Who am I? - CH6
The crime of two...
Disclaimer: TMNT isn't mine and this is just a fan fiction writing. No money is being made on this story.
(TMNT CC are AU based on 2003 version and events, the turtles are in their late 20s.)
Warning: It has horror elements.
Rate: T
Drama, family comfort/hurt, and heartache...
Summary: Leo will not listen to him, how is he to help Adam if he was shackled to sit on his hands?
His arms crossed in annoyance as a frown was painted on his face. The TV flashed uninteresting images as his eyes wandered around the room, finding any excuse to get up. Even if he did find one, what was he to do anyways?
He was on edge, close to his wit's end and no matter how many times he argued with the bullhead fearless leader in the past week, the leader refused to listen to him.
He could tell Adam's condition was deteriorating each passing night, it wasn't his imagination and it frightened him, casting worry upon him that one of these nights Adam will be a no show for his sickly body had done him in.
Even with now a place to sleep at night, which Adam has been staying in the barn and eating everything they have given him, it seemed like it wasn't doing anything.
Donnie strongly wanted to learn more about Adam to understand him and figure out what he could do to help him yet Leo wanted to take the safe route, and not push the turtle. Which begs the question, how long can any of them keep this up?
Did the tedious process of earning trust outweigh the quick action to resolve the rising of the pending death to the turtle in question?
Sure, he knew trust was a factor, but when it wasn't gained quick enough when one's life is on the line, that is when you have to decide whether or not to help the individual and save their life, then to wait to the point they are unable to speak for themselves to ask for help and risk them dying since you didn't act earlier when you should have.
This was what plagued him and he wished Leo would see it the same, then being stubborn on the subject. Trust can be won later when Adam's health wasn't in danger and the turtle could finally think straight to appreciate their efforts in regards to his well being. A dead turtle could not, regardless if trust in the end, was established.
What made things a bit more difficult other than dealing with Leo, was that he had others to deal with, well more to lie too, in order to not risk Adam from running off, after they got him this close.
So far no one outside the circle knows why they are staying at the farm still, the excuse to their family was that it was for Leo's health, though that was half the truth.
Leo did need more time to rest, yet he could require that at home, however, to help Adam they needed to stay put. Besides, it was Leo's call not to bring up Adam yet, not to make anyone worry until they find more information on the turtle. It was probably a good thing, Donnie had to agree, but then again was it?
Leo was irrational and his orders were more based on his emotions than his intelligent mind, it in many words wasn't easy dealing with this side of his brother and it only frustrated him more.
"Bro, please smile," Mikey placed his hand on Donnie's shoulder squeezing it tightly.
"Sorry Mikey," Donnie answered with a long sigh, letting his shoulder drop.
"I understand how you feel but..."
"But what? Leo, no offense, isn't fit to make such decisions, I was appointed as leader until he is well enough yet he still overthrows me! He is letting his emotions play with his judgment and..."
"And you're not?" Mikey tilted his head at him leaning forward on the couch, "I know Leo has been very emotional than normal, and I know you said it's not uncommon, but you.. the way you're acting lately bro, is not your style, what is your excuse?"
"What? Am I some unemotional statue to you Mikey?"
Mikey waved his hand before him in defense, "Dude that's not what I'm selling! I was just pointing out you do care about people, yet you're not one to neither wear your heart on your sleeve nor lose your temper with a flip of a hat. You're taking it very personal to the point you're willing to fight with Leo of all brothers. Shell you two rarely butt heads, yet here you are ready and willing to take arms and you're not the fighting type. It's just not your style bro, you know what I mean?"
"Mikey..."
"Just listen Don, you normally come up with rational reasons for your actions and what you want to do, however, this time around you keep repeating yourself with no new reasons to convince Leo to see it your way."
Donnie thought about it, he had to actually agree with Mikey, he kept on with the same tune, not trying other angles with Leo. This wasn't like other times, he never took in the consideration that Leo is emotional right now and previous tactics that would work in the past wouldn't do in this case. The light bulb turning on Donnie jumped to his feet.
