Chapter Text
It all started in New York city. The day was just any average day. The ashy light of the sky illuminated the scenery and people. Students were walking home from school on the sidewalks in groups. Cars passing on the road, most likely an adult heading to their later shifts at work. It was a peaceful community by everyone keeping to themselves. Turning a blind eye just to keep their own peace. Their was a darkness to New York. In the shadows the amount victims rise everyday. Petty theft, kidnapping, bloodshed. Yet, no one was willing to sacrifice their own blissful ignorance. Except.... underneath the rock of the roads, deep into the underground sewers, lived a secrete lair.
In the depths of the lair, had a connected dojo. It was massive to those who weren't used to the size. On the walls was cluttered with weapons, old antique armors and paintings of Japan's culture. In the back, off center, was a grand willow tree to finish the room off. The whole place felt sirenic. So, calming, so peaceful.
Master splinter, a rat mutant, he had gray-ish brown fur from old age with black streaks on his head and down his neck. He wore a maroon colored robe that covered his whole body. His hands hidden in his sleeves as he was crossed armed. The master sat on his knees in front of the bloomed willow tree. The willow tree's leaves surrounded him in a perfect arch. Like the tree itself respected the master.
Across the Sensei was his disciples, four mutant turtles. Each of them stood two against two. Their weapons gripped in their three finger fists. Not one moved or made a sound. You couldn't even hear the movement of air from their own breathing. They were frozen in the stances...
Unmoving...
Waiting...
Until...
Splinter: "HAJIME!"
The first one to move on pure instinct was the oldest turtle brother. Leonardo, wearing a blue mask, was known as the most authoritative out of the siblings. Leo strives for complete perfection. Everything he does has to be done with all effort and no mistakes. All for the eyes of his father. Cause what matters most to him was how his father sees him. So, it wasn't much a surprise that he would be the first to move at that exact moment.
Though, it was a surprise for his brother as Leo strike down his twin katanas right for him. Yet, it was blocked by his said brother. Who wielded a wooden staff.
Donnie: "Really Leo... me first?"
Leo: (Smirking) "I just went for the first turtle I saw. No hard feelings don"
Donatello, the 2nd youngest brother. Which you wouldn't really believe since he is tallest of the group. Also wearing a purple mask, he had an outstanding intellect. He was the most curious. Always trying to figure out how things functioned for his craving to increase his already high IQ. Though it had a downside. He just could never stop thinking, which hindered some of the more normal type of tasks.
Donnie pouring all his brute strength against his older brother wasn't working out as he would have liked. He was aware of how his body couldn't build up muscle like the rest of his siblings which is why he always looks for a second option. Yet, Leo was also aware of Donnie's planning. Knowing if he gave his brother too much thinking time he definitely would lose. So he had to push his way through the purple masked ninja, quickly.
Leo pulled back his swords suddenly, making Donnie fall forward. Then Leo did a spin kick into Donnie's carapace, just to show off.. Only a little. Knocking Donnie down for a second.
On the other side of the room. Rapheal, the second son, was backflipping to dodge a bunch of chains coming for his feet. Raph, wearing a red mask, was titled the hot head. Though he rather considers himself more realistic. To Raph his brothers live too much in their heads, at least one of them has to be more grounded. But when he speaks his mind it comes off way more rude then what he means to intend.
After the chains stopped coming, Raph landed on his feet. A cocky grin was all over his face. Immediately he puts away his sais and cracks his knuckles.
Raph: "Done?"
Michelangelo, the last and youngest turtle brother. Mikey was the most bubbly and kindest out of his siblings. He was always able to sees the good in the darkness. Though this made him easily distracted and unfocused. Even Leo has labeled him 'Space case Mikey' but it didn't bother mikey. Mostly cause he just rubs his flexibility in his older brothers face. It was like his bones were made of rubber he calls it.
Right now... he wished they were rubber so he wouldn't feel his muscle pain. I mean sensei literally just made them do warm up exercises, Tai Chi, and weapon practice. This was all too much for the youngest turtle. He was hunched over now, catching his breath.
Mikey: "No....possibly....maybe..."
Raph chuckles, sending chills down Mikey's spine. Mikey had no clue what his brother was going to do next but no doubt its going to hurt.
