Hello again! I'm trying very hard to keep up with this. It's been such a long time since I've had a fanfiction that I really wanted to work on. I do have other stories that I've been working on, originals (one called The Phantom Crystal on and the other, Protecting the Aster, over on ), alongside working full-time, so if there is any time that I don't update that will be why. But I promise not to take 10 years to update anything like I did with my last story XD.
Also, if any of you want, I wouldn't mind a review or two, just something letting me know that people are enjoying what I'm writing or have any critics (constructive, of course, X-)). I would deeply appreciate it.
P.S.: I own nothing except the storyline. If I did own the turtles, I wouldn't have to worry about student loans ever again T.T but, alas, I do not, so I must entertain myself by just writing fanfiction XD.
P.P.S: Anyone else missing the old format of where the Ads WEREN'T positioned in the middle of the story but along the side, top, and bottom? Just me? Okay.
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Shell, what did that weirdo do to my ribs? I huff out as I curl into myself on my bed.
Casey and I returned home hours ago, luckily, without any issues or any more strange monsters chasing us. Since then, Donnie showed us a rubics cube that he found while in the junkyard.
My lips quirk as I remember all the issues that my brothers were having trying to solve that little puzzle.
Ha. Even Brainiac Donnie couldn't figure it out. I gingerly roll onto my back, snickering to myself. Heh, never underestimate the intelligence of the Mikester. Smiling, I absentmindedly rub at my chest, thoughts drifting back to the events from earlier tonight.
Ever since coming home, the warmth I've been feeling since absorbing that orb has died down. It hasn't fully vanished, but the orb no longer pulses intensely when I touch my plastron. I wrinkle my snout.
Casey and I agreed that it would be best NOT to mention anything to anyone just yet. I worry my bottom lip anxiously. My only concern about keeping this all a secret is what the Foot are going to do the next time we see them. I mean, Casey and I didn't ACTUALLY fight the Foot soldiers, they were the ones who tried attacking us! So, if anything, the Foot broke the truce, not us.
My stomach flips and I press my hands to my head as I drag in deep, calming breaths. But of course, Leo and my brothers won't see it that way. They'll just see it as it being my fault even though it wasn't! Casey wanted to go down the alleyway, not me! I just wanted to grab food and go topside WITHOUT causing a fight for once.
And of COURSE, that didn't happen. I scowl/pout. Turtle Luck true to form. But I don't see that changing anytime soon.
Rolling my eyes, I fiddle with my mask as it hangs around my neck. Memories of golden eyes flash through my mind and a phantom roar rings in my ears. I shudder before pushing myself up in bed. I glance over at my clock and wince.
02:56 am.
Well, as Raphie would say, ain't this just peachy? A huff of air rushes past my lips as I stand, holding back a wince as my ribs protest and my back and shell ache. I really hope that I'm right about my ribs only bruised and nothing else. Donnie will KILL me if I somehow cracked a rib or two and didn't come to him right away.
"Maybe some pain killers will do me some good." I gently rub my plastron. "I mean, nothing beats a stomach full of pizza, but a little extra help never hurt."
Grinning, I cautiously exit my room, glance around the darkened lair. The only light is the emit from the emergency lights that Donnie installed years ago. Which has been useful all those times that New York lost power with the backup generators keeping the lights on. It doesn't help us with getting TV or keeping the fridge running but, hey, I'll take light over anything else any day. Just because I'm a ninja doesn't mean I enjoy being trapped in darkness.
I know that being a ninja, darkness is supposed to be my friend and, usually, if my brothers are with me, it is. But when I'm alone? My imagination always seems to run wild and NO it's not because of all the movies I watch or the comics I read!
…
Okay, so maybe it has a little bit to do with those movies I watch and my comic books, but I know that even without those, I would have this issue. I've always been afraid of the dark, even back when we were younger, long before Sensei found us a place with electricity for a TV and long before I could read. I don't remember exactly what scared me, only that I always had to sleep with one of my brothers or Sensei.
My nose scrunches as I deem it safe and leap down from the second floor. I internally wince as the landing jars my ribs but otherwise, nothing else feels out of place. They have to just be bruised.
