Author's Note: I first want to thank everyone who has reviewed, followed, favorited, and read! Graduate School is both the most exciting and stressful time of my life right now, and truly eating up my time. I want to thank you all for waiting so patiently for an update. I think updating once a month may be the new trend, depending on my work load. I am hoping to get the next one out soon! I hope you guys enjoy the chapter! Please feel free to review or message me with your thoughts, I'd love to hear it! Thanks again so much for your support! Enjoy!
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A Turtle and His Sisyphus
…..….
"But all that's dead and gone passed and tonight..."
...
"Sensei, what are you afraid of?"
It seems so simple to a child. To my son, all of my sons, whom I protected from the cruel world above. Someday, they will wish for their freedom. And I must prepare them for it. It's been a few short years since I have begun their training, and their adaption is remarkable.
Leonardo, my eldest son, learns with such ease. His mind and body is sharp, quick, and steady. Raphael, my second eldest, is the strongest. Able to master his katas, his passion with every strike is a force to be weakened with. Though his competition with Leonardo clouds his judgment, Raphael's courage and might is remarkable. Donatello, my second youngest, has the sharpest mind. Though gentle, Donatello is consistently motivated. Always yearning to learn, Donatello recognizes his ability to protect himself and others—even though he dislikes violence. His flexibility to learn, and respond quickly, makes Donatello the most adaptable. My youngest son, Michelangelo, is astonishing in his own way. Possessing the most raw and natural talent out of all his brothers, his focus clouds his ability to master his training—If I could get him as focus into it as much as video games do.
I've understood that regardless of the training I can give my sons, there will still be a time where I cannot protect them any longer. When I know that letting go, I must step back and allow my sons to make their own decisions. I trust in each of them implicitly, knowing their instincts are strong and true.
And yet, that is my greatest fear of all.
"I fear for you and your brothes' safety, my son." I try to answer with simplicity, resting my paw on his shoulder. "But, I have faith and trust in each one of you. That brings ease to my fears, and allows me to act with a clear head."
"It sounds so easy," Michelangelo, said defeated, as his eyes peering away from mine. "but that doesn't stop me from being scared."
"Remember when Raphael grew ill? He was very weak, and I feared for him. I feared there was nothing I could say, or do, to stop his illness. I knew Raphael needed me, and you three need me to be strong- that is what made me through, and I believe what motivated Raphael to recover. You are strong, Michelangelo. You all are. It takes time, and courage, to see it through."
He gave me a big smile, his eyes shining with reassurance. I felt as if my words resonated with him, making him feel better about his own fears.
Though, I will never say, I too don't believe the words I spoke.
The fear can be stronger, and maybe you knew that too. Did you simply smile, and allow me to believe it was true? To ease my own fears, knowing they were about you?
My son, I'm afraid my faith is shaken- for I fear what will become of you.
If I was honest, maybe you would be too—that you are just as afraid, as I always am.
/./././././././././././././././././
That's weird, Donnie usually answers his phone. It was still early in the evening when April O'Niel grew anxious as she continued to prepare dinner. While she's been keeping updated through Donnie about what's been going on through email, April felt awful. With her internship, and Casey working double shift to make up for skipping the other evening—she couldn't help but feel like she's been letting the four of them down.
That was until Donnie had called her earlier in the day.
"April," Donnie sounded exhausted. "I hate to ask you and Casey…"
"Don, you're family." April insisted. "I told you guys, anything you need from us. Casey and I are always here. How's Mikey?"
"He's…not good." His voice cracked. "I've been trying for hours with Leatherhead to find answers but we're stuck. Leo ran into Karai last night- wait, scratch that. He met with her, alone."
"What?" April echoed. She knew Leo's relationship with Karai was- well, complicated. But he was desperate enough to trust her with information? She knew Leo's thoughts about her differed from the others', but maybe what he did was necessary. "What was he doing with her-?"
"She gave us an address. There's a meeting and we have no idea what we're running into- or should I say Raph. He's…Gonna be the Nightwatcher to sneak in. And before you say anything, I know, I was just as against it as I know you're thinking."
"Well…You're not wrong. What can Casey and I do?"
"Nothing." Donnie answered too quickly. She knew. She knew why.
"Donnie." April persisted. "You wouldn't be calling me if that wasn't true. What can we do?"
