Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the property of Viacom, Nickelodeon, Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and all organizations associated with said names. This is non-profit.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Exile
by BrownEyedBirdie
Author's Notes: I know some of you didn't like how short the last chapter was, but this makes up for it. This is a long, almost an episodic chapter. The weird thing with my writing this story was that it was always supposed to be an independent take on the three months spent on the farm. But it is fun to see how little my ideas have come pretty close to what's happened now in later episodes. This story was started just after "Race with the Demon." I write out the chapters out before I type them up, so the chapter you're about to read was written just after the first of the year. In spite of the chapter about EPF, I wondered why there hadn't been anything on the news about it ("Race with the Demon" has the big news story about the mutant car. Really?) Weiterlesen!
Chapter 13 - Limits
April knew the minute they walked in, it would be a hard time. The community center had been a school in a previous life and what had been the gymnasium seemed to serve as a lecture hall and theater, judging from the low stage.
"Let's sit over here," April said and directed Casey to the farthest seat on the lowest section of the bleachers.
"Good choice in seats, April," Casey said, "We can see everything."
"Including the exits," April thought. Maybe it was because of her training with Master Splinter but she had instinctively sat in the farthest end of the bleachers where they would be less noticeable and have a quick escape if her uneasiness proved right.
"Full house," Casey muttered, looking around. The crowd was mostly made up of teens and young adults to early 30s. A few older adults sat in the crowd, but the majority of adults looked as though they were there for the purpose of crowd control.
"Thank you all for coming," a woman at the podium said. She was an Indian woman, dressed in a black skirt and a blood red blazer which accented her coffee skin and dark eyes well. She spoke with a thick Indian accent and surveyed her audience with authority and firmness. Next to her on the podium were three empty chairs.
"My name is Uma Jafri," the woman said, "I am the community center's PR director and the moderator tonight."
Jafri signaled to an attendant standing at the doors. The attendant nodded back and left the room.
"Our turnout was much larger than expected so I ask all of you to respect the following rules I am instating."
"First, that everyone conduct themselves with an air of decorum and civility. This will not turn into a circus."
As Jafri went of the rules, April felt a large amount of respect growing for her. She was clearly not intimidated by such a large crowd. It reminded her of Leo in a way. April began to think about Leo and getting the supplies needed for Leo back to the farmhouse. She had just decided to say something to Casey when he touched her shoulder.
"April, check out big brother," Casey whispered. The attendant had returned with three men. One was a small pale man who looked around nervously. He was balding and dressed in a gray flannel suit. He had small eyes and a sagging face, which he was rubbing vigorously with a handkerchief. April looked at the man Casey had pointed to. This one was thick muscled and had a rugged face that looked carved from rock. He had a large nose and dark glasses covered his eyes. Behind both of them was another pale man with gray hair who walked purposefully. The old brown coat, the beat up hat and steely gaze was unmistakable.
"Casey!" April said, "It's Jack Kurtzman!"
Donnie sat breathing hard beside the bed. Raph was gripping the footboard to steady his shaking. Next to Donnie on the floor, Mikey sat shaking and making soft sounds of terror. Donnie ran his fingers along Leo's leg. The leg ran smoothly into the familiar curve of muscle, bone and joints.
"It's back in place," Donnie said quietly. Raph nodded his head but didn't move.
"Will Leo be okay now?" Mikey asked, his voice sounding more child-like than Donnie had ever remembered it.
"It's going to be touch and go for awhile," he said, "There's a lot of damage to overcome and we'll need the medicines April and Casey went to get."
"What should we do in the meantime?" Raph said hoarsely.
"To start with, let's get some fluids in him," Donnie said. He left the room for the bathroom. Mikey gripped Leo's limp hand and closed his eyes again. Raph steadied himself and focused on his breathing.
"Breathing helps you find your center," Leo's voice floated back in his memories. It had been early in their training. They attempted to balance themselves on one leg in an effort to find their center. And Raph was still unsteady on his feet after working on the exercise for three days. Watching his brother's body stand as firm as a tree, Raph exploded.
"This is all stupid," he snapped, "How come you can do it and I can't?"
"You're holding your breath," Leo said simply, "Master Splinter says that breathing helps you find your center and you get balance that way."
