Author's Note: Hi, everyone! I apologize for the delay, life was doing it's thing and I totally got lost in it! I first would like to thank everyone who has read, favorited, followed, and reviewed so far! I can't believe we hit over a 100 follows! It's all of you who keep me going! As we're slowly reaching closer to the end, I've began brainstorming a new work that will begin once this story concludes! I've appreciated all the support through reviews and messages, and I hope you all enjoy the update! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a review or message with anything! Thank you all so much, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: Song quote from "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift ft. Civil Wars. Quote [1] from Franz Kafka.
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A Turtle & His Sisyphus
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"Hold on to this lullaby, even when the music's gone"
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/./././././././././././././././././././
I am with you, my son. Be strong.
Father?
Michelangelo found a strange comfort as he opened his eyes to the white ceiling above him. Everything was the exact same as it was before. He felt better knowing he wasn't at least moved to a different location. Slowly, he sat upright. Rubbing his eyes, he felt the absence of his mask. Sighing, the memories of Karai flooded back. She totally took my mask! Ugh, so not cool. Why do that? Wait, she's still an ally right? I just need to wait for her to come back. As if. For him, it didn't matter how long he was out for. He just needed to get out, and fast.
Noticing the IV still attached, his attention went toward the cameras above the door. He figured he'd be under surveillance, most likely on the clock. The eerie feeling crept back in. Mikey couldn't help but wonder why he was still here, after all this time. I should have been wacked out for real. But, I'm better—way better than I felt in a while. Why? Ugh, I feel like I'm getting punked.
A loud clang shook Mikey's attention straight to the front. With a swift shut, his captor smirked as he approached him. "I see you have finally awaken. It's no surprise it took so long given the amount of toxins in your system. Although, it appears your mutation greatly benefited you in the case of your recovery. It's rather impressive, truly."
"What can I say," Mikey shrugged, forcing just as snaking of a smile. "I was voted 'most likely to impress'. Now that your little science experiment is over I'd really like to leave, thanks."
"I'm more interested in the fact that you're no longer wearing your mask." Bishop noted, lifting his head slightly as he shut the door behind him. Mikey almost forgot about it, absentmindedly tracing the ghost of what was. His mind raced, trying to piece together his thoughts. Even though it was fuzzy, he knew that was Karai who took it. He had no idea what ever happened to her, or where the rest of his family even is. He knew he had to think quick.
Shrugging, Mikey said, "I just woke up, dude. I mean, this whole thing has been creepy enough but taking my mask is a little weird, dude. I'm sure my blood or whatever the hell you kept me here for was all fun for you but I'd like to get out now-!"
"We are only getting started, Michelangelo." Sliding a chair, Bishop sat in front of his bed. Crossing his arms, he leaned back against his chair. "You see, I seemed to have underestimated you. In fact, it was lucky. Although my creation was successful, it wouldn't have been enough—I assumed you'd be much easier to influence, but I was wrong. Giving your mutations, your core memories, it would have been a difficult process to maintain and would have consumed resources over time. But, there is a way. To guarantee your submissiveness, without question. You see, you four are not so different from myself. We are not human. I did not ask for the life that was given to me, and yet here we both are—doing the extraordinary. In fact, our mere existence is highly debatable and secret. Our true purpose was never to be human, but to exist. And to exist, we must survive and prevail. A new world will dawn, and I will be the one to bring it. And you, of course, thanks to the DNA I've extracted overtime from the rat, and you four, I will be the catalyst for the new age."
"Geez," Mikey breathed, rolling his eyes. "I give you credit, dude. You must have practiced that a lot to deliver that spiel."
"The city's fate is inevitable. However," Bishop leaned in closer, his smile twisting as he mused. "Your family's, on the other hand, is negotiable. Tell me, what will you do to save your little family?"
/./././././././././././././././././././
"How do you feel about allowing yourself to get caught? Of course," Karai added. "It won't be as easy as it sounds. You can get in the inside, but you'll be putting yourself at risk for whatever they want to subject to you. Getting yourself and your brother out will be difficult."
