Radical Transformation
~
The city turned dark and colder as the night drew closer. Down in the sewers this coldness would be noticed, but up in the warm apartments above, it wasn't noticed at all.
In April's apartment, the four guys were all doing something different to the other: Donny had found a paper and pen, and was writing down necessary details about their crisis; Leo was meditating, trying to get in touch with Splinter, and had been sitting in one position for way too long it was almost certain he had no feeling in his butt; Raph was asleep on the couch, laid out by Donny, one arm over his chest, his face turned away; and Mikey was watching TV with the volume turned low, but loud enough for him. They all had been like this for a few hours, and Mikey was just bursting to go out and take advantage of their new form. But Donny didn't seem to be adjusting as quickly to his new body as Mikey; Leo didn't seem ready, and Raph just couldn't walk anywhere yet. It was driving Mikey mad to be stuck inside, like before when they were turtles, and not explore the world outside in who- knows how much time they had.
Mikey switched channels, and turned the volume down slightly as a loud movie came on.
It was dark in the apartment, and only the light from the TV and the very small light at the back of the room where Donnie was writing, were the only sources that penetrated the room's darkness.
Mikey got up and fetched himself a cookie from the kitchen, then settled down and sat back on Raph's feet, careful of his leg.
Finally, just then, Leo decided to come out of his meditation to realise he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast; and probably only realised the only reason why he couldn't find enough strength to widen his mind to Splinter, was because he was starving.
"Leo, you okay?" Mikey asked, speaking quietly as his brother walked past him to the kitchen.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Mikey. Thanks." Leo made himself a sandwich, watching his own hands, still with that slight shock at seeing five fingers. He brought it out into the room and stood by Mikey, eating.
"I think I should make Donny something," Mikey thought out loud, concerned for his brother who hadn't looked up once from his paper; his neck was probably locked like that position of looking down. Plus, food would help his arm to mend quicker. Mikey got up and went into the kitchen where he made Donny a sandwich. He brought it back out, walked over to Donnie, who was sat at the desk far back over the other side of the room where he could concentrate; and laid the sandwich down next to the paper without saying anything.
Donny looked up, startled by the sudden appearance of a sandwich. Mikey looked down at him.
"Oh, thanks Mikey. Didn't realise I'm staving." Donny gratefully took the sandwich and bit into it.
"No one seems to remember to eat . . ." Mikey said. "What's happening to us Donny? We won't all drift apart now will we? This won't cause some problem and the start an argument and before you know it we'll be spilt, will it?"
Donny stopped chewing and thought about that. He looked up at his brother.
"No Mikey. I don't think so . . . We'll stay together. Yeah, just today it seems, we're all forgetting things in our confusion, but once we get used to it, or changed back, I'm sure we'll be alright . . . Anyway, how can we forget each other with you reminding us to keep together?" Donny grinned at his brother.
Mikey smiled back, feeling better now. He had thought maybe Leo and Donny had been too distant. Even though it was only a few hours, it was enough for Mikey to notice. He walked back to the couch to find Leo had taken his place on the couch. Mikey didn't mind, and sat next to him, sitting on the edge of the couch so he wouldn't be touching Raph's injured right leg.
"I think I should call Splinter again on the phone," Leo said, staring at the TV, but directing his voice to Mikey.
"You've phoned him six times already!" Mikey said, shaking his head. Yes he was worried about Master Splinter, but he felt too polite and guilty about using April's phone bill.
"Well why isn't he answering the phone?" Leo asked, his voice a little high.
Mikey didn't say anything. Maybe it was just Leo worrying, and he wished he would stop. It made him nervous to see their leader nervous.
"The phone's . . . dead . . ." A murmur from behind them made them turn their heads to Raph, who was still asleep. He was talking in his sleep.
"What?" Leo asked, knowing his brother was asleep. But this had happened before: They could get answers from Raph when he was only just halfway between half awake and deep sleep. They had fun doing this when they were little.
"Hasn't worked . . . For two . . . Days . . . Doesn't ring . . ." Their brother slurred quietly. They only just heard his words.
"Hasn't worked?" Leo repeated. "What did you do to it?!" Leo reached over and grabbed his brother by the shoulders, shaking him awake.
"Wh-what-what?!" Raph woke up, his words bounced as he was shaken. He looked at Leo confused.
"Great Leo, that was good. You can get better answers from him while he's asleep than when he's awake." Mikey shook his head, frowning at Leo.
"What was that for?" Raph asked.
"You said the phone was broken," Leo said quickly. "Home phone. How'd it break?"
"I said what . . .?" Raph looked more confused. He propped himself up on his elbows.
"How did the phone break?" Leo asked impatiently.
"Our phone . . .?" Raph frowned. "How'd you know it was broke?"
"Raph just tell me how it broke!"
"Fine! Geeze, I dropped it down the stairs and lost a few little bits from inside . . . It was Mikey's fault, he tripped me."
"Hey, that was an accident!" Mikey said. Then smiled as he realized they were already sounding normal, except that Leo sounded too desperate for an answer about the phone.
Leo groaned and turned back to the TV, glaring at it.
"What's wrong with him?" Raph asked, settling back down again, he still looked tired.
"He can't get in touch with Master Splinter," Mikey explained. "And when you just told him the phone doesn't work, we just realized why Splinter hadn't been picking it up."
"I didn't say it doesn't work," Raph frowned, and lifted his head from the couch arm.
