Author's Note: TA-DA! An early update! Happy Halloween! Thank you all so much for your support and to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, followed, and read the story so far. This is one of the most stressful times in my life, but working on this has really helped! FINALLY- we are at the fateful night. This will be separated into it's own parts! I'm looking forward to writing the next part. I'm hoping to update within the next month, but as always, any feedback you have will be appreciated! I'd love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to review, or message me on here! Once again, your support means the world to me! Finally, onto the story! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Quotes (1,2) by Franz Kafka. Song quote from, "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift ft. Civil Wars.
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A Turtle and His Sisyphus
...
"Just close your eyes, the sun is going down."
...
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."
/././././././././././././././
1:30AM
Bishop
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"NO!" Bishop tightened his grip around the terrapin's throat, carefully digging his nails into his skin. Every gasp of air he begged widened Bishop's smile. Even with the amount of blood he was loosing, he still fought desperately with his grip. "Impressive, perhaps I underestimated you. Nonetheless, your use will be valuable."
The terrapin was weak; Bishop knew his energy would soon be lost. He waited for this moment. For so long, watching. Watching until this moment. Bishop reached in his pocket for the syringe. He watched the terrapin's eyes widen as he fought desperately against his grip. "Oh, don't worry. This won't hurt. Even if you overdose, your body will still be useful to me."
"Stop! Please!" Bishop almost forgot the others presence. Turning his head toward the cry, he was genuinely surprised that he was still conscious. Such a desperate cry, filled with agony. The way his iris changed color, how pale his skin looked— Such a distinct physical reaction to pain, it's simply stunning. The terrain, still face first in the ground picked his head up. If it weren't for his mask, his bloody face would make him unrecognizable.
"Truly, such a pity, your resistance was admirable. I should have left you in that state, you would have proven useful to me." Returning his gaze back on his subject, he raised his hand nearing the needle toward his skin. "Embrace your destiny, young one."
"LET HIM GO!" A loud voice boomed, catching Bishop's attention. "TAKE ME. ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU WANTED?" Turning his head to the other side, another smile stretched across his face. Even amputated, the turtle still had such a power to his voice. Violently trembling, the turtle's skin grew paler. Using his only hand to clutch his lost one, he fought to rise to his knees, stumbling back down to the ground each time.
Smiling sinisterly, Bishop stabbed the needle deep into his subject's skin. "Our deliverance is death, but not this one." (1)
/././././././././././././././
11:30PM
Michelangelo
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"Donnie, for the millionth time- I'm honestly okay, dude!" Michelangelo felt completely overwhelmed. Not only with everything that was happening to him, but of how smothering his older brother can be. "No, I don't have a headache! No, I don't have the urge to snap and kill you guys—I honestly feel good, Don. I want to help."
Sitting near the rear of the turtle shell, Mikey kept his eyes glued to the monitor as he watched Leo and Casey's tracking devices flash across the screen toward the docks. Their truck still had time before they could get on the road, but the waiting didn't help. Mikey wanted to believe the storm has past, that he actually did feel as great as he does. There was this pit in his stomach that wouldn't stop turning—he knew something was wrong. I don't know why I can't shake this. This whole plan, I feel like something's wrong…Maybe I am putting everyone at risk. Maybe I should have stayed back-!
No. Raph's out there, by himself. Leo and Casey are at risk being so close. I won't abandon my family. Not after everything my bro's did for me…
"I know, I know." Donnie said defeating, breaking Mikey from his thoughts. He sat beside Mikey on the monitor, uploading the coordinates into the computers. "I still need to check your pulse and temperature every hour and make sure you stay hydrated. You have to tell me if you're starting to not feel good, okay?"
"I know, Donnie. Honestly, dude, I haven't felt this better in days. It's like—I'm waking up from some weird crazy nightmare and everything's getting back to normal. Except for, you know, all this happening right now."
Donnie smiled as he jumped from his seat and patted his brother's arm. "I'm happy you're feeling better. You keep an eye on their trackers and the streets, let me know if anything weird is going on?"
Mikey gave his trademark grin, and held his thumb up. "Aye, aye, captain Don!" Gluing his eyes back on the screen, Mikey watched as Leo's dot continued to move steadily closer toward the warehouse.
"My son," Splinter entered the van and sat beside Michelangelo. He smiled warmly as he scanned over his youngest, watching him. "Your face has color in it again, and you seem to be feeling well. Are you alright, my son?"
