Winter Feast

“This is great our first Winter Feast in this world.” Leonardo said to his brothers as he and the others were taking out boxes containing some decorations that they have created.

“No kidding. I can’t wait to try some of the dance steps that I’ve seen.” Michelangelo told them with a laugh as he too made his way to the base of the stairs. As the sons were getting everything out their father was coming to grips with something deeper.

‘This is good.’ Dream Splinter thought with a sigh as he was dreaming just a peaceful tea moment with his sons until the dream was shattered.

“Is that - Tai Lung?” Dream Donatello questioned as he readied his bo-staff.

“Impossible. Wuxi Finger hold should have did him in.” Dream Leonardo countered as he got ready for battle.

“Anyone, but me realize who’s armor he’s sporting.” Dream Raphael questioned to his brothers. It was then that they saw it as well - Utrom Shredder’s armor: complete with growing tech.

“No.” Splinter called out as he watched his sons were about to suffer the same fate as his prime sons. The moment was stopped when a black/orange paw grabbed his wrist and squeezed; the cat’s free hand caught the falling turtles.

“Thanks Whiskers, I owe you one.” Dream Red said to his…friend before he and his brothers grew as big as Shredder.

“Take him down, team.” Dream field leader said and after a nine way assault the evil image was gone, and before another word could be said the Furious Five and the Ninja Turtles were gone. The dream made the elderly rat nervous about something, and his anxiety was felt by his sons.

“Was that Master Splinter?” The brainy one questioned with worry before he and the others rushed over with Raphael plowing through the wooden door.

“Where’s the thug? Where’s the thug?” The one in red questioned as he scanned the room and only saw his father in bed. The elder rat saw all four of his sons in his bedroom: each of them were looking around for any danger, and he did not wish to tell them of his dream of a man wearing THAT armor.
“It is nothing, my sons, just a humiliating dream.” He lied to them since he knew they would be worried if this world had him in it. They took his answer as his real answer and walked off. “You will have to build me a new door.” He said to the fleeing teens.

“I don’t believe it! They’re here on top.” Michelangelo shouted with great joy as he saw on the top of the pile five specific things. “These are the sun lanterns we made a little after we got here.” The slacker explained before picking his up, and looked at it.

“The reason it is on top, my son is because I decided to organize our belongings while you four were training. I will enjoy this Winter Festival, not only because it will be our first, but it will be our first as a family.” The rat said to the others and they were all touched by what he said.

“The decorations.” The oldest said to them since he liked how much effort the citizens put into their self made decorations.

“There is the tea.” Donatello stated since they have been saving some Jasmine tea for a while now, and the big brained brother knew that it was aged just right: by now.

“The games aren’t have bad. Especially our version.” The second oldest stated with a smirk since he liked how they put a ninja twist on this valley’s traditions.

“Not to mention the dancing. Right father?” Michelangelo said after placing his lantern on the counter, grabbed his father and spun about once before letting go. “The rice balls.” He said and began to wolf down the plate full before him.

“Morning, Dragon Warriors.” A voice said to them causing three of them to bow in respect to their latest teacher while the fourth was stunned to hear that voice.

“I was just practicing my…empty belly defense.” The glutton covered up when he finally swallowed and turned to face his latest master.

“Hamato Splinter, may I borrow your sons for a moment.” Shifu questioned in a gentle tone since most of his anger was released after the battle.

“Of course. They are your students, Master Shifu.” The rat answered back with a bow of his own and went back to the decoration boxes. The kung fu expert bowed back and decided to carry on with his message.

“Turtles, I’ve come to talk to you about the Winter Feast at the Jade Palace.” Shifu said after guiding the ninjas to the doorway of the restaurant. “You four will be…” He started to say, but was interrupted by the youngest of them.

“Be coming. The Winter Feast - with the Kung Fu masters from all the provinces.” Mikey said out of excitement.

“No, Michelangelo, you and your brothers will not be invited.” The red panda answered back after letting the eager student get at least that much out of his system before continuing with, “You will be hosting.” This piece of news got all four of their attention, but no one more than Leonardo who thought of this as a great honor.

“Us? Hosting? Winter Festival?” The one in orange commented before almost fainting because of the news, but thanks to his brothers catching him the teenage only lost his balance.

“Wonderful news is it not? As the Dragon Warriors this is one of your critical duties.” The small mammal explained to the inter-dimensional warriors.

“Wow. Thank you, Shifu.” Leonardo said before he and his brothers grabbed their gear from the wall beside them, since it Winter now they could not deal with cold too well, and they followed after him.

“Turtles, this is a big opportunity for you. You will be around other Kung Fu masters.” Shifu said to them on his way out while Splinter was getting the restaurant ready, but using his keen hearing kept listening to the conversation.

