Author's Note: I just wanted to thank everyone for the support so far! I really appreciate it! I anticipate the next update taking a couple of weeks. Finishing off the semester will eat up my time, but I'm hoping for the much anticipated break that I can update in the near future. Again, please feel free to message me or leave a review. Thank you so much for those who read, favorited, followed, and reviews so far! I love reading through the comments! Finally, onto the story! Enjoy! (P.S, totally ending on a cliffhanger this time around! ;D)
Disclaimer: Quotes (1) by Franz Kafka. Song Quote from, "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars.
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A Turtle and His Sisyphus
…..….
"You'll be alright. No one can hurt you now."
...
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12:00AM
Raphael
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Of course we're going down. If it means answers, I have no choice. Karai stepped ahead of Raphael as she followed the man down the stairs. Looking back, he watched as one of the other men shut the door behind him. Whether he liked it or not, he knew he was stuck. Perfect. Now I'm really cornered in.
At the end of the staircase, Goldburg and his men stepped into a room. Karai didn't seem to have a hesitation as she quickly entered. Raphael began to doubt his "partner", how could she willingly walk into this? As much of a bitch she is, she ain't dumb. This is clearly a trap- why is she letting this happen? Unless, she's still hiding something. Perfect.
"Please, have a seat." Goldburg gestured. The room was no bigger than his own, with a conference table and bright lights all around. Not a single window, or exit. Except, at the rear end of the room, that looked locked. Raphael was stuck, and knew there was no way out. "I am honored to have the opportunity to discuss business. I am well aware of the Foot's current conditions after the fall, but no matter, I believe my work can-."
"I've waited long enough," Karai spat. Raphael was surprised, though frankly, he didn't mind. He too was sick of waiting; maybe she could actually get answers. "I am here out of courtesy, not pleasure. Bishop requested my presence, not you. I don't give a damn about-."
"Oh, but you will." Golburg reached under his chair, pulling out some vitals and needles. The iridescent glow from the tube made Raphael uneasy. Did he give this crap to Mikey? "I'm well aware of your knowledge of what my work can do, Mistress Karai. Myself and Agent Bishop have been working on perfection for years. Even, the late Master Shredder assisted us."
Shredder? He was a part of this? Damn, what party did we miss? Raphael slightly turned his head to Karai. Seeing not even a flitch from her, he couldn't help but think how deep Karai was in it. If the Shredder knew, she had to- she was his right hand. If she knew this for years, why care now? Raphael hated not knowing.
"I'm sure," Goldburg continued, picking up one of the syringes. "You are filled with questions. I would not be presenting this to you if it was nothing short of perfection, mind you. But, I believe its affects will be…beneficial to you. After all, it has been already for you."
Karai place her hand back at her side, having her weapon near reach. Though, her voice remained steady, "What are you saying?"
"Tell me, Mistress Karai." Golburg smirked, toying with the needle around his fingertips. "How did you think the Foot were so loyal to you over the years? The human brain is a rather fascinating organ, truly. How we think, feel, act- it's all in there. Yet, loyalty is so intriguing. How is it that your men followed your every single command without a hint of morality? Without question? Why, Mistress Karai, we've known each other for years, practically. I've been overseeing the late Master Shredder's ninja for quite some time; I'm rather surprised you weren't aware. Maybe you got too smitten with that buffoon, Chaplin- but no matter. When you took the Shredder's place, I backed down- after all, you are a loose canon especially with your past affiliations with the turtles. Besides, Stockman is as brilliant as he was ignorant- I never let him into my work. So, I went underground, found an ally with much more resources than the Shredder had. I grew fascinated with what Bishop has been studying, and together, we created perfection. But, it wasn't enough, you see. The Foot, Purple Dragons- all of them were so incompetent. Not bright enough, not passionate enough, not…human enough. What if we can alter memories, feelings, and even halt all emotion together? It'll be like a clean slate. Agent Bishop wanted to test it on the turtles, but we didn't have the opportunity- you know well how those four are. Until recently when your fellow commander came to our attention, Kito. Unlike yourself who made a truce with the turtles, he seeked justice. Vengeance. His enthusiasm was put to good use, he made a fine subject. Kito, come."