"Yes, Sensei." Mikey quickly lied, forcing a grin. It doesn't matter what happened to me- if Leo, Raph, or anybody get hurt because of what's been going on with me. I don't know what I'd do…it'd be my fault. "I haven't felt this good in a while!"
Splinter only looked at him. A simple, concerning look that ensured Mikey that he didn't buy his façade. "I see. Then I am happy, my son. What you have been experiencing is difficult, and I can only imagine what you are feeling at this moment. You know you can come to me if you wish to talk about what happened. I can see it in your eyes, Michelangelo."
That's Sensei's way of saying, "I totally know you're lying and your busted so you better talk". But, I didn't really want to. I gotta keep my focus on looking out for Leo and Casey. Mikey absentmindedly massaged the back of his neck and shifted his eyes back to the screen. I almost forgot them, all of them. I almost hurt Raph. I can't take it back. I feel okay, but I have no idea how drugged I was—or am. If it happens again…Bros, I don't want to hurt you. Not anymore. Maybe…Maybe I should have just-.
As if he read his mind, Splinter returned his gaze toward the front of the vehicle where Donatello was working on the GPS. His voice softened, as he simply stated, "I understand, my son. You know I am here."
Before Mikey could retort, April entered the vehicle and shut the doors behind her. Unzipping her windbreaker, she rolled up her sleeves of her maroon sweater and tied her hair back. She smiled brightly at the two as she sat at the other set of monitors across from Mikey. "Alright, guys! I set the alarm system down there, so we're good to go. Don, is Raph's tracker on yet?"
"Yeah!" Donnie called from the front, his head still down as he continued tweaking the GPS. "Mikey's got Leo and Casey, you got Raph. I need you to scope the building once Leo confirms the Warehouse number—basements, exits, who bought the building—anything that can give us a heads up about this place before Raph gets there."
"On it!" Mikey knew April missed this. And, honestly, he missed having her around. She's quick, resourceful, and always the easiest to talk to. After what happened to her, he thought for sure she would never be back into this. To him, she's the bravest woman he knows. She's been through hell and back, and can still smile and be herself.
"Alright, we're good to go!" Donnie triumphantly exclaimed, mantling the GPS. Clicking his earpiece on, Donnie began starting the van. "Now, we wait."
Why can't I shake this feeling? Sensei always told me to reflect more, and not focus so much on my emotions. But this is different—I…I feel different. I feel like I'm in control of myself again.
'Are you?' A deep, low voice echoed in his mind. 'Are you sure?'
What the hell? What's going on? No, not again. I have to fight it. Shaking his head, he focused back on the computer screen. Ignoring the throbbing in his head, he watched Leonardo and Casey's tracking. I have to fight it. If I just ignore it, I'll be okay. I can do this.
/./././././././././././././
11:45PM
Leonardo
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"We're almost at the location," Leonardo hissed through his chattering teeth. The late October breeze brought a chill down his spine as he picked up his pace. With the warehouse being near the docks, the breeze only got stronger. The sooner we get here, the sooner we can scope the area. "how are you holding up, Casey? I know it's been a while."
"I'm fine," Casey huffed. Zipping up his leather jacket, he quickly tucked in his scarf under the collar. Catching up with Leo was harder than he thought. Kicking himself for not picking up the slack in his cardio, he pushed to reach beside Leo. "let's get through tonight, then I'll whine about how out of shape I am. Are we close?"
"We're here." Halting to a stop, Leonardo held his hand up instinctively as he eased closer to the edge of the building. The building stood right near the water, though it looked like it could topple over any minute. It stood about four stories tall, with all it's windows boarded up. There were a few cars parked near it, with a few people below beginning to go in. Leo knew he was too high up to be able to recognize anyone. Good thing Donnie always thinks ahead. Reaching in the knapsack that Donnie gave him, he put on his goggles. Carefully zooming, Leonardo could recognize some of the men's emblems on their jackets. "Looks like there's a lot of Purple Dragons coming. Didn't think Bishop would hire them to get the job done, they're not exactly tactical."
"Who else is left?" Casey slouched down on a vent, sitting on the cold ground to catch his breath. Damn I really need to get back into shape. "The foot disbanded, supposedly, months ago. Unless there's another gang starting up—the dragons are the only ones around lately, minus the few petty crimes."
"Wonder if Hun's going to show up." Leo mused as he carefully crouched down behind the edge, continuing to look around the area. "Didn't think he and Bishop were on the best terms either—unless something changed. I keep feeling like there's something we're missing, a piece of something important."
