Who am I? - CH11

Jimmy down the well?

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: Sometimes you think you're doing the right thing, yet sometimes the right thing isn't so simple to understand or see at times... even for the fearless leader...

AUTHORS NOTE: Just to clarify, when it comes to addressing Adam's gender, the brothers address differently. Mikey and Donnie will say she/her when Adam is human, he/him when Adam is a turtle. Leo and Raph will say he/him regardless if Adam is female or male. To them, Adam is referred to as a male using that when addressing Adam. This also will affect the gender choice in the current point of view of the brothers regardless of form, which will determine if Adam will be referred to as he/him or her/she within parts of the story. This will switch back and forth since each tends to take the point of view throughout the storyline. Sorry for the confusion, but I don't believe all four brothers think the same when it comes to Adam's gender. That said, one other thing that will happen is that Raph only, still calls Adam a turtle even when Adam is human as well, this is his mindset and how he perceives Adam.

His eyes hovered there towards the gauge with a frown, he wasn't planning this, nor consider this a problem that would arise.

What was he going to say to his brothers?

It's only been four days that have passed, they still had plans to be there another three more, unfortunately, however, with the recent activities and what the radio was picking up it appeared that they would stay longer.

It was one thing he had to stretch out the drug for Adam first giving him half for each of the two first days that didn't bold well, seeing Adam not pleased with it, then giving him one fourth the next day to minimize the dosage.

He didn't like doing it and witnessing how edgy Adam was over this, yet it couldn't be helped.

Donnie didn't want to risk not giving him anything since that would make Adam decline once again and who knows what effect and damage that would have on the kid this time around.

He still wasn't sure how Adam winged off it in the first place yet seeing what that was doing to him, it was not an option to stop giving him the drug even if it was just a small portion for now...

"How long is Bishop going to search this area?" Donnie mumbled tapping his finger on the gauge that showed how much the water tank was holding.

"Donnie, you wanted to see me?" Leo's voice came from behind.

He nodded waving his hand to his brother to enter the small room and stand beside him.

Doing so, Leo entered coming up to Donnie and then looked towards the gauge that he was assuming his brother was fixated over.

"What is that for?" Leo asked though he had half an idea, however, he wanted Donnie's explanation to ease his mind, fearing what it meant.

"It's the water tank gauge. The well has been dried up for some time since I assumed that would happen when we first found this place, so I had this installed to hold enough water to last two months," Donnie explained flatly with no emotions, trying to hide his concerns.

"It has only been four days, I don't think we would have used that much, even with Raph taking hour long showers," Leo pointed out, not knowing the math for sure but assumed that was concerning Donnie.

Donnie nodded, "Agree, there is no way we have wasted so much water, which puzzled me, so I did some diagnostics on the gauge and the tank itself, for I know when I installed them they were both in working order."

"Is the gauge defective? Is that a problem?" Leo asked, leaning in and tapping on the glass that didn't make the meter's pointer move.

"I too came to that conclusion until I found evidence of tampering," Donnie hesitantly, admitting getting Leo flash his head up at him in disbelief.

"Tampering?" Leo gasped, not expecting to hear that, he couldn't see anyone in the bunker messing around with it and not saying a word on top of that.

"Yes… tempering," Donnie bit his lip, unsure what to think, then he closed his eyes, seeing all the scenarios before him, was it deliberate? Was it an accident? Or was it even recent? It wasn't like he came to this room since they got there, it wasn't a concern at the time, yet after hearing the pipes rattle as if air was in them he thought then to see how the tank was fairing.

It should have been one of the many things he should have inspected when arriving, only worrying about the electricity and the other little things.

"What happened and where was the water you made sure this tank was full of, go then?" Leo asked softly, trying to hide his rising anxiety in his voice, being strong and placing his hand on Donnie's shoulder to drag him back from his wandering mind.

"The water has been drained into the well," Donnie started getting a raised eyebrow from Leo not understanding why there is any concern then. "Leo I know what you're thinking and no that is not a good thing, yes the well was dried up before and yes you would assume water going back into it wouldn't be an issue, however, the well itself isn't safe to drink from. I tested it when we set up the bunker in debate if we should see if we can get the well back in order, however, I found bacteria growing there that was too harmful to drink, even filtered."

