Chapter Text
Leo woke up in a pool of something. A thick, sticky liquid. Almost like… No, none of that now. He was fine.
Must be a water leak somewhere or something like that.
Is that why he felt so sweaty…?
Was it just water…?
Holy crap. His head was spinning…
He couldn't quite make out what it was, even with natural night vision.
What little sleep he managed to gain seemed just weight him down. An extra layer of aching that left his eyes sore and his throat aching. Just his luck.
He wanted to hurl.
He had already wondered his way out of his home. Or what was left of it.
He didn't know where he was going. Just walking, letting his mind drift away from his actions and his subconscious lead him.
It hurt his head more too think to much…
The longer he went the more foggy things had become. One goal stayed clear though.
Find them.
He doesn't know where to start. At least he thinks so…? He didn't exactly have a working device to tell him the time. He thinks he dropped his phone sometime during the chaos or left it at the lair.
Probably for the best, it would have gotten destroyed during the fight anyways.
well, it was now either way.
Well, not like it matters, if he brought it or not. If he had lost it Donnie would rather deactivate it and give him a backup.
So it doesn't matter. Where were they anyways? Even if it had all been destroyed they wouldn't just abandon it all. Would they? No, no they wouldn't. That's not like them. This wasn't adding up.
He continued to walk down the abandoned subway, the rails dying off into just plain concrete at some point.
Where was he going?
Where could he go?
Not many places came to mind. But all of them solid in there own right. Starting off strong, April's. No doubt would take him in. Maybe her mom would be hesitant of the sudden inhuman-turtle-guy showing up at their door. But, April has always described the woman as a strong, stern woman with a deep care for people in need.
He's sure she could come around if he really needed it. And god did he now… but if they guys are gone, then maybe they might not be easy to find.
Another good one. Run Of The Mill, Hueso. The old skeleton had always been a hardass to him, seemed more annoyed than pleased to see him. But he knew he cared somewhere deep down in his heart (if he legitimately had one. Like, a literal one) even then he won't turn away someone this hurt.
Another one, Draxum. He wasn't too fond of the guy, and the sheep man wasn't too fond of him. But as much as he hated to admit it. He was family, his, dad in a sense… he'd take care of him.
A little more of a shaky one was the mole girl band. They weren't particularly close but sometimes Leo came to their shows. They even had been teaching him to play.
But that's more a last resort.
A better choice was Todd. Though, he's all the way out in the woods… maybe if he's lucky, the capybara had come out to the city to help.
He doesn't know why this came to mind anyway. Well, probably because his brothers were seemingly missing and he had no home again…
Maybe to distract himself from the growing pain. It seems that it's finally decided to show its ugly head.
As he was lost in thought the world around him become more a blur, one that he couldn't even really make out anymore.
The light leading his way had also become dim. Hardly enough.
Wherever he was going, he hoped he'd find it soon. He's not sure how much longer he can last.
Light spilled into the room though the flimsy curtains doors, shining down over the scattered contents on the ground. Those being various comic books, some stacked, others not so much… a couple of plastic toy action figures, as well as a signature blue hoodie.
Across the messy floor, atop the bed laid two figures. One in blue, laid slightly off center, making room for the other. A more orange dressed turtle.
Leo arched into a stretch the best he could without waking up his dear little brother. One who conveniently had fallen asleep on his arm all night. Ouch…
Mikey, who had curled into his side last night. After yesterday, he insisted on being attached to him. Thus, had taken to a impromptu duo sleepover.
Turning his head to the side, the light outside had grown. A clear sign the lair was waking up, and the day was starting. He smelled Raphs annoyance (literally) meaning he was wrangling a late-nighter Donnie.
A wild screeching that soon followed only confirms his suspicions.
Besides his concerning lack of feeling in said arm, and two bantering brothers, who would soon be hungry, and waiting for the houses only cook.
Yesterday was weird, to say the least.
One second your playing a game of risky jump-rope, the next BAM lights out whole city, and your brother screaming in pain. It was freaky!
The second they got home Donnie hauled himself in his lab, reasoning he needed to do some 'research data collection' or something like that. Aka, the smarty pants wasn't sleeping anytime soon till he figures out what the hell happened, and what it has to do with Mikey.
