Shattered Mirrors Ch3. (What Lurks in the Darkness)

Donnie POV

Slowly taking his time, walking down the stairs, Donnie viewed over the railing towards the direction of the distinct sounds of giggling and her voice.

April stood there at the table while she was feeding Luke, as Mikey had the task of taking care of Willow, smiling Donnie figured he was best not to go bother her, for the dream, his nightmare was still fresh and new in his mind.

Knowing his mate all too well, he feared she would smell his tension, for she had the impeccable ability to sense when his distraught, and at times was very capable of reading between the lines with him.

(Maybe I should go find Raph…)

Yet to his dismay someone else had other plans for him.

Not a second his foot reached the bottom step, Donnie felt a nudge on his shoulder that actually made his skin burn with pain, yet it wasn't to forceful to make him lose his balance.

Letting out a big disappointing sigh, Donnie could only think of one person that would do that to him, as he slowly looked towards his brother Raph, shaking his head, for no words was worth saying at that moment.

"Go already, say good morning to her, while I get the stuff… Jeez Donnie, she is going to get the impression you're avoiding her if you keep this shit up," Raph proclaimed determined to get Donnie to talk to April, all the while his eyes were full of worry at the same time, like Raph could tell there was something amiss with him.

(Ok Donnie you need to get Raph to back off before he starts asking what's wrong… But… How…)

"Why would you care? Wouldn't it mean you get more time with her?" Donnie asked a bit more forcefully than he intended to, not that he was jealous of Raph or cared Raph spent time with her, but he wanted to get Raph off his case before he too realized there is truly something going on with him, that would make his big brother more than just be simply worried.

The worst scenario, that Donnie actually wanted to avoid by everyone, was being antagonized over his behavior lately, especially by Raph of all family members, knowing the hot head, wouldn't just drop it, not until he makes him spill the beans, only to ease up when he is satisfied with Donnie's answer.

Snapping Donnie out of his debate on what he should do, Raph smirked at him, giving a slight shiver down Donnie's spine, as Raph slowly leaned in towards him… clenching his fist, bringing it inches from Donnie's face.

(Ahh… crap…)

Flinching Donnie didn't move, then just when he was ready for the oncoming pain, considering he must have pissed Raph off with his comment, he felt a sharp hit on his beak.

To Donnie's surprise, Raph flicked him on the beak with his finger, making the purple clad turtle rub the area annoyingly, eyeing Raph down, for he was displeased by his actions towards him, Donnie wasn't sure how to respond to his brother, what was the older turtle thinking, to make it look like he was going to punch him of all things?

"Oh, I would love to have more time with her, especially in bed! But we both know that is not fair, besides, if you upset her, I will never hear the end of it. Do you know how boring it is, having sex with a girl that is upset? You're just better off with a sock," Raph roared, making Donnie regretting saying a thing, why did he even bother, he was just best to surrender when it came to Raph and did what he was told...

(…)

Not wanting this conversation to go into more depth than it already has, Donnie just knew what little sanity he had left wouldn't be able to handle Raph when he was acting in this manner.

Taking his leave, Donnie left the pervert at the stairs, who in turn was pleased with himself, like usual.

(Why does he always have to say such things?)

No doubt, though, Raph just said that to weird Donnie out, he like picking on him in this way.

Feeling a bit nervous, taking his time heading towards the kitchen area, Donnie shifted his feet when he reached one of the pillars leaning against it, watching April, taking in her beauty, the way she moved, her sweet smile on her lips, those stunning green eyes that were like deep pools that one could get lost in forever.

Biting his lip, he wondered if he should say something, his nightmare held him there, as he could see the images play in his head, of the young girl that resembled April when she was human.

"Good morning Donnie, would you like something to eat? I have some toast that I haven't finished you can have or I can make you something else," April looked towards his direction, just noticing he was there.

"I'm not really hungry…," as the words came out a worrisome look came over April's face, as she contemplated if she should tell him he should eat something or not, saving her the breath, Donnie continued quickly, "but I will eat the rest of your toast, if that is ok with you April."

Smiling April placed the plate with the two toasts on it, that haven't even been touched, which had peanut butter on them with a dash of brown sugar, the way he liked it.

(Of course, you say you made it for yourself, but you really made it for me didn't you?)

Taking a seat, he couldn't help to smile at April's clever trick to get him to eat, for it was obvious she didn't make the toast for herself, since she didn't like brown sugar on her peanut butter, she was more a banana fan.

