We stood before Merrill's mansion which was consumed by darkness, giving it an eerie atmosphere, especially at night. My knees quaked at the sight of the structure. I heard teeth chattering. I turned to see Mikey shaking in his shell. I closed his jaw to stop the sound. "You know... does Merrill really needs saving?" Mikey asked, "Maybe he's just cranky and needs a nap. Let's come back in the morning where he's as bright as a daisy." Mikey turned around only for Raph to grab his head and faced him at the mansion.
"Nope. Sorry, little brother. We've come this far. We ain't going back without Goth Boy", our big brother told him. Mikey groaned.
"Besides, if you went home now, you'll be telling Dad that we snuck out and how Donnie drugged him with sleep medication."
"Question. How are we getting inside?" April asked.
"Simple", Alex went to a small patch of bushes and grabbed a small, smooth oval rock. "Merrill keeps a secret key in case he forgets his. Not many people know about it." We walked up to the front door. Alex inserted the key into the slot.
As soon as Alex opened the doors, a wave of nausea and dizziness rushed through my body. I would've fallen if Lydia and Katie weren't there to hold me up. "Oh my God, Leo! Are you okay?" I weakly nodded. "Yeah... I... I'm good." I tried steadying myself. That wave was unexpected. I walked to the entrance despite the overwhelming sickness. Inside, everything was in complete darkness. No light in sight. We entered the mansion. The doors slammed shut leaving us in darkness. A girlish scream echoed in the dark.
"Lyds... please tell me it's you I'm holding in my arms", Katie said behind me.
"Oh. You have very strong arms, Katie", Mikey said I assumed jumping into the punk girl's arms. A thud came after. I imagined Katie dropped him.
"This is darker than dark", Lydia remarked, "it's like walking with your eyes closed." she bumped into someone.
"Hey, watch where you're walking!" April yelled.
"Sorry, April."
"Are we going to have a problem, O'Neil?" I could hear the threat emitting in Katie's voice. "Cuz trust and believe I will bitchslap you to New Jersey."
"Guys! We don't need this!" I told them. "We need to get to Merrill before he gets worse."
"Alright, calm your shells everyone", Donnie said, "I can easily use my night vision setting on my goggles." Unfortunately, a candle was lit. Then, another. Two became ten. Ten times more. We were surrounded by floating candles. "Or... let the candles mysteriously light up to provide sight."
"Master was expecting us!" Mrs. Cuddles giggled, maniacally, "How bold and daring of him!"
Expecting us or expecting me? I felt uneasy for a moment.
"Does anyone feel like we just entered a boss level? No, just me? Great", Katie remarked.
Mikey was already next to the doorway. "Which I vote for leaving ASAP! All in favor!" Donnie grabbed him with one of his robotic hands. Little brother groaned.
Raph stepped forward. "Alright, Mad Dogs!"
"Los Tortuga Locas!" We all cried.
"Whatever! We need to get to Merrill and smash him back to reality!"
"As much as I want to see a huge mutant turtle punching the Sexy Lucifer, I get the feeling Merry Bear will be doing more of the smashing than us. No sexual pun intended", Alex pointed out. "Our one defense against Merrill is Leany Beanie." Everyone looked at me.
"What?" I asked as their stares didn't ease my uneasiness.
"Of course... Nardo could be the key to getting Merrill out of his state", my twin thought out loud.
"Are you saying Leonardo needs to kiss Merrill?" Lydia asked with a tilted head. I felt my face burning.
"Possibly. Or talk some sense into him. But most definitely kiss Goth Boy."
"Guys! It probably won't be that easy!" I told them, "It's not like we're in a fairy tale or something."
Mikey's eyes sparkled. "This could be Beauty and the Beast! Leo's Beauty and Merrill's the misunderstood Beast; he becomes a handsome prince with true love's kiss! Pucker up, Lover Shell! Your Emo Prince needs saving!"
I sighed. We're not getting anywhere with us just standing here talking.
"Hello!" Raph interrupted, "Mission here! Dark mansion! Goth Boy being Dark Psycho! Ring any bells?"
"As much as I hate to say this, but we got to split up", Lydia suggested. We all looked at her. "There's eight of us here. Alex,, Katie, and Leo know the layouts of Merrill's home. We go in pairs and search for a floor. If we find anything, we'll call for the team to rendezvous at the location. One weapon wielder with a civilian. It should be simple."