Turning to his side again, said brother was curling further into him. Still clung to him like a loving tick.
Leo furrowed his brow, pressing his lips into a fine line.
It wasn't abnormal for the younger to cling to one of them when scared, just not like this. And usually it happens because he saw a scary fake post, the ones with the 'after reading this story a close family member will die!' Or something like that at the end. Not that Mikey really believed them, more so an irrational fear.
Even then it's just- just, weird. Everything about this was weird.
None of them really got to questioning Mikey on what happened last night. He was far to distressed by whatever it was to properly answer anyways. Mikey himself seemed confused, answering the one question they asked with it.
Why him? What about last night made Mikey go to?
Another question that confused him to no end. Sure he was the one on the ledge about to play an admittedly, really stupid game. Mikey's never reacted like that whenever they've played it before.
Even when he thought back to early events in the day, he couldn't think of anything particularly dumb or dangerous he'd done recently. Nothing out of the usual.
Was it just a random choice?
Whatever had happened that night, when the lights went out. Had it done something to Mikey somehow…?
Well obviously. But what?
Why him? (Mikey)
Why'd he only choose one brother? They all meant equally as much to each other.
He could think of maybe an slight answer to one question. Mikey seemed the most mystically inclined so far, so maybe that's why? Then it meant that others, like in the hidden city were also effected. Right?
Maybe going down there sometime today, ask around and stuff could help. Run Of The Mill would be good. Hueso would definitely know.
Pluuus, some pizza lunch doesn't sound terrible~
With a plan in mind, and surely no missions today he pumped a fist (careful not to wake Mikey of course) softly muttering 'yes..! Pizza…!' To himself. Sounds like a delicious plan.
For now Mikey needed some more sleep. Drifting off himself doesn't sound too bad, so he does. Rolling onto his side and wrapping his little brother in his arms. He places a peck to Mikey's forehead.
Small smiles forming on their faces.
Alas, extra sleep time ended. A hangry Raph and Donnie barged in pleading for Mikey, thus, the two got up. Once at the kitchen Mikey was already at work, chipper as ever.
everything seems almost fine. Leo was even considering putting off his plans for another day.
Sorta.
Mikey by now was flipping some pancakes, there was always a stack and a half by now…
Odd but no one commented on it.
Actually fuck that, comment on it.
"Micheal, are you… you good…?" Raph tried. That was either ignored or not heard. The latter more likely. Either way, no response… the group shared a look.
"Angelo," Donnie made his own attempt. "Are you alright?" Donnie's monotone words apparently fell onto deaf ears. Mikey didn't respond. He just continued, as if the world around him had vanished. Leo's mind rung with warning bells. Something was wrong.
He just kept cooking…
Yeah that's weird.
It started to burn when Leo butted in.
"MIKEY!" At that Mikey gasped, shooting his head around. Eyes wide in fear and concern.
"LEO!?" He cried. Calming down once he saw Leo.
Then he noticed the look his brothers were giving him, ones of very, very bad concern yet again. Mikey looked around nervously, a strained smile. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, uhhh- sorry for that, was lost in-" he tried to laugh it off. Pausing once the smoke started pluming up. He squeaked, rushing to turn off the stove one of Donnie's bots was already there with a fire extinguisher.
"Hahahahahahah!" He out loud laughed really, really forced this time.
Yeah no, he's not fine. Was the mutual thought Leo's knew everyone had.
Raph sat up in his seat. "Are you sure you're fine?" the oldest started first. "You know if something wrong, you can tell us…?"
"Raph's right!" Leo added while shooting Mikey a hopeful look.
The sooner they got answers the better. Then this can become another weird adventure they all can laugh about tomorrow.
Mikey just looked away, putting on a smile. "It's fine, just… didn't sleep well, you know!" The youngest shrugged, going back to attempt another pancake. Leo didn't need to be a mind reader to know that's bullshit.
What was up with him? This whole 'I'm fine' deal-O he's got going on. Like nothing happened? This was actually starting to get on his nerves a little.
He stood up, ready to storm over and shake the answers out of him when.