"Nothing." Donnie said with more authority. "I wanted to keep you two in the loop, I wasn't insinuating anything."
"Donnie." April insisted a bit more aggressively than she meant. "We want to help. I know Casey's been slowing trying to get back into things with Raph. I came down to the sewers, alone, to help you with Mikey-."
"Without telling me. Or Casey. How much trouble did you get into?"
What was she like a child now? Just because of that night? "Casey was mad when we got home, but that's not the point I'm trying to make. Mikey's in trouble, and it sounds deeper than you want to say. I want to help. So does Casey. Let me know when you want us to come down to the lair, and we'll discuss. Okay?"
"Okay." Donnie said hesitantly, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.
"Hey, babe! Dinner smells rockin' per usual!" Casey came in still bundled up from the cold. His hair was tied back in a small bun tucked in under his wool hat that April insisted he wear, to his disagreement. Quickly taking off his jacket, he jogged over to her. Sneaking up from behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. With a quick peck on her check, he peeked over at her phone. "Still waiting to hear from the guys? When we heading down?"
"Hey." April smiled, returning the kiss. They've been exclusively dating now for almost four years. It wasn't until three years ago when they decided to move in together. It was no surprise to the turtles when the two eventually began dating—but it wasn't easy. April knew she had big aspirations. Her 23 year old self, starting as Stockman's assistant, would have never thought she'd be where she was today. Now, at 29 she's one of the top researchers for her pharmaceutical research team.
Casey, just turning 30, had finally started a career at a repair shop. April knew how hard Casey's tried to turn his life around for her, even getting a job that he's had now for the past couple of years. April knew she'd be lying to herself if she didn't wonder about their future. With all her friends getting engaged, having kids—she wondered if the two of them could ever be ready for that. Casey hates change, especially major commitments.
She shook her head. This wasn't the time to think about her future.
"I haven't heard from Donnie yet." April sighed as she continued to prepare dinner. "He sounded exhausted this morning. From what it seems, it looks like Mikey's not doing well either."
"Damn," Casey said softly, shaking his head. "They just can't catch a break. Did Don say anything else?"
"Well…" April hesitated, biting her lip. "They decided it would be best for Raphael to infiltrate that meeting tonight alone-."
"What?"
"As the Nightwatcher."
Casey's eyes widened. "Are you serious? He still even has the outfit? Maybe I…I should, be going with him-."
"The purple dragons are going to be there," April said firmly. "they'll be spotted the second they walk in without it. Maybe Leo would want you with him a few blocks away just in case something goes wrong. I'll go with the others in the Turtle Shell on Tech duty and backup."
"This is insane." Casey said in one breath. Sitting on their small countertop, he rubbed his template. Sure, Raphael was headstrong in a fight- but he was there to back him up, his brothers were there to back him up. Not like this. "He's walking into a trap—don't they know that?"
"Probably." April said sadly as she grabbed Casey's plate. "They're desperate. Mikey's not doing well, Bishop is closing in on them—and this is the only lead they have. I just wish I could do something, anything. Or…" A light bulb flashed in her head. She quickly returned Casey's plate and snapped her finger. "Wait…maybe there is something!"
"That was fast," Casey smiled. "then again, you've always been quick. What's up?"
"Bishop has been underground, faking his death for the past couple of years, right? His company was shut down years ago as well. Bishop has to be getting the drugs, supplies, and even other medical stuff from somewhere—right? Why not the biggest pharmaceutical company in the city? Big enough for a potential security breach—or convenient enough where I work?"
Casey raised his brow. "I mean, he's done the black market for years too. He could just be sneaking it in. Nelson's Pharmaceutical is pretty well known, I doubt it's breakable."
"The Foot was had ties with everyone politically, including the mayor. I wouldn't be surprised if Bishop still had friends in there. It large enough to go undetected, the staff is so massive it's easy for someone to slip in and out." April smiled, as she pulled out her key card from her pocket. "And I got a way in just so see if I'm right."
"You're not serious, right?" Casey rose from his seat as he walked towards her. "If you're even right, and someone knows you're doing this, you can get caught by work or worse-!"
"I have to do something! Anything!" April insisted, quickly rushing into their bedroom to get her things. They were running out of time, and she knew it. "I'll call Donnie to help with the security and maybe I'll-."
