaos. Blood lightly started to pour under Raph's feet.
“Stop Stop!” the turtle popped out of his shell almost screaming, tears streaming ugly down his face. He moved his foot back to see a crack on the turtle's shell starting from the bottom right almost up to the middle meeting the orange pattern splayed on his back. Raph felt sick what has he done? Broken sobs broke through the turtle a bit longer before he guessed the pain kicked in and he drifted into unconsciousness wheezing breath ghosting the bloody carpet.

Time seemed to freeze but not for long enough. “Now Mad Dog escort these two to their rooms tootlito!” Raph obeyed nodding, walking towards the beat-up turtle putting a soft hand on his shoulder taking the key card from Big Mama and then helping him keep balance while they walked out grabbing Mikey on the way, lightly holding him and hearing his staggering short breaths.

In the elevator the soft-shelled seemed to not agree with the movements having vomited violently onto the fancy floor, shaking violently eyes welling up tears in the corner of his eyes that didn't dare to be shed. Raph wanted to help from the damage that he caused, even just slightly to lift the guilty conscious that was eating away his inside. He placed a gentle touch on the turtle's shell, it felt how it looked, rather rubbery and way squishier than any normal turtle shell, but still held some structure and strength to it nonetheless. This redeeming gesture didn't help his conscious though it stopped the soft-shelled from shaking.

Raph rubbed the shell soothingly ‘I’m sorry.’ The doors opened once again and he almost had another vomit spree but only ended with a disgusting burp. Grabbing his arm Raph led him toward the two Yokai's new home. But before that, he walked over to an employee at the hotel.
“Uh there's vomit in the elevator, also wake this Yokai around every two hours please, he's probably concussed.” The cat Yokai looked at the three annoyed of them before nodding and walking over to the vomit-stained ground.

Placing the two turtles into separate beds he leaned down to stare at the soft-shelled, “I’m gonna get you some water.” He said knowing that none of that processed in the basically knocked-out turtle. He walked over to the washroom grabbing a trash can and a cup of tap water placing it at the side of the bed and excusing himself.

He staggered at Mikeys' room noticing the slight blood still pulsing through his shell. ‘I need to bandage that.’ He thought grabbing some medical tape in the cabinet sealing the crack as well as he could muster in a short time stamp. Mikey didn't budge allowing Raph to move him freely to be sure there weren't any other great external injuries.

When it seemed clear, Raph made his leave, closing the door and heading to his own room quietly. ‘I’m sorry.’ Walking into his empty room falling heavily onto the bed. Looking at the time it read “7:30 PM” He cringed at that, it was so early yet so much happened that he wouldn't be surprised if two days have passed.

Getting up once more to shower he didn't look at the mirror once in fear of seeing someone else staring back at him, a monster or a scared child but more than anything he didn't wanna see the eyes of the soft-shelled staring at him again.

Big Mama said to never stare the enemy in the eye, but what about the loved one of the enemy?
‘I’m sorry.’

Chapter Text

Waking up and the first thing you see being the face of a cat isn't exactly the morning Donnie was expecting.
“Oi wake up it's been two hours can’t stay asleep.” The female cats voiced before shaking Donnie again. ‘So not even morning? Two hours isn't enough just let me go unconscious.’ Their brain felt like it was being hammered against their skull causing them to rest their hands on top of their eyes blocking any source of light.

The cat huffed “Well at least your awake. I’ll check in after another two hours.” With such a harsh tone Donnie couldn't tell if the exchange was meant to be polite.
“Also I ain't cleaning your vomit that's your job.” and with that, the door shut closed.

Donnie sighed loudly pushing their face back into the plush pillow. They couldn't focus on anything doing so hurt too much ‘Is this what Mikey feels when he thinks?’ the thought made them smirk slightly giving them enough energy to prop themselves so their legs dangled on the edge of the bed taking the last few gulps of water. They tried to blink the last bit of sleep out of their eyes, sweeping around the new room.

There wasn't much to look at given it was all bare. The floor was cold concrete and no windows could be seen. ‘It feels like a prison.” They stood up causing their head to spin but not enough to fall over. They looked to their right towards the bowl of bile. ‘Right gotta get rid of that it probably stinks.’ the process took much longer than it probably should have but two hours of sleep and a concussion seems to slow some Yokai down.

The walls were also completely empty ridding of any character or personality. Donnie wasn't much for the “Homey” Vibe but when you're forced into new a home it seems like your living in somebody else's house. There were no drawings scattered throughout their room that Mikey has made which threw off Donnie so much it was strange. ‘Mikey…’

“Mikey!” Where was Mikey?! Donnie forgot about their head pain for a split second and started running out of their room making the world spin slightly causing them to slip on their feet and go face-first into a wooden door. ‘Shit that hurt.’ Donnie thought squeezing their snout.

