Dream Walker

Disclaimer: The monopoly on the Teenage mutant turtles is, however regrettable, not mine to claim.

Chapter Fifteen: The Dream walker

Donatello:

I didn't really want to, nor did I care to drug Jen, but there is a great deal of things that happen in a persons' life that they must either accept and do anyways, no matter what their feelings or personal opinion might be on the subject, or decide to not do it. Unfortunately the circumstances at the moment didn't even give us that much of a choice.

I watched Leo pack Jennifer off to his bedroom, while I silently contemplated certain aspects about Akuma.

I cleared my throat slightly, "Master I have a theory but it is only conjecture on my part and might always remain so, as I have no way of proving it out" I stated.

Splinter gazed up my way he nodded "Go on my son," he urged kindly.

I took a deep breath "Well, I was thinking of what little we know about Akuma, along with what Baxter told me about the beast he helped create and how he went about it. Considering Shredder was also in the whole process of bringing Akuma into existence…" I went on.

Raph huffed irritably and shot me a venomous glare "Will you get on with it Don." He snapped gruffly.

I gave him a withering stare, but he ignored it, after all he had suffered far worse looks from both Leo and Splinter without being fazed by it, so I don't see how my look could do much to him, but it was my way of warning him not to push his luck, and sometimes my look, strangely enough had more weight behind it, because Raph knew better then to mess with me.

"Look Akuma isn't just animal DNA it has human DNA as well. What if Shredder gave Baxter some DNA of an ancient ninja bloodline, or something similar, so that Akuma would actually have some ninja like abilities or instincts to use with the more natural instincts" I concluded, "We all ready know Akuma can move exceedingly fast for a beast of its size, it can move silently and it tends to stick to the shadows as well."

Splinter's eyes widened a bit and his tail thumped on the ground in an aggravated way. "I would not put it past my old nemesis to think or act in such a fashion Donatello but if you are correct in your hypothesis then we are, very much in deep trouble" Splinter sighed bowing his head giving it a slow shake.

"It's just a monster and when you prick it, it bleeds. We cut off its head it will be dead." Raph declared.

Mike sat back on the couch, for the moment he was quiet, seeming to be deep in thought then he looked up my way, "What exactly are we dealing with Don? How do we stop it?"

I shrugged, my family was used to coming to me for the answers, but they also knew I would never tell them something if I wasn't sure of it, it was always 'in theory.'

"I don't know Mike any answers I might have been able to get were taken the moment that Akuma destroyed the computers in the warehouse where Baxter kept it. Even if there was a possibility of getting to it, the security and authorities surrounding the whole thing would make such information difficult to get to now." I turned my head as I sensed Leo's approach, "We can't even use the controlling devices in Akuma as they would have been shorted out."

"We have to find some way of facing Akuma" Leo announced, "The longer it is alive the more it learns and the more dangerous it becomes." He moved on silent feet over to the couch and sank down into the cushions in a wearied exhausted way that said he was tired even if he wasn't about to show it.

Raph jerked his head up "Then why don't we get Jen and go after Akuma. I'm tired of sitting around doing nothing while that monster is allowed to tear apart the city, and go after our friends Leo."

Leo moved suddenly off the couch and was, in less then a heart beat standing in front of Raph, "We can't go charging in there. It failed last time and it will fail again. We need to think of some other way to do this." He growled, "You have no patience Raph and one day it will get you or someone else killed."

"We're still alive ain't we?" Raph shot back, as he crossed his arms over his plastron and leaned forward into Leo, a dark scathing look on his face, "We can't all be perfect like you."

Mike groaned "Guys we are not going solve the mystery of Akuma over a battle royal." He insisted, then he grinned, "If your going to kill yourselves over this at least wait till later so I can take tickets or place bets of some kind."

Neither Raph nor Leo backed down; instead they stood toe to toe glaring at one another and using other imposing tactics to challenge the other.

