Shattered Mirrors Ch5. (Some truths must not be told… )
Donnie POV
Nervously Donnie shook uncontrollably, as both April and Leo tried to comfort the poor turtle's nerves, with either one on each side of him, both did what they could, April rubbed his shoulder as Leo gently squeezed, reminding the purple clad turtle brother that he was there.
Yet no amount of effort could bring him peace, as he anxiously eyed the large alligator that moved about in his old lab, part of him didn't appreciate this guy waltzing around as if the massive mutant owned it, the other issue that hinder him, was he couldn't push aside what happened in the sewers.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this was the same monster that threatened him and his family, how could they trust him? How could they not see through his so called smile, his fake friendly state?
(I don't care they say he is an old friend… Why would I be friends with such a cruel person like him?)
Biting his lip, almost jumping out of his shell, Donnie trembled as the alligator directed his attention towards him, holding onto a syringe in one hand, while slowly making his way towards him flashing an amusing smile.
Instantly Leo and April reacted with kind words, stating that the alligator wasn't going to harm him, only wanting to draw blood nothing more.
"Donnie it will be ok, it won't hurt," April said soothingly, rubbing his head.
"Why… why does he have to do that?!" Donnie tried to scramble back on the medical bed, only to feel his shell tightly, pressing against Leo's plastron, while the big brother loomed over him.
"Donnie calm down, he needs to do it for some test to see if you're healthy, nothing more, later he will be doing the same towards April and the kids," Leo sighed, holding his position, though having Donnie's shell so firmly against his stomach was starting to bring some discomfort to him.
"I'm healthy! Why… why... him…" Donnie shook his head violently wishing they would let him go.
Brushing his cheek lovingly, April directed Donnie to look at her as she pressed her beak against his, "Yes, I know Donnie, but we need to know if there isn't anything else wrong with you that could be hindering you with your recovery… Please Donnie, trust me, I would never do anything to you that would harm you."
(I trust you, him I don't…)
Before Donnie could say another word, a sharp pinch could be felt on his arm, accompanied by the feeling of Leo's firm hand holding his arm in place, quickly Donnie tried to turn his head, yet April wouldn't allow it, holding him firmly, yet gently with her hands on his cheeks, forcing him to keep all eyes on her.
(NO no no no!)
Whimpering Donnie shuttered, as feelings of dread wash over him, over the fact he was being overpowered by the two people he cared much for and trusted, how could they trust the alligator, how could they let that monster do this to him?!
Done, April and Leo let go of Donnie as he stared into the abyss, eyes full of tears, while the two turtles exchanged looks of guilt, neither of them wanted to resort to this, but after attempting to drag Donnie into the lab for an hour, then an hour more desperately convincing Donnie there was nothing to fear, both were at the point they just wanted this done and over with.
Avoiding the alligator, Donnie could feel his smile over the great accomplishment of drawing his blood, sadly to his dismay, the other two didn't notice anything out of the ordinary of the alligator's demeanor.
That said Donnie could tell, knowing very well it wasn't his imagination, deep down Donnie was positive that the giant was up to something, for many questions plagued him, that only brought him closer to this conclusion.
For instance, why did the alligator attacked him, then not moments later show up at his front door with open arms, like some lost friend, making it seem like the incident in the sewers never occurred?
Was he making sure Donnie didn't usher a word of their meeting?
Feeling weary, Donnie wanted to leave now, they got the blood sample, he didn't want to be in there a second longer.
(Maybe I should cry? I don't want to upset April… but I don't want to be here anymore and I have to get her away from him as well… What if he hurts her?)
Playing out his plan, Donnie buried his beak into April's warm plastron, giving out the most desperate saddest whimpers he could muster, hoping it was enough, as April gently wrapped her arms around him softly in response, "Sorry Donnie, I know that wasn't easy for you… why don't we go and see the kids."
More than eager to comply, Donnie nodded only to cringe afterwards, as the alligator spoke up in protest, "Actually April, I was hoping to have a one and one conversation with you, as well perform some tests, to help determine your health."
"Oh really… ok," April stuttered suddenly, feeling Donnie pressing into her tighter, showing he wasn't too thrilled on the idea, not wanting her to do this.
Sighing Leo firmly squeezed Donnie's shoulder, "Donnie its ok, why don't we go check on the kids instead."