“Chello?” a voice rang behind the door and given the greeting Donnie's tension lessened. “It’s me Mikey.” Donnie responded climbing back onto their feet.
“Did you hit the door with your face?” The brother asked not being able to hide the smirk in his tone.
“...No” Mikey snorted.
“Shut up my brain is throbbing right now, blame the door.” Donnie begrudgingly opened the door to see their brother laying on his plastron which seemed odd since Mikey usually slept in his shell on his back. Donnie's hand fell aimlessly on the wall trying to find the light switch. When their fingers finally did the sight they saw wasn't a pretty one.

Mikey's shell was bandaged but didn't stop the stains of red to leak across the white gauze not leaving much to the imagination of what lay under the cloth. His earpieces also seemed to be mostly crushed but still loosely holding themselves together around his ears. Donnie's own ears rang from the uncanny silence of the room. “Mikey-”
“I haven't really looked at it.” He interrupted “But It sure doesn't feel too good, but ill survive hard as nails right?” Mikey chuckled before flopping his face back onto the pillow. ‘He must be dizzy from the blood loss.’ Donnie didn't reply only acted on instinct to inspect the wound, unwrapping it delicately with no resistance on their brothers' end.

As suspected the damage was definitely there. A large crack took up almost one-third of their brother's bottom right. It was split no small splinter the dried blood crusted over his patterned carapace
‘I’m gonna need to use damn nails to fix this one.’ Donnie thought to themselves before shifting off the bed and walking over to the side of the bed frame to get a different view of the injury. But first taking Mikeys ear pieces off and placing them delicately on the nightstand beside them.

The crack seemed to shift slightly up which would mean I'd take more medical care. ‘I need to get him to the lab.’ “Okay, I’m gonna have to do something for me alright?” Mikey stared at him blindly waiting for the command. “Can you retract into your shell? I'd be easier to carry you.” He seemed to have no issue with the task quickly retracting his body into the damaged shell in seconds' time.

The house was definitely bigger than their real home but the lab was very easy to find, walking out of Mikey's room looking left to be met with a hall that led to a big round desk with a big glowing pillar in the middle unmistakably the new lab that Donnie would be inhabiting.

Taking him there was definitely made easier with his brother retracted into his shell but didn't stop the soft shells plastron to be stained with speckles of blood most dry but some fresher than they'd like to think about. Suffling around trying to get familiar with the area to find some type of drill, screws and elastics.
‘Everything is all wrong.’ thought Donnie
‘Nothing is where it's supposed to be.’ the complications with the added stress made Donnie's head feel like it was being cracked open. The vibrant orange hues of the lab weren't helping the case either.

After about ten minutes of shuffling around, they finally found the materials they needed. Placing them on the desk beside Mikey who looked at the drill slightly alarmed. “Uh no no no you are NOT doing that to me right now.” Mikey slid off the table his legs bucking making him fall onto his knees. Donnie reached over quickly to try and grab him causing the box turtle to flinch away from the delicate touch.

Don retracted their hand and sighed. “Mikey It's either this or you get an infection down the road which will just make things worse for you AND me.” They tried to reason leaning down to their brother's level. “Hey look at me.” Mikey did his eyes welling up with tears. “Hard as nails right?” This made the box turtle blink out the tears chuckling. “Oh, you asshole.”
“Now that's the doctor delicate touch I know.” Donnie smiled hooping Mikey's arm around their neck and placing him back on the table, the metal melted into his plastron causing a slight chill, but nothing more.

Before doing anything though Don grabbed a pair of safety earmuffs handing them off to Mikey who took it without hesitation. ‘I’ll stick this one out today it shouldn't be too noisy.’ With that Donnie disinfected the wound grabbing the drill with a screw. This was a delicate process and the older sibling knew this. They had to not pierce past the bone of the shell but make it deep enough so that it’ll stick and last.

After around an hour the cat Yokai came back but didn't bug the soft shells working, and thrity minutes after that the shell was nailed together, around 8 screws protruded out slightly with a wire connecting them all together. Donnie huffed and landed on the rolling chair behind them “Done.”

Mikey was quick to stand up and wobble towards the full-body mirror beside the lab entrance. They could see Mikey looked fascinated by the new look he had gained on his shell tapping and poking at the screws lightly tracing most of the wire that led to the other nail that was pushing the shell together. “Would I be able to paint them?” Mikey asked turning back to Donnie who was already half asleep. ‘Mmno I don't want the paint to get into your wound it'll cause more issues.” They mumbled before leaning their head back onto the chair. “Heyhey no sleeping right now.” The brother demanded walking over to slap their face lightly causing a grunt in response. “Come on Donnie you gotta stay up with me okay?” Mikey stretched his cheeks and Donnie just slapped it away “I’m up, just give me like five minutes.” it was odd to hear his sibling say they wanted to sleep but Mikey knew better than to let him slip away for too long.

“What if I cook you breakfast huh? I’ll make a pizza or a cheese burrito? One sec Let me just find the kitchen.” He rushed around the hotel room but was met with no kitchen in sight, not even a microwave. He looked back at Donnie to see the turtle sprawled out on the chair snoring lightly. Mikey caved picking up his sibling and dragging them back to their bed.