Emerging from the rear door, a slender man stepped into the room. He looked as normal as any skilled ninja would be. His face was bruised, his figure looked terribly unhealthy. Was this guy tortured? He looks like a skeleton, like he isn't even alive. I have to stop this- I won't let this happen to Mikey.
He stood tall, grounded, his eyes looking dead ahead. Not even fully acknowledging anyone in the room. Karai's voice softened as she took a very small step forward, "Kito! Explain yourself! What are you doing? You swore your allegiance to me, I thought you were my friend-!"
His eyes shifted toward her. Without moving a muscle, he spoke in a monotone voice. "Mistress Karai, I have never felt so free. Do listen to what the brilliant doctor is saying, he is astounding. His work will be beneficial to Foot, as it was for me-."
"Kito!" Karai called his name again, more desperate. Raphael watched her inch closer, as he remained still. "You are not a fool, or weak. This isn't-!"
"It is me," Kito insisted, remaining eerily still.
"Of course," Goldburg continued nonchalantly, "Memories are rather tricky to crack. Especially core memories- we tried to erase you entirely, Mistress, but it was difficult. While he does remember his past, and you, blocking his free will really allowed him to be quite loyal to us. Don't fret, dear, he was extremely helpful in retrieving our newest subject. I do hope he will be more…flexible than Mr. Kito, here." He smirked as his gaze finally shifted to Raphael. "My apologizes, I did not get introduced to your…ally. My, my. You must be the 'Nightwatcher' my men have been whispering about? That's a name I haven't heard on the streets in quite sometime. I did not realize your affiliation with the Foot, or perhaps, you are here on your own terms- making my interest even more invested in you."
This asshole needs a serious reality check. If this drug gets into the streets, the whole city can go into chaos. I can't let this happen to Mikey or anyone else. We have to stop this. Raphael kept his ground, crossing his arms. He was about to speak when a notification popped to the right of his vision. 'EMERGENCY ALERT RECIEVED FROM: DONATELLO, 4 BLOCKS AWAY FROM YOUR LOCATION'.
Don would never set his off unless it was bad, like real bad. Where the fuck is Leo? Wait, actually, why haven't any of them contacted me in a while? I don't care about the mission; I heard enough- I need to get out of here. Now. Raphael knew he was running out of time, he had to speed this up.
"Clearly ya want something out of this," Raphael spat. "Money? Power? 'Rule the city'? What cliché are ya? Or are you Bishop's lackey doing the dirty work for him until he gets rid of ya altogether?"
"On the contrary, my motives are that- my own." Goldburg said dismissively. Turning back to Karai, his twisted grin widen as he watched her examine Kito from a distance. "Kito, you are dismissed. Mistress Karai, I want to make a deal with you. Due to Agent Bishop's much longer anticipated delay, I will foresee this deal myself until his arrival. Let's be honest, the Foot has fallen. Many have retrieved to Japan, and those remaining turned their loyalties to us. Bishop sees potential in you, he wishes for your cooperation. After what the turtles did to Master Shredder, he is allowing your involvement in their capture- for now. We will exchange your service for the drug, if you assist in capturing the turtles."
"Your work is…impressive. But I'm not a gun-for-hire, I have my own-," Karai hovered her hand over her weapon. I could really use a sample of that drug, it could be a lead. But if Don's in trouble, I don't have time to-.
"Raph!" Leo's desperate cry broke in his earpiece. Reception began to grow static as Raphael desperately tried to make out. "Bishop's going after-! We need-you-!" The static interference suddenly got cut off. Bishop?! Fucking technology. Damn it! I have to get to them!
"Well, as of this moment, I believe the one called Michelangelo is being retrieved as we speak. You can see the drug in action." Goldburg laughed sinisterly, still toying with the syringe in his hand. "Your involvement, and the remainder of the Foot clan, will be quite beneficial for you, Mistress Karai. After all, the four who murdered your father- what's a worse fate than death?"
"What are you implying?"
