Part Two:
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The tactic was very simple, and it provided more fun later on, how exciting!
Mission: Attack Don and Raph from behind, when they least expect it, and in the most discreet way possible.
Leo handed me my portion or ammo, in a small backpack and accompanied with a slingshot, grinning all the way, and wished me luck. He made his way to the check point, while I put our little game in action.
Although I figured having him activate the plan was better, since it was his idea and all, he said that if he did it, it won't work the same way, because having him there, will just crash the plan, before we even start commencing it.
Though there was a pretty good chance Raph and Don will catch up to us, and probably have out tails for this, by either some nasty kicking for Donny's case, maybe some nasty thwacking on our rear ends with his Bo staff, or worthwhile spanking on Raph's case, take your pick, it was too tempting to pass off! But knowing Raph, I'm betting it'll be a long painful session of serious butt whooping.
I don't know why, he's just got something against my poor, soft and tender tush.
So I'm the baby in the family, that doesn't mean my butt is as soft as one's! Gees!
I mean, whenever I really piss him off, with a nasty prank or joke, and when I escape in a frenzied panic, he manages to tackle and pin me down to the floor, and sometimes, instead of beating me up, he'd positioning me in his lap, grumbling, cursing and threatening all the way, and keeps smacking my poor behind, with his flat hand; and let me tell you, he'd had enough practice to make it more painful than usual! He'd smack my ass till my tail-cheeks are all red, and painfully throbbing, like I'm bratty little five year old.
Well, sure I'm the family baby, it's got it's cons and pros, but doesn't mean I have to be punished like a child. I mean- gees! Give me some credit here! I'm as mature as the next mutant turtle; I'm not really the baby in the family! They don't have to take that title so literally!
Anyway, Leo wished me good luck and success in my mission, telling me to keep in mind the extra ammo he hid away in case of emergency, to use when I need, then gave me a thumb up and took his share of ammo. He made his way towards the staircase leading to the rooftop, and since it's past midnight, we wont have to worry about anyone catching sight of us.
'Good luck, and don't get caught!' he warned, before disappearing into the darkness of the staircase.
'You can count on me!' I gave him a small salute, grinning all the way, and then slithered my way into the backrooms.
The backroom is a huge pumping facility, it's where most of the water pressure controls, pumping machines and electric controls for this building are placed, someplace safe and away from the main power room. It's where Raph and Don decided to put the shambled Battle Shell in, seeing it's the only room big enough, not to mention still provide enough space to go around.
I stealthily made my way around the back, ducking quietly behind a giant, roaring engine, so even if I made a sound, I doubt they would have heard it under all the noise going on over their ears. Besides, when I got there, they were talking a bit loudly, trying to strike a conversation over the loud churning of the machines, and I suppressed a grin, slithering closer, undetected.
"Can it be replaced?" I heard Raph growl aloud, "I mean, you know how hard it is to find good but used brakes, we'll be lucky if we find any at all." He squatted down, accepting a monkey wrench, then handing Donny a small hammer.
Donny said something, from over the soft banging of the hammer on something metallic, I couldn't hear him.
Raph shook his head, "No, Case and I gathered all we can get, so I guess that means some homeless probably found the missing pieces and took them." he grunted, hands on his knees, "You sure you don't need help down there?" he paused, tilting his head as if sharpening his hearing, "What? What did you say? I can't hear you!" he growled in slight irritation, "Heck, I can hardly hear myself talk in all this noise!"
That's when Donny pushed himself from under the shambled Battle Shell, sliding with that wheeled-like mat under him, he gripped a cloth and started wiping his hands, "I said, I think it would be better if we turn some of these machines off!" He exclaimed tiredly, "As far as I know, most of the facilities in this building can still work with only one of them turned on, probably the main machine over there." He explained briefly, tilting his head to a certain machine, before pushing himself up, heading towards the said machine, "Besides, my throat hurts for talking too loud, and the noise is deafening my ears!" he growled, pulling the goggles from over his eyes, revealing a slight scowl.
Unfortunately, it was the exact machine I was hiding behind, so I curled around myself and held my breath, calming my heart and trying to hide my presence the best I could, while sensing Donny approach my hiding stop. Fortunately, I hear a few loud snapping clicks, a few loud, dying whirrs, and soon following by falling silence, as only two or three engines kept roaring and whirring loudly, echoing in the small crowded room. For a moment, it felt as if there was a strange hollowness in my head, it felt empty.
"There, that's better." Don huffed a breath, smiling.
