Disclaimer:…..If the Ninja Turtles were mine………………….poor Donny, is all I can say
Blood Lust
Chapter One
Leo opened the door, immediately saddened. Usually, the air would have been filled with the smell of peppermint from Splinter's midday tea. But today, there was nothing but the usual dank sewer air. It only confirmed the fact that Splinter really was gone. Leo sighed. It was just so hard, trying to get things to go back to normal. Without Splinter, things would never, ever, be normal again. Every morning for the past week Leo would find himself hoping that maybe it was all just a bad dream. He would wake up, and everything would be ok. Stretching, he would walk into the kitchen and join Splinter for his morning tea. After he told Splinter about his dream, he would chuckle about it while Splinter comforted him, just like he had done when they were children. But Leo would tell him that it was ok, and that he was not a little kid anymore. Reality was a different matter. Every morning Leo would wake up to the harsh and painful truth, Splinter was gone. That was that. Even though there was a still small flame of hope, it had mostly burned out. Splinter was not coming back. He died in his sleep on Tuesday, and was buried that same day. No getting around it. Still, the realization that Splinter was not coming back saddened him immensely, as it did the rest of his siblings. Mike brushed past Leo, and without a word, heading for his room. He had been doing that a lot lately, seeking the silence and comfort of solitude. It was earlier that Leo had finally put his foot down making Mike and Don come out on patrol, but to no prevail. Mike was just as distant and as silent as before and Don only ended up separating from the group, mentioning something about coming home later. Ever since Mike had found Splinter that day, things had never been the same. Leo remembered it distinctly.
~Flashback~
"Leo! He's not waking up!!" Mike had left Leo, Don, and Raph at the kitchen table with the note that he was going to go wake up Splinter. They had let their Sensei sleep in when he did not wake up on his own earlier. Now, Mike came running back, almost on the verge of tears. Leo looked up from his bowl of Cheerios at Mike's sudden entrance.
"He's not waking up! He's not waking up!" Mike stated over and over again, his voice becoming more and more choked on tears. Don stood to tell Mike to calm down, but the words did not come out as his own throat began to become choked up. He almost fell over from the force Mike used to run unrepentantly into his arms. He sobbed unmercifully into Don's shoulder, his body racking from the exertions. Leo stood, but not before Raph, who charged out of the room and down the hallway. An anguished yell echoed through the lair. Almost as a response, Mike's sobbing became stronger. He wasn't mistaken. Splinter was dead. Don rubbed his back remorsefully. Leo left the table and followed the source of the scream, throwing a worried glace at the hysterical Mikey, and the quiet Donny. His thought process screeched to a stop as he came upon his other brother in the hallway outside of Splinter's room. Raphael was sitting on the floor, his shell to the wall, his head down. Absolutely tranquil to the world. Well, not absolutely. His shoulders shuttered from his suppressed tears. It was then that everything finally registered for Leo.
"No…" He ripped past his brother, slamming open the door. The old wood buckled and shattered from the force, but he was too far gone to even recognize the sounds. All he recognized, was the still form before him. Splinter lay on the bed, his body motionless, his eyes closed. Leo approached him cautiously, his surroundings going surreal. This just had to be a dream, it just had to. It was not until he touched Splinter's skin, his cold clammy skin, did his reality come to a halt. Splinter was dead.
~End Flashback~
That had been a week ago.
A lot has changed since then. Mike became distant since the incident, seeking out the solitary conditions of his room or anywhere else where he could get away for a while. It wasn't uncommon when he found himself in the empty gym, or on rarer occasions, the empty bathroom. Anything to get out from under the watchful eyes of his brothers. He knew it was his fault, he just knew it. He should have paid more attention. He should have been more alert when they realized that Splinter had over slept. Instead, he sat back and watched television, waiting out breakfast. He remembered making some sly remark.
"Splinters not up yet?! Man! He must have stayed up too late last night. Too much meditating is not good for an old rat." He had said, chuckling. Now, he regretted his words, regardless of how light hearted they were. If he would have just stopped acting so damn silly and have checked on their Sensei, Splinter might be alive right now.
