Author's Note: AND here's the epilogue of Turtle Dove, at last! This takes place one month after the last chapter, and everyone's in the mood for a celebration! Let's see how our heroes have done since defeating Shredarrah and how their relationships have been, including a growing relationship between a certain hothead and redheaded kunoichi-in-training. Read and review!

Epilogue

One month later

Donatello stood in front of the bathroom mirror and pressed his hands to his plastron with a sigh. What was once an open wound in his plastron, now became a large scar running from his left shoulder to the top of his right thigh. Even with the mutagenic medicine he took for weeks, a scar was expected, but he didn't expect one this big. A scar was much better than lying dead on the pavement, however. He no longer had to wear a protective vest, but it still felt awkward having such a blemish out in the open.

"Come on, D, pizza's here!" Michelangelo suddenly poked his head in the bathroom and saw his brother fixated on the mirror. "Dude, are you still worried about your scar? You've been mulling over it since the bandages came off."

The genius turtle's frown deepened. "I don't know, Mikey. I mean, when we first came to the surface, I figured Raph would be the only one with any real scars. But he still just has that chip in his plastron, and I've got this."

Mikey only blinked, but before Donnie could sigh and go back to staring in the mirror the orange-masked turtle wrapped his arm around his older brother's shoulders. "Donnie, dude, that scar's nothing to be ashamed up. You got that scare protecting the woman you love AND saving the Earth! So don't look at it as a flaw…" He waved his hand in front of Donnie's scar like a game-show host showcasing the grand prize and concluded, "Look at it as your badge of honor."

The purple-masked turtle stared back at the scar and traced his fingers over it. As much as it still hurt to look at, Mikey was right: this was his badge of honor. This scar reminded him of the sacrifice he was willing to make to save his loved ones, and save his home. It could no longer hold him back, and he wouldn't let it keep holding him back. He knew he had to stop loathing the scar; he had to wear it proudly. "Thanks, Mikey." Donnie replied softly. "You wouldn't happen to be taking pep-talk lessons from Cheyloe, would you?"

"Hmm, maybe." Mikey teased with a laugh. "Now come on, let's get some pizza!"

In the main area of the lair, Leonardo carried a stack of pizza boxes to the seating area while Raphael busied himself with bringing packs of soda. Out of the kitchen came April, who carried paper plates and napkins over to the folding tables set up nearby. Since the kitchen didn't have enough seats, they had to make accommodations. The others would be over shortly, and all were eager to take a bite out of the piping-hot pizza already. Once Donnie and Mikey entered the fray, the others decided to take a break.

"So, when will everyone else arrive?" Donnie asked curiously.

"Casey'll be here any minute; he just got back from the doctor. The ladies left early so they'd get here on time. Karai-I mean, Miwa…I don't know if she's back home yet from Japan or not." Leo explained, getting out his T-Phone and checking his messages for any updates. "The Mutanimals have a mission, so we'll bring a couple of boxes over to their warehouse."

Mikey grabbed for one of the pizza boxes, but Raph took notice and swiftly slapped his brother's hand away. "Not 'till everyone else gets here." He warned.

It was then Splinter stepped out of the dojo. Instead of wearing his usual robes, the rat came out sporting a new montsuki, though it looked like he still had to get used to the hakama trousers due to his tail. The gift came from Anna, and they all learned that she knew a thing or two about designing clothes; the silk even had the Hamato emblem stitched in it. The hole in his trousers for his tail was a last-minute decision, and seemed painful on Anna's part for some reason. Splinter gave a smile and walked to the table, his cane tapping with each step.

"It looks like everything has been set up, my children." Splinter mused, standing next to Leo with pride. "Are our guests arriving soon?"

"Yeah, but still no word on Miwa." Raph replied before giving a snort, "Y'know, it feels weird not calling her Karai anymore. Guess it's 'cause that's how we've always known her."