“The Winter Feast is legendary. I bet you got the best, biggest sun lanterns, and dancing.” The child said as he was getting excited over what snake themed items did they have.

“Mi---.” Shifu was about to speak, but was stopped by the field leader.

“Michelangelo, the Winter Feast is perfection. Always elegant. Always formal.” Leonardo said since he had made it his mission to learn everything of kung fu, not just fan-boy based rumors, but even things off of the battlefield: such as this feast.

‘Great, a boring party. Hanging out with a bunch of old dudes.’ Raphael thought out of annoyance, but didn’t say anything since he knew his bros were not going to agree with him.

“Awesome. Awesome. I’m all about elegant. Fancy stuff and fine dinning.” The chucker stated happily to the others while patting his belly.

“You have a piece of rice cake on your mask.” Shifu said to the clown of the four before resuming his way to the other doorway. As the turtle began to eat the hidden food item the red panda continued on what the swords-turtle started. “What I, and Leonardo, is getting at is that dancing and sun lanterns: those are common traditions.” Not wanting to seem out of place the fan-boy decided to speak.
“So common. I mean dancing? Sun lanterns?” Michelangelo questioned and even blew a raspberry about the last item. By now the rodent was checking on the tables, and at the same time he was listening and was proud of that fact, but he was still haunted by that dream of Shredder. “Father, we’re hosting the Winter Feast! Wahoo!!!” The child of the group shouted with great excitement.

“That is wonderful news, Michelangelo, and I am certain that you and the others will treat it with the seriousness that it requires.” The pet of a guardian said back with a serious tone before going back to see if all the tables were still wobble free.

“Dragon Warriors.” A villager called out as the four were just outside their little tea shop. “Please come quickly. There are bandits at the bridge.” The pig said to them after getting closer to them.

“Don’t worry. We’re on it.” The oldest said to the worried man before they each took out their weapons, which they now wore outside of their winter outfits. “Good-bye, Master Splinter, and thanks again Shifu.” He said to his two masters before running off to the fight.

“Farewell, Hamato Splinter.” Shifu said before leaving, and received a simple head nod from the rat before he went about his business. The four got to the spot with no difficulty and the first thing they did was each take down one warthog thug.

“Hey, guys, you excited about the Winter Feast?” Leonardo questioned before seeing Mantis take down one of the bandits in the blink of an eye.

“Guess what? Master Shifu told us that we will be joining you this evening.” Donatello informed them while baseball swinging a snowball back at the creep who threw it.

“The feast is intense.” Crane informed his similar chum after sweeping two bandits feet before landing behind them. “All the masters at one table.” He added before going back into the fray.

“One perfect feast.” Viper added while poking one of their opponents with a swift tail move, and went to the next one.

“It’s an honor to be invited.” The insect said after kicking another thug away.

“Actually, my bros and I aren’t invited - we’re hosting.” Michelangelo stated after doing the splits to avoid the thug Mantis kicked, missed his chance to chin a hog on his way up due to Raphael shoulder tackling him, but he did grab one of them by his tusk. After he did that the orange themed warrior saw that the five and the bandits stopped moving.
“What?” They questioned as a group. Each wondering if they heard the excited one correctly.

“Wouldn’t be my choice.” The hog being held up said before getting smacked by the ninja’s nunchuck.

“What?” The party animal questioned to the rest of them: wondering what was with the staring.

“The feast at the palace is…” Monkey was about to say but had to deal with one of the bandits coming up from behind.

“Elegant.” Viper stated before tail swiping the same man.

“Very sophisticated event.” Mantis said before chining the same thug to the turtles. As soon as he was standing before them Raphael wasted no time to punch the pig right in the kisser causing him to fall to his back.

“Why does everyone think we can’t do sophisticated?” Michelangelo questioned and was going to simply pop his neck with a twist of the butt, but instead farted in the bandits face. “Sorry.” He called out after standing up and saw that he was out cold.

“Not all of you…exactly. I know Leonardo and Donatello could, but you and Raphael…I have no idea.” Crane said to them as they were all still looking at the four in an odd fashion.

“It’s just that we think, despite there being four of you, you guys could use a little help.” The feline commented in an honest tone. Naturally the one in red took her offer the wrong way.

“Look lady, I hear you but me and my bros have saved the world a few times, so how hard can a boring party be.” Raphael stated before pummeling the last one standing before he and the others journeyed to the palace.

“There are eighteen gestures you must memorize for your right hand, and nineteen for the left.” Shifu said to them as they were walking inside the palace, which seemed more crowded than the first time they saw it.