Eating his breakfast, savoring every piece of it, he never could understand how she managed to make it taste so good, no one else could achieve such a goal, nothing compare to hers, yet wasn't this a simple thing to make?

(This is sooo good…)

As he finished the last bite, he felt her two soft arms wrapping around his neck, as April leaned against his shell, brushing her cheek against his, giving a soft chirp to him.

Hearing her sweet chirps, made his fears and doubts fade into nothingness, as the nightmare became no more, she was there, that was all he needed, why does he always have to avoid her when his nightmares plague him, she was his lifeline to bring him back, he had nothing to fear with her by his side.

"Are you full now?" April purred, kissing him on the cheek.

"It was very good April, thanks," Donnie kissed her back, smiling at her as he grabbed a lock of her hair, playing with it in between his fingertips, noticing how soft it was, yet he could smell Raph on her, they were having sex last night, what he could tell.

Tilting her head, April turned white, as she just realized why he seemed suddenly upset, April started to wish she washed beforehand; in her mind it was mean to have the smell of the other brother on her like this, "Sorry…"

Chuckling Donnie shook his head, pressing his cheek against her neck, making sure some of his pheromones came in contact to her skin to stick there, if Raph was on her, so will he.

Roaring by Donnie's actions, April kissed him again, "I swear it's like a little war between you two, oh well, I guess I should take a shower, so both of you will lose."

(Lose? I think I could win…)

"Maybe I should join you?" Donnie wondered if he could, did he have time?

Sure, he was scheduled to help out Raph, but Raph did go into his old lab, he might… Donnie crossed his fingers, Raph might get lost for a good amount of time, giving him the opportunity to spend some time with April this morning after all.

"No you may not. You have some work to do with Raph, besides, if he wasn't allowed, neither are you," April shook her head, of course he would try his luck too, yet she did leaned towards his ear, whispering gently, "But, tonight I might be interested if you are in the mood."

(Really?!)

Gulping Donnie didn't care about the shower anymore, he wanted tonight to be now, but alas, it wasn't to be, as a sharp reminder he had other things he must do at the moment, came barking behind April.

"Come on lover boy, lets get this show on the road," Raph stood there with a duffle bag that seemed full, as he leaned against the pillar eyeing the two turtles.

(… I guess he didn't get lost… my bad luck…)

"Ok, you two play nice… Where are the kids and Mikey?" April looked around noticing they weren't at the table anymore.

"Oh, I saw Mikey bringing them upstairs, something about leaving you and Donnie alone, for you two were acting naughty," Raph shook his head, showing how disappointed he was with them, yet gave a wide teasing grin afterwards.

"Ah crap…," April started, "I swear the both of you are a bad influence on me," she blamed them both before running off, heading towards the stairs, then suddenly stopped in her tracks, changing her direction at the split second, heading toward the bathroom instead, to take a quick shower first.

"Well lets get going then," Raph headed towards the door leading to the sewers, passing Donnie a flashlight, considering Donnie was a bit nervous of the dark.

(Yeah… But do we really have to?)

Raph POV

Hands violently shaking, making the flashlight flash around, hitting every reflective surface and object in the sewers, Donnie cringed more, hearing Raph growl in annoyance.

The hot headed brother, who wasn't all too keen to spend his evening scouring the sewers for the cameras that went down, was getting worse with his obvious fueling aggression, over the fact how much Donnie couldn't keep even a flashlight steady in his hand.

(Can't he just hold the damn thing in one place, I have been trying to be all happy and calm, but I don't know how long I can keep up with this damn happy go lucky Raph impression act anymore!)

Flashing a look over his shoulders Raph snarled, then his face softened instantly, noticing the expression on the younger brother's face.

"Donnie are you really that scared?" Raph stopped turning around, looking at Donnie in the eyes, with a gulp Donnie nodded, he hasn't been in the sewers much, the darkness and smells, terrified him, making him feel small and helpless.

(Ahh… Crap… maybe it was too soon to let him out of the lair, what was Leo thinking?)

Sighing, Raph shook his head, placing his hand on Donnie's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze to show his support, "Donnie there is nothing to be afraid of, we are the scariest things in the sewers. You are aware, that I won't let anything happen to you right?"

Nodding slowly, Donnie suddenly shivered as he swore he heard shuffling somewhere beyond the pitch black darkness, flashing his light, Raph sighed again, placing his hand on Donnie's hand to help steady it.

"Donnie, it's just a gust of wind, coming from the drains, nothing more. The thing with the darkness is that, it can play tricks on you, just remember one thing, if I say run, then be scared," Raph smiled, watching Donnie give him that annoying look, he had down so well.