Donnie continues to try to get the upper hand on Leo. Yet no matter where he swings his staff its like he was fighting the air. Of course Leo perfected dodging! This wasn't going to stop the most intelligent turtle. He gripped his staff tighter, the fabric of his fingerless gloves tensing along. Donnie twirled his staff, jabbing right.left.down.right. Moving in combinations like in a video game.
Yet.....nothing.
Quickly Donnie sweeps Leo legs. Once again Leo dodge but Donnie was anticipating this. He watched Leo jump into the air, making him vulnerable for three seconds. Donnie was an observant type. Keeping a watchful eye on his brothers movements. So he knows all his brothers responses. Mikey does a backflip as a last second effort. Raph jumps to the side to do a surprise attack. Finally Donnie knows that Leo goes straight up just so he won't lose his positioning. So this was his chance to get the upper hand. Immediately Donnie goes in, jabbing his staff straight forward, heading for Leo's chest. CLING!
Donnie always overthinks. So lost in his mind he couldn't focus on the unexpected. With all his calculations in his head, he always somehow forgets the element of surprise. It all happened so fast. Leo had his blades push down Donnie's staff midair. Giving Leo a push forward as he kicked Donnie in the face. Leo lands perfectly on the ground. Then he watched Donnie stumble back holding his face in pain. What could make matters even worse. Donnie couldn't continue the fight as a fast flying Mikey comes and knocking them both down completely.
Leo takes a breath then immediately turns around. Now face to face with Rapheal. They both narrowed the gazes at each other. Leo crosses his blades into a X as he slowly he circled Raph and Raph did the same. Raph reached into his belt and took out his sais. The atmosphere suddenly becoming more intense.
Leo: "Looks like its just you and me"
Raph spined his sais in his hands. He held on to the red wraps tightly. This was the moment he was waiting for. Raph wanted to be able to go one on one with Leo. This time their will be no draws. No more coming second place to Splinter Jr. He will make sure of that.
Raph: "That won't last long"
Raph then jerks himself forward. Rushing at a fiery pace at his brother, swinging his blade. Like with Donnie before Leo's dodging was becoming an annoyance. Raph continue aggressively swinging into the air. He was so close to hitting the blue turtle. Even the air ripped one of Leo's arm length bandages, unraveling a little. Leo needed to come up with a plan or this barrage won't end. Raph's anger always worried Leo. He had a tendency to get too aggressive. In the eldest eyes he was the only one who can handle Raph's strength. The only one who can help manage Raph's anger. Leo jumps back, taking a quick side glance at his Sensei; wondering what his response would be for this situation before looking back at his younger brother.
Leo: "Calm down Raph its only training"
Raph: (Mockingly) "Only training he says"
Once again Raph strikes aggressively. This time Leo didn't plan on dodging. He clashed back. Their blades strikes in a small blinding light for a second. Over and over, they were evenly matched.
For those who have been eliminated in combat, they walk over to their sensei is and observe the fight that still remains. Donnie was really annoyed. He for sure thought he had the upper hand on Leo. If only Mikey didn't sudden come out of nowhere. Maybe Raph knew Donnie was close on finishing off Leo, so he decided to get Donnie out by sending Mikey? Yeah, he is going to go with that to heal his ego instead of Mikey's and his own bruises. Donnie side glanced his younger brother, watching his eyelids almost close in worry. Following the gaze, Donnie's russet eyes see exactly why his brother is getting nervous. Once again, his older brothers were getting carried away. It was once again a brutal competition but today definitely wasn't the day for that.
Leo was starting to become aggressive as Raph. Both of them fighting like it was life or death. Determined to win. Proving which one was better. Basically, said again, just getting carried away with it. This was bad Donnie thought. If those two kept it up it could ruin the plan. Nervously, Donnie glanced down at his father. He hoped maybe that Splinter would stop this before it becomes too far.
Donnie: "Sensei they are getting carried away again. Aren't you going to stop them?"
Splinter, never moving his head once, strokes his long thin beard that was attached to his rat fur. Only giving a "hm" as a response to Donatello. This made Donnie annoyed. He wishes he could understand what's going on his father's head right now. Sensei hated how competitive Leo and Raph was, donnie knew that. If Sensei gets angry then the plan was doomed but how was he going to convey the message without splinter getting on to them. As Leo said himself, we have to make this perfect. Mikey covered his eyes, but managed to peak through his fingerless gloves. Even he didn't know what to do, well what was Mikey even suppose to do?
