Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I know you have tried, Donatello; some things are simply not meant to be. At least I have four wonderful sons.”

If that wasn’t the nail in the coffin. Donnie’s heart sank as the black goop in the beaker—a hopeful attempt at a cure—oozed mockingly at him. His brothers, who’d been crowded around him to witness this latest attempt at a cure, began to solemnly walk out of the lab. Donnie didn't know what to do anymore, and he was running out of ideas.

His failure weighed heavily on his shoulders. He’d come up empty-handed again, his ideas to develop the cure were running thin. It’s been weeks of sleepless nights and many, many, coffee pots later, and his latest idea hadn't even come close to fruition.

It also doesn't help that he can't even focus on his brothers’ and master’s disappointment through the massive headache he’s been nursing for weeks. It’s back at full throttle now as he chokes back tears of frustration.

His family had taken it upon themselves to stop into the lab after each supper to check on his progress toward the cure. Donnie really thinks it's just their way of subtly asking, "Aren’t you done yet?" It’s that, or it’s them checking if he’s still standing after missing yet another mealtime.

The brothers left, all disappointed—except for Leo, who turned to Donnie with hardened eyes and a mouth twisted in frustration.
To distract himself, Donatello doesn't meet his brothers' eyes as they leave, instead opting to grab a clipboard and take notes on what he could actually fix around the lair. Leo stalked angrily behind him, unnoticed by the genius.

“Donnie, you know how much this means to Sensei.”

“Leo, I’m trying as hard as I can.” He could barely believe Leo had just said that to him; the words cut through him like a dagger. His face fell, the weariness and hurt momentarily slipping through before he clenched his jaw and tried to steady himself. After all the sleep he’d lost and sacrifices he’d made, he couldn’t take the thought of being asked to give even more.

Couldn't he see that Donnie was giving everything he had to Karai’s brainworm problem? He hadn't had a full night’s sleep in almost a month. Tears of frustration begin to well in his eyes; in a last-ditch effort to quell his rising temper, he grips the sides of the clipboard tighter, digging his fingers into the smooth wood almost painfully.

“Well, try harder.”

White-hot indignation shoots down his shell, sudden anger at his older brother is sharp and undeniable. The clipboard left his hands, skidding across the lab with a loud crash, not bothering to look in the direction it goes. His hurt is quickly masked by anger, and his focus is completely on Leo, fists tightly balled. “Try harder? I always have to find the solution! You’re the leader, Leo! You find the answer! Or what about Raph?”

“I got the answer for you—Karai’s a lost cause!”

“Don’t say that, dude.”

All four brothers began arguing incessantly with each other, weeks of pent-up anger and frustration pouring out of each of them. Donnie fired back quickly, gesticulating wildly as he channeled weeks of exhaustion into his voice—when his T-phone began to ring from across the room. Still furious and hurting, Donnie stomped across the room, almost happy for the excuse to walk away from Leo.

“Donnie, I need to talk with you alone. It’s important. I need you to meet me.”

It was April, and while this wasn't the best time for a heart-to-heart, she said it was an emergency. And who was Donnie to deny her? Besides, it's not like he was doing anything more productive at the lair—he glanced at his brothers, who genuinely seemed like dogs about to pounce on each other, and his mind was made up.

“Shizukani,” Splinter’s voice rang through the lair, effectively silencing their quarrel. He stalked out, hands clasped behind his back. All the turtles froze like they were children caught in the act; they guiltily turned to face their master with wide eyes. “What is the meaning of this?” Splinter said sternly, not bothering to hide his disdain for the quarreling, his eyebrows drawn together tightly.

“Nothing, Sensei, I’m heading out. April needs me,” Donnie said and angrily walked out of the lair, palms still tightly balled up. Leo, who took great offense to this, demanded Donnie come back. “You’re needed here now, Donnie!” He stepped forward, toward his taller brother, but otherwise made no move to actually stop Donatello from leaving the lair.

“Donnie! .. Donnie!”

Donnie mentally scoffed. Yeah, because you guys are always such reliable sources of positivity and gratitude, he thought wryly. His youngest brother’s words resurfaced in his mind.

“Donnie, you tried your best, brah... even if it totally sucked.”

He kept his back to his family, continuing to stride toward the Shellraiser, refusing to acknowledge Leo’s calls. The Shellraiser roared to life, and he sped out of the sewer tunnels.

