Hello Everyone! Hope you are doing well! I want to apologize for the wait on this story. I did finally manage to get this chapter done and I did update it on AO3. Life has just been a little hectic lately and my fics had to take a pause but I promised I would finish my stories and I am determined to do so so for all of you and myself. I love writing these fics and I don't want these stories to go unfinished. I personally have found so many good fics that never got finished and I don't want that to happen to all of you with so many people still willing to post comments on here and on AO3. So, by George! I will finish these stories! The time between updates might be a little long but just know these will be finished!

And to everyone who is still willing to stick with me and my stories and leaving comments and follows, I appreciate it so much, I really do. All of you have been so nice and sweet and it means the world to me. So, thank you.

Now! Onto the story!

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A quiet sigh escapes Mikey as he sits at the kitchen table, staring at the back of Casey's head as he does the dishes as he taps his pencil against his cheek, his sketchbook sitting in front of him, eraser marks and shavings littering the page. Honestly, Mikey just wants to go hide in the barn or up in the attic to safely draw without interruption, but his father and brothers were specifically clear that he is not to go anywhere without another person in the room with him.

Mikey swallows a sigh as he places his pencil down.

It's not that he minds spending time with his family, honest. And after the scare down in the basement, he doesn't blame them for being so clingy. It's been nice. Allowing him to see a side of his brothers that he hasn't really seen in such a long time. But, like, he can't even go the bathroom without one of his bros being RIGHT THERE. Like, c'mon! Let a turtle have his privacy!

It's like they think something is going to reach up through the toilet and grab me, Mikey thinks as he rests on his fist. His snout wrinkles at that thought and his stomach flip flops. How about we don't think about that? I'd rather keep my applesauce in my stomach.

Biting his bottom lip, Mikey slowly looks away, doing his best to not aggravate his stitches. If he wanted to, he could just slip out of this room and Casey wouldn't know until it was too late. But… should he? He scared his family so much this morning and…and he himself is still pretty shaken up by the whole thing. He could have sworn that he heard and saw his father in the basement but when Leo had recounted what happened for him, it didn't add up. Why would his chichi be in the basement in the first place? And why ask him to go back down while injured if that HAD been his father?

Mikey's snout wrinkles.

And what was with that scent of decay that he smelled after collapsing?

In all his horror movie marathons and comic books, whenever the scent of decay is brought up, that usually means a haunting which also means a demon of some sort is nearby.

The youngest shivers at that thought and curls into his sweatshirt. His eyes flicker to the doorway before returning to Casey's back.

But that's just silly! They've been up here quite a few times now and nothing like this has ever happened.

Mikey fiddles with his sleeve in thought, frowning.

If it is a demon, then, maybe when the fight broke out with the Shredder here, they accidentally unleashed something? Maybe there was something in the pond nearby that they disturbed that was laying dormant all this time and the negative energy that the Shredder brought up and the fighting caused whatever it is to awaken and attach to the first thing that holds a whole bunch of living energy, the house.

Ocean-blue eyes drift up to the ceiling. He wishes he could ask maybe Donnie or even Master Splinter but the two of them disappeared someplace with April after breakfast. And he can't ask Leo about it either because he dragged Raph on a run to get him away from the basement door. And like shell he would think about asking Raph. He would probably smack Mikey upside the head for even bringing it up in the first place.

Puffing his cheeks, Mikey gingerly reaches up and pokes at the gauze around his head. As he does so, his eyes drift back down to the blackette's back as he places another glass off to the side to dry.

He COULD ask Casey. This is his grandparents' farmhouse after all. He's bound to have heard something as a child. But how can he approach such a topic without getting the cold shoulder or told to not worry about it? Especially since he can tell that the older male still feels bad about having him go downstairs even though Mikey could have easily said 'no' and went and got Donnie instead.

An image of the broken mirror in the box above the washer comes to mind and Mikey pauses. Maybe he doesn't have to outright ask about any demon stories but maybe work his way toward them by just asking about some of the old stuff in the house in general? Get Casey talking about a whole bunch of stuff so that it would be a nice little nonchalant type thing to ask about ghost stories. Shell, he might not even have to ask, Casey might just bring it up himself with how the blackette loves to talk.

