Ramica: Good cliffhanger that's great, I'll have to remember to use them more often. I see what you mean about how Cassie liking his brother possibly giving him some hope but he just didn't see it that way.
Daydream: This is a good story for you to read to get you worked up. Your reviews make me laugh, they're great. I hope this inspires another uh, emotional review.
MetaChi: I'm glad you like, here's more a longer chapter.
Deana: Yes, Donnie wants to leave us. Here's part six.
Raphaella: This is great, I'm glad to hear that from you, makes me feel all happy and fuzzy inside, no wait alcohol makes me feel fuzzy, I think that's why I stopped drinking. Oh sorry got distracted, Donnie is about to get even more worked up, if it's possible.
Arista Niara: Isn't it great? Well maybe not Donnie would really come after me for messing with his mind so much, but it's so much fun :o)
In the asylum, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were obviously excited about Donatello's change in attitude. Melissa went forward and held Donatello's hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze. He squeezed it back and looked up to Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, who he was starting to think of more as mom and dad.
"Please… M-mom," Donatello said the word slowly it being foreign to him. "I want to go home with you and dad.
"I know, baby," Mrs. Fletcher said.
"But first you have to get better, son," Mr. Fletcher said.
"Well, Don," The doctor started. "I will be honest and tell you that it will not be easy. We'll go slow and take it one step at a time." Donatello nodded. "If you want to get better first thing we need to do is schedule some day to day therapy so we can get your mind adjusted." Donatello nodded.
"Let's start now," Donatello said.
"Okay," The doctor flipped out a small notepad and opened up to a blank page. "We have a few minutes. What I want you to do is we're going to figure out what supports you hallucinations in your mind, and how to get rid of them. Do you understand?" Donatello nodded slowly. "Your delusions are traps for your mind and only by ridding your mind of these traps will you be free." Donatello grows thoughtful trying to think of what he would be clinging onto.
"Protecting people? Being a mutant turtle?" Donatello questioned.
"Yes," The doctor said. "But isn't that more of a burden, unwanted responsibility?" Donatello slowly nods. "What I mean is what is making you want to go back? What is holding you there?" Donatello's face fills with wonder as he realizes the answer.
"My brothers, my sensei," Donatello whispered.
"That's right," The doctor said. "Now that we have those down, I'm going to end this for today but tomorrow we're going to start working on sessions on how to rid yourself of them."
*Flash*
"Donnie?" Donatello turned to the voice, still holding the now empty mug. IT was Raphael who was calling him. "You okay man? I mean that stuff didn't taste too bad did it?" Donatello forced a smile.
"I'm still a little out of it, but I think I'm starting to do a little better," Donatello replied. "Taste was okay, not something I'll recommend though." Raphael laughed with Donatello and sat down at a chair.
"So Cassie is alright then." This was more of a comment Raphael was making to himself. "What do you think of her?"
"She's okay," Donatello shrugged and looked the other way. "He still remembered how Cassie rejected him, saying she liked Raph. He didn't believe it though. He figured that she was only saying that so that he wouldn't bother her anymore.
"Good thing she isn't a trap," Donatello whispered softly.
"What was that?" Raphael caught some of it.
"I said good thing she's on our side," Donatello straightened up and put the cup down on the table. Raphael peered into it and made a face.
"We're going to go out on patrol," Raphael said getting up. "Leo thinks you should stay home, but I think it's up to you. Oh and did you say something to Mikey earlier he seems a little upset?"
"I'm not sure," Donatello said. "About Mikey, I was really out of it. I'll go with you guys I want to apologize to him anyway." And try to form a plan for what the doctor says I should do, Donatello thought.
"Okay," Raphael nodded. "Let's go then." Leaving the lab, Leonardo put up a bit of a fight saying Donatello should just stay home, but he ended up giving in as they headed out. Cassie insisted on tagging along as well. Donatello made sure to keep a distance from her, which she noticed and mentioned later down the road.
"Do I have the measles or something, because all night you have been on one side away from me all night," Cassie said.