"You're right Mikey," Donnie beamed.
"I have my moments," Mikey said, proud of himself and pointed to the air in a dramatic pose to display it.
"Talking or reasoning with Leo isn't how to deal with this, action is in order," Donnie informed his brother sternly with that troublesome spark, glowing in his brown eyes. That one where Mikey new the path ahead would lead to trouble or worse.
"Ah," Mikey's hand fell, "What?"
Donnie turned towards him with a smile that made Mikey shiver with a chill running down his spine.
"Dude, what are you thinking of doing?"
"We," Donnie corrected him.
"No..." Mikey quickly added flatly, feeling the goosebumps prickling on the back of his neck, something was at foot and he was going to be drag into it knee high if he doesn't think fast.
"Yes, and we are going to wait until morning and follow Adam when he leaves the barn as he has done every morning so far."
"Whoa, whoa, WHOA! That is not what I was getting at bro," Mikey panicked, jumping back from the couch, "Dude, I wasn't saying to disobey Leo's orders!"
"Well, you have no choice Mikey or do you want me to do this on my own?"
"No, but..."
"Good then tonight go to bed early so you can be up before Adam leaves, we can do this."
"..."
The morning breeze, crisp and new, played gently with their mask's tails.
Both brothers were crouched down in the trees on the outskirts of the yard using the woods as coverage.
The dew covering the green leaves before him, Mikey ran his fingers on it as his mind and body were consumed by morning exhaustion over the lack of sleep and being up so early. To his right as he miserably would admit he was surprised, also a bit envious of how lively Donnie was compared to him.
How much caffeine shots did he take to be functional? He would have asked, however, he was sworn to silence, the number one rule at the time was he had to be quiet and truth be told, that never worked in the past, yet he knew this time he had to try his best since too much was at stake.
They were waiting, watching the barn for any movement and as Donnie predicted Adam came out of the barn stretching and letting out a yawn, before snapping his head up towards the sky then darted towards the woods not far from where they were hiding.
Once the turtle hit the edge of the clearing, before the tree line, he stopped suddenly with his head low staring at the ground.
Neither brother knew what he was waiting for then he moved, slowly turning his head looking back at the quiet house. His hood was down covering his face, yet Mikey could feel the sadness rolling off of him and could plainly see how Adam hesitated before disappearing into the brush. It was evident by the clear actions from Adam, that the turtle really didn't want to leave.
Which begged the question, then what was it that was making him do so?
The turtle now on the move, Donnie tapped Mikey on the shoulder pointing forward, now was the fun part that was coming to play and they had to try not to get caught red-handed.
They were able thus far to be undetected, but now the real challenge was before them, they had to follow Adam and cross their fingers not to be caught as they did so.
The game following of the leader, to their turtle luck it was going smoothly, other than the large effort mainly on Donnie behalf that was executed in order for him to keep up the pace the other two turtles were moving at.
To their surprise with Adam being ill as he was, actually moved with impressing speed, that would match Mikey's skills other then Raph's known speed level, when having such stamina.
The turtle darted around trees with light steps not leaving a trail to follow or making any sounds to attract any attention towards him.
Leo was right on the assumption that Adam has had ninja training since only one that has could move with such grace.
Mikey was impressed, yet it was Donnie that was more so. Though the genius turtle was making sure to keep up and watch his own footing in the trees above, he was deep in thought, calculating and observing the skills displayed. Mikey was getting a headache over the idea of how many numbers were running through his brother's head at the moment.
The deeper they went into the woods the denser it was and it wasn't long about twenty minutes from the farm they slowed down watching Adam stop at a suspicious looking location.
There was a lot of brush and by the untrained eye, it would look nothing more than that, yet the brothers could see the camouflage used.
Between two tall thick threes was a tarp pinned to them and draped down with some natural bushes around it, it cover it all the more.
So did Adam steal some hunting gear? Then again, it looked very old and been there for some time, he might have found it.