Mikey fights to not fidget in his seat too much as he formulates his plan in his head. After a beat, he brings his hands to rest on the table and starts playing with the cuff.

"Hey, Casey?"

Mikey's frown deepens when he sees Casey tense before relaxing with a tilt of his head to show that he was listening.

"Yeah, Squirt?"

Mikey wets his lips, hesitating for a moment before just deciding to completely commit.

"Did you have any relatives whose name had an 'R' in it?"

See? That wasn't too hard! And totally not related to demons or scary decaying Master Splinter look-a-likes.

Mikey keeps his face innocent when Casey stops what he's doing and fully turns toward him, a heavy frown gracing his lips. Icy blue eyes study the young turtle and Mikey fights to keep his innocent persona going.

"Um, yeah, I think I remember my gram or gramps mentioning someone with an R name, but I can't quite remember what it was." Casey scratches his cheek before making a face when he smears soapy suds all along his cheek. He uses his shoulder to clear it but keeps his gaze on Mikey. "Why do ya ask?"

Keeping an innocent look, Mikey shrugs and fiddles with his sleeve.

"Oh, was just curious, is all," Mikey states, trying not to squirm when Casey narrows his eyes. Mikey sighs. "All right, all right. When I was in the basement looking for the movies you mentioned, I found this box above the washer and dryer." Mikey shoots Casey an apologetic look. "I didn't mean to snoop! I was just looking for movies and happen to see this silver mirror. The mirror part was shattered but on the back were roses around this R. It was very pretty. Just thought if it did belong to one of your relatives then maybe Donnie could fix it for your mom or something." Mikey leaves it there, his stomach swooping as he recalls what he SAW in the shattered mirror part. That might be too much for his friend.

The blackette tenses when Mikey mentions being in the basement, and Casey can feel his blood run cold at the thought that whatever stole Splinter's robe could have attacked the youngest in the basement without any of them knowing. And all because he mentioned his pops movies being down there. Dat's strike two fer ya, Case-man. His eyes flicker from the bandage on his adopted little brother's head down to large, inquisitive ocean-blue eyes.

Casey sighs and rubs the back of his neck. Whoever thought it was a good idea to give Mikey those big blue eyes was an absolute menace to society. He just can't say 'No' to that face.

"Honestly? I don't really recall any specific name but dat don't mean Gram never said one. Ma might know more, and I could send her a text if yer really curious." The blackette tilts his head in thought. "Otherwise, I could ask April ta maybe check da records Ma is having her going through. But dat'll have ta wait fer when dey come back. Not sure where she disappeared ta with yer dad and Donnie."

Mikey nods slowly, wincing a little as the movement pulls at his bandages. He thinks over his options. On one hand, he's very curious on who owned that mirror and why it allowed him to see the not Master Splinter, but, on the other hand, he doesn't want to bother Mama Jones with this. What if she asks a bit more about why and learns that Mikey got attacked in the basement? She would be so upset, and Mikey doesn't want to upset any more people than he already has.

Making up his mind, Mikey offers Casey a smile.

"We can wait until April comes back with Father and Donnie. I'm sure your mom is busy and don't wanna bother her." Mikey shrugs as he slowly starts to stand. "Besides, it's not like it's something that needs to be done right away. I still haven't asked Donnie if he'd be able to fix it or not."

Alarmed, Casey hurries away from the sink, hands outstretched.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What da hell ya think yer doin', Mikey? Sit yer ass back down!"

Mikey whines and waves Casey's hands away as they try to grab his shoulders.

"Duuuuuude, stop! I'm fiiiiiine. All I'm doing is going to the bathroom!" Mikey pouts when Casey levels him with a disbelieving stare. "Sheesh. You and my bros are acting as though I'm made of glass. A turtle's gotta pee, Dude, and I don't need a BABYSITTER to just use the bathroom and then come back."

Casey shuffles from foot to foot, an uncertain look on his face.

"I know ya don't need a babysitter ta use da bathroom, Squirt," Casey states, running a hand through his hair as his nose scrunches. "But I promised Leo and Raph dat I wouldn't leave yer side until dey got back."