"Oh… that isn't good," Leo caught on turning his head towards the water tank.

"It isn't and the worse part is I don't know how or when this happened, there was a hose attached to the tank and that hose was pouring the water back to the well that I had sealed up."

"What are you telling me here? That someone deliberately opened up the well and set it up that our clean water to drain into it?"

Donnie nodded, then crossed his arms, "I have no idea when it happened, neither do I know if it was when we were here last or recently."

"I doubt it was recently, but then it begs the question, was it truly done when we were here last when we left the place? It was a long period of time between," Leo insisted, unable to see how it was one of them.

"I don't know if it was by an intruder, that would mean…"

"Our hideout wasn't as secure as we expected it to be…" Leo finished his sentence not thrilled at the idea, nor the fact they might have only a few days of water left, even if they did take precautions to reserve it.

"Maybe we should see if the others noticed anything amiss or touched since the last time we have been here. Maybe Raph and Mikey have noticed something yet just dismissed it, figuring it wasn't that big of a deal?" Donnie suggested seeing the gears in Leo's head turning.

Leo had his hand on his chin, thinking it over, wondering if he too misread a sign with all the commotion that was going on.

Then again, nothing stuck out like a sore thumb and it bothered him all the more. After a moment he nodded, "I agree we should talk to the others and do a sweep of the bunker to make sure there isn't anything else we might have overlooked."

"I will see what I can do with the water tank and check our power supply too to make sure I didn't mistake its condition?" Donnie insisted.

"I will go talk to Mikey then. If anyone was staying here during the duration we left this place, there would be some food missing too or evidence someone was here just by the kitchen alone," Leo told him, turning around and made his leave.

If he was correct Mikey was in the kitchen, yet when he reached the main area he was wrong seeing Mikey was at a coffee table with a board game set up and explaining to Adam how to play. It was a simple game called trouble and somehow the two turtles had convinced Raph to join in as well.

"Okay dudette the point of the game is to get Raphie here to lose," Mikey smirked getting a growl from Raph.

"Shell Mikey the game is to get all your guys in their safe zone and try to mess with the other players, not to gang up on one player only!" Raph retorted, then raised an eyebrow when Adam snickered. "Oh, you think this is amusing you know I will crush you… don't you stick your tongue out at me!" Raph grumbled, not in actual anger, there was a slight smile under that tight lip happy to see Adam so playful, showing how comfortable he was now with him.

"See even Adam knows the real rules so, who wants to be red?" Mikey asked already claiming the orange pieces leaving purple red and green behind.

"The kid can have red if he wants…" Raph started seeing Adam snatch up the red yet placed them in Raph's starting point, then turned around and picked up the green and placed it on his own side of the board. "I guess I'm red then, green is still a good colour too," he pointed out getting an enthusiastic nod from Adam. The kid didn't speak much still, yet only said a word here and there, even so, no one pushed him knowing it would take time, it was good enough having him willing to participate in activities with each of them, even Donnie had his few moments with Adam yet the trust was still being built between those two.

Leo watched from afar and wish he didn't have to interrupt the game, even if they haven't started yet, however, with what he discovered in the room with Donnie these questions couldn't wait.

"Sorry to interrupt your game," Leo approached them seeing that each of them looking up towards him, a smile came to his lips noticing that Adam picked up the last player pieces that were purple holding towards him to offer him to join. "Thanks, Adam, but I will stay out of this round for now, I wanted to talk to you Mikey about our rations," he insisted they go to the kitchen to do so.

"Is there something wrong bro?" Mikey stood up, brushing himself off.

"No, just wanted to double-check what we have and make sure there will be enough variety and the right nutrition given to Adam as well, it looks like we might have to stay another four days on top of the three we were already planning," he stated seeing Adam's hand drop and his eyes too, towards the board.

