Hello my beautiful and lovely readers, this is the final chapter to PART ONE of 'Down the Rabbit Hole'…. Part two is currently in the mix! There WILL be a small hiatus for this story once I decide what I want to do next… there are three choices I'm milling over! Until then, please check out the latest installment to 'Cerulean Flame' as well as my newest one-shot titled 'Daddy', of which I'm currently milling a sister fiction to titled 'Daughter' so be on the lookout for that as well!
Also, I've currently opened a new site called 'Cowabunga Corner', it's a TMNT board to post fic, art, and vids in. So if you're looking for a totally cool place where fellow TMNT writers can hang out, challenge each other, as well as gain advice… that's the place to go ***Mikey wink*** A few authors have already taken the plunge…So please join… PLEASE?! ***pleading Mikey eyes***
Ok, I've rambled on long enough, ONWARD with the story!
Warning: Character Death!
Dis: I don't own TMNT
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Alice felt her pocket vibrate. She pulled out a small burner phone and when seeing the code word she reached into another pocket, pulled out the remote, then pressed down on the trigger. The concrete below her feet vibrated with the force of the blast on the opposite end of the building and small specs of dust came fluttering down after being disturbed from their slumber. She looked over her shoulder as the lights flickered and smiled.
Show time.
Silently they moved, hugging the walls and shadows, but Jake's heavy boots weren't the best attire and every time he clomped down for a step she winced but they managed to make it to the communications room and Donatello was soon on a computer, working his magic. Alice and Michelangelo had the door, keeping a lookout for any guards or personnel.
"You should have told me," she said, eyes steely before looking up to Michelangelo.
"He didn't want you trying to change the plan." Mikey's face fell slightly as he fixed her with a piercing gaze. "You like him, don't you?"
"I… it's complicated." Alice bit her lower lip, looking down at her boots. "I have my own Raphael waiting at home for me."
"Oh…" She looked up at his saddened sigh. "What am I like there?"
"Carefree. Happy. You make me smile a lot."
"Do I like you there as much as I do here?" he asked, his confession making her heart tug.
"No," she answered with a smile. "We're just really good friends."
"Oh," he said, making a face.
"You're all happy there. A family. Something you can still achieve here."
Michelangelo opened his mouth to answer but a rush of feet had them standing on guard. Kevin, sweet Kevin, stilled in his steps and looked flabbergasted to see Alice standing there, duel swords at the ready. His eyes widened even more when seeing Michelangelo and suddenly his gaze turned cold and calculating.
"Why? Why would you do this?"
"Kevin…"
"He's a traitor!" he shouted, hand up and pointing, and Alice had to feel sorry for the brainwashed man before her.
"Shredder's days are numbered, Kevin," said Alice. "He wasn't a good leader. You have to see that. Look at all the destruction."
"I… I… SECURITY!" Alice felt a surge of air go through her and Kevin was suddenly pushed back into the wall, knocked out from the force of the hit to the back of the head. "Oh, Kevin, I didn't know how twisted you truly were."
More footfalls, these ones heavy and sounding like artillery had Alice peeking into the room, a look of urgency on her face.
"Hurry, Don, we've got company!"
"I hit an unexpected snag…" He waved her off without looking away from the screen. "Do your thing, I'm almost done!"
"Unexpected snag, Christ," muttered Alice with an eye roll as armed guards filtered into the room. Swords drawn she moved fluidly. Aware of flying bullets she performed numerous aerial evasions, using air to assist her and every punch and kick had the heavy weight of earth. When another wave moved to enter she used her new power of water and a large wave fell from the sprinkler systems above their heads to wash out the line of men and having them tumble down like bowling pins. Jake soon joined the foray and Alice frowned as he killed three men without blinking, all clean shots between the eyes. The others were lucky to be unconscious but she had to wonder that if Mikey wasn't there, if Jake would have taken them out as well.
Alice jumped as alarms started to blare. Wincing at the volume and squinting against the flashing lights she rushed back into the room to see Donatello frantically typing and as soon as the alarms started, they stopped, lights flickering once more but this time going out. The room was filled with the sound of nothing but breathing and while Jake and Emily flicked on the lights attached to their guns Alice sheathed a sword and brought up a hand to call upon fire. A large ball formed above the palm of her hand, casting the room in an eerie orange glow.
"I did it," said Donatello, large grin on his face. "All systems are down. The compound is defenseless."
"You're a genius," cheered Emily, leaning down to press a kiss to his cheek.
"We still have to worry about armed guards," said Alice, popping the bubble of victory. "Until all yield to you, we still have a fight on our hands."