"Oh yeah, much better." Raph growled, but then groaned, "Aww! Gees, suddenly my head feels like it's gonna explode!"
"Probably the pressure the loud noise was forcing on your head," Don explained, and I sensed him stepping away, "Don't worry, it'll wear off in a while, you get used to it." He chuckled.
Raph muttered something under his breath, but I couldn't hear him.
Soon, they were back to the noisy cluttering noise under the Battle Shell. I stole a peek, Raph had his shell to me and Don was under the truck again, so I took my chance and quietly, as stealthily as I could, made my way around the back of the Battle Shell. Positioning myself in a safe, high spot, I climbed up a beam, careful not to make any noise, and perched at the support beam closest to my escape rout, just incase they caught up to me, before I managed to spring the plan on them, and simply sat there, waiting and taking aim.
Suddenly, Raph perked, "Hey, did you hear something?"
Don slid from under the Battle Shell, and I ducked, seeing I was right atop of them, I didn't want him to at least catch glimpse of me yet, "No, why? What did you hear?" he asked, curious.
"Not sure, sounded like a rat or something, scurrying." He muttered, looking everywhere but up, "But it somehow sounded wrong."
"What do you mean?" my purple masked brother questioned, growing confused.
"I dunno, I'm not sure." my red masked brother growled softly, "I just- I feel like we're being watched."
Don laughed, "Leo is out, Mike's asleep, Sensei is meditating, and there is only you and me here, Raph." He gave a negative shake, wiping his hands on the cloth again, "You're just being paranoid."
"I dunno, maybe you're right." Raph muttered, not really convinced.
There was a long moment of silence, before they started rambling about the hopelessness of fixing the Battle Shell, that they might as well go to the junkyard and toll down a new truck and work from scratch, much to Don's dismay.
I felt that Raph and Don might have more in common than I originally thought, probably because their lack of interaction. I mean, without a word, Don would slip back under the truck, wrenching and hammering, and when he hands Raph the tool he's using, Raph instantly exchanges it with something else, not even asking if it's the one Donny needs, as if it's natural knowledge or something.
I felt a bit out of place, like I'm watching something new and different.
Made me feel kinda sorry for what I'm about to do.
Well, not entirely, I was still tempted, hehe.
Abruptly, there was a short series of sniffled sneezes, and without a warning, Raph jerked from the tool kit to yank the wheeled mat from under the Battle Shell, Donny still on it, sniffling, rubbing tears from his un-goggled eyes, and gasping a bit. Raph reached into Don's magic bag and pulled out a small can, he popped it open and let it linger under Don's chin, and Donny tiredly gripped the can, taking a whiff, before squeezing his eye tight, sneezing a little more, before opening his eyes, breathing again.
"Thanks, I needed that." Don rubbed his nose, panting a bit.
"Sh!t, Donny! Don't scare me like that!" Raph admonished, recapping the can, putting it back in the bag.
Although it was only a glimpse, I think I caught the colors yellow and green, so it could have been that mint and lemon cream Sensei gave Donny. Sensei said that smelling the stuff would help expand Don's lungs, to clear out anything that clogged them, because it's been happening a lot lately, especially with Don's cold. It was like a medicine for a cold, because every time he sneezes, it causes his throat and lungs to cramp, almost suffocating. I think it was hot and spicy enough, to force Don's lungs to open wide and function more properly.
"I thought you said your cold was under control!" Raph scolded gently, rubbing Don's arm.
"It- it was!" Don sniffled, rubbing some more pain-tears from his eyes, "Ow, my snout hurts." He mumbled.
"C'mon, better put an ice pack on that." He gripped Don's arm to help him up.
"No, I'm fine, really." Don didn't fight him, he let Raph haul him up, but he started scratching his bandaged thigh.
Raph did not miss that, so he gently smacked Don's hand, "No scratching! April says it only gets worse!"
"Aw, but it itches!" Donny whined tiredly, "It itches so bad, Raph! It's killing me!"
Although I half disliked it, for I felt pretty mean and low, I decided that was my cue, so I set my first bullet and took aim, making sure I don't hit the wrong angle, or else I'll give away my hiding spot. Don is pretty good in locating where a projectile had been sent, simply by figuring out the angel it hit it's target from. I grinned, pulling the rubber band of my slingshot as far back as I could, aiming at Raph's shell, and let go!
"Ow!" he yelped, jolting in his spot, he rubbed the back of his shoulder where my bullet hit, only to freeze, grimacing, "Ew! What the shell- ?" he retrieved his hands, the sticky mass forming thin strands of thread-like lines from his hand to his shoulder.
