Archive of Our Own ^beta

Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related characters belong to Nickelodeon.

Warning: Undetailed violence.

Summary: The Madness of the Symbol has struck again, affecting one turtle in such a way that he is trapped and cut off from everyone and everything he loves. How do you cope when no one even knows you are lost? NOT a death fic! Thoughts, comments and concrit welcomed.

Creepy but gorgeous cover created by the awesome 

– Snatched –

Ch 5

I get it, because you've murdered the other Mikeys but this time, I'm still here... Mikey watched numbly as Doppelmike took out plates and his brothers started filing into the kitchen.

'And it makes no difference because I'll be here regardless until this body dies and when it does, I'll simply move on to the next world, the next body, while you remain here to die with it.' Doppelmike pulled the first of the ready sandwiches from the grill and placed it on a plate. He quickly handed it to Leo to go take to their sensei.

'Face it Mikey, your situation is hopeless and the sooner you accept this, the easier you will find things.'

Mikey scowled, he knew exactly what Doppelmike was up to. He was trying to make him as miserable as he was. Well, Mikey was pretty miserable alright, who wouldn't be but it wasn't in his nature to dwell on misery. Besides, despite what Doppelmike thought, his situation was actually looking up.

He had a secret that Doppelmike knew nothing about. Actually, he had two of them. One would give him great amusement when the right time came and the other would actually help him. By reflex, Mikey kicked backwards and suddenly the sound of a sharp intake of breath accompanied by the brief absence of light caught his attention. Mikey looked up curiously as Donnie's concerned voice came through loud and clear via Doppelmike's hearing.

“Mikey, what's wrong?”

He heard a slow out-take of breath before Doppelmike answered dismissively, “Just a sudden headache but it's faded now, bro.”

“Maybe I should check you over in the infirmary,” Donnie suggested, clearly unwilling to let the issue go as easily as Doppelmike seemed to want.

“No, I'm fine now, really Donnie,” Doppelmike insisted with a smile but Donnie didn't look convinced and Mikey felt a pang, wishing that concern was directed at him rather than some body thief that everyone thought was him.

“Look, I promise if it happens again I'll come see you, okay?” Doppelmike compromised.

Mikey didn't hear Donnie's reply; he was too busy thinking. He was pretty certain that Doppelmike couldn't see into his thoughts and memories, nor could he feel his emotions, though it was obvious he could at least feel Mikey's presence. In fact, Mikey had no idea just how much Doppelmike actually knew of what happened in this place but as he stared down at his intangible hands in front of him, he knew he had to be careful. Mikey couldn't risk Doppelmike finding out what he was learning to do, not until he was confident in his new ability and that meant confining his practise to when Doppelmike slept or was preoccupied with training. Mikey flexed his ghostly fingers, thinking about the coincidence of his reflexive kick and the sudden accompanying headache and he smiled.

Make that three secrets.

-:-

For the first time in over two weeks, all four turtles went out on patrol together that night as a team. Leo, Raph and Donnie had gone with each other a few times while Doppelmike was grounded and of course Raph escaped the lair with Casey more frequently during that time but tonight, Mikey could see the mood was bright and his brothers had an easy camaraderie going on. Leo wasn't uptight, Raph was in a good mood, as far as Raph's moods went that is and Donnie seemed relieved, happy even, to get out into the relatively fresh air to stretch his legs. Doppelmike, at Mikey's frequent reminders, kept a smile on his face and let loose with the occasional whoop of joy or good natured taunts at Raph for being slower than the sleeping hare.

Mikey's heart ached with the realisation that no one missed him, that no one even knew he was missing and yet, he was right there in front of them. He could hear and see them through the body snatcher's senses and while to a certain extent, he could influence Doppelmike's actions, the dangerous thief only allowed it when it served to his advantage. The family meditation session he'd enjoyed only yesterday felt like a lifetime ago to Mikey and with a small, badly hidden sniffle, he suddenly realised he never even took the chance to tell his father and brothers that he loved them.

As the small ninja team protected the night with quick strikes at evil, Mikey's thoughts drifted to so many of his regrets, pranks gone too far, words intended to elicit a laugh but instead hurting or angering and it dawned on him that his family was actually happier, perhaps even... better off with Doppelmike in his place.

Not only did Doppelmike annoy his brothers far less but he focused more on training, took things more seriously and to Mikey's abject horror, Doppelmike was a better cook. Raph had unintentionally rubbed it in at dinner when he asked if Doppelmike had been taking cooking lessons recently because his food had improved drastically of late and Leo and Donnie had added their own noises of agreement. To say Mikey himself was insulted was an understatement. After all, he was the best cook in the family by far; he poured his love for the act into every meal he prepared.

Mikey sniffed indignantly. Well of course the evil body snatcher would be so much better at practically everything, he had more than forty lifetimes of experience up his proverbial sleeve. The only reason no one else had noticed such a drastic change across the board, was that Doppelmike was holding back when around anyone else so as to not draw too much attention to himself.

Over the last two and a half weeks since this all began, things had been slightly strained between his brothers and only two people knew the real reason why. One wouldn't talk and the other couldn't but to Mikey's chagrin, he'd inadvertently 'fixed' things the day before and everyone else but him had been happy ever since.

Suddenly something caught the corner of his eye and startled out of his reverie, Mikey blurted out, What was that?

'What was what?' Doppelmike asked curiously as he stopped running to look around.

Mikey scowled to himself, that was something else he'd been noticing more frequently. Doppelmike seemed to have some sort of small blind spot to his left which Mikey felt was weird since he didn't and it was his body Doppelmike was inhabiting. I saw something odd to your left.

Doppelmike turned, peering intently into the darkness of the night where Mikey pointed out. “I don't see anything,” he muttered.

It was there, dude. Go back a few steps to look again, Mikey insisted.

By now Leo noticed Doppelmike was no longer keeping pace. “Mikey, is something wrong?”

“I'm not sure, Leo,” Doppelmike replied in confusion. “I thought I saw something out of place but I can't see anything now.”

Leo, Raph and Donnie began making their way towards Doppelmike as Leo called softly back, “What did it look like?”

Doppelmike hesitated, 'That's a good question, Mikey.'

I'm not sure. We moved past too fast but it wasn't quite right, like a wrong shadow or something.

Doppelmike repeated the answer and Leo and Raph changed directions for a closer look. Donnie stopped, reaching into his ever present duffel for his night vision goggles but suddenly gave a small cry and slumped bonelessly to the ground.

At the sound, Mikey felt his blood run cold and when Doppelmike turned to look, he screamed at what he saw, DONNIE!

Doppelmike's eyes immediately swept the area, taking in the sight of dozens of Foot ninja converging on them from the shadows of every direction. A pleased chuckle escaped Doppelmike's lips as he grinned in delight over finding those who worked for his enemy so soon and he ran forward to meet them.

NO! Mikey yelled frantically. Don't leave Donnie! He's helpless!

'I can do more good by taking them down,' Doppelmike snarled inwardly as he dodged a flying shuriken from the right.

Not by leaving Donnie, you can't! Mikey cried out desperately. Leo and Raph are too far away! There's too many of them and they're going for Donnie so GET BACK THERE and HELP him! NOW!

The view was dizzying to Mikey as Doppelmike moved, dodging, flipping and striking the enemy with his whirling nunchaku and for a moment, he wondered why he saw everything like a badly filmed action scene instead of smoothly like he would have from his own eyes. 'Donnie would be able to explain it...' Mikey swallowed. Doppelmike showed no sign of returning to his brother's side, in fact, he was still moving further away.If you don't go back to my brother and protect him, I'll make you suffer! he threatened angrily.

Doppelmike laughed aloud, not caring as he used lethal force on those that dared to come near. “And what can you do besides talk me to death?” he sneered dismissively at Mikey's threat.

I'll find a way! Mikey snarled back; he didn't want to explain when he hadn't had time to really practise affecting his environment. But you better believe me, I will!

Doppelmike glanced back towards the unconscious Donatello to see two Foot lifting him off the ground to carry him away. 'If I let them take him, I can follow them back to Shredder,' he schemed thoughtfully to Mikey's mounting horror.

You've got the rest of my life for your stupid, pointless revenge! Mikey spat furiously. Now help him or find a way to give me back my body so Ican help him!

Doppelmike angrily slammed the end of a 'chuck into the front of a ninja's throat, already turning as the ninja dropped. “Not a chance in hell ofthat happening, Michelangelo!”

Doppelmike seamlessly performed a fast, high spin kick to another's head and Mikey cringed at the loud crunch. The blood thirst of his body snatcher suddenly made him grateful he couldn't sleep any more; he definitely didn't need those images plaguing his sleeping mind, especially knowing they were delivered by his own body but out of his control. He shuddered and strained to see Donnie at the edges of Doppelmike's peripheral vision. Hurry up, he begged fearfully, before they make off with him.

