Rating: T

Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related characters belong to Nickelodeon.

Summary: The Madness of the Symbol has struck again, affecting one turtle in such a way that he is trapped and cut off from everyone and everything he loves. How do you cope when no one even knows you are lost? NOT a death fic! Thoughts, comments and concrit welcomed.

Creepy but gorgeous cover created by the awesome Sampsonknight. Link to the original on my profile.

Snatched

Ch 2

'Don't you recognise your own voice, Michelangelo?'

Mikey froze.

'I'm you, Michelangelo or rather, another you from an alternate reality and your body now belongs to me.'

Mikey laughed almost deliriously. It was a joke, a really bad joke. Someone was trying to trick the prank master, only they'd left their sense of humour in whatever loony bin they'd crawled out of. No, really dude! Who are you?

'You don't listen very well, do you?' the disembodied voice stated in annoyance.

Mikey waved a hand dismissively, or at least he hoped he did; it was way too dark for him to tell for sure. Yeah, that's one of my many failings according to my bros.

'Many lifetimes ago...' the older, much more serious voice began.

You forgot the flashback music effect, whacko dude, Mikey mocked into the darkness.

There was an displeased sound from the other, '… As I was trying to explain, a version of Shredder from another reality to mine, murdered my family and myself...'

So you're a ghost? Mikey interrupted derisively as he attempted to bury the new thrill of fear taking root with the disturbing thought.

'Not quite, little naive me. If you actually bother to listen, I'll explain!' the ghostly voice spoke, narky at being interrupted once more.

Go ahead, Mikey muttered. Not like I can see any way out of this dump anyway. For a moment, Mikey felt as though he was being scrutinised but then the voice continued, as if he'd never spoken.

'When my body died, my soul lived on, lives on still. Someone, I have no idea who, helped me. They somehow gave me the ability to live on, crossing dimensions and taking over the body's of my own counterparts,' he explained, sounding completely serious, despite the madness of his explanation, 'all so that I can find the Shredder who murdered us and get my revenge for everything he did!'

Mikey breathed deeply, trying frantically to calm himself in this terrible nothingness. If only he could see something, anything! He didn't believe that insane voice. He didn't want to believe it but the instinct he'd developed for reading other people was telling him the whack job was actually telling the truth. At least... as far as he knew it.

'When I take their place, I kick the original Michelangelo of that body out,' the unhinged nut-case continued.

What... what happens to them? Mikey asked in a smaller voice than he liked.

'Oblivion. Their body becomes mine and their soul is lost forever.'

Mikey could swear he heard a pleased smile in the lunatic's voice and he clenched his eyes shut trying to block him out, or so he would have if he had eyes to clench closed. He was rapidly realising that this 'person' who claimed to have taken possession of his body was the reason for why he couldn't seem to feel or see anything himself. And... and you did that to me? Mikey asked. He felt a chill course through whatever was left of him, unlike anything he'd felt before and it terrified him.

'Not quite, Mikey,' the other voice answered in amusement. 'After all, you are still here.'

Then why didn't you do it to me too? Mikey ventured, morbid curiosity overriding his fear of hearing the truth, and how many times have you done this?

'I stopped bothering to count after forty two lifetimes,' came the answer and Mikey had the distinct sense that the owner of the voice shrugged.

Horrified over the doppelganger's nonchalance, Mikey's voice was hollow as he confirmed, You killed more than forty of me?

'Of course not!' he sounded shocked at the insinuation. 'I didn't kill them, I lived their lives for them! I only erased their souls from their bodies so I could take over.'

'Like that's any better,' Mikey thought with a shiver. It was bad enough that this doppelganger was doing this to him but he had clearly become psychotic after all this time. And me...? Why didn't you just murder my soul too?

His laughter was a horrible sound, a cold, nightmarish version of his own laugh. 'Murder seems a bit dramatic, don't you think? I rather consider it an unusual form of assisted suicide.'

Mikey had absolutely nothing to say to that.

'There's a couple of reasons you're still here, Mikey.'

Mikey could still feel nothing but he somehow had the distinct impression of something diabolic breathing on his non-existent neck. Do tell, he said dryly.

'You clearly don't seem to recall it but you fought incredibly hard against my takeover, more so than any other I have ever come across. Therefore, I reasoned you might actually have a chance of survival and call it a whim, but I felt like giving you the chance.'

'Great... Psychotic and capricious. What an awesome combination,' Mikey thought sarcastically before asking, … and the other reason?