He couldn't stand it anymore.
Every time he looked into Leo's sad eyes, or Raph's angry face, he knew that they secretly blamed him. They blamed him for Splinter's death, just as he had blamed himself…
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Raph leaned against the grimy wall, he was getting tired. With a push, he got himself off, finally satisfied enough to head home. He did not go out with his brothers. Instead, he went alone. He knew that they, especially Leo, would disapprove of his methods. The thug moaned as he tried to sit up to face his attacker, but with no luck. He flopped back down, unconsciousness finally taking over. Raph smiled. His work here was done. But it was then that he remembered the conditions back home. Everything had changed. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go back anymore. With Splinter gone, Leo had taken full control. With Splinter gone…That was a phrase that would take some getting use to, 'Splinter gone…' It was very hard to think that the person that raised them from little turtles, that cared and loved them, was dead. He couldn't go home, not now. Not yet. He still secretly blamed himself. Splinter might have still been alive if he would have just woke him up that morning. He had been up extra early, for no reason whatsoever. Even before Leo, just to sit around, alone. He remembered walking by his Sensei's room, he usually would have been up, too. But Raph thought nothing of it. He had been so stupid. Tears threatened to spill, but that was all they did, threaten. No, he would not cry. He did that enough, not under the inquisitive eyes of his brothers, or course. But in solitude. Yes, he had done enough of that, and now it was time for it to stop. Now it was time for action. He eyed the unconscious thug by his foot one more time before giving him a swift kick in the chest. The thug flipped over from the force with a crack. A pang of guilt went through him instantly, but it went away just as quickly. That guy had disserved it. However, it didn't make him feel any better. In actuality, it made him feel worse. Splinter had taught him better. Arg!…Splinter. With a yell he threw caution to the wind and trotted into a run. Not to anywhere in particular, though, but he was getting there fast. Actually, he knew where he was not going, home. Not now, not ever. He was running away.
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The pebble skidded away from Donatello's feet as he walked the concrete sidewalk. He followed that pebble, kicking it again when he was close enough. Although his eyes followed the pebble, his mind was elsewhere. Actually, his mind didn't wander. It was still was rather focused, but just on one thing. He too had noticed Mike's change in behavior over the past week, and it was beginning to worry him. It was normal for a person to feel withdrawal and denial when someone in their family died. It was only natural. But Mike was going too far.
'Or maybe your just not going far enough…' A small voice in his mind answered the unasked question. He pushed it back. He was fine. Splinter was dead. There is nothing he could do to bring him back. No crying would save him. No tears would make him just appear, so why bother? What was done was done. Still, the voice came back.
'Well then why do you feel the sadness?' Don pushed back, once again. He was getting rather annoyed over the whole thing. Sadness was useless at a time like this, it would amount to nothing. But still, he couldn't deny the pang he felt every time he walked past Splinter's empty room. No one had cleaned it out, no one could. Splinter's things just sat there, his mat on the floor, his good kimono still on his chair. It was as if he still was alive to sit on that mat and wear that kimono, but he wasn't. That familiar pang went through Don's soul. With a sigh he kicked the pebble one more time. This time it skidded out of sight. He didn't bother to follow it, but only looked up, instantly recognizing his surroundings. He was in Centrice's neighborhood. He didn't remember walking there, but he was glad never the less. Maybe seeing her would take his mind off things. He quickly journeyed to her apartment building, looking up. The lights were on in her window. She was still awake. Quickly, he began to climb.
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Centrice hastily brushed the stray strands of black hair from her eyes as she set the computer screen with an angry glare. The numbers on the screen stared back. With a huff, she pushed herself away from the computer entirely, a headache forming in it's wake. She had thought that leaving the firm and venturing out into the field of self employment would have been the best plan. But now, she wasn't so sure. She threw another glace towards the computer screen. Working for yourself was…well…a lot of work…A lot of work. She brought her hand up to her temple as an attempt to rub away the migraine. She was definitely pushing herself too hard, and she knew it. But she was ankle deep in income taxes, there was no way she could stop now, not even for tonight. Sitting back down, she granted her temples one more rub before her fingers found the keys once more. A sharp tapping broke through her consciousness and her concentration.