“Eighteen and nineteen - simple enough.” Leonardo said as he was already reading the scroll that Shifu gave him, as was Donatello, but orange was still confused and red simply didn’t care.

“This is Feng - palace artist. He will do your official portrait.” The master said after gesturing to a pig with a tripod and canvas. Within a couple of seconds he handed the turtles the first of many pictures.

“We need a do over. I think I was blinking.” Michelangelo stated as he, and the others were looking at the first attempt: Leonardo/Donatello peeking over the hand gesture scroll, Michelangelo a strange face, and Raphael a ticked face.

“Let me fix that.” The angered avenger said before taking the portrait and tossing it over his shoulder. “Fixed.” He explained to them before listening to the next thing Shifu wanted from them.

“This is where you will seat all of the Kung Fu masters.” The red panda said as he gestured to a marble circle with a wooden circle inside of it.

“Our father’s going to love this feast. You know he’s never been to the palace.” Leonardo said to Shifu who stopped abruptly after hearing that sentence.

“I am sorry Leonardo, but there are no guests allowed.” Their master said flatly at the four warriors. Each of them did not like what they heard.

“We can’t bring our father.” The youngest questioned in confusion before adding, “We always spend the Holidays together.” He and the others were now feeling conflicted about this whole thing.

“I understand, Michelangelo. I remember the day I departed my family and committed myself entirely to the duties of kung fu. You are the Dragon Warriors now, and therefore this is your duty above all other parts.” He said even though that they were raised to believe that friend and family came first - no matter what, but continued to listen to him, “Now, in your quest for perfection these instructions must be executed to the letter. Guard these scrolls containing…” He barraged them with various things and piled said items in each set of arms.

“What?” Michelangelo questioned since he was so overwhelmed by what his master said the only thing he heard clearly was: Golden Ladle.

“Turtles, hire a chef - present them with the golden ladle.” Shifu said and gave it to the orange warrior. “Do any of you have any questions?” He asked the four before him.

“No, we can handle this.” The smart one said since he and the oldest of them heard every word with little problem.

“Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo don’t let me down.” He said before walking away.

“Don’t worry Master Shifu, I won’t let you dooooowwwwnnnnn.” The slacker said only to start dropping his things, slipped on a bowl which caused a domino effect. Feng stepped in and painted four of them on the ground.

“Come here you little…” The said wielder said and was about to chase after the artist, but was stopped by the sword swinger.

“Let him be, Raph. We have bigger problems.” Leonardo said and directed his brothers outside. As soon as they got outside they all saw a large line of people with food. After a quick race to the one chair at the table the book smart one had one thing to say.

“I really think I should do this.” His comment was a response to the fact that the glutton made it to the chair first.

“Don’t sweat it, bro. All I have to do is taste and judge.” The chucker said to the other in a casual fashion. Since they knew he could eat anything so they knew he could handle this.

“We’ll leave you to it, bro.” The field leader said before he and the others decided to take care of the other duties.

“Master Michelangelo, we have brought the finest chefs in China. You’ll sample the dishes, and make your choice.” Zeng said to the turtle who was already licking his lips with joy. “The chef you select will receive - the Golden Ladle.” He added with a little help from the holder of the spoon and case. “Let us begin.” He offered who received a nod so he continued, “Master Michelangelo I present Chef Whoa-Ha of the hey-long-chong province.” As he said that a carrot dish was placed before the bottomless pit.

“Sir, it is a privilege for me and the citizen of my village to be considered….” The rabbit, who was smaller than the table’s height began to speak, but the main thing the partier saw was Monkey coming back from a little exercise.

“Hi, Mikey!” The simian called out.

“Hey.” The turtle said with a wave of his right hand before anything could be done the turtle watched as a pair of black geese grabbed the hair and dragged him away. “What just happened?” Michelangelo questioned in alarm after seeing the goose/rabbit moment.

“Oh, um, uh, as host, or one of the hosts, of the festival every gesture of yours has meaning. You just gave him the ancient Hun-Sho wave of dismissal.” Zeng explained to the young warrior.

“The what? Is that a thing? It didn’t even sound like a thing.” The party goer said as a way to explain himself.

“He has great dishonor upon himself and his village, and they will be shamed for all of eternity.” Zeng explained causing the turtle to picture the geese taking him back home, reconstructing the stone wall to not protect the village, and then leave him to die.

“No. No. I was just waving to monkey. Can’t we just get the rabbit back?” Mikey stated and questioned, but the last part caused the goose to laugh for a little bit.

“Oh, you’re serious. No. I’ll, uh, get the other chefs.” The bird said and id just that.