Leonardo was taken back. His gut couldn't stop screaming at the possibility of a trap. Of course he'd be baited right into the heart of the enemy for the sake of his brother. The answer didn't come as easily as Leonardo thought. Of course he was willing to do whatever it took to save Michelangelo from whatever he was facing, no matter what.
But, his mind couldn't help but shift to his brothers. After everything himself and Donatello went through, could he put them in that position again? Is that the most rational thing to do? It has to be me. It can't be the others. "What I'm having trouble understanding is where your role is in all of this. You have access, you got in where he was. Yet, you want to dance around that just to make things more complicated. Why?"
"I am just in a mixed position as you are, Leonardo. It is not as easy as you make it sound. Your brother is on 24/7 consistent surveillance, with 7 different firewalls to block security-."
"That's not my problem," Feeling himself growing more frustrated, Leonardo couldn't fight it anymore. "We're healed, mostly. We must make a move. I've chosen to remain here to work together, not hang back. I am going to get my brother back, with or without your help. But if we're keeping this alliance, you have to cooperate with me. You said it yourself—we don't have the upper hand anymore. Why are we not planning a strike against their defense?!"
"Because there is something more dire at stake that I do not yet know. That is why I'm arranging a meeting with Bishop, Goldburg, and myself. They're expecting news in regards to Raphael or any of your locations. Even though I do not have as many numbers as I once did, they will be suspicious if I show up empty handed. If you agree, I will provide your location. That will shift their focus, or most of it, to you. Giving your brothers an opportunity to infiltrate the building to get your brother, unless they have moved him. Regardless, the risk is present."
"So, I'm bait." Leonardo sighed, pacing toward the far end of the room. Karai was pushing him; there was no doubt about it. If it means Raph and Don are off the radar, I have to do it. No matter what... Unknowingly, Leo began tracing the metal band around his prosthetic. A permanent scar, a reminder of his mistakes for the rest of his life. Splinter has been trying to cope him through, encouraging him to see it as an opportunity for protection. And that is what I must do, for them. "If you can guarantee it will get me to my brother by nightfall tomorrow I'll do it, under one condition."
"I figured so," Karai scoffed, watching Leonardo anxiously graze over his hand. Regardless of their disputes, Karai couldn't deny Leonardo's valor. Never did he hesitate, nor did he think of his own consequences. How could such an act seem so simple?
"You must swear to it, that no matter what happens to me—my family is safe. If it comes down to leaving me behind to save my brothers, do it. I…" Leo paused, slowly becoming aware of the weight of his own words. Turning around to face her, Leo's gaze locked onto hers. "I know you'll do the right thing, when the time comes. If there is one last favor you do for me, it will be that. Do we have an understanding?"
"Did you ever want this?" Karai breathlessly questioned, her eyes genuinely studying his. "The burden you carry. Was this the life you desired?"
"It was the life I was given." Leo spoke softly, so simply, matching hers. "I would do anything to protect my family, I love them. I grew up watching them, guiding them just as my father did. It is who I am. It was what I was raised to do. You speak as if you wouldn't know. After all, you protected your father, regardless of his cruel actions. Did you want something different?"
"Mistress Karai," A low voice at the doorway drew the tension away. One of her ninja quickly bowed as he approached her. "You have a message, it is urgent."
"Thank you," Following her ninja out of his room, she halted. Karai looked back to Leo, offering a small smirk. "We will see, won't we?"
/././././././././././././././././././././
"Raphie? Can you teach me how to not be afraid?"
I groaned. I didn't know what to do. Actually, scratch that, I knew very well what to do.
It was 1:30 in the freakin' morning and I was still beat from trainin'. He had his 'lucky' blanket wrapped around himself, sniffing as these big crocodile tears streamed down his face and all my ten year old self kept thinking was, 'Why me? Why not anyone else'?
"Mikey, come on!" I pleaded, "Can't ya go bother Sensei or Leo or anything else?"