"What the- egg yolk?" Donny blinked at the sticky substance on Raph shoulder, and it took him only a moment, before glancing up, trying to spy my hiding spot, in order to figure out how to reach me.
This time I didn't hide, I was busy aiming my other bullet, and it smacked Donny right between the eyes with a loud crack and splash!
Howling in pain and start, Don staggered, bumping into Raph, who in turn gripped Don, helping him upright.
Don winced, feeling the sticky hand on his arm, he groaned, "Ew! I've been yolked!" he gestured to the slippery slime that stained them.
I laughed out loud, grabbing a cold-water balloon or two from my stash, and tossing them quickly, one after the other, each hitting a turtle in the same spot, earning too yelps and then a loud roaring snarl.
"MIKEY!" Raph roared, fury blazing in his eyes, drenched and shivering, because of the cold water, he rushed to the nearest beam, egg yolk forgotten, climbing up towards me in record speed, fury blazing in his eyes. "Wait until I get my hands on you, you- you- you little imp!" he threatened with a frightening sneer on his face, "I swear I'm gonna beat your puny ass up so hard, it'll take you ten whole days, before you can sit on the toilet again!" he hissed, gritting his teeth, grunting as he climbed up, reaching half way towards me.
I laughed uneasily at his threat and shot him another bullet, 'egging' him on with yet another egg bomb, in which he dodged in the nick of time, the egg smashed against the wall behind him, splattering transparent slime and yellow all over the wall. Recognizing the advancing danger, I yelped when he came too close for comfort, and hopped into the ventilation tunnel, Leo and I agreed on. I made my way racing towards our check point, my heart throbbing in my chest, yet my mind swimming with thoughts.
"You get that little imp, Raph! I'll cut him off at the roof!" Don growled out loud, dashing out of the backroom, "And leave some for me, got it?"
"You want a piece of him, come get some yourself, because I ain't sharing!" Raph roared back.
Oddly enough, I couldn't help but notice the hint of amusement in Raph's voice. When Raph starts laughing, while I know he's pissed off and boiling mad, that's when I really need to worry! Why? Because that means he's feeling generous, to dish me out with an extra dose of pain! I knew right then and there, my ass was at stake, a terrible doubled does of butt whooping isn't something I'd want tonight, or at any time for that matter!
I had to haul it out of there to someplace safe, before I have me ass-cheeks handed to me, hot, red, tender and throbbing all over! But you know something? Though I knew my life was at stake, that Raph and Don are so going to skin me alive for this, maybe Leo; too; or more like just beat our butts, I couldn't help the grin on my face, they had no idea what was coming to them, did they?
Hah! This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to get to plan D, but I gotta finish plan A first.
I dashed through the ventilation tunnels, dropping my now empty bag, leaving it behind, I don't want to get tangled and caught, cause knowing Raph, he wont waste time to pull me to his lap, letting his hand repetitively swat my tender rear end, and I need to get to the roof, long before Donny does! I held on to the slingshot, I heck don't want Raph using it against me, and I hurried up the maze-like tunnel.
Thankfully, about a week ago, Klunk was lost in these tunnels and I went after him, seeing they were big enough for me to pass through, and let me tell you, it was a good half hour, before I found my way around. Once done, when I found my way out, I went to Donny's lab to check the maps, I wanted to know where I was and where I ended. The funny part, I realized I've been pretty much running circles around myself, I was still on the second floor, a little over the new dojo, and I was surprised no one knew I was there.
I guess I was too busy keeping track of where I was to make some sort of noise, huh.
Thankfully, Leo had memorized the tunnels for me, he even showed me a few marks, like guidelines, showing what tunnel led to where, something like a mini shortcut, just incase we had to use them as an escape rout or the like. White leads to the roof, red leads to the dojo, blue leads to the bedrooms and green leads to the main ventilation shaft room, where all other ventilations shafts are available.
Anyway, I followed the white-green markers, which lead to the roof, by passing the main ventilation shaft room, by following some faint, very well hidden spots Leo left me. It seemed that Raph was a bit lost, unable to catch up to me in the small, narrow space, not to mention it was pretty dim in here, he'll be lucky not to hit a wall or a corner of a junction, I've been there, and it hurts like hell!
I maneuvered my way around, and though I was very much temped to make him go in circles, I knew Raph would soon catch my scent and follow me, being the family blood hound. There are skills that even I need to by awry of, and Raph's hunting skills is one of them! Trust me, I learn from experience! It really makes me feel bad when we have to play hunter, or more like turtle hunt when we were a bit younger, back at the old sewer.