“Wow, this feast is intense, right? And I just found out that Master Splinter can’t come.” He said to the pig to his left and after a few moments the turtle continued with, “Of course, you’re absolutely right. I’ll choose my dad, and we’ll get to spend Winter Feast together. Brilliant. You are good. Come here you little.” Michelangelo said to the pig, as if he spoke of the answer even though he said nothing. “Alright. Gotta get rid of these guys.” He declared before chanting in his head, ‘Hate the food.’ With that he tasted it and despite all of it being the best stuff he has ever had the turtle said the opposite.

“Master Michelangelo, we haven’t picked a chef.” The holder of the spoon called out after the orange master took said item and ran through the door after shooing away the competition.

‘How to cut down these blocks.’ Raphael thought as he stood before eight big blocks of nice. He knew what to make - eight powerful dragons, but he just needed to find a way to cut them in a cool style. “Got it.” He said to himself as he made his way out of the palace and back home.

“All I have to do is ask to cook at the palace, and everything should work out.” The youngest son muttered before walking through the stone entrance.

“My son, what is it?” Splinter questioned to the one turtle in the room. Not saying anything the ninja opened the container that held the item of great importance. “The Golden Ladle, an item of great importance.” The rat said as he gazed upon the jewel encrusted spoon. “I am honored to prepare food for the kung fu masters of this land, but may I ask when this feast is.” The father figure questioned to the orange Dragon Warrior.

“Tonight.” The chucker stated happily.

“Then I’m afraid I cannot. I informed the people of the village that the Hamato Hovel will be open to them - even during Winter Feast.” The rodent said back to him while trying not to bring up his nightmare as best as he could.
“Come on, father, I…” Mikey said and stopped due to the red turtle that landed in front of him.

“Yo, Master Splinter, we still bring the Butterfly Swords.” Raphael questioned, not even bothered that he but into a conversation.

“In my closet, top shelf.” The father answered back. With that information the second oldest leapt to one of the windows, went in, and got what he came for.

‘Let’s see if I can use these with the power from the Tribunal.’ The reckless one thought before leaping away. After he left Michelangelo and Splinter had a conversation of going and not going to the palace, but at the same time the turtle could tell that there was something going on with the rat, and it wasn’t the party; in the end he left with four out of five of the lamps.

“How could he say: no?” Mikey questioned after arriving at the palace and began to grumble about the talk with their father figure ending with him saying, “This is just great. Now I have to cook all alone.” His comment was heard by his master.

“Michelangelo?” Shifu questioned causing the clothed turtle to turn and face the man that said his name.

“Whoa! Hey! Shifu!” The novice said while putting the spoon container behind his shell out of fear.

“All alone? You do not have a chef yet?” The newest father figure questioned to the teen while noticing four disks in his other hand.

“No, no, of course I have a chef. You kidding? No chef would be a disaster…right.” He said back and with nothing else headed for the kitchen area. Once out of view he used his speed factor to drop off each of their lanterns to each of his brothers, but after that he headed to the kitchen. “I gotta get a chef. Whoa!” Michelangelo muttered while entering the room, but tripped on something.

“Pardon me.” The source of his trip said with a head bow.

“Bunny!” The chucker shouted in happiness after looking to see what caused him to fall, and was happy over what it was. “Oh awesome. A real chef.” He commented while getting back to his feet. “Listen I know we got off on kind of a rocky start. What with me shaming you and your village for all eternity and whatnot, but if you could start dicing those carrots.” He started to say and offer but was cut off by the fuzzy one.

“I am not here to dice carrots. I am here to fight you.” The brown furred one said to him which confused the turtle. “The only way I can lift my veil of shame is to fight the Dragon Warriors. Surely I will die, but it will restore my honor.” The rabbit explained with a bow before pulling out a small wooden spoon and charged at the ninja.

“I don’t wanna fight you. Listen, bunny, I get this whole honor thing, but this isn’t kung fu; heck it’s not even ninja style.” Mikey said to the man poking him with a spoon repeatedly. “You’re biting me.” He commented as the man started to bite the turtle’s boot and tried other spots. “Look, bunny, I’ve got enough on my plate with cooking for this thing and my dad. What was wrong with him today anyway….maybe it is because of the holidays.” He said while trying to reason with the energetic hairball.

“Sometime they love us too much, but it is not my place to say. It is my place to die.” The rabbit said and resumed his…attack.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Mikey said before lifting up his opponent, placed him in a flour pot, and put an extra bag of flour on top of the covered hole. ‘That’s one thing out of the way.’ He thought before hearing a pair of voices to his left.

“Mikey, the food is not made?” Monkey questioned to the orange warrior. He was about to ask about the table, but knew that the eldest of the four had that honor.

“We’ve all had our fittings.” The bird beside him informed before adding, “Are you ready?” That three word question made the host a bit nervous.