Keeping his distance, Michelangelo stood at the edge of his bed. He shook his head rapidly, gripping his blanket tighter around his neck. His voice cracked as his eyes shot down to his feet, "I-I had a scary dream. I don't know how to not be scared like you…"
At the time, I always just shook those things off. We didn't have anything to be afraid of back then. Not until we went topside. I started to see where he was coming from, all those years later. But this wasn't now, this was then. And Mikey was looking at me, the same way I'd never admit to looking at Leo sometimes, probably hoping I would take away all the monsters.
I wasn't any better than what Mikey pictured me to be.
Leo always knows what to do, even when he doesn't—he just does. He doesn't hesitate, no matter what. I'd just react; think with my gut first then when things turn to shit I'd figure out how to pick up the pieces then.
Donnie always can take a step back, even when he can't. His mind would go a hundred paces per second while can still hold his on in a fight. He can get us out of any crappy situation. I'm usually the reason we ended up in them in the first place. Donnie fixed everyone, no matter.
Maybe, Mikey already figured that out. He didn't need someone to tell him what to do, or fix his fears- he needed someone to teach him how to face it.
I wish I did.
Maybe we wouldn't be in this mess.
/./././././././././././././././././././././
"You seem distant this evening, my son."
Leonardo sighed, returning his katana back at his side. Training always grounded him, until recently. Looking back up, Raphael and Donatello were still sitting beside Splinter. Splinter offered a small, weak smile. He looked so tired, fighting to be the face of hope. Raphael took note of this as well, occasionally eyeing his father with a hint of worry before watching Leo's—or as Leo noticed, his hand specifically. Donnie masked a whole new persona. While usually quiet, his eyes were distant. Probably coming up with a million and one new ways to get their brother and go back home, Leo figured. Splinter looking so much older, fragile. Raphael so defeated, his eyes dulling more as each day past. Donnie, so speechless. This picture was broken, cracked.
They should be home right now. Donnie should be drawing blueprints for the battleshell, happily humming some tune as he strikingly goes to work. Raph should be complaining about something on the news, itching to go topside and set things right. He'd be having tea with Splinter, talking about anything and everything. And Mikey would be-.
He'd be home.
This wasn't right. It should have been right, it should have been. But it wasn't.
And it made Leo want to scream. Scream at the tope of lungs in hopes to drown out his own thoughts, erasing these images in front of him. He felt his chest tighten, squeezing the grip of his weapon as tightly as his metallic limb would let him. This had to stop; he had to stop the noise. He could not crack, he can never falter. That was his duty, his responsibility.
"I'm sorry, father." Hoping he sounded more confident than he felt, he forced a reassuring smile. "I don't mean to be. It won't happen again. I guess I'm just a little distracted…"
"You apologize for stating a feeling we are all experiencing too well. I know this is difficult for you, for us all. Perhaps some meditation can bring some ease, hm?"
"Whatever fuckin' good that does." Raphael scoffed under his breath, low enough for at least Don to hear. Don gave a small shrug, his gaze still away from the others.
"Raphael," Splinter turned, "Is there something you wish to say?"
"Why bother?" Raphael chuckled darkly, sarcastically scoffing. "It's not like we're gonna do anythin' about it, right? We'll just sit here, all nice and patient until that bitch gives us 'permission' to go out and maybe get Mikey back. But no, that's all right. We can just 'meditate' and hope he gets a psychic message saying, 'Yeah, bro, we're here and we're ok but yeah you need to wait another month until it's convenient for us to come, hope you understand, bye'."
Everyone's attention was on his. Splinter looked hurt, desperate to find the right words. But that didn't stop Raphael as he raised his voice, frantically exclaiming, "You know what's even better, and here's the real kicker, ya think it's okay. I mean, Don barely takes care of himself unless I make him and hasn't said one fuckin' word since he woke up and when he does he's at least tryin' to do something. While this mediation crap is a waste of time, at least Sensei is giving Mikey some type of 'spirit' or whatever comfort. But you," Raph venomously shot at his oldest brother. "You practically gave up. The only person you talk to is that bitch who's- playing you! Just because she barks an order you just lay back and take it like a bitch-!"
"Raphael!" Splinter exclaimed, stopping his cane to the ground. "That is enough-!"