“Ugh! Fine but you're seriously cramping my style you know,” Doppelmike finally acquiesced. He reached into his belt and pulled out two shuriken, immediately loosing them at the carotid arteries of the turtlenappers.

Mikey winced at the sight of Donnie being unceremoniously dropped when the two hapless Foot clutched uselessly at their throats before falling mere moments later. He breathed in relief but hoped his unconscious brother hadn't been hurt further from the unprotected fall. Get to him! I know you're in a fight but if you get any chance, check what's wrong with him, Mikey half demanded, half pleaded.

Doppelmike only grunted in reply but made his way over, fending off attackers with fast, lethal strikes the whole while.

You could just knock them out, you know, Mikey pointed out accusingly after a particularly vicious attack in which Doppelmike gutted a ninja with his own sword.

“They would only come back later!” Doppelmike snapped as if Mikey was an idiot. 'I've done as you asked and protected your brother! Now shut up and let me concentrate!'

Mikey scowled but agreed. As the bloody fight continued, he did his best to keep an eye on his fallen brother. He was terrified over what might have happened, of what might still happen but the movements were too fast and Donnie was only barely in his peripheral vision much of the time, if at all. He wished so much he could be there himself; he didn't trust Doppelmike to safeguard his brother. After all the body snatcher had already proved he cared more about his stupid revenge than their family and he was terrified that Doppelmike might try to leave again but there was nothing he could do. When Donnie's helpless form left his sight again, Mikey decided to focus his attention to Doppelmike's weaker, left side instead and that's when he saw it.

DUCK!

Doppelmike neatly dropped and spun on his shell to take out two nearby Foot as a hail of shuriken passed directly through the space he had occupied mere moments before. While he spun, he easily picked up on the trajectory of the attack and as he leapt back to his feet, he instantly threw a kunai in return. He was rewarded with a thunk and a cry of pain from what should have been a silent ninja. Doppelmike immediately followed through with a thrown tanto, snatched from the ground in a smooth motion. 'Thanks for the warning', he breathed in relief.

Don't thank me! I didn't do it for your sake, I did it for Donnie's! Mikey retorted, still angry about earlier. I really couldn't care less what happens to you but if you get my body killed, you'll just murder or torment another me and Donnie would be left defenceless.

Doppelmike smirked; Mikey could tell by the way his vision seemed to crinkle up slightly at the edges. 'And there I thought that you didn't hate me.'

I don't but I definitely don't like you either! Mikey snapped. Just... just stop talking to me unless you have to. I'm too angry right now and I hate feeling this way!

'Your wish is my command,' Doppelmike mocked as he concentrated on fighting off the dwindling numbers.

Mikey grit his teeth at the unfamiliar feeling coursing through him and his worry over Donatello but he still kept his sight on the left, just in case.

Eventually the fighting stopped and Mikey felt ill at the sight of so much blood and gore surrounding him. He was ninja so the sight of some didn't phase him but this... this was excessive and completely unnecessary. If he had been capable of the act, he knew he would have been hurling up his dinner right now.

“Mikey!” Raph's agitated voice yelled and Doppelmike turned to see him and Leo running their way. “Is Don okay?”

Doppelmike looked down at Donnie laying in the widening pool of blood. “Yeah, he's still breathing!” he called back. He crouched down for a closer look, then plucked a small dart from Donnie's neck. As Raph and Leo arrived he held up the dart, “He got hit by this as it started. I'm guessing it wasn't poison because they tried to carry him away.”

Leo's jaw clenched tightly as he snatched the projectile from Doppelmike's grasp and Mikey chortled in delight.

Dude, you are in so much trouble right now!

'What do you mean?' Doppelmike asked in confusion. 'I saved your brother.'

Our brother! Sort of... In all the ways that matter anyway. Not that you deserve him! Mikey corrected in irritation before suddenly laughing again. Leo's got that look on his face. He probably saw what you tried to do with Donnie. Either that or it's about your massacre. Hopefully even both! Mikey added brightly before his voice hardened once more.

Either way, Doppeldude, I'm so glad I'm not in your shoes right now!

'You still have to put up with the consequences too!'

Mikey waved his ghostly hand dismissively, No biggie! It's not going to be directed at me and considering how boring it is being stuck in here, I could do with some entertainment and watching you squirm will keep me amused for days!

-:-

The three conscious turtles quickly carried Donnie home and to everyone's relief, the latter started to come around right as they reached the lair. Donnie was extremely groggy but coherent as he demanded to know what happened. Once Raph laid him out on a bed in the infirmary and Splinter arrived, Leonardo explained.

“Do you still have the dart?” Donnie asked curiously.

“Of course.”

Leo handed it over and Donnie went to get up.

“Where the shell do ya think you're goin'?” Raph asked testily as he held Donatello down.

“To test whatever this was dipped in, of course,” Donnie replied with a small amount of lingering confusion. “There might be side effects or unseen consequences and I need to know sooner rather than later.”

Splinter nodded, “Very well, my son.” He turned immediately to Raph. “Raphael, stay close to your brother while he sets his tests up and then make sure he gets back to bed safely while he waits for the results.”

“Yes, Sensei,” Raph replied with a curt nod, allowing Donnie up from the bed.

Splinter turned and raised furry eyebrows to Leonardo, “Was there something further you needed to say?”

Leo shook his head once, his gaze hard. “Nothing that can't be talked through between Michelangelo and myself.”

-:-

As Doppelmike went to bed that night, Mikey was still laughing his shell off. Oh man, you were twitching so badly through that lecture! You're lucky Leo seemed to believe you only got separated from Donnie or he would have really ripped into you!

'I was under the impression he did really rip into me,' Doppelmike retorted, annoyed at the continuing laughter at his expense.

Well, yeah, he did but that was only over the unnecessary lethal force. If Leo believed you'd actually tried to abandon our brother, you'd also be hearing about it from Raph and Master Splinter too! Mikey pointed out. Still, you're stuck in the lair again for another week.

'Which means, so are you.'

Big whoop! I'm already stuck in some place far worse already! Mikey shot back. You know, you really should consider the time share idea.

'Will you stop harping on about that already?' Doppelmike asked sharply. 'It's not going to happen!'

No, I won't. I'm putting up with way too much for someone of my tender years already, Mikey countered. Least you could do is compromise.

'We don't even know if it is possible.'

Then let's find out, Mikey said eagerly before whining, Come on~

Doppelmike climbed out of bed and turned off the radio. 'Enjoy the night without your precious background noise!'

Then I hope you'll have fun with me carrying on about it all night!

'Then enjoy the nothingness instead!' Doppelmike snapped furiously and he shunted Mikey down into the dark, soundless recesses of his mind, cutting his host off from life for the second time in two days.

-:-

to be continued

Creepy but gorgeous cover created by the awesome 

– Snatched –

Ch 6

After his harrowing ordeal of being trapped alone in the dark all night, Mikey was irritable and sullen. However his mood lifted quickly once news about the dart that hit Donnie came through after training the next day. Thankfully it turned out to have been coated only in a simple sedative and Mikey whooped loudly in excitement and happiness for hours, simply laughing when Doppelmike complained bitterly of the headache Mikey unintentionally gave him.

The next few days passed with Mikey becoming snippier at Doppelmike's continuing treatment of him. In fact as a result, the only times Mikey didn't deliberately annoy Doppelmike were during training or when Splinter was addressing the body snatcher and the effort of that took an unbelievable amount of effort on Mikey's part. However he did spend as much time as he could practising at manifesting a form within his featureless environment and within the few days, he didn't even need to try any more. Actually it reached the point where it took Mikey far more effort to hide his new ability than to use it so he stopped bothering to try, no longer caring if Doppelmike somehow discovered him.

On the fourth day of the bet however, Mikey did everything in his power to annoy and distract Doppelmike during training, even resorting to repeatedly poking at the body snatcher from within with a no longer ghostly finger until Doppelmike finally cracked, winning Donnie the bet and freedom from chores for an entire month.

'I thought you were trying to help me with the damned bet, Mikey!' Doppelmike snarled once training was finally over. 'You even encouraged me to say a week!'

Mikey snickered, Well, I'd love to say that that was before you tried to abandon Donnie the other night and then shut me away in the darkness again but~ he said in a singsong voice, it was actually my plan all along, dude.

'Why?'

I'm bored! Mikey pointed out. And thanks to you I haven't been able to prank anyone in weeks so you just became my new victim, he added with a laugh.

Doppelmike stomped away to do his share of Donatello's chores for the day; Leo and Raph had stuck him with the bathroom, a horrendous task that required doing every few days to prevent build up of mould in the always damp environment.

'How did you do that anyway?' Doppelmike eventually asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. 'It felt as if I was being tapped from the inside or something.'