Mikey grinned. "Yes you did . . . You answer questions in your sleep, you know?"
"What?!" Raph said.
"We never told you before, but it was funny . . ." Mikey smiled slyly. "And we know why you came home that night ages ago, all puffed out and sweaty . . . We know you and Casey were chased by that shadowed monster and when it came into the light it was a little poodle!"
Mikey dashed out of his seat before Raph could grab him. Raph growled as he missed, and wasn't feeling in the mood to be chasing Mikey around the apartment. They had to keep quiet otherwise the surrounding apartments would complain to April about the noise.
Leo suddenly got up and walked over to the window. It was the window that he always loved to watch from. It showed a lovely part of the city. But what felt good was that he could stand here without worrying about being seen, and stare at the lights of the city as some of it shut up for the night. Leo sighed. How could he get in contact with Splinter now? He'd have to sleep and catch up on his strength. That was the only way. He was still weak from the accident, and from lack of food. But he just didn't feel hungry.
Mikey looked at his brother, then frowned at Raph, who shrugged, sat back and closed his eyes. Moments later he was asleep again.
Sometimes Mikey wished he could get to sleep that quickly. Sometimes he could, but not very often. Most times he always had to get comfy first or had to have the right thought in mind for his body to relax and rest. Raph could just close his eyes and he was gone.
Donny got up from the table for the first time in the past few hours, and joined Mikey on the couch.
"What's wrong with Leo?" Donny asked, whispering.
"He found out that Splinter isn't picking up the phone because it's broken. Raph just told us, in his sleep." Mikey explained.
Donny nodded, and smiled. He knew about the thing with Raph and sleep. He was the one who told the others. But he was worried for Master Splinter. He could see that Mikey was too.
Leo remained at the window, and only turned around from it to look at the doorway when the door was unlocked and April walked in a few minutes later.
"Hey guys," she sounded weary. April dumped her jacket on the desk near the door, and kicked off her shoes. She had two shopping bags in her hand, each with two boxes in.
"Hey April," Mikey smiled at her and rushed into the kitchen to make a cup of tea for her and them all. "How was work?"
"Oh, tiring, thanks Mikey." April flopped down in the seat Mikey had just got up from, next to Donny. "The police are checking the sewer tunnels just underneath the man holes, because they had found some stolen things down one earlier on, and are sure the criminals are using the sewers. And I got you some sneakers, weren't that much, but I think they're your sizes. You're all the same so that was easy."
They thanked her.
Mikey came in with her tea and handed it to her. She said thanks and gulped half of it down, then sipped the rest.
"Have fun on your own?" She asked when she lowered the mug.
"Well . . . We didn't go anywhere, but we did think of a possible reason for all of this." Donny said.
April waited. "What?"
"We think it was the pizza we had that night," Mikey told her. "It tasted funny, and we think it kinda gave me some kinda power. Yeah sounds silly, but I think Donny's right; and that night I actually said 'I wish to be human' . . ."
April nodded and sipped her tea. She turned to Leo.
"Got hold of Splinter yet?" She asked
He shook his head. "No. I found out our phone back home is broken," he glanced at the sleeping Raph.
"How?"
"Raph broke it."
Donny looked up. "He didn't ask me to fix it? Um."
"Well," April said putting her empty mug on the floor. "I had a visit from the cop who questioned you yesterday. He told me the name of the school he and Hera had thought best for you, and said you can start in two days when their vacation finish."
They all groaned.
"Is this wise?" Donny asked. "Going to school?" He looked at Leo.
"Well we've only got April's place to stay," Leo said. "And if we don't go that cop'll be round here forcing us anyway, and I don't like cops so the less we see of them the better."
April nodded again, then looked at the clock above the TV.
"It's late. I think I'll hit the hay early, I'm exhausted." She got up. "You guys will have to make yourselves comfortable in the spare guest room and the little box room I have upstairs for space. I can make you a bed in there."
"Thanks, Ape," they said.
"But it looks like Raph'll be staying on the couch tonight," Donny observed.
April went upstairs to get the box room ready for Mikey, who said he wouldn't mind being on his own, and to get the extra space. A few minutes later, Leo and Donny had said goodnight and disappeared into the guest room, whispering about their problem. Mikey had brought out a spare duvet cover.
"Where do you want this April?" He asked. His teenage arms were just as strong in his human form as well as his turtle form, though his muscles seemed slightly smaller than in turtle form. But he still looked strong for a teenager.
"Oh, thanks Mikey." April took them from him. "You can go to bed now, thanks."
"Okay," Mikey said goodnight, hugged her, and disappeared upstairs to the room she had prepared for him. He felt weird. This wasn't the first time he had slept at her house. It was just the weird feeling of dragging a lighter human body up the stairs, and realizing how tired he was.
April took the duvet over to the couch, and gently laid it over Raph, who groaned softly.
She smiled and made her way to her own room. She could hear the tossing and turning of Mikey as he tried to get comfortable in his new form. She got into bed, thoughts running through her head. How would these guys take and react to school? They were still suffering a little after-shock. It's still a big thing to them. April couldn't think long; before she had even thought about the school she would have to show them in two days, she was fast asleep, her tiredness got the better of her.
/\/\/\/\
The following morning everyone got up late. They rose to a rainy day, quite miserable and dark. But this didn't dampen their spirits, as now after the second night in human form, they felt slightly better; getting used to it, and it felt good.
Leo was the first up, along with Donny, who he had woken. They both groaned as they got up, but Donny still felt tired. He could understand how Raph slept half the day yesterday and all the night.