"Wha-" She turned, catching site of the closed window, and the giant turtle standing outside of it. With a smile, she strode over to the window, the work instantly forgotten. Even now, months (almost a year) into their relationship, she was still marveling over him. He was just so, built. The hours of training he went though showed. But, even with his chiseled features, his face and eyes had this kind of….inquisitive and gentle nature, which would get her every time. She now stared into those inquisitive eyes, and was not surprised when they reflected sadness. Quickly, she undid the latch to the window and stood back, watching Donatello as he opened the window and slid into the dark apartment. Closing the window behind himself, he turned, coming face to face with the woman he loved. She stared back, watching him ardently. Neither of them moved, but kept their eyes equally met. That was until Centrice's smooth voice broke the silence.
"I know about Splinter." The statement simple. However, Don blinked.
"How?" He had not been here since Splinter's death, there was no way she could have known. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, finding it hard to keep his steady gaze.
"Leo called me." The answer. Don nodded, as he headed over to her computer. He was kind of relieved that he didn't have to break the news to her. Splinter was very close with Centrice. Over the past year he had developed into a father figure for her also, teaching her the basics of ninjitsu, with the turtles help of course. He knew she must have been devastated. He stared at the computer screen. The numbers stared back.
"Taxes?" Don looked over his shoulder at the girl that he adored. She nodded dumbly from her spot next to the window. Smiling, Don turned back to the screen. "Do you mind if I help?" She shook her head. Almost instantly, typing filled the air once again. She blinked before giving the back of his head a look. That look shifted from his head to his face as she approached him. Don noticed her stare.
"What?" His gaze fell on her, her features reflecting confusion…and annoyance?
"Oh don't 'What?' me, mister!" Don's gaze went wide, his full attention going to Centrice.
"What did I do?" He watched her as she crossed her arms over her chest, giving him a stern look.
"Leo shouldn't have been the one to tell me. I'm your girlfriend, remember. You should have came and told me." Don blinked. That was true. He should have been the one to tell her. But it just had been so hectic, with the burial and everything. Plus, he was the one that had to do all of the arranging, calling April for the emergency trip to the country house and such. They had decided that a wilderness burial was the best way to go. Well more like Don decided. He was the only one that was able to at the time. He remembered Leo's tears when they both had sat down to discuss the burial. It had been the same day that they found Splinter, and Mike was still in hysterics. So that took him out of the picture. Raph was basically dead to the world, taking him out of the picture too. That left just Don and Leo, but soon just Don. Leo broke down right in the middle of Don wilderness proposal, leaving the room with tears in his eyes. Therefore, Don took it upon himself to make all of the arrangements. But would Centrice accept that? One more glance at her told him 'no.' Something caught his eye as he raked over her for the first time that night. With her open robe, he was able to make out her pajama ensemble. He lingered a little longer on the light blue sheer baby doll she wore. She noticed his eyes and too looked down. Hurriedly, she closed her robe, blushing madly.
"All of my clothes are in the laundry. This was all that was left." A grin graced his features, that is until Centrice hit him with another cold stare. His transgressions were not forgotten. He sensed it immediately, dropping his head. Standing, he walked over to her. With interest he noticed that she followed him with her eyes until he was out of sight. It was then that he stopped, his arms wrapping around her small shoulders. She leaned into him as he nuzzled her hair with his beak.
"I'm sorry." A sincere apology. He was sorry. She should have been the first one he went to. He didn't mean to leave her out like he did. She brought her hand up to massage the back of his head as she tilted her own to give him better access. She forgave him, moaning as his mouth's menstruations moved to the sensitive skin at the base of her chin. She did forgive him, and if he kept that up, she would be forgiving him all night. He wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her off of the ground. She giggled, kicking her legs a little.
"Donny, stop!" She laughed as his fingers found her sides, tickling her relentlessly. She let out a giggle before wiggling away from his advances. He too smiled, approaching the now grinning Centrice. She tried again to hinder his progress towards her, holding out her hands, her fingers grasping the hard muscle of his arms. She knew that it wouldn't do much good, he was about ten times stronger than she could ever be. However, it did detour him, he stopped in his tracks. She used the opportunity to talk.
