Total Recall

Chapter II

April knew it was a long shot, but taking a risk to call in a specialist was out of the question. They had to make do with what they had. Luckily, both being students of Master Splinter, the easiest way was to meditate and find out what the problem was and where it lie.

Donnie was more than willing to try meditation to discover what was going on. So far, there was a surgery he had performed and a young woman he didn't remember. None of it made sense! And then to add to the mystery, he was missing pieces from not only his medical journal, but that of his personal one too. They were lucky to retrieve the data missing from the medical journal, but the personal stopped nearly the same time the files began disappearing, a year and a half ago.

The two sat on the living room carpet, silently. Everything around them was quiet with exception to their breathing. Internally, Donnie told himself to focus on the events he couldn't recall, saying it over and over again to make his mind obey him as it had in the past. Time seemed to slow as he felt his first glimpse, a party of some sort. His brothers and father were there, as well as the pretty brunette from the pictures.

"I can't believe you did this," she laughed, obviously talking to someone, talking to him.

The scene shifted to a dark night - an alley maybe? – and he was kneeling over her; he had blood on his hands…

The next memory was again at the party and he was still talking to the young woman.

"I can't thank you enough for saving me," she whispered.

"It's what we do," he responded. "Besides, don't think I don't know you're just coming over to see my brother."

The two laughed and he watched as the woman looked over towards his brother, who was apparently telling quite a funny and embarrassing story.

"I think he likes you too, Lindsey."

The scene changed again, but now they were in the lab. The young woman laid on one of the beds and Raph stood over her…

"She's not gonna make it, Donnie!" his brother shouted. "She's going into shock or something! Her brain signs are all over the place!"

"That doesn't make any sense!" he exclaimed.

The memory again shifted, this time to show the strange alien that was seen in the picture. Something rumbled, moved, causing him to drop his camera to the ground…

Then he was talking to her in the park, then he was looking at his hands, covered in blood, her blood…

Donnie awoke with such a start, he thought he was hyperventilating. He felt April next to him, asking if he was alright, that he needed to breathe normally and calmly. Once he felt himself under control, he took a deep breath before whispering, "Call my brothers and Master Splinter."

It had only taken a few minutes for him to calm himself and tell April what he saw. In the time he had awoken to the time the others arrived, he knew what happened, or rather he had a vague idea, but even that idea had merit. Now he needed to make sure they could be protected against it. He waited, still trying to get a hold of himself until everyone could be seated. They had made a DVD disc with the mysterious pictures on it, in the order they wanted them presented.

"I've never seen anyone like that," Leo began, looking at the picture of the mysterious alien man.

"Are you sure you can trust these images?" asked Master Splinter. "That they have not been tampered with?"

"We checked," April began. "We even did a few searches just to make sure these weren't joke pictures or Photoshop."

"I have a theory," Donnie began. "I think we were attacked by either this guy or his friends – at least Mikey and I were. I believe somehow they found the rest of you and for some reason, our memories have been erased."

Donnie missed the look exchanged by Leo and Raph, but April didn't. "What purpose would that serve, exactly?" Casey asked.

"I'm not sure yet," the brainy turtle replied, rubbing his head. "Look I know it seems farfetched, but I think we need to be careful. I think there's someone or something in the lair with us."

"How do you figure that?" asked Leo.

"Other than half of my work being deleted," Donnie growled. "There's this woman,-" he pointed to the picture with the brunette before going through the other two with him, her, and Mikey. "- the only thing I could remember was 'Lindsey' but she obviously knew us and knew Mikey and I especially well."

"I don't remember her," Mikey replied. "But she wouldn't be a girl I'd forget anytime soon! She's a hottie."

"That's just it," the purple clad turtle continued. "Who is she? Was she someone to lure us into meeting this guy? Was she in league with him? Added to that I called April earlier today and I have no memory of it, but yet my shell cell clearly says that I did indeed call her, just like it's recorded on hers that I did. I haven't figured out why we're being targeted though."

"This is serious," Leo muttered. "Donnie, make sure you check the cams around the lair, Mikey can do a quick search around the sewers. Raph and I will do a quick patrol around the area."

"I can catch up with you guys when I'm finished…" Don started, but was interrupted by Leo.

"No," he said. "In case there is someone around, I need you to watch the security. And be backup for Master Splinter. In fact, Mikey why you head out first? This way you can do a quick sweep before heading home. Then if anything pops up, the two of you can hold the fort until Raph and I get back."

"Right-e-o!" cried the younger turtle, taking his leave out April's window.

"Are you sure I shouldn't…"

"Your brother is right, Donatello," Splinter replied, standing and leaning on his walking stick. "It is obvious this person is after you specifically. It would be wise for you to stay within the lair."

"But…"

"It's for your own good, Donnie," Leo added, smiling.