Leo opened the guest bedroom door and stepped out into the slightly cooler apartment. He walked over to the kitchen and started to make a drink for when everyone was awake. Leo noticed Raph was still on the couch, and still in the same position as last night.
Donny walked out a minute after him. He didn't feel so much weird now, but could still feel the difference in turtle and human bodies. It was still so strange to him, but now he was getting used to it, he didn't feel as outside of himself as he did. He knew his brothers felt the same . . . when the rest wake up.
Leo smiled a small good morning greeting to his brother as he joined him. Donny's hair was stuck up and the back, but it felt so strange to be noticing things like that.
"Your hair's a mess," Leo smiled at him.
Donny shrugged and flattened it down with his hand, running his fingers through it in a short attempt to groom it.
"Hey, I never had hair, be kind," Donny grinned. "I have to get used to combing it in the morning . . . man is this going to be one weird month . . . or a few."
Leo smiled and poured the boiling water into the kettle with the tea bags. It was a little difficult to get used to holding the kettle by the handle, when all of his fingers fit perfectly in the gap. He smiled slightly.
The stairs creaked behind them and they both turned around to see April, rubbing her eyes, coming down them. She noticed them and smiled.
"Hey guys," she said, and flopped down in the armchair.
"Morning Ape," Donny said, and brought her the tea that Leo had just poured up.
"Oh thanks Donny," April took the mug gratefully. "Got any plans for today?"
"Not yet," Leo called from the kitchen, passing Donny his tea, and leaving Mikey and Raph's in the pot. He grabbed his own and sat with Donnie on the couch, nearly on Raph, facing April.
"Go check out the place, I want you to," April said. "It's not often you get to walk out in broad daylight and explore."
"Yeah . . . But what about Mikey's head injury? And Raph's leg? I'm not sure they've completely recovered." Leo said, sipping his tea.
"Go sit in the park," April suggested. "Then when they've both got used to being up and walking, visit some places. I can give you a bit of money."
"Oh, no thanks Ape, we don't wanna steal from ya," Leo grinned. "But we will do that, thanks."
Glad they had found something to do for the day, and secretly dieing to go outside, they waited till Mikey and Raph woke.
They didn't have to wait long: Mikey came down the stairs a few minutes later, and as he yawned a good morning to his brothers and April, Raph woke up, groaning.
"Wassa time?" Raph slurred, sitting up.
"Half eleven," Donny replied, glancing at the clock above the TV. "In the morning."
"How's your leg?" April asked.
"Fine," Raph said, though they knew he wouldn't really say anything else. If it had turned purple and he was screaming in pain he would still say he was alright, or crack some sarcastic joke.
"Are we gonna do anything today?" Mikey asked. He knew they would as they hadn't been anywhere yesterday, and he could tell his brothers looked eager to get out. But he still asked.
"Well, we were thinking of going out into the town . . ." Donny said.
"Wait, shouldn't we be trying to find a way to change ourselves back?" Leo asked, and then shrugged when they all stared at him. "Well, there might be a way . . . And why shouldn't we?"
"Leo, d'you realize what we are now?" Mikey asked, talking to his brother in a tone of disbelief that his brother didn't know the answer to the question.
"Yes, but . . . It just doesn't seem right to be going out, while Splinter's down in the sewers alone . . ."
"We know Splinter can take care of himself, but we do know that we can't get down to him, or reach him," Donny said. "There's nothing we can do except wait for the work on the man hole pipes to clear . . . hopefully it won't be long."
"So we're going out?" Mikey asked excitedly. He wanted a straight, positive answer.
"Sure, if Raph's well enough to walk."
"Yeah, sure I am," Raph nodded, and swung his legs off the couch onto the floor.
Mikey smiled, and looked to Leo, who even he couldn't keep the excitement out of his face.
An hour later, when they had all had a well filling breakfast April and Mikey had cooked, they were putting on their sneakers, which felt weird as they had never worn anything on their feet before. (They had come out of the hospital with nothing on their feet) Then they looked at each other, and experimentally walked around the apartment, getting the feel and use of the new footwear. April had to giggle.
Only a few minutes after that, they were outside the building, walking April to her car. She was going to work while they explored the town. She had slipped money into Leo's pocket, with protests from him, but ignored. She gave Donny the key, and told them not to stay out long as it might damage Raph's leg. He grumbled to her, but she smiled, started the engine and, with a good bye, drove off. The guys looked at each other.
"Yes!" Mikey jumped into the air. "We're finally going out! In broad daylight! D'ya know how good this feels dudes?!"
His brothers grinned at him. Yes, it did feel strange, but good. People passed them, looked once, didn't scream but smiled and carried on their business.
"Man did you see that?!" Mikey shouted, practically jumping and skipping with joy.
His brothers shook their heads, smiling, and they all started off into town. People only looked at them because of their identicalness. But they didn't care. The guys walked in any shop they wanted. Looking at anything they wanted. No one screamed, and it felt so weird. They were all expecting at some point for someone to scream, or shout. But no one did.
"This is cool . . ." Donny awed, looking around the sports store they had walked in.
"Wow, never knew stores could hold this much," Mikey said, his head tilted up, looking at the top rows of equipment.
They left that shop, and Donny saw something he wanted to look in. It was a gadget store, and their brother practically yelled when he saw it. They followed him in, finding the things inside very interesting to look at. It was so strange to be able to look at something, and not have to worry about covering any thing that would scare people.