There was a deep sigh before he answered. 'Simply put, I'm lonely. I'm forever having to pretend to be someone, something I'm not. I thought it might be nice to have a confidant for a change; someone to talk to who knows who the real me is.'

Mikey felt wholly unsympathetic at his plight.

'There is also the fact that settling into a new life is... difficult. Many things may be the same across many of the dimensions but there is enough differences that I never quite fit in. After so many lifetimes, memories of which life is which begin to blur and the people around me eventually get suspicious enough to question or outright challenge me.'

Good! Mikey blurted out with a dark satisfaction.

'I really would rather not have to to protect my secret by killing my own family again, other-dimensional or not.'

That horrible statement caught Mikey's attention and if he still had a jaw, it would have dropped at the terrible prospect.

'This is where you come in,' the doppelganger said. 'In return for allowing your soul to continue its miserable existence, you help me. You will give me access to your knowledge and memories, tell me how to be you instead of only being like you; enough so that no one questions me too closely.'

Mikey laughed. Right! So, let me get this straight, I get your mercy and you let me live out the rest of my life alone and trapped in the dark, unable to see or hear my family and friends? HOW IS THAT ANY BETTER THAN OBLIVION? If he could have, he would have turned away and sat down in an huff.

Doppelmike, as Mikey was starting to think of him, snorted derisively as if Mikey was being obtuse. 'As long as you do not cause me trouble, I'll allow you to see and hear them, you just won't have any control and definitely won't be able to talk to them. Beware though, push me too much and I may decide you're not worth the trouble after all.'

Mikey silently let his words sink in and tried to stop feeling as though he would drown in his rising fear. Eventually he couldn't help but ask, Why are you doing this? Why are you destroying my lives?

'There's plenty of time for your questions later but for now, I'm tired and need to be fresh for the first day of my new life,' Doppelmike said dismissively.

Wait! Mikey yelped desperately.

Doppelmike ignored him. 'By the way, Mikey, if you try anything, false information or advice that makes anyone become suspicious of me, I'll just have to arrange an accident for them and their deaths will be on your head.'

-:-

Mikey huffed from sheer boredom. Doppelmike had refused to answer any more questions after his sickening threat and instead gone to sleep, leaving Mikey alone and unable to sleep however much he wanted to. It wasn't the churning thoughts and fears that kept him awake but rather that he had no body to require sleep and as such, his mind just couldn't shut down. He was truly terrified over the idea of having to put up with this for however long Doppelmike allowed him to 'live'. Night after night of endless, continuing nothing stretched out in front of him like a horizon never reached. The only saving grace to his situation was the light snores he could somehow hear, reassuring him that he wasn't completely cut off from life after all.

A creaking of what he recognised as his bedroom door made itself known and Mikey perked up with interest, eager to hear a familiar voice that didn't give him the raging heebie-jeebies.

"Mikey?" Donnie called out softly. "Are you awake?"

Doppelmike stirred and made a show of groaning as he woke. Mikey wished he could roll his eyes at the theatricality.

"Yeah, I'm awake bro."

"How are you feeling this morning? Any better than last night?"

Doppelmike opened his eyes and Mikey gasped, so happy to finally see something other than the all pervasive darkness he'd been subjected to since he 'woke' up to his prison. He tried to look around, frustrated over the fact that he couldn't move the view, that he could only see what Doppelmike deigned to look at. Thankfully right now it was at least his brother he was looking at.

"Yeah... Still got a bit of a headache but I'm a lot better, Don."

Donnie got in Doppelmike's face, peering sharply into his eyes. "How's your memory from before your accident now?

"Huh?" Doppelmike stalled. 'Your turn, last thing you remember before you hit my head?'

MY head, dude! Mikey said crankily at the reminder of his role in helping fool his family.

'Quickly! He's getting suspicious!'

Mikey pouted then mumbled, Telling Raphie he was old and slow and that I wanted to get the camera.

Upon hearing the answer, Donnie relaxed. "Do you feel well enough to join the rest of us for breakfast and training?"

"Yes," Doppelmike immediately replied, "but maybe only half of training. I'm not really sure I can face going full out today."

Gee, way to go Doppelmike! Mikey sneered derisively. Donnie's definitely gonna be suspicious now.

'Why?'

You should be milking the head injury for all its worth and trying to skip out of training. That's what I would do.

'That just goes to show how different we are,' Doppelmike said. 'I'm not you and I stopped trying to pull crap like that the day I lost everything!'

"Mikey?" Donnie asked, wondering what Doppelmike seemed to be so fixated on.