"You see," He continued. "The drug can only do so much, it needs…Negative reinforcement. Sure, the drug is in his system and is beneficial, but he needs to be…reminded of where his new loyalties will lie. Who better to do it than the one who lost her father to them?"
Raphael held his breath, his eyes glued on Goldburg's men. He could probably take them out. Especially in his suit, he's pretty well protected. Suddenly he caught Goldburg's eye, as the man's sinister smile stretched. "How about you, Nightwatcher? How would you like to hunt the turtles for me?"
/./././././././././././././
12:15AM
Leonardo
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"Donnie, Mikey—go follow him. Casey and I are close enough that if something goes wrong, we'll be able to help. I'll check in on Raph, you two better get going."
Leo switched his earpiece frequency to Raph's when a loud crackling caused Leo to hiss in pain. Suddenly, a monotone voice spoke through, "Just a want, just a please, just a stir in the air. Just a sign you are still alive, and waiting (1)."
"What the-?" Leonardo jumped, looking around the area frantically. Don assured them that this frequency was highly encoded, how did someone break through? Casey looked at Leo confusingly before Leo spoke, "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Casey wearily asked.
"That voice? On the frequency?" Leo quickly switched back to the other line, his eyes still on the building. "Guys? Did you get that weird voice on your frequency?"
"What?" Donnie echoed, "What voice?"
"Uh, Leo! That guy's gone!" Leo snapped back around to Casey, who was rushing toward the edge of the building.
"What?" Donnie's voice suddenly dropped, "Bishop. Figures you'd show up."
"Bishop?!" Leonardo exclaimed, turning to Casey. "Bishop is with them-! We have to-!"
"Wouldn't you like to know?", Mikey's voice was snarky, confident even. Leonardo couldn't make out the other low hum, probably Bishop's voice. Suddenly, his youngest brother gasped out.
"Mikey!" Donnie exclaimed. "Hiding behind your toys won't get you far, Bishop! Mikey go! I'll catch up!" Suddenly, the sound of weapons clashing echoed into Leonardo's earpiece.
"Damn it!" Leonardo cursed under his breath, taking out his swords. "Don, you and Mikey have to stick together! You can't take Bishop alone, do you hear me?! Mikey, are you alright?"
"Leo," Casey's voice grew concerned, turning back to Leo. He was itching to do something, anything. "We can't stand here!"
"I know!" Leonardo steadied his breath, gripping his katana close Donnie's emergency stress signal went off on Leonardo's shell-cell. Don wouldn't set this off without a reason, what if he's hurt?
Leonardo looked back down at the warehouse. He's had to make plenty of tough calls before, but whenever it involved his brothers, it still makes his stomach turn. Bishop was going after the others, but can he leave Raph alone in there? Karai is with him. She wouldn't turn her back to me, not this time. I have to trust her. I have to help Donnie and Mikey. Raph, please understand. Switching his frequency back to Raphael's, he nodded to Casey before taking off across the rooftops. "Raph! Bishop is going after Mikey and Don! Casey and I are going after them, we need you out- Now! Whatever you got we'll work with! Get yourself out and follow my location!"
Leonardo only hoped his brother heard his message. Steading his breath, he continued running off, Casey not too far behind. Looking down at his shell-cell, seeing Mikey's tracker dashing across the screen, further away from April and Splinter. Good thing Mikey's fast, I just hope he's feeling up for this. But something was wrong. Donnie's locator was off, unmoving. His heart stopped. The emergency stress signal, is this why Donnie set it off?
Not hearing from his youngest brothers worried him. Switching his frequency again, he called, "Don! Mikey! What's your situation?"
"Leo!" Mikey breathlessly gasped, panting. "We're still moving but, dude, he's fast! Donnie leg got hit, I can't make it across the next building with him! I'm gonna have to hold off-!"
"I'm fine-!" Donnie hissed, clearly irritated at his younger brother's statement. "But—Mikey get down!"
"Hold on! I'm on my way! Casey, call in April and Splinter, tell them what's going on and that we need them close for medical backup!"
Leonardo prayed he'd make it in time.