"Shouldn't be too hard, considering the hate all of humanity has for Shredder."
They carefully made their way to the upper levels. Some guards raised their weapons but upon seeing Alice, whom they all still thought of as Shredder's charge, as well as Michelangelo and Donatello, they backed down. Level upon level a larger crowd followed them until coming to the main dojo where more humans and mutants gathered. Some bared teeth and spat but most cheered, happy to see two sons return home. The glow of freedom only grew as doors slammed open to reveal Raphael and a few of his men looking haggard, but victorious. Slowly he made his way toward Alice, Mikey, and Don: a swagger in his step that wasn't there before. He walked tall, proud, and stilled once arriving at the small group. Slowly he turned in a circle, his voice loud and boisterous as he moved to address the people.
"The Shreddah is dead!" Some gasps filled the room as well as cries of joy. "Any who oppose me?"
Dead silence fell upon the room, and then person after person and mutant after mutant bowed onto one knee to Raphael. He stood straight, proud, and Alice found herself lost in the moment as she took to one knee beside Mikey and Don. However, Raphael stepped forward and brought his hands down on Michelangelo's and Donatello's shoulders.
"We lead as one, now," he said softly, making Alice's eyes threaten to water with the tender moment. "No longer will we stand apart. Rise, brothers, and stand with me."
Alice looked up as the trio stood before the onslaught of people, and she was happy, truly: but she had one single thought…
Where was Leonardo?
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How dare them! How dare all of them! They dishonored his father's memory and took over his throne so soon after his death! Banners with his insignia burned while fluttering to the ground and precious statues and art were being thrown into pits of fire and the people had the audacity to laugh! They will ALL pay for their dishonor! ALL OF THEM!
Raging, Leonardo's fists clenched and unclenched, his enraged and wild eyes taking in the scene before him. He still had his father's blood on his hands and spattered on his face. Before, when he was young, he easily doubted his father's love like his brother's. He had thoughts of running but Shredder, Oroku Saki, had shown him the big picture. He'd taken him in his private rooms and sat him down and for hours and hours spoke and spoke, talked and talked until Leonardo was certain his ears would bleed. Then he made him better… All better. With a slight prick and a small pinch his mind cleared and he was free. Free from doubt…
And free to love.
Pressing a hand to his forehead he frowned, shaking his head and murmuring incoherently… He needed his medicine. He was sick, so very sick, and when he didn't get his medicine he had horrible thoughts… Like now, he wanted to burn. Burn EVERYTHING. But, why burn, when you can just make the pain last? Yes, he would get his revenge on Raphael, and he knew just who to start with…
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"Hey," said Alice, resting her hip against the door-frame and crossing her arms over her chest. There, sitting at what used to be Shredder's desk, was Raphael. Donatello was in another room, going through numerous computers and she had no idea where Mikey was. Raphael looked up from some documents, the frown that had been on his face softening into a smirk. "How goes it?"
"A lot of shit here," he said, tossing down some papers and rubbing his eyes. He'd recently showered, the dirt and soot that had been staining his skin washed away, but he still wore his battle gear. "How did it go?"
"A couple protesters got kicked out. Kevin included."
"Stupid, Nerd-Boy," muttered Raphael before waving her over.
Alice gave up her perch and moved to the large desk that was bigger than the bed in her apartment. She sucked in a breath when an arm encircled her waist and pulled her down into an inviting lap. She allowed herself to rest her head on his shoulder while he held her. They sat in silence before she looked up into his tired, yet still alert eyes.
"You told me Shredder was dead… What about Leonardo?"
"He…" Raphael swallowed then turned to look out the window where smoke curled just outside it. The orange glow of the fires cast eerie shadows and Raphael had to wonder if Leonardo lay in wait just outside… "He's still out there."
"What should we do?"
"Right now? Focus on taking the lead. When he shows up we'll deal with him."
Alice placed a hand over where his beating heart was and frowned. Leonardo was still out there and her head was still a jumbled mess. She didn't know how to broach the topic on returning home.
"What is it?" he asked softly, making her saddened blue eyes look up into his.
"I'm thinking about home," she answered truthfully, making him tense then trail his hands off her hips.
"Oh."
"I-" Alarms started going off and they both looked around in confusion. "The hell?"
Raphael pressed the piece connected to his ear. "Status report! WHAT?! SonuvaBITCH! We're on our way!"
"What is it?" asked Alice, scrambling off his lap.
"It's Michelangelo. He was attacked…" Raphael looked at Alice. "It was Leonardo."
