Author's Note: I wanted to share a short epilogue to conclude this series. WOW- I'm so SO thankful for all the readers, reviewers, and favorite/followers! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! As this story ends, I'm excited to begin a new chapter series. Check out a short description at the end! Enjoy!

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A Turtle & His Sisyphus

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Michelangelo decided today was going to be a pancake day. Pancakes make everyone feel better, maybe it'll help him feel better too. For the first time in the passing days, stepped out of his room to make breakfast for his family like he did a lifetime ago. Sneaking past Donatello's slightly closed door, he rushed past hoping to find everyone still asleep. He took a deep sigh of relief upon finding the dark and empty room. Knowing Splinter or Leo are the first ones up, he knew he had to make it quick.

A strange pit in his stomach steadied his speed. For so long, his mind was stuck on replay of the painful memories—Mikey felt how strange it was to not think about it. His body continuing stirring instead, resonating the all too familiar guilt he's been carrying for weeks. It all swarmed back to him—Leo, Bishop, drugs—dreading that he'd be stuck in this painful loop of remorse. Mikey always saw himself like a dream catcher—holding onto the bad memories, and letting the good ones pass through. He's the voice of victories in his family, but also keeps the silence of the losses. The too many times his brothers' lives were at risk, he had to bring back the happiness—always looking at the lighter side. But, he knew he was holding in too much anger, hurt, and guilt.

Mikey felt he was on autopilot. Beat the eggs, remember his brothers' worried looks. Stir in flour, remember Bishop's words—rinse and repeat. His face rested a stern frown, attempting to listen to every click and clank of the lair to drown out the crippling guilt. He should be happier again, smiling and being with his family. Why can't I just be…me again?

But something clicked, like Leo promised. He felt motivated, and frankly bored locking himself in his room. It was his choice to retreat, and like he hoped—his family made sure he wouldn't isolate completely.

Splinter brought him tea and consoled him. Mikey didn't realize how much he missed those moments until they slipped away from him. Leo was always the first up, always knocking before entering his room to leave him food. He'd sit for a minute, checking in with Mikey before seeing himself out. Raphael didn't say much when he'd visit. He'd bring in their video game console, toss him a controller, and sit on the floor as the two played match after match until Mikey said he was done. It took Donatello the longest to visit him, except for the medical check ups. He was the first to tell Mikey he was clear, making it the first time in months Mikey saw Don smile again.

Mikey turned his back to Leo as he began cooking the pancakes. He still couldn't look his brother in the eye, even visit after visit. Was this how it was always going to be?

"You know," Leo leaned against the counter top, smiling sadly. "I was so angry for months after almost losing you all. I hurt everyone, but mostly I hurt myself. I kept everything locked in so tight, I didn't want you all to see me hurt. I'm the fearless leader, I have to keep everyone together. So I was tougher on you guys, more cut and dry. I thought I was doing the right thing. But, in reality, I was a ticking time bomb. Waiting to detonate either myself, or explode so badly around you all that you'd all reject me anyway. And I finally did, to Splinter. God, I can still remember how angry I was. Blaming him every day, growing to the point of nearing loathing him. I kept asking myself why. Why didn't he teach me more? Why didn't he give me enough training to protect you all better? Why wasn't I enough? Honestly, I blacked out in that moment. As much as it hurt, I knew I had to leave. The Ancient One grounded me again. It was the best thing I did. But, that was me. I had to take a step back. That…that doesn't mean you have to. My point is, you can't keep yourself locked away. I did it, and so did Raph and Donnie. I…I don't want to see you do what we all did. Even if it means stepping away from us. If you want, it's okay if you want some time away. I…I can call the Ancient One if you want to go with him. Go spend some time with the Justice Force for a month or so—do whatever you have to do to forgive yourself. I can sit here all day and tell you how much I don't blame you, how we all don't blame you. But if you don't take care of yourself…it's all meaningless."

Mikey hadn't even realized he burnt the pancake. His knew his eyes were watering as he stared blankly at the burning dish. Leo, hell his whole family, just gets him. He unlocked himself. Allowing the tears to flow silently. He didn't know what else to say, or do, besides quietly saying, "Thank you."

He heard his brother get up, walking over to him as he put his arm around him. He felt his brother's cold metallic hand on his shoulder, but it still made him feel warmer. "I promise you, you'll get through this. You're strong. Always have been."

"Thanks, Leo." Mikey smiled back, trying to compose himself. "I…I appreciate it, but I think I want to just stay with you guys. Being alone kinda sucked and I…just wanna hang out. We haven't had a pizza game night in a while. Pizza's on me? Or…uh…given the recent events maybe Chinese will be better?"

"Sounds good to me. Uh…" Leo chuckled, as he took the pan. "We'll give Raph the burnt one. I heard he lost in Mario Kart last night to you and Don in a row."

"The fuck you talking about, Fearless?" Raphael growled, rushing over to the kitchen. Crossing his arms he noticed Leo standing beside Mikey. He could easily notice his youngest brother slightly trembling. Leo made eye contact with Raph, smiling as he tilted his head toward his brother encouragingly. Making things normal again, make him smile again. Raphael gave a quick nod. Smirking back at Leo, he spat back, "Right now. You and me. Mario Kart. Loser has burnt pancakes."

"You really should just take your losses, but if you insist." Leo called out to Raph as he began setting up the game. Leo smiled to Mikey before heading over to Raph.

"Why are we shouting so early?" Donnie could practically be crawling out of his room as he slumped over to the coffee machine. Mikey knew Don was in zombie mode in the morning. Don notice Mikey whipping his eyes as he quickly continued cooking.

Mikey cleared his throat, as he smiled to Don. "Uh, well…Raph challenged Leo to Mario Kart over burnt pancakes. I'd get a good seat, it's gonna get heated pretty soon."

"Ah, I see. Knowing them it'll turn into a sparing match too so I'll stay in the safety of the food and coffee for now. If you don't mind me hanging out?"

"Of course not, D."

Far across the room, Splinter felt his heart warmed seeing his family together and whole again. Perhaps his long evening meditation and prayer were beginning to take affect. For each of his sons were so strong, and nothing could ever wavier that.

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END.

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In chess, a gambit is an opening in which a player seeks to obtain some advantage by sacrificing a pawn or piece.

A victor's crown is lighter than it's burden. Michelangelo was convinced his first Battle Nexus victory was fated. The second time, he rightfully earned his title. But maybe, it wasn't. Summoned by the Ninja Tribunal, they must face the price of victory. Deep secrets, lies, and duty will shake the turtles as they begin to uncover truths and secrets of the world. The turtles question their actions, and those who influenced them.

Coming Soon: A New Chapter Story: Retelling of Season 5, TMNT 2003: The Gambit