"Don't worry, bro," smirked Raph. "We got cha back."

And like that, the matter was settled. It wasn't often that Donnie went or even wanted to go against the word of his father and eldest brother, but he just couldn't help it. The whole way home he couldn't stop thinking about it. Some mysterious alien race was after him, but why? And for what? Who was the mystery woman in the picture? She had thanked him for saving her. He couldn't remember doing so. And why couldn't Mikey remember? Why couldn't any of them remember? And April didn't know her either. Had they not been introduced or had April's mind been erased too?

The whole thing made him think of his time with the Triceratons and he felt his breathing hitch. He managed to calm himself just enough to make it to his bedroom without anyone worrying, but once inside, he had to sit down and breathe. It had been years since the dinosaur creatures' invasion and several years since he had a panic attack. It had taken many hours of meditation and talks with Splinter before he could block his mind from going there again.

A knock on his door alerted him to his sensei's presence and a tray of tea that he carried. "I am sorry to bother you, my son," the aged rat replied. "I thought perhaps some tea might soothe you in these uncertain times."

Donnie smiled as his father set down the tray on the desk. "Thanks, Sensei," he said, nodding his appreciation. His father didn't say anything, only leaving the tea and a fatherly pat on the shoulder. Donnie took his first tentative sip and sighed. Raspberry. He always had loved the taste of fruity flavors, but not so overpowering the taste was lost. And father had prepared it just the way he liked it, with a bit of honey and lemon. Taking another sip, Donnie turned to his computer, checking the preliminary cameras around the lair, even going so far as to watch tapes from earlier in the day. So far, there was nothing. Perhaps these beings had cloaking abilities? He shook his head on that. After experiencing the Foot Tech ninjas, the brainy turtle was always prepared for the invisible foe.

Rubbing his eyes sleepily, he wondered if his nights up were finally catching up to him. Sighing, he downed the rest of his tea in a few gulps before leaning over to turn off his desktop. Just before his pointer could clear the shut down option, a thought occurred to him. Looking around his room carefully, he managed to find the small camera he had hidden within the wall above his bed.

He wasn't one to give in to paranoia – that was a job for his other brothers – but he did believe in practicality. Given the strange events that took place in their lives, Donnie had taken to the task of being unpredictable. There was a time, when they had returned from the other worlds the Ultimate Draco had sent them to, that Donnie had the paralyzing fear that he would just disappear one day. After all, it apparently had happened once and seeing that world and what it had done to his friends and family scared him to no end.

He had nightmares for weeks, though he had never gone into detail about where he had been when he told his story. Mikey and Raph's seemed fairly tame if not fun; how could he tell them that he had been sent to a world where he had disappeared and his family had fallen apart? It seemed rather boastful that he was apparently the glue that held them together; he wasn't! But it didn't stop him from being on the verge of clingy. It didn't matter, day or night, if Leo wanted to practice, he was right there to practice; if Mikey wanted an all night movie marathon, he was right there watching TV; if Raph wanted to hang in the garage fixing stuff, Donnie was right there.

Raph had known something was wrong when Donnie asked if he could go head bashing with them.

This little trip down paranoia lane had then gone into voyeurism, well not voyeurism per se, but Donnie hadn't taken any chances. He went ahead and installed small cameras in everyone's rooms, the garage and even the Battle Shell. He had already been caught by both Raph and Leo late at night when he came to check on them, to make sure they were in their beds. He even showed Raph how to check the camera he put under his high rise bed, just in case he vanished one day.

It was extreme, but Donnie would take those chances if it meant they never experienced the Shredder controlled world. But it was with those thoughts that Donnie had once again, in this new lair, placed cameras within. He hadn't gotten to everyone, just his and Master Splinter's room, but knowing there was a camera hidden, he knew he could help covertly. Turning off his desktop, he picked up his laptop and launched the program for the security system. Finding the input for his bedroom cam, Donnie set it to record at that very moment. Minimizing the program, he then set up an alarm to wake him in approximately eight hours. That would give a fairly good runtime if anything did show up. It may even get them a clue as to what these people were looking for.

Suppressing a yawn, the turtle genius locked his laptop before closing it and putting it into hibernation. He then removed his elbow and knees pads before removing his mask, then laying down on his bed. He hoped with the extra sleep, he could remember more, possibly get an idea of what was going on.

The peacefulness of his slumber was rudely upset by not one, but two alarms going off. Out of habit, Donnie reached over and shut off his alarm clock, knowing it was telling him time to make the coffee. His brain, slightly alert, grew aware of another alarm going off. This of course made the sleepy turtle sit up slightly.

It wasn't like him to set two alarms.