“I’m on it.” He shouted out and started to get to work on their food and fitting. As he did that Raphael stood before eight chunks of ice, but now armed with Butterfly Swords.

“Let’s see if I still got it.” He said and activated his Tribunal markings before hacking away. As he did that Tigress, who was now in her formal outfit saw what he was doing, and was amazed that he was doing this so flawlessly, but was curious of the first four.

“This is good, Raph, but those aren’t you and your brothers.” She informed him after he had taken a moment to view his work. The turtle knew that much but decided to explain something to her.

“Brilliant deduction, they aren’t. These are the Ninja Tribunal - the ones that taught to go dragon.” He explained to her before adding their names, “From left to right: Hisomi-Shisho: ninjitsu master of stealth, Chikara-Shisho: ninjitsu master of strength, Kon-Shisho: ninjitsu master of spirit, and Juto-Shisho ninjitsu master of weapons.” The second name discouraged her for some reason.

“Chikara’s a girl name.” She found herself saying aloud which was heard by the man beside her.
“Don’t be jealous, Whiskers, she’s already spoken for.” He informed her causing the big cat to turn her gaze to him.

“I am not jealous.” She countered, but only saw him sport that smarkalack grin of his, and as soon as she saw that the black/orange warrior left the room. Leonardo was making sure that all the dishes, and jars were still present and accounted for.

“Whoa, easy with the jar. We don’t want anything to break.” The blue warrior said as he cut a jug that one of the geese was about to drop, but thanks to his fast hands - it didn’t.

‘The tailor did an amazing job.’ Donatello thought as he was giving the outfit he waited on a test run and liked how it felt.

“Donatello, the vocalist of the band quit.” Crane informed the one in a purple cape. Said big brain heard this and then heard one member of the band speak.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.” The band member said before singing off key. The New Yorker heard it and gently closed the bird’s beak shut, and informed the Furious Five member of a new plan.

“Let’s go instrumental.” He said and received a nod from his long neck friend. Shifu was stunned about the now eight great dragons standing over him.

“This is incredible.” The red panda said in pure awe at the sight of the ice sculptures. As Splinter was using his skill to serve the public on his own the angered rabbit had finally gotten out of his clay prison.

“Ow!” Mikey shouted after getting hit in the back of the head with a spoon and tried to counter with a wooden mallet. He chased the fleeing hare all the way to the tailor’s office who was unfazed of having a horn from the ceremonial hat be smashed off.

‘The last turtle.’ He thought as he did his measurements. While that was going on Raphael turned his attention to the outfit he waited for that was lying out of harms way.

“I can’t believe I have to wear this monkey suit.” He said in anger after walking over and picking it up. Back at the Hovel Splinter was still thinking of that dream and was wondering who, in this world would dare dawn on that armor. A customer tried to say something, but a cold look from the rat caused the rabbit to say,

“I can wait.” By now Raphael had put on the white and red outfit, and was surprised of how good it felt. He was grateful that the seamstress put in holes for his sais which he was more than happy to arm.

“Thanks for all of your help, everyone.” Leonardo said to the fellow workers who had counted up the table setting equipment and was happy to see that everything was there, but his focus was shifted when he saw smoke.

“That’s coming from the kitchen.” Donatello said as he saw the smoke as well.

“What is that idiot doing now?” Raphael called out when he saw the smoke, and at that time he noticed that purple and blue were rushing past him. “Catch bros.” He called out before tossing a few pieces of ice to the two of them and carried a couple himself.

“Must get this food ready. Must get this food ready.” Mikey chanted to himself while stirring up some broth; not noticing the fire behind him. He didn’t even notice his brothers help deal with the fire with chucks of ice. The artist did, and was able to finish before moving away from the cooling blaze.

“This is superb counting skill, Leonardo.” Shifu congratulated once the turtle in question came back from cooling the fire down to scorched remains.

“Thank you, Master Shifu.” The swords-turtle countered with a bow. “But before I can start setting things up I need a plan.” The field leader stated and inscrolled a blank paper scroll so that he could come up with a plan while feeling bad as he glanced at his own lantern. In the kitchen Michelangelo had seen that he almost burned down the palace and dealing with getting measured along with thinking of the discussion with Master Splinter he had to lay his head down for a bit.

“This is a total disaster. Now I’m going to disappoint everyone: my father, the Furious Five, my bros…Shifu.” Mikey said in defeat. The speedy turtle knew that his brothers were managing with their tasks, but it meant nothing if they didn’t have any grub.

“And me. I’m not dead yet.” The vengeful bunny commented to the hero since he was still on that kick.