Splinter scowled sharply at them, and he thumped the end of the walking stick on the ground "Enough both of you." He barked sharply, "If we are to succeed we need to work together and lay our differences to rest" he insisted firmly. "Donatello has mentioned something of great importance, and I need to meditate on this, as well as monitor Jennifer's sleep for it may give us answers we could use."

Leo stood his ground waiting for Raph to back down but Raph was not willing to give ground in this matter. So the two of them stood without shifting stance in any way glaring ominously and tension mounting quickly, as their bodies became tensed, waiting for the other to make the first move, whether a swing, with foot or fist, or going for a weapon.

Splinter stood up and moved quickly he shoved his walking stick between the two and smacked his stick on each plastron, his ears laid back and his hair bristling.

"Enough. Leonardo you will go and meditate in Donatello's room. Raphael get to the dojo and burn off some of that energy." Splinter ordered, briskly pointing each in the appropriate direction. The ninja master waited until the two turtles complied, he gave a disparaging shake of his head while muttering something under his breath.

"Foolishness is one thing we have no time for." He remarked.

I nodded agreement, I knew we could work together as a team, but our recent failures compiled with our misunderstanding of who, and what Akuma was making it hard to know how to deal with such a creature, had caused tension and disagreement. I knew that Splinter was as aware of it as I was.

Splinter looked between Mike and myself "There is much to consider and do tonight. I will retire to my room for now. Good night my sons."

I bowed low, "Good night Master."

Splinter:

I moved to my bedroom leaning heavily on my walking stick. I was tired and yet there was much to do before I could sleep and I had a feeling even if I did rest it would gain me little.

My room was positioned just behind our kitchen and near certain vent pipes that allowed warm air to be pushed into the tunnel, therefore it was the warmest room in our humble home and I was often grateful for the added warmth, for I was not young.

I could move quickly when necessary, but I found more often, of late, that it took so much more out of me. I couldn't deny that my joints were starting to stiffen up and ache at the most unlikely times. I did not regret the fact that I was losing the nimbleness of youth, nor did I grow angry at the inevitable passages of life and time. Neither would gain me much in the long run.

In the silence of my room, I paused and lit some candles, welcoming the warm flickering glow of the lights, as they cast strange elongated shadows on the concrete walls of my room.

A simple woven mat was placed near the side of my bed, and another sat not far from the foot of the bed, a tiny table with a lamp and candles sat near the head of the bed. There was a chest of sorts that I had packed down here many years ago, that was filled with simple mementos of my life, and it sat in a far corner of the small room. The bed was a small cot, with tattered blankets and stained pillows.

It was all I really needed; I gazed at the bed in a longing way but knew that I could not go there, not just yet.

No I had to consider what Donatello had told us, for I believed he was right there was something of a ninja in Akuma.

Yes, I had feared for my sons before, my life seemed to be full of fears to confront, and vanquish especially where my sons were concerned. How often had one or the other got into some spot that they couldn't get out of as a child? How many nights had I sat worrying, over if they would ever come home to me? How many times had I feared the dangers of the world above only to know my sons had to go there any ways?

The knowledge of others who thought they had created a fantasy didn't even come close to providing security, for I knew even those with the best intentions often fail.

If Akuma was part ninja, or had ninja skills then surely my sons were facing a difficult situation and so I felt a chilling premonition that my sons would not be able to defeat Akuma without losing one of them.

I shuddered, not even able to consider which son I could stand to lose, if it would come to that. Not that my choice of who was to live or die could make a difference anyways.

I sighed wearily as I sank slowly to the mat to begin meditation. My thoughts focused on Jennifer.

I could sense that she was gripped in a nightmare and gently nudged her thoughts away, from the dark shadows of her dream, wanting her to relax a bit so that I could hopefully learn more about Akuma without her being aware of my presence.

I slowly allowed my thoughts to join with her subconscious mind and accept me fully. Then unbidden I heard a chuffing noise, and everything turned to blackness around me. I knew that Akuma was coming.