I remember that we'd always do a vote, and usually Raph is the hunter and we have to hide from him, Sensei claimed that this game would not only help improve our hiding and tracking skills, but it would bring us closer, as that the hunter must understand the thought pattern of the hunted, in order to track and nab by the end of the time limit.
Also, incase we got lost, then at least one of us will be able to track the other and bring him home where it's safe.
Yeah, time limit, Sensei wouldn't let us play for more than four or six hours, usually once or twice a month, he figured that doing it too far apart would be better than doing the hunts too close, for it'll be too easy for the hunter to track the prey.
Oddly enough, only Leo and Raph seemed to enjoy that game, Don and I always get found out from the start, and usually it takes me forever to find any of them, I've always been the lousiest when it comes to tracking. I sometimes do find them, but they flee and I fail to capture any of them, especially Raph! Man, I sure hate that game.
Raph sure knows how to put up a fight, teeth and nail!
Jerked out of my thoughts, I realized that I've been standing still, lost in my thoughts, and I was afraid I might have crashed the game for Leo, -Oddly I still cant get it in my head, that this is Leo's idea, and not mine. I mean, Gees! Since when was he this creative? I thought I was the devious one!- I made sure Raph wasn't around and hurried my pace, climbing up a tunnel and reaching the check point.
'About time you got here!' Leo grouched in his waiting spot, frowning good naturally, 'What took you so long?' he reached out his hands.
Swapping items, I handed him my chucks and orange mask, while he handed me his belt and blue mask, 'Sorry, got distracted.'
'Did they suspect anything?' he tried to smother a grin, that mischievous twinkling in his eyes.
I grinned back, 'Not a thing, they were following me like moth to flame.' I put on the blue mask, and watched Leo put on my orange mask, 'Raph followed me through the tunnel, and he ought to be here soon, while Donny is suppose to cut my escape rout up at the roof.' I gave him a heads up, because I'd hate for things to get any worse.
Leo just grinned, 'All the better.' he snickered.
'You sure this is a good idea?' I dare questioned, feeling just a tad uneasy, 'I mean if you fail, Raph is so gonna have your tail!'
'Hey, as long as they don't know, it wouldn't matter.' He shrugged, tucking my chucks in his belt, 'Besides, you said you wanted to know how it feels to be in my shell, and I've always wondered how it feels to be in yours, so whatever happens, it was my idea, okay? You were just playing along.' He gave me that soft, comforting smile, hand on my knee.
'Okay, but if things backfire, don't say I didn't warn ya.' I huffed, smiling weakly.
He grinned, 'I know, now go hide, wait for the signal, and meet you at the rooftop.' He winked and snuck away.
'Good luck.' I watched him leave, bracing myself and catching my breath.
Strapping on the belt and positioning the swords, in a crossed position, I wondered just- how the shell does Leo walk around with these, and not have them caught or hooked some place? They keep bumping into the walls and sending echoes, almost threatening to spill out where I'm hiding. I don't know how he can walk around with them sticking out like that, they feel like two extra arms that I could do better without.
I wonder if Leo would feel the same about my chucks.
Somehow, this little game didn't feel so fun anymore, I don't know why.
I feel that- well, since I've agreed to do it, then if Raph does end up tackling Leo, I'd hate to be the one getting his cheeks swatted, but I really wouldn't want Leo suffering that either, it kind of feels wrong, having my big brother and leader act like an idiot, getting himself punched by impersonating me, pulling a prank on Raph and Don.
Or maybe it's just the kid in me who feels weird-out, I don't know.
I've always admired Leo, he's all so well behaved, controlled, smart, he always does what Sensei tells him and he succeeds in almost everything, almost to the point of being perfect!
I envy him sometimes, makes me wish if I could drop my silly-goofball mask and be like him for a change, but whenever I try to be serious, the guys treat me as if I'm an alien, or as if I'm sick or something, or they just make fun of me. They don't think I can be serious if I want to be, it's so not fair! Just because I enjoy a good laugh and a game, doesn't mean I can't be serious when I need to be!
Leo really knows how to handle himself, alone or during a battle, but somehow, sitting here, in his gear, awaiting the signal, it irks me, I feel like I'm doing it all wrong, that I shouldn't be here, that I should be up there, with him. Maybe I shouldn't have agreed o this, but it just sounded so tempting, then- why am I having doubts now? What changed?
"Leo?" a voice popped from the ventilation shaft a little up to my left, it echoed softly in the room.
I jumped a bit, looking around, before laying eyes on him, I swallowed nervously.