"While your brother is out there going through whatever the fuck what-!" Raphael reached for his belt, pulling out his mask. Gripping it tightly as he stormed closer to Leonardo. "See this? I don't forget why we're here. Ya just gave up, you fucker! Ya let her take over us, over you!"
Leonardo didn't dare move as his brother tackled him right to the ground. He knew he hit his head first, feeling the pulsing that clouded his vision briefly. He could make out Splinter, remaining so still. His father's eyes closed, as he looked bowed his head as if in prayer. A desperate plea, Leo thought. Leo could hear Donnie crying Raph's name, his voice sounding more alive than he heard in weeks. He didn't give any resistance as he felt Raphael deliver punches over and over. Leo couldn't feel much besides the desperate cries coming from his younger brother, who gripped his shoulders. "Ya should have stopped him! Ya shouldn't have let Mikey go-! I…I was right there! Don't you get it!? If ya left me behind, I would have been able to…to save him…It should have been me, it-!
His attacks ceased, allowing Donnie to pull him away from Leo. Raph hung his head, his hands still twitching from the fight. His eyes looked desperate, horrified by what he had done. Snakingly he reached out to him, holding out his hand, "L-Leo, I'm sorry, I-."
"You're right." Leo coughed, refusing Raph's assistance as he slowly rose back up. "You're right, Raph. I…I've been too cautious, playing it safe. I was using my…injury, and Don's to wait until the time was right. I was waiting for Karai to…to help get Mikey back. I made the wrong call…I was trying to keep us all safe, and almost cost all our lives. I have the scar to remember that. But I'm not going to let this blind me from doing what has to be done. It is my duty to protect you all, and I failed. I will be the one to pay the price, if it comes. Tomorrow night, with or without her help, we're getting in. I swear, on my life, we will stop Bishop and bring Mikey home—no matter what."
Donnie saw a fire in his oldest brother's eyes that he hasn't seen since that night. It ignited a hope that was dormant for him for the longest time. For the first time, Don felt a hope that had faded since Mikey left. Stepping beside Raph, Don smiled.
Leo felt powerless as he practically watched Raphael's mind spiral. Approaching him, he placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, reassuringly, "Raph, you did everything you could. You had no idea what could happen, and if you didn't come back…Don and I wouldn't be here. Mikey wouldn't blame you, I know we don't."
"Thanks," Raphael croaked awkwardly, shrugging his shoulders. "I…I'm sorry I wailed on ya. That wasn't right, I shouldn't have hurt ya-."
"I think I sort of deserved it," Leo offered a small smile. Mikey would be the one to break the tension between the two, or crack some kind of joke to help ease his brother. Waving his metallic limb, he attempted to channel his youngest brother, "I mean, it wouldn't really be a fair fight I hit you with this, huh?"
"Probably not," Raphael allowed a small smile, as he clapped his brother's new hand with his. "Be sure to give Bishop that pleasure, huh?"
"He won't know what hit him, literally," Don perked, until he noticed Splinter. His gaze shifted to Splinter, who still had his head low. His face twisted, Don pointed Raph and Leo toward their father.
"Sensei," Leo and Raph spoke simultaneously, both approaching him. Leo got down on one knee, worryingly checking over his father. "Sensei, I'm sorry I let this scale—it won't happen again I'm-."
"My sons," Splinter finally lifted his head, smiling warmly as he held his oldest hand. "Your brother, I can still sense him…But, I'm afraid, I feel his spirit is weakening, the time to act is now. This has been a difficult time for us all, but we must remain together in these dark moments. Only together can we all return home."
/./././././././././././././././././././././
The digital clock flashed, 1:30AM. His head snapped up, gazing up on the bleak concrete wall in front of him. A flash of panic tightened his chest. He thought he was home. Until he realized he wasn't. He, and his family, still in Foot headquarters.
