KLUNK'S MISSING

Chapter 3: Easy Breathes, In and Out

By ilovemyboys

Authors Note: Sorry guys! I said this would be earlier and then life got in the way. So here are two chapters in one day!


"Eassssy Mikey, breathe slooow breathes…in…and out…" Don instructs me soothingly, gripping my shoulders, as he looks me in the eyes.

I try to do what he says, taking in deep breaths while my body keeps trying to take in rapid ones.

"Easy Mikey, eeeeasy…in…and out…in…and out…" Don rubs my shell. "Shhh….calm down…"

"It's okay bro…" Raph adds from behind, sitting up on his knees and ready to move at a moment's notice.

"Don, what's going on?" He asks, sounding pretty worried too…

"He's hyperventilating. Something must have triggered it. Mikey, come on, you can do this."

I feel my breathing start to slow down a bit… but I also feel a bit light-headed…

"Donnie…" My hand grabs his arm as I speak barely over a whisper. "I need to *gasp* lie down…" I whisper.

He nods in agreement as he helps me lie down on the carpet.

That's…b-b…better…

A few minutes go by as I concentrate on breathing naturally. Which is a whole lot harder than it sounds!

"Mikey?" Don asks gently after a few minutes. "Can you open your eyes for me?"

Huh? What do you know…they're shut.

As I open my eyes they gradually focus on Don's.

"You need to drink some water, okay?"

"Okay…" I mumble.

"Here. We'll help you up."

I nod slowly as Raph pulls me up from under my armpits and leans me against his plastron, while Don, crouched in front of me, hands me the water bottle.

"Here," he offers with a smile.

"Thanks bro…" I croak out and gulp it down. When I'm finished I hand it back to him.

"Alright…" I breathe out.

Soon I've slowed down my breathing and feel less panicky. I notice Don and Raph are looking away from me, for once. Even I don't like that much attention…...Most of the time.

"I think…I'm…alright now…"

"You sure about that?" Raph asks sarcastically as he looks down at me, though I can see concern in his face. Poor Raphie…never can show that sensitive side of his…tisk, tisk…

I look up at Don, who's looking at me with a worried expression as well.

"If you're doing okay now Mikey, could you tell us what brought this on?" Don asks gently.

"It's…..k….k…" I gasp, barely able to talk as the memories flood back to me.

"It's Klunk," Leo speaks from somewhere close by. "Mikey can't find him, so we're gonna go look for him."

I pull myself up on my hands as I look at him confused. "How did you know?"

It's right then of course that I notice Master Splinter is behind him.

"Ohhhh…" I answer myself, understanding.

"Wait, so your cat's missin'?" Raph asks unbelievingly. "Is that what this is all about? Why don't you just look for-"

WHAT DO YOU THINK I'VE BEEN DOING! I want to shout at him!

"Raphael! Michelangelo has looked for his cat. As have I. He is nowhere in the lair," Master Splinter snaps at Raph before I could fume at him!

Raph looks over at me somewhat apologetically. Darn it! I can't stay mad too long!

"You all know how much Klunk means to Michelangelo," Leo started talking. "That, and although it may not always seem like it, he is a part of our family."

"Yeah, yeah…" Raph grumbles, though not as annoyed as he usually is. Probably hiding it for my sake. (evil grin) ^_^

"Wait a moment," Master Splinter interrupts my thoughts.

Aw maaan…now what?

"Donatello? Is it safe for Michelangelo to go out this soon after what has just taken place?"

"Well…it depends on the severity of the situation and if he's at risk of it happening again but…" His eyes meet my pleading ones, begging him, Let me come. Please. It's Klunk! Sighing, he turns to Master Splinter and says, "He should be fine. We'll all keep an eye on him."

Master Splinter thought for a second. "Very well. I trust you know best on matters such as this Donatello."

"Thank you Sensei."

"Then it is settled. You will all look for Klunk in the sewers. However! Do not get separated. Go in pairs and do not go far. Keep in contact with your… radio…devices… Understand?"

"Yes Sensei," we reply.

"Alright," Leo turns to me. "Mikey? Do you remember the last time you saw him?"

"Well…that was…" I thought about that for a second. When did I see him last? Oh no. Could I have forgotten already? Gasp!

Oh no!

Sloooowww, deeeeep breathsss…come on Mikey…Oh man, when was the-

"It's okay Mikey," Leo adds quickly, probably trying to make sure I didn't start gasping for air again. "How about any places in the sewer he likes to go? You two take walks together sometimes right?"

"Yeah…we do…" I mumble. "Wait a second! Yeah! We should totally look there!"

"Um…where is that?" Don asks as I see them all give me confused looks.

"Oh. Right. Can't read my mind. Not like my Klunkie…" I speak in that baby voice just for my Klunkie! I notice Raph on the other hand roll his eyes. Meanie.

"Mikey?" Don asks me again.

"Oh! Right! Um…there's a certain spot he likes to sniff around. I could lead us all there?"

"Alright Mikey," Leo turns to me. "Lead the way."