A/N Ever have a story just play out so perfectly in your mind, so vivid so complete that if you didn't get it written like right now you would go completely insane? Well, that's what happened right here and this is the result. I've been writing like a demon for the past four hours to get this on the page. The only thing that I didn't expect was the length. At first I was like, "OK, this will be a dandy one shot!" but 5000 words later and not even at the halfway point I realize that this won't work as a one shot. Then I was like, "I'll wait until it's actually finished to post it" but I'm impatient and would love to hear some feedback, see if it's worth the writing frenzy I was on today. I've got three chapters written so far, and I'm itching to get the rest typed ASAP, and well, all you awesome peeps feed the already hungry muse!
Thanks for clicking on my story! And thanks to everyone who has read/reviewed/favorite/followed my other stories too! Next chapter of "Mikey's Saving Grace" will be up soon, either tomorrow or the next day!
This story is set in the 2012 'verse, but some time in the near future, playing on the assumption that the season 1 finale will end in such a way that would have a huge emotional impact on the turtles. I allude to the mysterious yet-to-be-seen finale, but I will not go into any details simply because I don't know the details yet of course and if I'm way off base, then it's open to be left to the imagination.
Also, don't let the relative humor of the chapter fool you, I'm trying to stay true to the show, but this will be a pretty dark story.
Wow! Sorry for the long winded authors note! Anyway, without further ado, enjoy!
Chapter One
It was a well-known fact that Raphael had a short fuse. On a bad day, it didn't take much to set him off, especially lately. His short temper quickly earned him the reputation as the hothead of the family at a very young age, and while it sometimes gave him an edge in battle, ultimately it was one of those weaknesses that when left unchecked could lead to potential disaster for him and for those around him.
They all had their share of weaknesses that, try as he may, Master Splinter struggled to help his sons overcome and transform into strengths. There was Leo's arrogance, Raphael's temper, Donatello and his tendency to overthink and overcomplicate matters, and Michelangelo who was so easily distracted and unfocused. But lately, it was Raphael's temper that was becoming a huge problem. The slightest thing would set him off and it was like walking on eggshells with him.
No one knew exactly what his problem was, though its correlation with the return of Dr. Prankenstein certainly shed some light, but not enough to fully explain it. The source of Raph's mood clearly went much deeper than mere irritation over Mikey's pranks, and while everyone was concerned, no one knew exactly how to approach him or how to help.
Of course everyone had their own problems to deal with than to worry too much about Raph. They had been through a lot over the last year or so, and everyone had their own way of dealing with things. No one was exactly in a healthy mindset. Leo devoted most of his time and energy into training, obsessed with perfecting his craft and leadership skills to always be prepared for anything. Donnie immersed himself in project after project, and while most of his inventions and whatnot proved useful, he didn't really allow himself much time for eating and sleeping or interacting with his brothers outside training or patrolling.
Then there was Raph, who thrived during the times they would go out for patrol. Letting his anger out on crazed mutants, or Purple Dragons or Foot Ninja's always proved to be cathartic, at least for a little while. When he was in a mood, he liked to break things, so it was common knowledge that it was best to just leave him be and let him sort through his anger on his own.
Unfortunately, Mikey's way of dealing with anger and pain was to be a pain in the ass. At least that was how Raph would describe it. Mikey liked to mask pain with laughter until it no longer hurt, so after a brief creative dryspell, Dr. Prankestein was back with a vengeance, which only tested everyone's temper. While Raph, Leo and Donnie sought solitude to work through their darkest emotions, the extroverted turtle needed the company of his brothers and friends. And his antics clashed big time with his hotheaded brother.
"Mikey! You little shit!"
Raphael's voice echoed through the lair and Leo cringed. He vaguely wondered what Mikey did this time, and shook his head at the thought of what kind of lecture or punishment was in store for Raph for using foul language in the lair. However he ignored it and continued to work through his kata, striking the practice dummy with his katanas with grace and agility and control, not even stopping to acknowledge the sudden burst of air as Mikey ran past him, howling in laughter, Raph right on his heels.
He could hear the thump of two bodies hitting the floor and could mentally see the picture behind him. Raph obviously caught up with Mickey and tackled him roughly onto the couch and then the floor. He heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh and Mikey yelling though his laughter, "OW! OK, OK! Uncle! Uncle! Ow-ow-owww!"
His cries were cut off with a strangled yelp, and Leo's eyes twitched at the choking sounds his little brother was making. Breathe in, breathe out… Leo coached himself, trying to focus on his kata, and not his distracting brothers.
"What the hell were you thinking you little…"
"Man…" Mikey choked, "you should s-see your face right now! Aaack!"
And this is the part where Raph obviously tightened his chokehold… Leo thought, and then frowned at himself and tried once again to focus. He continued to work his way through the moves Splinter taught him, seeing no need to intervene. Raph wouldn't hurt him too bad, and Mikey probably had it coming. Still haven't forgiven you for putting my hand in warm water while I was sleeping…he thought with mild bitterness, feeling a slight flush in his cheeks.