Leo swinged to Raphs right side but Raph managed to drop down and roll away. Raph then chucks throwing stars at Leo's feet making him stumble back into a corner. Raph rushes forward, closing in. Leo wipes his forehead, his determination was burning like a fire. Raph charged at Leo, only to have leo leaped frog over him. Then kicked Raph's shell, pushing him right into the wall. BAM! Leo landed once again like a dove. He was breathing hard. It was a lot of movement he thought but it was mostly to came down his own hostility. Raph growled, turning away from the wall.
Raph: "No more games.. Lets end this"
Raph glared angrily, a fire in his gaze. Leo perfectly match it. The tension becoming way way worse. The pressure could swallow the earth. They both charged. Leo aiming his swords on both sides of Raph. Raph aiming his sai at Leo's chest. They both unanimously decided not to hold back. To prove that 'he' was the better one. Suddenly they freeze in place. They both didn't move until they started twitching. Master Splinter was now between the brothers. Two fingers of his on both of their necks, pressing on a pressure point. Splinter didn’t let go until they both dropped their weapons. When he released them they both fell to the ground, gasping in pain.
Splinter sighed, his hands behind his back. He was hoping that they would realize their error. Maybe that was too much to ask. Despite his size, he stood tall over the two.
Splinter: "Leonardo, Rapheal. You both have seem to forgotten that you are brothers. Not enemies. This rivalry you both have for each other must be put into a end. Training is about honing your skills. To test limits. Not a battle to the grave!"
Splinter slammed his jade staff. All of the siblings flinched at the authority. Leo was the first to stand back up and bow. His face full of guilt. He never liked upsetting his Sensei.
Leo: "I apologize, Master Splinter"
Raph stood back up not that long after Leo. He huffed and crossed his arms. He would have won if sensei didn't get involved. He had Leo right where he wanted. Why does he have to apologize? Leo might be a wuss when it comes to being scolded but he had no problem. Mostly cause he was use to it.
Raph: (Mumbling) "Of course stop the fight when I was about to win"
Splinter immediately turned to Rapheal. His rat ears were sharp. Splinter raised his eyebrow. You can definitely tell he didn't appreciate that attitude. Even by making sure every word he said was clear.
Splinter: "What was that? Would you like to repeat that statement Rapheal. I want to make sure I didn't hear attitude"
The red turtles emerald green eyes turned into a harsh glare. Attitude? What attitude! He was only just stating a fact. Why does sensei talk down to him like that! He wasn't a child. If Sensei clearly wanted him to say it again he would make sure it was memorable.
Raph: "I said-"
Raph stopped. Behind Splinter he could see something moving, catching his attention. Their was Leo, who was now standing next to the other two. He was waving his hands quickly and gesturing for Raph to stop talking. Raph rolled his eyes. Not getting the message but he didn't finish his words as now his brothers was basically pleading with him to keep quiet. So he gave in. He turned his head off to the side to avoid his father high gaze.
Raph: "Nothing Sensei... I'm... I'm sorry Leo"
Splinter kept his head up a little. His own height reaching to Rapheal's shoulders. He stood there, silently observing his son with his slit gaze. It seemed the hostility has cooled down. Probably best to end training for now. Splinter exhales through his nose and walks towards the exit of the dojo. Having his back turned his sons.
Splinter: "Training is over for today. You are all dismissed"
The brothers watched the silver and light brown fur vanish behind the opened door way. They all released a breath they didn't know they were holding. The tension they were feeling faded. Still worried that Splinter could still hear them they grouped together, dropping their voices to a whisper.
Donnie: "That was close.. Good job at going psycho guys. Maybe I don't know, Dont do something that you know will make Sensei really mad"
Leo: "Right sorry"
Mikey: "Yeah Guys you looked crazy. You got to be more responsible"
Raph: "Want to go for a round two"
Raph cracked his knuckles at Mikey, making him flinch. Immediately Leo holds out his arm stopping the attempt.
Leo: "Look there still might be a chance to save this. Remember guys, this has to go perfectly. Today is the day. We can't let anything else go wrong today. Got it"
Donnie and Mikey: "Got it"
Leo: ".... Right Raph?"
Raph groaned. Thinking about all of this, the plan isn't going to work. They couldn't even do much to even consider it a plan. Only giving a speech and poorly drawn card by Mikey. Its honestly idiotic but.. he didn't want to be the reason it does fail.