"The name Karai made her feel that she would still be linked to Saki. Going back to her birth name is a way for her to reconnect with her true heritage, instead of continuing to be Saki's shadow." The rat explained, glancing towards the dojo and thinking of the photo he always kept of his human self, Tang Shen, and baby Miwa. Now with that photo, he accompanied it with a photo of his current self and his new family, complete with his now-grown daughter. A part of him wished Tang Shen was still here to see their family-their clan-begin anew, but he knew that she still watched over them in spirit. Though Miwa remained a mutant, she no longer felt a need to rush Donatello for a cure; she found her mutant abilities quite useful and used them to her advantage. Splinter no longer felt he had to guard himself around her due to the predator/prey relationship of their mutant forms; she wouldn't hurt him.

The turnstiles clicked, and the group saw the one-and-only Casey Jones saunter into the lair, giving a wave and a click of his tongue. "Casey Jones is in th' house an' cleared by th' doctor!"

Raph immediately came up and smacked the lanky human's shoulder. "All right, Puckhead! I've been missin' bashing heads with ya! Somebody's gotta help me clean up the last of Shredder's goons and Farrah's fanatics, and I've got tired of Mikey talkin' my ear off!" The red-masked turtle ignored his baby brother taking offense at the comment to lead his friend to the table, "We'll be ready in a bit; just gotta wait for everyone else!"

While Raph dragged the babbling Casey over to the table of pizza and soda, he glanced over at April before giving her a quick wink and grin, making the redhead giggle. April herself also looked ready for the occasion; her hair draped over her shoulder and her upper back instead of being in its usual ponytail. There would've been one more person joining in their celebration, but she was still in the process of forgiving what he did. Maybe once all the anger wore off, she and the others could feel comfortable having her father back in the lair…but no need to let that ruin the day. She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her sunshine-yellow coat and started following after the turtle and hockey player when another voice caught her and the others' attention.

"Hey, we're here!" The familiar voice chirped, "We're not late, are we?"

Donnie turned his head and felt a smile brighten his face. "Cheyloe, you ladies made it!"

Indeed, there were Cheyloe, Anna, and Kaitlyn, the first hobbling to the turnstiles on crutches and keeping her right leg lifted. Chey came in sporting a new coat and freshly-cut bangs, Anna sported a purple cardigan and hair in a bun, and Kaitlyn combed her curly mess of hair and carried a glass bowl with plastic wrap on it. Before Chey could attempt to cross through the turnstiles, Donnie was right there to stop her.

"Hold up, Chey!" The genius turtle immediately handed her crutches to Anna before scooping her up in his strong arms. "Your chariot is here!"

"Donnie, I got my cast stuck in the turnstiles ONE time! I'm fine, honest!" The brunette protested, despite the grin on her face.

Kaitlyn suddenly held up the bowl in her hands, "I hope ya bums are ready for some Ambrosia salad, courtesy 'a Chef Liesman!"

Mikey's eyes immediately brightened and he rushed over to grab the bowl. "Ambrosia salad!? Aw Kaitlyn, you're the best!"

With everyone congregating in the main area and chatting up a storm, no one paid heed to a long mass of scales slithering behind the turnstiles, or the low hiss echoing around the tunnels. Well, a certain brunette's nose immediately twitched, and her eyes immediately went over to the spot near the turnstiles. "You're not fooling anyone, you know." She deadpanned, "You can come join the party, too, Miwa."

A grunt came out of the slithering creature before being replaced by the sounds of bones and tissue shifting into new form. There at the turnstiles stood Karai…or rather, Miwa now. The blonde dye in the back part of her hair slowly faded with her hair growing out, and the red and black kunoichi makeup no longer presented itself on her face, being replaced by faint black eyeliner. With her body back in its human form, the serpentine kunoichi casually flipped her hair off her shoulders and flashed a smirk. She watched the others start welcoming her back, asking her how her trip was, and she swore she saw Casey give her a lecherous grin. Besides that minor detail, it was good to be home.

"So, what's the news?" Leo asked eagerly, "Any sightings of Tiger Claw? What about any other Foot Clan members?"