"Like Karai?" Leonardo twitched at the sound of her name, or it was the cold—Casey didn't know which to blame. The Foot are—or were, always ruthless—especially her. He never forgot what she put the turtles through, and for what she did to Leo. Then again, that was a long time ago. Though he didn't think people changed that much, Leo had to see something in her to actually believe in her. "I know she offered a truce with you guys, but do you actually think she'll follow through with that? I mean, she basically set this whole thing up. She doesn't do anything without something in it for her. Look, I'm not trying to make you doubt anything, Leo-."
"It's fine," Leo answered curtly. It was hard enough trusting in Karai already, but with the others reminding him constantly—it didn't make him feel any better about it. His relationship with Karai was complicated, to say the least. Though he'll never say it out loud, there is a respect there. She is honorable, when she can be, and can see from his perspective. Maybe being able to follow her own path, she can even do good. But, I can't forget who she is. What she did to me, to my family. She gave me this information on respect—I don't think it's something she'd break easily with me. "We'll just have to keep an eye out for her, or any of the foot. I better call in…"
Leo turned on his earpiece, as his eyes continued to scan the area. "Don, it's me. Casey and I are at the location. Looks crowded, so make sure you're far enough to keep attention away. Raph should be here any minute. I just scanned the location, your computers should have gotten them. Anything interesting popping up?"
April's voice crackled on the other end. "Hey, guys. It's me. It looks like a man named, 'Denis Goldburg', purchased the warehouse six months ago. I knew I recognized his name; he's one of the researchers at Nelson's Pharmaceutical. He started about a year ago, but he's extremely reserved—he keeps to himself. I've been suspecting about someone smuggling drugs in and out—I thought it was just gangs. Maybe this is bigger than we thought…"
Casey cursed under his breath, his eyes looking back at Leo. Damn it, I hate it when you're right, April. "Why would a guy like that want to even buy a warehouse in the first place? What does drug dealing have to do with what's going on?"
"I think Bishop has some friends on the inside," April continued. "The Foot had political ties, maybe one of Bishop's scientist moved up so that he can get his equipment. The company is big enough to go undetected—that is, if they're good enough to get by."
Donnie's voice piped in. "We'll keep digging on this guy. April's right, Bishop has been underground for who knows how long. Especially with the drugs, he had to have people who knew what they're doing. We just don't know how deep this is."
"Hey, Leo! I just got your scans," Mikey's cheerful voice caught Leo off-guard, but he didn't mind. It's been a while since he heard his brother be himself. "I found the blueprints and floor plans of the building. You can probably see it, but it's got 4 floors. And, weirdly enough, it looks like a basement was constructed about 6 years ago—and even with Don's tech, it's completely blocked off. I can see the layout of every other floor except the basement. If that's where Raph's going, there's no way to tell how deep or what rooms are there. Oh, also there's four accessible exits on each rear of the room."
"Good find, Mikey." Leo smiled approvingly. "I better warn Raph about this…"
/././././././././././././././
11:55PM
Raphael
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Man, it feels so freakin' weird being out like this again. It's just like old times. I didn't realize how much I missed it. Gripping the accelerator, Raphael sped quickly up the side street. He'd figure he'd take the scenic route, buying Leo and Casey more time to get to the warehouse. As he picked up his speed, the nerves began to kick in.
It's going to be fine. You've been in and out of shit before, this is for Mikey.
"Raph," Leo's voice crackled in his earpiece. "Casey and I are here. You better get here. There are a lot of Dragons here, and a couple of others. It's a full house."
"Got it." Raphael was startled; hardly even recognizing his own voice. Damn, forgot about Donnie's voice encryption. At least no one will recognize my voice. "anything else I should know, Fearless?"
"There's four floors—all the lights are out. Everyone piling in on the first floor, Mikey confirmed there are three more floors including a basement. The basement is nearly undetectable by our scanners, so just be careful if you go down there. There are four exits, so you have those that are accessible. Be careful, Raphael. Remember—just get the information and out."
Thanks for the tenth notice, Fearless. Think I got it the first time. Rolling his eyes, he took a sharp left closer to the docks. "Yeah, yeah. I'm heading in."
Pulling over near an alleyway, Raphael hid his bike behind a dumpster. Raphael took a deep breath as he double-checked his gear. You got this. Get the information and out. Raphael began making his way toward the building. The old building was tall, and completed boarded up. Great, looks like it can collapse any minute.