When they decided to leave, they had to actually grab and pull Donny away. They walked around the streets, looking through store windows. When finally came the time they knew Raph would start to slow down because of his leg. He insisted they carry on and that it didn't hurt but they all decided to stop and sit down for a while. They found a small park with three benches. One bench was taken by on old couple, the other by some teenagers their own age. The guys took up the third bench, aware that the kids opposite them were staring, and muttering to themselves.
"They're not staring because of . . . you know . . . anything?" Mikey whispered, looking at himself. His heart beat a little too fast as he thought maybe they were staring because they might have been changing back. But no, he was still human.
"No," Donny said. "They're just staring probably 'cause they've never seen us around before . . . and face it, they've got a good thing to stare at. I mean, we're all identical."
"And Donny points out the obvious again," Raph remarked sarcastically.
Donny shrugged and grinned. "Thought you should be informed seeing as how you seem to be missing bits."
Raph laughed sarcastically.
"Hey, dudes, I'm hungry." Mikey told them, standing up and patting his stomach.
"There's a hotdog stall over there," Donny pointed out.
"Hey, Leo, money," Mikey turned to Leo.
"Mikey, this is April's money, I don't think we really should be spending it just like that." Their leader said.
"April gave us the money to SPEND . . . Anyway, humans spend for no reason, but we have a reason, because we've never had the reason humans use to spend it."
Leo shook his head at Mikey, reached into his pocket and took out the wad of notes. He handed it to his brother.
"Thanks, whadda you guys want?" He asked, dancing on his toes.
They all answered plain hotdog, and Mikey and Donnie went to fetch them. They came back a minute later; Mikey holding two, Donny two. They had received kind smiles from the guys behind the stall, and then a jaw-drop as he saw the two 'twins' go over to two other twins. Mikey had to snigger.
"Thanks." Raph and Leo took their food, and Donnie sat down with his. Mikey was the only one who had onions and everything else that was possible to pile on a hotdog.
The teenagers opposite them still stared. There were three girls and two boys in the group.
After they'd eaten in only a few minutes (not even a minute for Mikey), they decided to get up and walk again. The kids still staring at them as they left the park.
They walked around for another hour, and then Mikey decided to take better advantage of his form. He pulled them into a clothes shop, and told them to sit in the dressing rooms while he tried on some cool clothes. He found it very funny and exciting. He came out first, posing to his three brothers, in a very bright orange shirt, much like an Hawaii shirt a tourist would wear; along with some tourist shorts. He looked funny, but they did suit him quite well.
Next, after he had put them away, he came out wearing some cool jeans, with a chain, and a sleeveless, black shirt with a silver scull on it. He put that back and many more came after it. He eventually got Donny to join in, and Donny and Mikey both jumped out the changing rooms, wearing the same: Dark blue jeans, a purple and orange shit, and shades. They did look very cool. Leo laughed, and Raph even found himself laughing. Soon, it was Donny who was urging Leo and Raph to try, while they sat and watched. Leo agreed, with a laugh, and Donny and Mikey both forced Raph in a changing room, throwing in a pair of jeans and a shirt after him, with protests. A few minutes later, Leo came out, grinning and looking very cool in a nice style of baggy jeans, and a sleeveless shirt that clung to his strong but slim form. They had to shout at Raph to come out, and he did, hands in the pockets of his baggy jeans, wearing a red top like Leo's, and grinning embarrassedly. His brothers were glad to see him smiling and not scowling.
But the day ended quicker than they liked. They had the best day ever, and wished for more. In no time they were walking back home, to April's. The day was only just starting to turn dark, and they knew April would be home. She had told them not to stay out too long, but she couldn't blame them for staying out late. They hadn't spent all of her money, and still had quite a bit left, thanks to Leo, Keeper Of Apes Money, as his brothers called him.
As they walked up the stairs of the building with April's apartment a quarter of an hour after they had left the last store, they were all grinning, and it was one of those rare times when nothing could have spoilt the day. They reached April's apartment and walked in and found her on the couch, watching TV.
She smiled at them. They all stood and looked at her, Raph closed the door.
"Have fun?" She asked.
They all looked sideways at each other, and grinned. Then Mikey burst into detail about their day, explaining how weird it was and how good it felt to have no one scream at them. April laughed at his energy and enthusiasm. Mikey told her about the stores they went in, about their little dress-up game, and about the rest of the things they had done.
"I'm glad you had fun," April said, really meaning it. It was really nice to see them all so happy, and getting along with each other without arguments. April gasped in mocked surprise when Mikey told her that Leo and Raph hadn't snapped once at each other. Leo grinned and Raph just smiled, and looked at the floor, hands in pockets.
They all stopped talking when a knock sounded on the door. April got up and looked through the peephole in the door. She turned back and mouthed 'cop' at the guys. Then she opened the door.
Chief Giph stood at the door, and when it opened he looked up and smiled to April.
"I was passing and just came by to tell you the times of the school tomorrow. The times it will start and finish," he said, and walked in as April motioned him to.
The guys all watched him as he moved in. He nodded to them.
"You will be in school for nine in the morning, and I will be here to escort you, and make sure you attend." The cop looked at each face. "The school finishes at three fifteen."
The guys looked at each other while April and the cop talked further details. A minute later he left, and April shut the door. She turned to them.
"Okay," Donny said, looking sideways to his brothers. "Looks like we have no choice but to go . . . now he's escorting us . . ."