Raph let a grumble leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms and then folding one leg over the other, "Fucken Bishop just can't get the hint that he will not find us and piss off on his search…"

"Sadly, it looks like he isn't that easy to discourage, though I'm not sure my plan of action with Angel and Casey could have prolonged Bishop's attempts, taking it that they have left New York that we haven't made our way back home yet," Leo mumbled under his breath more to himself and the doubt was evident.

"Nah dude, the douche-bag is one of those pesky flies that doesn't know when to buzz off, he will soon though since even he will find it pointless to keep going like this, instead use his resources to wait for us in New York. He doesn't know if we do or not have a way to get back without detection and he knows we are ninjas so yeah, he will give up soon. Shell, it's been game over for him since Raphie escaped with Adam," Mikey stated cheekily trying to cheer up Leo.

"Your probably right Mikey," Leo looked up at him as the brother smiled deeply, "Now can we just get on with this so you can go back to your game?"

"Sure dude," Mikey nodded, then turned towards the other two, "Be right back dude and dudette, no starting without me okay?"

"Sure thing, Mikey," Raph snickered, then let out a groan after feeling a pillow in the face. He knew the culprit that found the habit to act in such a manner when he didn't approve of what he said. "Hurry before I teach this little wise-ass a lesson," his thumbed pointed towards Adam who whistled innocently.

Mikey and Leo let out a laugh, saying 'Not a problem' before heading towards the kitchen area. Once there Leo made sure the other two were not in earshot, he will bring Raph up to date to the situation later and ask his questions, then as well, as for Adam it was best not to bring unnecessary worry to him, he had his own problems to deal with.

"So what is really going on dude? You look tense, shell I think the other two saw it too," Mikey moved towards a counter leaning against it, he knew this wasn't about what they had to eat until they left.

"Is it that obvious?" Leo asked wearily, feeling disappointed in himself that he couldn't hide it as he would in the past, he knew it was his condition that was hindering him, yet still.

"Dude, why you think Adam wanted you to play? She could tell too, she was concerned about you," Mikey pointed out, then let it slide, not seeing a point to continue making Leo feel bad about himself so he changed the topic, "So what is this about then?"

"Right," Leo said, appreciating Mikey to let it go, "We have a problem and I want to see if this was something that happened during the renovation of the place after we were going or…" Leo hesitated, not sure if it was even wise to mention it being a recent event since they have arrived.

"Or?" Mikey asked, tilting his head.

"Nothing, let me catch you up," Leo insisted avoiding the idea this happened recently, informing Mikey about the water situation and then added, "Do you recall if any rations were missing or tampered with when we arrived? I know you came in here right away to check what was stored here."

"Dude, that isn't good," Mikey muttered, seeing why Leo was worried, then he sadly shook his head, "Sorry dude, I don't recall the food was touched, yet at the same time I don't know if I would have noticed, I never really made any mental notes on what we brought here only that it was enough to last."

"Is it still enough to last?" Leo inquired next.

"Yeah, we have enough for a month or so, even with one more turtle on board that eats like a horse," Mikey pointed out how much Adam eats compared to the rest of them, yet understood for she needs the energy a lot more during most of what she eats is fuel when turning.

"So no evidence someone was here," Leo bit his lip not wanting to bring this up, but had no choice, "Mikey by no means am I accusing you but…"

"Dude, I never entered that room or need to, so no I didn't do it and I don't think any of us would," he quickly cut in not wanting Leo to assume it was one of them, regardless of the fact that it could have been seen as an act of a mistake or not understanding the seriousness. He couldn't fathom it was Raph doing and especially Adam, who wouldn't and not seeing why she would even consider doing it?

"I can't see either, but I have to look at this from every angle, I want to make sure it wasn't a misunderstanding and then it would question whether we are truly safe here or not…"

"Yeah, tell me about it, so you're going to talk to Raphie and Adam?" Mikey asked.

"Raph yes, I don't think I will ask Adam. I doubt it, he has even been in that room, he follows one of us around and no one has been in there as I can tell."

"Okay, well, I guess you want to talk to Raph now?" Mikey questioned then walked towards the door.