Raph had grumbled about that the rest of the day. But that night, in the safety of his room, he had stood for an hour until he had found the balance Leo spoke of.
"I'm going out for some air," Raph said to Mikey. Mikey didn't say anything. Raph passed Donnie as he went down the stairs. Donnie watched him step outside and squeezed his eyes shut sadly as the sound of retching drifted back to him.
"Who's Jack Kurtzman?" Casey asked.
"He's a former investigative journalist," April said, "He's also a Kraang expert. He disappeared after the worms."
Casey gave a shudder at the memory. He and April watched as Kurtzman climbed the stage with the other two men. Feeling it unwise to attract his attention, April glanced around the room and didn't make eye contact.
"I'd like to introduce our guest speakers tonight," Jafri said, "First, Agent Edward Bartler, a member of Earth Protection Forces."
A scatter of applause filled the room as the nervous pale man stood. He waved timidly at the crowd and sat down again.
"Agent Bartler comes to us from New York City itself," Jafri said, "He's part of the scientific forces that are working to uncover the technology the aliens have brought."
April and Casey looked at each other and shrunk down as far as they could go.
"Not exactly what I pictured an E.P.F. soldier to look like," Casey said.
"I guess the science boys are big on brain, not brawn," April said. Her thoughts drifted to Donnie and she chased them back.
"Our second guest is Mr. Thomas Seebeck," Jafri said, "He works with the scientific branch of E.P.F. as an aide to Bartler and a go-between from scientists to the fighting force."
"That's a lie," Casey said, "Thomas Seebeck was a physicist in the 19th century who discovered the thermoelectric effect." April stared at him in surprise.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
"I heard Donnie talking about him," Casey said.
"And you remembered?"
"Hey, I tried to block him out, but there was nothing good on TV," Casey said defensively. April rolled her eyes.
"Our final guest is our newest resident and responsible for the local paper and newsletter, Mr. Jack Kurtzman."
April was impressed with the applause Kurtzman received, although it was only marginally better than the reception given to Bartler and Seebeck.
"Guess a lot of Kurtzman's conspiracy theories and stories do well out here," April said to Casey as they joined in the applause.
"You said this guy was in New York," Casey said, "What's he doing out here?"
"We're about to find out," April replied as the guests took their seats. Seebeck remained standing next to Bartler.
"As many of you know," Jafri said, "New York City recently saw an influx of alien activity in an invasion. According to recent reports and the assurances of agents like Bartler, the invasion is at an end."
"WHAT!" April and Casey shouted. Their voices rang through the silent auditorium. All eyes turned to them. Kurtzman's eyes widened in recognition but he remained silent.
"You two," Jafri said, "I will only give one warning. This discussion will be civil and informative. There will be no outbursts."
"Sorry," April said and sat back down. Casey stared hard into Jafri's eyes but sat down as well.
"Thank you," she said, "Now, to continue, Agent Bartler and Mr. Seebeck have graciously come to see us to discuss activities in New York. I am told that similar discussions are taking place in other parts of New York. I will turn things over to Agent Bartler."
Bartler stood up and wiped his forehead again. He stepped up to the microphone, glancing nervously at the other two men. Kurtzman nodded encouragingly. The other man didn't look at him.
"Casey," April whispered, "Does that big guy look kind of strange to you?"
Casey watched the man for several minutes as he stared out over the audience.
"Thank you," Bartler said. His voice was whiny and high-pitched.
"I'm sure many of you have places to go and things to do, so I will endeavor to keep this meeting from going off topic. I would rather allow you to ask questions and I will give you what answers I can, providing I won't divulge classified information."
"Agent Bartler," a woman in the back called, "How was the alien invasion stopped? It was just a month ago that the aliens were pouring out of those portals. What changed?"
"Our E.P.F numbers vastly outnumbered the aliens," Bartler said, "It was simply a matter of overpowering them."
"So where are the aliens now?" asked another woman from three rows behind.
"I'm not at liberty to say," Bartler said, "Those that we did not send back through the portals as you saw weeks ago are in a classified location."
"Why haven't we seen any reports of New York and its people?" a man shouted. Further murmuring resulted and Jafri tapped the microphone.
"I'm sorry, but that's also classified," Bartler said.
"Well, what can you tell us!" someone shouted, "You say New York City isn't overrun anymore but I've tried contacting my family and I get no answer."