The turtle stood before his home, pulling back his hood and then once again look up to the sky, as he was waiting for something, there was fear and regret on his grim face.
He took some long, steady breaths as if he was preparing himself.
His hands dropped to his sides, holding himself as he leaned against a tree for support, taking more breaths.
The sun started to rise as its rays kissed the turtles face and he doubled over screaming in agony.
Mikey horrified tried to move to aid the turtle only to have Donnie stop him.
Donnie's eyes widened open in disbelief as his own breath was taken away.
The screaming continued and both turtles watched and then suddenly Donnie snapped Mikey out of his gaze and forced him to retreat back towards home.
Mikey did try to protest yet Donnie wouldn't have any of it. What they just witnessed changed everything.
Once they were far enough Donnie landed onto the solid ground and paced back and forth comprehending what they saw and how to deal with it.
"Dude... what the shell?" Mikey whimpered, looking back in the direction they left Adam.
The screaming had long stopped, even so, the imagery still played in his head.
"I don't know... this... it's not possible..." Donnie muttered biting his thumb. What did all this mean?
"Don, we should tell-"
"No!" Donnie whipped his head towards Mikey rumbling out a low growl, "By no means do either of us dare tell anyone about what just occurred. Especially Leo and Raph."
"But..."
"Mikey," Donnie came up to him holding his brother's shoulder that was shaking. The younger brother didn't like keeping such secrets, especially one this huge. Donnie locked his eyes with Mikey's, "We can't tell them until we know more."
"How? I doubt asking Adam full out, will get us any answers," Mikey pointed out, "We can't even get simple ones out of him at the current moment."
"True," Donnie looked away from Mikey yet kept his grip on his little brother, "So we will have to require them by other means."
Mikey's face twisted in dismay, not liking how that sounded, so far Donnie's ways were not helping only pulling them both in deeper into trouble once Leo finds out.
"Donnie, what are you thinking?" Mikey hesitantly asked.
"Here is the plan Mikey, no telling anyone what we saw and tonight when you make Adam's food you're going to put a substance I will mix together into a milkshake, that you will serve tonight as you been wanting to make for him for some time."
"What? Why? What substance," Mikey tried to pull away yet found he couldn't since Donnie held him in place, so he couldn't run away before promising he would do it and will not break that promise.
"I will mix a sleeping powder that will take a slow effect and knock Adam out long enough for me to get some blood samples," Donnie explained.
"Wait... I don't," Mikey whimpered, not liking this plan at all.
"Mike!" Donnie growled irritated with Mikey's fidgeting. The kid brother not accustomed with Donnie calling him Mike, compare to this full name and normal nickname, he froze.
With his brother's full divided attention Donnie's eyes were pleading, "Mikey, I need your help, we can't get the other two involved for neither will do it and whatever is going on with Adam I believe it's killing him or will if this keeps up."
"So you want to figure out how to stop it? What if it's natural?" Mikey asked.
Donnie shrugged uncertainly, "You might be right, but what if he needs a special diet with key vitamins and minerals that we are not providing? How am I to know what he needs if I don't get a better understanding of how his body works? To do that I need his blood to do some test to aid him. We both know waiting for consent will take too long and I fear we might not have such a luxury."
"I..." Mikey stared at the ground holding his arm and suddenly feeling Donnie pulling him in for a hug.
"I know this doesn't seem right, but we have little choice. I promise when we do this Adam will never know, only think he slept in. We will have you go to the barn like you have the past couple days knocking on the door and asking if he is still around, just like your going to do when we get back."
"Why?"
"Simple, who is to say he comes by after and have noticed that you have been doing it. We need to keep the repetition so he will not catch on. If he does come around today he will think nothing is wrong and I will make his lunch as nothing has happened so far as well. Then tonight supper we will drug him and I will make sure when I draw the blood he will never notice I did such a thing. He will leave the barn in the morning and will return none the wiser."
Mikey shuffled his feet, "I don't know dude."
"Mikey, please be my wingman?"
Mikey rolled his eyes, "Seriously dude, you only say corny things when you trying to butter me up."