~
The city turned dark and colder as the night drew closer. Down in the sewers this coldness would be noticed, but up in the warm apartments above, it wasn't noticed at all.
In April's apartment, the four guys were all doing something different to the other: Donny had found a paper and pen, and was writing down necessary details about their crisis; Leo was meditating, trying to get in touch with Splinter, and had been sitting in one position for way too long it was almost certain he had no feeling in his butt; Raph was asleep on the couch, laid out by Donny, one arm over his chest, his face turned away; and Mikey was watching TV with the volume turned low, but loud enough for him. They all had been like this for a few hours, and Mikey was just bursting to go out and take advantage of their new form. But Donny didn't seem to be adjusting as quickly to his new body as Mikey; Leo didn't seem ready, and Raph just couldn't walk anywhere yet. It was driving Mikey mad to be stuck inside, like before when they were turtles, and not explore the world outside in who- knows how much time they had.
Mikey switched channels, and turned the volume down slightly as a loud movie came on.
It was dark in the apartment, and only the light from the TV and the very small light at the back of the room where Donnie was writing, were the only sources that penetrated the room's darkness.
Mikey got up and fetched himself a cookie from the kitchen, then settled down and sat back on Raph's feet, careful of his leg.
Finally, just then, Leo decided to come out of his meditation to realise he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast; and probably only realised the only reason why he couldn't find enough strength to widen his mind to Splinter, was because he was starving.
"Leo, you okay?" Mikey asked, speaking quietly as his brother walked past him to the kitchen.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Mikey. Thanks." Leo made himself a sandwich, watching his own hands, still with that slight shock at seeing five fingers. He brought it out into the room and stood by Mikey, eating.
"I think I should make Donny something," Mikey thought out loud, concerned for his brother who hadn't looked up once from his paper; his neck was probably locked like that position of looking down. Plus, food would help his arm to mend quicker. Mikey got up and went into the kitchen where he made Donny a sandwich. He brought it back out, walked over to Donnie, who was sat at the desk far back over the other side of the room where he could concentrate; and laid the sandwich down next to the paper without saying anything.
Donny looked up, startled by the sudden appearance of a sandwich. Mikey looked down at him.
"Oh, thanks Mikey. Didn't realise I'm staving." Donny gratefully took the sandwich and bit into it.
"No one seems to remember to eat . . ." Mikey said. "What's happening to us Donny? We won't all drift apart now will we? This won't cause some problem and the start an argument and before you know it we'll be spilt, will it?"
Donny stopped chewing and thought about that. He looked up at his brother.
"No Mikey. I don't think so . . . We'll stay together. Yeah, just today it seems, we're all forgetting things in our confusion, but once we get used to it, or changed back, I'm sure we'll be alright . . . Anyway, how can we forget each other with you reminding us to keep together?" Donny grinned at his brother.
Mikey smiled back, feeling better now. He had thought maybe Leo and Donny had been too distant. Even though it was only a few hours, it was enough for Mikey to notice. He walked back to the couch to find Leo had taken his place on the couch. Mikey didn't mind, and sat next to him, sitting on the edge of the couch so he wouldn't be touching Raph's injured right leg.
"I think I should call Splinter again on the phone," Leo said, staring at the TV, but directing his voice to Mikey.
"You've phoned him six times already!" Mikey said, shaking his head. Yes he was worried about Master Splinter, but he felt too polite and guilty about using April's phone bill.
"Well why isn't he answering the phone?" Leo asked, his voice a little high.
Mikey didn't say anything. Maybe it was just Leo worrying, and he wished he would stop. It made him nervous to see their leader nervous.
"The phone's . . . dead . . ." A murmur from behind them made them turn their heads to Raph, who was still asleep. He was talking in his sleep.
"What?" Leo asked, knowing his brother was asleep. But this had happened before: They could get answers from Raph when he was only just halfway between half awake and deep sleep. They had fun doing this when they were little.
"Hasn't worked . . . For two . . . Days . . . Doesn't ring . . ." Their brother slurred quietly. They only just heard his words.
"Hasn't worked?" Leo repeated. "What did you do to it?!" Leo reached over and grabbed his brother by the shoulders, shaking him awake.
"Wh-what-what?!" Raph woke up, his words bounced as he was shaken. He looked at Leo confused.
"Great Leo, that was good. You can get better answers from him while he's asleep than when he's awake." Mikey shook his head, frowning at Leo.
"What was that for?" Raph asked.
"You said the phone was broken," Leo said quickly. "Home phone. How'd it break?"
"I said what . . .?" Raph looked more confused. He propped himself up on his elbows.
"How did the phone break?" Leo asked impatiently.
"Our phone . . .?" Raph frowned. "How'd you know it was broke?"
"Raph just tell me how it broke!"
"Fine! Geeze, I dropped it down the stairs and lost a few little bits from inside . . . It was Mikey's fault, he tripped me."
"Hey, that was an accident!" Mikey said. Then smiled as he realized they were already sounding normal, except that Leo sounded too desperate for an answer about the phone.
Leo groaned and turned back to the TV, glaring at it.
"What's wrong with him?" Raph asked, settling back down again, he still looked tired.
"He can't get in touch with Master Splinter," Mikey explained. "And when you just told him the phone doesn't work, we just realized why Splinter hadn't been picking it up."
"I didn't say it doesn't work," Raph frowned, and lifted his head from the couch arm.
Mikey grinned. "Yes you did . . . You answer questions in your sleep, you know?"