/./././././././././././
12:10AM
Michelangelo
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"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?
Donatello froze. Instinctively, he put his arm out in front of Mikey, the other reaching for his Bo. "Bishop," he hissed, "figures you'd show up."
"I'm in no mood for games, Donatello." Bishop said dismissively, his eyes shifting to the younger turtle. "There's no need for dramatics. I'm simply here retrieving my specimen. How are you feeling, Michelangelo?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Mikey snapped back. He'd be damned if he was going to let this guy get in his head again. He beat him; he beat the stupid drug that was in his system. Hell, he felt better than ever before. Confidently, Mikey readied his weapons he smirked.
"I believe I already do." Looking down at his arm, attached on his wrist looked like a small device. Tapping it a few times, he read, "Considering your metabolism, the drug should already be pulsing through your veins. You've already lost yourself to it, triggered by a stressful environment or emotion. Once you've given into it, one final injection can ensure your complete obedience. I just need to remind you who has the upper hand here."
Suddenly, Mikey gasped out in pain. His veins suddenly felt like they were on fire. His head pounding with every ounce of pain that pulsed through him. Refusing to give in, he stood tall, absentmindedly hanging his head and rubbing his template.
"Mikey!" Donnie cried out in worry. Looking back on his brother, he turned back to Bishop. "Hiding behind your toys won't get you far, Bishop! Mikey, go! I'll catch up!" Dashing off, Donnie quick stepped past Bishop's throwing stars. Snapping his weapon, Bishop retreated back from the attack. Pulling out what looked like his own sword, his weapon clanged against Donnie's.
"Damn it! Don, you and Mikey have to stick together! You can't take Bishop alone, do you hear me? Mikey, are you alright?"
Donnie couldn't breath even an answer, his struggle against Bishop tensed. Bishop began to overpower Donnie, sending a kick straight through him across the building. Collapsing before the edge, Donnie was fast. Jumping back up in a flash, he was already dashing right back into the attack.
Donnie! There's no way I'm leaving you, bro! Mikey worryingly watched from the distance, looking around his surroundings. Donnie was quick enough, but Bishop was stronger. His eyes widened as Donnie was struck again, flipping the air before landing hard on the ground. Releasing his weapon, Mikey was thankful that Splinter trained him with a Kurisigama last year. Releasing the long metal chain, he cried out, "Hey, douchebag!"
With no even a turn of his head, Bishop treaded closer to Donnie. Raising his weapon high, he was ready to strike. Before he could reach his victim, his arm wrapped in the metal chain. Snapping his head back to Mikey, he resisted, pulling the chain and it's wielder closer to him. Waving his weapon across, Mikey barley missed the sharp blade as he leaned his head back. With a high kick, Mikey managed to catch Bishop off guard. Sending him straight to the ground, Mikey used the chain to pull Bishop's arm back. Hearing the arm crack, he stepped on his Back pulling the chain tighter—a small smile stretched. I got him! I actually got him! Ha! Wish Raph could see this. Turning back to Donnie, he felt relieved to his brother back on his feet. A small gash across Donnie's forehead began to drop with blood. "Don! You okay?"
That was a mistake. As if a gust of wind, Mikey felt a strong grasp on his left wrist. Suddenly, like he weighted nothing, he was thrown off, his hand loosing his weapon. Although he landed a short distance away, it wasn't long before Bishop used his own weapon against him. Mikey felt the chain ricochet across his face. Turning it just before it could hit him square in the jaw, the chain struck his nose and check. The blunt force blurred his vision quickly. Suddenly a cloud of smoke was around them, as he heard Bishop grunt and collapse. "Mikey!" A hand grasped his, bringing him back on his feet, handing back his weapon with the other. "We have to get out of here! Now!"
"No kidding!" Mikey's voice cracked, shaking his head. His vision began to clear. Donnie grasped Mikey's arm tightly, pulling him away from the smoke and picking up his pace. Running across the building they leapt onto the next one. After a few moments, Mikey snapped his head back. Able to run beside Don, he looked back to see Bishop right on their tail. "What do we-?!"