Mikey smirked with amusement and hoping to distract Doppelmike from his questioning, began singing the lyrics of 'Star Trekkin'' in a loud, raucous voice; it didn't hurt that he'd heard the song play on the radio overnight so it was fresh in his mind. He had zero intention of outright admitting anything to Doppelmike; the body snatcher would have to work for the answers he sought as far as Mikey was concerned.

Fed up with being ignored, Doppelmike slammed down the cleaning supplies, closed his eyes and focused inwards, looking to Michelangelo and what he saw made him gasp in surprise. 'You're projecting a form! How the hell are you doing that?'

'Shell' dude, you gotta get used to it or you'll slip up in front of my bros or Sensei.

'I asked you how the hell are you doing that?' Doppelmike repeated, pushing lightly as if getting ready to shunt Mikey back into the terrible, lifeless dark depths once more.

Mikey sighed in annoyance at the terrible feel of the push, for a moment tempted to threaten to not explain if he was cut off again but he didn't want to risk giving up his knowledge that the body snatcher couldn't keep up that effort indefinitely, that heknew it took up too much energy or effort. Alright, alright dude! Geez, just ask nicely next time!

'Michelangelo!' Doppelmike opened his eyes and glared furiously into the mirror so Mikey could see he was serious.

Mikey rolled his eyes, It was because of that day I got to meditate with my bros and Master Splinter.

'Did you somehow say something you shouldn't have?'

Of course not! I'm not risking my family's lives just for my sake! Mikey snorted in disbelief that even after all this time Doppelmike still thought so little of him. Nuh dude, I just realised that the Astral Plain is a realm of the mind and so is this dump! If I could project a body there, then I can do it here too!

'Well you can just stop doing it then!'

Mikey smirked, Not a chance, Doppeldude! It takes far more effort to stop doing it than it does to just let it happen now; it's like breathing. Then he added in a small, almost lost sounding voice, only partially needing to put on an act, Besides, this makes it easier for me to cope...

'How do you mean?' Doppelmike asked suspiciously and Mikey knew the thief was wondering what else he could do or learn to do and that was the real reason he wanted him to stop.

'Fat chance!' Mikey thought disdainfully to himself. I mean, being nothing but a disembodied voice that can somehow weirdly see and hear stuff is too freakish even for me! The desperation was so bad it hurt but now that I can see myself and move, even if it's not really real... Dude, being able to project a body has saved my sanity!

Doppelmike was silent for a few minutes as he picked up the cleaning supplies and returned to work. Finally he spoke up again, 'Then explain why you've been more annoying than usual lately?'

Oh let's see now, Mikey snorted incredulously. First you try to abandon my brother and almost get him captured or worse, just to use him as bait, then you needlessly massacred all of those evil Foot...

'Like you just said, they're evil,' Doppelmike interrupted bluntly. 'They would have only come back after us again later!'

Even evil dudes have family! I don't care if you killed to save yours or someone else's life but that wasn't necessary! You wenttoo far and worse, Mikey shuddered at the awful memory, you enjoyed it! You were freaking laughing about it! He paused, breathing hard from his emotional outburst. Mikey could still hear the mocking laughter from that awful night, so similar to his own but warped and somehow so terrifying.

Leo didn't punish you hard enough. He didn't even tell Master Splinter so you got off light! Mikey continued once he regained his composure. And then... you tortured me with the darkness again. So that's why I've been more annoying! It's all I can do!

And with that little outburst, Mikey hoped like shell that Doppelmike really would think that he believed he'd reached the limits of what he could do when in all actuality, Mikey had no intention of giving up so easily. Michelangelo planned on doing everything he possibly could to become stronger within his unbearable, vile prison.

-:-

The next few days passed with Doppelmike being far more considerate of Mikey and Mikey reciprocated by being less annoying, though he didn't stop altogether. He continued to occasionally distract Doppelmike during training but only so it would seem natural, though it certainly didn't hurt that he found amusement in Doppelmike getting into trouble either.

Doppelmike slowly began to show improvement in his skill level, just enough to be noticeable to everyone else but not enough to make them suspicious and once his week's grounding was complete, under the guise of going sewer skating, Doppelmike found a quiet, decently sized section of the sewers and went there every day to practise to his full ability. When Mikey questioned him about it, all Doppelmike would say was that Mikey hadn't left his body in the best shape it could be and he needed to build it up if he wanted to exact his revenge. However, the final insult came when Doppelmike paid a visit to Donatello.

Doppelmike knocked almost nervously on the door to the lab and Donnie invited him in, staring in shock over the fact thatMikey actually knocked. Then his expression changed to one of suspicion when he realised that his brother must have wanted something and only knocked to butter him up.

“Hey bro?” Doppelmike ventured while his fingers fidgeted restlessly, “I was wondering if you would do something for me.”

What do you need Donnie for? Mikey asked, curiosity eating at him. Doppelmike hadn't mentioned this little side trip at all and he'd mostly kept away from Donnie ever since the incident a little over a week back.

Doppelmike ignored Mikey and approached Donnie, “I was hoping you could make me a new pair of 'chucks.”

“Did you somehow break yours?” Donnie asked, exasperation evident in his voice.

Hey! Mikey cried indignantly. What did you do to my babies?

“Nuh bro, they're fine,” Doppelmike assured them both. “I just want an upgrade, that's all.”

“Upgrade how? What's wrong with your current ones? I thought they were perfectly balanced for you,” Donnie asked at the same time as Mikey squawked.

What the shell's wrong with my 'chucks?

“Nothing's wrong with them, it's just...” Doppelmike sighed. “They could be more versatile is all.”

Donnie looked down at the proffered weapons in confusion. “I'm afraid you'll need to explain more, Mikey. You aren't making much sense right now.”

“I just had this great idea of how they could be convertible, both nunchaku and kusarigama,” Doppelmike continued, sounding suddenly eager. “Can I have some paper and a pen? I'll show you!”

Donnie fetched what Doppelmike asked for and handed it to him.

Mikey snorted, Did you really just come up with that ridiculous idea?

Doppelmike started sketching the design with his right hand and Donnie stared perplexed at the strangeness until he remembered Doppelmike saying something about practising writing with his other hand a few weeks back. He hadn't put much credence into the idea of him keeping it up for long but obviously he'd underestimated his brother.

Mikey sighed, You're using the wrong hand again Doppeldude and don't make it too detailed! Donnie can work out the kinks if you're really serious about this, not to mention if it's even possible! He'll just get suspicious if you do it right the first time!

'I am serious and too late to switch hands now,' Doppelmike replied. 'Besides, my writing left handed sucks.'

I bet it does since you barely even practise, dude.

'It takes more than three weeks to learn to write well with the other hand. Besides, would you practise if you were in my shoes?'

You don't wear shoes, Mikey retorted, and anyway, I wouldn't be going around stealing bodies in the first place!

Doppelmike closed his eyes in exasperation, 'Stop going on about that! I'm here now and here's where I'm staying!' Opening them once more, he continued with his design sketch. 'As for your earlier question, no, it's not actually my idea. A couple of my previous lives had convertible 'chucks and they were extremely useful.'

“Mikey? When did you get so good at drawing up schematics?” Donnie suddenly asked, his expression odd.

See? Told you! Mikey crowed.

Doppelmike paused and grinned disarmingly at Donnie, “Actually, I've been thinking of this idea for a while now.”

“So I see,” Donnie mused, looking back down at the sketches as Doppelmike continued drawing.

“You could even do something similar with your bo, bro,” Doppelmike added enthusiastically. “Make it convertible to a naginata. I know you're not really fond of violence but think how useful it could be in the right situation, when you need that extra edge!” He soon finished up and handed Donnie back his pen and the sketches.

Donnie continued to stare thoughtfully down at the drawings, his quick mind already working on the problem, “Yes, this could be quite useful. Let me see what I can do.”

-:-

That night when Doppelmike was long asleep, Mikey scowled to himself and punched hard once at the 'walls' surrounding him. Doppelmike twitched but didn't wake. Slowly, piece by piece, Doppelmike was tearing apart the remains of Mikey's established life, tossing out an action figure here, a poster there and now he was set on replacing the precious weapons his father had given him; he'd been so proud the day he received those. The only things Doppelmike had left alone so far were Mikey's comics and that was only because he 'read' one a day for Mikey's sake. Mikey felt terrified about what would happen to him the day the last vestiges of his life disappeared from view.

After a few minutes of deep, calming breathing, Mikey settled into the lotus position. He reached out his mind, trying once more to deepen his connection with the environment surrounding him, trying to influence it the way he'd been trying to do since the day he'd helped Donnie win the bet. A couple of hours of intense, nearly unbearable concentration later, Mikey gasped in shock.

He felt something! He really, truly felt something!

And it was such an intense sensation after so long denied that he almost wept from the sheer joy of the feeling!

It was only a single finger against the edge of his shell and only for a single moment but it gave him much needed hope and it was all he could do to keep silent and not cry out. After all, he couldn't risk the chance of Doppelmike waking up and discovering him.