“I’ll go get some food and drinks, damn place doesn’t have a kitchen, maybe you could make one sometime? Wouldn't be the first time you did.” He joked which was unsurprisingly met with snores. Mikey rolled his eyes. “I’ll be back soon, don't die on me alright?” Still, no answer but at least the snoring was a sign of breathing. “Alright good.” then he left.

Walking like you know where you going seems to dispose of weird looks but doesn't get rid of the fact that you have no idea where you are going. Walking around the floor wasn't all pointless he was still getting a good layout of where he was and he was apparently nowhere. There was literally nothing on this floor besides one Yokai who he suspected was some sort of bellboy guard.

A few minutes later and Mikey caves ‘ There's no kitchen on this floor I gotta take the elevator.’ which was easier said than done from the last parade that happened just a few hours before. Clicking the button he felt an invisible force almost pushing it away. ‘Please don't be the owl please don't be the owl.’ A ding rang and Mickey cracked open his eyes. “Hello, Michelangelo where would you like to go this fine night!” A breath heaved out of Mikey when he was met with the sight and sound of a small little octopus Yokai.

He stepped in smiling lightly at the bellboy “Do you know where to get some food?” Mikey asked politely. “Oh! That'd be the dining area lucky for you its 24-hour dining!” The enthusiasm almost seemed fake but the body language begged to differ. “Okay, could I go to that please?” The octopus nodded vigorously shifting the lever.

The dining area was flooded with all types of Yokai big and small, some loud some quiet others in groups while a few seemed alone. In the end, no attention was given to the turtle which he couldn't be happier about. What he wasn't so jazzed about was the amount of noise echoing throughout the room. He quickly said his thanks to the octopus before trying to rush and find some nourishment for Donnie.

He squeezed into the line leaning over to yell across the glass to the Yokai serving food. “Hey, so what's the special today!” The Moose yokai glared at Mikey. “Same as it always is.” splatting some type of tentacle spaghetti onto his plate. “Uh, could I have pizza or something? My sibling would prefer that right now-”
“Stop holding up the line!” someone in the line yelled making Mikey seize for a split second “Yeah yeah I’m moving,” he mumbled shuffling down the line to grab some water. Looking down at his plate the tentacles moved aimlessly.

‘Donnie would not eat this right now.’ placing the food onto a random table walking back towards the elevator stopping suddenly when met with the slide doors to the kitchen looking back and forth he slipped into the room in hopes of nobody witnessing it which surprisingly nobody did. He was met with around three Yokai shuffling around but nothing too notable, It just seemed like a standard kitchen which eased some stress in the box turtle.

Even the layout was nothing to write home about. Maybe just the extra expensive equipment but that shouldn't be surprising given the hotel's fancy schmancy thing it had going for it. This meant that Mikey could easily find out where everything should be with ease, Grabbing some flour and plugging in a mixer. ‘Easy peasy it's like I'm invisible!’
“Aye you with the weird back” Mikey's tension came back in full swing ‘Shit spoke too soon abort ABORT!.’ instead he turned around sweat beading down his temple to face this rather short... finnikin fox Yokai? He wasn't too sure, a little busy worrying about being the next thing on the menu. The fox looked at him intensely Mikey audibly gulped.

“What are you doing back here this is our workers only you freaky Yokai!” Mikey waved his hands laughing shakily “There's some misunderstanding I’m uh I’m”
“He's with me.” A voice spoke heavy steps coming towards the turtle. “He's just hungry sorry for not keeping an eye on him.” A familiar shadow loomed over both of them causing his pulse to skyrocket.
“Oh, dreadfully sorry Mad Dog please continue.”
‘mad dog MAD DOG’ Mikey veered his neck to see the identity of the looming shadow which was in fact THE Mad Dog. The turtle seemed just as startled by meeting Mikey's eyes flicking them away rapidly and clearing his throat, “Don’t just walk around in places your not supposed to be in okay man?” He voices before walking away and out of sight.

Mikey blinked quickly a few times, ‘Oookay well, that happened.’ he turned back to the batter glaring up to stare at the clock on the wall it was almost 12 am he wasn't exactly sure if a day went by or if all of these events happened in the span of one day alone. But he wasn't going to ponder on it much ‘focus I need to get back to Donnie soon.’

He slapped a large pepperoni pizza together and snuck out without a trace. Well besides all the dirty dishes but that was someone else's job to get paid for. Rushing back down to the basement floor straight to his and his siblings' room. Flinging opened the door but tip-toeing inside till he was inside Donnie's room, the silhouette of a lump in the bed showed that they were still laying where he left them.