"April! Can you just stop for a minute?!" April was caught off guard by Casey's sudden raw emotion. Reaching for her hand, Casey pulled her into a hug. "April, I know you're worried, but we talked about this. I…I thought you wanted out of all this. I thought you wanted a normal life. I thought you- we- were trying…I've been trying for you."
It's a matter the couple talked about before, in private. Thinking about being "normal" again. Not necessarily cutting the turtles and Splinter from their lives, but starting to make their own. Hell, all he knew how to be in his life was a vigilante. And he was damn good at it. He could never see himself doing anything else. That was, until he met April. Everything in his life changed the moment he met her. Hell, it wasn't easy getting to where they are today- stable, living together, even considering a bigger future?
That just wasn't in the cards for Casey Jones. He knew how to look out for himself, and for himself only. Meeting the turtles, Splinter, and April taught him to much more- to fight for something. He had everything.
That's where he knew he was in trouble.
It was a couple of months ago, just another rooftop run. Just another patrol. Another promise to be home on time for dinner. It was another race with Mikey, another Purple Dragon to beat with Raph- it fun, and he enjoyed every minute of it. April was always forgiving about his tardiness anyway.
Until that night.
Coming home and finding their entire apartment flipped upside down. Every single piece of furniture, glass- shattered and scattered across the room. All he could hear was the wind that came through the shattered window, screaming April's name as he frantically searched.
It wasn't until he found April drenched in her own blood, crawling toward the phone across the room that his vision went white. She was hurt, nearly dying—all that was left for the attack was a calling card.
The Purple Dragons.
Luckily, the doctors reassured him she would heal. The wound wasn't fatal, probably because April defended herself. If he had come just moments later, it would have been too late.
That, was the exact moment Casey knew it had to end. Sitting beside her in the hospital bed, caressing her hand while holding back his own tears. I can't. I can't loose her. I can't.
"I can't lose her, I can't." Casey knelt in front of Splinter, his eyes heavy as he hung his head. "I…I can't do this anymore."
"We never should have asked you to." Leonardo said somberly, watching Casey barley compose himself. He should have known never to ask Casey to get involved so heavily in the Dragon's affairs. Especially with the history he has with them. Steading his voice, Leonardo spoke firmly. "We will handle the Dragons. Double our scope on their locations, as well as where they're going. And every night for the next couple of months the four of us will switch off to patrol your new apartment as well as the near-by blocks."
"I-I can't ask you guys to do that." Casey shook his head, clenching his knuckles. He felt so weak, so powerless. This isn't who he was. "It was my fault that this happened. She told me not to get too deep with the Dragons, and I should have came home, she could have been-."
"Ya gotta stop blaming yourself. Besides, we already agreed to it." Raphael, sitting beside Leonardo, spoke in a much softer voice than he normally does. He's never seen Casey this way; he figured that's what being in love was like. "Your guys' safety is what's important, Case'."
"We never should have asked you to get this involved with our affairs." Donatello sat up, stoically. After seeing April being that hurt, knowing it was because of their call- it didn't sit with him. It still didn't after almost two weeks. "I promise you, Casey, we will everything we can from preventing this from happening again."
"Guys, I can't ask you to-."
"You're family." As simple as it was, Michelangelo's voice put more weight on it. This was the first time that either of them have gotten seriously hurt because of him, because of what he and his brothers do. That wasn't fair- at least not to Mikey. They should be married already, heck even pop out a couple of kids- not this. "You and April, you guys are always there for us. We want to do this."
"Mr. Jones," Splinter's voice spoke up. "My sons and I are forever indebt for what you and Ms. O'Neil have done for us in the many years we have known you both. Allow us to try and return that gratitude, and be there for you. Whatever decision you make for yourself, and Ms. O'Niel, we will respect and understand fully. Even if that means…Separating yourselves from this family."
Not even a flitch from the turtles, Casey knew this probably meant they talked about it before. That didn't stop Casey from flinching, nonetheless. Nearly ten years he's known them, to consider getting up and leaving? Leave this city? Leave them behind? He knew if April heard this, she'd stop him even considering it before it happened.