"Donny, stop." She tried to be serious, but it just wasn't working. Her smile just would not die down. But her voice did sound serious, Donatello tilted his head. He was listening. She continued. "I have a lot of work to do, ya know. These documents have to be finished by Mon-" He hushed her with a finger to her lips. She pulled away. "Donny, I can't! We can't! There just isn't eno-" He hushed her again, this time with his palm. She pulled away once again to speak, but he beat her to the punch.
"Believe me, we have time."
She put a hand on her hip. She was getting rather annoyed. "How do ya' figure?!" Donny smiled again before nodding towards the computer. Heatedly, she walked over to the computer, rolling her eyes on the way. Her dramatics stopped however, when she finally got a good look at the screen. Her jaw dropped.
"That's just not possible…." The entire folder she had been working on was completely finished, each calculation made to the tee. Donny crept up behind her again, sliding his arms under hers, circling her waist in green.
"You were saying?…" His breath tickled her skin as he whispered into her ear. A shiver went through her. That Bastard! It was just unbelievable! Those two seconds of typing he had done amounted to what would have taken her weeks to complete. She turned her head, catching his gaze. Green eyes met brown ones. Those eyes, those beautiful eyes. She just couldn't stay mad at him. She turned around, feigning anger, but her smile gave her way. He took a step back, smiling, and watched her as she walked to the middle of the room, discarding her robe. She turned back, noticing his wandering eyes. She gave him a look of her own.
"So, are you coming, or not?" She crossed her arms in front of her, allowing half a grin to grace her features. Donny bound over to her, grabbing her shoulder. She instantly lost her balance, falling backwards. That was what he had planned. He quickly swept her up and turned, grinning madly. She giggled helplessly from his arms, staring into his eyes as she gave him a kiss. The night had turned out better than she thought it would. Not only was her work finished, but she would have a few hours of play in also. Donatello broke the kiss, nodding towards the bedroom. As a response to his unasked questions, she hopped out of his arms and lead the way, grabbing his hand in the process. Yes, this night had turned out a lot better than she thought it would.
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Donatello opened his eyes, immediately recognizing where he was. The warmth next to him confirmed the notion, he was in Centrice's bedroom. She stirred and turned over, she too becoming roused from her sleep. Her tousled hair fell into her face in waves as she watched him from her perch on his plastron. She smiled and he smiled back. With a wink, she spoke.
"Don't you have to get home?" She nodded towards the digital clock radio. He cursed as he sat up. 5:32. Leo would have his shell! Hastily he got up, reapplying his bandanna and padding. She watched him as he got 'dressed' pulling the cover up to her exposed chest. This happened every time. Right after their love making, the both of them would fall asleep, causing Don to be late getting home. She smiled, he was just so cute. Now he was hopping around the room, trying with no prevail to put his knee pads back on in haste. That happened every time also. Now he would give up and sit on the bed. Then he would give her the sad puppy dog eyes, asking her to help.
"Centrice, can you give me a hand?" Right on cue. She laughed before getting up in her nakedness, and kneeled before him. She slowly slid the pads up his firm legs. There eyes met. It was time for him to go. Hesitantly, she leaned forward, catching his lips in hers. He also leaned forward, snaking his hands around her as he stood. He hugged her to his body, enjoying her warmth as he parted their kiss. "I love you." A whisper in her ear.
"I love you too." She parted from him. He made his way over to the window, opening it. The night air came in with a whoosh, causing goose bumps on her naked skin. He smiled.
"Same time tomorrow?" A twinkle in his eyes.
She laughed. "Your such a cornball!" She playfully shoved him, before giving him a peck on the cheek. He knew that that was a yes. Grinning, he left the apartment, hastily climbing down the fire escape to the street below. He gave one last glace towards the open window before disappearing into the night. Centrice sighed as she watched him from her window. She loved this. The excitement, the thrill, the adventure. It was just so different from her mediocre life as an accountant. How exciting was that? Not very. But ever since Donny entered her life, it's been filled with a whole lot more exhilaration, that was for sure. Sometimes it left her reeling. She sighed again as she headed back to bed. Smiling, she closed her eyes. She still remembered how they had first met, and how that night had changed the course of her life forever.