“Hey, Donnie you alive.” He whispered but no answer arose. Mikey walked closer till he was facing his sibling the snoring becoming clear to signally again that they were in fact still alive. “Come on Donnie nap times over I made one very not Hawaiian pizza just for you.” hovering the food over their nose while poking their cheek which seemed to make the soft shell snort once loudly cracking open their eyes.
“There you are welcome back dear sibling of mine,” Mikey smirked jumping onto the bed crushing Donnie's legs and making them shoot up from the sudden pain. “Jesus Mikey warn a Yokai next time.” Donnie croaks rubbing their eyes roughly.
‘Why you're welcome for being a good brother and giving you food I spent sweat, tears and blood on.” Donnie opened their mouth to argue but Mikey shoved a slice into their it to shut them up. He was given a glare but nothing more as they ate the pizza and drank their water.

Donnie seemed to be more aware and awake after they ate and got some fluids in them. Maintaining eye contact and no longer nodding off at random times. But that meant they were also thinking more clearly which Mikey could see the turtle mused intensely almost in a slight panic, Mikey would ask about it but he knew that right now they were eating together and he didn't wanna ruin Pizza time so instead they ate in silence.

It was weird seeing Donnie so... well naked. Their shell was completely exposed and their goggles and mask were nowhere in sight. Though strange it wasn't uncomfortable to see Donnie without all their bells and whistles.

“Not like you to be so quiet Mikey it's odd.” Donnie inquired.
“Don't get me wrong though the silence is as welcoming as it is deafening.” Mikey rolled his eyes placing his cup on the nightstand.

“Just adjusting to the new living space. What is this place anyways? Are we staying here for a few days?” He was met with silence just Donnie looking at him almost with pity and slight pain in their eyes. “Yeah, we’ll be here for a bit.” They look away from him shifting uncomfortably. “Now move your butt I gotta use the bathroom. ‘They're uncomfortable.’ Mikey realized. “Dude seriously I'm about to piss the bed if you don't move.”
“Your lying to me,” Mikey states. Don stiffened for a split second before going back to shift. “What are you talking about, why would I lie about using the washroom?”
“Oh come on Dee we both know you're not stupid.”

Donnie stopped again sighing loudly sliding back comfortably into a sitting position to look at their brother but it almost seemed like they were looking through him. They put their hands to cover their eyes soon after creating an almost heart-wrenching squeak. “What have I done Mikey?” They sniff “I signed our freedom away just for the reward of what? Me creating tech that could kill whatever Big Mama wished.” Donnie pushed their face into the blankets hiding their tearing face completely, the sight made a chill run up Mikey's spine and an ache to rise in his chest. “Kill? You swore to never kill-” Don grabbed Mikey’s arm tightly.
“Yeah well, now your life is on the line!” they snotted out before completely breaking down. “And now I might have to kill hundreds for that fact.”

Mikey used his free hand to run soothing circles over the knuckles gripping onto his wrist. “I couldn't let you die.” They hiccuped “Especially if it was in those goddamn arena battles, dying as a no named participant.” Donnie didn't give a damn whether they could've died. But their brother was a weakness, and Big Mama abused that weakness leaving them bare with no defence literally and figuratively.

The box turtle felt tears start to stream down his own face pulling his arm back making Donnie thrust into a tight embrace. “You did what you had to and that will never make me not love you any different. Always remember and understand that.” Donnie sniffed grossly tears and snot notably on his shoulder but paid no mind making soothing circles on their shell. “No matter what we’re family and we protect each other.” Mikey pulled away smiling warmly.

Donnie rubbed their eyes a few seconds longer before laughing breathlessly “Since when did you have to comfort me?” Mikey chuckled lightly “Don’t worry It's not gonna bust your big bro points for me.”
“It better not.” They both laughed Dee's breath seemed to even and the tears appeared to have cease.

“I do need to piss though so could you move.” Mikey cackled loudly at the shift in conversation the wreck of emotion being a flushed and forgotten memory of the past. “Yeah yeah I’ll leave you alone, I’ll be in my room if you need me.” He slid off the bed and started heading out of the room. “One more thing Mikey.”

Mikey turned around “Yeah what's up?” Donnie had a playful smile on their face which didn't morph well with the absolutely cried-out face. “Your pizza was cold.” They comment before slamming the bathroom door and locking it. 'Oh, that bitch,’

“Yeah well, your eyebrows are smudged!” Mikey yelled, turning tail and running making it safely into his new room giggling like a schoolgirl.

The silence of being alone was an afterthought. The room was big, smaller than Donnie's room but still bigger than his bed that use to be being crammed in the corner of the skate ramp. The plain bed was placed in the center of the room with two nightstands on each side but only one held a lamp. There was a small closet on the left wall while on the right was a door he assumed was his own washroom.

Because of the size change though the place felt too spacious. It lacked anything of a home, which made sense since it was probably a hotel room. Mikey stretched a yawn out. ‘I’m so tired.’ he thought shuffling under the covers carefully so the strings on his shell wouldn't get caught. Even the bed was silent no squeaky springs that would poke him in the middle of the night. Which was comforting and additionally uncanny.