"No, go play your game," Leo insisted, "I'm going to check the bunker out to see if I notice anything that I might have overlooked prior."

"Sounds good dude, have fun," Mikey cheerfully told him leaving Leo alone in the kitchen.

"Yeah, really… hopefully, I can find something to prove… it wasn't Adam…" Leo said sadly having a feeling it might have been him since the others wouldn't have done it. He wasn't sure if Adam would have but then again, he has noticed something, Adam at night has been leaving the room, and he figured it was due to a washroom break, but now he wondered if that was actually why. Then why would Adam do it? Unless, Leo sighed, unless he wanted to leave sooner, since it has been obvious Adam has been getting antsy lately…

Leo sat there with all eyes on him as the family meeting took place in the small living room after his investigation and he concluded there was no intruder, nor has there been, meaning the situation with the water tank was during the duration of the four days.

The problem now was how to handle this, bringing blame will do nothing, only open up old wounds and cast doubt and mistrust.

He wanted to think there was a good explanation behind this, one that made sense, yet he was at a loss.

The reasoning was simple to him, Adam didn't want to stay there anymore, was it due to the pressure from Bishop searches?

Was he afraid they couldn't protect him or didn't have faith in their words that he was safe?

So much Leo wanted to just bring it up, yet knew there were a time and a place for that and at the current moment that wasn't such a time.

His brothers were waiting for an explanation knowing that the water tank was tampered with and wanting Leo's investigation to shed some light.

Were they in danger after all, or was it more to it?

He figured none dared to blame another, so he was best to follow suit on that path as well.

"As we are aware," Leo started. He had informed Adam prior to the family meeting there were issues with the water tank not giving any grave detail in order to see his response that revealed nothing, "The water tank is practically empty, we might have a few days of water left, even be able to stretch it a few more if we are heedful."

"So where did the water go?" Raph asked, looking around not seeing that they were swimming with it.

"It went back into the well," Donnie answered, then added before the question would be asked, "And no, we can't retrieve it for it's now contaminated that is the reason I installed the tank for the well is unsafe to drink and use."

"Well, isn't that peachee," Raph snorted, then crossed his arms darting a look towards his leader, "So fearless, how the shell did the water drain into the well?"

Leo sighed shrugging, he could just come out right with the evidence at hand, yet that wasn't the way he wanted to play this out, instead he made sure he didn't lie fully yet at the same time made it seem it was an answer that only kept things open, "That I would like to say, but can't, it's obvious someone drained it since there was a hose to the well that was sealed shut by Donnie, however when it happened, who knows, if it was deliberate to harm us, I doubt it, since who did it probably never knew the well was harmful. For why, that is debatable…"

"So other words you don't really know and don't know if we might be in danger other then dealing with Bishop?" Raph flatly stated not pleased with the answer that was simple as that.

"That I don't know either, but I have made up my mind what we should do," Leo once again didn't fully answer the question, making it seem he was acting this way over something prideful.

He assumed his brothers would take it in such a way, figuring he didn't want to admit he came up empty-handed and to his surprise even Donnie appeared to be not suspicious by this.

"What are we going to do bro? We can't just go out there with Bishop on the hunt, you heard the activity out there, besides those deaths…" Mikey trailed off, feeling suddenly guilty to just casually bring up the cops that died by Adam's hands.

"I know Mikey, I am aware," Leo cut in figuring it was best not to be said, "Things are a bit chaotic and I still think more time down here would prove to be in our favour, so we are going to stay another four days only, no more than that, compared to what I stated earlier today."

A relief came from Mikey and Raph that were going stir crazy yet as he expected Adam didn't look pleased, then there was Donnie who showed no emotion over the news.

"Any objections?" Leo inquired as there was none, "Good." He nodded as each brother seeing this ended the meeting and they went their separate ways. Leo watched each of them leave the table, as his main focus was on Adam, who he figured he would come and talk to after over the conclusion he came up with to get some real answers.