---

Donnie was a speed demon as he drove recklessly toward the location April sent him. He didn't bother stopping for streetlights or at intersections, forcing himself to have tunnel vision on April’s problem to avoid dealing with his own. The large van skidded to a stop as he reached the GPS pinpoint, a random alleyway with a large weathered garage door at the end of it. Donnie double-checked his T-phone, wondering why April would want to meet him in a place like this. Maybe she’d discovered something that could help Karai?

He didn't put too much thought into it. Donnie placed his head against the cool leather of the custom steering wheel he’d created, still attempting to cool off from his earlier altercation with his stupid brothers. Why couldn't they see he gave them his all, and they still had the audacity to ask him to do more? He was dying out here, for shell’s sake!

While all they had to worry about was training and what monstrosity of a combination they were going to eat that night, courtesy of Michelangelo, Donnie was slaving away in the lab, barely taking breaks to give them even a chance at saving their half-sister. Donatello shook the thoughts from his head; it wasn't important right now how he felt. He wiped away the hot, angry tears that had unknowingly begun to fall from his eyes.

God, he felt even more stupid right now, letting his emotions get to him while April needed him—and that wasn't even a word! He shook his head again and refocused, hopping out of the Shellraiser and walking into the dark alleyway. The smell of oil hung heavy in the air, and he absently hoped it wasn’t from the Shellraiser. He hadn’t spent much time on his 'baby' lately, he mused with a pang of guilt. Karai’s condition was much more important, though, and he feared they didn’t have much time left before the damage to her brain would become permanent. He pushed the thought aside and fixed his attention back on reaching the end of the alley.

The garage opened quickly, as if she’d heard him coming. April’s figure was illuminated by a strange purple light. All thoughts of how weird that was went away when she called out. “Donnie,” April spoke in a gravelly voice, “the Kraang are back.” Donnie’s mood improved so much just from her voice that he almost didn't register what she’d said. He shook himself back in order for the third time that night. “What? We've got to tell the guys.” Donnie's eyes widened, and he pulled out his phone, immediately sliding past Leo’s contact to dial Michelangelo instead. No way was he going to call Fearless first thing after the night he's had—he'd make Mikey do all the explaining.

“There’s no time. They’re about to get away; we’ve got to move,” April rushed and leapt further into the seemingly abandoned warehouse. It was pretty hard to tell with that blinding purple light beaming out at him. Donnie scrambled after her, calling her name so she’d wait up. He supposed he’d just call the guys when they stopped the first round of Kraang—not so hard, right?

It was only after he stepped through the garage doors that he realized his mistake. It was a trap, and he’d fallen for it, hook, line, and sinker. The heavy garage door slammed shut. He had no time to react before he was shot—a red-tipped dart and a bag roughly shoved over his head, forcing his neck back at an unnatural angle. Donnie cried out, but it was in vain; he was at Karai’s mercy now, and her scaly smirk was the last thing he saw.

“Sweet dreams, Donatello.”

After Donatello stormed out, Splinter sighed and strode back into the dojo, likely to resume his meditation. The lingering tension filled the room, and Leo stood rooted in place for a beat, Splinter’s words on unity echoing in his mind. Arms crossed, he clenched his jaw at Donnie’s blatant disregard. Didn't being the leader mean anything anymore? He couldn’t help but feel the sting of Donnie’s dismissal, and his eyes narrowed with a mix of hurt and frustration as he watched his brother disappear down the tunnel.

Raph and Mikey exchanged a look before slinking away, each to their own devices. Raph muttered something about "always being drama in this place" as he slipped off toward the training room, while Michelangelo, not too rattled by the clash, eagerly bounced back to his own mission: a game of cards with Ice Cream Kitty.

"Sorry for the wait, Kitty," he said, petting her between her cold, strangely furry ears. “Leo was being a total jerk, but we’re back at it! Now, where were we?” Ice Cream Kitty purred contentedly, her pinkish ears twitching as she smugly waited for her next move.

They played for a while, Mikey easily distracted by the cold little creature in front of him. Somehow, Ice Cream Kitty managed to take full advantage of Mikey’s earlier distraction and swept through his cards with ease, sealing her victory. He couldn’t believe it.