He went through his day as he did whenever he was drifting to sleep. About Mad Dog who wrecked his shell that was an obvious. If you told him just yesterday that his favourite fighter would break open HIS shell, he'd probably call you bonkers. Now he was scared of him though, more scared than he was of probably any Yokai in the hidden city. Mad Dog was dangerous and the memory of Mikey's first near-death experience at the hands of a Yokai. When being bandaged up by Donnie he remembers them telling him.

"This town will eat you alive. You can't trust anyone in this world we only have each other." He clung to those words for the rest of his life and now it seemed true not even being able to trust his oh-so-loving idles.

But The memory of the kitchen instance rose up in his brain ‘What was that in the kitchen.’ Mikey pondered sliding into his shell. ‘Why would Mad Dog help me if he wanted to hurt me?’ He reflected on the situation playing it out in his head. ‘Maybe he doesn't want to hurt us.’ a soft voice in the back of his head spoke but though soft it rang through every part of his body.

If he didn't want to hurt anyone why was he here?

The silence he got in response was deafening. He couldn't stand the silence it made his ears ring and head swirl. So he stood up and started tapping back into Donnie's room.

Donnie seemed to have wiped their eyebrows completely off, jotting something down on a small scrap of paper. Mikey's presence made the soft shell jump in surprise. "Jesus Mikey don't just stand there silently." They placed a hand on their plastron from the shock.
"What are you doing here anyway? You were just in here not five minutes ago?" Donnie questioned looking back at their paper.
"Sorry, Dee it's just... Well, don't you find it quiet?" Mikey asked, his sibling seemed to shake their head. "ear piercingly quiet." They comment and for a few moments, nothing was said after that.

"Why are you asking me this?" Donnie questioned finally breaking the awkward stillness. The brother shifted his feet stressfully. "Well, I know we're no longer kids and I understand that you like your space so it's totally fine if you say no but just for tonight is it possible for me to like" He makes a circular motion with his hands which Donnie seems to catch. "You want to sleep here tonight?" Don asked tilting their head.
"You know what forget it I know I'm not a kid anymore-"
"Mikey"
"I'll just leave you be your obviously busy."
"Mikey!" Donnie yelled making Mikey flinch but it made him stop blabbering at least.

Mikey glanced at Don who had a mix of annoyance on their face. "You can sleep here tonight as long as you don't complain about the light, I need that to write." The Box turtle stood shell-shocked for a split second before charging full speed to the bed "Cowabunga!" He yelled jumping onto the big bed frame the sibling almost fell off the bedframe from the sheer force of the jump. "Mikey! I swear I you break MY bed on the first day here." They tried to yell sternly but Mikey could see the crook of their mouth cracking into a tiny smile.

"I'll let you know I still have a concussion." Donnie quipped getting back to their original sitting position. Mikey chuckled "Yeah your right I'm sorry Dee." Don grumbled, "No your not." Making Mikey smile grow while he shoved himself back into his shell.

It wasn't as quiet anymore, hearing his sibling scribbling god knows what on the paper and mumbling to themselves was enough to put him in a drowsy state. "Goodnight Mikey."

Chapter Text

That night was never mentioned again, and both siblings were okay with that. After a few weeks had passed Donnie's head seemed to be better screwed on and Mikey was more comfortable wandering around the hotel. The place was huge after all, Mikey didn't doubt that it’d take years to map out the area by memory and for that, he applauded the bellboys.

Donnie was given their first task about two weeks into their stay at the new home. It was a sigh of relief when it seemed just to be fixing up old and broken machines that Donnie gave her years ago, probably when they first made that damn deal. But this was the calm before the heavy storm and Donnie knew that but they would do nothing to ponder on it too much.

Instead shoving their head into all the assignments given to them, claiming to busy to think outside of anything other than the object in front of them.

It didn't stop the thoughts looming over them during the dead of night. Donnie would lay and think. It's what they did best after all. Everything hit during those hours. How dark and cold their room was, how empty and large the area was, how the bed never squeaked or poked them while Donnie shifted uncomfortably.

How much this place wasn't their home.

After these thoughts would swarm their brain they would step out of their room and start working again. Fueled by the need to get work done, and deadlines that Donnie has created in their own mind.

Mikey would sometimes wake up during the night because of the sudden noise emerging from the lab. It wasn't an uncommon sound to the box turtle. Hell in their actual home it was only one big room, meaning he’d hear basically everything making him usually sleep like a rock from anything.

But like Donnie, Mikey would be restless from the knowledge of this place not being home. But also for the fact that the noise at night would go on for weeks on end.

On the second week streak, Mikey dragged his feet to the lab. Donnie back facing him while they tampered with some wiring of a random machine that was unrecognizable.

“Dee.” Mikey voiced quietly trying to make his presence known. Donnie jumped spinning their chair to face the younger brother. “Mikey you scared me.” They sighed rubbing their eyes and groaning.

Donnie seemed to have remade the mask that was taken from them. Almost everything was taken from them. All the tech Donnie came in with probably stayed rotting in Big Mama's vault.