~Flashback~
Her high heels clicked on the sidewalk as she walked the dark street. Her apartment was just around the corner, and she thought a walk wouldn't be too bad. It had been too late when she had realized that she wasn't in Kansas anymore. She had underestimated the streets of New York, especially the streets of New York at one am. Before she knew it, a hand came out from the adjacent alley, pinning her against the wall. She let out a small yelp, before being backhanded by her assaulter.
"Shut up, bitch! I'm gonna have fun with you!" He yanked her back up by her hair. She let out a scream, but it was cut short as she felt the knife graze her neck. She froze. The man laughed, his breath stinking of alcohol and vomit. "I knew you would see things my way, bitch!" He dragged her back towards the end of the alley, his breath loud in her ear. By now her own breath came in short gasps, her tears falling free. She kept envisioning her dead body, her dead cold body on the grimy pavement. It made her cry even more, her sobs echoing in the dank dark alley. It earned her another slap, this time sending her to the ground. "Shut the fuck up, or you will be wearing that throat, you loud fucker!" She froze again, but her tears never stopped. She couldn't remember being so scared, or feeling so violated. The man's touches were like fire. She screwed her eyes shut. That was it. She would die at the hands of this…thing! She was just about to give up, just as a shadow caught her eye. She tensed. The man did not. Unsuspectingly a green fist shot out from the shadows, catching the man square in the jaw. She gasped as he flew several feet, hitting the garbage cans with a crash. He stood up, his jaw leaking blood. Quickly, he armed himself, picking up the knife he had dropped. He faced the shadows with hatred, insanity written all over his crooked face. He eyed the shadows frantically trying to face his assaulter. The shadows were still. Centrice watched the entire thing, her eyes unblinking. She had seen the shadow of her rescuer before his attack, and what she saw scared her. However, she never got a chance to dwell on it, for a another fist came out from the darkness, sending the man flying once again to the ground. He got up quicker that time, and immediately started blindly slashing at the air around him.
"Face me you fucking faggot!" His voice seethed rage. A simple 'Ok.' sounded from the shadows. His knife was out of his hand before he could even blink. Just as quickly, a hand flew out of nowhere, backhanding him into the wall. A loud crack echoed through his ears, and then darkness. Meanwhile, Centrice hyperventilated from her spot on the ground, her torn and ripped clothes hanging off of her body. The figure now faced her, her fears being confirmed with his face. A giant turtle stood before her. He noticed her fear and took a step forward.
"I won't hurt you." Donny's voice cracked as he watched the girl's retreating form. She backed into the wall, her whimpers becoming louder as he approached her. He brought both hands in front of him to try to calm her down, showing that he meant no harm. It seemed to work, she stopped crying, but her breathing still came in short wiry gasps. He paused, watching her. Her face went purple, her hands at her throat. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
"You have Asthma?!" She nodded, not knowing what else to do. The next question came just as quickly. "Where's your inhaler?" Hastily, she pointed to the purse laying on the ground outside of the alley. She had dropped it when the man was dragging her. Donatello was there and back within seconds, the small black purse in his grasp. He opened it and poured it's contents out onto the alley's ground. If she had been fully awake she might have protested, but the lack of oxygen was taking its toll. Her vision went fuzzy, her mind going blank. From the corner of his eye, Donatello watched her slump over.
"Oh shit!" He quickly scanned through the purses contents, finally coming upon the small white tube. Hastily, he ran over to her still form, placing the plastic between her lips. He gave it two quick pumps. 'Please let this work, please let this work, please let this wo-' Her breathing gradually became regular as her eyes fluttered open. He sighed in relief. She stared up at him, a little less surprised this time. It had not been a dream. The turtle stared back. Suddenly it spoke. "I have to get you home. I don't think your in any condition to walk." She just watched him dumbly as it talked. She just didn't know what to do, so she did nothing at all. He cleared his throat. "Um…where do you live?" Still a blank look. He was about to ask yet one more time, but she spoke up before he could open his mouth.