"That doesn't help Raph… But… are you sure…" Donnie looked at the darkness again.

(… I might have to have a little chat with Mikey, for him telling Donnie ghost stories about the sewers. Damn it, my money is on Mikey, for making Donnie so fearful!)

Lightly punching Donnie with a smile, Raph continue walking, before he just wanted to get this job done so he can go off and do other things, but now, he wanted to get this over with, so they could go back to the safety of the lair and Donnie wouldn't be so scared anymore.

Deep down, he feared if this would affect Donnie in other ways, he still was worrisome over Donnie's progress, Raph did try his best to help out, yet at times he felt useless…

Turning down a corridor, Raph stopped in his tracks, looking at the pieces of plastic and wires scattered all over the sewer floor, wasn't the camera's just malfunctioning?

(What the hell?!)

Slowly looking where the camera was supposed to be mounted, the only thing that was left was the base, what was going on, there was no evidence that something even got close to them in the footage, to destroy them in this manner.

Taking back his statement about them being the scariest things in the sewers, Raph was speechless, debating what form of action he should take, was Donnie truly safe out here with him?

(Damn this isn't good, what would take them down and not get caught on the video? Leo stated they just went out; it looks like it was more than just blacking out. Something smashed them, but what, like anyone comes down here, if they did, why would they bother with them or even notice they were there in the first place…)

"Raph what's wrong?" Donnie came up to his brother looking over his shoulder noticing the broken camera.

"Donnie, I want you to stay right here, don't move, I'm going to take a quick look ahead," Raph stated to Donnie, yet avoided looking at him directly, knowing his brother fear was showing and to see his face would make him feel guilty in doing this.

Yet he had too, if something broke the cameras and was still around waiting, they would just be allowing it to follow them home, which could be the reason whoever is behind this broke the cameras in the first place.

Noticing in the corner of his eyes, Donnie slowly nodded pressing himself against the wall, Raph sighed under his breath, "I will only be a couple minutes, Donnie, please don't move, or go home… don't worry the camera probably just fell…"

Feeling worse on lying to his little brother, Raph quickly pressed forward, he had to know if the other cameras were in the same condition and to see if he can see any evidence on who was behind this.

Donnie POV

Pressing against the cold brick wall, Donnie watched his older brother disappear within the darkness, Raph was lying and he knew it.

(Why does he have to lie, I know that camera just didn't fall…)

Sure Donnie has issues, but he can tell when Raph isn't telling the truth, which wasn't a habit of him doing so, but when he does, it was obvious as day.

Yet when Raph stated they were the scariest things in the sewers he was truthful, that Donnie was certain of, then what would make Raph worry?

(Are we really the scariest things here? Maybe Raph doesn't really know…)

Biting his lip, he held his sides, he didn't like this he wanted to go home, but if Raph said he shouldn't, then he should not.

With a small whimper Donnie glared into the darkness, wishing Raph would come back already, he didn't want to be alone, what if there is something lurking within the darkness, what if it dares to approach him, what was he to do?

He was incapable to fight, yes, he was being trained in the arts of a ninja… yet he was still a beginner as Leo would put it, he wasn't even close to what he use to be, or good enough to be entrusted with his bo staff, not that he knew what to do with it, if he was.

To bring the fear factor up, something stirred to his right, heart throbbing, Donnie looked over his shoulder, was it the wind?

Gulping the movement came closer; it could be Raph, or even one of his brothers checking in, right?

(Please be Raph, please be Raph, I don't care if it's a joke on his behalf, I just want it to be him!)

As the sound came closer, revealing it was definitely not his imagination or the wind itself, Donnie shook, "Raph?" Donnie finally squeaked out.

Whatever was moving stopped, as silence once again took root.

(It could be Mikey or Leo… April? No, she would stay with the kids…)

What felt like hours Donnie stood there alone, gathering what courage he had which wasn't much, as he managed to speak up, "Raph… Mikey?"

Suddenly an unfamiliar growl commence, making his poor heart flutter, feelings of terror rippled through his body as he pressed his shell tighter against the wall, was it really some kind of monster? Or was this some sick trick?

Fearing the worse, knowing even though Mikey like playing tricks on him, he wouldn't go this far, Donnie hadn't the faintest idea who it could be.

(Please be one of my brothers… Raph… where are you… I'm scared….)

Breathing heavily, Donnie bottom lip trembled as he gulped, feeling his mouth becoming dry, "Who… who is there?"