Yeah, I get that dude but you said it yourself, you're trying to pretend to be me and acting like that's going to set off the alarm bells in good ol' Donnie-boy's head!

'Hmm... maybe you're right.' Doppelmike made a show of shaking his head as if to clear it and closed his eyes, plunging Mikey into sudden, terrifying darkness once more. After opening them again, he swung his legs out of bed, stood and wobbled. A moment later he said, "Ugh... maybe I'm not as good as I thought. I should sit out training today after all."

Donnie gave him a look, "If I don't buy your theatrics then I very much doubt Master Splinter or Leo will. Now come on, Raph made breakfast."

Mock puking sounds! Make them!

Doppelmike ignored the sage advice and began following Donnie down to the kitchen. He paused halfway there to gaze around the lair and once he recognised the layout of Mikey's home, Doppelmike turned, heading for the bathroom instead.

-:-

Wow! Seriously going to have nightmares for the rest of my life of you touching me there!

Doppelmike, to Mikey's annoyance, didn't rise to the bait as he sat down at the kitchen table. He subconsciously muttered replies to the queries of his health from Leo and Raph before picking at the burnt offerings on the plate Raph plunked down in front of him.

Hey, Doppelmike? Mikey suddenly perked up at a thought. If you get sick or hurt, am I going to feel it?

'I'm not sure. Have you felt anything I've been touching?'

"Good morning, my sons." Splinter greeted as he strolled into the kitchen. "Are you feeling up to training today, Michelangelo?"

Mikey mentally shuddered, … no...

'Then probably not,' Doppelmike responded.

Mikey smirked to himself, suddenly realising that Doppelmike actually hadn't noticed Splinter addressing him. He immediately made the decision to continue distracting him. Oh, in that case, he said innocently, hurry up and eat and don't forget to ask for seconds.

Doppelmike scowled at the suggestion, unaware that it showed on his face, 'I'd forgotten how bad Raph cooks in almost every dimension and you want me to ask for more?'

Sure, he worked so hard on it. You don't wanna hurt his feelings, Mikey sniggered.

"Michelangelo!" Splinter slammed his walking stick onto the table to get Doppelmike's attention and the turtle jumped, looking wildly around until he caught Splinter's intense gaze. "I asked you a question."

"Sorry Sensei, I'm uh... not really all here this morning..."

Mikey couldn't help but snicker again.

"Nothin' new there," Raph chuckled. "Guess he's completely back to normal after all."

"Indeed," Splinter replied wryly. "Michelangelo, I would like for you to join us during training after breakfast. As usual, we will be starting with meditation and after some simple katas, we will see how you cope. If need be, you can then sit out and watch for the remainder. I trust that will be acceptable to you."

"Hai, Sensei!" Doppelmike automatically responded.

Why are you saying hello so late in the conversation? Mikey asked in confusion.

Doppelmike groaned, 'Do you seriously not know Japanese?'

I know Japanese! We all do, though Donnie and Leo are heaps better at it, Mikey responded, affronted. Oh, you were just saying yes?

'Of course,' Doppelmike replied, his eyes locked surreptitiously on Splinter as he ate.

Then why not just say yes?

'… You don't respond with hai to commands?'

Mikey tried to shake his head, then reminded that he couldn't where he was, he reluctantly said, No. Is that some habit you picked up in one of your stolen lives or did you always do that?

'Honestly, I don't even remember any more.'

Oh, man are you a mess, Doppelmike! Mikey chortled with glee. Can definitely see why you needed me then if you can't even keep your stolen lives straight.

"Mikey?" Leo suddenly called in his command voice, obviously trying to get attention as if he'd tried a couple of times already.

Doppelmike turned his head in Leo's direction but continued to keep his gaze on Splinter. "Yeah, Leo?"

"I asked if you were finished with your plate."

Doppelmike glanced down at the half eaten breakfast before pushing his plate away, "Yeah bro. Sorry but I really can't eat this."

Leo smiled with amusement, "That's okay, neither could I."

"Then maybe next time you should cook!" came the acerbic response as Mikey caught Raph giving Leo the stink eye from the corner of his eye, even as the view automatically returned to Master Splinter.

"I think we could all do without the food poisoning," Donnie chimed in with a chuckle at Leo's expense.

Yo, Doppelmike!

'What?' Doppelmike asked irritably.

You're staring, dude! It's weird and someone's going to notice!

Doppelmike tore his gaze away from Splinter immediately, looking everywhere else instead.

What's with the fixation anyway? Mikey asked, trying and failing to idly kick at the mind of the body snatcher.