“What kind of a Dragon Warrior am I if I can’t help pull off a simple dinner.” Dragon Warrior orange commented since he knew that if this task was left to the other three it would be done already.

“Guess kung fu can’t solve everything.” The man said to the ninja. At first the hero was surprised that he spoke of something other than suicide, and then an idea hit him.

“That’s it! Bunny, you’re brilliant.” He said as he picked up the citizen, gave him a friendly shake, set him back on the chair, and headed for the door. “Bros! Mantis! Crane! Viper!” The turtle shouted and added the other two which all heard the cry, and headed in that direction. “This might be our greatest challenge ever.” The orange one said to the other eight, which as soon as he said that his brothers unsheathed their weapons and began to look around.

“Bandits?” Monkey questioned with clenching fists.

“Raiders?” Viper asked with eagerness in her tone.

“No. Place settings.” He answered back with the others answering with groans. Raphael however gave his slacker of a brother a Gibb’s slap before heading to where to table was.

“All in all I think I should direct.” The blue swords-turtle stated since he wanted to give his first idea a shot.
“You want that job. You got it.” He answered back, and with that the team got the extra equipment that they needed and met in the dining room. Before starting off the four set their lamps at a safe spot, and once that was done Leonardo spoke:

“Tigress, Raph coulomb leap.” The blue one stated and they did, but at the same time the two added a crisscross pattern before approaching two coulombs. “Mikey, Viper: shuriken throwing stars to the ceiling.” He added and saw that the wires on the lamps the tiger and turtle threw into the air caught onto the stars with ease.

‘Not too shabby…for an overgrown alley cat and a leather belt with attitude.’ Raphael thought as their light was hanging up in the air without a problem.

“Mantis - try a pinwheel move.” The leader offered after grabbing a pick stack of plates, walked over to the bug, and dropped them. The insect heard the offer and did so causing the others to be in awe at the fact that the plates stopped at the edge and did not fall.

‘I still got it.’ Mantis thought as he surveyed his work.

“As for you.” The eldest said to the assassin behind him. “I heard that you want Michelangelo to honor your death, but before he or the rest of us can do that you’re going to help me in the kitchen. Let’s go.” He commented but before he left the warrior added. “Guys, handle it yourself. I’ll be right back.” They nodded and he was off.

‘Can’t you let me die.’ The bunny thought after the swords turtle pulled him out of a bubbling broth by the ears.

“Seriously wished we knew about these guys when we had the get together back at the lair.” Raphael whispered to the book work as he watched Crane bend the air for a brief moment and Monkey kick a placemat under each plate.

‘Almost done with the carrots.’ The wisest son thought as he used his katana on a cutting board to dice carrots, but stopped when he saw the bunny lying before him - awaiting the blow. “Go, wash the dishes.” He ordered and pointed to a lone wash tube with dishes all around it. At the table Monkey and Mantis separated the chopsticks evenly for each spot.

‘Must be a way. Must be a way.’ The bunny thought and pulled out a knife, half the size of Leo’s katanna, so the bunny tossed it in the air and waited for the blow.

“Not gonna happen.” The eldest son said before tossing a cutting board which caught the sword with ease. The action angered the suicidal bunny, but right now the blue acolyte had other concerns.

“Time for us to get to work.” Raph said to the others before setting off to move his sculptures to the room, and the others brought in the food. With a little help from the avatars of the three turtles they were able to place the ice statues in their proper place. The food was a lot easier to manage.

“32 place settings. 44 chopsticks each. We did it! We actually did it!” Michelangelo shouted in praise to their accomplishment.

“Every detail just right. Right down to the ground jasmine.” Crane pointed out and gazed at the item in question.

“Ground jasmine. It was supposed to be flaked.” Donatello explained to the others, and was about to fix it, but surprisingly it was the youngest that decided to have that honor.

“I’ll get new. I’ll be right back.” The one in orange said before racing off to the main entrance/exit of the palace.

“Hurry, the masters are arriving.” Viper informed her good friend as he headed for the door. Thanks to his speed the teen was able to put his Winter outfit on quite quickly, and was out the door.

“I promised Master Shifu that it would be perfeeeaaaaaahhhhhh.” The turtle explained but missed the first step and tumbled all the way down. After the series of stairs the ninja landed at the base of the stairs with the container still whole.

“Happy feast.” The sheep that had given him the right kind of jasmine. He nodded as a response. After leaving the small building the turtle started to look around and smiled at the sight of the lights and laughter around him.

‘This is how a holiday is supposed to be.’ Michelangelo thought before gazing up at the lonely toned palace. The one thing that he did not know was that his brothers felt the same as they hid their lanterns in a special pockets of the cape.