Maybe Sensei has some tea that helps with bruising, I think, lips twitching as I enter the kitchen. He has tea for everything. I giggle to myself. And I really don't want to try dry swallowing pills, that's always the worst. Sticking my tongue out, I shake my head and put the kettle on the stove, and start for the bathroom. While there is a medkit in the kitchen, I prefer to leave that for when my brothers try to attempt to make their own food.
I shudder.
While my brothers are great at almost everything they do, there is one thing they can't seem to do, even Leo. And that's master the kitchen. Donnie has no issues with making coffee or cereal, Raph is a wiz when it comes to making a mean sandwich, and Leo can only make himself tea or ramen. Sensei is the only one I trust in MY kitchen. Donnie's somehow managed to set water on fire while Leo nearly blew up the microwave. He, out of anyone, should know that metal doesn't go into the microwave! And honestly? That's more of a mistake that I would expect RAPH to make, not our Fearless Leader. The worst that Raph seems to do is burn our toast and ruin the popcorn each time he makes it. And have you ever tried getting the smell of burnt popcorn out of an underground lair? It takes AGES.
"Ah HA!" I grin in triumph when my fingers wrap around the small white plastic bottle. Acetaminophen. Perfect.
Popping the lid off, I pour out two pills, one half red, and the other half white. I never enjoy taking pills but I learned very quickly after being Cowabunga Carl just what a wonder painkillers can be. They may not cover bruises but they can sure help you sleep when some little tykes decide that your tail is the perfect place to aim for, even if it's trying to hide inside one's shell. Which, let me tell you, HURTS, like, A LOT. Donnie's been trying to create some hidden guard for me but now that I don't do birthday parties anymore, I have no idea if he's still working on it anymore. Maybe when we start doing more regular runs outside Donnie will make us each one. I mean, it would be quite useful and…
WHOOO!
Jumping, I sprint for the kitchen, not realizing just how long I have been in the bathroom.
Shoot! I hope nobody heard that! I think as I shoot a frantic look toward my family's bedrooms. Raphie's chainsaw snoring emits from his room and I'm pretty sure Donnie is asleep in his lab. I shoot my brainiac brother's favorite place a look. The main door is shut. Usually, it's open when he's in bed since Klunk sleeps with me at night so Donnie doesn't have to worry about my little baby messing with his toys.
I glance toward Sensei's room, but his sliding doors remains shut. Considering that he raised us, I'm pretty sure it'll take more than a kettle whistle to wake Chichi up. Leo, on the other hand…
"Late night tea, Mikey?"
I wince as Leo turns off the stove for me, two mugs already down and waiting. My blue-cladded brother pours the hot liquid into the mugs. I smile sheepishly as I slide up next to Leo, hiding the pills in my palm, hoping that they won't turn into slime from how clammy my hands are becoming.
"I mean, at least it's not late-night pizza, my dude," I state, taking the offered mug from my brother as he leads us over to the table. Leo gestures for me to sit as he stirs his own tea. He lifts an eyebrow ridge at me.
"That seems a little more 'Mikey' if you ask me."
My lips quirk. Well, I can't be in too much trouble if Leo's cracking jokes with me. I pour a few spoonfuls of sugar into my tea and a small amount of milk. I grimace as Leo takes a drink of his tea, without anything in it. He has to be some sort of super-turtle to be able to drink tea straight. That's just… Nasty.
Heat rises to my cheeks when I realize that Leo is glancing at me from the corner of his eyes, the tails of his mask lying lazily on his shoulders. And that's when I remember that I don't actually have my mask on. Feeling oddly bare and self-conscious, I resume stirring my tea and clear my throat.
"I just wasn't exactly hungry, just a little thirsty."
Leo hums, sipping his tea.
"And it has nothing to do with the pills in your hand?"
My mouth falls open as I stare wide-eyed at my big brother. How on Earth does he know that I have pills in my hand?!
Leo chuckles.
"Because I saw you in the bathroom grabbing them."
I knew that he can read minds!
"I can't read minds, Mikey," Leo states as I continue gawking at him. He leans over and pokes my cheek. "Your expression is all I need to see to know what you're thinking, little brother."
I pout and pop the pills into my mouth.
"I'm not that predictable," I mutter before taking a large gulp of tea and forcing myself to swallow the pills. A warm hand lands on my head as I gasp after the burning liquid slides down my throat. I peek up at Leo as he smiles softly at me.