Raph: "Yeah I got it. But I want a rematch after this"
Leo smirked and raises his fist for a fist bump. He was using the gesture as a peace offering. Which Raph easily returns.
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On the surface. The sunlight was starting to dim on the day. As a teenage girl was coming home from school. She had red vibrant hair tied into a ponytail. A simple black shirt and jean shorts that had leggings that reached her knees underneath with boots that didn't go farther then her calf. Tied around her waist was a yellow letterman jacket with a white strip down the sleeves and on the back writing in white said 'O'Neil'.
April O'Neil, was casually walking down the sidewalk. Her backpack hanging off one arm treating it like some common purse. Headphones on her head, listening and getting lost in the music. Humming along, watching the cars that drove past her. Until she bumps into someone.
April: "Ow"
April rubbed her face, feeling a massive pain. It felt like she hit metal then a person. She took off her headphones and lifted her head up to see a tall man.
April: "Sorry Sir"
The guy didn't say anything or moved for that matter. He wore a black suit and black sunglasses. With no memorable details. Definitely looked like some kind of businessman. Maybe he was coming back from work? April thought but was so confused on why the guy didn't do or say anything. She felt chills from the way his head was facing her. Was he just starring at her? She couldn't really tell from the sunglasses. Nevertheless, she didn't want to stay there anymore. Slowly she back up to get some distance from the guy.
April: "Um..sorry again"
April fixed her backpack straps to be over her shoulders. Then quickly runs past the guy, making sure she didn't make anymore contact with him. Thinking "what a weirdo". He could have moved out of the way when he saw her coming. He also could have said something then just stand there like a creep.
The chills didn't go away. Instinctively, April turns her gaze and see that the guy was still watching her. He was now fully turned around in the same position. The chills turned into a sick uncomfortable feeling in her stomach causing her to run even faster to reach her aunts apartment.
April begins to slow down as she started to recognize the buildings, about to reach home. Quickly she turned around again and saw the guy was in fact gone. She let her shoulders drop with relief. The creepy tension shaking her finally left.
April: (Mumbled) "Thank god"
???: "APRIL!"
April quickly turned back around and smiled brightly. Sitting on the apartment steps was her best friend, Irma. She definitely felt more relaxed now seeing her friend. April speed walked over to her, too tired from running.
April: "Hey! I can't believe you actually showed up"
Irma stands up from the steps, walking closer to April so she didn't have much distance to her. She had a no sleeved shirt that had an exact copy of a ribcage with a non realistic heart on the side. She also had a pleated gray skirt with black lace on the last layer, to finish the look off she had black lace tights with her signature ankle boots.
Irma: "I know you April. You were going to do this no matter what I say. So, I feel more comfortable if I'm at least doing this with you"
April smiled and brought her short haired brunette friend (who had dyed purple streaks) into a big hug.
April: "Thank you so much! Did you bring it?"
April took a step back letting Irma adjust her glasses then grabs into her satchel. Irma pulls out a fresh out of the box looking silver camcorder. No smudges or scratches. So Irma, April thought while rolling her eyes. Always the perfectionist with her stuff.
Irma: "Yes, but my dad paid a lot for this. So, it's very delicate April"
April: "It will be fine Irma. We just sneak in, record the video from my documentary and then leave. It should only last like 10 minutes or less"
Irma sighs, slowly putting the camera back into her bag. She was already feeling regret about this plan. It's just crazy and literally against the law. Yet, Irma wasn't going to just let April go way over her head. Nothing would work against the redhead. April O'Neil was a stubborn, stubborn girl. Doesn't mean Irma could at least try, she was somewhat stubborn herself.
Irma: "You know April, Normal people would just record the clouds or people moving down the sidewalks for school assignments. Not abandoned labs"
April just rolls her eyes again...
April: "Exactly, that's what others are doing. If I am going to become a journalist, then I have to do something eye catching that boost me through the ranks"
Irma: "April you're in high school"
April feels her own weight crush her. This was going nowhere. She knows Irma is trying to convince her not to do this. Irma always can be the voice of reason for April. Even when they were so little. It can almost make April chuckle at the memories. It did feel really good to be back in New York. April gave her friend a soft, reassuring smile. Hoping it would ease her troubled mind. Even placing a hand on Irma's bare shoulder. She really need to do this.