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He had been enjoying himself… Somewhat. He had found Jan, a human he'd taken an interest in before the drama that was Alice had walked into his life. Michelangelo normally found Jan pleasing but he found himself on his shell, eyes closed, picturing a tall and lithe brunette riding him instead of a short, curly haired blonde. It's taken everything in him to keep his lips pressed together and not call out Alice's name… Fuck, he was so messed up…
He'd heard her gasp and thinking she'd gotten her release he'd been ready to follow when something felt off. Warm, sticky liquid started trailing over his fingers and he opened his eyes to see Jan's wide, lifeless eyes staring at him-a katana protruding from her chest where her heart should've been.
He'd never moved so fast in his life. He'd rolled to the side just as the katana came down on his pillow and there, standing at what he'd deemed his bedside, was the wild mess that was his brother. He'd tried reasoning, telling him to stop and to be a family but whatever the Shredder had done to his brother, it was too late. He was far from help and a lost cause so he'd fought. Leonardo was faster, perhaps even stronger and better trained but Michelangelo managed a few good hits before escaping his room. He shouted for a guard to sound the alarm just before he felt the bite of the blade at his neck, then nothing at all…
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"Is he ok?" asked Alice in a whisper, eyes looking through the glass at the pale, one-armed turtle that had bandages around his neck that were soaked through with his blood. The doctor, a mutant Fox named Faux, if you could believe it: was shaking his head, his tail swishing against the floor by Alice's feet.
"He's lost a lot of blood. Luckily the cut didn't sever the main artery but he's still critical. I give him a fifty-fifty chance."
Alice nodded. "Can I see him?"
"Yeah, but not too long, ok?"
Alice nodded before entering the room. She felt tears prickling her eyes and one managed to escape as she reached for his hand and took it gently. She sniffled before her other hand reached up to cup his cheek.
"I'm sorry," she said. "We all knew Leonardo was a threat. We should have stayed together. Should have been smarter. We have everyone looking for him now. The hound mutants are literally tracking his scent and Raphael is out for blood. Not that I think more should be spilled on this night but… God, Mikey, you've suffered so much. I'm sorry… I'm sorry I can't give you what you want… I love you, I really do, but…" She sighed before bending down and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Get better."
"How touching." She tensed, and then slowly turned around to face Leonardo in the doorway. He looked crazier than usual and had a nurse by the neck, katana pressed against it in a way that was wickedly similar to Mikey's injuries. "Hello Alice."
"Leo." Her eyes trailed to the nurse. "Let her go. She has nothing to do with this."
"Mmm, no, see, I let her go, and you'll blast me through the walls. You and Me? We need to talk."
"Ok," said Alice. "I'll go with you but you need to let her-"
"I'M IN CHARGE HERE! ME!"
"Ok, ok, you're right," said Alice softly, hands up in the air. "You want to talk. Let's talk."
"Where's Raphael?"
"Looking for you."
"So not within the complex… Good. Let's go, Alice, we're taking a quick walk to the roof."
"Roof? Why?" she asked, walking toward him and stopping.
He didn't answer, just motioned her with his head to walk forward. "No funny business or I slice her throat. Yeah, that's it, nice and easy into the elevator. Top floor, press it… Good…"
Every fiber in Alice's being wanted to fight but she had a pale, hyperventilating nurse to worry about. Leo's gaze was unwavering during the elevator ride up to the top floor. When the elevator opened there were guards but Alice held her hands up to ward off any movement on their part. She looked to one and mouthed 'Get Raph' before turning to look at Leo.
"They will let us through. All you need to do is let her go."
"NO! She stays," snarled Leo, pressing the katana to the nurse's neck, drawing blood.
"Leonardo if you want OUT of this elevator you do as I say or, regardless of the nurse, someone WILL call the elevator and we'll end up going in the opposite way you wanted to."
"I need to get to the roof," he muttered, eyes looking left and right and Alice wanted to just send him into the wall, but the katana was in a compromising place. Alice motioned him forward and he went, keeping the girl and she followed then he stilled at the roof access. He motioned for Alice to open the door and he went up first with the girl and she stared at the guards.
"He doesn't get past this door. Understand?"
"Ma'am," said a guard. "We contacted Raphael, he will be here shortly."
"Good… I'll try and keep him calm."
Alice ascended the stairs and at the top was another door. She pushed it open and greeting her was the sight of the nurse, bawling and on her knees, Leo's katana still pressed against her neck. He had a faraway look in his eyes as he took in the horizon then slowly turned his head to Alice.