Hesitantly, Raphael looked above him and around the nearby building. He knew Leo and Casey were close, maybe too close. It didn't matter now. He had to keep his focus. And he was steps away form the entrance—but he wasn't alone.
The man looked young, pretty scrawny for someone who seems to be keeping charge of the entrance. A tacky gel that glopped his hair together held the man's greasy black hair back. His face rested with a scowl, armed with a sidearm and knife at his pocket. What a tool. The Dragons are really bringing them in cheap. Regardless, he couldn't leave his guard down. Standing in front of the door, the man's deep voice grumbled. "The fuck you think this is—a dress up Halloween party?"
Asshole. He's one to talk. Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out the white card and handed it to the man. His mask hid his smirk, as he confidently insinuated, "I was invited. Though, at least my costume doesn't make me look like a complete douchebag. Looks like you fit right in then."
I could almost feel Leo cringing on the other line. I probably shouldn't have started shit—but the asshole was asking for it. I gotta get in somehow and I ain't letting this twerp get in my way.
The man grimaced his face, yanking the card out of Raphael's hand. His voice venomously spitting out, "Who the fuck do you think you are coming here and insulting us? If you're a supposed guest, then who the hell invited you?"
Shit. Now, I bet Leo's thinking, 'told you so'. Great. Raphael knew if he didn't answer quick, this could be the end of the road for him. He could throw the Purple Dragon's name—but if Hun's in there, he definitely wouldn't know the Nightwatcher.
"I did." A soft and smooth voice broke the tension, even the man straightening up his posture. "Is there a problem?"
Karai? Karai was dressed in black form head to toe. Her hair grew longer than it was, falling past her shoulder. Her long black trench coat fell to her ankles, her short black boots reaching the coat. Her tight black pants went up to her waist along with a black fitting blouse. Resting on her waist, her swords were nearby. Raphael took comfort in at least knowing he wasn't the only one who's walking in there armed. Still doesn't make me feel better knowing the freaking princess of the Foot Clan is here, and defending me nonetheless.
"Mistress Karai, forgive me." The scrawny man babbled, stepping away from Raphael. "You understand the security here, ma'am! Your friend is…"
"I was told I would be allowed to bring a few of my men for protection. As you see," Karai gestured toward Raphael, an eerie smile stretched across her face. "The Nightwatcher is more than capable. Once again, is there a problem, Kenneth?"
She's getting me in. Hell, she's gonna bring me right in the VIP section. Why?
"N-No, ma'am!" The scrawny man, Kenneth, stumbled over to the side as he opened the heavy metal door. "You both may come in."
Karai strutted inside the building without a glance toward him. Treading behind her, Raphael quickly entered the narrow hallway. It was dimly lighted, and dark. As they reached the halfway point in the hall, Karai halted in her tracks. Turning around to Raphael, she smiled sinisterly as she glanced up and down. "I'm surprised Leonardo allowed you here, Raphael, I thought your Nightwatcher days were over."
How the hell does she-? Wait, has she always known it was me? Sure I beat up a couple of Foot years ago, but they were nobodies. I never ran into her. How does she even know me? Raphael shook his head. None of that mattered now. His cover was blown, after everything. Yet, she was helping him? Raphael tenses his knuckles; if this was some decoy, he wasn't going to fall for it.
"Shut it," Raphael hissed as he leaned closer to her. "I don't know what the fuck you think you're doing-."
"I believe, Nightwatcher," Karai said his alias softer, her twisted smile remaining. "That I invited you to be my protection for this evening—Well, not that I need it, but it got you through that door. You need me, and I need your…services. We both want answers, and I believe this will be beneficial for the both of us. After all, you need an ally in there. Who better than myself?"
Raphael felt like his head was spinning. Was this a complete waste of time? Is this something in relation to the Foot, and has nothing to do with Mikey? Am I seriously sticking my own neck out for her? And for what? No, I'm not walking into this shit without knowing what the hell is going on.
"Just play along," Leo's low voice echoed briefly. "If she's letting you in, let her. We'll deal with what she wants later."
"Fine," Raphael gritted his teeth. He hated being used, especially if Karai thinks she can get what she wants. "What is this, then?"
"After all these years, you four know so little about the business." With a small smile, she gestured to her surroundings. "Drugs, weapons, even men—it's where all the trading happens. Tonight, specifically, are drugs. The Dragons called the meeting, specifically. Of course, their incapability implies an outside involvement—Bishop."