Miwa shook her head and sighed, "Tiger Claw's still at large. Any Foot members based in Japan, I told them that Shredder is dead and the clan should be wise to disband. Other than that, I caught up with some old friends and cleared my head of any connections with…him."

"Shredder is dead, Miwa." Splinter reprimanded sternly, "Do not keep his spirit alive with your doubts. As long as you do not let him continue having control over you, you have nothing to fear."

Miwa glanced away; it was clear she remained uncertain about keeping her former identity as Shredder's daughter at-bay. To keep it from spoiling the cheerful atmosphere, she added, "I also wanted to add that Fugitoid's little helper followed me here, but Fugitoid's not with her." She stepped aside and added with a waggle of her eyebrows, "She specifically wished to talk to you, Leo."

Leo immediately blushed, both from his sister's insinuation and none-other than Andromeda appearing from the tunnels. Still stone-faced as ever, he could see. "Andromeda, where's Fugitoid? Isn't he joining the party?"

Andromeda shook her head, absentmindedly reaching up to tuck a strawberry-blonde lock behind her 'ear'. "My father has decided to join the Utroms in Dimension X. He will help them to ensure the Kraang stay there and do not harm your planet again…and he is preparing things, in case the Triceratons decide to return." She calmly walked up to Leonardo, not noticing his sudden awkwardness, and concluded, "He wishes for me to remain on Earth and learn your customs. Since Leonardo is leader of your group, I shall learn from him. Is that all right, Leonardo?"

"O-Oh, uh, yeah! Y-Yeah, that's perfectly fine!" The blue-masked turtle stuttered, scratching the back of his neck and chuckling, "I-I'll teach you everything you need to know! In fact, you made a good choice because, well, I'm an expert on Earth culture. I just don't like to brag about it much."

Everyone else stared at Leo suddenly giving Andromeda a cool grin and putting on airs; he used to pull the 'be cool and don't screw this up' façade with Miwa back before he knew she was Splinter's daughter. A moment later, they laughed, much to Leo's embarrassment, until Mikey clapped his hands.

"Hey, enough stalling! Let's party already!"

It only took five minutes for everyone to break out the pizza, soda, and Ambrosia salad. Michelangelo blasted loud hip-hop from the stereo system and had to be reprimanded three times by the sensitive-eared Splinter, but that didn't deter the freckled turtle. Leo already sat down with Andromeda and started giving her a course in Earth Customs 101, the android hanging on every word he said. While Anna decided to dance to the music alongside Raph and April, Miwa watched with glee as Casey had his butt mercilessly whipped by Kaitlyn in an arm-wrestling match. Lesson of the day: never challenge a person with super-strength to an arm-wrestling match.

"It's funny…just a month ago, we were fighting to save New York from Shredder and Farrah. Now here we are partying in the lair like we don't have a care in the world."

Donatello and Cheyloe sat at the table watching everyone else when the former brought up the statement. Chey had a trail of cheese going from her mouth to the pizza slice she held, and when she caught Donnie's laughter she quickly cleaned up before thinking of his words. It was true; just a month ago they were in the fight for their lives against two psychopaths, and now here they were celebrating finally being at peace. But it wasn't just the struggle last month; for two years, they all went through turmoil, but came out strong as ever. Kraang invasions, Triceratons threatening to destroy the world, anti-mutant movements threatening to destroy their very family…they didn't come out unscathed, but they came out with stronger resolves and stronger bonds.

"To think…all this started when I found you badly beaten on a rooftop." Chey mused, placing a gentle hand on Donnie's shoulder and watching him clasp it. "Funny how things went from there, huh?"

"Yeah…but I'm glad it happened. I mean, I'm not glad I got beaten up, but I'm glad that I got to meet you because of it." The genius turtle smiled widely, reaching over to ruffle Chey's hair, and add, "If it weren't for you, I would've either died then or died at Mozar's hands. I'm sorry I hadn't said it sooner…but thank you, Cheyloe. Thank you for saving my life twice."