Shaking cobwebs from his brain, he followed the sound to his laptop. Opening it and entering in his password, he was shocked to see an alarm pop up. In closing the alarm, a note appeared. It was encoded, that much he could understand at six o'clock in the morning, the why and when were the only problems. Deciding this was something best reviewed with coffee, he set his laptop down and headed for the kitchen.

Fresh cup of Joe in his hand, Donnie went nearly unnoticed back to his room. He could hear the sounds of Leo warming up, the whimpers and sayings from Mikey, and the loud raucous snores from Raph. Regular, every day morning. Remembering the problem that greeted him like the sun, Donnie grabbed up his computer and placed it on his desk. His encryption was easy to crack, nothing he probably couldn't have done without the coffee, but everything was made better with caffeine in your system.

Scanning the note, the genius turtle's brows furrowed. He had written himself a reminder, explaining that his memories were being erased, there was a mysterious alien and a mysterious girl who played a part, but he wasn't sure how. Something happened a year and a half ago and now someone was making sure none of them could remember what. The note told him to check the recording he had made in case he didn't remember anything of yesterday.

And shockingly, he did not. He remembered giving the annual exams, but when he stopped on Mikey, he couldn't recall if he given him one or not. He remembered being at April's, but the reason why escaped him. He remembered getting tea from Master Splinter and that was the last he knew. Obviously, something was going on. Bringing up his security program, he was pleased the camera recorded everything from the time he set it up, until the alarm went off.

He hit 'play recording' and then began to fast forward the time a bit. He abruptly stopped when he could see light drifting into his room. Hitting play, he leaned back and watched. There first appeared one figure, then two, then three; all were silent as they entered. He hoped with so many intruders, they would stop and talk to each other. He was rewarded when one of them spoke, but his eyes grew wide at the voice.

He knew that voice.

"This has to stop," replied one voice.

"This is the only way," said a second. "Do you have a better idea?"

"Of course I don't," growled the first. "We just can't keep doing this, Leo."

"My sons, please."

"Sorry Sensei."

He couldn't believe it. He just…couldn't…but it was there. It was right in front of him. Splinter standing next to him, fury hand on his head while he obviously went into a meditative trance; Leo and Raph standing off to the side, but next to their father, with the look of resolve on their faces.

"We can't go through this again," Leo was saying. "We have to make him forget completely."

"You heard Master Splinter," Raph answered. "Destroying his memories like that in one go isn't good for him. He's gotta do it little by little. Believe me, Leo, I'm not happy about it either, but if it means we don't go through…what happened before, I'm all for it."

Leo sighed. "How's Mikey?"

"Out like a light," the second son replied. "You know it takes longer with Donnie, that's why Splinter has to do it. We don't have problems with Mikey."

"I'm so glad he takes to mediation better than Donnie does," Leo said. "Getting rid of Mikey's memories are easier than getting rid of Don's."

He couldn't watch anymore. He thought he was going to be sick. What the hell? What the fuck!? If anyone had told him his father and older brothers were performing…memory wipes…on him, he'd call them a liar, cause they would've been a liar. But now…he had seen, with his own eyes. And if that wasn't bad enough, it wasn't just him. They were doing this to Mikey, too! Mikey, the brother they all swore to protect…

Donnie took a breath, realizing he was shaking. He didn't know if that was shock or panic or anger, he didn't know, but he was…he was…he didn't even know. He looked at the clock and saw it was nearly time for practice, he had about fifteen minutes to get into the dojo before someone came looking for him. He almost sneered at that; let someone come looking for him and then he'd be able to wail on them about…about this! He hoped it was Leo or Raph, even better was Master Splinter. Then he could show them, show them what he saw, what he couldn't ever imagine they would do to him…

Pushing his anger down, he stood and made his way out of his room. He didn't see anyone in the main parts of the lair – the kitchen, the living room, even the same area Mikey claimed was the 'game room'. He knew they were in the dojo and that's where he headed. He opened the door slowly and saw them. They were standing in the normal line and having a discussion.

Leo was on his left, shaking his head in mirth; Raph stood next to him, trying to explain something in expressive detail; April stood to his right, chuckling at their antics; Mikey was on the end, inputting whenever he could. Master Splinter stood at the front, laughing silently at the conversation. "I don't know what channel you were watching," Raph said. "But the fight was no contest. Evander had the guy on the ropes and boom! He was flat on the mat."

"You must've been watching an older fight," Leo insisted. "Lewis was against the ropes and he sent an uppercut that knock Holyfield to the ground."

"Are you listening to yourself?"

"I saw that fight," April giggled. "Casey made me watch it. Raph's right, Leo."

"Oh, et tu, April?" the older turtle complained. Seeing his younger brother enter, he waved him over. "Donnie, thank God you're here," he said. "Bring order to this insane chaos or I'm about to have a mutiny on my hands!"