Katie whistled. "I love it when you take charge, Lyds." Lydia blushed at the compliment.
It should be simple as Lydia said.
...sadly, simple isn't always easy as it says.
I felt something grabbing my legs. I looked down to see a black goop encasing my legs. The goop enlarged and the goop turned into figures. Their arms were tugging me in. My brothers tried to get to me, but they were preoccupied with the sudden shadows appearing out of nowhere.
I was dragged through the shadows and landed on something soft. I pulled myself up where I noticed I was in Merrill's bedroom on his bed. Just like the entrance, the bedroom was lit with many candles. I would've thought of it as romantic if I wasn't feeling the unsettling ominous feel of being watched. The shadows shifted and grew. The shadows dispersed revealing a familiar figure: Merrill. Some shadows remained on his body. He seemed to be taller. His hair was longer with sharp canine ears on top. His lower half was covered by a long black robe. His eyes weren't their usual blue, but red. He came closer as he lifted an arm. Merrill's arm was elongated with added dark fur and claws.
I pushed back, seeing those sharp claws closing in. I closed my eyes. Instead of feeling sliced or cut, I felt softness on my cheek. My face was gently pulled up to see Merrill's smile. I wanted to melt, but I felt no warmth.
"You here, my Light. We can be together", he said. Light? That's a new one.
"Um... yeah!" I spouted with a showman smile, "Just wanted to see how you're doing. Love what you did to the place. Love the look, too! Very... edgy."
Merrill rubbed my cheek. Then, he stood. "I knew you would come. They told me if I was patient they would come. They were right. They were right all along." They? Who are they? "The shadows... darkness was here long before the light was born." the light? Right...
I jumped off the bed. "OK! I'm here so how about you drop the whole Dark Kingdom and go back to being Goth Boy that I knew and loved, k?"
As fast as I blinked, Merrill appeared before me towering his tall body over my small height. I jumped at the sudden appearance. I was frozen in place. "And why would I do that?" one arm wrapped around my waist and another held my hand up. A music box started to play an ominous tune. We twirled around the spacious bedroom. "I've never felt this free in my life. The darkness opened my eyes to the truth. I was tired of being a puppet; an obedient slave. With this power, I don't have to listen to anyone. My word can be law. I can be a king. The Shadow King.
"Aren't you tired of everyone telling you what to do? Tired of people telling getting in your way to greatness? Tired of everyone getting in our way? Tired of being misunderstood? Don't you want to get away from it all?
"Leonardo... we can finally be together... for eternity... let the dark aid you... we can finally be happy... don't you want that? We could rule New York together... rule by my side, my beautiful light..."
We swayed to the music. Nothing mattered but us focusing on the dance. His words... I could barely make out what he was saying... something about getting away? I don't know but it sounded nice. Did he say he wanted us to be together? I've been waiting for that for a long time.
...I'm his Light...
...I belong to my Shadow King...
Merrill twirled and dipped me. My mind was murky. I barely made out Merrill's form leaning in. His hand cupped my cheek. His eyes were hungry. My body felt heavy and lightweight at the same time. My eyelids were getting heavier.
WAKE UP, YOU IDIOT!
I felt a surge of energy as I shoved Merrill off huffing. My heart was beating at a hummingbird pace. Merrill was shocked before his expression shifted to stoic. "What's wrong, my Light?"
"Shut up!" I yelled, "This isn't right! You never called me your Light. You are way too calm and you're letting the darkness or shadows tell you what's right or wrong! The Merrill I know doesn't give two shits of a flying fuck about what people think! The Merrill I know always comes back with either a comeback or a backup plan! The Merrill I know..." I found myself clenching my fists. "...loves the piano... makes these stupid dirty jokes... gets a nosebleed whenever I wear female clothing... is such an anime nerd... My Merrill... he's the best thing I've ever had... and that's who I fell in love with... not the FUCKING Shadow King!" I pulled out my sword. "So, I'm sorry in advance if I happen to beat the hotness out of your body along with you alter ego!" I dashed toward him. Merrill didn't flinch, instead, he flicked his wrist, and my wrists and body were caught in shadow tentacles.