Yet the first thing Don seemed to care about making was that damn mask again. Not even their battle shell-that was the third thing-(the second being Mikey's ear peice.) they started working on which led to a stressful week of a vulnerable shell out in the open and a mask constantly covering their face again.

Mikey sighed at the sight of his older sibling, the ring around their eyes showed up looking like deep black holes, the white of them now cracking with red tints and their face looking like they'd aged 20 years.

It was a shocking and sad sight the boy was completely deprived of any sort of healthy lifestyle. The box turtle only remembered it being this bad when Mikey lost his sight in his eye, They worked twice as hard since they refused to make him touch anything of theirs anymore.

“Donnie when was the last time you slept?” Mikey asked walking over to the chair to get a closer look at the soft-shelled.
Donnie responded with huffs and light laughter. “Mikey no need to worry, I sleep during the day while you’re out exploring.”

‘Bullshit.’ Mikey thought crossing his arms. “Bullshit seriously dude you need to improve your lying skills.” the room went still Mikey staring down at Donnie while they sat staring at the floor.
“It's none of your concern how much sleep I get, you, on the other hand, need sleep for those wounds to heal properly,” Don turned their chair around getting back to work with their tech, usually their silent ‘end of conversation’ gesture.

This however didn't make Mikey want to end the conversation it just made him want to further argue about it. “You need sleep too, your head isn't gonna get any better with all this lack of sleeping and light.” Mikey pushed trying to turn the chair again but Donnie gripped tightly onto the table so it was unable to spin around. “Seriously Dee you need to go to bed.” The brother started poking at Donnie's arm trying to get the sibling to cave.

After a few pokes, Donnie gripped onto Mikey's wrist forcefully but not roughly side eyeing daggers at the brother “I’m staying here and working, you can't convince me otherwise Mikey, now drop it.” They released the wrist and submerged their face back into the wiring.

Nothing was gonna make Donnie sleep tonight. Even if Mikey somehow managed to drag them into their bed, they would just climb out and start working again. He’s tried it many times before as a kid and that was always the endgame.

Mikey cracked his fingers and neck “welp guess I’m staying up with you!” He smirked when Donnie turned in shock. The red cracks on the white of their eyes were more visible from how wide they were. They weren't expecting this move so they had no defence against it.

“Uh no, you are not! Seriously we don't need two of us sleep-deprived.” Donnie retorted.
“There could be zero of us sleep-deprived if you just went to bed.” Mikey sat on the small bench chair near Donnie.

“You play a dirty game dear brother.” They both smirked but still, nothing changed. They still started working on the project and Mikey stayed sitting on that bench watching what Don was doing to the machinery.

After three more nights of this Donnie finally collapsed from exhaustion and slept for almost a whole 15 hours.

It became a habit and a routine. Donnie would work, collapse at their desk and Mikey would potato bag carry them to their bed and they'd be out for hours on end. Mikey once checked Don's pulse to be sure they were still kicking.

During those sleep days, Mikey would wander more around the hotel. Talking with some nicer bellboys or just cooking in the kitchen. Ever since Mad Dog wandered in and talked to the Kitchen Yokai, he never questioned Mikey being there again.

Speaking of Mad Dog, He never saw him after that, then again he didn't really go out of his way to watch the battle Nexus anymore, quite the opposite. Refusing to watch it at all to the point of seeing it in a room Mikey would go to another floor.

So the main haul wasn't a place he went to often. For obvious reasons. Usually trying to go anywhere but there, because the idea of Mad Dog being there wouldn't spark fear in the box turtle but curiosity which Donnie use to say “could be more dangerous than fear sometimes.”

Today was a day when curiosity grabbed him in a chokehold.

In the kitchen, he was cooking up an omelet breakfast for himself. He knew Donnie would be sleeping most of the day so usually just brought dinner down to them. A familiar distant voice could be heard from across the loud kitchen making Mikey instinctively look up to put a face to it. And of course, it was his lucky day to see the large spiky shell of a large turtle Yokai.

He couldn't understand what the turtle was saying but the tone was soft. The large Yokai placed the plate onto the kitchen counter while the fennec fox bowed profusely making Mad Dog rub the back of his head apparently nervous or flustered laughing slightly turning around and eyes clicking with Mikey.

The Yokai looked away quickly and started pacing himself outside the kitchen. Mikey followed his movement with his eyes ‘Wonder what he was talking about?” Mikey pondered

‘Maybe I should follow him?’ A voice at the back of his head questioned. ‘What no! He cracked our damn shell!”
‘But why?’

The smell of burning shot him back to the present moment. Looking down to see the omelet burning. “Shitshit.” Mikey voiced grabbing the omelette with his hand stupidly tossing it back and forth before throwing it across the kitchen.

A Panda Yokai with a stack of pots and pans came marching out slipping on said burned omelet and dropping it all onto the floor creating a loud clatter. And if things couldn't get any worse the smoke alarm started to blare throughout the floor.