Mikey fights to not groan.

He knows his father and brothers said that he can't be alone, but this is getting ridiculous! He's a grown turtle! And he highly doubts the thing in the basement is going to attack him in the bathroom. They don't even know why the thing downstairs wants him, so like, honestly, it could just be a fluke and he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Probably trying to use him to get to his father or Leo.

Mikey's fingers drum on his sketchbook. He turns toward Casey.

"Dude, I'm gonna be like five steps from the kitchen, you won't even know I'm gone." Mikey winces as he tries to keep his tone from being too annoyed. It's not Casey's fault that he's stressed his family out. So, maybe a compromise is in order. "But…if it'd make you feel better…" Mikey's snout twitches. "You could, I don't know, walk me to the bathroom? Or something?"

Casey relaxes at the suggestion of walking Mikey to the bathroom. Mikey quickly lifts a finger.

"But only to the bathroom! I'm going in there by myself!" The orange-cladded turtle sniffs and turns up his snout. "I want to keep some of my dignity!"

Casey chuckles. "Dat's sayin' ya have any dignity at all, Mikey."

"Heeeeeey," Mikey whines playfully as the two slowly move to exit the kitchen, Mikey working to not limp as he puts pressure on his injured knee. "I have plenty of dignity! I am a very dignified turtle, thank you very much!"

The blackette snorts, shoulders relaxing even more at the light banter. This feels normal and seeing that sparkle back in the younger male's eyes definitely lifts Casey's spirit a bit. There was just something unnerving seeing an almost hollow and frightened look in those normally lively ocean-blue eyes.

"I think yer bros would beg ta differ, Short Stuff."

Mikey sticks his tongue out at Casey as they reach the bathroom.

"They just don't understand what dignified looks like is all! I bet if you spoke to Sensei, he would tell you that I have a lot of dignity."

Casey rolls his icy blue eyes, lips quirked up.

"Or he's really good at lying. Now get in da bathroom so dat I can finish da dishes before everyone comes back."

The nunchaku wielder snickers as he walks into the bathroom, closing the door as the thought of both Leo and April glaring at the blackette, disapproval heavy on their faces comes to the forefront of his mind. While he shouldn't find that so funny, he can't help it! Because he knows that they're going to cross their arms in sync, mouths drawn in a tight line, and there would be a sharpness in their eyes that could cut through steel!

Mikey snickers again as he flips on the light, only flinching a little at the change from dark to light. He pauses at the sink to look in the mirror, eyes instantly going to the gauze on his head before sliding back down to look into his eyes. His eyes drift to look behind him on habit, heart skipping a beat before calming down when all he sees is a wall with a horse picture hanging there. Mikey snorts.

"Pull it together, Mikester! It's just the bathroom, get over it."

Huffing, Mikey heads for the toilet, not willing to admit that his eyes are flickering around.

Casey sighs as he leans against the wall, crossing his arms as he waits. After a beat, his eyes slowly start drifting to his left and the next thing he knows, he's staring at the basement door. Casey quickly shakes his head, clearing his throat and looking away. His jaw works as he does his best to not glance at that door again. Really, there is no reason for him to be on edge at all. Nothing has happened since bringing Mikey back upstairs and nobody has gone near the basement at all.

Icy blue eyes flicker toward the unassuming wooden door.

And yet…

There is just something so unnerving about the fact that something unseen attacked someone he considers to be a little brother in a place that has done nothing but provide him and his new family comfort. He was practically raised here each summer and not once did he ever get the impression that there was something darker lurking here. Sure, he had moments of hating being in the basement, but what kid doesn't? It's dark and basements just give off creepy vibes. But as he got older, he never had a problem. He didn't even feel anything when he and Mikey went down to check the heater.

But Mikey had…

Casey winces and hunches a bit more into himself.

Thinking back, it was completely obvious that the young turtle had felt something bad before heading down with him, but Casey had brushed it off as Mikey just being unnerved by how dark it was.