The beast was suddenly towering over me, though I hadn't even seen it drawing near, it roared in anger as it went up on hind legs, towering over me.

I tried to command or order Akuma, in the same fashion as my son's believed Jennifer was capable of. Yet the dream Akuma didn't respond to any of my orders for it to back down, go away.

Instead the dream beast chuffed and grunted as if amused at my tactics. A foot moved and I noticed letters forming under the massive front hand.

'Dream. Mine.'

I wrinkled my muzzle "You feel you have freedom in dreams Akuma." I hissed as my ears laid flat against my skull.

'No feel. Know.' Akuma responded its sharp beady glowing sharply,' Rat mine.' Akuma gave a barking laugh, as it lunged at me.

I dodged the beast sudden move; pulling the short sword from by my side and swung it at Akuma as the front feet and teeth came from every direction around me as I rolled over to escape the blows. A claw tore at my robes leaving a thin red trail of blood. Akuma grunted with what could only be termed joy as it smacked its lips. There was a cunning vicious way about the beast, as it whirled quickly to follow after me.

I found my sword swinging and hitting the beast but it drew not so much as a drop of blood. Akuma grabbed hold of my sword arm shaking it firmly, I could feel the blood flowing and could see it as it pooled around the sharp canines and down my arm. I had a feeling the beast was going take my arm completely off, but while I was in its grip it seemed I could not escape the dream world.

Suddenly an image of Jennifer was there and part of my mind knew that the dream that had turned nightmare so suddenly had roused her slightly; she was walking the dream world in a half conscious state.

She saw Akuma shaking my arm and suddenly things went from black to red.

"Let the master go Akuma!" she yelled.

Akuma cringed and I could hear it whimper. I could feel the anger and frustration in Akuma at being denied its food. I knew that anger would build until the point when Akuma would refuse to bow to Jennifer's orders and then he would kill her for he did not want to be a slave to her or to anyone but at this moment she was truly his master.

"I said let the master be now, you horrid beast!" Jennifer raged her eyes turning hard.

Akuma seemed to debate for a moment longer then it dropped me and turned towards Jennifer, only she was gone.
I myself made haste to escape the dream world of meditation, but it seemed I was not quick enough for Akuma realizing Jennifer was no longer there had turned around to take up where he left off, only all he managed to get hold of was my tail.

…

I opened my eyes in my room, my heart pounding and blood flowing from my arm, and what was left of my tail, half of it had gone missing. It hurt and the pain was a very welcome thing at this point in time.

"Master!" I heard the anxious calls of Leonardo and Donatello outside my bedroom.

"Enter," I informed them quickly, finding that standing up seemed to be a little difficult at the moment.

Donatello gasped as he saw the blood and immediately began to bandage the wounds tearing bits of bedding to stop the flow.

"Jennifer" I gasped weakly.

"She was screaming Mike and Raph are checking in on her" Leonardo assured me. He helped me to my bed.

I nodded understanding full well the nature of her screams. "I think I know what is going on and how to defeat Akuma but it will not be easy." I told them, "If I am right then my wounds are worth it. Leonardo please make us some tea. Donatello help me to where she is, for we best check in on our guest and then we must talk." I decided.

Jennifer:

I had been dreaming fitfully with Akuma lurking on the edges, which was sort of normal when you considered all I had been through recently. I had felt something was different though, as if Akuma was being held back by someone or something. Then the dream came, of Akuma ripping at Master Splinter's arm and I woke up yelling for the turtles to help Splinter that Akuma was killing him.

Mike and Raph came in both of them trying to fit through the doorway at once, and I suppose it would have been rather comical under any other circumstances.

"Akuma isn't here," Mike told me.

He was wrong and I knew he was "No Mike" I sobbed frantically, "Akuma is here he has Splinter he is going kill him" I choked out through tears, my mind in total panic.

Raph blinked and stalked towards the bedroom but Mike whirled "Don't even think of decking her one bro." He warned.