Instead, he grinned broadly to himself and settled down to try again. If he could strengthen the connection, feel once more, maybe he could learn to gain some control back in his life but he'd have to be incredibly careful.

Doppelmike could never find out about this or he'd really be lost.

-:-

to be continued

Creepy but gorgeous cover created by the awesome 

– Snatched –

Ch 7

The next few weeks were the hardest of Mikey's life. His days were spent much the same, forced to watch life from a distance and unable to join in, never being acknowledged except by the one person responsible for taking everything from him.

To Doppelmike's delight and Mikey's disgust, Donnie presented him with the brand new, convertible weapons he'd asked for. Raph was ecstatic, believing that his little brother was finally taking the rigours of their life seriously but Leo was pissed, remembering the massacre of that awful night and Mikey couldn't blame him.

During those weeks, Mikey was actually able to convince Doppelmike to prank the others, though only once a week and onlybecause it would draw too much attention if he did nothing. Doppelmike however became more interested when he realised it was great practise for his stealth and Mikey found himself completely mortified when Doppelmike even successfully pranked Master Splinter; something Mikey had never been able to manage himself.

With some well worded, sneaky questioning, Mikey managed to ask Doppelmike about some of the other worlds, pretending interest in the things the body snatcher had learnt in his stolen lives but really, the only thing he was truly interested in was Doppelmike's previous life. He surreptitiously found out why Doppelmike seemed to not notice his left side as much as he should; he'd just spent nearly fifty years in a body which lost sight in the left eye during a particularly bad fight, immediately prior to taking over. Mikey filed that information away straightaway, continuing to ask other questions so as to not draw attention to the fact he'd just discovered something potentially important.

Each day, Doppelmike woke up slightly more exhausted than the last and when he asked Mikey about it, Mikey feigned innocence. He suggested perhaps Doppelmike's conscious was beginning to bug him, that he'd been sure he'd overheard him having nightmares in the night. Doppelmike couldn't remember any such dreams so he went to Donnie for answers. After Donnie pronounced him perfectly healthy, he merely advised that Doppelmike go to bed a little earlier and that played beautifully into Mikey's hands, giving him more time to freely practise.

Nights when Doppelmike was sleeping was the only time he could even practise regaining control of his body and he grew better as the weeks went on. In fact, it was the reason for Doppelmike's tiredness. While the body snatcher slept, Mikey was active and after nearly two months, Mikey finally felt good about his night time control.

Mikey smiled gleefully and put the pen back perfectly in place on his desk before closing his journal. Doppelmike had never found the book, never even seemed to wonder if there was such a thing, since he had Mikey to directly ask things of, and that suited Mikey well. He'd just finished writing a full explanation of everything that had happened to him. Everything that had gone on over the last nearly three months, he'd spent writing about over the last few nights. He couldn't risk using any of the paper laying about his room in case Doppelmike noticed it missing or the indentations in the sheets underneath.

He took a slow, calming breath and quietly stood; Mikey understood noise meant taking a chance of waking the evil body snatcher within and he wasn't willing to risk all his hard work being for naught.

Silently, Mikey slipped out of his room, the room where by now nearly a quarter of his collection was missing and moved stealthily through the lair until he reached Leo's room a few doors away. Clutching his journal tightly enough in one hand that the blood rushed from his knuckles, Mikey reached out with the other and carefully turned the handle before sneaking inside.

Leo stirred and sat up, sleepily looking up at him, “Mik..”

Mikey quickly lifted a single finger to his lips, giving the universal shh gesture and Leo blinked at him in confusion. Mikey kept silently walking until he reached Leo's side, holding out the book and motioning him to take it.

Leo stared at the offering before finally taking it. “Mikey, what are...”

Mikey quickly covered Leo's mouth with one hand and repeated the quiet gesture before leaving and returning to bed, his heart pounding in both fear and excitement. Slowly he reluctantly relinquished control again, retreating back to the confines of his prison. If it came down to it, he knew he wasn't yet a match for Doppelmike. The thief had experience and darkest magic on his side and Mikey didn't even have two months on his. He'd lay low for now and continue working to improve; in the meantime, at least one person would know of his desperate plight.

If Leo even believed him.

-:-

Leo switched on his bedside lamp and stared in wonder at the book Mikey had pressed into his hands. He never knew his brother kept a journal and was confused. Not only had Mikey managed to keep a secret but the whole point of keeping a journal was to record ones innermost thoughts so why would he suddenly hand over such a private thing now?

He frowned, much of Mikey's behaviour in the last few months was odd; odd for Mikey that was. If he really thought about it, it all started the day Mikey had that accident while Master Splinter and himself were away.

Curiosity eating at him, Leo finally cracked open the book and flicked through the entries, all-the-while embarrassed at delving into such intimate thoughts; he quickly turned the page at one particularly revealing entry about a crush Mikey had on someone named Kala. Leo flipped through the pages, his attention catching at the night before the accident; that was the last entry until a few nights ago. The latest entry started different and with a shock, he realised it was addressed to him.

Leonardo,
             First of all bro, I really want to apologise. I need to explain what's been going on with me in the last few months but to do that, just by TELLING you what I'm about to tell you, I'm putting your life in incredible danger and believe me, I'm really sorry bro... but I just... I'm desperate Leo. I really can't keep doing this alone any more. I'm scared and I'm lonely and I just need SOMEONE to know the truth so please forgive me bro and PLEASE don't just dismiss me. At least read through the entire letter before you decide whether you believe me or not because I'm in so much trouble right now. More than at any other time in my whole life put together.
             But whatever you believe, you can't tell anyone else. If HE knows or suspects anyone knows, he'll kill them, make it look like an accident or something and you especially can't tell Raph. If he knows, he'd never be able to hide it. He'd lose his temper in no time and give himself away.

Leo paused, canting his head as he turned the page. Mikey, as he often did, wasn't making much sense but he definitely had the impression his brother was frantic about something. He frowned and began reading again.

             It all began that night nearly 3 months ago when Raphie and I were playing around and I slipped and hit my head.

 Leo continued to read, his horror mounting at the secrets and explanations Michelangelo was spilling with the written word. In shocked disbelief, Leo learnt of the truth behind the 'tattoo' incident and that the only time he'd been able to actually interact with their family was during that shared family meditation more than two months ago. He also, to his abject fury, learnt about what really happened the night Donnie was hit with that dart and his blood began to boil with an anger surpassing Raph's on a bad day.

             And I've been practising taking control while he's deep asleep. Finally felt like I had enough control to write this letter and get it to you. If you want to reply to me, there's a loose brick at shoulder height to the left of the kitchen door, hide it behind that so no one else can find it. I'm not sure when I can try this again but I definitely can't risk actually talking in case it wakes him up.
             Please, whatever you do, even if you don't believe me, don't say anything about this to anyone else but PLEASE believe me, Leo. I need to know at least someone knows where I really am...

Leo stared down at the last of the hastily scrawled letters, his mind racing with thought. He wasn't quite sure if he believed the contents of the letter or not but it really did explain so much and he knew Mikey wasn't capable of the acts described within. It simply wasn't in his brother's nature.

He slowly closed the book and slid it under his mattress before getting out of bed to pad silently to Mikey's room. Leo opened the door wide, allowing the light from the corridor to spill inside and he gazed around. For the first time, Leo noticed some of Mikey's favourite, prized possessions were missing. None of that was actually mentioned in the letter but Leo was suddenly certain that this wasn't just some elaborate prank in bad taste. Mikey really was in trouble and he was the only one that even knew.

-:-

Doppelmike plodded into the kitchen, flopping heavily into his usual seat and laid his face onto the table, “Someone pass me the toothpicks?”

Raph reached over with them as Donnie asked, “What do you want toothpicks for when you haven't even eaten yet?”

“To pry my eyes open with,” Doppelmike mumbled sleepily.

Donnie snatched the box away, placing them well away from his sleepy brother. “Well if you had more sleep like I told you to instead of staying up half the night rea...”

Leo quickly moved in between and cheerfully interrupted. “Would you like me to make breakfast this morning?”

Doppelmike shot up to a sitting position, eyes wide in sudden horror and instantly awake as both Donnie and he echoed.

“No!”

“Shell Leo, you tryin' to poison us or somethin'?” Raph asked, his voice equally horrified.

“Hey! I'm not that bad!” Leo protested.

“Sure ya ain't!”

“At least I don't burn the food like some brothers.” Leo glared meaningfully at Raph as he spoke.

“Overcooked is better than undercooked,” Donnie broke in wryly.

“More like unevenly cooked,” Doppelmike muttered while Mikey just laughed within.

Leo sighed, “Well we can't all be Mikey in the kitchen. The rest of us have to learn some time.”

“Speak for yourself, Leo,” Donnie retorted. “My cooking is just fine, thank you very much.”

At Mikey's prompting, Doppelmike spoke up, “If you like your food bland and boring, sure Donnie, yours is just great!”