"How do ya even know he's gonna be here? What's all this have to do with us?" Unless she's hiding more.
"I've seen what Bishop is capable of; his recklessness will cause chaos as it always does. You would know, after what happened to Donatello, he's capable of anything. I believed him to be dead, as did the world. Until last year, his activity picked up amongst my men. I was interested—he lost everything—and blaming you four for it perhaps is where this all began. How he rose to this much power, is what troubles me. What he is doing to your brother, his goal—I must know."
Raphael, frankly, didn't give a damn what she meant. This wasn't about her; this was about Bishop—about helping Mikey. What would she even want here, anyway? "what are ya doing here, anyway? Since when did ya care what the hell Bishop does, let alone to us?"
"It's personal, let's leave it at that." Karai answered simply as she turned the handle and entered. Raphael, not leaving him much choice, followed at a distance. The room was large, and crowded. With only a few dull florescent lights shining from above, it was difficult to make out any faces. Though, to Raph, they were all the same. Knowing he probably beat more than half the people in here, he still kept his guard up. The room was nearly filled, all speaking amongst their own groups. All you need is some music and this place looks like a party—and I can only guess who are host is.
Almost everyone in the room shifted their eyes to the two. Karai simply ignored as she continued forward, flowing through the crowds. Whispering hummed the room. Most likely about how the heir of the Foot is with the Nightwatcher. Raphael heard his alias be spat back and forth amongst the gangs. He wondered what would have happened if Karai wasn't with him, or even what would have happened. Raphael shook his head as he continued following her. Where is she even going?
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11:55PM
Leonardo
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"I see Raph!" Leonardo zoomed in on Raphael and watched as he began heading toward the entrance. "Casey, keep an eye on the perimeter."
"The fuck do you think this is—a dress up Halloween party?"
"I was invited. Though, at least my costume doesn't make me look like a complete douchebag. Looks like you fit right in then."
Mikey snickered on the end of Leo's channel. "Ha! You owe me five bucks, Don. Told you he wouldn't get five minutes in without picking a fight."
"You win this time, Mikey. But Raph's really pushing it." Donnie countered. "He needs to watch himself."
Leonard rolled his eyes and let out a deep sigh. Leo grumbled under his breath, "Come on, Raph. Don't start. Wait a second…" A slender figure stepped out of a small black car, and began approaching the entrance. Zoom in in closer, it wasn't long before Leo felt his stomach drop. "Karai? What is she doing here…?"
"I did. Is there a problem?"
"Karai?!" Mikey and Donnie's voices chimed in shock.
"I was told I would be allowed to bring in a few of my men for protection. As you see, the Nightwatcher is more than capable. Once again, is there a problem, Kenneth?"
"She's protecting him." Donnie stated hesitantly, his own concerns echoing in his tone. "Why is she even here?"
"I mean, she gave Leo the location," Mikey stated. "Maybe there's something she wants too. Maybe our help with something? How did she even know Raph would be the Nightwatcher? Wouldn't she think Leo is-?"
"I'm surprised Leonardo allowed you here, Raphael, I thought your Nightwatcher days were over."
She knew. She knew the entire time? Leonardo felt his stomach drop even further. If this was a trap, he handed Raphael right over to Karai. No, we had an agreement. She would not go back on her word—not this time. I have to believe she's helping us, but why? I'm putting Raph at risk for possibilities, for a chance that she'll cooperate?
"Shut it, I don't know what the fuck you think you're doing-!"
"I believe, Nightwatcher, that I invited you to be my protection for this evening—Well, not that I need it, but it got you through that door. You need me, and I need your…services. We both want answers, and I believe this will be beneficial for the both of us. After all, you need an ally in there. Who better than myself?"
"She planned this all along," Donnie thought out loud. "She somehow knew about Raph, and she's using him. I don't know, Leo. I have a really bad feeling about this. Maybe he should leave-."
"But she let him in!" Mikey defended. "If anyone finds out that Karai is helping us, she'd get herself in trouble- and she's not exactly the charitable go-out-on-Christmas-Eve to sing carols kind of gal, either. Even if she wants something, Raph can get the information and himself out of there. Right?"
Leonardo steadied his breath. Donnie was right, this was sounding more and more like a setup. Karai never does anything without intent for herself. If it involves Bishop, what can she possibility want? But, Mikey also had a point. Since when does she stick her neck out for any of them? Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to trust his gut.
Quickly switching to Raph's frequency channel, Leonardo knew he didn't have much time. He spoke quickly and low. "Just play along. If she's letting you in, let her. We'll deal with what she wants later."