Slowly he rose to his feet, making his way to the back where he saw Donnie disappeared to. The leader assumed the brother was going to fix up the tank or at least set up a way they used less water. As he reached the doorway he paused, hearing Donnie muttering to himself.

"Damn it.. that didn't work," Donnie growled in frustration.

Leo could only smile, knowing his brainy brother was already at a loss to fix this, who knows what ideas were forming in his head, even so, Donnie was bright and would figure it out in the end, he believed in him.

A few more grumbles from the brother Leo turned around, it was best in his experience not to disturb Donnie when he had his thinking cap on. As he made one step forward, something felt off as the words that were spoken didn't fit the idea he had in his head what was going on, on the other side of the door.

"Why the shell did Leo decided we should stay longer."

"Huh?" Leo said in his head turning around blankly staring towards the metal door dumbfounded.

"It should have worked… Yet he insists to stay longer…" Donnie complained as there was a sound of metal clinging after.

Did Donnie throw his wrench on the ground?

"Now what do I do? What can I do to convince him we should leave sooner than later? Has he not noticed?!" Donnie's voice was hostile compared to his docile state. The purple mask brother was full of rage something very possible in certain given situations, yet very uncommon, especially at this moment, that cast a cloud of confusion over Leo.

Leo's eyes widen as Donnie continued to complain and a boiling rage rose in the leader's heart, as he placed his hand on the door and threw it open, startling the brother who in turn yelped and jumped two feet and whipped his head towards Leo turning white.

Leo must have looked angry as the stench of fear came off of Donnie as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

His voice was shaken and he nervously looked at Leo in guilt, knowing all too well he was caught red-handed, "L-l-Leo?"

"What is all this about?" Leo spat, eyes heavy on his brother's.

"What… are you talking about?" Donnie innocently stated, hoping he was wrong over why Leo was angry.

The door shutting behind him not before making sure no one was eavesdropping on this commotion, Leo snarled pointing to the water tank, "Here I was thinking this was an intruder doing and even with all the events that prove that it wasn't, I dared to think it was Adam! Only to find out it wasn't a damn intruder nor a mistake by Adam, it was deliberate! And the culprit was YOU! "

Leo's hands swipe to one side, forming a fist, "Why! Why Donatello, you would do such a stupid stunt like this that threatens your family!" he demanded.

"I…" Donnie shifted uneasily, glancing at the door that was blocked by Leo and towards the corner to avoid those judgmental icy eyes.

"I? What?" Leo demanded once again an explanation, "How could you do this Donatello? You know very well what is at stake—"

"Do you?" Donnie suddenly became aggressive turning his attention to his older brother and challenged him with a rumbling growl. "Leo, do you really know what is at stake?"

"Don't patronize me!" he moved forwards swinging his arm to the side dismissing the question, "Explain yourself." he pointed his thick finger in Donnie's face.

"No, not until you admit you have no clue what is really at stake! You have been ignoring it, hoping it wasn't there to rationalize your orders!" Donnie screamed back slapping Leo's finger away, narrowing his eyes at his older brother.

"Shell Donnie, this is blasphemy! You sabotage our only water source, then cover it up, making it seem that someone else did it, assuming that I wouldn't point fingers, practically framing Adam—"

"I wasn't trying to frame anyone, only someone that is unseen and doesn't exist," Donnie spat, insulted that Leo would even consider he would dare to do such a thing to Adam.

"Then why did you do it?" Leo barked standing tall and trying to empower him with his Alpha scent that actually did nothing this time around, only fueling Donnie's anger over such a cheap trick to get the upper hand in this argument.

"For you still don't get the point do you?!" Donnie yelled, red in the face, "you're so damn protective over Adam—"

"Is this some jealousy act?" Leo huffed in disgust that his brother would go to such length for what, attention?

"For shell sakes!" Donnie raised his arms up in the air, turning around frustrated that Leo was jumping to all these delusional explanations and still was missing the actual big picture.