“Beautiful. Elegant. Perfect.” Shifu said once the party had began and everyone sat down at the round table.

“And boring.” Raphael muttered under his voice before being jabbed in the ribs by the person to his right who added a shush to seal the deal.

“I’m very proud of all of you.” The red panda said to the four warriors who didn’t seem to hear him all that well. “All 29 kung fu schools and all their masters. Excellent. Excellent.” The master continued to admire the white party.

‘I guess we do what they are doing.’ The twenty nine masters thought as seven of them spun their chopsticks in their fingers, seven of them picked their teeth with their sticks, and the last 15 were tapping their sticks on their plates.

“Turtles!” Shifu shouted to the four of them causing Leo, Don, and Mikey to toss their chop sticks in alarm, but seven others remained with their eating tools. “Dragon Warriors would you honor us by reciting the opening creed of the masters.” He said with a calm tone, but the four were just looking at their individual lanterns with sorrow.

‘They wouldn’t abandon their father.’ The four thought as they looked at a different turtle - their inter-dimensional brothers, and knew that they would not do what they are currently doing.

“Leonardo? Michelangelo? Donatello? Raphael?” Shifu questioned when none of them acted right away.

“We can’t Master Shifu.” The leader of the team said with an honest tone, but the small mammal wasn’t quite listening.

“I thought you four may forget the words. So, I took the liberty of writing them on your napkins.” He informed the ninjas; feeling pretty confident over what he had done.

“That aint it.” The second oldest said as he stood up which the other three as well. Followed by everyone else since they thought they were supposed to.

“Uh…you guys don’t have to…never mind.” Donatello tried to speak but stopped since the 29 masters were already on their feet. “I guess we should say what we all have been thinking all this time.” The smart one said since he knew that one of them had to say something.

“The creed to the masters is just amazing. Like the coolest creed ever, and you masters - how cool are you? I don’t even have to tell you.” Michelangelo said to the group for his brothers before continuing with, “Master Rhino: forget about it. Your more awesomely skilled and…you know…more wrinkly than I ever dreamed you’d be.” It was then the angered one spoke:

“To bad your nephew has ruined your rep for being blood to you.” The tough one in question heard him and tried to look away.

‘So, these four know of the black sheep of my family.’ He thought before listening to the rest these green ones had to say.

“Master Sheep - fluffy and incredible, and um…and the Five it’s just…” Michelangelo said and had no idea where he was going with this, but continued with, “It’s such an honor to be with you guys. My heroes.” The three others heard the last part, but refrained from saying anything about their human themed world; instead the ticked one decided to get to the point.

“What my knuckle head of a brother is trying to say is that me and my bros mainly hang with our old pals and have a blast.” He said to them with the oldest of the four adding his own two cents.

“Trimming a tree, hanging decorations, preparing a meal for us five and our extended family.” The one in blue said to them with a sincere tone.

“The times Sentry threw Casey and Raph into a wall by an arm wrestle.” Michelangelo blurted out before clamping his mouth with both hands after realizing what he had just said.

“In short I think it’s time for my brothers and I to leave this place and be the sons an aging rodent deserves.” Donatello said to them while using his bo-staff to separate red from orange.

“Then if we all agree: let’s move.” Leo said as he leapt away from the table and headed for the door with sais, staff, and chucks following right behind him. This was a wrinkle that Master Shifu had not anticipated.

“Turtles, get back here.” The red panda ordered to the heroes who had already grabbed their paper objects and were heading for the door. As soon as he left the five along with the Masters were reminiscing about the things they once did with their families.

“I used to love cooking with my sisters.” Viper admitted to the fellow female fighters beside her.

“The fold dances.” Tigress said as she recalled watching such a thing from afar and later became part of it.

“The games. The music.” Crane called out to Monkey which caused both to think back to their lives before becoming warriors.

“Whoa. What about our traditions.” Shifu questioned to all of them as he heard them speak of their lives before becoming fighters. “Who will recite the creed? Somebody, do something.” He questioned and ordered to the group, and it was then the bad vocalist began to sing since he believed that it was his time to shine, but that only gave the small mammal a reason to groan.

‘I am certain that my sons are behaving at that gathering.’ Splinter thought as he gazed up at the palace before hearing something approaching him.

“Yo, father, thought you could use a hand…” Raph spoke and their field leader finished with :

“Or eight.” It was then the rodent saw that all four were standing in the doorway. Without a second to loose all five fighters got to work. As they prepared the meals all that saw the Dragon Warriors entered the Hamato Hovel went in after them and enjoyed the show.

“Table for five?” Viper called out after the New York five came out of their home with three treys one in each hand and one on their head. The chucker heard her voice and smiled at the sight of the slithering seductress.