"No…" Donnie whimpered more, wrapping his arms around April firmly, how could he dare to leave her with this man, behind close doors at that, all Donnie wanted was to protect her.
(I can't let her be with him, he will hurt her, he will hurt her!)
Biting his lip, Leo looked at April for some support, considering she was the only one capable at the moment to get through to his brother, which in turn Leo felt helpless at the current moment, feeling awful to be so demanding with his little brother, all the while only wanting to comfort him as a brother, not act so much like a leader.
"Donnie it will be fine, don't worry. Please do this for me, I will be here, no harm will come to me, I promise," April cooed, kissing Donnie on the head, feeling his hot tears.
Sniffling Donnie didn't want to, yet he could feel the grip on his shoulder tighten, as he could smell Leo's disappointment, over his outburst and actions.
What seemed like hours, finally caving in, Donnie lets go of his love regretfully.
(Leo, he better not hurt her… If he does… it will be entirely all your fault! And… and I will never forgive you!)
April Pov
Silently she sat there, holding in her sighs, while she watched Leo escort Donnie out of the lab, watching warily as the door shut behind them, sure she knew the guys insisted Leatherhead was a friend, but the way he look at her at times… only brought her shivers.
She couldn't explain it, maybe he was in awe that there was a female turtle now, this must seem very new to him?
"Now April, I will be needing some blood please," Leatherhead came towards her with a syringe withdrawing some blood, as April couldn't stomach the sight, looking away quickly.
"Um Leatherhead what is it exactly do you want to talk to me about?" April asked nervously, she started to feel awkward being alone with this stranger.
(April stop acting like Donnie, remember the boys wouldn't trust him if he was a threat, besides Raph talks about him with much regard, and Raph would never put you in harms way.)
"Ah yes, that. I would like to discuss a personal matter that I notice no one has been willing to go into great depth. Figuring it involves you, they were probably respecting you and letting you bring me up to speed," Leatherhead placed a piece of gauze over her arm insisting her to hold it there.
"Ok, what is it?" April asked, pressing her free hand firmly on the gauze.
"It's the matter surrounding your mutation, for instance, if I am to determine your health, I must know the nature of it, to make sure I cover all my bases."
Shifting uneasily April looked away, "It was an accident…"
Raising an eyebrow Leatherhead sighed, "As I have been told, please understand April, it is apparent I receive more information, then just it was an accident. For instance, what was involved, mutagen, machine, other?"
Biting her lip, April debated on what to do or say, "Leatherhead I was told you were friends with Donnie and been in his lab more times then not… Am I correct?"
Leaning against Donnie's desk the alligator nodded in response, "Indeed we were best of friends; sadly he doesn't remember me…"
(Maybe it is best I show him… I.. I don't want him to know Donnie was involved, he might not understand the condition Donnie was in and perceive Donnie in some ill light.)
"I see… then… I will show you…" April slowly got up, as Leatherhead looked at her sideways.
"Show me?"
Making her way to the archway in the back, that was open long ago, now had a steel door on it with a padlock, the family felt it was necessary to store all Donnie's inventions that could be harmful or they had no clue what it was, within.
To insure Donnie never finds them, not until he was well enough, as well the safety of the kids were also in the air, they locked it up, with only having Leo and April knowing the code.
Firmly gripping the padlock, April looked at it, was this necessary, should she dare show Leatherhead, but he was aware of what Donnie had in his lab, maybe he would understand the process more, that she went through so many years ago.
Unlocking it, April opened the doors, as a stale air rushed out, making her beak cringe, trying not to sneeze she held it, letting the fit pass by.
Squinting into the dark room, April found the light switch turning it on, as she cast her gaze over the inventions nervously, she wasn't too fond in being inside this room, many of the machines gave her the creeps, as others were too odd for her to even fandom what they were for.
"So this is where you have stored all his stuff, I was wondering," Leatherhead came in, running his finger over the dust that was building up, giving the alligator the impression this room and its inventions within, haven't been used for some time.
"Yes, it is, it was a safety precaution for having two hatchlings about, we didn't want them to play with this stuff," April told the alligator, only allowing him to know half the truth.
"I fully understand, some of these aren't to not safe for anyone that isn't fully aware of their functions… So April what is it that you wanted to show me?"