"D—"

"No, Leo you listen to me!" Donnie turned towards him, narrowing his eyes at him, "As I was saying you're so damn protective of Adam that you are proving it right now, however, you're so blind to see how you should be protecting him. Not saying keeping him from Bishop which is important, but the other thing is just as important… his health. Leo we are dragging out the drug to the point it's not working and not just that… Adam's becoming desperate, I had to fight him off today since he almost took the rest of the remaining drug like some junkie…"

"What?" Leo gawked, startled over hearing about this the first time, "Why wasn't I informed about this?"

"I did tell you on multiple occasions in many ways, yet you were so fixated over the fact that Bishop was the number one issue you ignored me," Donnie stated in a calm voice that surprisingly was achieved very quickly after how pissed off he was with his brother. It helped that Leo was starting to open his eyes, trying to figure out how that could be so, he really didn't hear him after all and for the first time, his words were reaching him.

With a most needed breath to fully calm his nerves, Donnie finally continued, having his brother's full divided attention. "That is why I did this, to get you to finally hear me out if words were not sinking in then action was called for. I know you don't want us to leave the base... but, we have to Leo, we can't stay here any longer, I fear what will happen to Adam if we do…" Donnie sighed holding his arm and looking to the ground.

"I'm sorry Donnie," Leo nodded slowly coming to his brother and placing this hand on this shoulder, "I… I don't...how I didn't…"

"You had a lot on your mind Leo and all the issues of leaving were taking priority in your mind. It's not fully your fault… You're still having issues thinking clearly at times that is why I knew by making a dire threat against us staying here would make you act the way you should, to make plans for our family to get back home. I'm sorry I did this Leo, I'm sorry I betrayed your trust…"

"No Donnie I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you," Leo said softly, he knew deep down Donnie wouldn't have done it unless it was a desperate time and only option before him. New guilt washed over Leo over the fact he had to push his own brother to do this just to make him listen... What type of leader does that? Then again, what kind of leader would he be if he didn't have someone like Donnie on his side to remind him? He was lucky to have such a brother to keep him on the straight and narrow.

"What am I going to do without you sometimes?" he asked with a smile, there is no point in being angry because he was the one in the wrong, not Donnie.

"You would be stuck with Raph's advice…"

Leo shivered, "Yes indeed... I don't think running in with guns ablazing does the trick for our predicament."

"Nope," Donnie agreed.

"However, Donnie."

"Yes, Leo?"

"Next time how about not take the drastic approach? In case it backfires?" Leo insisted thinking this was too bold an idea to get a point across that could have been a hindrance to them or put them in real danger.

A light chuckle came from the purple mask brother in embarrassment, "Sorry Leo I will consider that next time, so what are your orders now?" Donnie nudged.

"Tomorrow we will talk about it, but I think we should leave tomorrow night after making preparations during the day, is that satisfactory?" Leo asked, getting a nod, "Good until then let's drop the subject and what you did and leave it to rest, agree?"

"Thank you, Leo," Donnie said in shame, knowing he did go a bit too far, yet it did create the results he was looking for.

Thump
He turned around in his warm comfortable bed.

Thwack
He blinked towards the red numbered clock, noticing it was too early for anyone to be up.

Thwack
He finally rose to his feet, casting his gaze around the room.

Thump
Mikey sluggishly got out of bed with the dead weight of sleep dragging him down.

Thwack he grumbled wondering what Raphie was doing this late at night, yet saw the brother slumbering in his bed, they all were, with the exception of one missing.

Thump
Mikey dragged his feet towards the room's door, letting out a large yawn that made his head swim and become light-headed.

Thwack
After three attempts of just trying to get his hand on the doorknob that he kept missing he clutched it hard as he turned the handle.

Thump
The sound was now louder, was it what woke him up in the first place?

Thwack
His senses went into overdrive as he felt an overwhelming feeling of dread and pure fear.

Thump
He shuddered as the sound kept coming, not giving up.

Thwack
He nervously went towards a door that was ajar with a lone light peeking out, that was the bathroom and the sounds emulated from within.

Thump
His heart was pounding in his ears by the time he reached that door.

Thump! Thwack! Thump! SMASH!

Blood invaded the air, blood ran down his face… blood… blood...

"Oh, God... LEO!"

TBC