"She's hysterical Mike" Raph informed his brother.

"I'm not. I know what I saw" I protested, "You have to believe me Mike, Akuma is here!"

"Jen" he whispered, "If Akuma was in our home do you think I'd be sitting here trying to calm you down?"

I shook my head in frustration as I screamed at him "Don't patronize me Mike!" I balled my fist and hit him one but he didn't even seem too concerned by the blow.

"Child calm down, I am all right thanks to you."

I raised my head at the sound of the familiar voice and was relieved to see the Master standing in the doorway leaning against Don, but I also saw the one arm that was bandaged, rather crudely, and blood spotting the bandage.

"Take some deep breaths Jennifer." Splinter advised soothingly.

Mike turned and he seemed to note the injuries on his father "Master?" he asked in a querulous voice.

"Jennifer was right Michelangelo, Akuma was here. He was in the dream world. It seems the beast is a part of both worlds, though I am not sure how or why" Splinter explained his brow furrowing, "But I think it is better if we all go talk in the living room."

I nodded I wasn't in a big hurry to go back to sleep so, I took Mike's proffered arm and headed out with him into the living room.

I sat down and huddled between Don and Mike feeling somewhat safer between them, as I gazed at Splinter noting his injuries. I wasn't too sure what had happened, but I was very scared of everything at this moment, and any explanation Splinter could offer, no matter how ridiculous, had to offer some easing of the fear and uncertainty that I now felt.

Leo came in carrying a tray with cups and everything for tea, he watched Splinter warily as the rat sat back, moving his half tail gingerly behind him and a brief moment of pain crossed his face.

Leo poured the tea and handed it around.

"Jennifer, it is true that you can control Akuma to a point, at least for now." Splinter began his dark orbs locked on mine, "But it seems when you are fully asleep then Akuma has control over you and I do not doubt that the demon seeks to kill you in your sleep." Splinter's eyes were gentle and full of sorrow, but he was not trying to hide what he believed.

I trembled and hunched back into the cushions wanting to disappear. I knew it. I had sensed it from the start but, I still didn't quite want to accept it.

Splinter shook his head "To deny it might be to commit suicide child, far better to face it now before Akuma gains the strength to destroy you."

Mike placed a reassuring arm around my shoulders whispering "You are not going stand alone. We will be with you."

"In dreams Akuma rules for he is a creature made of dreams, a creature not meant to be. He knows it to some extent."

Don leaned forward, "It is possible while creating Akuma they may have used certain drugs or chemicals that permitted Akuma the ability to enter the dream world and once there he learned he could control it." He suggested.

Splinter nodded "Possibly you are correct my son. Either way Jennifer and Akuma share a certain bond forged by their ability to enter the dream world. But when Jennifer is asleep she is weak and susceptible to the demon's attacks." Splinter declared, "When awake and aware of Akuma it seems she can manage a certain amount of control, forcing her will upon him."

"See I told ya" Raph essayed.

Splinter nodded, "You might not believe it Jennifer but you, and you alone probably saved Raphael, your Aunt's lives, as well as saving mine tonight" Splinter bowed his head, "For which I am truly grateful."

Leo smiled, "Can Jennifer learn to control this to at least allow us enough time to stop Akuma?"

"That is up to her my son and she must do it quickly. But Akuma can gain strength from the dream world and so we must attack the demon on both plains. One attack in real life and one in the dream world." Splinter advised, "I am just uncertain which should come first. No matter which way we decide though we must do both attacks within a short span of each other." Splinter paused and shifted, "I believe if we can weaken it enough in the dream world Akuma will try to stay in the real world, but be weaker and easier to kill."

Leo scowled "It is possible and it is something we all have to consider," he agreed.

I bit my lip the dream world and real world, a fight in each, and possibly much bloodshed and death ahead. I didn't like it, not at all, but I realized that there wasn't much choice for me or them.

TBC