"Is it working?" Donnie asked with a chuckle.
"Maybe..." Mikey pouted knowing it did.
His hand went to the mixer, then to the fresh berries and adding lastly the ice cream. It took so much of his effort not to act suspicious with Adam's eyes on his shell.
By now Mikey was allowed in the kitchen though there were ground rules not to startle Adam of course.
At the moment he offered to finally make the milkshakes he has been boasting about for the couple days and now he felt awful that they were part of an evil plan to drug Adam.
How did he let Donnie sucker him into this?
With Leo's shake made and on the side, he was now working on Adams to avoid cross-contaminating Leo's since if he tried to wash the container Leo would raise a few questions against it since the items would be similar and would be pointless to wash it.
All he needed to weigh on his shell, to make his conscience scream all the more 'this is wrong', was by accidentally drugging Leo on top of things.
The other items added, with the ice cream to come next, he took a quick breath before slipping out the small little baggy with white powder from under his wrist guard.
He had to play this right all considering there were two ninjas behind him and he had to make sure there were no slip-ups for either to raise suspicions over him.
He poured it into the container, placing the ice cream after with the milk and berries. He heard nothing from the other two and let out a sigh of relief when he pressed the blending button watching the shake mix.
Finished, he poured the shake in a cup grabbing two straws and bringing the treat to the turtles placing their drinks before them.
"Drink up," Mikey said cheerfully turning around and placing his dirty dishes in the sink and rinsing them.
"You're not going to have any?" Leo asked.
"Nah," Mikey waved his hand, "Not in the mood for shakes though I will grab a few cookies." He went for the cookie jar taking a couple and popping one in his mouth. With a full mouth, he mumbled his words, "Going to bring Raphie one too, be back in a bit to clean up."
"Mikey, don't talk with your mouth full," Leo said annoyingly rolling his eyes.
The little brother with a devilish grin gave his older brother a thumbs up before exiting the room quickly, he had to get out of there before he choked up and mess everything up.
Now Adam was going to drink the shake and the drug will be in his system. He rushed to the front door, seeing Donnie sitting on the swing and far in the distance was Raph under the tree staring at the stars.
The hothead didn't bother being around at night when Adam came about, probably due to the few times Adam had seen him and only freaked out. It did hurt Raph who in turn would never admit it and only would go on about his reason was that it was disturbing to see such a copy of himself, regardless this guy was from another dimension or not.
"And?" Donnie looked up from his book and tried to keep it to a whisper, yet not too suspicious as if they were up to something if Raph did look their way.
Mikey came beside him folding his hands in his lap with a heavy heart of guilt, "It's done."
"Good. Now we wait," Donnie leaned back then tilted his head at Mikey, "Don't worry, think of it this way, this is the better of two evils."
"If so… Then why do I feel awful?" Mikey slouched down, regretting he did what he did.
"For you are you, Mikey and don't worry after tomorrow everything will be fine and we can work on making him better. You will see."
"I hope so."
The morning light, warm and new peeked welcoming through the curtains as Leo taking it slowly stretched out with one foot out of bed after the other.
His head was a bit still fuzzy and he wondered when would he finally recover?
He felt useless and truth if it wasn't for Adam accompanying him every night which was beneficial for him to heal within, by the means of helping the poor turtle in return, he knew he would surely have gone mad by now with his own brooding self-loathing.
Taking a deep inhale through the nostrils to bring him some peace, he rose to his feet only to have his inner balance shattered as he stumbled forward hearing his name being screamed out by Mikey in a frightening tone.
The little brother's voice was stressed and the names he called which were of each brother, came across out winded and horsey.
Leo exited his room quickly not before grabbing his katanas and made his way to the stairs, holding the railing to support himself as he made his descent.
When he reached the bottom Donnie came from one of the back rooms staring at the red in the face brother that was gasping for air.
Raph who appeared to have been outside, stormed in with fiery eyes and weapons ready for an onslaught.
"What the shell is going on?" Raph demanded, scanning the perimeter for a fight.