Turning her attention towards the corner that had a machine covered by a sheet, April took a hold of its corner, feeling weary to uncover it, she didn't like looking at it, for it only inspired nightmares, making her relive that night… the night Donnie mutated her to make her understand him, in order for him to be able to ask her to become his mate…
With a deep breath, feeling her muscles reluctantly not willing to comply with her, she managed to take the sheet as a gasp came from Leatherhead as soon as she did.
(I will take it, he knows about this machine after all…)
White, the alligator went to it, with wide eyes, looking around for the power source, turning it on, as he ignored April, becoming consumed by it, evaluating the information that flashed on the screen, unsure what he was looking at, April remained silent.
Then suddenly the air around the room turned dark and violent, as April got a whiff of the alligator's scent, Leatherhead was furious, as he gripped the side of the panel hard not daring to look at April, as he lowered his head letting out a cursive growl.
"Did Donnie do this!" the alligator demanded viciously.
Gulping, feeling uneasy of his sudden mood swing, April took a couple steps back, "No… why would you ask?"
(Why did he consider it was Donnie, right away?)
"Because the calculation are too precise, no way any of the other brothers have the capability to program this machine, to suit your DNA!" the alligator growled flashing a look at April in a hot rage, as his eyes slit.
(Umm… Should I run?)
Feeling uncomfortable, unwilling to stay there any longer, April took another step back in utter fear, yet to her dismay, the alligator move quickly forward grabbing her arm forcefully, before she could attempt to flee.
Narrowing his eyes, the alligator growled more, "Well are you going to tell me the truth child! Did the blasted turtle do this to you!?"
Shaking in pure horror, April desperately pulled her arm, that throb painfully under his strength, "Let me go! Let me go!"
"TELL ME!" Leatherhead didn't let go, tightening his grip all the more, for April's unwillingness of giving him the information on what really happened.
Suddenly something stirred, catching the alligator's attention, someone was coming, quickly the alligator let go of April's arm, once free she didn't dare to stick around, bolting out of the room, almost slamming into Raph in the process.
Startled and overly shock by what just happened; she didn't stop, passing him by while crying heavily, not even saying a word to Raph in the process, leaving the red clad turtle in a cloud of confusion.
Raph Pov
Startled the red clad turtle turned to April to say something, only to be distracted by Leatherhead, which his voice came from the room no one was allowed to venture in.
"I'm sorry… I…" Leatherhead's face went grim in his shame, as his knees buckled under him, causing the alligator to fall to the floor, as he placed his head in his hands.
Flashing a look towards the lab not able to see April anymore, then back to his friend on the floor, Raph could only sigh, unsure what was going on.
(What happened?)
"What are you sorry about?" Raph walked towards the alligator, flashing a look at his red clad friend, Leatherhead bit his lip.
"I lost my sanity… I let my instincts take a hold of me and I might have hurt the young turtle… I'm soo sorry…" Leatherhead wept.
(Ah shit… I thought he was over that issue…)
Debating whether he was best to go after April to explain to her what probably happened or comfort his depressed friend, Raph picked Leatherhead, on the very notion that by now Leo must have noticed the red head's distress by now and was calming her down at that very moment.
"LH, it's ok… what happened, to bring it on this time around?" Raph crossed his arms, just coming to the realization the machine that was used on April was on, was that the cause?
"I'm sorry my friend, April showed me the device that was used on her, after evaluating it, I lost it… The mere thought that Donnie would use it on a human being, was too much to bare… So I asked the young female if it was Donnie, for I know you all told me of his condition and it would be unlikely… yet she would not usher a word… and one thing led to another…"
Biting his lip, Raph shook his head, "Don't blame her, she… no… we all promise not to bring this up, for Donnie doesn't remember ever doing it."
Quickly flashing a look the alligator turned white, as he was lost for words, finding it hard to speak, "So… so it was him… how… why! Surely there must be some good reason… Please Raphael, tell me, I must know."
Giving in, Raph not seeing the harm in this, personally, he truly believed that Leatherhead needed to know what conspired that night, before, his silence was just out of respect for both April and Donnie, yet now it was apparent there was no way avoiding it, even if he had to take the responsibility for bringing Leatherhead up to speed, "Ok.. but first understand one thing LH. Never, I mean never, mention this to Donnie. Not a word, not even bringing back up this topic afterwards, please… we don't want Donnie to know… For the last time… he tried to kill himself…"