Don was beside him, and then he wasn't. Not even halfway across the rooftop, Mikey halted when he didn't find his brother beside him. Lying near the edge of the building, Donnie struggled to stand back on his feet. Donnie reached for his earpiece, clearly tinkering with it. Mikey thought he heard his shell cell alarm go off. Donnie's distress call? Oh no. His brother was much more graceful then himself, he wouldn't just fall. Bishop wasn't too far behind. Running as fast as he can back, his eyes widened. Sticking on the back of Donnie's leg was a throwing star, pierced right in the back of his knee. "Donnie! A-Are you alright?!"
"Keep going!" Donnie spat, hesitantly reaching to pull the star out. Like a band-aid, he ripped it out, biting back his tongue. He squeezed Mikey's arm, his eyes piercing right through him as his voice got deeper, "I said, go! Now!"
"Not a chance, bro!" Mikey wrapped his arm around his brother's torso. There was no way he'd ever leave Donnie or anyone of them behind. He'd drag him if he had to. Which was pretty much what he did. Hearing his brother's grunts, he kept his pace. "Sorry, Don! We have to keep-!"
"Don! Mikey! What's your situation?"
"Leo!" Mikey breathlessly gasped, panting. "We're still moving but, dude, he's fast! Donnie leg got hit, I can't make it across the next building with him! I'm gonna have to hold off-!"
"I'm fine-!" Donnie hissed, snapping his head back to Mikey. Turning his head back, Bishop was already here. He gasped, "But—Mikey get down!" Yanking on his brother's arm, they both fell down to the ground in a thud. Barley missing the throwing stars above them. He hissed, feeling his leg twist.
"Hold on! I'm on my way! Casey, call in April and Splinter, tell them what's going on and that we need them close for medical backup!"
"Donnie!" Mikey jumped back on his feet, shooting his head back up at Bishop. His eyes were glaring right at him, shining both his swords hand-in-hand. I can do this. Leo's coming. I can hold him off until Leo gets here. I'm the Battle Nexus Champion. I faced guys uglier than him. I can do this.
'You know you can't.' Bishop's voice screamed through his eyes.
Physically, he could feel himself changing. It made him sick, he felt like he could collapse. Turning back to Donnie, seeing his brother distraught—I can't give up. Splinter, Leo, Raph, Donnie, everyone—they're fighting for me. I'm still me, I'm stronger. I can do this. Gripping his own weapon, he forced another trademark smirk, "Looks like we're gonna tango, huh?"
/./././././././././
12:30AM
Raphael
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"How about you, Nightwatcher? How would you like to hunt the turtles for me?"
Raphael didn't have time for negotiations. His brothers were out there, being hunted by Bishop. He couldn't give a flying hell what some stuck-up scientist guy would want from him. But, he can't walk out empty handed. Leo said it himself- we'll deal with it later. I've made shitter deals that I've ducked out of before. Besides, we're gonna nail this guy before he makes any real threats. Turning back to his 'partner', Karai already had her mind set.
"He works for me," Karai snapped before Raphael could speak. "As I said before, I am no mercenary. It's clear you're more than capable to do your own dirty work. Although, if it's a partnership you seek, Bishop's presence is necessary."
"He should be returning shortly, Mistress Karai. Do stay." Goldburg insisted, his eyes glancing down at his watch. "Mr. Bishop much anticipated your presence, I am sure he won't be long. The specimen will be with him, if you wish to see it yourself."
Wait. Bishop's going after Mikey—does he already have him? That explains Don's distress signal. But why wouldn't Leo say so? If Bishop has Mikey and is on his way, I can't leave—I can save Mikey and get us out of here. But, Don wouldn't set his signal out for nothing. I can't abandon him and the others; Leo said he needed me out. But, I can't walk out of here on my own. If Karai's staying, Goldburg will know something's up if I just walk out right now. I'm stuck. Fuck.
"Perhaps," Karai crossed her arms, glancing back down at the syringe. "I want the sample. If we are to be partners, I want to know what we're working with here."