“No way, Kitty, you totally cheated, cheater, cheater, frozen yogurt eater! Give me that card!” Mikey cried, feigning shock as she meowed back at him triumphantly. But before he could demand a rematch, his T-phone buzzed on the table beside him. Glancing down, he saw Donnie’s name flash across the screen and picked it up eagerly.

“Hey, Mikey! You’re not gonna believe it—Murakami whipped up something new. Get this: pizza gyozas!” Donnie’s excitement came through loud and clear, and that was all Mikey needed to hear.

The thought of gooey, cheesy, bite-sized pizza pockets made his mouth water. It was as though all the tension of the evening melted away. “Aw yeah! That sounds totally awesome D. I'll be there faster than a turtle can say pepperoni!” Mikey’s eyes went wide, practically sparkling with anticipation. He knew this was something he couldn’t miss, his head already exploding at the thought of Murakami’s latest delicacy.

Quickly, he gathered his cards and placed Ice Cream Kitty back in her freezer, laughing as she let out a playful hiss. “Sorry, girl, but duty calls! Donnie’s got something totally sweet lined up!” He shut the freezer with a wink and dashed out of the lair, visions of pizza gyozas dancing in his head as he bounded through the tunnels with pure unrestrained enthusiasm.

Upon reaching Murakami’s noodle shop, Mikey burst through the door, calling out, “Mr. Murakami, what up?” The smell of delicious food enveloped him, heightening his excitement.

“Greetings, Michelangelo,” Murakami said, a twinkle in his eye as he presented a tray. “These are for you. Each has a unique mixture of cheeses and delicate flavors.”

Without hesitation, Mikey snatched one and stuffed it into his mouth, the warm, cheesy filling melting perfectly against his tongue. “Oh yeah! This is awesome—” His voice trailed off as he savored the explosion of flavors, the world around him fading into bliss. He gobbled down another gyoza, hardly able to contain his delight.

But as he reached for a third, a sudden wave of nausea crashed over him. Mikey’s stomach growled ominously, and he felt a sharp pain coursing through him. “Oh...what’s happening?” he gasped, eyes wide with confusion. “Poison?”

“Do not worry, Michelangelo,” a shadowed figure responded, stepping forward. “It is not poison, simply chemicals to give you a nice little nap.”

Mikey’s vision blurred as the deliciousness of the gyozas twisted into a haze of betrayal. “Evil. Delicious, but evil...” he murmured, swaying on his feet before collapsing to the ground. In those final moments of consciousness, he managed to hit the panic button on his T-phone, sending out an SOS before everything went dark.

------

The silence in the lair was heavy, filled only with the distant sounds of the city above. Leo paced back and forth, his mind racing with the tension from earlier. "Where’s Donnie? He should have been back by now," he muttered, glancing at Raph, who was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

Raph shrugged, the unease palpable in the air. “You know Donnie. He probably got caught up in his experiments again. He always does.”

Leo stopped, his brow furrowing with concern. “But he was so upset. He stormed out. I just... I don’t like this.” The weight of their earlier argument hung over him, a nagging feeling that he should have done more to support his brother settled in his chest.

Just then, a frantic buzz interrupted their thoughts. Leo’s T-phone lit up on the table. “It’s Mikey!” he said, snatching it up. “Mikey- What’s going on?”
But as Leo answered, his heart sank. The only sound on the other end was garbled static—no voice, no explanation, just the unsettling sound of a struggle. Panic surged through him. “Mikey! What’s happening?! Say something, anything!”

“Mikey pressed the SOS button!” Raph leaned closer, his eyes wide with alarm. “This isn’t good. Shell for brains wouldn’t do that unless things were serious.” He ran his fingers along his Sai, the familiar weight grounding him.

Leo’s fingers flew across the screen as he accessed the tracking app. “Where is he?” His heart pounded as the location pin appeared on the map, revealing Mikey’s last known position: an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. “He’s at an old warehouse!”

“Of course he is,” Raph grumbled, frustration creeping into his voice. “Why does he always have to go chasing after trouble?”

“Forget that! We need to focus!” Leo snapped, pushing the rising irritation aside. “Mikey must have seen something. If he hit that button, he could be in serious danger!” He felt his pulse quicken, adrenaline pumping through his veins. “We need to move!”