"No," Casey gained composure in his voice. "No. We're not leaving, April made that clear. She and I have talked. I…I'm going to stop helping you guys for a bit. Maybe, for good. I don't know yet. That doesn't mean we don't want to stop talking to you guys, that's for damn sure. We're family. April and I just need to…figure things out. But, I…I really appreciate you guys doing this for her. I…"
"Mr. Jones, you never need to thank us." Splinter smiled warmly. "You are family."
"Casey?" April's voice snapped him back. Wrapping her arms around him, she held him for a few moments. Sure, she was hesitant and anxious about considering this, but they are family. They did so much for her, for Casey- she couldn't sit back and let Mikey or any of them get hurt. It wasn't until months after that she finally convinced Casey to go on a patrol with Raph, much to his resistance. It wasn't until later on that she found out that Leo, Donnie, and Mikey snuck out to watch the apartment while he was gone.
"Listen, Casey…I…I know, what you're thinking. I know we've been talking about it, I know you've been trying to get back into going out with Raph. They're in deep, Casey. Mikey…He's not doing well. They need help. I'm not going into action, and you don't have to either- or you can. I don't want to hold you back. But, I can't sit back and do nothing while they're struggling. I'll stay with Donnie and Splinter or something- I can take care of myself, you know that."
Casey hesitated. Resting his head on hers, he kissed her forehead before taking a deep breath. "You're so freakin' stubborn, I swear."
Laughing, she looked up at him, her arms still wrapped around him. "You're just as thick-headed, Jones. Guess you're beginning to rub off on me."
Smirking, he seductively held her closer as he teased, "Was that an invitation or…?"
"Ugh." April rolled her eyes as she playfully pushed him away, before giving him a small peck. "We better get our stuff together if we want to be there early tonight."
/././././././././././././././././././
Donatello hated feeling so helpless. Especially when his little brother is unconscious beside him, again. Frustrated, was an understatement. He should have known his brother wasn't fully himself—he hasn't been in these past few days. He should have kept a closer eye on him. He should have found a solution already instead of focusing so much on Bishop's technology. I could have done something, done more. Now he's starting to forget about us? Leo's right, we're running out of time.
"Ya know, staring at him isn't gonna to make him wake up sooner." Raphael leaned back further in his chair as he crossed his arms. "Maybe it's better if he stays sleeping for a bit…"
"So that next time he wakes up he can try to kill us?" Donnie retorted, snapping over to his brother. He'd rather blame the stress, but that didn't stop his attack on Raph. "You heard Mikey- he's forgetting us. How do we even know if this meeting tonight is going to help him? How is it going to help him? Do you even know what the hell you're walking into? Do you even care what can happen to you if you go there? Don't you see, Bishop is playing us- playing you!"
Raphael tensed. Tonight was going to give them answers. He has to find the answers, even if it means getting it out of someone. Raising his voice, Raphael exclaimed, "Then he sure is hell is playing you. Maybe if you were able to crack that stupid fuckin' tracking device, or why he's getting into our phones, maybe we'd have found Bishop already and Mikey would have been fine! At least I'm doing something-!"
Raphael immediately bit his tongue. Realizing what he said, Raphael's face softened. The last time we fought like this, Mikey was here to defuse the tension. Now it's just us. A pissed off Don is scarier than Leo. And I just sent him over the edge.
He knew he didn't mean it, and he knew better than to say it. Donnie's been one who's been working as hard as he's been. Maybe it all was starting to get to them—Bishop is starting to get to them, to him. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was too late.
Before Donnie could counter, Leonardo entered the room, his voice booming.
"Enough! Both of you! Donnie, I know you've been trying-."
"But that just isn't enough, right?" Donnie cried defensively. All the anger was slowly building up inside of him. How could Raphael think he hasn't been trying? I was the one up all night trying my hardest to break that encryption with Leatherhead. I've been trying for hours to synthesize an antidote that doesn't end up killing Mikey. "You don't think I've been spending every waking fucking hour trying to fix this? What I've been-!"
"I know," Leonardo's voice lowered. "I know, Donnie. You have been working so hard, and we never doubted you. We've all been trying to piece everything together. Raph-."
"I can speak for myself," Raphael turned back to Donnie, who was still trying to compose himself. "I'm…sorry, Don. That was fucked up, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Ya makin' more of a difference than me or Fearless has. I'm just playing bait, you're doin' the stuff that actually matters. Like getting Mikey better, right?"