The little brother not answering instead clenched his fists and then darted an upsetting look towards Donnie.
Donnie instantly gulped, then looked out towards the barn's direction, while Leo caught on their sudden behavior and gave them both a questionable look, "What is going on you two?"
Both brothers jumped being addressed by the eldest as Raph too was staring at them with judgmental eyes. The two turtles now acting guilty did manage with much hesitation, allowing their eyes to meet up to Leo's icy greys that were trying to read them. Mikey nervous and drawn back, his lip trembled and he let out a quiver before answering his older brother's question, "You have to see for yourself."
With no other words exchanged, Mikey rushed out of the house with the other two on his tail, leaving Raph behind in a cloud of confusion.
"See what?" Raph growled, not like being ignored, then threw his arms up in the air when no one answered and angrily followed his brothers towards the barn.
When they came to the barn Mikey hovered at the door, yet didn't enter.
Donnie stood there staring at it and it was Leo that took the initiative to enter to find out why his two brothers were acting in such a manner.
The door creaked open and the dust floated in the air. At first glance, there was nothing out of the ordinary as Leo made his way to the ladder and decided to go up where Adam has been sleeping. As he pulled himself up, he turned towards the makeshift bed then gasped.
"Shell, Leo what are you gawking at... What the shell?" Raph came up beside Leo, bewildered at what he was staring at and then shuttered when he could feel the burning rage fuming off of the leader.
Leo snapped his head towards his two brothers, ignoring Raph, by this time they were up on the loft too and Donnie look terrified over the scene.
"What have you two done!" Leo demanded with a snarl towards his younger foolish brothers.
Donnie's eyes moved towards Leo's direction as all blood drained from his face, "I... you don't understand..." Donnie started to stutter as Leo narrowed his cold icy eyes.
"I understand that you two have done something to bring this!" he pointed to the wall before them. The bedding was ripped to shreds by someone that had an angry fit, which was evident that something was wrong, yet it was the chiseled message on the wall that was disturbing. It looked like Adam took the crowbar from below and wrote a very clear message for them to find.
'U are like him!'
"Leo you don't know what Adam..." Donnie started in defense only to be silenced by a warning growl from Leo.
"Raph, we need to track him down, I very doubt it that he will come back on his own accord now. I might be able to talk to him to reestablish the trust that was broken," Leo ordered.
"Sure," Raph agreed, yet wondered what Donnie and Mikey did to bring this on.
"No need for that Leo," Donnie bit his lip.
"Why is that?" Leo asked suspiciously.
"I... um well… had placed a GPS chip on him, last night…" Donnie admitted and got a dirty look from Mikey.
Mikey had no clue Donnie was going to go that far, just draw some blood that is all.
"You what!" Leo's mouth felt dry and it was hard to make it move. His brother looked away and he was about to give him hell, yet instead held it back shaking his head. " Fine, then let's track him down then."
"I will get the device and..." Donnie started, then stopped seeing Mikey hissing through his teeth as if he knew something they did not.
"There is one problem dudes, when I came to grab you guys I notice that the car's tires were slashed," Mikey informed them, he really hated being the bearer of bad news.
"Then by foot then, Donnie you stay here and fix the car up in case we need it as we track-"
"No way Leo you shouldn't," Donnie started to argue only to have that alpha male presence invade his nostrils, forcing him to take a step back.
"Right now Donatello I have no idea what you did to bring this on, even so, you have no saying after this!" Leo warned then pointed towards the door, "Grab your device and Mikey, you're going to fill me in what exactly conspired last night! So I know what to say to gain Adam's trust again."
"M-m-me?" Mikey whimpered.
"Yes, you Michelangelo since I know you were a part of this betrayal, over the way you're acting."
Mikey wasn't going to argue over if he was at fault or not, nodded slowly and let his head hang low in shame, "Okay bro, I will tell you everything."
"Good now let's get this moving we don't know how much of a head start Adam had and I wish to avoid him bringing up any unwanted attention from the locals before we can find him."
TBC