"What the shell are you doing here?" Raph furrowed, confusion clear on his face.
I stammered, realizing that in the dim light, Raph had easily mistaken me for Leo, not to mention I'm wearing his mask and gear, so at first glance, Raph won't be able to discern my skin tone, but even so, I dare not make a sound. Although I was self praising myself, that I didn't scream like a girl when he startled me, for that would have been a complete crash to the plan.
"Bro, I've been wondering where you've been, you've been gone all day!" Raph said, his voice soft with concern, he climbed out of the shaft and curled sitting next to me, seeing the tunnel was rather small, but he still smelled like egg yolk and sugar.
I tried not to smirk, for sweetened water usually attracts mosquitoes from miles away, and I sure as hell don't want them near me!
"What are you doing here, Leo?" he eyed me now, worry and concern clear on his face.
I blinked at him, confused at the open display of emotion.
"Oh don't you go giving me that look, you know what I'm talking about!" he argued tiredly, scooting just a bit closer, but not enough for a physical contact, much to my pleasure, cause I sure don't want any of his sticky sweet slime on me! "I know I've been a real jerk to you this morning, and I'm sorry, okay? I didn't think you'd take it so personally." He apologetically explained.
I stared at him, and something inside of my head started turning. Somehow, I felt that I was missing something, but I weren't sure what.
He stared at me a moment longer, "Leo, is something wrong?" he questioned, a furrow appeared on his face.
I gave a negative shake, and then dropped my gaze looking at my hands, resting calmly in my lap.
Raph stared at me a little longer, and I didn't dare say anything, for there is a very clear difference between my voice and Leo's.
Raph sighed, looking at his hands for a moment, before balling them into slight fists, "Okay, you don't wanna talk, I understand." He looked away for a moment, clearly dejected, "By the way, have you seen Mike?"
At that, I twitched a smile, I pointed to the emergency tunnel Leo told me to take, incase I were followed.
"In there?" he arched a brow, and I nodded, he paused for a moment, "Okay."
I watched him crawl over to the hole, but before climbed up, he looked at me for a moment, and before I could react, he crawled back, wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug. I was startled, I didn't know what to say or do, or even how to react, so I just- placed my hands on his sides, calming my racing heartbeats, waiting quietly for him to draw back.
"I'm glad to have you back, bro." he murmured softly, his damp skin pressed against mine, "I missed you." he added, hugging me just a little tighter, before drawing back, a small smile on his face.
I felt ashamed, fooling Raph like this, but I couldn't blow it, not now, so I just smiled and gave a small nod.
He nodded, accepting my answer, he pushed up and into the tunnel again, disappearing.
I felt absolutely horrible! I swear, I wanted to cry my eyes out! Why did I even let Leo talk me into this! Yeah, it sounded fun and promising at first, but now that I think about what I've done so far, deceiving and manipulating them like this, I don't like it, I don't like it at all! Don and Raph were having such a good time at the backroom, working together on the Battle Shell, and though I was bored, I could have just kept myself busy with a real nap.
And Leo? If my hunch is right, then something telling me something happened between Leo and Raph this morning, and- Leo wants pay back? Is that why he asked me to help him with this? He's using me for some sort of revenge? No! Leo wouldn't do something lowly like that! If he wanted pay back, he would have told me, to fill me in on his plan, or at least given me a clue as to why!
But- what am I supposed to do now? Crash the party and just jump in, or wait for the signal?
Unfortunately, I had no time to think, for there was a single beep on my shell cell. I debated between ignoring it, letting Leo the problem on his own from here on, or following the plan as Leo planned, to go up there and help him.
Somehow, I lost all enthusiasm, I don't want to do this anymore.
Sitting here with Leo's getup, I feel- so out of place, so out of character, I don't like it, it feels heavy, like a ton of bricks on my chest, and I don't like it. I can't explain the tightness inside of me, but I decided to comply. I mean, who knows? Raph might have actually figured it out, that I'm not Leo, but decided to play along? He'd do that some times, and I honestly wouldn't put it past him.
Pushing myself up, I ignored the sweet scent that lingered in the tunnel, obviously Raph had left a trail, and I sure hope no mosquitoes are attracted, he really hates them, and bugs in general.
With a tiny, weary smile, I made my way up to the third and fourth floors.
After all, my leader and brother needs me, I can't book out on him now.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
A/N: I've split the chapter, and decided to make it in three chapters instead of two! The last chapter is a bit shorter, so hopefully I'll try to stretch it out a little, before I get around posting it.