The fennec fox Yokai came marching over to the panda and started yelling harshly. ‘He’s distracted RUN.’ and that Mikey did skillfully slipping out of the kitchen doors. ‘Haha, they won't ever suspect me now.’ He turned around smugly only to face plant into someone's chest.

Or Plastron.

He got a silent sorry before being picked up as if he weighed a feather and placed away from the door.

“Hey what happened? Is everyone okay?” The Mad Dog asked being met with the sight of multiple pots pans and cutlery on the ground. “Oh yes, sir we just have a new hire that seems to have two left feet.” The fox snarked at the panda. “It wasn't me sir I swear I slipped on this omelet.” She defended. “Oh yeah, that's what they always say.” The chef cussed hitting her with his hat.

Mad Dog shook his head pinching his thumb and finger on his nose. “Do you need any help with the cleanup?” The panda stood shocked “Oh nono I can do it on my own, but thank you for the generosity.” Raph smiled lightly “yeah anytime.”

“Your damn right you're cleaning this on your own!” The fox howled but Raph heard nothing after that closing the slide doors.

He looked to his side to see a small turtle with a fogged-up eye making the face become instantly recognizable. He shifted his eyes away from the turtle. “Did you do this?” Raph questioned pointing his thumb to the kitchen.
“Uhh.” The Yokai, what was his name again? Mark? Mason? Actually probably be better if he doesn't remember. “No?” He responded not sounding the least convincing.

“I think it's best you stay out of the kitchen if you keep getting into these situations man.” The box turtle seemed to still slightly before resuming “Oh, I usually cook much better than this but guess I'm still getting used to the living space.” The smaller turtle laughed nervously.

Raph rolled his eyes “Yeah whatever man, just stay out of more trouble, Big Mama hates when things go wrong, even small things.”

The Turtle nodded vigorously which Raph took as his leave. And thank god for that because one more minute with that kid and he’d be a goner for sure. He couldn't stand being near him let alone talk to the poor guy.

The other party on the other hand took it as his deadly shot to be curious. “Where are you going?” Mad Dog froze tensing for a split second “Uh I’m getting ready for my next battle, It starts in around forty minutes so I can't really stay for idle chatter right now sorry.” He started walking away again not looking back once.

the turtle ran over to be walking alongside Mad Dog “That's fine I can walk with you.” The larger Yokai gave a questioning glance but only for a second before looking straight ahead again. How was this dude not afraid of him? Is he doing this to try and back Raph into a corner? No there's no way, he's way too small and ill-experienced to even think about doing that.

“Look I really need to do this on my own so could you please take your leave, I’m off from fighting tomorrow talk to me then okay?” He picked up his speed but it just got mimicked the smaller turtle staying by his side.

“I won't bother you promise it's the least you can do.” This was the final card he could play. The pity card.

Luckily that card seemed to deal him in. Mad Dogs voice hitched and his body language became more withdrawn. After a few seconds of walking the champion spoke “Okay yeah but you keep your mouth shut.” the half-blind turtle pinched his two fingers zipping them across his mouth and giving a thumbs up. Raph would have smiled at the gesture but given the Yokai that has done action, all it did was make him feel sick with uneasiness.

“Oh by the way names Mikey.” He smiled reaching his hand out. Raph stared at the hand but turned around to continue walking to his destination. He didn't deserve to shake his hand. He didn’t want to touch Mikey ever again.

For the first fifteen minutes of Raph getting ready the turtle was true to his promise not saying a word and just watching Raph do his routine. He acted as if he wasn't there to ease his consciousness on any added unwanted stress on his face.

Of course, it was too good of a wish to hope the Yokai would be quiet the whole time. As Raph was doing some stretches the smaller turtle stood beside him mirroring the actions.
“You know I took a miming class when I was younger.” Mikey randomly informed Raph who said nothing from the statement continuing his stretching without falter. “Donnie said it was stupid but the Yokai that ran it was always a good listener.”

Now Raph was confused about if he was trying to tell a joke or was being dead serious in this exchange but he still said nothing.

It was quiet after that ‘conversation’ until he was heading to his weapon chamber to grab the Tonfa that lay there with care. Mikey shot up running over to grip some of Raphs wrists to get a better look at them. “Oh my God, you Tonfas in the flesh!” Mikey jumped up and down happily the light touch burning into Raphs wrist as if it was fire.

“Don't touch me,” Raph ordered detaching Mikey from the grip. The boy didn't seem to mind the order bubbling with excitement from afar. ‘Seriously how does this dude have so much energy?’

Raph was about ready to leave when a sudden ‘Wait!’ made him halt. Looking over to ‘face’ Mikey hopefully one more time “What’s wrong?”

The box turtled seemed to rack some thoughts in his head but soon spoke “Could I paint your face?” Well, that was definetly not the question Raph would expect out of his mouth but at this point, nothing this Yokai says seems to be expected. “Why would you wanna do that?” Mad Dog asked quirking his brow, the question genuine besides judgy which eased Mikey's muscles.