"What are you?"
He blinked. She was just full of surprises. He sighed, bringing a hand to his head. He really didn't have time for this. "It's a long story, ok? Now, can you tell me where you live so that I can take you home?" He was getting annoyed, she could tell. It was against her best judgment to anger mister Giant Turtle, so she told him.
"176 Wetmore Place, apartment 4 D." He nodded, scooping her up. That was just around the corner. She shifted in his arms, still in awe at the wonder before her. He looked down into her eyes. He was surprised. He didn't see fear anymore, just…wonder. He smiled. She blinked, before smiling back.
~End Flashback~
Her prince in green armor, he has protected her ever since. She had been lucky that he came along. Even luckier that he stayed. Fate had brought them together, destiny kept them together. She loved him, and he back. It was like a fairytale…a very unusual fairytale, but a fairytale none the less. She sighed, allowing sleep to over come her. All she knew was that now her life was perfect, and nothing could change that.
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Donny sighed, risking one more look over his shoulder at the apartment he had just descended from. Centrice still watched him. He threw her a grin before turning, heading for home. Leo would kill him, being out this late. Well, maybe not. This always happened at least once a week. By now Leo must know where he was, or else his turtle com would have been driving Don nuts with messages. Sighing, he turned the corner. A journey to her house always made him feel better, and this was no exception. She had seriously heightened his spirits, although that pang of sadness still went through him at the memory of Splinter. He just couldn't escape it, so that meant it would be something that he would just have to deal with. Looking down, he came face to face with a manhole.
"Well, this is my stop." He began to remove the cover but sudden shouting stopped him in his tracks. Looking around, his senses at alert, he abandoned the cover, running to the source of the scream. It lead him to a single alley between a bar and an apartment complex. He stopped, looking in, making sure to stay out of sight. What he saw appalled him. One man, tall, blond hair, was pinned against the wall. The other, wild dark hair, was on top of him. His face was in Blondie's neck, a thick trickle of blood making it's way down. Don nearly vomited. What was he doing? What ever it was, Blondie didn't seem to be enjoying it. He struggled and thrashed against his attacker, his struggling quickly becoming weaker and weaker. Don step into the alley, he would have to end this. The man was defiantly dying. Quietly, he took two steps towards 'dark hair,' but that was all he got. Dark Hair looked up and sniffed, immediately turning to the hidden Donatello. Donny froze. Meanwhile, Blondie sunk to the ground. He was not dead, but his breathing was very shallow. Donny's hesitation was all that Dark Hair needed. With a cry, and the bearing of his teeth, he leapt through the air, his former prey forgotten. Donatello drew his bo staff, but it was to late. The monstrosity fell onto him, causing both of them to roll from the force of the impact. Don struggled from under the form above him, nailing the figure right in the jaw with a well executed upper cut. It only seemed to anger Dark Hair though, his jaw oozed his own blood from the punch. He grabbed Donny's outstretched arm in an unbreakable grip, tearing into the leathery flesh with his teeth. Donny cried out as the monster tore into the muscle, the immense pain shooting though him like fire. With a fierce kick to the gut, the man was sent flying. Cackling, he landed on his feet, finally taking his leave and disappearing into the night. The sun was rising, he could feed another night. Obliviously, Donatello slumped up. What the hell was that? The sharp pain shot up his right side as he hissed. Slowly, he bought his arm up, examining it. A huge bite mark lay between his hand and his elbow. The puncture wounds looked rather serious. It would defiantly leave a nasty scar. He stood, favoring his right arm, noticing that Blondie, too, stood. He stared at Donatello with wide blue eyes. Donny nodded in his direction before also taking his leave. If Blondie was fine enough to gape, then Blondie was fine enough to live. What Donny really was worrying about was his own bite and what it would do. God, Leo would just freak. He looked down at his own arm again, his blood flowing down to the sidewalk, leaving quite a noticeable trail.
