Chapter 45: Running Away

He wasn't sick….. He wasn't sick… He was mutated beyond recognition. He became a mindless monster. Things were starting to make sense. The bite marks on the remote and couch, the deep scratches on the floor, Raph's jumpiness at the sight of large shadows. They all connected to the monster that was on that video. They all lead to him. He…. He needed to get out of here.

Donnie pushed himself away from the screen, slowly backing away as the folder popped back onto the screen. His breath came in shallow gasps. He couldn't stay in this place. Donnie quickly turned on his heels, racing as quietly as possible to the exit. He had time. His brothers and sister wouldn't be home just yet and Master Splinter was in the dojo. He had enough time to leave.

He paused for a second at the turnstiles, the dark emptiness of the sewers reminding him of Splinter's words, forbidding him from going out of the lair. Donnie shook his head, the images of the monster still burning in his mind, and leaped over the turnstiles and ran into the sewer. He needed to get out of there and fast.

Donnie ran, his feet nearly silent as he ran through the sewers, unsure about where he was even going. The roars still echoed in his head. They were full of pain, anger, and confusion. He could feel the pulses of the memory trying to resurface in his own mind. It made his head ache. He needed to get out of the sewers. Even though Donnie had no real memories of the surface, he needed to have fresh air.

Donnie slowed down, searching around for some kind of clue for an exit. He didn't recognize the area he was in. Panic swam through his system for a second before Donnie let out a breath. He wanted to get lost and his brothers wouldn't be able to find him so easily. That was a good thing for right now. He needed to get his panic under control and needed to understand what had happened to him.

He slowly walked down another tunnel, searching for something that would help him out of the sewers. Millions of thoughts crossed through his mind. Who was that man wearing metal armor? What was he doing in a place like that? Was he captured? Did he go there willingly? That last thought gave him a shudder.

"No. I wouldn't leave my family for that place," Donnie whispered to himself, spotting a ladder. What was he even working on? Why would it take so long? Why would he be dropped in mutagen? It didn't make sense. Donnie strained his arm up, trying to push the manhole cover. He grunted as it finally moved and Donnie was able to see out, checking the deserted alleyway. As quickly as he could, he get out of the sewer and replaced the cover, trying to remain silent. He did a quick survey of the area, trying to find some kind of landmark to know where he came up. He would figure out a way to get home later.

At the thought of home, Donnie remembered the horrifying video he watched, his breathes coming in panicked gasps. He needed to run, get away from the memory. Donnie dashed up the nearest fire escape and ran over the rooftops. A small part of him argued that you couldn't run away from your own mind but Donnie ignored it. He had been turned into a monster. But…. If he had been captured…. Did his family look for him? Why didn't they get to him faster? If they had, he wouldn't have been turned into that thing and he wouldn't be as young as he was now. Everything was all wrong!

"Well, well, well," A voice drifted over the rooftop, causing Donnie to skid to a stop. He back up into the shadows, trying to hide from whoever was on the roof with him. Donnie couldn't help the gasp as a mutated tiger with one eye stepped into view. It was the same tiger from the video. "Won't Master Shredder be pleased to know you are feeling so much better. Although, you look much younger than before, turtle."

"Who… who are you?" Donnie couldn't help the question.

The tiger tilted his head. "Well, it looks like you're not as cured as I thought. I knew something was up. You'll still be of use to us though."

"What do you want with me?" Donnie asked, trying to keep his hands from shaking.

"You'll find out in time." The tiger smirked and lunged.

"Master Splinter! Donnie! We got pizza!" Michelangelo yelled, jumping over the turnstiles, keeping a solid grip on the pizza. Leonardo rolled his eyes at the showoff with Raphael and Karai following close behind. Leo scanned the room, noticing that Donnie hadn't come up to greet them like usual. Maybe he was with Splinter.

"Welcome home, my children," Master Splinter greeted, walking out of the dojo. "I trust you had no problems?"

"Not really," Karai admitted. "We did see TigerClaw but he didn't seem to notice us. We thought it was better to get home rather than follow him across town."

"Excellent choice, my children."

"Sensei," Leo spoke up. "Was Donnie with you?"

Splinter's eyes filled with worry. "No. He was out here when I went to mediate."

"Shit."

"Raphael! Language!" Splinter scolded as the four turned to the red banded turtle.

Raph was frozen at the couch, looking at something on the coffee table. He bent down to pick whatever it was up, turning back to his family. In his hands was Donnie's laptop.

"Raph?" Leo asked, fearing what was open on it.

"He saw," Raph said, fear and worry creeping into his voice. "He watched the video."

Author's Note: Wow. I just love hearing from you guys! I really write this for people who enjoy it and when I see lovely reviews, it makes me want to update faster! Hope you all liked this chapter. As for my other stories, yes, I will finish them, but I'm gonna focus on them one at a time for the moment. Special shout out to Pilyarquitect, HyunaLeo96, Toni42, Stargirl loves Donnie, Fever To Write, Juanita27, Rhodesincolumbus, Glazier Blue, Nobody, and roxanne0910 for the reviews!