Fighting isn't going to make this better. I should have known that. Donnie sighed, sliding down into his chair. "Yeah…I'm sorry too. I'm hoping Mikey will wake up before we have to go. What are we going to do about him?" Looking up at Leo, then back at Raph, Donnie felt himself become calmer.
Leo looked utterly defeated, desperately trying to keep everyone together. "I honestly don't know. Keeping him here is dangerous, and accessible. Even with one of us staying behind, it's a risk. Whoever it was, they got into the lair before. I know it's risky, and we're changing him relapsing again, but we all should go. That way, everyone is accessible, and if this meeting goes south—we'll be close to Raph just in case. Donnie, did you talk to April?"
"Yeah, we spoke for a bit. She and Casey are coming down to see what they can do, I tried telling her not to but—well, she's pretty set on helping out in some way."
"Alright," Leo continued, his eyes occasionally looking over at Mikey. He raised his voice, slightly hoping his brother would wake up. "Donnie you, April, Sensei, and Mikey will stick in the Battle-Shell. You'll be far enough to not attract attention, but close enough to come in just in case. Casey and myself will stick in the shadows, watching the exterior buildings nearby and ready to act in case Raph's in trouble. Raph, Donnie has a wire for you to wear that's undetectable. It'll be inside your suit, and you'll have an earpiece for us to talk to you. Remember, we can't see anything in there but we'll be able to hear anything. You need to remember who you are, and be alert. Find your exits, know whose surrounding you, and don't speak unless spoken to. Don't get involved with anything or anyone; just get the information and leave."
"And how am I supposed to explain how I got this address?" Raphael said firmly. "I've been out of touch with my contacts for years, and now I suddenly know a way to get in? They may ask for a name, or something. Does that card of yours say anything like that?"
Donnie looked over at the card one again, shining it under the light. "Hm, it doesn't say a name. Just an address. That could be a problem, if you can't get in then we're just as stuck as we were before."
"Damn it," Raph said under his breath. "It's fine. I can improvise. They're all idiots anyway, I doubt this whole thing is as elaborate."
"It's still a risk, Raph, and we can't ignore it." Leonardo countered. It is hard enough to allow his brother to walk into this, but without a plan? "We need to figure this out, carefully. Especially when it's right in front of us."
"Not everything can be planned, Leo!" Raphael said frustrated, as he swiped the card from Donnie. "I get what I have to do. I've done shit like this before, I don't need you breathing down my neck telling me how to do it."
"He has a point, Raph." Donnie hesitantly added, empathically looking at Raphael. "I don't have a cure for Mikey. If you get yourself drugged, we just don't want you making unnecessary risks-."
"Well I don't really give a damn about it," Raphael exclaimed. "I know what I'm doing. This is for Mikey. Maybe we'll get lucky and Bishop will show up and I can personally get it out of him. I can handle it."
"If Bishop is there you do nothing, do you understand me?" Leonardo said icily. He shouldn't be doing this. This is my responsibility it's all my fault I-…I should be the one risking, not Raph. "If he catches onto you, everyone in that room will turn against you. Casey and I may not be quick enough to get to you. Remember who has the upper hand in this. They will kill you, or worse. I won't allow it."
Raphael firmed his stance, feeling Leonardo's eyes locked onto him. Raphael knew Leonardo was trying to make him realize how risky this was. More so, he knew how terrified Leonardo was. When Leo was gone, no one was able to stop him from becoming the Nightwatcher—not even Splinter. He's used to taking risks alone, acting first. Leo's not used to this. No matter how much he pisses me off, I get what he's trying to say. "Fine," Raphael hissed, giving in. "I hear ya."
Donatello watched helplessly between his brothers, knowing to stay out of it. Leonardo's right—as usual—this is most likely a trap, and taking anymore risks can really cost Raphael more than he thinks. But, then again, it's not like Leo hasn't done things like this before. Raphael can handle it, Donnie had no doubts about that. But, it didn't make him feel better knowing he was going into it headstrong. Looking over at Mikey, Donnie felt his stomach turn. Leo's right. Mikey doesn't have much time. If Sensei can't get through to him, how are we going to? Tonight has to give us answers. Or else…
"Guys?" Casey's voice echoed in the lair, breaking the still silence between the brothers. Poking his head in through the doorway, his eyes darted from each one of them. "Uh, is this a bad time?"