“Well, ever since I watched you I always thought you could paint your face to stick out more from the crowd,” Mikey answered kicking his feet shyly.
“I’m the Nexus champion I don't need to stick out with face paint.” Raph stated matter-of-factly bringing back some tension in Mikey's shoulders before sighing “Yeah I guess your right. well, I'll leave you to it then.”

Mikey Turned around and Raph could get an eyeful of the damage on his shell for the first time. screws sticking out on the sides and being held by tough wire that showed no chance of breaking. It was handled with care something Raph lacked when all he did was bandage the wound so it could ease his mind that he covered up the damage that he caused.

Guilt wasn't even close to what ate him up inside in those moments, this was Karma's way of getting back at him for all of the things he's done and he honestly didn't blame it.

But he saw a window now to creak open slightly for his selfish wanting to be forgiven. “Okay, I’ll let you paint my face this one time.” Raph was shocked when the turtle shot around and stretched out his arms to give his plastron a big squeeze attempting a hug that sort of failed given the size difference Raph had on the Yokai.”

“Thank you so much! I swear I’m good at this, I do Donnie eyebrows all the time and they always look.” He does a finger kiss gesture “Magnifique.”

In the end, Mikey did some swirled-out red designs that went from the right side all the way to the two blade scars on his left. The design was simple very quick strokes of the brush not precise and all, but that was all the point. At least when Raph asked that was what Mikey said.

“Red suits you, plus just like you because you're very quick and unexpectable.”

He also learned that Donnie was his Sibling after asking reluctantly about how his ‘brother’ is doing and getting corrected, Raph apologized greatly and the box turtle just laughed “It’s okay it's not like you knew at that time.”

Mikey was extremely comfortable with Raph and the snapping turtle couldn't say why, if anything he should hate him or at the very least fear him for what he’s done to him and his sibling.

"And Boom look at you new and improved Mad Dog if a do say myself," Mikey commented handing a small hand mirror to Raph.
But When he grabbed the mirror to look at his reflection the red paint stroked all across his face, he dropped the mirror panicked, the glass shattering on the ground making Mikey give a questioning concerned look. Raph smudged the paint on his face trying to rub everything off but it only need with the red paint smudging on his hands causing the turtle to shake.

“Do you not like it? I can try again with another colour-”
“No, It's fine sorry I just-” He wasn't able to finish that sentence instead standing up straight again to tower over everything, holding his head up high. “I’m fine thank you though.”

Walking over to the battle Nexus portal Mikey followed close behind. Raph stopped in front of the entrance and pondered for a moment.

‘This could be the only time you can get this shot.’ his brain whispered and Raph knew it was true so he went on with the plan. “Hey, I just need to say I’m sorry for the damage I put you and your sibling in.” Raph leaned over to get a glimpse of the cracked damage he's done “And your shell.”

Mikey made a psh noise waving him off. “It's okay I forgive you. Just call the cracked shell the autograph that I asked for when we met.” This answer made Raph shocked. What no yelling? No pointing blame at him? No, he had to hear that he did wrong, he couldn't just get out of this free of charge.

So he asked one last question.
“Why do you forgive me so quickly?”

Mikey smiled huffing loudly “Because we're all here for a reason, and sometimes we're here for reasons we can't control.” There was silence, the only noise was the whirring sound of the portal just behind them both.

“Well I better start making something to eat, I’m starving.” Mikey pipes up like a casual conversion walking away. “Break a leg out there, I'll be watching!” and with that, Mikey was gone.

Mikey stuck in the hotel's main area to watch Mad Dog fight first time in weeks, and as usual, he obliterated everyone and all the Yokai watching cheered and yelled.

After a bit of that, some noise static went through his earpieces. “Mikey, where are you?” Oh, it was Donnie they're definitely up earlier than they usually are during these pass-out days. “I’m in the main hall, something up?”

“Nothing someone just knocking on the door, was hoping you could get it.” Knocking? That wasn't a common thing in that house, something about that made Mikey's skin crawl but he didn't want to voice it and make Donnie paranoid. “Yeah you'll have to get it, but I’ll be at the room soon I was just finishing up.” That was a lie he had about 20 minutes of the fight left and it was apparently with a new unseen fighter but Mikey needed to trust his gut, and his gut said to go back (and that it was hungry again.)

Mikey slapped together some sandwiches before speed-walking back to the room. Walking in it was quiet, which brought some ease to the turtle before walking into Donnie's room to find them not there. “Dee?” Mikey called “Yo Dee where are you?” no answer Mikey's pulse started to quicken he sped around aimlessly for a few seconds which felt like minutes running into the lab to find his sibling standing staring dazed at a piece of paper.

“And you talk about ME giving you a heart attack dude I’ve been calling you.” Donnie didn't answer just staring at the paper blankly. Mikey started to worry stepping over and placing a light hand on them “Don what's wrong? Who was at the door?” Donnie swallowed looking over at their brother with tired sunken and now slightly fearful eyes.

“They gave me the first weapon to build."