“Great, but how are we getting there?” Raph asked, raising an eyebrow. “Donnie took the Shellraiser for his ‘important research.’”

“Of course he did.” Leo sighed, running a hand through his bandana. “Looks like we’re taking the Stealth Bike. It’s not as fast, but we’ll have to make it work.”

“Perfect,” Raph replied, rolling his eyes. “Just what I wanted: a scenic tour through the sewers before racing into a potential ambush.”

“Complaining won’t help Mikey,” Leo shot back, already heading toward the exit. “Let’s go!”

---------

Leo and Raph approached the warehouse with a sense of trepidation, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. As they crept closer, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The entrance was unguarded, the rusty door slightly ajar as if inviting them in.

“Doesn’t this seem a bit too easy fearless?” Raph murmured, glancing at Leo with a furrowed brow.
“Yeah, it’s like they wanted us to find this place,” Leo replied, his instincts tingling. “But we don’t have time to second-guess ourselves. We need to find Mikey.”

They exchanged a determined glance before Leo pushed the door open, the hinges creaking ominously as they stepped into the dimly lit space.
Leo’s heart raced, the adrenaline surging through him as he scanned the room, muscles tensed and ready for action.

“Where’s Mikey?” Raph hissed, his grip tightening around his sai, his eyes narrowing as he swept the shadows for any signs of movement.

In the center of the empty warehouse, they spotted him—Mikey lying face down on the ground, his shell scratched and dirty. Panic surged through Leo, and without hesitation, he sprinted toward his brother. “Mikey!” he shouted, fear clawing at his throat.

They reached Mikey, Leo kneeling beside him while Raph crouched down, both brothers desperate to check for any signs of life. Relief washed over them as they found him breathing, albeit with a few scrapes on his arms and a deepening bruise on his cheek. “Hey, Mikey! Wake up!” Leo shook him gently, worry etched on his face.

Mikey blinked awake, groggy and disoriented. “Yo, dudes! I just had the craziest dream. I totally tore up some pizza gyozas and got totally faked out by Murakami—so not cool!”, he groaned dramatically.
Raph rolled his eyes, his expression a mix of relief and irritation. “Mikey, that’s probably what happened. Look around you, shell for brains.”

Just then, a voice rang out from above, they had company. “Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up.” Leo and Raph’s heads snapped up, their eyes narrowing as they spotted Karai on the balcony of the second floor. She leaned casually against the railing, a smug grin plastered across her face, her dark eyes glinting with triumph.

“What are you doing here?” Raph growled, his instincts flaring as he took a defensive stance, ready for whatever trick she had up her sleeve.
“Honestly? I thought this would be more difficult,” Karai replied with a laugh, her tone mocking. “But it seems you turtles are even dumber than I thought. I only needed to use one of my holograms to distract you.

At her words, the holograms of Mikey and April flickered and vanished, leaving only the real Mikey on the ground. The tension in the air thickened as Leo’s gaze shifted back to his brother, confusion knotting his stomach. Suddenly, they noticed Donatello, not a hologram they realized, standing beside Karai. A disturbingly wide smile stretched across his face, his posture unnaturally rigid. His pupils were dilated, giving him a wild, manic look that sent shivers down Leo’s spine.

“Well, I was only expecting Leonardo, but…” Donatello said, his tone unnaturally smooth, sending a jolt of alarm through Leo. He clicked a button on a device in his hand, and suddenly the brothers found themselves surrounded by a swarm of Foot Soldiers, their black uniforms blending into the dim shadows of the warehouse.

“Having the rest of you here makes it so much easier,” Donnie finished, the hint of delight in his voice sending chills down Leo’s spine.

“Donnie, snap out of it man!” Mikey called out, pushing himself off the ground, his voice wavering between concern and disbelief. “This isn’t you bro, it’s Shredder totally hijacking your brain!”, he made a face like a strangely dizzy zombie to prove his point.

Leo’s heart raced as he assessed the scene—his brother, usually so awkward and slightly slew-footed, now stood like a puppet, a smile that felt more sinister than genuine plastered across his face.

“What have they done to you?” Leo whispered, fists clenching around his swords. Anguish mixed with anger surged through him, knowing they were once again up against something that could twist their own brother into a weapon against them.