It's no secret among them that Mikey is scared of the dark. At first, Casey had thought it kind of strange and a little ironic that a ninja, someone who almost exclusively used the shadows to travel and remain unseen, was scared of the dark. That is, until he saw Mikey in action. When with his brothers or someone else, Mikey appears just fine with the dark. He noticed the nervousness more when Mikey had to go in dark places by himself. He had brought it up to Raph once when the two of them were hanging out at his apartment. He had thought that Raph would laugh and sneer about the observation since Raph is the one who teases Mikey the most about his fear, but the hothead had surprised Casey. This serious look crossed his friend's face as he stared him down with intense golden eyes and even made him promise to never repeat what he was about to say because even Mikey doesn't completely remember this, and it was better that way.

It had weirded Casey out seeing his usually sarcastic friend so serious, so he agreed. What Raph said next, he had NOT been expecting.

Mikey is a sensitive.

At first, Casey had no idea what Raph had meant, thinking that he hothead meant that Mikey was sensitive, as in that he gets upset easily at teasing, but then again, that could have been because he was on his third beer, but he'd never admit that in front of Master Splinter. But when he finally understood what Raph meant, he called BS. People can't just TALK or SEE the dead! But the glare Raph sent his way was more than enough to shut the blackette up.

Apparently, when the four of them were about six, Master Splinter had needed to make a food run. While they had been learning ninjitsu for a few years now, they were still just kids and needed to be supervised. So, whenever Splinter made a food run, they would have to go with him. Normally, he would do these runs at night as there would be less of a chance of running into humans and they could use the cover of darkness to hide. They weren't allowed to make a sound and had to listen to everything Splinter said. If a street was too busy, Splinter would leave the four of them inside of the sewers next to the ladder and keep the manhole cover cracked so that he could still hear them if needed.

This was one of those times where Splinter had left them in the sewer because the street was too busy to have them safely up above but the dumpster in that alley always provided a generous amount of food for them that Splinter couldn't grow himself and would be packaged tightly. They were standing there, trying to be good, whispering to each other when Don had noticed Mikey acting weirdly. When asked about it, Mikey had pointed down the sewer saying that he could see a lady standing there watching them. But when the three of them looked? There wasn't anyone there. Leo told Mikey to knock it off as he was scaring Donnie and the three of them had gone back to what they had been doing. Only to have Splinter return and frantically ask where Mikey had gone. They hadn't even noticed that he was gone which had been scary. But what was even scarier was the fact that they had never been alone at that point. They were always told to keep the buddy system, to never go someplace without letting another know. They explained to Splinter that Mikey had said that he saw someone but that they hadn't seen anyone and told him not to play around like that. Even in the dim light, Raph remembered how terrified their father had been when they said that. He would never forget how their father just scooped them all up and sprinted down the sewers trying to find Mikey. Raph couldn't tell Casey how long they looked but they just couldn't find him anywhere.

Until he screamed.

Casey shivers and runs a hand down his face, breathing out slowly as he tries to not let his memory upset him.

Raph had said that the type of scream Mikey had released was one that none of them had ever heard before. It was horrifying and all Raph could think of was that Mikey was being dissected like they were warned that humans might try to do if they get caught. Raph wasn't sure what room they found Mikey in, all he knew was that it was pitch black to the point that he could barely see his own hand in front of his face, but they could hear Mikey sobbing and crying out for something to let him go and that he didn't want to leave them behind. Splinter had placed him, Leo, and Donnie down at the mouth of the room before rushing in, ready to attack anyone who dared to harm one of his children. Except, there wasn't anyone in the room with Mikey. Raph stated that he swore that he might have seen something darting around in the darkness, but it was hard to tell if that was just Splinter frantically looking for the crying Mikey or not. Raph couldn't recall if he ever heard Splinter throw a punch or attack anything within that room, but he did recall hearing his father humming a specific tune. And it was only when Splinter finally found Mikey and brought him back to the three of them did the humming stop and Mikey was barely conscious. There had been long scratches and bruises on both of Mikey's arms and legs as if someone had been trying to grab and drag him around. And weirdly, the darkness of the room seemed lighter the moment Splinter removed Mikey from it. When they asked what happened, who had taken Mikey, all they were told was that there were angry spirits that had wondered into that part of the sewer and were drawn toward their child-like energy and light. The three of them had been very confused about why Mikey had been the only one to notice these angry spirits but the only answer their father could come up with was that Mikey was a sensitive. He was more in tune with energy around him and the spirits knew that.