“Philistine!” Donnie sniffed indignantly, however a small smile played on his face.

“How about just cereal this morning?” Leo suggested, pulling out the boxes with a quick smile Mikey's direction. A quick smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.

-:-

When the brothers headed into training that morning, Splinter announced plans for group meditation within the Astral Plain instead of the usual that day and Leo smiled, pleased that Splinter had taken his request seriously and agreed to it. There really wasn't much he could do for Mikey at this point but he wanted to at least let his brother know he was there for him as soon as possible, rather than have to wait all day and night.

Like the last time they'd had a session like this, Mikey was slow to appear, apparently once again due to raised shields around his mind that he'd had to work to dismantle. Leo scowled, knowing that was both the body snatcher's way of keeping anyone from sensing how wrong he felt and keeping Mikey imprisoned so that no one would sense a second mind within.

Leo just couldn't believe how long had passed without anyone noticing how wrong Doppelmike was. He should have noticed his brother was so off and he was having trouble forgiving himself for unintentionally abandoning his liveliest brother when he needed them so much. Leo sighed, it wasn't like he was the only one that didn't notice; their father was far more spiritually aware than he and even he didn't notice either.

Then again, Doppelmike was another version of Mikey, even if he had grown warped and twisted over the dozens of lifetimes.

Leo relaxed seeing Mikey finally appear in the astral landscape and bound over to them, displaying a life and energy he hadn't displayed in so long. Again, Leo couldn't understand how he'd never noticed but then he remembered, he had. He'd just put it down to the groundings Doppelmike had suffered under near the beginning, not to mention the head injury that actually started it all and then not realised that things hadn't quite gone back to normal.

Mikey was even more touchy feely than the last time, reminding Leo just how attention starved their brightest brother really was and when Mikey came near him, Leo grabbed him first. He wrapped his arms tightly around his brother and squeezed comfortingly, not letting go for minutes.

For a moment Mikey froze, surprised at the unusual behaviour from his most controlled brother but then the message hit and Mikey realised. They were in the Astral Plain right now because Leo believed him. This was Leo's way of replying to Mikey asap and Mikey relaxed, all but collapsing into the comforting hold.

One person knew.

He was no longer alone.

And suddenly Mikey knew he could get through this.

-:-

to be continued

Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related characters belong to Nickelodeon.

Creepy but gorgeous cover created by the awesome .

– Snatched –

Ch 9

The room seemed to sway, making the view Mikey had through Doppelmike's vision swim alarmingly and Mikey laughed with glee. It had only been a few days since he'd given Leo the journal but it seemed Leo had told the others afterall and they were going to save him.

As darkness engulfed the body snatcher and by default Mikey, Mikey felt overcome by emotion and by hope.

“I'm not sure if you can hear us while he's drugged Mikey, but we're going to do everything we can to help you.”

Mikey closed his eyes, concentrating and trying desperately to reconnect with his body since the body snatcher was out for the count but as he made contact he began to feel sluggish and realised that the drug would prevent him from taking control. It was however a chance to actually sleep for the first time since this all began but he shook his head, shaking off the tentative connection. Right now wasn't the time for that, not when he could listen to his family actually talking to him for once.

He listened in rapt attention as Leo explained they were chaining up Doppelmike so Mikey wouldn't have to worry about the imposter trying to hurt them when he eventually awoke.

“I'm so sorry we need to do this, Mikey,” Donnie interjected. “We've come up with a few ideas to try and be rid of him but we don't know for sure if any of them will actually work.”

“We just couldn't stand by any longer,” Leo's comforting voice added, “knowing you're in there alone.”

I haven't been alone since the day you showed me you believed me bro, Mikey interrupted happily, knowing full well no one else could hear him.

“At least this way, even if you can't respond to us, you know we are all here for you.”

Mikey's heart swelled with joy. The hardest part of his lonely ordeal had been knowing they didn't know how badly he needed them; that they didn't even know he was missing but now... Now they knew!

They really, truly knew!

“I am so sorry that I did not realise you were in such grievous trouble, my son.” Splinter's voice sounded full of regret. “I only hope that one day you can forgive me.”

Nothing to forgive, father, Mikey replied warmly, hoping that even though they couldn't hear him, that maybe, somehow, his feelings would get through to them.

“Unfortunately none of my research on that marking has borne fruit,” Donatello began, “but from what information you shared in your letter to Leo, I believe if we can find a way to remove it, then we should be able to remove Doppelmike.”

“That is both a stupid and fittin' name you gave him, bro,” Raph laughed. “Were you really callin' him that to his face?”

Mikey grinned in mischievous delight, Non stop, Raphie. It annoyed the shell out of him!

“Ahem!” Donnie interrupted and Mikey could just imagine the look of disapproval directed Raph's way. “As I was trying to say, I've thought of several ways to try to remove that marking. Unfortunately most of them are rather... extreme. I hope I don't need to go there but I will keep them as a last resort.”

Mikey's eyes were wide as he stared into the all encompassing darkness. Define 'extreme', bro.

“We'll start off trying to reason with your parasitic hitch-hiker though,” Donnie continued, clearly not having heard him. Mikey however was certain that Donnie knew him well enough to have anticipated the question and was deliberately avoiding the answer.

“I have contacted The Ancient One,” Master Splinter added. “He is also trying to see if he can find any information that may be of help.”

“Mikey,” Leo called. “I know Doppelmike is keeping you imprisoned in there but the fact that you have been able to exert some control while he's been asleep lately proves there is hope so please don't give up on us or yourself.”

I won't, I promise.

“While Donnie tries to remove that obscene marking from you, Doppelmike will likely retaliate against you when he realises he can't do anything to us so either Master Splinter or myself will be trying to reach you via meditation,” Leo continued calmly. “One of us will be with you, trying to lend you our strength so make sure you leave yourself open to us.”

At the thought of retaliation, Mikey felt a surge of fear reminiscent of the day he first found himself in this place. He swallowed back his fear and pushed his bravado to the forefront. With his brothers and father at his side, Mikey knew he could make it through anything.

-:-

Doppelmike blinked his eyes open groggily, wondering at first why his head felt so full of mush. Suddenly it all came back in a rush and he realised he was chained to a bed in the lab. There was enough give in the chains of his bonds to allow him to sit up if he chose but not to allow his hands to meet, nor his feet to move more than a few centimetres. He looked around to meet the poisonous glare of Raphael and he met it with one equal in measure.

“If you weren't in my brother's body, I'd kill you right here and now for the torment you've put him through!” Raph spat furiously.

Doppelmike smiled smugly at the enraged turtle but his own fury still filled his eyes. “Nice to know where I stand Raphael but you know, in a way, I'm your brother too.”

“Just 'cause you're in his body?” Raph snorted derisively. “Doesn't count you damned coward!”

Doppelmike just laughed and closed his eyes to look inwards instead. 'You betrayed me!' he furiously accused Mikey.

Mikey shook his head, I was never on your side, Doppeldude, so no, I didn't betray you. I did however try several times to reach out and compromise with you and you wouldn't even try so now here we are, both prisoners. Me a prisoner of your mind and soul and you, a prisoner in chains from the family you constantly lied to. You've got no one to blame for this but yourself.

'You lied to me at least!'

Mikey canted his head, regarding the body snatcher, Not really, I just never told you the full truth.

'Then how did they know? Raphael called me a name only you ever coined so you had to have told them!' Doppelmike snapped, fuming at Michelangelo. 'When did you even get the chance? You didn't realise I couldn't hear you in the Astral Plain until afteryou were last there and you couldn't have snuck off there since!'

What makes you think that, Doppelmike?, Mikey asked curiously. Frankly the thought of trying that hadn't even occurred to him and he really wished it had.

'You were only able to go those two times because I relaxed my grip on you enough!'

Oh, Mikey said with a laugh. Yeah, that's true.

'And after I realised what you started being able to do, I began keeping a closer eye on you!'

Mikey shrugged nonchalantly. Too little, too late. Anyway, like I told you, I never actually spoke a word to anyone. Like you just said, I couldn't! They found out some other way.

“We know you aren't asleep, Doppelmike so you may as well stop pretending,” Leo's firm, commanding voice came through loud and clear.

Doppelmike opened one eye lazily to stare at Leo. “Whoever said I was pretending? I'm sitting up, aren't I?” He closed his eye again, keeping Mikey from the comfort of seeing his family around him but for once, Mikey didn't even care. They were there for him and nothing else mattered right now.

Leo stared down unimpressed, “We need to talk Doppelmike, about both what you have done and what you are doing. This has to stop!”

“Just because you say so, Leo?” Doppelmike asked, sounding far more amused than he really was.

“Because we all say so!” Raph growled menacingly. “You're messin' with one of our own and we're not willin' to watch him suffer under you any longer!”