"Shit!" Don rushed to the manhole. Someone would notice the blood trail, and might try to follow it. It was something he did not look forward to, but he knew there was no way around it. He tried the cover, but it didn't budge. He just didn't have the strength, plus his hand was all slippery from all of the blood. He was stuck.
"Fuck!" He cursed, louder this time. He was stranded, unless he could make it to the other manhole that led to the same sewer pipe. He looked around, that was about half a mile from here. However, he was loosing blood quickly, he was already beginning to get a little woozy. He knew that he could never make it. Panicking, he ran back over to the manhole, trying one more time, but to no prevail. He was going to pass out, and would probably die. Franticly, he tried the manhole cover again, but did not make it. The darkness seized his consciousness as his legs gave out from under him. 'This is it.' His last thought before reaching unconsciousness. Oblivious to him, a pair of strong arms caught him as he fell, leading him to the manhole. Opening it with one hand, the figure disappeared with the listless Donny before closing it from the underneath.
A sun peaked out from over the horizon. A new day had begun.
***
Authors Notes: (I know there long, you don't have to read, but it is recommended if you want explanations…)
Now we get into the good stuff. I took it back, approximately 2 to 3 weeks into the past, before the incident that happened in the prologue. Basic scenario, the turtles coping with Splinter's passing. Each of them has different ways of coping, (duh!).This chapter basically describes the ways through the thought process of the leader, Leo, the rebel, Raph, and the youngest, Mike. It also describes the stages of Grief they each go through.
Leo is in stages of Depression, one of the last stages. Depression marks the breakdown of one's defenses in times of grief. The reality of his loss is sinking in, and taking over.
Raph, of course, is in the Anger stage in the beginning, but he too, as the chapter develops, leaks into the depression stage. A definite spot of leakage for him is when he begins to consider the possibility of running away. He realizes that Splinter is not coming back and feels that the loss has changed the group for the worse, which is true, so he takes it upon himself to take his leave.
Mike is in deep Guilt and Depression. A Double whammy. Although all of the turtles in some degree feels that they contributed to Splinter's death, he feels that he is the most responsible. As a result, he finds solitude to be his only comfort. A way of escaping the "accusations" which in reality is all created by himself, only to find that they haunt him more in his solitude. Actually, I was originally going to have Mike contemplate suicide, but it would have taken away from the original storyline. Plus, Mikey is the best, and we love him! :)
Lastly, there is Donatello. Of whom (maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't) is having the most trouble dealing with the death. No, he's not angry like the red clad hot-head, nor is he depressed.
Instead, he feels nothing at all. He is experiencing the first stage of Grief, Shock/Denial, but with him it's more of an advance version of the stage. He knows that Splinter is dead, he's accepted that. But it seems as though he will not allow himself to go through the rest of the stages. He keeps his feelings locked up, in check. Although that was good in the beginning, (he was the only one able to make the arrangements for the funeral) in the long run…
Note: (How can you make a note in an Author's Note? It's beyond me!) Originally, it would have been more clear, and I'm not even sure if I'll get to mention it in the chapters to come. But Donny, in this universe (and in a couple of others, not just mine), was the last one to develop in their childhood stages. Although his mind was advanced he was the last one to crawl, walk, and speak. Therefore, I found it appropriate to make him the late bloomer when it comes to dealing with Splinter's death.)
It is during Donatello's venture that the story line begins to develop, starting with the presentation of a new character. Centrice Mitchells, Donny's long time girlfriend, enters the storyline once again. This time as an introduction. About a year ago she move from Kansas, Nebraska to pursue job opportunities. Specifically, to work as an independent accountant. Their relationship also is described in this chapter, describing how they met and showing how intimate and close they have become. A real love for the ages, ya' know.
Sadly, it is now that the real story begins. (yay!) Anywho, the heat turns up as a fight begins. Donatello is bitten. (DUN DUN DUNNNNNUNNNUNNNN!!!)……
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Cliff Hanger,…sort of. To find out what happens, read next installment. R and R in the meantime. Oh and don't flame me about the vampire transformation process. I know what I'm doing. "Blood to Blood.," if you missed the transaction, read the chapter again. Otherwise, it will all be explained more in the next chappy. Ttyl.