"No, you're not, but I think living with you for 19 years gives me a chance to understand all those little 'Mikey-expressions' you've got going on."
My lips twitch, unsure whether they should be pouting or smiling.
"I guess you've got me there, dude. But really, it's nothin' to worry about. Merely had a little ache in the noggin', ya know? Raphie-boy sure knows how to leave a reminder." I full-on grin at Leo as I lift my tea to my lips. Ah. Just right.
"Raph's hit left you with a headache?"
I tense with my mug halfway down to the table. Oops. I guess I did make it sound like that, didn't I? I quickly wave Leo off as he studies me.
"It's nothin'. Honest, Leo. Every once in a while, Raphie just gets a good hit in. Especially when I get him all riled up like I did earlier." My smile turns cheeky. "And, c'mon, bro, I've totally had worst hits than a little smack to the ol' noggin'. I bet there isn't even a bump there."
My smile wavers a little when Leo narrows his eyes at me. Nerves dance in my stomach as he suddenly leans forward, cupping either side of my head.
"L-Leo? What are you doing?"
"I want to make sure that Raph didn't leave a mark. Now, lean your head forward."
My heart sinks to my stomach as I allow Leo to guide my head forward. This isn't what I wanted to happen with my excuse! Raph would never intentionally leave a mark on me and these last few months he's even dialed back the head smacks. Which I know has something to do with a talk that he and Donnie had after one of our training sessions went south and I ended up unconscious.
*Flashback*
"C'mon, Raphie-boy," I taunt as I bounce from foot to foot. "Are you really giving it all ya got? 'Cause I think you're holdin' back, my bro."
I twirl my left nunchuck as Raph rubs his head, glaring at me from where I just flipped him onto the floor. Honestly, you'd think he'd know better by now than to just run at me like that. We've trained together for nearly 19 years now and he STILL thinks that move will help him in a spar against me?
I shake my head.
Tsk, tsk, Raphael, when will you learn?
Giggling, I watch as Raph slowly raises to his feet, sais clutched tightly in his hands. He's breathing heavily but still hasn't said a word. My smile slips a little as a growing sense of wrong tingles in my chest.
Uh oh, I think as I force my smile to remain on my face as I listen to Donnie and Leo sparring behind me. I've made Raph angry. I don't remember the last time I've seen him so angry at me that he doesn't respond to my taunts. Okay, Mikester, just play it cool and maybe Raph will come around.
Lifting my right hand, I motion for Raph to come to me.
"All right, Wise-Guy," I say, mimicking an old 1930s gangster. "Let's see what else you've got."
Instead of answering, Raph merely turns around, his bright amber eyes blazing as he squares up again. I can't help but gulp a little at the angry energy radiating from my older brother. Maybe I shouldn't be pushing his buttons right now. He DID seem pretty cranky last night when he came home from his patrol through the city. Even with Leo home now he hasn't given up going out as the Nightwatcher. Something about needing to keep up appearances. I wasn't really listening considering that it wasn't really him telling us more of him yelling at Leo about why he needed to go out. It's certainly been a while since the two have last argued to such a scale but we've all seen how restless Raph gets if he doesn't go topside for at least a little while. And it's most certainly been a while since I've really made him mad.
"HEEE-YA!"
A shriek escapes me when I realize that Raph is sending a spinning kick my way and I was too lost in my thoughts to react. I just barely manage to get my arms up to protect myself before I'm sent flying backward into the large tree right behind Sensei. My shell connects first before my head snaps back and slams into the bark. I hit the ground with a THUD and just lay there dazed as spots dance in my vision and my ears ring.
Well, THAT'S a feeling that I haven't felt in a while and don't miss EVER feeling. I wince when the back of my head throbs when I try to shift positions. Okay, so maybe moving right now isn't the best option. But, if letting Raph get that hit in means he'll cool down, I'll take it. I really don't want him fighting with Leo anymore. I'm really enjoying the 'normalness' that we've been experiencing these last few months. I don't want to lose it just because we're starting to get a little stir-crazy again.
I nearly jump out of my shell when warm hands are touching my shoulders and head. Blinking, the spots finally vanish from my eyes enough for me to notice that Raph is next to my head, panic written all over his face as he scans me for injuries. His mouth is moving but with my ears still ringing, I can't quite make out what he's saying. But I do believe that he's at least saying 'Mikey'.