“Hey, Mikey.” The simian said with a wave as he and the others came closer to the warriors.

“Hey.” Raphael said in his usual tone and saw that Tigress chose to get a cup of tea from his selection.

“Happy Holiday, Raph.” She said to him with a kind smile on her face. Splinter could only smile at the sight of that interaction.

“Thank you, Hamato Splinter.” Mantis said as he took one from the father of the four assortment.

“Michelangelo is right he is as big as his action figure.” Splinter said to Leonardo since the father knew that the oldest was on good speaking terms with the insect.

“Master Rhino, come sit by me.” A civilian spoke as the man in question along with others came into the Hamato Hovel which surprised the four ninjas. As Leonardo was dealing with the vengeful bunny by giving him the jewel encrusted spoon Splinter decided help out his sons.

‘Good thing I decided to bring this with us.’ The son of Hamato Yoshi thought as he hid himself in the shadows and tied something to two arrows. With swift speed and skill he raced to the stone wall and fired the two arrows that landed on the wall of their home.

“What was that?” Viper said in alarm before looking up and saw the arrows in the wooden wall.

“Just a reflex test from father.” Michelangelo answered her calmly as he continued to serve the tea on his head.

“I think she means the things on the arrows.” Tigress corrected her friend and pointed to the one above her and Raphael.

“That’s a mistletoe. Back where we come from we got a tradition where a guy and girl are under `im they gotta…” Raphael explained to her, but was cut off by a pair of fuzzy lips over his; it was leather to leather for Michelangelo.

“Do that?” Viper questioned with a smile since she saw an awestruck look on the turtle’s face. The tougher warrior was looking away with his face becoming as red as his mask.

“I guess that Sentry guy didn’t decide to come this year.” Crane said to Monkey even though he had no idea what the man looked like.

“Suppose so.” The tree climber answered back after taking a sip of Green Tea. As they were enjoying themselves there was one that didn’t quite know what to make of the night’s events.

“Turtles, why did you ruin something that was perfect. I don’t understand.” Shifu said as he suddenly found himself standing before the Hamato Hovel where it was bouncing with energy.

“Then the crocodile thief pounced.” Rhino told a tale of his glory days to some of his fans.

“Peek-a-boo.” Mantis said as he was playing a harmless game of peek-a-boo with a bunny child.

“I’m gonna get you.” Tigress said to a piglet in her left arm while feeding a rice ball to the child with her right hand. Her motherly attitude actually made the second oldest smile since he liked both the tough girl side of her and this softer side.
“This is perfect.” Shifu said as he saw that the masters, the five and the turtles along with Splinter were all having fun with the citizens of the valley. Just as the red panda was about to leave the slacker Dragon Warrior stopped him.

“There’s always one more for the Hamato Hovel.” The comic reader said to his latest master. Shifu knew that it was an invitation to come in, but he did not wish to impose.

“No. I really don’t want to disturb anyone. You go and enjoy your party.” Shifu said to him with a calm tone.

“We can’t enjoy it without you.” The fourth member of the brothers said to him.

“No, I couldn’t. These are your people. This is your family.” The master of the Furious Five said to the ninja.

“Well, now you are a part of my family too, Shifu. So, come on.” The orange masked man said to him. The man in question took a step back to the doorway and sniffed the air, and liked what he smelled.

“The tea that you serve does smell divine.” The white furred warrior admitted to the ninja/tea worker. “Michelangelo, a moment…” Shifu said as he dismissed the three fingered hand on his back before continuing with, “What goes on in you and your brothers heads I really don’t always understand, but what goes on in your hearts will never let us down.” What he said truly touched the warrior.

“Thank you, Shifu.” The nunchuck knucklehead said with a bow before adding, “Now, come inside. Hey, guys. Look who’s here.” With that everyone saw the latest arrival and greeted him with smiles.

“It is good to see you, Master Shifu.” The rat said to him as he offered the master a cup of hot tea.

“It is good to be here, Hamato Splinter.” The master said back to the other elder before sitting down at a big table that now held all eleven fighters which Feng painted this image. From left to right: Tigress, Raphael, Crane, Donatello, Splinter, Shifu, Leonardo (Mantis on shoulder) Monkey, Michelangelo, and Viper; the chosen chef stood beside the snake.

“Thanks for comin, Whiskers.” The warrior muttered to her since he was still embarrassed that his father did such a thing to him, but his focused went to the five hanging lanterns and the images facing them was that of their inter-dimensional doubles. ‘Happy Holiday, bros.’ He thought before going back to the food.

Copy Rights:
TMNT, and the others, are owned by Eastman/Laird and Fox Box.
Kung Fu Panda, and the others, are owned by Dreamworks.