Raph started to say a few more choice words to their youngest brother when suddenly Master Splinter's voice filled the room and Leo stopped his training immediately to twirl around to attention. And promptly bit his cheek to keep from laughing.
"Raphael!" Splinter chided, "Let Michelangelo go this instant!"
Mikey collapsed to the floor, propping himself up by his elbows as he gasped for breath and coughed, but he was still clearly amused and Leo could now see why.
Somehow Raph's bandana which he had gripped tightly in his fist was pink. Pink!
"Explain yourself!" Splinter demanded.
"Look what Mikey did, Sensei!" Raph waving his pink mask around furiously, "The little shi—stinker washed it in bleach and turned it pink!"
"Michelangelo, is this true?"
"Hai Sensei," he gasped, still coughing and wheezing from the chokehold and Leo could see he was also biting his cheek to stifle his laughter, even as he winced in discomfort, massaging his throat. Only Mikey could show regret, amusement and pain with one look.
Master Splinter closed his eyes and sighed deeply. That long, weary sigh that spoke volumes, as if to say, "What am I going to do with you?"
It was the sigh that prompted Leo to sober up and get serious. He glared at his younger siblings and shook his head disapprovingly and Raph returned the glare.
"And, Leonardo, you're the leader, where were you during all this?" Splinter asked him.
That managed to wipe the self-righteous expression off his face and Leo caught Raph's satisfied smirk as he lowered his eyes, "I'm sorry Sensei, I was practicing my katas and did not realize what happened."
Their sensei sighed again, this time his ear twitched and everyone could plainly see that he was practicing a great deal of self-control. He was about to say something, only able to get out the first syllable of Michelangelo's name when Donnie emerged from his lab, loudly bursting into the common room with a triumphant smile on his face completely oblivious to what was going on.
"Guys! Guess what? I did it! I was finally able to…" his voice trailed off when he realized he had just walked in on a tense moment. And he swallowed hard when it dawned on him that not only did he make an awkward fool of himself, he inadvertently interrupted Sensei who was clearly angry about something…he guessed it had to do with the pink mask in Raph's hand. He bit his cheek to keep from snickering. "Um," he chuckled nervously, "If anyone needs me I'll be in my lab." Donnie bowed his head in respect and ducked back into his sanctuary.
A heavy silence filled the lair for a tense moment as Splinter gave that sigh again, twitched his ear and lifted his right brow. Finally he spoke, "As I was saying, Michelangelo, you will fix or replace Raphael's mask. To tamper with his mask like that is a sign of great disrespect and you will apologize to Raphael this instant."
All humor was gone from Mikey's face as he lowered his eyes and said sincerely, "Sorry Raph. I was only joking, I didn't mean to show any real disrespect, I didn't realize...I didn't think that…" he sighed, "I didn't think. I'll fix it. I promise."
Raph huffed at him, his eyes twitching with anger. But he nodded, tossing his mask to his little brother and folded his arms in a huff.
"As your punishment, you are forbidden to play any video games or watch any TV for two weeks, and you are to practice your katas for an extra hour every day this week. Leonardo, you will help him train."
"Hai Sensei."
"Raphael, you need to learn to control your temper," Splinter said, "the hold you had on Michelangelo could have hurt him badly."
"Hai Sensei," Raph sighed, "but with all due respect, you know I would never hurt Mikey or any of my brothers."
"Then clearly you did not see what I saw," Splinter revealed, shaking his head. Raph and Leo both glanced at Mikey and Leo heard Raph audibly gasp at the sight of faint bruising forming around Mikey's neck. "As punishment, you will practice meditation with me an extra hour each day this week. Your temper is out of control, and I fear that one day the consequences will be dire. I will do what I can to help you overcome it."
"Hai Sensei."
"And for your…colorful language," Splinter said with a twinkle in his eye, "I think one bite of the soap should do it."
Raph's eyes widened in horror, while Leo tried to hide his amusement, "Seriously? Aren't I a little old for washing my mouth with soap?"
Splinter shot him a look of warning and Raph bowed his head, "Hai Sensei," he said in defeat, glaring daggers at Mikey who grinned.
With a satisfied look Splinter retreated back to his room, trusting his sons to honor the punishments given to them. Mostly because dishonoring their punishments would only make things worse if they got caught.
After a moment Mikey snickered, "Man, I got off easy! I can't believe you have to wash your mouth out with soap!"
Glaring dangerously at Mikey, who gleefully blew a raspberry at him, Raph growled through clenched teeth, "I'm. Going. To. Kill. You."
He didn't mean it of course, but little did he know how prophetic those words could potentially turn out to be.
A/N Don't worry Donnie fans! He'll be featured more prominently in future chapters. Thanks for reading! Feedback, whether good or bad would be awesome!