"Not at all Cassie," Donatello replied. "I'm just still trying to sort some things out in my mind that's all." Cassie nodded but shrugged it off. They were nearing a bad part of town and passing a warehouse suspicious noises were heard inside.
"I think that's where some foot members are meeting," Cassie whispered. "I remember Kenny mentioning the place."
"I think we should split up to find a way in, then meet here in five," Leonardo said. All nodded and somehow, Cassie ended up going with Donatello. He scowled away from her, but motioned for her to follow. Going around to where there was a window, they peered in. Sure enough, foot soldiers were inside, some putting equipment in a van, some others looked like they were issuing commands. There was maybe about ten of them.
"I don't see Kenny in there," Cassie whispered. Donatello rolled his eyes at her comment then spotted the perfect way in. On the opposite side was a door that was blocked from the soldiers view by some boxes. Meeting the guys back at the front, Donatello told them about the door he found.
"If there's ten in there, I don't see why we should risk it," Leonardo said.
"Come on Leo," Raphael objected. "These guys are easy."
"I think we can take them," Donatello said.
"What do you think, Mikey?" Michelangelo looked around at his brothers and shrugged.
"Why not?" Cassie said. "You guys are good, they're wimps."
"Good," Raphael said. "I'm going." The others turned and followed as they sneaked over to the door. It was locked, but Raphael quickly fixed that with a sai and quietly sneaked in. Using the boxes for cover, the guys slowly separated but Donatello made sure to stick with Cassie. He had an idea for a plan. Raphael was the first to dive in. The soldiers jumped then quickly went to attack. Donatello watched his brothers and tripped a soldier as he was running by. The soldier looked up recognizing Cassie.
"Cassie?" The soldier said. "Kenny has been looking every where for you. You're coming with me." Perfect, Donatello thought, he just had to play this out right.
"You have to get through me first," Donatello stepped up. The foot soldier tried to kick, which Donatello easily blocked. He was only using half his strength and pretended to start to get tired with each blow the soldier dealt. Cassie saw this and Donatello saw her get ready to call for help. Before she could do this, Donatello took a faltering step back, reaching back to grab something to steady himself. Instead he grabbed Cassie and 'accidentally' threw her forward to the foot soldier. Too surprised to scream, Cassie fell into the soldiers waiting arms as Donatello leaned on the wall, faking tiredness. The foot soldier grinned and turned to carry Cassie away, her mouth covered so she couldn't scream. But Cassie saw what Donatello did next, making her blood freeze. She saw him stand up and smile.
*Flash*
"Okay session number one," The doctor was in his office chair, Donatello sat across from him. "Have you came up with any idea's on how to rid your mind of these traps?"
"I got a few idea's," Donatello said. "I'm working on something which should stop me of ever going back."
"Good," The doctor said. "Good. Now don't expect anything to happen overnight, these things will take time, but you have support here. Two loving parents and a very attentative girl."
"If everything goes the way I think it should," Donatello said. "I should be fine in give about two or three days."
"I like your gusto," The doctor chuckled. "So here's what I want to do today. We're going to talk about school and what you enjoy about it."
*Flash*
"Don! The foot is all gone, but where's Cassie?" Donatello found himself being lifted up by Leonardo.
"The foot got her," Donatello said. "I couldn't get to her in time."
"They what?" Raphael heard this as he came over followed by Michelangelo. "What are we going to do?"
"Rescue her," Donatello said. "I bet you that they'll have her here in two nights and we can get her then."
"Okay," Leonardo sighed. "Well then I guess for now we should head home. As they walked Michelangelo made his way over to Donatello.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright, dude?" Michelangelo asked. "Normally you could take half those guys, but it took only one to get past you."
"How do you know there was only one?" Donatello was suspicious.
"Cause you would have said if there was more," Michelangelo smiled.
"Right," Donatello chuckled. "No still a little dizzy. You're not mad at me anymore are you?"
"Dude, you were sick," Michelangelo grinned. "You're my buddy I was just upset because I didn't think I could do anything to pull you out of the slump ya know?"
"Yeah," Donatello said.