April: "Look, I know this kind of drastic. I just... really need this, Irma. Ever since I moved back, I feel like... I'm being left behind. I never seen my grades so low before. I have to make this big. Bigger than anything. I have my whole future riding on this"
Irma: "You don't need to be so overly dramatic. I swear you are a worse overachiever then joey but fine. But do we seriously have to do this so late? It makes this whole thing sketchier than it is. And what about your dad? Is this something he is even okay with?"
April flinched about Irma mentioning her dad. Something hasn't been right with him lately. Couple weeks ago, was her mom's death anniversary. Well, that's what everyone labels it now. There was never a body, no evidence of someone intruding... there wasn't anything. Mom just disappeared. Dad started to have nightmares. It started to change him; he was frantic and having terrible anxiety. It took some days for April to convince her dad to go to therapy. Which they suggested that going back to familiarity would help confront the source of the nightmares. So, they moved back into New York, moving into her aunt's apartment. Slowly her father has started to calm down. It didn't stop entirely, but it was slow progress. Though her father kept up his paranoia, constantly monitoring April. Probably worried that she would disappear too.
April: "That's why we have to do this so late. He always has to check up on me. I can't take the curfews and literally refusing to let me hang out with you anywhere but in aunt Bridge's apartment. So, after dad takes his medication that's when we sneak out. Just record the old lab and come straight back home. All before he will even notice we are ever gone. Now we better get inside before he starts calling me on why I'm not home yet"
April walks past Irma on the steps. Already typing in the door code for the building. Irma turns to gaze at the back of April's head. Something to her just didn't feel entirely right. Irma doesn't need to have in doubt in April. She was the type to study like crazy for an exam but to break into an abandon lab for a short film project. April wouldn't lie to her, but a couple of years can change a person. But it wasn't like Irma didn't call her and text her every chance she got. Irma just couldn't shake this feeling. Though she snapped out of her thoughts as April stood there waiting for her while holding the door.
Irma: "Yeah okay but I just can't help feel like something is going to happen"
April: "Your just being paranoid. I promise this will be over before you know it. Just imagine what we can find. Maybe we can find you a date that isn't on the TV"
Irma turned her head to the side and giggled. She walked up the steps getting into eye level with the red head.
Irma: "You're so lucky I love you"
The two girls, seeming to be in better spirits, finally head inside the building. April knew this was going to be grand. She has to do it. It was the only lead she had and she is taking it without hesitation.
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The turtles where in the kitchen, preparing. It was time. They each were given jobs to make sure everything was going right. Raph with cutlery, Leo with cleaning, Mikey with decorations yet he hasn't even started and finally Donnie with monitoring. Yet that didn't distract them form their own nervousness. Most evidence in Leo who aggressively was cleaning the table. He only stopped when Donnie grabbed his wrist gently, snapping Leo out of his daze. Mikey was busy cooking on the stove; he was surprisingly confident. Though he ends up catching the unwanted attention of Raph after getting annoyed of hearing Mikey's humming. Raph, like Mikey, wasn't doing his job either. Instead, he was just sitting their bored while his pet turtle was on his lap. Subconsciously, petting the small creature's head.
Raph: "Aren't you guys just being a bit much right now?"
He was so bored of just sitting there while the other three was preparing everything to the letter. Raph even gripped a fork in front of him and slowly started to bend it with his thumb but to only have Donnie snatched it away from him.
Donnie: "Yes, Rapheal. The only way this plan will work now is if we make sure everything is at the most proper"
Leo: "Exactly. This is the year Sensei will say yes"
Leo says with full confidence. Raph rolls his eyes, clearly not believing such a statement.
Raph: "Yeah right. We asked for years and it was always no. What makes 15 any different?"
This was Mikey's cue. A big widen grin plastered over his face, big enough for his freckles reached towards his eyes. He turned around holding a big plate with a rusted dish cover on top. Mikey then slammed down the plate making sure everyone was now paying attention to the youngest.
Mikey: "Chill bros. I have the solution to our decimal"
Donnie: "Dilemma"
Mikey: "Sorry D. I don't know who that is, but she sounds nice, but you got to focus here bro"
Donnie stood there for a moment. Slowly he moves to sits down next to Raph. It took a lot of will power not to say something else. It would have been even more of a headache then what he already has from that sentence. Ignoring the death glare he was getting from Donnie, Mikey waved his three fingers over the dish to make it so mysterious and add to the suspense. No one was suspenseful.