"The city is still under quarantine," Bartler said a bit louder. He looked over to Seebeck nervously. Then he wiped his face again.
"Kurtzman, what's your take on all this?" a man next to April and Casey said, "You've been reporting for weeks now that New York is still occupied by these creatures you call the Kraang."
"My sources in New York City have been unreachable," Kurtzman said, "Which is how I know that the city isn't out of danger." Seebeck blinked and looked at Kurtzman.
"I beg your pardon," Bartler said, wiping his forehead a second time in so many minutes, "But I think I know a bit better than you just what the, Kraang as you call them, are doing."
"I'm sure you do," Kurtzman said. He looked over at Seebeck and fixed a hard gaze. Then he glanced out at the audience.
"All of you aren't being given the whole story," Kurtzman said, "There's more going on here than you know."
"Kurtzman," Seebeck said, his voice sharp and deep. But there was something so unhuman about it that April couldn't help but wonder if there wasn't some truth to Kurtzman's statement.
"Kurtzman will please wait until Agent Bartler has finished speaking," Seebeck said, "Everything is fine. There is no longer any concern for New York City."
The audience rumbled uncertainly. Kurtzman took that moment to turn his eyes to April. She looked long and hard at Kurtzman. Then, taking a risk, she reached out, trying to do as she had done when seeking for Splinter.
"April, if you can hear me," Kurtzman's voice echoed in her head, "You'll need to get out of here." April gasped.
"What's up?" Casey said.
"We've got trouble," April said and she saw the whole story roll before her eyes as Kurtzman showed her the truth.
"The kind of trouble that requires butt-kicking?" Casey asked, sounding thrilled.
"We need to leave," April said. She looked at Seebeck. He removed the dark glasses and April saw the empty dark eyes.
"You all known as people must become that which is known as calm," Seebeck intoned. April felt an icy rush pulse through her and Casey grabbed her hand.
"He's a Kraangdroid!"
Donnie went out the front door, stretching his arms after spending an hour bent over Leo. Donnie had managed to get only a little fluid into Leo before breaking down and inserting a feeding tube. Mikey had left as soon as Donnie got to work and Donnie found him sitting on the porch, staring out into space. Raph was out in the barn and they could hear the shouts as he pounded some defenseless hay bale or sandbag to death.
"Leo's getting some fluids in him," Donnie said, "I won't need to leave the tube in long. I think he clamped up a bit in reaction to his leg. Once everything relaxes again, he'll be back to normal."
"Nothing will ever be normal," Mikey said flatly. Donnie stared in surprise. If the Mikey from an hour ago had sounded like a little child, then it was as if Mikey had aged 60 years.
"What do you mean?" Donnie asked.
"It's the dreams," Mikey said.
"But you told me about the dreams," Donnie said, "Some a little creepy, but nothing nearly that bad. At least, nothing unusual compared to most of what you dream about."
Donnie attempted a smile to lighten the mood, but Mikey didn't return it.
"But I didn't tell you about one other dream," Mikey said. Donnie stared silently, trying to gauge what was going on in his little brother's head.
"Okay," Donnie said finally, "So tell me."
"In my dream, the Kraang, the Foot and all the creeps we've ever faced are swarming onto the farm like bugs," Mikey said, "I try to go for help, but it's like I'm a ghost. I see Raph and Casey take off into the woods, laughing. I see you and April fighting and I run upstairs to protect Leo, but he's not there either. Everyone has vanished. Then I hear the Shredder laughing and I wake up. But each time, I see more and it gets harder and harder to wake up."
Donnie listened to the dream all the way through. Mikey wiped a hand across his eyes as tears poured down his cheeks. Donnie put an arm around his shoulder and pulled Mikey close to him in a hug.
"I'm sorry," Donnie said, "It's nothing to be afraid of though. Because that's what the dream is about. It's your fears. Fears about being abandoned, fears of conflict and even guilt at the idea that you're still able to do what you like."
Mikey looked up at Donnie with wide blue eyes. Donnie smiled.
"Something Master Splinter told me once when I thought my world had fallen apart," Donnie said, "He said that we should never lose hope."
"But our home is gone," Mikey said, "Master Splinter….Father is gone and Leo is slipping away from us."