Leonardo held his breath until he switched back to the first channel. All this doubts flooded his mind. Leonardo cursed under his breath, knowing that he should be the one putting himself in the situation. I hope this doesn't hurt us in the end…
"Fine. What is this, then?"
"After all these years, you four know so little about the business. Drugs, weapons, even men—it's where all the trading happens. Tonight, specifically, are drugs. The Dragons called the meeting, specifically. Of course, their incapability implies an outside involvement—Bishop."
"With the Foot mostly gone, these low lives have nothing else better to do." Donatello said with digust. "Since when was Bishop interested in selling his work?"
"Maybe not selling it," Leonardo pondered. "but showing it. The more resources he gets, the more powerful he can be. And if he's involved with that pharmaceutical group…"
"B-But, it didn't work on me, I mean, not totally…" Mikey hesitantly spoke. His voice cracking, "right?"
"Right," Donnie answered quickly, sounding weary himself. "But, why?"
"How do ya even know he's gonna be here? What's all this have to do with us?"
"I've seen what Bishop is capable of; his recklessness will cause chaos as it always does. You would know, after what happened to Donatello, he's capable of anything. I believed him to be dead, as did the world. Until last year, his activity picked up amongst my men. I was interested—he lost everything—and blaming you four for it perhaps is where this all began. How he rose to this much power, is what troubles me. What he is doing to your brother, his goal—I must know."
"What are ya doing here, anyway? Since when did ya care what the hell Bishop does, let alone to us?"
"It's personal, let's leave it at that."
"Uh, Leo? We're not alone."
Leonardo turned to Casey. He was already behind a cinderblock wall, peering over to the southern end of the building they were on. Dead ahead, a figure cloaked completely stood at a far distance. Leo felt a sense of familiarity. It was the same figure he saw when he got the note from Bishop. Wait. It's the figure that dropped off those cryptic notes. But that was Mikey; he said he remembered dropping off that note while he was drugged. That can't be Mikey—he's with the others. Then who's here?
The figure stood at safe distance to avoid immediate harm, but close enough to start trouble. It didn't move, nor did it shift its weight. It merely watched, occasionally looking down at the building, then back—and Leonardo felt every glance it was giving him. "Mikey?" Leonardo eased his movement as he reached toward the goggles and began scanning, "We're not alone. Can you pick up who's in our location?"
"What do you mean?" Mikey was genuinely confused as Leo could hear the keyboard frantically clicking. "I got nobody else on the scanners—just you and Casey, bro. Why?"
"The scan's not working, someone's watching us." Leonardo placed the goggles back on his side, his still locked on the figure. It could be bait. Get us away from Raph, run on a wild goose chase. But, that's not Mikey, is it Bishop? I can't leave Raph, not this early. Casey can't go alone, and the others are too far away. Unless…
"What do you want to do, Leo?" Casey quietly questioned as he grabbed his hockey stick off his bag, preparing himself to strike.
"Mikey, are you sure you're not picking up anything?"
"Okay, I'm definitely not picking up a heat signature nearby—man, someone really wants to avoid identity theft."
"Someone's trying really hard to not get detected." Donatello mused. "There's no way, unless it's not organic. Or- oh no."
"That's never good," Casey mumbled. "What's wrong?"
"Whoever that is, it could be someone working with Bishop. If they get a heat scan of the building and detect Raph, he's in trouble. Whether it's Bishop or not, if he finds Raph- Leo, we have to stop him!"
"But what about Raph?" Casey countered, shooting back at Leo. "Let me get this guy, I can handle him. You need to be here in case something happens-!"
"Let me go," Donnie's voice perked. "We're not that far, I can follow him. Even if he puts up a fight, I can keep him away from Raph. I can do it."
"Not alone, bro!" Mikey exclaimed. "I'm going with you, Donnie! What if it's Bishop? You can't go alone!"
The clock was ticking; they were running out of time. Leonardo knew he had to make close calls before, and he knew he had to act. Mikey was right, sending someone alone is too risky—especially with the drug. Especially with Raph completely surrounded, if something goes wrong he was to be close to help. He knew there wasn't much choice, no matter how much he hated it. "Donnie, Mikey—go follow him. Casey and I are close enough that if someone goes wrong, we'll be able to help. I'll check in on Raph, you two better get going."