Raph’s face darkened, his jaw tight as he scanned the area, eyes narrowing at the encroaching Foot Soldiers. “Another brain worm?” he growled, the fury building inside him. “Great. Just what we need.”, he tightened his grip on his sai and bared his teeth at the offending ninjas.

Mikey, still shaken, pointed at the advancing Foot Soldiers. “We can’t just stand here! Donnie wouldn’t want this, right? He’d want us to fight back!”
“Yeah, well I don’t think he’s in charge right now Mikey,” Raph shot back, his fists clenching tighter. “But if we don’t take these guys out, we’ll never get to him.”

With a collective surge of determination, the brothers charged at the advancing Foot Soldiers. Leo led the way, his swords slicing through the air with precision, while Raph followed suit, his sai stabbing into the nearest ninja. Mikey stayed close, using his agility to dodge blows, but he could feel the tension mounting. It was an all-out brawl, the warehouse echoing with the sound of clashing weapons and grunts of exertion.

“Come on, you overgrown tin cans!” Raph yelled, launching himself into a spin kick that sent one Foot Soldier crashing to the ground. Mikey mimicked his brother’s movements, throwing punches and kicks, but every time they took one down, two more seemed to take its place.

“Hey, Donnie, how about a little help here?” Mikey shouted, hoping against all odds that some part of their brother was still inside. But Donatello remained unmoved, standing rigidly by Karai, an unsettling grin on his face, as if he were enjoying the chaos around him.

The battle raged on, but it quickly became apparent that the brothers were severely outnumbered. Just as Leo and Raph fought off another wave of attackers, they felt the weight of heavy chains being forced around them. The cold metal bit into their skin, and with a sickening sense of dread, they realized they were being captured.

“Mikey!” Leo yelled, straining against the chains, but Raph was already being dragged back by two Foot Soldiers. The ninja’s grip was unyielding as they pulled him away, the sharp clinking of metal echoing in the warehouse. Raph struggled, kicking out wildly, but the sheer force of the Foot Soldiers overwhelmed him.

“No! Let him go!” Mikey shouted, but he too was soon restrained, strong arms pinning him to the ground. He writhed and kicked, his heart pounding with desperation. “Donnie, help us!” he pleaded, eyes wide with fear.

As the last of their resistance faded, Donatello moved down from the balcony with a slow, deliberate gait. His movements were unnaturally fluid, a predator stalking its prey. The manic glint in his eyes was unsettling, pupils blown wide, giving him a wild, deranged look. The smile that had once conveyed warmth now seemed twisted, devoid of the love and camaraderie that had defined him.

“Ah, the glorious moment has finally arrived!” Donnie exclaimed, his voice dripping with unsettling delight. “All of you in one place, now here’s where it starts to get really interesting.” he spat, malice overtaking the previous happiness in his voice.

Leo felt a cold chill settle in his stomach. “Donnie, Shredder has you and Karai under the control of a brain worm!” He called out, desperation coloring his words.

Raph, breathing heavily and straining against the chains, interjected, “You gotta resist it, Don! Use that big brain of yours! If I was able to fight it off, then you can too!”

But Donnie only laughed, an unnatural high-pitched sound that echoed through the warehouse, making the hairs on Leo's neck stand on end. “Oh, but this is so much fun! And truly Leo, I’ve never felt better!”

“Donnie, you don’t wanna hurt Mikey! I’m the one you should be mad at!” Leo pleaded, hoping to reach his brother through the haze of control that clouded his mind.

Donatello's grin widened, a jarring contrast to the familiar warmth that usually filled his expressions, as he stared at his oldest brother.

His eyes, wide and gleaming with an unsettling light, were devoid of recognition. The usual spark of intelligence was gone, replaced by something manic and chaotic. His fingers trembled slightly, as if he could hardly contain the excitement bubbling beneath his surface.

“~Aw, don’t worry, Leo,” he said, voice dripping with mock cheerfulness as he grabbed Leo’s face roughly, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Karai and I came up with fun activities for everyone!”

The chill that had settled in Leo’s stomach transformed into a wave of nausea. He could hardly process the twisted words spilling from Donnie's mouth. Fear surged through him, tightening his chest and twisting his expression into one of anguish.

“Donnie, please…” he whispered, desperation lacing his voice. His brows furrowed deeply, and his eyes widened, reflecting both disbelief and a flicker of hope that somehow, someway, he could reach his brother.