"Uhhh… guys" the quiet till now Donnie spoke up. Leo and Raph turned to him.
"Can it wait?" Leo's sighed. Really not the time, not when their brother is being like, this, whatever this is.
"Raph agrees with Leo." He crossed his arms, side glancing at Mikey he was acting like he heard nothing.
Donnie let out a kind 'uhhhhh' as his head slowly turning to Leo. Then eyes darted between him and his screen.
Seriously what's so special about him recently? The attention would be appreciated in a less weird way thank you.
Donnie turned over his shoulder. "Raphael, where's Leo?" he scrunched up his face, looking Raph with a strained grin.
Raph looked at him weirdly, as did Leo. And caught Mikey's attention (finally)
"What?" Leo gave him a crazy look followed by Raph, his more toned down.
"Uh Right there…. why?" Though he gestured to Leo, staring hard, trying to make sure he was seeing things right.
Donnie's face gained a subtle panic, he laughed nervously. "So… I suppose it's nothing then-"
Leo cut him off. "Donnie, not you too! Come on! What's going on?" Leo was starting to get fed up with all this 'it's nothing' stuff.
Donnie shrunk down into his seat. Then finally answered. "There's another Leo on the camera…"
"WHAT!?" All three of them cried out.
"Donnie, what do you mean there's another Leo??" Raph asked helpfully. Leo was freaking out in a very Leo manner in the background. Not very helpful as you'd expect.
Donnie was messing with some programs on his wrist tech, fingers flying across the mini keyboard. "I don't know, I- I think its a glitch? I'm not sure…" he trailed off. "Nothing on my scans say there's anything wrong. No lag, Not an old recording. No, why would it be an old recording?" Donnie muttered the end to himself.
"This… oh Galileo. This doesn't make any sense" He was extremely tense. Leo had to wonder, why? If there's another 'him,' then he would have had his tech laser on them by now.
Actually.
"Not just some guy who looks kinda like Leo?" Raph asked before being cut off by Leo.
"Uhhh, Dee? How'd they even make it this far?" He butted in. He leaned over the counter to try and see whatever his twin was. "I thought you had some weird, advanced stuff that checks anyone getting close to the lair?" With an over-kill covered distance, at least if you asked him.
Donnie gave him a slight glare, like he insulted Donnie's 'children' as he liked to put it. "I do, within 3/4 of a mile to here" see? Over-kill.
Anyways all he could see was complex text he didn't even know where to begin with. "Yeah yeah, whatever " he pulled back, grabbing his Ōdachi from its hilt. "What are we waiting for! Let's kick their butt!"
Raph nodded. "Leo has a point for once," Leo shot him an offended look. "We should be punching them by now!" He punched his fists to emphasize.
"Guys wait!" Mikey finally spoke up. They all turned to him, and he seemed to pause. He grew hesitant. "I don't think they're… I mean, I feel like somethings, off, about this. Not in a bad way! but, not good either?" The younger had started to fidget with his hands by the end.
Mikey had a feeling about this guy. How? They didn't have time to question that.
They all turned their heads to the someone stumbling in.
It feels like he's been walking forever, or maybe it's been a few minute? He couldn't tell anymore.
Everything hurt.
He couldn't think.
And he could barely stand.
But he pushed through.
He had to, he had to get there. He's not sure where. He thinks he knew a moment ago where, but he forgot by now.
He hoped it was close.
Maybe it was where his brother were. Did they mention a meeting spot before everything? He doesn't think so. So why did he feel drawn in? Maybe it was his ninpo. Their family bond tied to all of them.
It was a good guess.
He hoped he was right.
He's been walking a while.
He was getting colder, but the area around him seems to be getting warmer. It was just him. He also felt like he was sweating more.
His breathing gotten worse. The more he walked the shorter his breaths came in, till he was panting. He hadn't even walked far.
He's not out of shape. He knows that.
He didn't know how long he'd been walking anyway…
Eventually he noticed turning a corner, stumbling forward the would around him seems to actually be getting brighter for a change. That's good. The light was making his head spin, but still good.
Things got even brighter, and he was starting to hear muffled voices. Even better. They sounded familiar, yet different.
Never mind that.
He thinks he made it.