"We can't lose hope, Mikey," Donnie said soothingly, "Because if we do, the Kraang really will have won."
Mikey looked thoughtful and then smiled. Donnie grinned back and rubbed his brother's head.
"Why don't you go fix something to eat," Donnie said, "We could all use a big pot of pizza noodle soup, I think."
Mikey grinned and jumped up. Donnie followed suit and looked toward the barn.
"I'm going to go get Raph," Donnie said, "It's not warm enough yet to be out too long."
A warm peck against his cheek told Donnie that Mikey had kissed him...
"I love you, man," Mikey said, "Seriously."
Donnie grinned as a memory flashed in his mind. Shoving Mikey good naturedly, he went out to the barn.
"What are you not telling us?" people in the crowd shouted. For an hour, people had shouted their questions, demanding answers with regards to loved ones in the city. The hour of debate had left everyone uneasy and uncomfortable. The gymnasium heated up considerably as people packed in tighter. Bartler had continued to insist that he knew nothing more and could say nothing.
"Everything is fine," Seebeck had been repeating, "There is no longer any concern for New York City."
"He sounds like that Campbell woman," April said, "The one who tried to attack me at the school."
"I remember that day when we saw the disaster area the school was," Casey said, "It was nice that for once I didn't do it."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Bartler said, "I'm sorry but I really can't say anymore. I've answered all I can."
"You haven't answered anything!" people shouted. Seebeck stepped forward again and addressed the crowd.
"Everything will be explained when the time known as the correct time becomes the correct time," Seebeck said, "You will all remain in your seats."
Behind his back, Kurtzman had unplugged the microphone.
"Eddie, do it now!" Kurtzman shouted. Bartler swung the mic at Seebeck and knocked him to the floor. People screamed and stood in alarm.
"Kurtzman, Agent Bartler, please," Jafri said, "This is getting out of hand."
"Madam, if you don't wish to go the way of New York City, I suggest you order everyone out," Kurtzman said. Jafri stared in horror as the man stood, his head dented and spitting sparks.
"Everyone get out!" Jafri shouted and the room began to clear. Casey pulled April away from the door as a mob of people surged forward.
"April," Kurtzman shouted, "Thank heavens you're here."
"Mr. Kurtzman," April said, "What's going on?"
"There's no time to explain," Kurtzman said. He glanced back as Seebeck stomped forward toward Bartler who cringed onstage.
"We've got to get him out of there," Casey said. He jumped up but Kurtzman grabbed him.
"Only April can stop him," Kurtzman said. He looked at her and spoke calmly and clearly.
"Do what you did to Kraang Prime," he said.
"I don't know what I did," April said, "I wasn't thinking. I just wanted it to go away!"
"Do it again!" Kurtzman said. His voice was pleading. Bartler screamed as the Kraangdroid lifted him up by the throat. Bartler kicked his legs wildly and sputtered like an old tractor. April hurried forward and kicked as hard as she could at the droid. It fell aside and released its hold on Bartler. Kurtzman grabbed the man and pulled him away. April stood in front of the droid, staring it down and trying to recall what made her strike out before.
"Come on, April, you can do this," she told herself. But as the Kraang righted itself, April realized that she may not have time.
"Raph, you in here?" Donnie called. The signs of his older brother's presence were everyone in spilled hay, sand and wood splinters. At the back of the barn, Donnie found Raph standing completely still.
"We should get inside," Donnie said, "Mikey's fixing something to eat and we can check on Leo."
Raph didn't respond.
"He'll be fine, Raph," Donnie said.
"I know he will," Raph said, "I'm just not so sure about me."
"What do you mean?" Donnie asked.
"I'm out of whack right now, Donnie," Raph said, "I'm trying to find my center again. But I can't do it. I keep losing my balance."
Raph made an attempt to do a slow kata and stumbled.
"You're tired," Donnie said, "You're hungry and you've probably got the same sort of trauma the rest of us have. It's not an easy thing to experience when you do what we've done. But it's over now."
"Not for me it isn't," Raph said. He leaned against the support in the barn and sighed. Donnie sighed as well.
"No, I guess it's not for me either," Donnie said, "And Mikey is still unsure. But first thing to do is eat something."
"I am glad you came out here though," Raph said, "I wanted to show you this place. Particularly this little corner here."
