Chapter six:
Splinter heads into the living room where he pauses hearing a soft sniffle. He turns to find that Mikey is sitting in front of the couch.
Mikey has his back to Splinter though he is curled up definitely looking upset, even from this side.
Splinter glances around finding no one else in sight. He supposes everyone is doing whatever they want to right now. He heads over to go to Mikey. He offers a smile when the other slightly turns to him revealing tearful eyes. "Hi. Is it alright if I sit with you?"
Mikey turns away giving a nod and a sniffle at the same time.
Splinter settles to sitting on his knees beside Mikey who tries to wipe away his tears. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing really." Mikey tries to wave it off though Splinter knows that's a lie, anyone would. He blinks as if it'd hold back the new tears forming.
"If it's alright with you then you can talk to me. I won't judge you for anything that you say. I promise to not share any of it either. Though in the end it is up to you."
Mikey is quiet for a few moments before letting out a breath. "It's just... I wanna go home. But... B-But..." He pauses to sniffle and wipe at his eyes once more. "Home doesn't really feel like home anymore. Wherever I turn I see the negativity that everything has brought upon us. I just see reminders that the carefree happy place I loved isn't really the same anymore. I want things to be the way they were before just with no abuse. When things felt happier. Not having to watch out for bad signs from anyone, especially Leo. Seeing it all now makes me realize all of the signs I missed for so long! It doesn't feel good! I should have been able to notice that something wasn't right! Anyways, it's like there was this dark cloud left to hover over us once He was gone."
Splinter feels sympathetic for Mikey at hearing this. He can understand Mikey just wanting to have things be more normal again. "You hold no blame for not noticing. You had no reason to look for the signs before. Abusers tend to force victims to hide it. Some more successfully hide it than others." He tells Mikey with a comforting tone. "Things will get better. You'll find the new normal. A happier one. You just need to give this stuff time. As much as we want it to, it doesn't go away overnight. The effect he's left behind is only temporary. Sure it won't ever truly be the same but you'll all find a new normal that works. We all heal in our ways and at our own speeds. My suggestion is to enjoy the happier moments when they do happen. Let them be extra special when they happen. Remembering that things will get better one day."
"That just sounds so far away." Mikey wipes at his tears.
"It can seem that way. However time is a funny thing. It could end up going by faster than you think." Splinter is glad to see a rather small smile on Mikeys face. "Recovering from things like this isn't easy. When you do recover I think you'll like how things become. Even if they won't truly be the same as before."
Mikey nods softly. "Yeah. At least we still have everyone and I really hope that we'll see better days soon."
Splinter nods smiling softly as he's glad that he can help no matter how small. He blinks in surprise when Mikey suddenly hugs him like a young child would. His smile returns and he gives the other a hug back.
"I wish ours was like you." Mikey mummers to Splinter who just barely manages to catch it.
"I wish that too." Splinter agrees as he deeply hates seeing them hurt because of a version of himself.
The two hug for a little longer before Mikey pulls away which Splinter doesn't fight.
"Thank you." Mikey's tears do seem to have dried up and he looks a little perked up now.
"Anytime." Splinter assures Mikey.
Mikey gets up to his feet. "I'm gonna see if I can go find this worlds version of me! Maybe we can do some awesome things together while I'm still here!" With that he dashes off going to the kitchen first.
Splinter gets up as well though turns his attention to the lab with a serious look. He needs to bring something up before everything is ready to send this other group home. He heads to the lab glancing around until he finds the two Donnies. He can see them both gushing over some inventions that Donatello has made, as well as talking about the machine to take the one group home to make sure it'll work fine. He approaches them to which they turn to him quieting their conversation. "I hope I'm not intruding."
"Of course not!" Donatello assures him with a smile. "What can we do for you Sensei?"
"There was something I was hoping to get looked into before we part ways." Splinter tells them and the two exchange a curious look before turning back to him. "Maybe, if it's okay with you guys." He adds glancing to Donnie before turning back to Donatello. "There could be a way for easy travel or communication between our world and theirs. So if they want they can always come here for anything. It might help along the way of healing. Plus if trouble comes up and they need help we can help them, or they can help us if needed." He can tell that the two can tell that he wants to keep helping them, making up for another worlds version of himself actions even though he doesn't have to, so he is hoping that he can offer help whenever needed.
"Hm." Donatello glances down bringing a hand to his chin in thought. "There could be a way but we'd need some time to figure it out."