Casey had been silent the entire time Raph had told him about that story, learning that Mikey had been sick for four days after that incident and was plagued by nightmares for months afterward, but weirdly, Mikey had no memory of what happened. He claimed that the last thing he remembered was Splinter telling them to be good as he exited the sewers and then nothing. Leo, Donnie, and Raph vowed to never tell him because they didn't want to further traumatize their little brother anymore. And ever since then, Mikey had been terrified of the dark and to keep Mikey from figuring out that something was wrong, Raph teased him about it, Donnie would explain why the dark wasn't scary, and Leo would try to explain why they needed the shadows to survive.

And yet, Casey had completely forgotten about this when he had forced Mikey to go downstairs with him. He sighs again for what feels like the hundredth time today and Casey knows that it won't be the last time he does so today. But what can he do to help the others protect Mikey? Master Splinter, Raph, Leo, and Donnie have way more experience in fighting the supernatural than he does. He can't punch a ghost with his fists!

A frown tugs on Casey's lips as he glances back at the bathroom door when he hears Mikey move around.

And…And what if whatever is downstairs is an ancestor of his? His own family attacking another of his family. He'd be heartbroken if that was the case!

"Did you have any relatives whose name had an 'R' in it?"

Casey's eyes narrow as Mikey's question bounces around in his head. Mikey had said that he was merely curious, but Casey can't help but feel like there was more behind that question that Mikey was trying to hide.

His fingers drum on his arms in thought before Casey sighs.

"Oh, fuck it," he mutters, and he pulls his phone out. "I'm sure Ma knows mo—"

"Hey, Casey?"

The blackette's head snaps up when April's voice wafts down from the attic. Huh, so that's where she went. He straightens from the wall and takes a few steps forward to look over toward where the entrance to the attic is half expecting to see the redhead peering down at him. He cocks his head to the side when he doesn't see her but she's at the top of the stairs.

"Yeah, Babe? What's up?"

Casey glances at the bathroom door before glancing up when April responds.

"Would you mind coming up here for a second? I need help with some boxes."

"Uh," Casey starts, a conflicted look forming on his face as he shoots the closed door a look. "Uh, can it wait fer a second? I don't wanna leave—"

"Casey," April interrupts, "it'll take not even five minutes. Please?"

The blackette wrinkles his nose and shifts anxiously. He really doesn't want to leave Mikey alone but it's not often that April asks for his help willingly. He sighs.

"All right! I'll be right dere, Babe." He knocks on the bathroom door. "Mike? April needs my fer a second up in da attic, but I'll be right back. Could…Could ya stay in da bathroom till I'm done?"

"Sure, Case-man! Bathroom lockdown it is!"

A tiny smile forms on Casey's face as he shakes his head at the chirper response.

"I'll be fast, Squirt. Just stay dere."

Shooting the bathroom one last look, Casey jogs toward the attic and starts up the stairs. As he emerges into the spacious area, Casey glances around the dark space.

"Babe, I'm here. What ya need?"

Mikey tilts his head as he hears Casey hurry away before sighing and sitting on the closed toilet putting his chin in his hands. He wiggles his sock-covered toes, only wincing a little when the movement manages to irritate his swollen knee.

First, he needs a babysitter and now he's forced to stay in the bathroom because said babysitter is needed elsewhere.

"Man, this blows," Mikey mutters, pouting as he glances around the small bathroom. "Why couldn't I have been locked up with snacks or a bed? Maybe even some comic books."

Puffing up his cheeks, the orange-cladded turtle pulls out his phone and pulls up April's number. Fine. If he's going to be trapped in here, he's going to at least complain to the person who's responsible.