"What?!" Raph said.
"We never told you before, but it was funny . . ." Mikey smiled slyly. "And we know why you came home that night ages ago, all puffed out and sweaty . . . We know you and Casey were chased by that shadowed monster and when it came into the light it was a little poodle!"
Mikey dashed out of his seat before Raph could grab him. Raph growled as he missed, and wasn't feeling in the mood to be chasing Mikey around the apartment. They had to keep quiet otherwise the surrounding apartments would complain to April about the noise.
Leo suddenly got up and walked over to the window. It was the window that he always loved to watch from. It showed a lovely part of the city. But what felt good was that he could stand here without worrying about being seen, and stare at the lights of the city as some of it shut up for the night. Leo sighed. How could he get in contact with Splinter now? He'd have to sleep and catch up on his strength. That was the only way. He was still weak from the accident, and from lack of food. But he just didn't feel hungry.
Mikey looked at his brother, then frowned at Raph, who shrugged, sat back and closed his eyes. Moments later he was asleep again.
Sometimes Mikey wished he could get to sleep that quickly. Sometimes he could, but not very often. Most times he always had to get comfy first or had to have the right thought in mind for his body to relax and rest. Raph could just close his eyes and he was gone.
Donny got up from the table for the first time in the past few hours, and joined Mikey on the couch.
"What's wrong with Leo?" Donny asked, whispering.
"He found out that Splinter isn't picking up the phone because it's broken. Raph just told us, in his sleep." Mikey explained.
Donny nodded, and smiled. He knew about the thing with Raph and sleep. He was the one who told the others. But he was worried for Master Splinter. He could see that Mikey was too.
Leo remained at the window, and only turned around from it to look at the doorway when the door was unlocked and April walked in a few minutes later.
"Hey guys," she sounded weary. April dumped her jacket on the desk near the door, and kicked off her shoes. She had two shopping bags in her hand, each with two boxes in.
"Hey April," Mikey smiled at her and rushed into the kitchen to make a cup of tea for her and them all. "How was work?"
"Oh, tiring, thanks Mikey." April flopped down in the seat Mikey had just got up from, next to Donny. "The police are checking the sewer tunnels just underneath the man holes, because they had found some stolen things down one earlier on, and are sure the criminals are using the sewers. And I got you some sneakers, weren't that much, but I think they're your sizes. You're all the same so that was easy."
They thanked her.
Mikey came in with her tea and handed it to her. She said thanks and gulped half of it down, then sipped the rest.
"Have fun on your own?" She asked when she lowered the mug.
"Well . . . We didn't go anywhere, but we did think of a possible reason for all of this." Donny said.
April waited. "What?"
"We think it was the pizza we had that night," Mikey told her. "It tasted funny, and we think it kinda gave me some kinda power. Yeah sounds silly, but I think Donny's right; and that night I actually said 'I wish to be human' . . ."
April nodded and sipped her tea. She turned to Leo.
"Got hold of Splinter yet?" She asked
He shook his head. "No. I found out our phone back home is broken," he glanced at the sleeping Raph.
"How?"
"Raph broke it."
Donny looked up. "He didn't ask me to fix it? Um."
"Well," April said putting her empty mug on the floor. "I had a visit from the cop who questioned you yesterday. He told me the name of the school he and Hera had thought best for you, and said you can start in two days when their vacation finish."
They all groaned.
"Is this wise?" Donny asked. "Going to school?" He looked at Leo.
"Well we've only got April's place to stay," Leo said. "And if we don't go that cop'll be round here forcing us anyway, and I don't like cops so the less we see of them the better."
April nodded again, then looked at the clock above the TV.
"It's late. I think I'll hit the hay early, I'm exhausted." She got up. "You guys will have to make yourselves comfortable in the spare guest room and the little box room I have upstairs for space. I can make you a bed in there."
"Thanks, Ape," they said.
"But it looks like Raph'll be staying on the couch tonight," Donny observed.
April went upstairs to get the box room ready for Mikey, who said he wouldn't mind being on his own, and to get the extra space. A few minutes later, Leo and Donny had said goodnight and disappeared into the guest room, whispering about their problem. Mikey had brought out a spare duvet cover.
"Where do you want this April?" He asked. His teenage arms were just as strong in his human form as well as his turtle form, though his muscles seemed slightly smaller than in turtle form. But he still looked strong for a teenager.
"Oh, thanks Mikey." April took them from him. "You can go to bed now, thanks."
"Okay," Mikey said goodnight, hugged her, and disappeared upstairs to the room she had prepared for him. He felt weird. This wasn't the first time he had slept at her house. It was just the weird feeling of dragging a lighter human body up the stairs, and realizing how tired he was.
April took the duvet over to the couch, and gently laid it over Raph, who groaned softly.
She smiled and made her way to her own room. She could hear the tossing and turning of Mikey as he tried to get comfortable in his new form. She got into bed, thoughts running through her head. How would these guys take and react to school? They were still suffering a little after-shock. It's still a big thing to them. April couldn't think long; before she had even thought about the school she would have to show them in two days, she was fast asleep, her tiredness got the better of her.
/\/\/\/\
The following morning everyone got up late. They rose to a rainy day, quite miserable and dark. But this didn't dampen their spirits, as now after the second night in human form, they felt slightly better; getting used to it, and it felt good.
Leo was the first up, along with Donny, who he had woken. They both groaned as they got up, but Donny still felt tired. He could understand how Raph slept half the day yesterday and all the night.