But the face that stared back at him was not the Donatello he knew—the warm, goofy brother with a penchant for invention and a heart full of loyalty. Instead, he saw a hollow shell, his brother was not with them at the moment.

“Donnie!” Raph’s voice cut through the air, furious and filled with disbelief. The sound was raw, almost primal, as if he was attempting to shake their brother awake from a nightmare.

Suddenly, the grip of the Foot Soldiers tightened around each of the brothers, yanking them backward into their respective traps. Raph thrashed violently, trying to break free, but it was no use. The chains clanked loudly on the concrete, but otherwise didnt budge.

Mikey too started to get dragged away, as he struggled against the grip of the Foot Soldiers, his heart raced, a sense of panic creeping into his chest. He watched his older brother, completely not in control for once, and felt a cold sweat break out across his brow. “Leo! Raph!”, he gulped “Dudes, I’m like, freaking out over here!” he shouted, desperation lacing his voice.

“Mikey!” Leo shouted again, fear morphing into determination as he struggled against his own restraints. The reality of their predicament began to set in, a cold weight anchoring him down.

He desperately sought to make eye contact with Donnie, hoping for a flicker of recognition, a glimmer of his true brother buried beneath the layers of madness.

As they were dragged away, Donatello stood there, a twisted smile stretching across his face, looking pleased with the chaos unfolding before him.

“This is just the beginning, my dear brothers,” he called out, his voice echoing with a sinister glee that made Leo's blood run cold.

Chapter Text

Leo, Raph, and Mikey each found themselves ensnared in their worst nightmares, locked away in brutal traps designed with them in mind.

The heat was oppressive in Raph’s room, stifling, an inferno of glaring red light illuminating every surface. Sweat poured down his face as he glared at the room’s walls, which radiated heat like a furnace. His throat was dry, and his breaths came in gasps. A low, mocking laugh crackled through the speakers above.

“Always so hot-headed, aren’t you, Raph?” Donnie’s voice taunted, that twisted lilt making Raph’s jaw clench. “I thought it was fitting, this room. The heat seems perfect for a hot temper like yours.”

Raph’s fists clenched, trying to keep his frustration in check. “Donnie! I know you’re still in there, bro. Fight it!”

But Donnie only laughed harder, a dark, empty sound that reverberated off the walls. “Oh, Raph. You’re always trying to fight. Let’s see how that serves you now.”

In another part of the warehouse, Leo gritted his teeth as he felt the cold bite of metal chains pressing into his wrists, pinning him in place beneath a glinting array of swinging blades. Each blade looked freshly sharpened, gleaming ominously as they swung, poised to strike at any moment. Leo took slow, deliberate breaths, trying to steady his mind.

Donnie’s voice crackled over the speakers. “Always the leader, Leo. Always the one with the swords. I figured this would remind you of how sharp your own arrogance can be.”

“Donnie,” Leo’s voice was a low growl. “We’re coming for you. You don’t have to fight us.”

“Coming for me?” Donnie’s laugh echoed through the room. “Oh, Leo. You’re so predictable. I know every move you’ll make. Let’s see how long you can keep up this charade.”

Meanwhile, Mikey struggled against cold metal restraints, strapped down and immobilized. The device hummed ominously, and he felt the restraint’s cold pressure against his wrists. Donnie entered the room, not just a voice but a figure, leaning over him, his gaze dark, his face twisted into a taunting smile.

“Well, Mikey,” Donnie said, his tone disturbingly light. “What do you think you’ll mutate into?”

Mikey swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat as he gazed up at the familiar face that seemed so alien now. “Donnie… c’mon, bro. This isn’t you. I know you’re in there somewhere.” His voice quivered, every word a plea. “We’re family, man. Snap out of it.”

Donnie leaned closer, his eyes gleaming as he tightened his grip on the edge of Mikey’s restraints. “Maybe you’ll turn into something even dumber than you are now,” he murmured. His voice was cruel, every word calculated to cut deep. “Oh, don’t worry,” he added, glancing at the cameras. “I’m making sure Raph and Leo can hear every word. Can you hear him begging, guys?”

Mikey’s eyes filled with desperation. “Please, Donnie… I know you’re stronger than this.”

Donnie stood back up, brushing his hands as if wiping away dust, and shot Mikey one last twisted smile. “Well, it’s been fun. Try not to get too comfortable.”