"We had a plan," he whispered softly. "We were to rule the world. Then YOU came and FUCKED IT ALL UP! All he could speak of was you. Do you know how disappointed he was in me when I couldn't get the sword to activate? All these years and then the light came and suddenly he started pulling away. Supposed daughter from another world, but I know the truth. I've watched you and Raphael and though I spoke my concerns HE still remained unconcerned! So now, I'll go to him elsewhere."
"Shredder is dead in my world as well," she said, chin lifting.
"Stupid girl, there are MANY worlds, MANY possibilities. You need to choose one to my liking and open a gateway. NOW."
"But… I don't know how," she said, truly meaning it.
"Grasp the swords, close your eyes, and concentrate…" He tugged on the hair of the nurse, making her whimper. "Her life depends on it."
"OK!" Alice took a deep breath and exhaled. "Ok…"
She grasped her swords, pulled them from their resting place, and closed her eyes. At first, she felt nothing and started to panic. A life depended on her now! She needed to do this! What was that about many possibilities? What did he mean by that?
"CONCENTRATE!"
"Meditating was never my forte, ok?!" she snapped. "I'm trying!"
"Try harder," he growled, purposely cutting the girl's neck.
Alice closed her eyes again and inhaled slowly, and exhaled slowly, over and over again she started blocking out the noises to where she could only hear her breathing and suddenly something appeared behind her eyelids…. Or in her mind? A bright, red shining light… Then numerous lights started to appear, like she was looking at a star-filled sky. Some were also red; others were blue, yellow, orange, and purple. It was insane because suddenly her eyes were open, and the stars were still there, flicking all around her, circling her, and Leonardo stood with her, awed then smug.
"The swords are the key. The light in front of you is where we are now. Pick a light with the sword in your left hand, and a gate will open, and I will travel there. Once I am through, you can close the gate before the energy pulls entirely from your body…"
Helpful advice, but truly, he was going to kill her before stepping into that portal… Slowly, so that she had enough life in her to sustain the portal till he was gone… He only needed a window…
"Why?"
"To find father, another version of father, now DO IT! One sword opens the gateway and the other closes it. It was why you were probably sent here. There are only two swords, separated by the old ones for their power and now reunited…" He sighed, looking almost sad. "If I could kill you and use those swords I would. However, there needs to be a keeper, and you are it… Now, if you would be so kind… Choose."
Which one did she choose? She was forever altering a world by bringing him there! What did all the colors mean? Was red bad? Because everything here was bad… Save for Raphael… So maybe red was where SHE needed to go, to get home? Then again it could be any of the other colors as well… Really, she was getting no hints as to which color meant what…So she raised a sword and pressed the tip of it to a dimly lit blue light… Maybe dim meant bad? Suddenly a familiar tingle traveled from the tips of her fingers up her arm and to her scalp and down her toes. It wasn't as staggering as the first time but she found herself growing tired as the portal opened. THAT was when Leonardo let the nurse fall to his feet and now Alice knew why… She was weakened when the portals opened and suddenly her eyes widened as he came toward her, katana raised.
"LEO!"
Leonardo whirled around and there, standing in the doorway, was Raphael. He had a gun raised to his brother and Leonardo could only lift a brow before tilting his head to the side. Unspoken words were exchanged and Raphael dropped the gun then pulled out his sai… Apparently, they were to battle the old fashioned way. Alice brought up the other sword and slashed it in the area the portal was opening and it stopped, the mist dissolving immediately just as metal clashed against metal for the first time. Alice made her way to the nurse and crouched protectively over her while the brothers dueled it out. She knew that Raphael had to be the one to battle Leonardo and she wouldn't interfere… Unless Leonardo was delivering a deathblow… Then she would. However, his insanity was making his swings come up wide and his kicks miss his mark, it wasn't long before Raphael had him on the ground but Leonardo wasn't done.
Somehow he managed to pull out a smoke pellet and Alice was once again on guard… She felt a brush of air behind her and she whirled around to meet the psychotic brown eyes of Leonardo. She gasped, ready to scream and fight, but ended up coughing from the smoke just as Leonardo's eyes widened. When the smoke cleared, Alice and Raphael were the only ones standing. The nurse lay curled on the ground, as did Leonardo: with a sai buried in his side.
"Alice!" He pulled her to him, breathing in the scent of her hair. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I am. You?"
"Yeah." He looked down at his brother. "He isn't dead. Not yet, but…"
"He needs help," she whispered softly. "A lot of it."
"I know. He might be too far gone. I can't let 'm go."
"I know." She pulled back, stepping further and further away as she spoke. "Just like I can't let HIM go…" She closed her eyes and repeated the process she had done before, and this time choosing a brightly lit red star the portal for that world started to open. She opened her eyes as the blue mist started to electrify and she was met with a distraught looking turtle.