"No," Leonardo answered too quickly. "We were just talking about tonight."
"Geez," Casey said quietly as he approached the others, looking over at Mikey. "April wasn't kidding. He doesn't look good. What happened?"
"We'll explain. Where's April?"
"She's talking with Splinter, I…" Casey hesitantly spoke. "We want to help. In anyway we can. April was pretty persistent on being involved, and I'm alright to do whatever it takes to help you guys."
Leonardo smiled warmly. He knew how difficult it must be for Casey, and April, to hop back into this as quickly as they are. "Thank you, it means a lot."
"If we're leaving soon, we better just wake Mikey up." Donnie suggested with a shrug.
"That's probably for the best, I'll do it. You better suit up, Raph. Donnie, do you have the wire ready to go?"
"Yeah, I just have to turn it on. I'll go with Raph." Donnie grabbed the wire and began heading out with Raphael.
"I'll check in on April and Splinter." Casey said, following Raph and Don out of the room.
Leonardo carefully walked over to his brother, who was still stretched out on the cot unconscious. He hesitated for a moment, thinking about everything that's happened. The guilt began to overwhelm him as he thought back to the day it all started…
"Hey, Leo!" Mikey cheerfully jogged over to his brother, jumping onto his back. "Want go topside and get pizza together before training?"
"Mikey! Get off!" Leonardo pushed him off with irritation. "No, I'm going to meditate before practice—just as you should be doing."
"Come on, Leo. You do that like, all the time." Mikey smiled sadly. "I mean, you need some fresh air. There's plenty of time to do that before training. We can even get your favorite pizza!"
"I said no, Mikey. Go by yourself. Or better yet, don't, and focus on something else other than your stomach."
He looked so hurt. I was too angry. I was angry at Splinter for getting so sick, for putting me in charge. I'm not ready for this, I wasn't ready for it. I took it out on Mikey, and I didn't stop. Even when he came back, I was still a jerk. I shouldn't have done this.
It's my fault Mikey got drugged. If I would have went with him, maybe I would have been able to see it happening. Maybe, if I did push harder and didn't make him go, he would be fine.
Bishop wanted me.
I should be the one, not Mikey.
Why? Then why didn't he? Why Mikey? It should have been me.
It should have been me.
Raph shouldn't be trying to fix this, putting his own life on the line. It should be me.
I'm the one that pushed Mikey away.
/./././././././././././././././
It felt strange being back inside the suit. Raphael took a deep breath as he strapped his gloves on. The last time he wore this was that night—the same night he swore to never be the Nightwatcher again. Yet, here he is. Fully suited, and ready to go. So caught up in his own thoughts, he almost forgot Donnie was next to him.
Holding the helmet, Donnie gestured to each of the wiring within it. "This wire blends in with the metal of the helmet, so no one should be able to pick up on it. We'll be able to hear everything on this frequency. I also added your own earpiece in, here, just in case. Only Leo and I could talk to you through here, just in case Mikey relapses we don't want else to pick up on it. While I was at it, I added a voice disfiguration, here, so no one will be able to recognize you by your voice."
"Wow, I'm impressed, Don. Nice work." Raphael genuinely smirked, taking the helmet from him. "I should have thought of the voice thing years ago. Maybe I should have involved you, you could have been my sidekick or something."
"Heh, oh yeah, and what would I be?" Donnie sarcastically commented, playfully rolling his eyes. "The Dusk? Get it? Cause you're the Nightwatcher? I could be-."
"Don't tell Mikey that, he'd be all over it."
Mikey. Don't worry bro, I'm gonna get answers tonight. No matter what.
"Raph? Be careful, okay?"
"I know, Don. I will. Trust me."
/./././././././././././././././
Ugh. Man, I think I broke my record of how many times I've passed out. This definitely isn't healthy. What happened this time?
Mikey's vision slowly began to clear. He could see the silhouette of his oldest brother, whose eyes were starting at the wall next to him. "Leo?"
Leo's stance snapped as he quickly looked back at him. Mikey carefully rose up, grabbing his template. His head continued to pound with every move he made. "Man, did I fall or something? My head is like really killing me."