*Flash*
"So how you feeling Don?" Donatello was sitting on his cot in the asylum. Melissa was sitting there with him, holding his hand.
"I got a plan, so I'll be able to take you to prom," Donatello smiled at her.
"Well, prom is still a little far off, so I think I could settle for a movie first, then we could make out in the back row," Melissa giggled.
"Really?" Donatello questioned, a grin on his face. "How about here?" Donatello lifted her face up to his, placing a tender kiss on her lips. Melissa went all soft, putting her arms around him as he pulled her close.
"I can't wait for you to come home," Melissa said into his shoulder.
"Me too," Donatello said pulling back far enough to see her face. A single tear streaked down her cheek and he wiped it away with his thumb, then paused looking at his hand. How different it was, having five fingers, which were thinner than his three. But this was normal, Donatello thought to himself. This was right.
"Don?" Melissa broke into his thoughts.
"Yeah?"
"What are you looking at?" Donatello realized his hand was still on Melissa's face as he studied his fingers and smiled.
"I was looking at my hand," Donatello admitted. "As a turtle, I only have three."
"But you know that this is right, right?" Melissa questioned.
"Yeah," Donatello replied then paused. "Would you still care for me if I actually was a mutant turtle?" Melissa gave him a funny look.
"Don, I would love you if you turned into a human can opener," Melissa blurted out. Donatello laughed.
"That's one of our arch enemies," Donatello laughed.
"One of the one's you imagined, you mean," Melissa corrected.
"Right, thanks," Donatello said. "But there's something else I want to concentrate on for the moment."
"What's that?" Melissa asked. In response Donatello pulled Melissa in for another kiss, wrapping his arms around him. She brushed her fingers through his hair, slightly, making him tremble.
*Flash*
As the night settled the next evening, Donatello went out with his brothers to the warehouse. It was empty but a note was posted. Leonardo pulled it down and read it out loud.
"If you want to rescue the girl, come back here tomorrow night, seven pm." Leonardo put the note down.
"See they're still predictable," Donatello said.
"I know, that takes half the fun out," Raphael grumbled.
"I think we should get here early though," Donatello said. "At six."
"Why?" Michelangelo asked.
"I think that's a great idea," Leonardo said. "That way if it's a trap…"
"Which it obviously is because what else would it be?" Raphael added.
"… they wouldn't be able to get that big of a jump on us." Leonardo finished.
"Great a fight and dinner, what more could a dude ask for?" Michelangelo grinned.
"And I got a new invention I want to try out," Donatello said.
"Yes our bro is definitely better," Raphael slapped him on the shell, then grumbled about being light headed from the looks Leonardo and Michelangelo gave him. Back inside the lair, Donatello came up with another idea that would complete everything.
"We should have Master Splinter come with us," Donatello said. "Extra back up to help get Cassie out," He put in when everyone looked at him strangely.
"Okay," The guys said.
*Flash*
"Repeat after me, Don," The doctor said. "I am not letting myself being held by these delusions any longer." Donatello repeated the phrase. They were in the doctors office, seated in the usual spots. "I am a human being, not a human turtle." Donatello repeats again. "I am ridding myself of the delusion."
*Flash*
It was four pm at the warehouse. Donatello was inside looking around. Some beams were set in the ground, holding up a support for beams on one wall. A shelving unit of some kind. Donatello turned sharply when he heard the door open.
"Donnie you in here?" It was the voice of April. She came around some boxes and smiled at her friend. "There you are. They guys told me that you've been sick, you feeling better?"
"Yeah," Donatello said letting April walk over to him. Reaching him, Donatello whipped his bo around smacking it on the side of April's head. She fell to the ground unconscious. "Never felt better in my life," Donatello said as he pulled some rope out of a box he had brought. He tied her up quickly and gagged her. Just as Donatello put April's body out of view, he smiled hearing another voice.
"Yo Donnie?"
"I'm over here, Casey." Donatello called out.
Down in the lair, Donatello walked up to Michelangelo.
"Where's the others?" Donatello asked him.
"I don't know dude, but we have to leave soon, it's almost six," Michelangelo said.