"Mutiny?" Donnie asked, his tone flat and devoid of any of the humor the group was looking for. "I seem to be having one of those myself. Or perhaps I should label this treason? Better yet, conspiracy sounds like a much better word."

"Donnie?" asked April, confused by the unprovoked anger that seemed to swirl around him.

"Tell her," the brainy turtle replied, angrily. He first pointed to April, then included Mikey in his circle. "Tell them, Leo, how you and our brother and our father have been drugging me at night! Tell them how you've been erasing my memories when I'm knocked out!"

"What?"

"Donnie, listen, man…"

"Outside." Leo's command was the only one he listened to and he followed his brother out of the dojo. Donnie wanted nothing more than to round on his brother once he stopped, but Leo didn't stop until they were out the front door and a ways from the entrance. "Donnie…"

"You've been drugging me and erasing my memories!" Donnie exclaimed. "Don't deny it!"

"I'm not going to."

That actually took some of the anger from the younger turtle. He hadn't really expected his brother to admit what they had done, but he had and now there was only one question left.

"Why?"

"You were sick, Donnie," Leo said. "A year and a half ago, something happened, and you…had a breakdown. The only way to ensure it didn't happen again was to erase your knowledge of those events."

"What event?" Donnie asked. "What about that alien guy and the girl? Did those take place?"

Leo thought for a moment before replying. "Yes," he said, slowly. "Like I said Donnie, you got sick."

"How?"

"Those events caused you to have a conflict of interest."

"What kind of conflict?"

"It made you sick."

"Leo, what kind of conflict?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why!?"

"I tell you what happen and it could set the whole chain of events in motion again," the elder replied.

"That's not good enough!" Donnie screamed.

"It'll have to do," Leo said, firmly. He watched as he younger brother fought to gain control of his emotions. Donnie always kept his emotions in check, including his temper. He wasn't as temperamental like Raph or emotions on a neon billboard sign like Mikey; Donnie was more like his bigger brother. He kept himself calm and quiet. But when Donnie did get mad, it was explosive. It was probably the only time there seemed to be a genetic link between the four of them.

"I'm not a child!"

"Then stop acting like one." The two stared at one another for a long moment before Leo sighed. "I'm sorry, Donnie," he said. "It's for your own good."

"My own good!?" the brainy turtle asked incredulously. "Don't you think I should have a say in my own good? What if I was to perform surgery on you without your consent? Would that be for your own good?"

"If it saved my life, then I could live with it."

"I don't believe you," Donnie growled. "You'd feel as betrayed as I do."

"Be that as it may," Leo responded. "It doesn't matter. A year and a half ago, removing your memories of that time was crucial and needed to be done. Just like it needs to be done again."

"That's not fair!"

"Everything in life can't be fair, little brother," Leo whispered. "We'll cut practice a little short today, then we'll get this over with. Go to your room for now."

"This is ridiculous!" Donnie cried. "You may be our leader and you may be my older brother, but you sure as hell aren't my father! We'll just see what Master Splinter has to say!"

"It won't do any good, Donnie!" Leo exclaimed, feeling himself losing his cool. "Whose idea do you think this was in the first place!?"

Usually when he went to find solace in his room, he held a lot more excitement. Now, it was just depressing, especially knowing what would happen once he was made to lay down and go to sleep. A hard knock on the door caused him to sigh. It didn't matter if he said go away, his brother would take it as an invite anyways.

And a few seconds later, Raphael entered, looking as solemn as Donatello felt. "Memory row," the brainy turtle sighed. "Next in line speaking. Due to an unforeseen and unexplained incident, we cannot take your call at the moment. Please leave a message and if we remember, we'll get back to you. BEEP."

"Stop being so dramatic," Raph growled. "You're starting to sound like Mikey."

"Am I?" Donnie asked, deliberately being a pain. "I wouldn't remember."

"Donnie…"

"What happened eighteen months ago?"

"Don…"

"Why won't anyone tell me!?"

"Leo has his reasons," Raph sighed. "And so does Master Splinter."

"And you agree with them!?" Donnie asked. "You never agree with anybody! Don't you have a mind of your own?"

"I was there, dipshit!" the temperamental turtle exclaimed. "I watched you fall apart! So yeah, I agree with them."

It was like every emotion he could feel was drained out of him, causing him to sit in his chair rather harshly. He had the unmistakable urge to cry, to bawl like he did when he was little and scraped his knee. Master Splinter always made it better and when he couldn't, Leo would. When nightmares plagued his sleep, he turned to Raph, cause his big brother was tough and no monster would think of getting him or Mikey as long as Raph was there. It was so strange that he desperately needed the comfort of the three people whose trust had been tarnished.

"Raphie…" he sniffed. Great, now he really was going to cry. He felt his brother's hand on the back of his head, patting it gently.

"It's to help you get better, little bro," he whispered. "So you don't get sick again."