Doppelmike laughed derisively, “You really aren't watching him do anything. After all, it's not as though you can even see or hear him. In fact, you won't be seeing or hearing him ever again.”

For a moment, Mikey froze at the sound of the ominous words but then relaxed, knowing the others wouldn't give up that easily. Suddenly he heard the rattle of chains and Doppelmike's eyes flew open as if in surprise. All Mikey could see was Raph's furious golden gaze filling Doppelmike's vision, accompanied by a sound that reminded Mikey of a cartoon bull snorting immediately prior to finally charging and goring the stupid person in its path.

“Raphael!” Leo cried in alarm. “Don't hurt Mikey!”

“Yes, don't hurt Mikey,” Doppelmike mocked laughingly, “but of course, I'm Mikey too!”

Raph suddenly pushed Doppelmike away in disgust, “You ain't fit to share a name with our brother!”

“Heh!” Doppelmike calmly closed his eyes again.

“You have to leave Doppelmike,” Leo stated firmly. “You don't belong here.”

“Even if I wanted to leave, I couldn't,” Doppelmike smirked, still sounding amused but Mikey knew he was anything but. Mikey felt the intense anger born of lifetimes of frustration and unfulfilled vengeance directed his way and he had to fight to suppress the shudder.

“I'm here until this pathetic body dies.”

“Your presence appears to be tied with the marking on your left hand,” Donnie stated. “How about if we remove that?”

“You can try.” With that, Doppelmike turned his attention to Michelangelo within, ignoring the outside world.

'Are you happy, Mikey?' Doppelmike asked with curious anger. 'They know about me and now I'll have to kill them!'

Mikey laughed, covering up his uncertainty and fear, Not gonna get the chance. They know you'd try that and that's why you're chained with nothing in reach. He shook his head in amusement. You really should have tried the time share idea, dude.

'It may take me a while, but I'll find a way to take them down,' Doppelmike snarled. He immediately started to exert a suffocating force on Mikey, as if to smother his soul. 'In the meantime, I can take care of you!'

Mikey gasped in sudden excruciating agony, feeling like everything was pressing in on him. As the pressure slowly increased, he found he couldn't breathe, couldn't move and couldn't utter any sounds other than a pained whimper that escaped against his will.

'I have no intention of killing you, Michelangelo, not yet anyway,' Doppelmike assured, a malicious smile beginning to creep across his features for the outside world to see. 'I'm going to make sure you suffer first! If you were able to talk, which I have no intention of allowing you to do so, you'd be begging me to kill you long before I'm finally done with you!'

“Leonardo! Enter the Astral Plain immediately and aid your brother,” Splinter commanded. “This 'Doppelmike' is attempting to harm him.”

“Yes Master Splinter,” Leo affirmed, already rushing to sit on the previously laid out meditation mat; the candles used for helping their focus already lit and burning.

With a speed borne of practise, dedication and desperation, Leonardo quickly found his way to the Astral Plain and sought out Michelangelo's consciousness. He knew his brother was being hidden away by the body snatcher's own mental prowess but Mikey knew he'd be coming and had hopefully left himself open to his family, allowing them to connect with and help him more easily.

Unfortunately, as fast as Leo reached the astral, he couldn't seem to find Mikey, no matter how hard Leo's mind called to his brothers's.

“Pull those chains tight, Raph,” Donnie commanded. “I don't want him able to move or I might accidentally do more damage than I intend to.”

Raph moved to comply, taking great pleasure in the hiss of pain from the body snatcher's mouth as he secured the chains taut.

Splinter stepped in front of Doppelmike, glancing at Donnie with a look telling him to wait before acting further. “Michelangelo, I would speak with you.”

“If you mean the other Michelangelo, he's not exactly capable of communicating right now,” Doppelmike said, his glittering eyes snapping open to stare at the furred ninja master standing over him.

“My intent is to speak with you, though I really would appreciate if you stop causing my son pain.”

“Your other sons are causing me pain,” he said, glancing down at the tight chains pulling his arms asunder.

“You are a threat to their brother,” Splinter explained simply.

“He turned on me even after I allowed him to continue living.”

“That ain't livin'!” Raph snapped furiously, stepping forward as if it to attack.

“Enough!” Splinter commanded and Raph stepped back again, closing his mouth. Splinter's sharp gaze never left Doppelmike's.

“You claim to have once been Michelangelo many lifetimes ago.”

“It's not just a claim, Master Splinter.”

“Then I must assume that like our Michelangelo, you were once filled with light and a love for life,” Splinter stated calmly.

Doppelmike just watched Splinter without reacting.

“I understand you have gone through far more than your share of pain and grief over the years but your thirst for revenge has left you twisted, bitter and unrecognisable,” Splinter paused for a few moments, as if looking deep into the soul of Doppelmike. “I very much understand your desire, your need for revenge but you must balance that revenge against the cost. How many lives have you destroyed in the process, despite your lack of success? Not just of Michelangelo's, but of other members of our family and friends? Is it really worth the price of so many lives for just one man?

“How many centuries has it been since your original lifetime, Michelangelo? How much do you even remember of that life?” Splinter asked in a tone that promoted deep thought. “Would you even recognise your enemy still, should you come across him after so many lifetimes?”

Doppelmike grit his teeth. While he still held strong memories of the incident that started all this, other details had long begun to slip, however there was no way in hell he was prepared to explain that to the enemy in front of him; he didn't want to be mocked or pitied.

“Revenge is not be all and end all of life. If there is any part of you that remains Michelangelo, then you know this way of life is wrong. The person you used to be would abhor what you have since become.”

“It's all I have left, Master Splinter.”

“Then you have nothing,” Splinter stated quietly. “In pursuit of your vengeance, you have lost yourself, Michelangelo and it is time to let go.

“Relinquish your hold on this life and pass on,” Splinter continued, his eyes never once leaving Doppelmike's. “Open yourself to finding peace, for you will not find it here. The Shredder is already long dead.”

Doppelmike stared in shock before beginning to shake his head frantically in denial at those words of trickery. “Impossible! I wouldn't be here if he was! I wouldn't have been brought here!”

It's true! Mikey somehow managed to gasp through the smothering pain that Doppelmike was still pressing in on him.

“You're lying again! You both are!” Doppelmike accused with a cry.

...'m not... Leo... beheaded him.

“Then why am I here?” Doppelmike yelled furiously.

Guess... you're just... wasting your time...

Doppelmike increased the debilitating pressure on Mikey, making him unable to keep talking. 'Why didn't you say something sooner?'

Mikey tried to answer but the smothering pressure was just too much and as his eyes rolled back, his projected form began to fade. Then faintly, he heard Splinter's authoritative voice speaking to him from outside of the body he was trapped deep within.

“Stay strong, my son. Borrow strength from Leonardo.”

'Leo...' With the reminder and last of his dwindling strength, Mikey reached desperately for his brother and their minds touched faintly but it was enough.

What would you have had me tell you, Doppel? Mikey asked gasping from the debilitating pain. The incredible pressure was still upon him but now with Leo's help, he could at least think, could at least talk again. You would have killed me then and there.

'You don't know that!'

I do! I've been poking the Raphie long enough to know how he'd react and you're far worse! You're unstable! You would have lashed out far more than he ever would, Mikey insisted, knowing what he said was true.

“Donatello, proceed with removing that vile marking. Quickly, my son.” Splinter stepped back, allowing Donnie access.

Donnie swallowed and nodded. “I'm not certain anything I do will work,” he said as he stepped in to begin. “It's not a normal tattoo. It's made of dark magic rather than ink.”

“Just try your best, Donatello,” Splinter said with confidence. “I have faith in you.”

“If I treat it as a tattoo, there are several methods of removal. The most effective nowadays is with laser removal, utilising a Q switch la...”

“We don't need to hear about it, brainiac, just do it!” Raph snapped impatiently. “Mikey may not have time for your long winded explanations!”

Donnie cast Raph a quick glare as he worked. “I am perfectly capable of talking as I work and not only does it help keep myself calmer, I'm sure Mikey would feel reassurance knowing just what is happening out here since Doppelmike is keeping his eyes closed.”

Doppelmike smiled nastily. “All the better to keep him in the dark!”

“No one asked for your opinion!” Raph said darkly.

Doppelmike only chuckled in response.

To Donnie's dismay and expectation, the laser treatment did absolutely nothing to help. The marking would fade ever so slightly, only to darken again seconds later.

“Other methods include covering up the tattoo with another over the top of it, salabrasion and using Trichloroactic acid to remove the top layers of skin,” Donnie continued talking, fetching new equipment as he spoke. “I'm going to try changing the shape of the symbol by filling it in with an actual tattoo. Of interest, some much older methods include injecting or application of such unspeakable substances as pigeon excrement.”

Despite his physical and mental distress, Mikey screwed up his face at the sound of that. Better not be trying that last one on me. I'd rather you just amputate my hand, Donnie.