Mikey: "This is the key to make sure Sensei said yes for us to finally see the surface. Presenting the tastiest, the most exclusive, the most creative-"
Donnie, Leo and Raph: "Mikey!"
Mikey stops. Embarrassed, he chuckles while scratching the back of his head. Then Mikey, clears his throat, putting his fist in front of his mouth to exaggerate the properness slightly.
Mikey: "Ta Da!"
Mikey then removes the rusted lid and revealed a cake. A small cake that... was moldy. Moldy with a bunch of colors that the others couldn't figure out what they were. One thing for sure, it smelled. Smelled really, really bad. The aroma was horrendous thanks to Mikey actually cooking this one their stove, at least they can tell what the black parts where. The other three just stood there in horror. Donnie leans over trying not to throw up. His light stomach was having the toughest battle right now. Raph slowly moved away, thinking that abomination might actually be alive. Only Leo was trying to be kind about it. Though he was struggling to keep a straight face.
Leo: "What a... interesting... um... what is it exactly?"
Mikey: "Isn't obvious?"
Leo: "...Yes, it's of course obvious its... just-"
Mikey: "It's a cake"
Raph: "That's a cake!?"
Raph immediately shouts out in shock. Quickly Donnie covers his mouth, hoping that sensei didn't just hear that. Mikey pouted, feeling very insulted on his creation. Hurt, he puts his hands on his hips and did the most exaggerated angry face.
Mikey: "What do you expect!? Sensei is the only one who grabs food for us, so I have to do what we have"
Donnie: "Mikey... you were just supposed to make a card"
Mikey: "I thought of a better idea of course"
Donnie nervously looks at the "better idea". He swore he felt it starring at him. Slowly, Donnie poked it with his pencil. Watching the whatever slimy substance was on it leak down. Quickly he changes seats with Raph, while trying not to throw up again.
Raph: "Mikey sensei gets us food from a dumpster not some mixture of sewer sludge"
That did it... poor Donnie. Immediately Leo rushes over with a bag in hand and rubs his little brothers shell as he was losing it. Suddenly, Leo's head perks up. He could hear soft footsteps approaching.
Leo: (Whispering) "Guys sensei is coming!"
The brothers froze for a second before hurrying around. Leo quickly taking care of the trash, Raph actually organizing the table, though of course setting spike his pet turtle down on the table first. Mikey quickly covers his amazing cake with the rusted lid and quickly does some last-minute decorations.
Master splinter walks into the kitchen and stopped. Vaguely creeped out from 4 teenage turtles just smiling on at him. His suspicions on high alert.
The turtles: "Happy mutation day sensei!"
Mikey then quickly re-reveals the cake. Donnie quickly blocks the monstrosity with his hand.
Splinter: "Okay... what do you want?"
They froze like a deer in headlights then looked at each other. The brothers really thought that they had it all down. Well should have expected nothing to get past their father. Not liking the silence, Donnie clears his throat and speaks.
Donnie: "So..splinter..sensei..father...um... dad"
Splinter: (Glaring) "Donatello"
Donnie gulps, snapping out of... whatever that was.
Donnie: "Okay so... You know how we been here for so long... I mean been here for years, training us. Spending time together. And um..."
Leo: "WE... Have thought"
Leo quickly jumps in. Clearly seeing Donnie once again getting stuck on his words and decides to just take over. Leo turns to his father, seeing that intense stare made Leo lock up too. He also nervously gulps feeling his anxiety rise up. He just needs to say it. Say it and get it over with... just... needs to say it.
Leo: "Wethinkitstimeforustofinallygotothesurface"
Leo rushed it in one breath. Even letting out that breath so loudly. Leo bites his lip now, suddenly feeling guilt come over him. No one bothered to say anything. All their eyes were now on their father. Waiting. The silence was awful for those couple of seconds. Each of them looked at the other brother expecting that to end the silence. They wanted to say something, but they felt like they couldn't. None had the courage to speak. So, they had to use their own way of speaking. To get under splinters detection the brother's created their own secret code using hand movements. Something learned and developed together overtime. Though, through the years the code kept changing to the point it was too inconsistent to teach others, making it impossible.
Leo gently hits his fist against the table twice. Then places his finger on the table and swipes it to the right. Finally pointing straight ahead. (What do we do now?)