Reaching his earpiece to switch his frequency, a loud crackling caused Leonardo to hiss in pain. Suddenly, a monotone voice spoke through his earpiece, "Just a want, just a please, just a stir in the air. Just as sign you are still alive, and waiting." (2)
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12:15AM
Raphael
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Raphael hates following, especially when Karai was the one calling the shots. He mostly stood silently beside her as she spoke with a few Dragons, all of the incredibly intimated by the Foot's heiress. Some even recognized Nightwatcher, with Karai answering for him every time. She briefly mentioned his involvement with the Foot, and continued talking mostly business. Once the group left, Karai groaned as she crossed her arms. "I have a contact that's supposed to meet with me to discuss about Bishop."
"Ya know," Raphael hissed. His impatience was getting the best of him, but he didn't have all night. He needed answers. "I'm gettin' real sick of standing around. Frankly, I don't care why ya here. I wanna know why I am—and what you know about my brother in all this."
Karai let out a deep sigh, as if she was giving something up. Turning to Raphael, she simply spoke softly. "My commander, Kito, was my only loyal man left after most of the foot disbanded. He was the first to notice Bishop's activity, notably his drug smuggling. I frankly didn't care, until Kito told me of what he saw one evening—Bishop, chasing after your brother, attacking him, and drugging him. Kito was fascinated by what he saw. Enough to betray me, and take my remaining men with him. I'm here to take back what's rightfully mine."
So Bishop backstabbed her, and she's here returning the favor. An eye for an eye. I get that, but if she knew about Mikey days ago—she's been toying with Leo. Shock. Raphael grew bothered at the fact that he didn't even recognize most of the people in the room. Hun's not here, aren't these his goons? Not even the quarter of Baxter Stockman's brain is here—though I wouldn't hold my breath. What's the deal? I have to find answers, and if she's not going to help then what the hell am I supposed to-?
"Well, well. I thought you were long gone, 'Nightwatcher'. It's been quite sometime since you've meddled with my men, you got quite the balls to show up here—with Mistress Karai, nonetheless."
Just when I thought this was getting lonely. Standing tall with a smug smile stretched across his face, Hun crossed his arms around his massive chest. Raphael smirked under his helmet, "You're still alive? I thought I heard you got your ass handed to you by the Shredder a while back. Shame I missed that."
"Enough," Karai waved him off, irritability. Raphael shrugged; he shouldn't have to shut his own mouth for her. Karai rolled her eyes back to Hun, "Hun, you and I have no quarrel with each other. I'm only here for business, as I hope you are."
"Of course, Mistress." Hun smugly replied. "I've heard of your interest in Bishop, thought the turtles took care of him years ago. What gives?"
"Mistress Karai, what an honor to have your presence this evening." A smooth voice caught Raphael's attention. Approaching them, he bowed respectively to her. Wearing a white lab coat, the slender man slowly, and menacingly, smiled. The man was unnerving, not because of his appearance or how he so comfortably entered the room. It was something about the way he smiled that caught Raphael. The lens of his helmet began scanning the man in the front, at the corner of his eyesight a small box popped up. 'Denis Goldburg'? He works at the same place April does, guess that explains where the drugs come from. What's he got to do with Bishop? "I apologize for my delay, Mr. Bishop noted your attendance was of the importance. May we discuss more in private?"
Wait, Bishop reached out to her to meet? She knew she was coming here to meet him? Well, damn, that would have been something to mention. Good, now I really can beat it out of him.
"Mr. Bishop did not mention you bringing an accomplice." Goldburg shifted his unnerving gaze right at Raphael. "My, what a character you are. I didn't realize the Foot was still active."
"Just as you have your men, I have mine." Karai addressed firmly. "I was told I'd speak with Bishop directly, not you."
"He will join us shortly, he has a prior engagement."
He isn't here? Why wouldn't he be? Fuck. I hope the others are all right. I haven't heard anything from Don or Leo.
"Now," Goldburg smiled unnervingly as he began leading them toward a door. "If you follow me, we can retrieve to a more quiet space. We have much to discuss that I believe you'll find…interesting."
Opening it, a long narrow staircase leads down. Raphael felt his gut turn; this was the location they warned him about. Of course we're going down. If it means answers, I have no choice.
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11:57 PM
Donatello
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"Don, are you sure this is a good idea?" In the front of the van, April asked with concern as she helped Don gather his weapons. "You said it yourself, if this is a trap I won't let you walk into this-!"