Groaning, I reach out weakly and catch Raph's wrist as he goes to touch my head again.
"Oh, hey, Raphie," I say quietly but my voice in my head sounding as loud as a drum. "That was one shell of a shot you had. You'll have to teach it to me sometime, yeah?"
Almost instantly, the tension in Raph's shoulders eases and relief spreads across his face. His mouth moves as Raph helps me sit up, a small bout of dizziness hitting me but from the way he's acting I think Raph's apologizing. Shaking my head, I smirk at Raph. This will be the only time I can say this and actually mean it.
"I'm sorry, Raphie, but I can't hear you. Would you mind repeating that for me?"
The reaction from Raph is so predictable it hurts. I bite my lip as I see his arm come up and-
THWAP!
The next thing I know I'm on the ground, the ringing in my ears gone but multiple voices filling up that noise instead. My head throbs as I move, the light a little too much as I try to open my eyes. Instantly, a shadow falls over me, providing me with the perfect amount of shade. A warm hand lands on my cheek while a just as warm, slightly slimmer hand lands on my forearm.
"Mikey?" Donnie's voice calls out softly. "Can you hear me?"
"My son, are you all right?"
Forcing my eyes open, I squint up at both Sensei and Donnie, wincing as the back of my head throbs, sending a spike of pain through my skull.
"Yeah, I can hear ya," I say quietly, allowing my immediate older brother and father help me sit up. My grin widens when I realize what I just said. "I can hear you! Raph got rid of the ringing in my ears! Thanks, Raph!"
I tilt my head back when I'm greeted by silence. Raph and Leo are standing inches from each other, fists at the ready, but their eyes are locked on me and eyes wide in surprise. Raph starts stammering, shooting a confused look between Leo, Donnie, and me. Unconcerned, I straighten only to find both Sensei and Donnie staring at me with wide eyes. Feeling rather self-conscious, I hunch my shoulders, glancing between my brother and Sensei.
"Did I do something wrong?" I ask, fiddling with my nunchucks as I tuck my chin to my plastron.
After a beat, Donnie and Sensei exchange a glance, some sort of wordless conversation before Master Splinter nods and Donnie sighs. My purple-cladded brother reaches out and for a brief moment, I flinch, thinking that he's also going to smack me on the head. Instead, a warm hand lands on top of my head, rubbing gently, easing some of the aches that I've accumulated.
"Let's get you into the lab so I can check your head, okay, chucklehead?" Donnie asks as he and Sensei each grab my elbow and hoist me up. Swaying slightly, I keep my smile, despite how the room spins, and nod gently.
"Sounds like a plan, bro."
Donnie hums and pulls one of my arms over his shoulder. We pause for a moment, probably allowing me to get my bearings when Donnie looks over his shoulder.
"And Raph? I'd like to speak with you after I've checked him over."
My smile falls into a frown as I also glance back at our older brothers. Raph's eyes are down and I see him nodding. Donnie's words and tone weren't harsh, but there's a be certain current of energy in his words. But why, I'm not sure.
I jolt when Donnie suddenly starts moving.
"C'mon, Mikey, the sooner I make sure you don't have a really bad concussion the sooner I can relax and get some more coffee."
Nodding, I allow Donnie to lead me out of the dojo, throwing one more glance back at our older brothers, just in time to see Leo placing a hand on Raph's shoulder and Master Splinter walking toward them.
*End Flashback*
Sighing, I allow Leo to guide my head forward and try not to wince at the angle of pressure on my ribs. Gentle fingers brush the back of my head and I nearly jump when a single finger finds a small lump on the back of my head. Just, a little lower than where Raph actually hit me.
Did I also hit my head when that thing threw me into the side of that dumpster? Chewing on my bottom lip, I follow Leo's finger as he tilts my head back up by my chin. Ice courses through me at the sharp gaze in my brother's eyes.
"Care to explain where THAT came from?" Leo asks, going full 'Leader-mode' on me and I flinch. "Because I was there when Raph smacked you, Mikey, and his aim was a lot higher. He NEVER aims for near your neck."