Mikey: Y did u steal C? I wanna leave the bathroom

He hits send and finally stands from the toilet to stare out the small window, just needing to move even if it's three steps to the window. His eyes land on the pond and the broken dock. There is a fresh coat of snow covering everything. It looks so pretty but Mikey remembers what Casey and Raphie said about how badly damaged the dock was. And looking a bit more closely, Mikey can see that there is a bit of a slant to the dock that doesn't look intential.

"Hopefully the dock doesn't collapse from the snow," Mikey states aloud, pressing his snout more onto the cold glass, his breath fogging up his view. "Maybe we can make a fence around it so that nobody walks on it until it can be fixed in the spring."

VRR. VRR. VRR.

Mikey jumps when his phone vibrates in his hand, and he smirks when he sees April's name appear. Time to see April apologize for trapping him in the bathroom! He's a growing turtle after all! He needs his space to walk around. He opens the message and his smirk instantly vanishes.

April: Steal Casey? What are you talking about Mikey? I'm in the barn with MS and Donnie right now

Mikey straightens from where he's leaning against the window as he stares down at April's words, heart starting to pound as he tries to remain calm. She's in the barn? But Casey said that she needed help in the attic. He glances back down when he feels his phone vibrates again.

April: Mikey sweetie is everything ok? Casey is supposed to be with you right now is he not there?

Panic starts to set in as the wheels in Mikey's head start turning. April's in the barn but Casey said she needed help up in the attic.

Mikey bites his lip as he quickly types up his response.

Mikey: So u DIDN'T ask for C help in the attic?

The young turtle shifts from leg to leg as he waits for April's response, shooting frantic looks over his shoulder as he ignores how his knee seems to throb in time with his quickened heartbeat. He promised Casey he would stay in the bathroom but what if that thing from downstairs is trying to attack the blackette? Trying to hurt Casey because it wasn't able to while he was downstairs with Master Splinter? His bottom lip burns from how hard he bites it, and he yelps when he bites down too hard when the vibrations from his phone startle him.

April: No…

Mikey's stomach drops to the floor and he's already turning toward the door when his phone vibrates again.

April: Mikey what's going on?

With shaking hands, Mikey types back.

Mikey: Casey said u needed help in the attic and to stay in the br

Hitting send, Mikey shoves his phone back into his pocket. Taking a moment to breathe, Mikey grasps the doorknob to the bathroom and twists it, yanking the door open. He reaches pass his waistband of the sweatpants that Donnie forced him into and pulls out his nunchakus. He sends a silent apology to April as he feels his pocket vibrating and then again in rapid succession meaning that the redheaded genius is attempting to call him. Cautiously, Mikey limps out into the main house, glancing around the empty living room. His eyes instantly land on the closed basement door and his eyes narrow when he thinks that he sees movement in the crack where the door and the floor meet. He stares at it for a beat longer but when nothing happens Mikey finally tears his eyes away. The orange-cladded turtle glances toward the front door. He spots the door leading up to the attic sitting open.

Mikey gulps.

It's going to be fine. He doesn't hear any screaming or yelling or muffled thumps so maybe Casey is still okay?

Wetting his lips, Mikey shifts to press his shoulder up against the wall and starts to creep toward the open door. He pauses when he thinks that he hears the floor creak in the living room, flashes of last night when he was first dealing with the thermostat coming to mind. The seafoam green turtle bites the inside of his cheek to force himself to not dwell on that memory, to continue forward. He needs to make sure Casey is okay.

Mikey stops right beside the closet door, the open door acting like a barrier for him from seeing inside the closet. Heart hammering, Mikey peeks through the crack between the wall and the door. He spots the stairs leading up to the attic and he follows them up with his eyes into the attic.

Mikey furrows his eye ridges.

The attic is dark, as if Casey didn't turn a light on when he got up there. Which…is a little weird. Mikey presses his shoulder more into the wall as he strains his ears to listen for any sign of movement upstairs. He cocks his head when he thinks that he hears walking. Mikey contemplates calling out to Casey but what if it wasn't Casey up there? Or if Casey wasn't alone? He doesn't want to put his friend/brother in danger!

Swallowing thickly, Mikey creeps out from behind the door and slowly makes his way into the closet. He hesitates for a moment, bending down to grab a random shoe and putting it in the doorway. Just in case. He's seen too many horror movies to just walk into a room without making sure the door can't just slam shut behind him! No way, no how!