'I haven't seen or spoken to Master Splinter in more than three lifetimes,' Doppelmike explained wistfully. 'He'd already passed on by the time I arrived in many of them.'

For a moment Mikey felt sympathy for the other, then he remembered his own predicament and that he might never get a chance to talk with his father again either and that thought was almost enough to make him break down right then and there.

-:-

Mikey sighed again with equal parts boredom and frustration as he watched his family's practise session begin to wind down. For once he would have given anything to join them and it made him realise how much he'd taken everything for granted. He couldn't even scratch at his own beak and it felt like he had the worst phantom itch ever.

'Stop that!'

Stop what?

'Your incessant sighing.'

Better not use a word like that around any of the others, Mikey warned sullenly, they'll think it's out of character. I'm so bored!

'That's not my problem. Now shut up, I'm trying to pay attention!' Doppelmike snapped, scowling in annoyance.

Don't see why I should, Mikey muttered petulantly. It's not like anyone can even hear me anyway and as I just said, I'm completely, utterly, insanely, BEYOND BORED! So bored that I could...

"I can hear you and I said to shut up!" Doppelmike repeated testily, unaware of his voice rising.

"Is there something you needed to share, Michelangelo?"

Doppelmike's gaze whipped up to meet Splinter's and Mikey snickered at the body snatcher's expense. Doppelmike immediately closed his eyes to cut off Mikey, causing him to yelp in distress. He hated this particular darkness, it was wrong and unnatural.

"I'm sorry, Master Splinter," Doppelmike apologised. "I was trying to pay attention to the lesson but some random voice in my head kept distracting me."

Splinter stared down at Doppelmike unamused. "I see. Perhaps in that case I should revoke your television privileges? Would I be correct in assuming it to have been a scene from one of your tasteless movies?"

Doppelmike hung his head to avoid Splinter's gaze, giving the appearance of admittance. 'You're beginning to be too much of an annoyance Mikey. I suggest you tone it down before I force you down.'

Mikey snorted with derision before replying, Yeah, you're terrifying me dude. What else are you gonna do that you haven't done already, especially considering how much you need me? Besides, if you never get distracted, they'll think something's wrong.

After walking away, Splinter spoke up, "Bow out, my students," and watched as Leonardo led the end of training. "Dismissed."

Leo, Raph and Donnie approached Doppelmike where he was sitting on the sidelines and Leo held out his hand to pull Doppelmike to his feet. Once up, Leo refused to let go, his attention suddenly riveted to the hand he held.

"Is that a tattoo, Michelangelo?" Leo questioned, peering disapprovingly down at the mostly circular symbol imprinted on the back of his hand.

Doppelmike's gaze shifted to look down at the image and Mikey gasped in shock at the alarming sight.

Uncool, dude! Mikey cried indignantly. Not only do you hijack MY body but you also have to disfigure it?

"Relax Leo, it's just a doodle," Doppelmike explained before echoing Mikey's earlier complaint. "I was bored."

"On your left hand?" Donnie questioned, eyebrow ridges raised in disbelief.

"Of course," Doppelmike replied in confusion before asking Mikey, 'What's got their shells in a twist?'

You disfigured me! Mikey repeated resentfully.

'Focus, Mikey! It's a marking, not a 'disfigurement',' Doppelmike snapped, annoyed. 'Why are they acting like that?'

I'm left handed, duh! Now get rid of it! It's creepy looking and'll give me nightmares!

"I've been practising drawing right handed," Doppelmike reassured by way of explanation, "you know, just in case I ever hurt my left hand."

Doppelmike quickly turned his focus inwards, 'Please tell me you at least draw?'

I do... or did! Mikey complained. I'm serious dude! That thing's giving me the creeps. I want it gone!

'Too bad. It appears on my body whenever I take possession and I have no control over it,' Doppelmike sneered. 'Can't say I mind either. It's a good visual reminder of my purpose and where I came from.'

Oh... so it's like your symbol of corruption then? To remind you of how far you've fallen. Though considering how much you seem to be getting off on torturing me like this, how proud you act of living this way, I wouldn't have thought you needed the reminder. Mikey couldn't help but dig at the body snatcher.

"It's good to see you are actually trying to improve yourself but you know Sensei never liked us drawing on our bodies," Leo pointed out sternly.

"Or the walls," Raph smirked, a not so subtle reminder of when Mikey was ten and had run out of clean paper.