Mikey was next, he used a talking hand puppet gesture and then points his thumb backwards behind him with his tongue peeking out. (Like I know dude)
Raph slams his fist down once, hard. Then points directly at Donnie. (Do something smart one!). Then he lifts his hand into a fist and squeezes it tightly. (Or else)
Donnie rolls his eyes. He responds by his pinky and thumb pointing into different directions then turning his wrist. Then draws a swirl in the air. Finally, ending it with tapping two fingers on the table twice. (I DON'T KNOW! Why is violence always the answer with you!)
SLAM
The boys quickly straighten their spines and turned towards their father. This was it. They waited and held their breaths.
Splinter: "I have given it consideration"
Unconsciously, they leaned forward. Splinter closes his eyes. His hand reaching for his thin beard, slowly he stroked the fur.
Splinter: "I knew from the moment from when you were just young turtles, that I can't protect you forever. That soon enough one day... you will want to start to grow and explore. So.......... Next year you can go"
.....
.....
.....
SLAM!
Raph: "NEXT YEAR!?"
Raph quickly stood, slamming his hands against the table. His face twisted in anger. Raph knew that in his head splinter would say no but even so, there was some hope that he would actually say yes. He wanted to be proven wrong.
Splinter: "Yes. Your only 15 years old, so it would be best that another year would suffice perfectly"
Mikey lowers his head on the table. His sad face melting on the surface.
Mikey: "But another year is so longggggggggggggggggggggggg"
Leo keeps his head low, starring at the table in disappointment. He no words. Donnie, immediately tried to think of something to say that will magically change his mind. It raced with words and sentences that were just consistently changing.
Donnie: "S-Sensei, I know your... worried about us and... and w-we think we are capable of-"
Splinter slams his jade staff again, grabbing all their attention and silence.
Splinter: "My answer is final! I want this whining to end. How can you prove your capable of going topside when you're acting like 5-year-olds. Sigh I think I need to go mediate now. I better not hear any more complaints about this matter"
Each lowered their heads. Biting their tongues. The overwhelming depression weighed down on the brothers. Not even bothering to look at their Sensei as he turned around and left the kitchen. Splinter takes a deep breath; he didn't want to be that harsh with them. Maybe he should have said something about the obvious effort. Or at least answering it tomorrow. Splinter, even though he trained years into mastering every art pushed in front of him, couldn't just think straight when it comes to his sons. His sons were far capable of anything. Splinter even sometimes think that they were even stronger than the master himself. Just... he wasn't ready.
Splinter: (whispering) "Just One more year... please"
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April: "Alright! Goodnight dad!"
April shouts out before closing her bedroom door with a click. Not too loudly but she made sure it wasn't quiet either. Just to make sure her dad thinks she is going to bed. Irma was sitting on April's bed, a book in hand. The bare bed wrinkled sightly beneath her. Irma was trying to find any distraction by flipping through the pages not really reading it. April crawled on to the bed and sits on her knees next to Irma. A massive excited grin, on her freckled face.
April: "Are you pumped?"
Irma slowly lowers the book. Her face was the exact opposite of April's. She pushes up her glasses gently. The thin frame pressing against her slightly tanned skin.
Irma: "Not really.. I just... can't shake off this weird feeling that something bad is going to happen"
April takes the book out of Irma's lap, of course placing her bookmark there and setting it on the side table. Then April gets up to grab her yellow letterman jacket that was on top of unopened boxes. She takes a second, running her thumb over the smooth fabric. A pit sinking in her stomach though she just pushed it aside and tied the jacket around her waist. Taking a long exhale to remove all of her worries.
Irma: "April... can't we just do this in the morning. We could just have an actual sleepover and watch Coven heart"
Irma, now on her knees, pulls out a movie from her satchel. The cover had some girl having her head tilted back with a guy hovering over her with a sultry expression. Of course she had a back up plan. April turns around annoyed. Her expression soured at the box art. It started to grate on her on how Irma was so against it.
April: "You know I'm not into those monster fantasy stuff. Come on Irma you said you will do this with me. Its alright if you decide not to"
Irma: "I know but I don't want you to go alone but at the same time I really don't want to do this. Ever since you came back you have been acting reckless and I just don't want to lose my best friend again"
April's annoyance melted. She loves how much Irma cared about her, they were basically sisters. The red head walked over and pulled the shorter girl into a hug. Irma had no problem returning it.