Swallowing thickly, I absentmindedly bring an arm up to my chest, just as a phantom warmth pulses within me. My movement, however, didn't go unnoticed and by the way Leo's tensing, I think he's about to burst at the seams.
Shell, I think, my thoughts in a frenzy. Should I tell him what happened? But what if he thinks that I purposely went along with Casey to fight those Foot soldiers? I didn't! But he must know that they'll tell Karai that I was there and want to end this unstable truce that we have going. I can't be responsible for that! I just can't! Leo will be so disappointed. So disappointed that he might-
"MIKEY!"
Jolting, I gasp when two hands squeeze each of my biceps and I blink rapidly as concerned chocolate brown eyes fill my vision. Breathing deeply, I release a slow breath, which Leo took as a sign to back up. Now given some room, I relax a little in my brother's hold as I glance around. Okay, well, we're still at the island and still in our seats, so I didn't almost fall off, but I must of let my thoughts get the better of me if Leo was trying to talk and I didn't hear anything. Biting the inside of my cheek, I shoot Leo a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, Leo, were you saying something?"
A sigh falls from my blue-cladded brother as he shifts his grip from my biceps to my shoulders, squeezing more gently than he did with my biceps, which I'm pretty sure are going to be bruised by noon.
"I was asking where that lump came from," Leo states, dragging me back into the conversation. "And I know that it wasn't from Raph smacking you."
Oh. Right. Chewing on my cheek, I sigh throw my nose. The longer I wait to answer, the more annoyed and suspicious Leo will get.
"All right, I got it while out with Casey getting the food," I state but hold up a hand to silence anything about to come out of Leo's mouth. "Before you jump on me, I got it while waiting for him to come out of Osaki's. I fell off his bike." I smile sheepishly, hoping beyond hope that Leo believes me. It's not a complete lie. I did get it while out with Casey, only I got it AFTER getting the food from Osaki's. But what Leo doesn't know won't hurt him.
I remain still as Leo's eyes flicker all over my face. Searching for signs of a lie, I'm sure. I keep my gaze steady on Leo's face until he's done with his scrutiny and a deep, breath leaves him.
"All right," Leo says, a rare smile forming. "But you do know that this just means I'm gonna have to up your balance training, right? Falling off of a parked motorcycle. Geez. No wonder Raph won't let you ride with him, you chucklehead."
Beaming, I nod, only a little hurt at the jab of Raph not letting me ride with him. I'm sure I can sweet talk him later. It's just gonna take time, that's all. Raphie can never resist my 'Puppy-dog-eyes' for long. Leo huffs out a laugh before resting a hand on my head, rubbing gently much like Donnie did when I hurt my head. A happy warmth replaces the cold fear I felt earlier and I relax at my brother's touch. I don't even know why I'm getting so worked up about all of this. For all I know, the Foot were far more interested in that monster creature thing than in me and Casey and will only mention to Karai that we were there but got attacked by the monster and left.
And, hopefully, none of them saw me absorb that orb-thingy, I think as I rub my chest as Leo exits the kitchen, spouting something about training in a few hours. I glance down at my plastron. All I want to know is why that creature had that orb in the first place and what it does. My nose scrunches at that. But if I ask Donnie to use his computer to search online, he's gonna wanna know why. And after our last patrol and how badly I messed up, I don't think he'll be overly okay about hearing what happened to me and Casey. I grab my long-forgotten mug and chugging the last of my now cold tea. My face lights up as an idea hits me. But April, she runs an antique shop! Surely she might have a book or two about gold glowing orbs and monsters. And a laptop! And she can keep a secret AND isn't prone to getting angry with me! Perfect! After training, I'll text her and see if I can come up. Grinning, I walk over to the sink and start washing both Leo's and my mug. And everyone thinks I can't come up with a solid plan. Pfft. I'll show them. I'll also show them that I'm not always reading comic books either!
Vibrating with excitement, I swiftly return to my room, mostly to pretend to be sleeping until I can finally put my plan into action. Because, honest and truly, there's no need to worry my brothers over something that I'm pretty sure I can take care of. For all I know, I merely absorbed that orb because it was like a ball of light or something that the Foot were using as a distraction. But hey, if that's it, it worked on me at least. Snickering, I flip up to the second floor and quietly enter my room. Today's gonna be a long, but interesting, day.