"I know... sorry Leo, I drew it without thinking." Doppelmike said, acting chagrined before asking Mikey curiously, 'How would he react if I said I was planning on getting it done as a tattoo?'

Mikey laughed, Yeah, go ahead and try. I'd love to see that.

'Need I remind you that your continued existence hinges on your actually being useful to me?'

Mikey huffed with annoyance at the reminder of his awful situation. Fine then! Leo would have a cow. Donnie would carry on and on and on and on about how unsafe getting a tattoo can be if it's not done professionally and Raph would laugh in your face, going on about how you'd never actually do it considering how much I hate needles! he explained. After that, Raph would probably go to Casey and ask for Casey's help in getting a tattoo of his own, just to get up Leo's shell and then there'd be arguments and fighting for weeks!

Donnie suddenly took Doppelmike's shoulders, looking directly into his face in concern as Doppelmike looked back at him startled.

"Are you sure you're alright, Mikey?" Donnie asked. "You seem really out of it today, far more than usual." He then twisted Doppelmike around slowly to look at the slowly receding lump on the back of his head.

Mikey sniffled slightly, warmed by knowing that the concern was at least intended for him rather than the creepy body snatcher.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Don," Doppelmike replied reassuringly.

"Regardless, I'd like for you to come back to the infirmary with me so I can give you another check up and check those stitches properly."

"Okay, Don," Doppelmike acquiesced reluctantly, knowing he couldn't get out of it. "I am feeling pretty light headed but I promise I'm fine."

-:-

Throughout the examination, Mikey was quiet, only speaking if asked something directly. Donnie didn't find anything amiss but instead just suggested to Doppelmike to get some more rest for the remainder of the day before dismissing him. Once he left, he returned to Mikey's room, ostensibly to read and perhaps sleep.

'Mikey?'

Mikey deliberately ignored him, unsure if he could bring himself to respond to the body snatcher without showing how frustrated and upset he truly was.

'Michelangelo!' Doppelmike insisted, trying again. He covered up his ear slits with the pillow and screwed his eyes closed.

Don't shut me out! Mikey yelped at the abrupt lack of sight and the muffled background noise.

'Now that I have your attention,' Doppelmike commented dryly, opening his eyes once more and dropping the pillow. 'This needs to stop. Distracting me so badly will only result in your family becoming suspicious and increasing the risk that I need to act against them. While I have this head injury you so thoughtfully provided, I at least have an excuse for my odd behaviour but that won't work forever.'

Mikey didn't respond, wishing instead for the comfort of being able to wrap his arms around his knees. He was a social person and he desperately missed the warmth of contact with his family. Things hadn't even been this way for a day yet and it was already driving him crazy! He had no idea how he was supposed to live like this for the rest of his life.

How the shell was he supposed to cope for years or perhaps decades or longer? He had no idea and all he wanted to do right now was to scream all his fears and frustrations out, long and loud, at the top of his lungs, but he wasn't willing to give the evil body snatcher the satisfaction.

'I'm serious, Mikey! I'm willing to answer whatever questions you have and talk to you at appropriate times but you need to stop causing me problems when we are around anyone else.'

Mikey imagined himself punching the thief in the head or better yet, handing him over to Raph's tender mercies in place of a brand new punching bag.

'Do you understand me, Mikey?' Doppelmike pressed.

Yeah, I get you loud and clear, Doppelmike. I'll tone it down but I've still gotta be me, Mikey replied reluctantly. 'It's all I've got left...'

-:-

To appease Mikey, Doppelmike flipped through a single comic of Mikey's choice, only turning the pages when Mikey gave him the word. After that, he started grilling Mikey on things he needed to know, about recent events and the like.

After dinner, takeaway was bought since the rest of the family wanted Mikey to rest, Doppelmike pretended to go to bed before sneaking out at his earliest opportunity. Thanks to so many lifetimes of practise, sneaking past Splinter was a breeze and no one in the lair was the wiser.

Mikey took in the bright, glorious view of the city below, as Doppelmike sat on a rooftop staring out. He enjoyed the beauty of the lights, happy to at least have something different to look at but he lamented the fact that he couldn't even feel he cool night breeze wafting gently across his skin.

Why are we out here anyway? Mikey eventually questioned, his curiosity burning. If you get caught...

"You're not allowed out on your own?" Doppelmike asked aloud in surprise.

Of course I am! Unless there's unusually large amounts of Foot activity that is. Though Master Splinter and Leo really prefer none of us to be alone, we still can be.

'Then why are you so worried about me getting caught?'