Donnie took in his surroundings as Raph watched. And then he saw it, the expected gleam in his brother's eye as he realized what this could do for them.
"A lab," Donnie breathed, "I could work out here. Then I'd have room to set up what I need."
"And not risk blowing up the house," Raph said. Donnie shot him a glare but smiled at the jest.
"Let's go eat," Donnie said, "Casey and April will be back soon."
"You know, Donnie, you really should think about patching it up with April," Raph said, "It's not healthy to hold a grudge. We've seen what happens with that in Shredder."
Donnie looked after Raph as he headed toward the house. Glancing around once more at the barn, he followed after him.
"It is the one known as April O'Neil," the Kraangdroid wheezed. April stood her ground, eyes shut, squeezing her head as though it would force her powers out.
"GOONGALA!" a familiar voice shouted and the Kraangdroid stumbled back off the stage again. April opened her eyes and saw Casey standing in front of her.
"Casey, get out of here!" April shouted.
"We can take him, Red," Casey said, "Together, let's take him."
April watched the scene unfold in slow motion as the Kraangdroid rose again and grabbed hold of Casey's stick. Casey struggled to pull it back and went flying. April stared up and began to back away.
"The one known as April O'Neil will come with Kraang," the robot said. It reached out for her.
"No," April said, "No, I won't! Not again!"
Her mind filled with images of her father mutating again, the city slowly turning into a wasteland, Leo's bruised and beaten body, Master Splinter flying through the air into the pipe. She saw Donnie as he fought with her, eyes full of anger and hurt.
"I can't do this," April said weakly and sank to the ground.
"Something's are beyond our control," Donnie's whisper came back to her. April knitted her brows.
"Not this!" April shouted and her mind exploded with the same psychic wave she'd used on Kraang Prime. The Kraangdroid jerked wildly and collapsed. The brain creature climbed out weakly from the chest and slowly scuttled away, but then there was a crunching, squealing cry and silence.
"You did it, April," Kurtzman said, lifting the podium up off the pink mass. April looked up at him and smiled.
"You should get out of here," Kurtzman said, "Bartler and I will get it back to Ne w York."
Bartler held up a tiny microchip.
"This will wipe its mind," he said, "The Kraang aliens have been using it on other agents."
"Go April," Kurtzman said, "And give my best to our green friends."
"Where will you go?" Casey asked as he climbed back on stage, rubbing his head.
"I'll head out of state," Kurtzman said, "It's better that way. And it's a good idea if you guys don't come back into town either."
April nodded. Kurtzman and Bartler headed out.
"Wait, how do you two know each other?" Casey called after them.
"Another time," Kurtzman said, "For now, let's just leave it as one favored owed another."
April and Casey pulled the empty robot out of the building and threw it in the van. They drove off, stopping only to toss the empty shell over the side of a cliff.
"Let's get back," Casey said, "The guys are gonna think we eloped or something."
April smiled but didn't laugh. What she had done tonight, as she had done to Kraang Prime, confused her and left her wanting for someone to talk to. But the one she would have gone to first was not speaking to her or she to him. It gave her a very empty feeling knowing she had lost that avenue of conversation.
"They're back!" Mikey called as he heard the crunch of gravel in the driveway.
"About time," Raph said, "I was starting to think they'd eloped."
Donnie winced only slightly at the idea but not enough to notice. As angry as he was, he couldn't help but feel the pang of regret and longing to reunite with April, but his actions had been unforgiveable. Maybe someday she would, but it wasn't the right time.
"Let's get that stuff in," Donnie said, "And we'll get Leo the medicine he needs."
April and Casey smiled as the moonlight flooded the yard. Their limits had been tested and they'd all come through stronger. As April climbed out and waved to Mikey, Donnie glanced down into the flowerbed by the steps. He smiled. The green points of a tulip was breaking up through the softening earth. Donnie smiled.
"There's always hope," he whispered.
*()()()*
Half way point! What did you think? Have I made up for two shorter chapters? I think I have. In the chapters ahead, Leo battles a fever, and with spring coming on now, let's get the boys outside a bit, shall we? I hope you enjoyed. Please do leave a review, even if it's just a short one. The reviews I get are always so uplifting and encouraging and really spur me on to live up to your expectations and mine, as well as make each new chapter better.