"We don't have much choice, April." Donnie continued searching through his duffle bag, grabbing a few of his throwing stars. "Leo and Casey have to stay with Raph, and if it's a diversion then they can get Raph out. You and Sensei will be safe here, it's well armed and you know how to get out of here in case something happens."
"And Mikey?" April whispered cautiously. "Maybe he should stay with us, just in case."
"No," Donnie shook his head. Considering the possibility of Mikey relapsing and hurting April or Splinter? No, he wouldn't put April through something like that. Besides, he had to believe his brother—he looks better, maybe they kept him away from Bishop long enough for the drug to dissolve from his system. "Mikey is fine, and if something happens to him I brought a sedative with me just in case. And if that happens, you can come pick him up afterward. Trust me, April, I need you here with Sensei holding the fort. We'll be fine."
"Okay…" April hesitantly answered, watching as Donnie rejoined Mikey in the back of the van.
"I got the guy's location locked on my shell phone," Donnie placed his phone on his belt, looking back up at Mikey. Donnie couldn't help but worry—Raph was right in the heat of it, now with someone else near Leo? He knew he could handle whoever it was, but bringing Mikey with him made him feel both better, and worse. If his brother relapsed again, that'd be something to deal with. He didn't have a choice, he had to believe that Mikey was as better as he looks. Besides, Mikey isn't dumb—he would say if he thought he'd be a risk to the mission. I trust Mikey—and to be honest, I need him with me just in case. "Are you good to go?"
"As ready as I'll ever be!" Mikey cheerfully responded, smiling up at his brother. Though his headache still remained, he couldn't stand the idea of Donnie going off on his own. Sensei's right—I'm stronger than this. I feel better, and I can do this.
Donnie smiled as he nodded to his brother. Turning back to the others, Donnie gestured to the monitors. "Sensei, April—I just turned our trackers on so you can see us. I also have an emergency line hooked up with all of us, if something goes wrong push yours on your earpiece. If one of ours go off, Leo and Casey are nearby. Only come if you hear from us, we don't want you two getting hurt."
"My sons," Splinter spoke wearily, looking up at Donatello and Michelangelo. "I cannot ignore this feeling that something is dreadfully wrong. Please stay near each other, and be safe."
"We will be, father." Donnie forced a smile. If Splinter was just as worried as he was, maybe this was all a bad idea. But it was too late—Raphael was already inside, and doing who-knows-what. Someone found Leo and Casey, putting them at risk. He had to go, he had to keep them safe. "Mikey and I will be back soon, stay safe you guys."
Mikey took one look back at April and Splinter, offering a smile to the pair. He too didn't feel good about this, but Donnie needed him. Looking back at Don, he rushed off beside him toward the rooftops. The brisk cold brought a shiver down his spine, as he paced himself beside Donnie. The massive gust of wind hit him hard; now able to see his own breath in the wind—a familiar sensation from nights earlier, when this all began. Even though he only remembered bits and piece of it, he knew it was something he couldn't shake or forget.
Donatello began planning out any possible scenario in his head, figuring out how to approach the situation. At least, to him, it was better than worrying. As they got closer to the figure, Donnie yanked his brother's arm back, halting Mikey immediately. Leaning in close, Donnie whispered, "Stay here. I'm going to check it out alone, first."
"What?!" Mikey exclaimed loudly, quickly shifting his tone to a whisper. "Dude, no way, if it's Bishop-!"
"Then you can't be seen." Donnie countered sternly, locking his eyes with his brother's. His voice was firm as he ordered, "If it's Bishop, tell Leo and he'll come. For all we know, you can still be drugged, and I don't want you getting hurt-!"
I thought you trusted me, Don. I wouldn't be here if you didn't, right? "Don, I'm fine! Honestly, if I didn't feel right I would say something! I get it, I didn't before, but I can't let you go and-!"
"Guys?" Leo's voice echoed into his earpiece. "Did you get that weird voice on your frequency?"
"What? What voice?" Donnie questioned, still looking around the area to make sure it was safe.
"It was a weird warning, of some sort. I think this is a trap. Maybe I should pull Raph out, tell him to leave-."
"Uh, Leo?" Casey's voice broke, "That guy's gone! He was just here-!"
"What?" Donnie frantically reached for his weapon, steadily gripping it as he looked around him. Quickly reaching for his phone, he searched for the location of the figure. Suddenly, his phone flew out of his hand as a sharp knife impaled right through it and flung across the building.
"Ah," Standing on the edge of the building, Bishop stood. A cruel smile stretched across his face as he stared at the two, "it's been far too long, hasn't it?"
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