"Well technically we are waiting for when the machine is ready." Donnie points out letting his eyes meet with Donatellos when the other turns to him. "So we could say that we need to tweak it a bit before being comfortable using it. It'll give us at least a little more time if anyone questions why we haven't said the machines ready yet."
Donatello nods to this and turns to Splinter lowering his hand to his side. "We'll see what we can do."
"Thank you." Splinter nods and he heads out of the lab with that. He is glad that Donnie agreed to at least try the idea. He just hopes that they do manage to pull something off, even though he has faith that if it is possible then they can get it done.
...
I am sitting in the living room with Leo snuggled into my side.
The two Mikeys are having a game competition to see who is better at the game.
I'm not fully paying attention to what they're doing. Preferring my attention to be turned towards Leo instead who looks so content. I don't want to move for the next while even that means we have to stay here in this world. I just want to bask in that look of his for at least a little longer. My attention is briefly brought to the two playing games when one cheers.
"I won the round!" Mikey cheers causing Michelangelo to grunt glancing away.
Michelangelo soon turns back to Mikey. "One more!" He challenges. "You're only one ahead of me! I can still catch up!"
"You're on!" Mikey challenges and the two go back to their game.
I smile softly shake my head then turn back to Leo.
Leo is looking at me letting our eyes meet to which we share a quiet churr. He nuzzles into my side happily making me smile more. He is way too cute.
We turn as Splinter comes in.
I slightly tighten my hold onto Leo to try to help keep him assured. I just want to make sure that he'll be okay. I turn to see what he's up to.
We know he's not like our worlds, though I know that we aren't fully used to it.
Splinter briefly checks on everyone in the living room before heading off. He doesn't show anything but care for all of us here. He disappears elsewhere in the lair.
I let my grip loosen and I focus back on Leo who had tended slightly.
Leo relaxes and gives me a look to assure me that he's okay.
A part of me can't wait until we can get back home to our world.
Just as Mikey manages to win against Michelangelo once more the lab door opens.
We all look to the direction of the lab seeing Donnie and Donatello exiting.
Donnie heads over to us while Donatello heads off, likely to grab the others.
"How are things going?" I inquire to Donnie who gives me a smile.
"We think that we may have gotten the machine set. Everyone needs to meet up in the lab." Donnie reports so we all get up and follow him to lab.
We wait until Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Splinter joins us in the lab in front of the machine.
Donatello heads to join Donnie in standing between us and the machine.
"So we think we might have been able to get this thing repaired. It should work." Donnie tells us glancing to the machine.
"And we can't forget the best part." Donatello picks up two devices that look like some sort of controller with a part sticking out.
I swear that the part sticking out looks like it could shoot some futuristic laser.
"These will make travel easier. They'll open smaller portals that require less power and energy. Thus are much easier to open up." Donatello tells us sounding proud of this. "This way we can travel between this world and yours. It's setting is simplified to only go between the two worlds."
"You mean they can come back?" Michelangelo sounds rather happy to hear this.
"It was Sensei's idea." Donatello admits so attention turns to Splinter.
"It is an option. We can help each other in many ways. From healing to any trouble that one world might need help with." Splinter explains offering us a smile. "Of course there is no pressure to ever use it. You four are always welcome here anytime. If you choose to come back."
"Thank you." Leo tells Splinter and I feel pride for him being able to do so.
"It's no problem at all." Splinter assures us and with that the time has come.
Donatello and Donnie start work on getting the machine up and running.
I stay close to Leo as we wait to see if this will work.
At first the machine seems to be starting up normally as if it loudly springs to life. A swirling portal begins to appear before starting to flicker.
Both Donnies try to fix the issue on the spot clearly hoping that the thing won't explode.
I quickly pull Leo and Mikey behind me ready just in case it does explode. I look to Donnie worried if the explosion does happen and it'd hurt him. My eyes are brought back to the machine as it starts to form a portal... Only for it to entirely shut down with the portal vanishing, along with all the lights as if the power has gone out. "What happened?" I question and notice the light as Donatello checks his phone.
"It seems to be a power outage on our side of the city." Donatello sighs softly at this. "We'll have to wait it out before we can do anything."
"And once the power comes back on we'll have to check the machine. Make sure that there wasn't any really bad damage. It could malfunction or even explode if we're not careful." Donnie adds while Donatello manages to turn on some standing lights.
It does feel nice to be able to see again, no matter if the light isn't as bright or far reaching as normal ones.
"These run on battery. I keep them charging to be ready at any point." Donatello explains to us. "We can move them around as needed."