Leo opened the guest bedroom door and stepped out into the slightly cooler apartment. He walked over to the kitchen and started to make a drink for when everyone was awake. Leo noticed Raph was still on the couch, and still in the same position as last night.
Donny walked out a minute after him. He didn't feel so much weird now, but could still feel the difference in turtle and human bodies. It was still so strange to him, but now he was getting used to it, he didn't feel as outside of himself as he did. He knew his brothers felt the same . . . when the rest wake up.
Leo smiled a small good morning greeting to his brother as he joined him. Donny's hair was stuck up and the back, but it felt so strange to be noticing things like that.
"Your hair's a mess," Leo smiled at him.
Donny shrugged and flattened it down with his hand, running his fingers through it in a short attempt to groom it.
"Hey, I never had hair, be kind," Donny grinned. "I have to get used to combing it in the morning . . . man is this going to be one weird month . . . or a few."
Leo smiled and poured the boiling water into the kettle with the tea bags. It was a little difficult to get used to holding the kettle by the handle, when all of his fingers fit perfectly in the gap. He smiled slightly.
The stairs creaked behind them and they both turned around to see April, rubbing her eyes, coming down them. She noticed them and smiled.
"Hey guys," she said, and flopped down in the armchair.
"Morning Ape," Donny said, and brought her the tea that Leo had just poured up.
"Oh thanks Donny," April took the mug gratefully. "Got any plans for today?"
"Not yet," Leo called from the kitchen, passing Donny his tea, and leaving Mikey and Raph's in the pot. He grabbed his own and sat with Donnie on the couch, nearly on Raph, facing April.
"Go check out the place, I want you to," April said. "It's not often you get to walk out in broad daylight and explore."
"Yeah . . . But what about Mikey's head injury? And Raph's leg? I'm not sure they've completely recovered." Leo said, sipping his tea.
"Go sit in the park," April suggested. "Then when they've both got used to being up and walking, visit some places. I can give you a bit of money."
"Oh, no thanks Ape, we don't wanna steal from ya," Leo grinned. "But we will do that, thanks."
Glad they had found something to do for the day, and secretly dieing to go outside, they waited till Mikey and Raph woke.
They didn't have to wait long: Mikey came down the stairs a few minutes later, and as he yawned a good morning to his brothers and April, Raph woke up, groaning.
"Wassa time?" Raph slurred, sitting up.
"Half eleven," Donny replied, glancing at the clock above the TV. "In the morning."
"How's your leg?" April asked.
"Fine," Raph said, though they knew he wouldn't really say anything else. If it had turned purple and he was screaming in pain he would still say he was alright, or crack some sarcastic joke.
"Are we gonna do anything today?" Mikey asked. He knew they would as they hadn't been anywhere yesterday, and he could tell his brothers looked eager to get out. But he still asked.
"Well, we were thinking of going out into the town . . ." Donny said.
"Wait, shouldn't we be trying to find a way to change ourselves back?" Leo asked, and then shrugged when they all stared at him. "Well, there might be a way . . . And why shouldn't we?"
"Leo, d'you realize what we are now?" Mikey asked, talking to his brother in a tone of disbelief that his brother didn't know the answer to the question.
"Yes, but . . . It just doesn't seem right to be going out, while Splinter's down in the sewers alone . . ."
"We know Splinter can take care of himself, but we do know that we can't get down to him, or reach him," Donny said. "There's nothing we can do except wait for the work on the man hole pipes to clear . . . hopefully it won't be long."
"So we're going out?" Mikey asked excitedly. He wanted a straight, positive answer.
"Sure, if Raph's well enough to walk."
"Yeah, sure I am," Raph nodded, and swung his legs off the couch onto the floor.
Mikey smiled, and looked to Leo, who even he couldn't keep the excitement out of his face.
An hour later, when they had all had a well filling breakfast April and Mikey had cooked, they were putting on their sneakers, which felt weird as they had never worn anything on their feet before. (They had come out of the hospital with nothing on their feet) Then they looked at each other, and experimentally walked around the apartment, getting the feel and use of the new footwear. April had to giggle.
Only a few minutes after that, they were outside the building, walking April to her car. She was going to work while they explored the town. She had slipped money into Leo's pocket, with protests from him, but ignored. She gave Donny the key, and told them not to stay out long as it might damage Raph's leg. He grumbled to her, but she smiled, started the engine and, with a good bye, drove off. The guys looked at each other.
"Yes!" Mikey jumped into the air. "We're finally going out! In broad daylight! D'ya know how good this feels dudes?!"
His brothers grinned at him. Yes, it did feel strange, but good. People passed them, looked once, didn't scream but smiled and carried on their business.
"Man did you see that?!" Mikey shouted, practically jumping and skipping with joy.
His brothers shook their heads, smiling, and they all started off into town. People only looked at them because of their identicalness. But they didn't care. The guys walked in any shop they wanted. Looking at anything they wanted. No one screamed, and it felt so weird. They were all expecting at some point for someone to scream, or shout. But no one did.
"This is cool . . ." Donny awed, looking around the sports store they had walked in.
"Wow, never knew stores could hold this much," Mikey said, his head tilted up, looking at the top rows of equipment.
They left that shop, and Donny saw something he wanted to look in. It was a gadget store, and their brother practically yelled when he saw it. They followed him in, finding the things inside very interesting to look at. It was so strange to be able to look at something, and not have to worry about covering any thing that would scare people.