Doppelmike smirked and knowing that Mikey didn't really mean what he'd just said, repeated the message out loud for Donnie, Raph and Splinter to hear.

Donnie paled at the suggestion, “Um actually... that is my last resort plan... Sorry Mikey but I do hope it won't actually come to that.”

Doppelmike laughed mockingly. “It wouldn't matter anyway. Everything you try is useless, Donatello. In one previous life I lost my left arm and the marking just reappeared on another part of my body.”

Donnie stared at Doppelmike in horror at the implications, his mind racing as he forced himself to get back to work at filling in the gaps in the marking.

“I'm cursed, remember? Cursed with an abhorrent form of immortality and I will remain so until the one I seek is killed by myhand!”

Then you'll never be free because your hand is dust by now, dude!

“I've had enough of you and your mouth!” Doppelmike snarled and then forcibly plunged Michelangelo down into the dark depths of nothingness for the final time.

-:-

Donatello gazed down in disbelief at the ink that just briefly glowed before disappearing, absorbed by the dread symbol on the back of Mikey's left hand. If what Doppelmike had said minutes before really was true, then he had no other option, he really was down to the last resort and the fact that Splinter had just become distressed over suddenly no longer being able to sense Mikey within Doppelmike only confirmed his terrifying realisation.

He stared unerringly into Doppelmike's amused gaze, shuddering at the hateful smirk that didn't belong on his brother's face and then... heaven forgive him... he made his decision.

Donnie gulped and spoke as strongly and calmly as he could. “Master Splinter, Raph... please say your goodbyes to Mikey. I've run out of options and I'll not watch my brother suffer like this for a lifetime.”

Raph looked at Donnie as if he was some sort of monster. “Donnie, you can't mean...”

“I do,” came the unusually cold reply.

“You can't! He's our brother!”

“You want him to continue suffering under that monster?”

“Of course not!” Raph yelled frantically. “But you can't just give up so easily!”

Splinter peered into Donatello's eyes before turning to Raphael. “Donatello does not make this decision lightly, Raphael. Come, we will join Leonardo in meditation and say our goodbyes while giving Michelangelo the strength and courage to pass on peacefully.”

Donnie turned away, trying not to choke on his self hatred for what he was about to do. He allowed Splinter and Raphael privacy as he prepared the lethal injection he hadn't wanted to use.

Once Raph and their sensei joined Leo, Donnie stepped up to the furious yet helpless Doppelmike.

“You can't do this, Don. You'll murder your brother and stop me from my revenge! What if this world's Shredder is the one I'm looking for or the one I'm looking for turns up here later?”

Donnie ignored the body snatcher and instead directed his words and thoughts to Michelangelo. “I'm sorry, Mikey. I really am,” he choked as tears slid down his cheeks. “Good bye, my brother.”

-:-

To be concluded

Disclaimer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related characters belong to Nickelodeon.

Creepy but gorgeous cover  created by the awesome 

– Snatched –

Ch 10

Leonardo was frantic. He'd had him! The connection he'd established with Michelangelo was tenuous but he'd had him and now Mikey had disappeared. Leo had felt him pushed out of reach by a malevolent force, one that had the familiarity that Doppelmike exuded before he was outed as a body snatching imposter. Leonardo breathed deep and strengthened his resolve to find his brother again.

He had to re-establish mental contact with Mikey before it was too late.

-:-

No! Mikey yelled in fear. Let me out!

Once again he'd gone too far with the home truths, or in some cases mocking, and he'd found himself shunted into that all consuming, terrifying nothingness deep in the bowels of Doppelmike's soul or mind or wherever the shell this abyss was.

Wherever it was, it was so lifeless that Mikey didn't even know how he'd survived being down here the first time, let alone every time since.

There was no light!

No sound!

No sight!

No life!

No hope!

There was simply nothing!

The only thing he'd ever managed to take from this personal hell was the resolve to be stronger, to find a way to master the domain he'd been stuck within but that didn't work in this place. He couldn't project a form or anything else here. He could only ever feel the nothingness eating away at the edges of his sanity every time.

Minutes ago he'd been bolstered by the mental strength of Leonardo, his brother and leader, and now he felt more alone than ever before.

And more than a little scared, because this time, he knew that Doppelmike was never going to let him out.

-:-

Donnie watched Doppelmike weakening even as tears slid down his olive green cheeks. He shuddered, unsure if he would be able to live with himself for what he'd just done but he'd had no choice. It was either let Doppelmike be and Mikey suffer forever or get rid of Doppelmike and put Mikey out of his lonely misery.

“There was no choice!” Donnie whispered, trying desperately to convince himself he'd done the right thing.

“There is... always... a choice...” Doppelmike's fading voice struggled to be heard. “I've had to live with mine and now... you'll have to live... with yours.”

The light in Donnie's eyes went hard as he heard those words from the body snatching hypocrite in his brother's dying body.

He watched, his tears drying up as Doppelmike took his last breath. Then Donnie turned his gaze to the dread symbol on Mikey's left hand watching desperately. For a moment there was no change and his heart seemed to stop.

Then suddenly it began to fade!

His dangerous last resort plan had worked!

He'd gotten rid of his brother's tormentor but... at what cost?

Donnie immediately snatched up another syringe, one filled with a combination of adrenaline and the antitoxin for what he'd just used minutes before and held it ready, his sharp gaze never leaving Mikey's left hand.

Finally the marking disappeared completely and Donnie immediately reacted, injecting the concoction into Mikey and working frantically to bring him back.

He only hoped it wasn't too late.

-:-

Mikey suddenly started. He was still trapped in the nothingness but somehow, he thought he'd actually heard something. Staring around in confusion, Mikey hoped that this hell hadn't finally taken the last of his sanity but then he heard it again.

Doppelmike.

'Just thought you'd like to know your family was so desperate to be rid of me that Donnie murdered you with a lethal injection,' the mocking voice explained.

Mikey's non-existent jaw dropped in shock. Not Donnie!

'Enjoy your last moments Mikey, I hope they last forever!' Doppelmike sneered hatefully before suddenly adding, 'I wish I could say having your company was a pleasure but it really wasn't.'

Mikey shuddered as he heard Doppelmike's twisted laugh for the final time and then he was completely alone.

-:-

“Quickly my sons,” Splinter addressed Leonardo and Raphael, “we must re-establish mental contact with Michelangelo before it is too late.”

“I'm sorry, Master Splinter. I had him and then I lost him,” Leonardo apologised guiltily. He'd failed his brother yet again, this time when Mikey had needed him the most and the thought that he may never see him again scared Leo terribly.

“That is not surprising, Leonardo,” Splinter reassured, “but if we do not reach him now, we may lose him forever.”

“We already have!” Raph spat, his golden eyes flashing with a mixture of fury, fear and sadness. “You just gave Don the go ahead to murder him!”

Splinter regarded Raphael carefully, “Do you think so little of Donatello to believe he would so easily do such a thing?”

Raph's mouth gaped open in shock and hope rose once more.

“We only needed to believe that Donatello would, in order for Doppelmike to also believe it,” Splinter continued. “We musthurry though. Connect our minds, hearts and souls and reach out to Michelangelo,” he added firmly as he sat on the ground within the Astral Plain.

Leonardo and Raphael sat beside their father in a rough circle and they reached out to their lost brother in the hopes of finding him and guiding him home.

-:-

Instinct told him it hadn't actually been that long but Mikey felt as though he'd been alone in the dark for an eternity; the last thing he'd heard, the only thing, the twisted laughter of his other-dimensional counterpart who'd caused so much grief to so many lives.

Michelangelo stared around, blinking rapidly. He thought it was just his imagination playing tricks but he could have sworn it was getting lighter, that the encroaching darkness was no longer quite so absolute. It was enough to give him hope again though and he soon found himself projecting a form once again.

He took a deep breath and closing his eyes, Mikey began walking towards the light that he could somehow feel better than he could see.

-:-

Donatello slumped into his seat exhausted and stared at his lost brother.

That was it. He'd done all that he could and the rest was up to Michelangelo.

Suddenly out of the corner of his peripheral vision, Donnie caught sight of his father and other brothers and knew it was time to join them.

-:-

Raphael reached out through the ether searching frantically. He could feel his ever-present connection with Master Splinter, Leonardo and now Donatello bolstering him, increasing his ability to reach out but the one person he couldn't sense was Michelangelo and it was as if there was a gigantic hole in their collective soul. Being in the Astral Plain together like this just wasn't right with one family member missing.

“Come on, Mikey!” Raph called desperately. “You're too damned annoyin' to be gone for good!”

-:-

Mikey paused mid step. For a moment he'd been sure he heard a voice calling out to him but it had been so faint that he might have just been hearing things. Still, he dug deep and listened intently.

“... amned annoyin' to be gone for good!”

And he laughed. Stretching out with everything he had, he connected tenuously with his brother's mind and soul.