As the words came out, something flashed into his sight, coming for him, taking him off his feet, slamming him onto the cold brick ground hard, as an unbelievable weight pressed against his body, holding him down with an iron grip.

Letting out a moan, in his defense, Donnie shielded his face with his arms; only to have his attacker grabbed them quickly, thrusting them to the ground on either side of him.

With a gasping moan of pain, Donnie's body trembled in horror as he came face to face with someone he never imagine would be there or was actually real at that.

His nightmare came to reality, there, glaring at him was this massive alligator, the mere size of this monster was double of his, its weight was by far more than what Donnie could handle, as its breath was rancid that could even wake the dead or disintegrate the body instead...

"You PROMISED!" the beast gruff voiced boomed echoing in Donnie's ear drums, as the alligator's snout came closer to Donnie's face, seeing no way to escape, Donnie knew with one wrong move, the alligator could very well bite his head off with its powerful jaws.

"I…. I don't know…. What… what yourrr talking about!" Donnie whimpered fearfully, why was his nightmare here, how could it be, wasn't he awake and where in the world was Raph?

(Someone help me! Wake me up PLEASE!)

"Do you really think, I will be fooled by such a poor act!? You promised me Donatello, you would protect her!"

Staring at his attacker, Donnie was baffled by the alligator's words, who was he talking about, it couldn't be referring to April, was it?

"Protect who, who are you! I don't know what you're talking about!" Donnie bellowed out whimpering between words, trying his hardest to fight back the tears, as he lost all control of his body that just shook violently, all the while he truly wished Raph never left him alone.

"Rrrr, Don't play dumb turtle! Her place was trashed and it appears that April hasn't been home for some time, so the question remains! Where is she, and why didn't you protect her!" the alligator growled fiercely, putting all its weight down onto Donnie's plastron, as its long tail smashed into the ground inches away from Donnie's head, warning the poor turtle that he wasn't playing games!

(April? He is talking about her… What did he mean by, I was to protect… in what regards… How does he know her… What's going on!)

Closing his mouth tightly, Donnie was completely lost on the situation or what this alligator's true intent was, but one thing was clear as day to him, this alligator was looking for his mate of all people, the one he loved so very much!

There was no way he would ever let anyone hurt her if he could help it, that was his promise to himself, for this guy's so called promise, Donnie didn't remember ever making it, nor could he see himself in the past ever agreeing to such a promise to him, or would bothered dealing with such an aggressive person in the first place.

Like someone finally was answering to his pleas for help, something far in the darkness moved quickly towards him.

"Donnie!?" Raph called in the distance, as the alligator flashed a look up, growling at the fact Raph was coming their way.

"If you value your brother's lives Donatello, I would avoid telling Raphael there, about me. That includes Leonardo and Michelangelo, do I make myself clear, turtle!" the alligator demanded, squeezing the purple clad turtle's wrists with its oversized hands, shooting pain through Donnie's body.

Complying, wanting the pain to stop, Donnie slowly nodded, trying not to scream, not believing he was actually agreeing with this thing, yet it knew his brother's names…

(Let me go and go away…)

Before Raph was in eyesight to see Donnie laying on the ground, the big alligator was gone without a trace, like he was never there.

(Was he just my imagination? Was I seeing things again?)

"Shit Donnie what happen?" Raph rushed to his brother's aid, grabbing Donnie's arm gently, helping him up to his feet.

"I… slipped…" Donnie looked down in shame, he wasn't sure how real the alligator's threats were, or even if this event ever happened, either way, Donnie didn't want to risk it coming out of the shadows and hurt Raph because of him, forcing the young turtle to be untruthful towards his big brother.

"Slip?... Jeez Donnie I thought… are you sure?" Raph tilted his head at Donnie, trying to read him.

"Yeah… Can we go home Raph… please…" Donnie whimpered, still not making eye contact with Raph, fearing he would read through his lie.

(Please no more questions… Don't make me lie anymore… I don't like it…)

Sighing, shaking his head, Raph placed his hand on his younger brother's shoulder, "Sure thing, let's get home. We can fix these damn cameras another night."

Not saying a word Donnie only followed, as Raph continued to wonder what was eating him, did the sewers really scared him this much?

Watching in the corner of his eye, Donnie was fully aware that Raph was a bit skeptic on his lie and was disturbed by his frighten state, yet no matter how much Donnie wanted to give in and let his brother know what conspired when he left him, the little voice in the back of his head only screamed at him on the mere idea, warning him that the alligator was true to his word.