"We should also get flashlights." Leonardo brings up before heading off elsewhere, using his phones screen light once out of the lights view. He disappears for a few moments before coming back now using a proper flashlight. He hands one out to each of us so it'll help outside of the lights reach.
I can't believe this is happening at a time like this. I can feel my frustration growing from this.
Leo must have noticed as he places a hand on my arm. "Come on. Let's head to the main area of the lair and wait this out." He suggests and I go along with him as he leads me away.
I stand by the back of the couch while Leo goes around to the other side. I shine my flashlight to see who else came out of the lab.
Leonardo and Raphael sneak off to the dojo, probably to do some training for fighting in the dark.
Both Mikey and Michelangelo head into the kitchen.
I am not sure what they'll do in there with no power, but I leave it. I turn to check on Leo only to notice Splinter coming up towards him. My mind flashing to our Splinter approaching Leo to get him away from us. My mind going to the times I saw him hurting Leo, or even when I'd see the damage he inflicted afterwards. I don't even think on my actions as I leap tackling a surprised Splinter to the ground.
Leo lets out a sound of surprise and hurried footsteps rush our way.
I pin Splinter down feeling confused as to why he isn't fighting or glaring at me. I know he should know that I know. I'm suddenly grabbed and I turn yanking myself from the grasp. My eyes land upon Leo... Only to spot another Leo hovering behind him. I blink as everything about why there's two come rushing back. I turn seeing Splinter looking thoughtfully at me. I quickly move off of him. I manage to mumble out an apology before dashing off into the sewer tunnels. I don't even grab my flashlight as I navigate in the dark.
Though a light follows and I have a feeling who it is.
I keep running for a bit until I finally slow to a stop. I turn as the one with the light catches up to me. I can see that I was right that it was Leo.
"Raphie? Are you okay?" Leo inquires looking worried for me.
I take a breath calming myself before I respond. "Yeah sorry. Had a flashback. That's all."
"You thought he was going to hurt me." Leo realizes and hugs me which I return. "They will understand. They understand what we've gone through."
I nod softly and nuzzle Leo's neck who lets out a small assuring sound.
We stay there for a little bit before pulling apart.
"How are you feeling?" Leo inquires to me watching me.
"I'm okay. Let's head back. I know I owe an explanation." I tell him and nod when he responds if I'm sure about this.
We walk back to the lair together holding hands. We don't say much and we reenter the lair where I can feel all eyes come to us; as well as a few flashlights. We go to where everyone is in the living room.
I move away from Leo stepping forward. I find Splinter and turn to him. "Sorry about that. The way you were coming up just made it all flash back through my mind. I acted on instincts briefly believing it was the way things were." I explain to him and he gets up. I watch him warily then he places a hand on my shoulder.
"It is alright. You were thrown into a flashback of things before." Splinter assures me causing me to blink at him. "You acted on your instincts to protect your family. Even though you didn't even think it through. I understand. Things like that may happen. Even with the fact that I share a likeness to him. So it is nothing to be ashamed of. I suspected that there was something going on so I did not fight you."
"Thank you." I am glad that he really does understand what had happened then. I understand him not fighting back, as even he clearly knew that doing so likely would have made things worse.
Later...
Donatello peeks into the living room. He found out that the power should hopefully return while they're sleeping; thus they're going to try again in the morning. He uses his dim light to scan the sleeping forms. He moves closer after confirming that they are all asleep. He crouches by Leo and Raph's bed. He shifts the blanket very carefully and grabs Raph's cell. He pulls it out and sneaks away quickly. He sits in his lab and looks to the phone. "This is just to quell my thoughts." He tells himself and opens the phone. He gets a feeling and checks the photos and videos. He briefly smiles softly at seeing cute pictures of Raph and Leo together. He spots a strange looking video so he clicks it. He watches as he gets the view of how the other Splinter had behaved. His eyes widen as he watches the abuse go on. He quickly clicks off of the video unable to watch anymore. He still sees it in his head though. He takes a breath as he feels a little sick from the shock of what he had seen. He knew that their Splinter was abusing Leo, yet that still didn't prepare him for what he had just seen. He feels like maybe it doesn't actually matter if they did kill their Splinter. He just saw the extent that it was at, and he understands why they may seek such measures.
Things were so bad, it's impressive that Raph didn't jump down to stop it. Instead getting the evidence that was probably needed to convince the others. Him having to hold back probably helped in him learning other ways to fight, other ways than aggression and brute strength.