When they decided to leave, they had to actually grab and pull Donny away. They walked around the streets, looking through store windows. When finally came the time they knew Raph would start to slow down because of his leg. He insisted they carry on and that it didn't hurt but they all decided to stop and sit down for a while. They found a small park with three benches. One bench was taken by on old couple, the other by some teenagers their own age. The guys took up the third bench, aware that the kids opposite them were staring, and muttering to themselves.
"They're not staring because of . . . you know . . . anything?" Mikey whispered, looking at himself. His heart beat a little too fast as he thought maybe they were staring because they might have been changing back. But no, he was still human.
"No," Donny said. "They're just staring probably 'cause they've never seen us around before . . . and face it, they've got a good thing to stare at. I mean, we're all identical."
"And Donny points out the obvious again," Raph remarked sarcastically.
Donny shrugged and grinned. "Thought you should be informed seeing as how you seem to be missing bits."
Raph laughed sarcastically.
"Hey, dudes, I'm hungry." Mikey told them, standing up and patting his stomach.
"There's a hotdog stall over there," Donny pointed out.
"Hey, Leo, money," Mikey turned to Leo.
"Mikey, this is April's money, I don't think we really should be spending it just like that." Their leader said.
"April gave us the money to SPEND . . . Anyway, humans spend for no reason, but we have a reason, because we've never had the reason humans use to spend it."
Leo shook his head at Mikey, reached into his pocket and took out the wad of notes. He handed it to his brother.
"Thanks, whadda you guys want?" He asked, dancing on his toes.
They all answered plain hotdog, and Mikey and Donnie went to fetch them. They came back a minute later; Mikey holding two, Donny two. They had received kind smiles from the guys behind the stall, and then a jaw-drop as he saw the two 'twins' go over to two other twins. Mikey had to snigger.
"Thanks." Raph and Leo took their food, and Donnie sat down with his. Mikey was the only one who had onions and everything else that was possible to pile on a hotdog.
The teenagers opposite them still stared. There were three girls and two boys in the group.
After they'd eaten in only a few minutes (not even a minute for Mikey), they decided to get up and walk again. The kids still staring at them as they left the park.
They walked around for another hour, and then Mikey decided to take better advantage of his form. He pulled them into a clothes shop, and told them to sit in the dressing rooms while he tried on some cool clothes. He found it very funny and exciting. He came out first, posing to his three brothers, in a very bright orange shirt, much like an Hawaii shirt a tourist would wear; along with some tourist shorts. He looked funny, but they did suit him quite well.
Next, after he had put them away, he came out wearing some cool jeans, with a chain, and a sleeveless, black shirt with a silver scull on it. He put that back and many more came after it. He eventually got Donny to join in, and Donny and Mikey both jumped out the changing rooms, wearing the same: Dark blue jeans, a purple and orange shit, and shades. They did look very cool. Leo laughed, and Raph even found himself laughing. Soon, it was Donny who was urging Leo and Raph to try, while they sat and watched. Leo agreed, with a laugh, and Donny and Mikey both forced Raph in a changing room, throwing in a pair of jeans and a shirt after him, with protests. A few minutes later, Leo came out, grinning and looking very cool in a nice style of baggy jeans, and a sleeveless shirt that clung to his strong but slim form. They had to shout at Raph to come out, and he did, hands in the pockets of his baggy jeans, wearing a red top like Leo's, and grinning embarrassedly. His brothers were glad to see him smiling and not scowling.
But the day ended quicker than they liked. They had the best day ever, and wished for more. In no time they were walking back home, to April's. The day was only just starting to turn dark, and they knew April would be home. She had told them not to stay out too long, but she couldn't blame them for staying out late. They hadn't spent all of her money, and still had quite a bit left, thanks to Leo, Keeper Of Apes Money, as his brothers called him.
As they walked up the stairs of the building with April's apartment a quarter of an hour after they had left the last store, they were all grinning, and it was one of those rare times when nothing could have spoilt the day. They reached April's apartment and walked in and found her on the couch, watching TV.
She smiled at them. They all stood and looked at her, Raph closed the door.
"Have fun?" She asked.
They all looked sideways at each other, and grinned. Then Mikey burst into detail about their day, explaining how weird it was and how good it felt to have no one scream at them. April laughed at his energy and enthusiasm. Mikey told her about the stores they went in, about their little dress-up game, and about the rest of the things they had done.
"I'm glad you had fun," April said, really meaning it. It was really nice to see them all so happy, and getting along with each other without arguments. April gasped in mocked surprise when Mikey told her that Leo and Raph hadn't snapped once at each other. Leo grinned and Raph just smiled, and looked at the floor, hands in pockets.
They all stopped talking when a knock sounded on the door. April got up and looked through the peephole in the door. She turned back and mouthed 'cop' at the guys. Then she opened the door.
Chief Giph stood at the door, and when it opened he looked up and smiled to April.
"I was passing and just came by to tell you the times of the school tomorrow. The times it will start and finish," he said, and walked in as April motioned him to.
The guys all watched him as he moved in. He nodded to them.
"You will be in school for nine in the morning, and I will be here to escort you, and make sure you attend." The cop looked at each face. "The school finishes at three fifteen."
The guys looked at each other while April and the cop talked further details. A minute later he left, and April shut the door. She turned to them.
"Okay," Donny said, looking sideways to his brothers. "Looks like we have no choice but to go . . . now he's escorting us . . ."