Donatello didn't know when he ended up falling asleep slumped over the laptop, a dim light from the opposite side of the room flickered. Picking up his head, he felt a blanket slip off his shoulders and onto his chair. Turning around, he was comforted by a low snore from Raphael. Still sitting upright on the cot, Don found Raph sleeping hunched over. Donnie smiled sadly, he knew how badly his brother wanted to be out just as much as he wanted to be. But after today, Don thought sadly, maybe it could happen. For now, there was peace. And he'd give anything to keep it, just for the moment. Carefully rising, he treaded quietly and gently placed his blanket over Raph. Donnie felt uneasy noticing Splinter's and Leo's absence. Knowing they're both never usually up this late, he began to worry. I don't want to wake Raph and freak him out. Maybe I should give them a call, or at least go looking for Leo. Maybe a text wouldn't hurt.
Returning back to his desk, his gaze was drawn to his shell cell. Shrugging, he didn't expect anything until the flashing on his screen said otherwise. He was surprised at the notification that flickered on his screen. You have 4 UNREAD Messages. Curiously, Donatello slid his phone open, reading the first message.
Leatherhead: [11:30PM] Donatello, I ran the diagnostic for you. No one has tried to infiltrate your lair since you hid. It appears that their search is starting to end. I will continue to keep an eye down here, in hopes for some news. I do hope you are all taking care of yourselves, my friend. I trust in your instincts, but do be careful. Please let me know if you need my assistance further. Also, Klunk has tried to escape many times. I believe he wishes to be with you, but I will continue to take care of him until your return. L.H
Donnie felt guilty for almost forgetting about Klunk. Of course he'd want to go back to the lair, he's smart enough to know where Mikey hides all his treats. But, most of all, it's his home. We all should be home. Not wanting to think about it any longer,quickly, Donnie wrote back.
Donatello: [1:32AM] Hey, L.H. Thanks for the update. We're feeling fine, Leo's getting there. Just sick of waiting, but you knew that. I'll look over the diagnostic and let you know if I find anything. Thanks again. P.S—Don't feed Klunk after midnight, or he'll never stop meowing. Hope you didn't find out the hard way!
Leatherhead had already done so much for all of them after sneaking into the Foot headquarters, despite his own trauma from labs. Donnie knew without him, they never would have created Leo's prosthetic as effectively, let alone in time. He knew Leatherhead took a great risk in seeing them. After everything he's been through he didn't hesitate once to help us. I owe you, L.H, big time. Donnie flipped to the next message.
April: [12:15AM] Hey, Don. I hope you're taking care of yourself—yes, that includes sleeping and eating! I miss you guys, and I've been hoping for anything from Mikey. Don't worry; he's a tough cookie. I'm not sure if Casey told you, but Goldburg hasn't been at work for almost a week. I tried to see if he got fired, but it looks like he's on vacation time. I'm going to find a way to get into his office. Maybe he'll have some files or something. I'll let you know tomorrow what I find.
Don couldn't fight the small smile that grew. He wasn't surprised that April would seize any opportunity to get herself into the action—or trouble, mostly trouble. Even after her attack, she still did what she could to stay part of the team. April never gave in. She recovered a week early than the doctor thought. After that, Don found her sneaking down to the lair just so she can make movie night.
Don's felt his face get warmer, thinking of her. April, no matter what, did her best to put himself and his family first. After all these years, and she still puts her life on hold for them. He knew he couldn't stop her. Once April had her mind set, she would give 110% before giving anything up. I guess that's what love does to people. I owe her, and Casey, so much more.
Donatello: [1:36AM] Hey, Ape! Thanks for the check in. We're hanging in there. Stir crazy, but hanging. And don't think I'm supporting your 'Nancy Drew' career track. But, I rather be your 'Hardy Boy' (Totally Frank, by the way, Casey can be your 'Joe') then you do this solo. Please don't do anything reckless, ok? And call me if anything happens.
Clicking the send button, Donnie sighed. Realizing how late it was, he knew he shouldn't have reached out to April. Hopefully he didn't wake her. Donnie quickly flipped to the next set of messages, quickly regretting the chance of startling her awake. He almost forgot about the next set of messages pending on his screen. Reading the name across the screen hitched his breath, 'Mikey: 2 UNREAD Messages'. Donatello knew nothing good was waiting to be seen. That didn't stop his impulse form clicking the small screen.
