RAPHAEL
Mikey came running back toward us, his expression anxious. "Splinter says we gotta get out of here, now."
"What?" I wrinkled my forehead in confusion, looking behind him to see our master slowly approaching. "Sensei, what's going on?"
"A dark presence is approaching. We must all leave at once." He didn't sound as authoritative as he usually did, which was unnerving. His limp was slower, less steady.
"With all due respect, Master Splinter, you've been talking about 'dark presences' for days now. What exactly is going on?" Donny asked in a rare state of confusion, borderline panic.
"There is no time to explain. You must carry your brother and leave quickly."
"H-how? Where are we supposed to go?" Mikey had a wild, lost look in his eyes, but was at Leo's side in an instant to do what he was told.
"How far along were you with the Battle Shell, Don?" I asked, hoping for some good news.
"Well, I managed to-." It was apparent he had been about to ramble on in Geek speak and had gratefully stopped himself. "I-it's mostly up, but I-I haven't tested the engine out yet."
"No time like the present." I muttered, pulling one of Leo's arms over my shoulder while Mikey got the other. "Casey, get your lazy butt out of bed, we're leaving, now! Don't ask questions."
A black rat's nest of hair popped up from the couch, "Coming!" Miracle of miracles, I only had to tell him once.
The 7 of us loaded up onto the elevator, the tension almost suffocating. When the doors slid back open it was like a breath of fresh air even though we ended up the musty garage. Mikey and I hauled Leo into the back of the Battle Shell while Don made some last minute adjustments on the hoodless engine.
Even though I had no idea what was going on, an anxiety was slowly building through my body, making my muscles taught and putting my senses on high alert. "Hurry it up, Donny!"
"I'm going as fast as I can here!" Another minute of baited breath and he jumped into the driver's seat. "Moment of truth." He mumbled, turning the key. The engine sputtered, gasping for life. I felt like doing the same. My heart was pounding in my ears. Again Donny tried, then again, and again.
I swore loudly. "What are we gonna do now?"
"Hold on!" There was silence and then the familiar and comforting roar of the massive engine rumbling to life. "Yes!"
Speeding through the streets of New York, there wasn't a soul in sight. I was beginning to think we'd all panicked over nothing. Then I caught sight of Leo, lying across a seat, still unconscious, but his face was twisting into pained expressions, his mouth moving slightly, but no sound escaping. He started to twist slightly as if trying to escape some invisible bonds.
I was quickly kneeling next to him, one hand on his chest, the other gripping his own hand. "Is there time now, Sensei?" There was more bite in my tone than I intended, but I needed some answers. Mikey was in the seat closest to Leo and also looked on expectantly while April and Casey sat silently in the front.
Splinter lowered his head briefly and then looked straight into my eyes. That always sent a strange sensation down my spine, like he could read my very thoughts. Now he looked…almost depressed, slightly hopeless. I'd never ever seen him like this before.
"I would like best to explain when we are far from this place and able to discuss this all together. But for now I will tell you this; some evil was drawing closer to our home, and had we stayed, we would have been found and overtaken."
"Some Dudes were trying to find us?" Mikey asked, perplexed. "How would they do that? Is it the foot?"
"I shall explain more later, Michelangelo. For now, I must meditate and try to discover new information on this."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." I spoke up, anger building. "What does that have to do with Leo?" My brother had since calmed and wasn't struggling so much, but his face was still contorted into a grimace. "What's wrong with him?" I demanded.
"He is safe for now, Rafael. As for what ails him, I cannot be sure without further reflection." With that, he went into the back of the van, sat down and was silent for the rest of the trip.
My patience was hanging by a thread at this point. Sensei had just forced us to leave our home without so much explanation as a 'dark presence.' What the heck was that supposed to mean? Here I was, trying to comfort Mikey and look after Leo, who according to Don might have brain trauma, and Sensei's words of wisdom were 'I'll tell ya later.'
My little brother gave me the look that only little brothers can. I took one hand off of Leo's chest to put it on Mikey's knee. "It's gonna be okay, Bro."
He returned with a weak smile and scooted over to pull Leo's head onto his lap. "I hope so, Raph…" He whispered.
We ended up at Casey's farm hours later. Mikey had fallen asleep, and I was still sitting protectively in front of Leo on the floor. Casey and April got out first, going to prepare the house. Don came over as I started to stand, shaking Mike's shoulder gently. "Wake up, Bro."
"How's Leo?" Don asked hesitantly.
I shrugged, shaking my head. "Same as ever. Hasn't woken up, but he has been moving around a little, like he was dreaming I guess."
"Sensei say anything?"
"Nothing useful," I scoffed, looking over my shoulder to see that Splinter hadn't moved and his eyes were still closed. "You get him, Mikey and I will carry Leo in." After another minute of prodding, Mike jerked awake and helped me with our unconscious brother.
The situation was far too familiar to me. The only thing missing was the freezing cold and layer of snow, which I was grateful for. But then again, I had the same uneasy feeling of uncertainty. Our leader's, and more importantly our brother's, life was hanging in the balance and we were helpless to do anything.
We laid Leo across the couch where he remained, eerily still. The rise and fall of his chest was the only thing that told me he was alive. Don and April insisted on looking him over again, though I couldn't see why. Maybe it gave them some sense that they could at least try to help.
"His pupils are reacting better." Donny explained with some hope.
"What does that mean?" I drawled, arms crossed as I leaned against the wall above Leo's head.
"I…can't be sure." He admitted, almost visibly deflating. April put a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.
I caught Mikey looking on helplessly and suddenly clenched my teeth, pushing off the wall and whirling on my master. "Alright, I am so sick of this. What aren't you telling us?"
Splinter sighed deeply. "Sit my sons. I shall explain all that I can."
Reluctantly, I followed suit as my brothers took up spots sitting with their backs against the couch holding Leo. April and Casey stood off near the fireplace, trying not to intrude I guess, though I think they're just as much a part of the family as any of us and probably care just as much.
"Alright, spill. What's going on?" I'm sure on any other day, my brothers would have gasped or slapped me across the head, but tonight, I think they felt just as justified in a little impatience.
Splinter was silent for another few seconds before starting. "I believe your brother's mind has not been entirely his own."
"Hold on." Mikey held up his hands. "Are you saying that Leo's…possessed?"
A/N: callback to halloween? HA, no i didn't mean it that way. And...let's face it, Mikey was talking. You'll find out next update...if i get REVIEWS, please!! I BEG YOU. that other fic will look pretty enticing otherwise...I am not above begging, bribing or insulting as you can tell. Just know, I always love you.