The brunette gave him a slightly-quivering smile. "I should be thanking you, too. If it hadn't been for you, I don't I would've ever began the healing process from what happened to Embry. Actually, I don't think I would've had the courage to open my heart up to someone…and I'm glad that person ended up being you. Thank you for that, Donatello…thank you so, so much."

The moment he saw her put down her slice of pizza, Donnie swooped in and scooped Cheyloe into his arms, making her yelp in surprise. He stood on his feet and kept hold of her, glancing down and looking her right in the eyes, and a playful smile graced his lips, putting the brunette at ease. Donnie was careful not to bump her cast into anything and set off a jolt of pain, so he maneuvered the both of them carefully away from the table and mess of chairs until they were right next to the stream of water in front of the dojo. By this time, the others noticed the sudden display and halted so they could watch and figure out what would happen. The smile on Donnie's lips told them they had nothing to worry about, however.

"Donnie, what're you doing, exactly?" Chey asked in a low voice.

The genius turtle chuckled and brought his face closer to hers, breathing in her scent as he answered, "Just taking in how gorgeous you look right now."

Chey opened and closed her mouth several times like a suffocating fish as a blush flared across her cheeks. Before she could get Donnie to iterate his remark, the genius turtle immediately pelted her face with kiss after kiss. At first she was shocked, but her shock turned to joy and laughter poured out of her mouth.

"Donnie, stop, that tickles!" She sputtered out.

Raph and April paid close attention to the scene, and the latter found herself casually resting her head on the former's shoulder. Aside from Donnie and Chey's behavior, it became obvious to the family that things were also changing between the red-masked turtle and the redhead, more-so since their battle with Shredarrah ended. The change was so obvious that it would be assumed both duos were courting each other. That was why Raph and April found amusement in watching Donnie smooch Chey like a love-struck turtle would. The red-masked turtle had a hope inside that pretty soon…that would be him and April. Not that he would let the rest of his family know that. Little did he know, the feeling was picked up on by the redhead in question, thanks to her ever-present empathetic powers, and proved to be mutual on her part.

Inside Donnie's room, a small hand reached out and touched the turtle dove charm hanging from the bed post. The child the hand belonged to suddenly got up from his seat and walked to the woman accompanying him. Both stared at the charm, the growing number of photos on the desk mixed with pages of notes, and the closed laptop with reassured smiles. They were happy with the growing positivity in the lair, and the hearts of the occupants slowly healing from all the trials they endured. What they knew now was that their job was done at last, and they were ready to move on.

"Did we do a good job?" Embry asked innocently.

Tang Shen chuckled and picked the boy up, holding him close to her bosom. "Yes we did, my child. They'll be all right now…we can rest in peace."

"I'll miss Donnie and Chey, but I'm happy they're okay now." The boy noted, pressing his face into the woman's shoulder. "That's all I wanted."

"As did I. They will be fine, and so will my Yoshi and my Miwa. Their family is strong, and even though our work is done, we can still watch over them until we are reunited." Shen hugged the boy, running her hand through his messy hair, and concluded, "It's time we went, Embry."

Tang Shen and Embry closed their eyes, and as quickly as they appeared in the room, they were gone, leaving the charm swaying softly from the change of atmosphere in the room. The photograph on the desk was the same as the new photograph decorating the dojo: the image of the growing Hamato Clan. They would experience new adventures, and more than likely they would face old foes. One thing was for sure…they would face any new trials as a family. A family made whole.

And there you have it! Turtle Dove is officially completed! Now don't be sad, my audience! You'll be seeing plenty more drabbles in "Turtle Dove Tidbits", and I'm already working on a sequel! I really want to thank all my reviewers for giving me great reviews; they've helped me keep writing! I also deeply appreciate the great reviews left on some of my other recent stories! Thank you all once again for reading my story and reviewing it!

I also want to announce I'm working on yet another story, this one also Donnie-centered. I may have this one under a beta-reader, and I've decided to call it "Transcendental". So be geared up for that, more drabbles, and the upcoming "Turtle Dove 2"!