Donatello glances to the messages wondering if they'd hold anything. He decides to not look into things further and makes sure to close the pictures app. He returns it to Raph managing to not wake him. He leaves only to notice that the front door is open a crack. He heads over opening it to glance outside. He spots a Mikey sitting not far off with a flashlight. He shines his light back to check finding that Mikey isn't sleeping now. He turns back and heads out going over to him.
Mikey turns to look to Donatello as the other joins him. "Why are you up?"
"Was going over some information for a theory of mine on something. I was about to head to bed when I noticed the door open. Why are you up?"
Mikey turns away looking to the ceiling of the sewer with a blink. "I woke up from a nightmare." He clarifies to Donatello who feels compassion to him for it.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Donatello offers to Mikey, who's eyes flicker to him before looking to the darkness of the sewer.
"I was back in the time before. We didn't know at that point. But I start to notice Raph acting a little different and more clingy to Leo. Until..." Mikey shudders before he continues on. "Until one day Leo is killed in the sewer. We found him as Splinter had asked us to come somewhere with him. Which lead us into that spot." He closes his eyes tightly as if remembering the sight of it. He takes a breath before opening his eyes halfway. "Raph was super upset even glaring at Splinter. Next thing I know it's just me, Donnie and Raph in the lair with Raph telling us about what was going on. That Splinter had killed Leo. Then I woke up." He lowers his head to stare at the ground.
Donatello can understand why such a dream might come up. He doesn't doubt that the video was shown as proof. So he knows that they were aware of how serious this was. "It must have been scary to see the worst case scenario where you didn't save him." He places a hand on Mikeys shell. "But in the end things worked out well."
Mikey nods his head and leans against Donatello who lets him do so. "Yeah. What's done is done. And I would never take it back. No matter what."
Donatello hums softly at this. "Shall we head back inside?"
Mikey nods softly and with a last embrace the two get up heading back inside. He heads back towards the beds. He pauses glancing to Donatello when he spots Donnie. He turns away and lays back down.
Donatello brushes it off for now, guessing Mikey must have thought he was the Donnie of his world. He can over analyze it later if it comes back into his mind.
...
Leo blinks his eyes open as he finds himself standing in a place that looks like the living room, yet the lights are on and no one else is here. He tenses as he hears familiar footsteps behind himself. He slowly turns and quickly drops his head at seeing a scowling Splinter; a look he's all too familiar with.
"You want to know something?" Splinter questions before swinging his cane knocking Leo onto his back. He hovers over him menacingly as Leo doesn't resist. "When I first saw you as a child I saw what you could become. All that you could do. But now?" His scowl worsens and slams the end of his cane on the ground next to Leo's head. "Now when I look at you all I see is the failures that follow you. You know you deserve this. You failed to become what I knew you could become. You're pathetic! You could have been the greatest ninja the world has ever known! You could have become even better than me! And yet you turned out to be the worst, even Mikey is better than you! Pathetic!" He raises his cane once more and Leo tenses closing his eyes knowing what's coming.
... But it doesn't happen...
A crash sounds as if someone had just gone flying into something, though Leo's too scared to open his eyes.
A hand gently rests on Leo's shoulder finally getting him to open his eyes. The figure is familiar yet shrouded in darkness looking more like a shadow. "Leo." Raphs soothing voice comes through and sounds distant.
Leo's vision fades to black then he awakens with a slight start. He sees Raph looking at him with a hand on his back. He slightly sits up with Raph who moves to let him do so.
"You okay? You just had a nightmare." Raph confirms and Leo does notice some lights on in the kitchen. "The others are in there for breakfast. They let us sleep in." He clarifies. "Oh and the power is back."
Leo nods softly to Raph. "Yeah. It was just a dream where he was alone in the living room with me." He knows he can talk to Raph and doesn't mind doing so. "He told me that I failed to become what I could have been. That I'm the worst ninja when I could have been even better than him. That it was pathetic." He is quickly embraced in a hug.
"Well he's wrong. You're the best out of all of us. You do such amazing things Leo. Some of which is stuff the rest of us can't do. You're also way better than He ever could be! He knew it and wanted you to doubt yourself. So you wouldn't defeat him. He was terrified of you defeating him and knocking him from his throne. Okay?"
Leo nods softly and nuzzles into the embrace that he's in. "Okay."
"Good." Raph lets out a small pleased rumble at this.
The two stay like that for a bit before pulling away.
"Come on. Let's get some breakfast. Today might be the day we'll get home. Though I have a feeling they'll want to check the machine before even trying." Raph suggests and the two get up heading off into the kitchen.
They're greeted happily by everyone who is there and it gives them smiles as well.