"Such a shame..." he said, holding my chin as I struggled while dropping my sword. My arms were pulled forward while the shadows grew to encase my body including my lower face. "I was hoping your desire to be with me would overrule your righteousness. I underestimated your vitality. I think I know how to fix it... your family is in the way..." my eyes widened. He's not thinking of what I think he's thinking, right? "I need to dispose of the pests." I shook my head trying to say my input but all it came out was muffled. "Yes... your family is the wall that separates us... they need to be gone..." I tried telling him that he was wrong even telepathically saying it, but again, it was ignored. "Don't cry, my Light... a few insects to squash and we can be together. I need you... you keep me grounded... you keep me sane... you belong to me only..." he kissed my forehead and turned. More shadows grabbed me, pulling me to the floor.
I yelled and cried calling for Merrill. He continued to ignore me as he molded with the shadows. I struggled and pulled. It was like being wrapped in an elastic rubber suit. I couldn't break free. Merrill wasn't in the right mindset. He wouldn't kill his friends, right? I started to panic. If he wasn't in full psycho mode when hurting Mrs. Cuddles, my God! Merrill will do it! I must... I gotta... I couldn't break free. I slumped. It was impossible.
I lost my friends. My brothers. It's hopeless.
...this is my reincarnation...
I blinked. I looked around the candlelit room. I was alone. Who was that?
I see I have my work cut out.
Who are you?
Now is not the time for introductions! You need to save your idiot before he hunts his allies.
Right! Great plan! I'm sort of tied up here, Mysterious Lady Voice! What am I supposed to do? Wave a magic wand?
For starters... you need to calm yourself. A calm soul strengthens the sharp mind.
I breathed in. And breathed out. Inhale. Exhale. Suddenly, my bindings evaporated, and I was freed! I was surrounded by small light orbs. One speck floated down. I caught it with my hand. Wow. Was that me?
A scream echoed, breaking my admiration. It sounded like Mikey!
"MIKEY!" I grabbed my sword and summoned a portal. I stepped through.
I was at the lower level in the gym. I spotted Raph and April unconscious in one corner with Alex tending to them. Mikey was held by the throat by Merrill in his dark werewolf form. Katie and Lydia tried to fend off the shadow wolves coming their way. Donnie was trying to get to Mikey, yet the wolves kept advancing toward the wounded group.
"Merrill! Stop!" I stood in front of the angry predator. My sword raised. Merrill snarled, tossing my little brother aside. I gulped. He looked more menacing than ever.
"YOU ESCAPE! DOES YOUR FAMILY MEAN MORE TO YOU THAN ME?! AM I WORTH YOUR ATTENTION!"
I gritted my teeth. "I care about you, too, dumbass! Right now, you're not thinking straight!"
Merrill growled. "WOLVES! KILL THEM ALL! LET MY LIGHT WATCH THEIR BLOOD PAINT THESE WALLS!"
"NO!" I yelled. My sword glowed as I unleashed a blue crescent slice on the wolf pack. They evaporated.
He wasn't too happy. "FINE! I WILL DISPOSE OF THEM MYSELF!" I jumped onto Merrill hugging him around his torso.
I tightly held him with my dear life. Merrill continued to growl and snarl. Everyone yelled for me to get away. I couldn't. I was afraid if I let go Merrill would do something worse other than pounce on my friends and brothers. I felt his long claws digging into my arms. I yelped in pain, but I remained vigilant. There's got to be a way to get him back.
...use your light...
My light? How?
...your love needs to sense your light...
I looked up at Merrill. His bright red eyes stared at me with snarling teeth. Deep down, I understood what the voice meant. I tiptoed up to his height and planted a light kiss on his snout. I felt him pause. I stayed like that with closed eyes. I didn't know how long I kissed him, but I felt his claws shorten. His form shifted underneath my grip. I dared myself to look and break the kiss. My eyes widened on seeing my best friend standing there shirtless and in his bowers.
Merrill blinked his eyes. He looked around before looking at me. "...Leo...?"
My eyes watered and my jaw quivered. He's back! "Merrill!" I cried. I lunged, burying my face in his bare chest. He patted my shell.
"...did I... go somewhere...?"
"It's been one helluva tale, Merry Bear", Alex commented.
"...right... can you tell me... after my nap?" I blinked. What? Before I knew it. I felt his body leaning on me. His weight was too heavy to carry, and we fell together. His heavy-toned body was crushing my lithe frame. What's worse is how his face... his lips... his breath were near my neck. My face was burning up again.
I gulped. "Can someone get him off me?"