"Well maybe they're meeting us there," Donatello said. "Sensei too, let's go check." Michelangelo nodded and headed out with his brother. Reaching the warehouse, Donatello let Michelangelo go in first, following closely behind.
"Dude, what's with…" Michelangelo paused at the sight. April and Casey were laying tied on the ground, while his two brothers and Master Splinter were tied to post. "Dude what's going on…" Michelangelo was cut off as Donatello smacked him with his bo, Michelangelo crumpled to the ground in a heap.
"It's how I'm going to get better," Donatello said. He tied up the last brother, not bothering to gag him and looked them over. Raphael was working his gag down and was finally able to speak over it.
"What are you doing?" He angrily demanded.
"I'm sorry Raph, I have to," Donatello said a distant look in his eyes. "This isn't real, and I have to get rid of the ties that are holding me here, the doctor says this is what I have to do." His two brothers eyes grew wide, Michelangelo was still knocked out.
"You didn't drink the cure," Leonardo questioned.
"I could have Leo," Donatello said. "Yes, I'll be a mutant turtle, who saves the world from evil bad guys, with three mutant brothers." He smiles a distant look in his eyes. "Only a crazy person would think that." Michelangelo started to slowly wake up and Donatello then crawled behind some boxes, out of view. At six thirty the foot arrived, with Cassie and were surprised finding the turtles and April tied up.
"Well, well, isn't this a nice surprise," Donatello recognized this as Kenny. Kenny walked over to April and pulled her up to his face. "I might have some fun with this one, before time is to get rid of her." Donatello felt a wave of protectiveness for his friend wash over him and he had to put his head back closing his eyes.
*Flash*
"You have to do what ever it takes, Don," The doctor said. "Don't loose your resolve."
"Remember I'm here for you," Melissa was holding Donatello's hand and rubbing his back. He was breathing a little hard, but he swallowed and nodded his head.
*Flash*
The foot soldiers started to poke fun at the tied up turtles. The gags came loose, and their cries of pain, were anguish.
"Donnie," Raphael called. "This is real, we need you."
"Help us, Donatello!" Leonardo cried. In his corner Donatello crawled back up against the wall shaking his head at all he was hearing.
*Flash*
Donatello scooted off the bed, into the corner, his face in torment.
"It's okay Don, we're here," Mrs. Fletchers voice came through. "You can do this honey." Melissa stayed seated on the bed.
"If you need me, I'm here," She said.
*Flash*
"The Master will love this," A soldier yelled. Casey had come untied but was not able to take on all the soldiers at once. Master Splinter was barely holding onto consciousness, while April was being thrown in a corner. Raphael had a black eye forming, while Leonardo had a split in his lip. Michelangelo's head hung to his chest breathing hard. With every cry, Donatello's body shook. His fist would clench and his head ached.
*Flash*
"It's okay Don," The doctor said. "Take it slow."
"Make it as easy as possible," Mr. Fletcher said. "You have strength, I believe in you."
"Me, too," Mrs. Fletcher added.
"It's okay Don," Melissa said. "Remember it's not real." Donatello nodded his breathing was still fast.
"Concentrate," Mrs. Fletcher started, but stopped when Donatello quickly jerked his head. In the corner he starts sliding until he is sitting.
*Flash*
"Donatello please," Michelangelo called. Donatello turned his head away the cries reaching through to him, making him start to shake. He could see the soldiers mocking them, poking them, like it's only a game.
*Flash*
Melissa rushed to Donatello grabbing his arm to stop his body from shaking.
"Don?" Melissa questioned.
"I don't know, I don't know, I…" Donatello was starting to shake his head.
"You can do this, Don, you're a survivor," Melissa said. "Look at me." Donatello slowly looks over to her.
"I'm trying," He whispered.
*Flash*
Casey had woken up, unknown to the foot and was able to use a discarded katana, to undo his bonds. As soon as one came close to him, he reached out and smacked at the soldier throwing him off his feet. Another soldier stepped up from behind, shoving Casey roughly, then in turn smacked Master Splinter.