Suddenly Mikey felt a welcome warmth spread throughout him, like the mental hands of a loved one wrapping gently around and drawing him in and he let himself be pulled in toward that reassuring mental embrace.

-:-

He was slow to wake, his mind rousing gradually to a comforting feeling reminiscent of waking up in a warm, cozy bed on a cold, rainy Sunday morning. Having no desire to dispel the pleasant dreamy feeling, Mikey continued to simply lay there with his eyes closed, soaking up the much missed warmth. After a while, he frowned in confusion, wondering just why the feeling felt much missed when it suddenly hit him. The awful memories of those hellish three months came flooding back unbidden and his eyelids shot open in terror.

For a few minutes, Mikey lay there blinking and breathing rapidly as he adjusted to the soft muted light of the infirmary when he finally realised he was seeing what he wanted to look at. He was no longer relying on the hope that a body snatcher would bother to look at what he wanted.

He could actually see!

He could smell!

He could touch!

He could taste!

His mouth tasted like the bottom of a birdcage.

Mikey laughed lightly in delight, savouring the terrible taste and looked around properly, both ecstatic and concerned by the sight of his entire family surrounding him, draped out and fast asleep over chairs scrounged and dragged in from various rooms. He tried to reach out a hand to his nearest brother but found he was way too tired and achy all over to manage. He didn't care about the feeling though, after all he could actually feel his own body again and that made the pain completely worth it.

He looked at each member of his exhausted family, his gaze lingering on each and then, his own tiredness overtaking him again whispered, “I love you guys,” before letting his eyelids slide closed, falling back to sleep once more with a faint smile still on his face.

Raphael stirred and sat up, blinking blearily. For a moment he'd thought he'd heard a voice but in his fatigue he wasn't sure. He took a deep breath and looked anxiously towards Michelangelo as if to make sure he was actually still there. Then he saw the smile on his brother's face and relaxed at the sight. Raph reached out and took the hand that was partially extended his way before also returning to sleep.

-:-

When Mikey awoke the next time, the lights were still muted and all he could hear was the soft clacking of fingers rapidly dancing across a keyboard. Mikey immediately turned his head towards the sound and smiled as he called out in a rough voice, “Hey Donnie.”

Donnie's head darted up in surprise and his face lit up with happiness upon seeing Mikey's smiling face looking back at him. “Mikey! You're finally awake!” He shot to his feet and rushed over, his laptop forgotten on the desk.

“Heh! Yeah, guess I am bro.” Mikey winced slightly, touching a hand to his throat. “How long?”

Donnie automatically handed Mikey a cup of water, reminding his brother to drink it slowly. “You've been out for a couple of days. Honestly, if you were out much longer, I would have had to put you on a drip,” he explained. “Though Raph said he was sure you'd woken up at one point.”

Mikey watched Donnie carefully as he savoured the soothing sensation of the cool liquid trickling down his throat. “Did he?”

“You don't remember?”

Mikey shrugged lightly, “I'm not sure... maybe. I feel like I dreamed waking up for a few minutes or so but it's so vague that I just don't really know.”

“What is the last thing you clearly remember?”

“You guys trying to save me and then I mouthed off to Doppelmike again.” Mikey gave a humourless chuckle before continuing, “He got so pissed off that he pushed me back into the nothingness again...” His voice had started off at normal volume but trailed off in a whisper by the end.

“I... dunno how long I was stuck there but it felt like forever. I can't... couldn't do anything there, Donnie. Couldn't see, couldn't hear... didn't even have any sort of control to make an astral body for myself there or touch anything around me...” By this stage Mikey was shaking as he spoke but he kept going anyway, needing to get it out, needing to have someone actually listening to him! “I was completely cut off from everyone and everything. At least when I was only trapped in the back of his mind I could still see and hear you guys.”

“Oh Mikey, I'm so sorry.” Donnie moved closer and wrapped his arm around Mikey's shoulder, drawing him close comfortingly.

Mikey shook his head, snuggling in closer, “You've got nothing to be sorry for bro, I'm the one who kept on pushing him... Sometime later, he spoke to me again for the last time, mocking me as he passed on.” Mikey turned his head to look up at Donnie. “He said you'd killed me. Was that true, Donnie?” he asked plaintively.

Donnie hesitated then nodded sadly. “It was the only way to get rid of him but I did it fully intending to bring you back immediately,” he reluctantly admitted. “I'm truly sorry it came to that, Mike.”

“Is that why I feel so awful and achy now, Don?”

Donnie nodded. “I would say that's likely. Would you like something to dull the pain?”

“No.”

“No? You sure you're really our Mikey?”

Mikey chuckled, “Seriously bro, I spent so long unable to feel anything that I don't want anything dulled right now.”

“Alright,” Donnie unenthusiastically replied. “But if it gets too much, please ask for help, don't just suffer through it.”

Mikey smiled then leaned his head on Donnie's shoulder. “I will, thanks. Honestly though, death would have been better than what he did to every other Michelangelo he took over... what he would have done to me eventually.”

“I understand,” Donnie said softly.

Mikey shook his head without removing it from Donnie's shoulder. “No, you don't. No one does.”

“I didn't mean what you are feeling or what you went through, Mikey, just...”

“It's okay bro, I know.”

“Did you... did you want to talk about it?”

“No!” Mikey immediately replied with a distinct shudder.

“You realise you are going to need to eventually,” Donnie pointed out softly, giving Mikey's shoulder a light squeeze.

“Yeah, I know but not right now, okay?” Mikey pleaded and at Donnie's nod continued. “It's just too fresh Don. I... I keep thinking that being here, having my life back is just a dream and I'll wake up any second to find myself right back in that living nightmare.”

“I promise you Mikey, this isn't a dream,” Donnie reassured gently.

“Yeah? But how can I be so sure about that? Dream Donnie would probably say that too!” Mikey whimpered, his voice becoming more panicky as he spoke.

Donnie chuckled quietly. “Well you said it yourself in your letter to Leo. You weren't able to sleep while you were there so how could you still be there and dream this?”

Mikey pulled away enough to sit up straight but didn't break the desperately needed reassurance of touch. “Master Splinter's forever telling me off for daydreaming,” he joked, looking at his brother.

Donnie laughed and rubbed Mikey's head hard, “Wrong kind of dream and you know it, you goof!”

“Heh! Yeah but you get my point,” Mikey chuckled, relishing the almost noogie. “Hey... where's everyone else anyway?”

“They're training right now,” Donnie admitted, sobering

“Oh... Why aren't you with them then?” Mikey asked curiously, trying hard to cover up his disappointment that the others were off training. He was however extremely glad at least someone was here with him when he woke.

“Honestly, after everything you have been through in the last three months, none of us wanted to leave you alone so we've been taking turns to stay with you,” Donnie explained softly. “Though most of the time there has been more than one of us, if not all of us here.”

“Thanks, Donnie,” Mikey smiled gratefully.

“Would you like me to get everyone else?” Donnie offered.

Mikey nodded eagerly, “Definitely!”

Donnie stood, pulling away and headed for the door while Mikey watched with a rapidly increasing irrational anxiety. When Donnie opened the door and stepped out, Mikey freaked. He just couldn't help it!

“Don't leave me alone!” he shrieked in uncontrolled panic.

He tried to get up from the infirmary cot but collapsed within a couple of steps, his recovering body still weak from the poison that had killed him. Before he could hit the ground, Donnie was beside him, catching and hauling him back to his feet. Moments later a still panicky Michelangelo found himself back in bed and clutching desperately at Donnie.

“I'm sorry, I just... I...” Mikey was all but sobbing.

“It's okay Mikey. I'm sorry. You seemed okay and I would have been right back,” Donnie apologised profusely as he worked to calm his brother down.

Mikey shook his head, slowly getting his breathing back under control. “Just... call the others but please Donnie, I don't want to be alone again. I can't...”

Donnie stared down at Mikey in bemusement, “No one's going to hear me calling from here.”

Mikey chucked slightly, though even that much was forced, “Shell-cell, dude.”

Surprised and annoyed over missing the obvious, Donnie shook his head and made the call. A couple of minutes later, Leo and Raph burst into the infirmary with Splinter following at a more sedate pace and while Mikey felt a little overwhelmed after being denied so long, he lapped up the resulting attention happily.

Eventually Donnie left to get soup for Mikey and Leo leant in close, asking softly, “Are you alright, Mikey?”

'No, I'm not.' Mikey knew right now he really wasn't. He'd probably have nightmares galore and continue to have panic attacks at the mere thought of being alone for quite some time and while he was ecstatic that Doppelmike was gone from his life, he worried for the Michelangelo of the next dimension Doppelmike ended up in, however things were at least looking up. He had his body and his life back, his family knew what had happened, had managed to save him and were now going out of their way to make up for lost time. Yes, he was definitely not okay right now but in time he had every confidence he would be.

“I will be.”

-:-

Epilogue to come