April: "I promise. nothing bad will happen. I just need... want to do this. Remember its just a quick in and out"
Irma: "Alright... I'll stop trying to convince you. But if their is any sign of danger we leave immediately doesn't matter if you need 1 second. Promise"
April pulls back and smiles. She nodded, agreeing to Irma's terms. Quickly April grabs Irma's satchel and hands it to her. Then she moves swiftly to the fire escape, lifting the window up. The cold night air blows into the empty room causing Irma to shiver slightly.
April: "Ready?"
Irma: "Ready as Ill ever be"
April: "Hey cheer up, maybe you can find a vampire to be your lover while we are out"
April swings on leg over before getting lightly shoved by Irma who was giggling.
Irma: "Why are you so involved in my love life"
April giggles too while helping Irma out of the window before slowly closing it.
Later, in the darkend streets of New York. The ashy sky was now pitch black and filled with stars. It was like the city turned off like a switch. Amidst the darkness was an old looking building. It looked nothing much of a lab and more of a old storage house. The roofing had gray tile with cracks. The outer walls just some weathered wood.
Right on the side the two girls hugged the wall of the building. Trying to blend into the shadows. Surprisingly, their wasn't anybody. No cars, No people beside the one homeless person they passed. April looks around just to make sure it was clear when she saw a window above the dumpster at the back. Quickly she starts to climb on top of the lid. Then she pushes the sliding window to the right with all her strength. Once it was open she turned to Irma.
April: "Come on"
Irma struggled to lift her leg on top of the dumpster. She wasn't much of a athlete, neither was April or at least that what Irma last remembered.
Irma: "I don't like how good you are at sneaking around suddenly"
April rolls her eyes and helps Irma up. April jumps down into the building. It was a dark, to be expected, emptied hallway. The walls were nothing special, just white metal. She placed her hand on the wall feeling the cold metal against her palm. April then looked down the ends of the hallway but it seemed to be endless. The hallway seemed to lead to complete darkness. Irma then jumps down almost falling over but managed to keep her balance. She as well looked around.
Irma: (mumbling) "This place looked smaller on the outside"
April grabs her phone put of her pocket and turns on the flash light which didn’t reveal anything new. It just so bare. Very minimal.
April: "Irma pull out the camera"
April started to walk ahead. Walking the straight narrow path. Quickly Irma pulls out her camera and rushes after April.
Irma: "Wait a second. Don't leave me behind here"
She turns on the infrared mode and moved the camera around. Felt like they were ghost hunting then just shooting for a short film. There wasn't really anything. The walls were exactly the same, only the occasional small window. It kinda make Irma feel stupid for worrying so much.
Irma: "You know the way you hyped this up. It made think there would be more"
Silence...
Irma looked at the back of April's head. April didn't bother to turn around or respond she just kept walking. Only sound was her footsteps as a response.
Irma: "Its... so empty... um... It kind of looks too clean to be abandoned..."
Still silence.
April continues to robotically walk forward. Irma suddenly a felt dread come over her. She rushed her steps but each step felt like April was getting further away.
Irma: "April?"
.....
Irma: "April?"
.....
Irma: "APRIL!"
April's body jolts with shock. She gripped her phone tightly worried she was about to drop it. Quickly, she turned around and smiled like nothing happened.
April: "Hey, Irma, are you getting some good footage?"
Irma frowns. Then exasperated sigh escapes her lips before lowering her camcorder to her mid-torso. She had so many questions but what just happened. Maybe best to ask later she thought. Irma didn't want to stay longer then she had to.
Irma: "No, not really it's just all hallway"
April: "Maybe your- ah!"
A sudden ringing blasted in April's head. The pain immediately made her gasp and drop to her knee. April couldn't hear anything other thing the ringing. The sound was making her deaf with its noise. Irma must have rushed over as April feels a hand on her back. April leans towards Irma, feeling the texture of Irma's shirt on her hand. It was becoming unbearable to the point April felt like she had to open her eyes. She stared down the twisting hallway. The darkness was just calling her. Like she lost control of her body to her mind, April gets up and walks towards the hallway. She just had to keep walking... just had to do it. The walls felt like they were shifting. Getting closer than expanding. The darkness crawling on the walls, inviting her. Slowly she could see something at the end. Gently she reached her hand forward and felt a door. With all her strength, she pulled the two doors apart. Revealing a massive laboratory.
Chapter 1 END