Mikey tried to roll his eyes but to his annoyance was reminded he had nothing to roll; it was seriously disconcerting being able to see, hear and talk, yet not having eyes, ears or a mouth, Hello? Injured and 'resting', remember? Mikey reminded, implying the other was stupid.

'I don't exactly have much choice, Mikey,' Doppelmike pointed out in irritation. 'I cannot hide my marking, especially not for long, so the only thing I can do is pretend to get it done as an actual tattoo. I'm planning on deliberately being caught returning home.'

Wow! Seriously can't believe I'm the one who has to ask this but who is going to ink a mutant turtle? Mikey asked in disbelief.

'There's plenty of shady people around who would be willing to do anything for a quick buck,' Doppelmike pointed out, shaking his head at how obtuse Mikey was being.

Seriously? Mikey squawked. If you do or say that then we'll be getting lectures from everyone!

Doppelmike shrugged, 'A turtle's gotta do what a turtle's gotta do.'

Yeah but... Mikey groaned, Leo's lectures are bad enough, really, but Donnie's would bore the ears off a dead horse! I don't want to be stuck listening to that when it's not even my fault!

'Do you have a better idea then? Because I'm open to suggestions,' Doppelmike glared into the distance testily.

No... but I still don't want a freaking tattoo on my body. Especially one as creepy as that thing! Mikey whined desperately. Something about that symbol really gave him the heebie-jeebies big time and that was before Doppelmike had explained its origins.

"It's no longer your body, it's mine!" Doppelmike snarled angrily. 'Besides, I'm not really getting one, this is only a cover story to explain the marking I cannot remove!'

Whatever, dude, Mikey huffed, upset. It wasn't fair that this supposed other-dimensional version of him was somehow able to do this to him; to take away his life and his choices the way he had done. He really didn't understand how the body snatcher was able to ruin first his own life and then those of other-dimensional Mikeys the way he kept doing. He'd already had his chance and yet, here he was taking everyone else's too.

They sat in uncomfortable silence for some time, Mikey sulking and Doppelmike just enjoying the relative peace, until Mikey could finally stand no more. Hey, Doppelmike! Can you please move? he begged. Much as the view from here is nice, it's so boring looking at the same thing the whole time.

Doppelmike rolled his eyes, making Mikey slightly dizzy from the weird perspective, before he stood and started running from rooftop to rooftop. 'Why do you keep insisting on calling me by that ridiculous pseudonym?' he asked after a short time.

Doppelmike? What else am I supposed to call you then? Mikey questioned, wishing like mad that he could feel the sensation of the wind on his face and the feeling of freedom as his body sailed gracefully through the air during each powerful leap. I'm not calling you my name because you're not me! No me would ever do to me what you're doing to me!

Doppelmike stopped dead on the spot, suddenly furious upon hearing the home truths from his host. "Don't you dare presume to say what I, or even you, might do under the same circumstances Michelangelo!" he spat in such fury that Mikey felt chilled to the bone; if he'd still had bones to feel anyway. "You have no idea what happened to me or what I've been through then and since! You don't know what drives me and given the same offer, you would probably have made the same damned choice!"

With that, Doppelmike moved quickly into a nearby shadow and slid from view of the world. He deliberately closed his eyes, waiting until it was time to go home and he refused to acknowledge Mikey in any way for the rest of their time outside.

-:-

Doppelmike made a show of slinking into Mikey's room under Leo's infuriated gaze. Like he planned, he'd been caught returning home with his new 'tattoo' and to say Leo was unimpressed was an understatement. Once he was positive Leo had finally gone to bed, he crept back out of the room and into the bathroom, where he turned on the light and approached the mirror. Once there, knowing that Mikey was forced to see what he saw, he very slowly and deliberately peeled the bandage from atop his marking before holding his hand up beside his head, standing and admiring his own audacity.

Then he smiled maliciously, knowing just how much the action would upset the host of his brand new body.

After a few minutes, he flushed the toilet to show reason as to why he was there, before heading back to his room and crawling into bed. Doppelmike closed his eyes and made the extra effort to mentally push Mikey down, cutting him off from even hearing the outside world as an added insult.

Mikey reluctantly peered around at the silent darkness engulfing him, terror filling his heart. Even though it was currently an impossibility since he was just a mind and soul without access to a body, he felt as though he was about to hyperventilate.

But Michelangelo no longer had any control over his own life and he was at the mercy of some dark, twisted version of himself who was doing things to him that no one had any right to do to another person.

And if this kept up much longer, he knew he would go mad.

-:-

to be continued