"So," Goldburg twirled it around with his hand, his grin growing wider. "We have a deal?"
"Not so fast." Karai returned her own wicked smile. "Since, again Bishop is not here, we are doing this under my terms. You can have your toys, do what you want, but I oversee it—especially in the affairs of the turtles. I want to be there whenever you experiment them, hunt them, or whatever you wish to be done—Anything that involve them, I must have my say. And if you are ever to 'experiment' on any of my men again, I will personally see to your demise. And it will not be swift. I want Kito cured."
Well isn't this fucking dandy—she's selling us out. Shock. Or, maybe Leo isn't so crazy after all and she's trying to get insight access for us? No, he's just crazy. Crazier than the princess of the Foot clan.
"Cured?" Goldburg's brow rose, continuing to twirl the syringe in his hand. "Hm, I believe I could create an antibiotic to fight off the drug's symptoms. I'll have to wipe his memory, though. Torture can be quite difficult to undo, you would know. Although, there is a risk of an overdose—Hm…I do not understand why you wish to do so. His alliance to you is stronger than ever. Why do you wish to free him from such binding loyalty?"
"There is more to one than just loyalty—judgment, insight—you took away his humanity. You used him against his will. Not a very positive way to start this 'relationship', hm? I want a cure created for him. Do so, and I will offer my resources to you."
I can't stand here anymore. Where the fuck is Leo and Don and why the hell aren't they updating me?
"It is a deal." Goldburg spoke confidently. Flipping the syringe, he slid it across the table to Karai. "As per our agreement. Now, to fulfill your end. Mr. Bishop will be returning with the little turtle. With the third and final dosage, he should be completely under our control. While he is being 'conditioned' with us, your men must fetch the next turtle he has taken an interest with. Raphael, I believe his name was. Begin the administrating the first drug to frazzle him. Once we evaluate his initial reaction to it, we will then strategize how to administer the second, and how strong it needs to be. Oh, and don't think we won't be watching to be sure the job is done. Don't take it the wrong way, of course. We're simply…making sure there's no hiccups."
Me? Bishop wanted me? When Mikey snapped, he said that Bishop initially was going after Leo. Is this a trap? Does he know it's me under here, or does he actually want me?
"I'm sure. Fine. It'll be done." Taking the syringe, Karai looked up at him. Handing the syringe, Karai nodded her head. "Nightwatcher, take this. You know what to do."
She's letting me go. She's practically opening the door wide open for me. She's actually helping us? Asking him to make a 'cure', insisting to be involved anything in regards to us—maybe Leo's girlfriend isn't so bad. Why is she doing this?
I have to make a choice.
If I take this, I can leave. I can just walk out. I can figure out what's going on out there. My brothers are in trouble—Donnie might be really hurt, Bishop is after Mikey, and I haven't heard from Leo—I can get out there and help. I'll help the others. Hell, I'd give it right to Donnie and Leatherhead, they can probably figure this out.
But, I can't go out like this. I'm practically working for these people now I'd have to take off the suit and watch my back. Besides, I'm sure Bishop is noticing me not there. I'd have to watch my back double time—If I get caught now, it'll cost way more. It's a risk, a huge risk. I'm not just putting myself out on the line—now Karai, and especially Mikey, are involved.
Or, I could stay. If Bishop already got to Mikey somehow, he's bringing him here. If I leave, they're going to torture my little brother. God, even thinking about that…No. I can't. They're going to drug him up again, and we may not be able to bring him back this time. If I stay, I can at least get them to not do anything to him. Karai will be overseeing it, Mikey don't die. Right? Karai's on our side, supposedly, I can sneak him out. It'll be the end of it. They won't have Mikey anymore, and the cure—wait.
But, if I do that, Goldburg won't make the cure. I don't know how long that'd take. Can I stomach the idea of standing here, having to watch them hurt Mikey knowing that there will be something to help him in the end? He'll look at me, probably wondering why I'm not helping him—God, no, I can't even think about that. Karai could be at risk, I'm sure Leo won't appreciate that.
I have to make a choice.
I just hope I can live with it.
/././././././././././././