"I love you…" said Raphael in a whispered plea.
Wait… What? WHAT?!
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"I love you." There. He said it. It was now out in the open but instead of joy and happiness in her gaze he saw her wince then look away almost guiltily. Dread filled his gut and he already knew the answer that would come before she opened her mouth so he rushed to her, put his hands on her shoulders, and then pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was filled with love and desperation, and though her lips yielded, it lacked the passion he felt before their one night together. "Stay. Please stay."
"I love him," she whispered, tear-filled eyes looking up and pleading with the male before her. "I'm sorry. God I might even love you too, but, he's waiting for me. Might even think I'm dead and it wouldn't be fair to him. I need to go back."
"I wish I met you first," he whispered, hand coming up to caress her cheek but stopping half way there only to fall back to his side. "Then maybe…"
He smiled, almost bitterly, before stepping away. His heart was breaking, shattering, and that familiar cold he had felt before meeting her started to settle back into his bones. He was done professing his love, begging her to stay. He had his damn pride, at least a small part of it, and he'd be damned if he gave the rest of it up. The blue light of the portal grew stronger and he could see the slight wobble she tried to hide.
"Go," he whispered.
"I will not forget you," she said softly before turning her back to him, sheathing her katana before walking forward to the light.
"Same here," he answered softly.
He stood, feet proudly planted on the roof of what was to be his complex, watching the one and only woman he would ever love walk away. Once again he had the urge to grab her and keep her, but she had to go. Maybe, if he was lucky, he'd see her again. He'd wait, he didn't care how long, but he'd wait for her. Even if she never came back, waiting for her? It would be worth it.
"ALICE!"
Raphael tensed and Alice whirled around to see a bloodied Leonardo standing where he had fallen, Raphael's sai that had been lodged in his side now in his hand. Blood was gushing, pitter-pattering to the concrete from Leonardo's body as well as the sai. He was breathing deeply, his breath wet and ragged, but he stood proud and strong. Lightning fast, before Raphael could leap in the way to protect her, Leonardo flicked the sai and to Raphael's horror, the sai flew toward Alice.
"NO!" shouted Raphael. He heard a sharp intake of breath, her breath. Her wide, disbelieving eyes met his and she fell backward. Her hand had been on the handle of the sai, but she hadn't been quick enough, for part of the sai was within her body. He moved toward her, but knew as she started entering the portal, that he wouldn't make it. As if in slow motion, she fell, and he thought about following her but as soon as she entered the portal closed. His skin felt like static as he stood where he'd last seen her, the only evidence that she'd been there the smell of her skin and blood. "FUCK!"
"She broke us apart... Look what happened," spat Leonardo, voice ragged from the blood rising in his throat. He was dying, Raphael must've punctured a lung, but it was a little too slow for Raphael's taste. He launched at his brother, gripping his remaining sai before tackling him to the ground. He pointed the end at his brother's throat, panting.
"SHREDDAH DID IT! HE KILLED OUR FATHA! HE TURNED YOU! HE TURNED YOU INTO A MONSTER THAT WOULD KILL HIS OWN FLESH AND BLOOD!"
"Mi-Michelangelo was a traitor," he said, blood pouring from his lips.
"No. No big brother. You are," said Raphael, his voice breaking.
Finished with it all, he slid his hand forward, his sai cutting into Leonardo once more at the throat. Leonardo gasped, bloody fingertips coming to rest upon Raphael's wrist as he finished the job. Leonardo breathed twice more before falling for the last time to the concrete. A strangled cry of an enraged animal tore itself from Raphael's throat as he cradled his brother to his chest.
"I'm sorry," he whispered brokenly, to not only Leonardo, but to Alice. "I'm sorry…"
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She was dimly aware that she was falling. Faster and faster her hair whipped around her face, wind rushing against her skin and she started to flip-flop down to the ground. Her chest hurt and her body was shutting down but she knew she had to stay awake and save herself from going SPLAT against whatever surface was below her. Channeling whatever inner strength she had left she gathered the air around her to aid her and her descent slowed until she was almost floating. Further and further she fell then landed softly upon the earth. Slowly she opened her eyes and was greeted by a full moon, and a night sky where she couldn't see stars. She turned her head to the left and saw a chain-link fence then to the right and saw nothing but tall grass and weeds.
'Where am I?" she thought softly, just before darkness overtook her.
END OF PART ONE
Reviews are welcomed/encouraged/cherished! :)
PART TWO IS IN THE WORKS! :)