*Flash*
"Sensei!" Donatello tried to yell but it only came out in a hush whisper. He rears against the wall, fear and guilt taking it's toll.
"Fight it Don?" Melissa urged. "You're too good to give up." Melissa took his hands, Donatello looks at her, still able to see her. "I love you Don, feel this?" She held his hands to her heart. "It beats for you." Donatello's breathing slows, and he starts to calm, looking at Melissa.
"You're dad and I have all the faith in the world for you," Mrs. Fletcher said.
"I'll always be here for you, Don," Melissa said. "You have a world of strength in you, you just have to dig in there to find it. I know that you're scared I've been with you on this before. Things get hard, and stuff doesn't work out the way you want it to, but you're surrounded by those who love you." Donatello takes a breath, and squeezes his eyes closed.
"You just have to find your strength and know, it will work out," Melissa said. Donatello seemed lost in thought then nodded. He opened his eyes, a pained expression in them, as a decision came to him. He squeezed Melissa's hand, brings it to his face as he kissed the palm.
"You're correct," Donatello said slowly with effort. Tears were threatening to overcome him. "Thank you. Good bye," Melissa looked confused for a moment then her face changed to concern.
"Don?"
*Flash*
Donatello stood up, feeling a new strength in him. Grabbing his bo, which was discarded on the floor he walked out in sight, by Casey. He pulled Casey up with one arm, who looked at him warily. There were only five foot, including Kenny.
"What's this, little brother want to play?" Kenny taunted, then signaled. Two foot tried to rush Donatello at once. At the last minute he struck out knocking both out cold. The other two tried the same thing, but Casey intervened this time, letting Donatello calmly discard the other soldier. Kenny growled and rushed Donatello pulling a katana on him. Donatello blocked his blow, going back and forth a few rounds. The next swipe Kenny took at Donatello's head, he dodged and swiped Kenny's feet from under him. Falling Kenny hit the floor hard, the katana flew from his grip. Donatello stepped up, bo pointed at Kenny's throat.
"What are you waiting for freak!" Kenny hissed. Donatello's face grimaced at the remark then slammed Kenny sharply on the head, knocking him out. Casey had tied up the foot and started to work on Kenny when Donatello faltered. He looked to his brothers, Sensei and April and Casey.
"I'm so sorry," he said faintly. They look over Donatello not sure of what to think.
"It's okay, bro," Michelangelo said. That seemed to break the trace as Casey got up and untied the others. Once everyone was on their feet they went to Donatello.
"Let's get you home, my son," Master Splinter put a hand on Donatello's shoulder.
"Yeah, put you to bed," April said.
"I can't," Donatello said. "Not until I have the antidote."
"I can make another one," Cassie said. "And I'm going to watch you drink it this time." Donatello smiled faintly and nodded. Back at the lair, Donatello is sitting in bed, drinking out of a cup. April and Casey have gone home, while Master Splinter sits with Donatello. Everyone has been bandaged and put to bed. The attacks weren't too bad, most was only jarring.
"Are you feeling better?" Master Splinter asked. Donatello nodded and finished the contents of the cup.
"That stuff is nasty, but yeah, things seem to be clearing up."
*Flash*
Donatello is still in the corner, Melissa is holding his hand as the doctor looks in his eyes with a light. Tears as streaming down Melissa's face as she turned to look at Mrs. Fletcher who was crying as well.
"I'm sorry," the doctor said. "There's no response." Melissa bent her head down as she started sobbing hugging Donatello as tightly as she could. The doctor turns to face the parents and shakes his head.
"I'm afraid we've lost him," The doctor trailed off sadly. Donatello sat in the corner staring vacantly at nothing, while Melissa sobs on his chest. Mrs. Fletcher turns to her husband, who looked at his son, in disbelief.
~ That's the end to this story. I have to give credit for where I got the idea. A past Buffy episode, I only switched things around to fit me for the story. I'm not sure how close this came to that episode though, it's been awhile since I seen it. I did copy the ending though, too good to pass up. I might do a sequel if there's any interest. How does Don cope with his choice of a Real World?