Mikey: [1:01AM] I am a cage, in search of a bird. (2)
Mikey: [1:15AM] Dude, remember when we used to play hide and seek? You remember my favorite hiding spot. Don't you? Won't you come find me, Don?
Favorite hiding spot? From when we were kids? Why would that matter? Donnie froze his gaze onto his screen, while his mind racing on. The seconded message sounded too much like his little brother. But, there was no way he'd get his phone without Bishop's intervention. Unless he's making him. If that's the case, I know how to check. When Donnie first created the shell-cells, they created a secret-code just in case they were ever in a sticky situation. How to address it, was a whole new move itself.
First thing's first. While it was most likely Bishop removed the tracking device, Donnie quickly connected his shell-cell to his computer and began trying to override the lockdown code. Perhaps, with luck, Bishop left it in. Sighing, Don shook his head. He's no fool. Even if he kept it in, Mikey's still at the warehouse. I better put up a couple of firewalls just in case he tries to find us. I can't risk our location. But he's willing to risk Mikey's. Why?
Donnie knew Bishop was either writing these himself, or forcing Mikey to do it. Of course, hide and seek is a simple child's play—anyone could think of it. Don figured if he could prove it was at least his brother on the other line, that'd be a step forward. How to send it, on the other hand, was a whole other story.
A part of Don felt guilty; he knew he should be waking up Raphael, or finding Leonardo and Splinter. This was huge; this was the first time in weeks they are—sort of—reaching out. But time was ticking. I can't risk Bishop giving up on the idea. Not when Mike's this close. I have to act now. Carefully, Donnie composed his message.
Donatello: [1:36AM] Yes, you hid under the sink- it was the only place you fit.
Donnie anxiously sent the message. He knew if it was the real Michelangelo, he'd know there was no way to fit under the sink. Mikey never had a set hiding spot, he always changed. If was Bishop making him, Mikey may also lie to protect himself. Suddenly, Don's memory clicked. His earpiece! While he's most likely not wearing it, it has to be somewhere! That has a chip! Maybe I can access it-!
Staring back down at his phone as he frantically searched. Don wasn't sure how much longer it would take for a message to come back. A notification popped up on his screen, halting his typing. Mikey's earpiece…is active? Bishop never took it apart? Wait a minute…If his earpiece never turned off, and his frequency was still hooked onto everyone but Raph's when they took him-?
"Oh, shit, shit, shit." Donnie gasped, quickly deactivating the frequency. How could he have been so careless? How did he not know to destroy the frequency? Remembering he was unconscious for most of the time, he cursed at himself for not thinking of it a head of time.
Mikey: [1:39AM] I can be flipped and broken, but I never move. I can be closed, opened, and sometimes removed. I am sealed by hands. What am I?
A deal. He wants to make a deal?
Suddenly, a blue flashing light dinged onto his phone. Oh, no. After a few flashes, a loud alarm rang out along with Raphael's that was resting on the nightstand. Donnie cursed under his breath. He activated Mikey's emergency alert. He has to know that's going to give away his location to all of us. It has to be a trap.
"What the-?!" Raphael voice cried out, snapping right awake as he reached for his phone. Raph shook his head as he read the alert across his screen. His tone grew grim, as he shot over to his brother. "Don, the hell is this…?"
"It's Bishop," Donnie quickly began opening the navigational system. "He's using Mikey to talk to us. He's practically giving us his location. He wants us to go after him."
"Using him?" Raph echoed, pacing his way over to Don's desk. "What do ya mean?"
"He's messaging me," Donnie hesitantly showed him his phone. "It's not just Mikey, though. Bishop's hiding behind Mikey, using his riddles. He's talking about some kind of deal, and quite literally a trap."
"So? Bishop could be hurting him! We gotta go-!" Raphael reached for his sai, and dashed to door. Finding Leonardo blocking him. A still silence filled the room as the two waited for each other to strike. Raphael felt a sting of guilt as he saw the reflection of his brother's bruise on his eye. He retreated a step back, trusting his brother whatever decision he makes.
"You're right." Leonardo nodded, as Splinter appeared beside him. "We plan our strike, tonight."
/./././././././././././././././././././