Once the shoe is in place, Mikey straightens, having to swallow a wince as he applies too much pressure to his knee and the change of elevation making his head throb. Shaking it off, ocean-blue eyes stare up into the attic, terrified but determined.

C'mon, Mikester. You can do this.

Breathing out quietly, Mikey steels himself as he begins to ascend the stairs. He does his best to make sure the wood doesn't creak, putting all of his stealth training to the test as he enters the attic. Eyes flicker to and fro as Mikey takes in the spacious area, the furniture covered with white, dusty fabric looking like every attic scene in horror movies. Mikey clutches his nunchakus close to his chest as he forces himself to continue forward.

Creak.

Mikey presses a hand to his mouth to physically stop himself from 'eeping' aloud as he presses closer to a covered dresser. His heart leaps up into his throat as his eyes swiftly move around, frantically trying to find the source of the noise. A familiar grumbling catches Mikey's attention and he nearly sags in relief.

Casey.

He quickly moves out from behind the dresser and sighs out in relief as he spots Casey standing near some filing cabinets, scratching his head.

"Casey."

The blackette jumps with a curse and spins around swiftly with a wild look in his eyes that nearly makes Mikey laugh. Casey presses a hand to his chest as he spots Mikey.

"Mikey! Are ya TRYIN' ta give me a heart attack?" Casey snaps, running a hand through his hair. Mikey snickers at him, silently counting to five in his head before a lightbulb suddenly goes off above the blackette's head. "Hang on! What are ya doin' up here? Didn't I tell ya ta stay in da bathroom until I came back down?"

Mikey nods, sobering a little. "You did but, um, I texted April while waiting for you."

Casey snorts, placing his hands on his hips.

"Oh? And did she tell ya where she went? 'Cause I've looked everywhere up here and she's not here!" Casey states, looking over his shoulder. "And if she is, just know dat I'm eating all da chocolate ice cream in da freezer!"

Mikey blinks. "Wait, we have ice cream?" The younger male quickly shakes his head. No! This is no time to get distracted! Mikey clears his throat making the taller male look at him. "Scratch that, we can discuss ice cream later, Dude. Right now, I think we need to get out of here." Mikey's fingers flex around his nunchakus. "April said that she's out in the barn with Dad and Donnie right now." Wide ocean-blue meets surprised icy blue as Mikey lowers his voice. "I don't think it was April who called you up here, Dude."

There is a tense moment of confusion before Casey's eyes widen at what Mikey was implying. A soft curse escapes the blackette as he nods in understanding.

"Den fuck it, let's go back down ta da kitchen," Casey states, trying to sound as casual as he can as he hurries over to the injured turtle. "And I'll show ya where Ape is hiding the ice cre—"

BANG!

Casey and Mikey jump and whip around to look at where the noise came from, eyes as large as saucers as they cough as dust falls from the ceiling as the house shakes from whatever just slammed shut. A horrified look forms on Mikey's face as he thinks about the shoe that he placed in the doorway of the closet. Had it not worked?!

Before he can fret more about it, Mikey's world suddenly tilts as he's scooped up into a set of familiar arms.

"Ca-Casey!" Mikey squeaks out as the blackette starts sprinting for the stairs.

"Like fuckin' hell am I allowin' whatever is in dis house ta hurt ya again," Casey snaps as he weaves around furniture. "Can't believe I was stu—"

A dresser suddenly slides out of nowhere and slams into Casey's side causing the two hit the floor. A pained gasp leaves Mikey as a pained yell leaves Casey as they roll. Trembling, Mikey curls into himself as pain shoots up his leg and through his skull before forcing himself to lift his head toward where he can hear Casey cursing. Panic shoots through the young turtle as he spots his friend.

"Casey! Move!"

Casey lifts his head as Mikey cries out for him to move and he blurrily looks up at where his adopted little brother is reaching out for him, struggling to sit up.

"Wha-?"

The question dies on his lips when a shadow falls over the blackette and he glances up just as a large piece of furniture falls toward him.

"CASEY!"