"Mikey!" Leo beamed as a genuine smile grew. "I'm happy you're awake. Are you alright?"
Leo. I…I remembered what Bishop said about you. Did I tell you that? I think I'm remembering what happened that night. What else did I say?
"Uh, no?" Mikey gestured his head in a playful smirk. "My head hurts?"
"Wait," Leonardo spoke. Mikey didn't look as pale, nor did he seem disoriented. "do you remember what happened?"
They were trying to help me. Then I started to remember, and then everything went black. I…I couldn't remember them, right?
"Yeah," Mikey sighed, looking down. "I…I snapped again, right? I think…I think I tried hurting Raph. And, Splinter was there too, right? I…I couldn't remember who you guys were."
"It's fine." Leonardo fought a reassuring smile. It wasn't okay, but he wasn't going to lose hope just yet. "Raph's fine, we all are. You fought through it, and we're all still here. So is Casey and April. Do you…Do you remember what's happening tonight?"
Michelangelo steadily got back on his feet, adjusting his mask his voice perked back up. "Yeah, Raph's going to that meeting thing tonight as the Nightwacher, right? Did I miss it?"
"No, we're leaving. You're going to go with Sensei, Donnie, and April in the Battle Shell. Are…Are you feeling up for this? You need to be honest with me, Mikey."
Mikey's voice cracked, as the emotion began to overwhelm him. "Honestly? Leo, I'm really scared. I...I remember trying to hurt Raph. I wanted him to get hurt, Leo, I wanted to do it! I don't…I don't want to forget you guys. I…I want this to stop! I'm trying but every time I do it's like I take one step back. I won't let this beat me. I can do this…."
This has to end, and we need something- anything from tonight. I won't let this happen. Leonardo placed his hand reassuringly on his brother's shoulder, squeezing it tightly. "You will. We won't let it happen to you, I promise."
/./././././././././././././././
It was time.
Raphael leaned against the couch, completely suited besides his helmet. Sitting on the couch near Raph, Casey held April's hand tightly. Casey held his own hockey mask to the side along with his gear. Sitting beside April, Splinter kept his gaze upon Leonardo.
Mikey sat next to Donnie on the other couch, physically looking better than he did before. His eyes were fierce, determined, and focused. Though Leonardo knew his doubts about letting Mikey go, his gut knew this was for the best—trusting his brother would be alright. Standing in front of everyone, Leonardo cleared his voice as it echoed in the lair.
"Here's how it's going to go…Remember, we don't know what kind of meeting this is or who is going to be there. This is anybody's field, meaning we may not be the only ones watching tonight. If this is a trap, we must be prepared for all possible exits and situations. All our earpieces that Donnie gave us let's us hear exactly what Raph hears. Only mine, and Donnie's, can actually communicate with Raph only if an emergency. Remember, there are two frequencies you can switch on and off too. Frequency #1 is to Raph, that you can all hear. Frequency #2 is to the rest of us, besides Raph, where you can talk amongst each other in case for some reason we all get separated. Too much chatter can raise the frequency, hence why Raph is on his own. In case Raph is exposed, we only wired him to Donnie and myself so that they could only find us two. If this is the case, we split up. Casey will rejoin the others, take the Battle Shell and drive to the rendezvous point. Donnie will meet with me, and we'll get Raph out.
"Donnie lowered its frequencies, so it shouldn't be picked up by any tech that could be in there. Casey and I leave first, giving us a head start on scoping the location. Then, Raph will take his Shell Cycle and head to the location. Casey and I will watch from the rooftops a block away, keeping watch of the area in case of any ambush or any other parties that may show up. After about ten minutes, Donnie will take the Battle Shell with the rest of you, and monitor from a few blocks away. There are street cameras, and depending on the kind of building- he may be able to tap into the security. Leatherhead will also be in contact with Donnie—who's been working on Bishop's tech, hopefully in case there are cameras Donnie can hack in. Again, these are all possibilities we must prepare for."
"We won't know what we're dealing with until we actually get there. No matter what happens, everyone be on alert. If this is a trap, they'll be waiting for us. Bishop, will be waiting for us. He'll know we're coming, and he knows we'll be ready for anything. Don't make any moves, or separate alone, without involving the team. We need to be ready for anything. Be prepared, be alert, and most of all—be careful. Let's move out."
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