As Donnie strode into the control room, Karai watched him with an amused look. She could see the subtle fury and focus in his eyes as he tracked his brothers’ struggles on the screens.

She observed him carefully, a smirk growing as he fixated on each image, soaking in the fear and desperation.

His anger, his precision—it all reflected the brainworm’s grip over him. She mused silently to herself, marveling at how well the parasite had taken control, transforming Donatello into this perfect puppet of her design.

“If only we’d done this sooner,” Karai murmured, smiling. “Look at them, tearing themselves apart.”

Donnie turned to her, eyes sharp with sinister resolve. She took a step closer, folding her arms as she met his gaze. “It’s time for the final piece of our plan, Donatello. We need to bring Splinter here.”

A spark of malice flickered in Donnie’s eyes, and he nodded, lips curling into a chilling smile. “I’ll handle it.”

-
Splinter was deep in meditation when the sharp, urgent ring of the cheese phone jolted him back to reality. His eyes snapped open, his calm broken as he moved toward the phone with deliberate urgency. He knew it could only mean trouble—his sons only used this line for the direst emergencies. He answered, his voice steady but tinged with a father’s worry.

“Donatello? What is the matter, my son?”

A low, distorted chuckle filtered through, unmistakably Donnie’s voice but darkly twisted, dripping with malice. “I have your sons, Splinter,” Donnie replied with a chilling calmness. “Come find me… or else.”

Splinter’s face tightened, his fingers clenching slightly around the phone. “My son, please—this is not you. Whatever is happening, fight it.”

But Donnie’s only response was another laugh, short and wicked. “Tik-tok, sensei”, he taunted. Time’s running out.”

The line went dead. Splinter exhaled, gaze steeling as he carefully placed the phone down and rose to his feet, setting his resolve. Without another word, he moved with quiet purpose, leaving the dojo behind as he began his journey to find his sons.

Meanwhile, each of the brothers was forced to navigate their traps, relying on themselves in ways they hadn’t in a long time. Leo, stuck in his blade-ridden cell, focused with relentless precision, dodging the glinting steel as it sliced through the air. His eyes darted around the room until, finally, a well-timed strike broke down a weak wall, creating a narrow opening into Raph’s oven-like cell.

Raph, dripping with sweat and visibly exhausted from the heat, wasted no time moving through the opening. He pulled Leo to his feet, despite his own sluggishness, before they burst into Mikey’s cell, where Mikey’s wide-eyed relief met their arrival just as his mutation machine whirred dangerously close to activation. They disabled it, working as a unit, but each of them bore fresh marks: Leo’s arms were slashed, Raph fought to keep steady on his feet, and Mikey—though unharmed—was visibly shaken.

Elsewhere in the control room, Donnie’s fists clenched as he watched the screens, his face twisted in sudden, unchecked rage. Without warning, he slammed a fist into the control panel, shattering one of the screens with a fierce, startling intensity that drew Karai’s attention. She glanced at him, eyebrow raised, but said nothing as he stormed out.

Outside, in the shadows of the warehouse, Splinter moved like a ghost, silently dispatching Foot Bots one by one until he reached the central control room, his steps soundless. He slipped into the room, his gaze immediately landing on a familiar figure standing at the panel, her back turned.

“Miwa,” he said quietly, almost a whisper, as if the name itself might awaken something within her.

Karai’s shoulders tensed briefly, but she did not turn. Instead, she replied coldly, “Hello, Father.” Then, without another word, she lunged forward, drawing her weapon, her eyes glinting with determination as the fight began.

Splinter entered the control room, his eyes narrowing as he saw Karai poised and waiting.

“Welcome, Splinter,” she sneered, her tone laced with disdain. “It’s been a long time.”

He held a steady gaze. “Do not make me fight you, my daughter.”

Her face twisted in anger. “Never call me that! If you want your sons, you’ll have to fight me… to the bitter end.”

Splinter took a breath, pain flickering across his face, but his stance shifted as he prepared himself, accepting her challenge reluctantly. He saw no other choice. Karai lunged, her katana slicing through the air in a fierce, fluid motion. Splinter blocked her strike, his movements calm but powerful, deflecting her blow and stepping back, his gaze still filled with sorrow.

Between strikes, he implored, “Miwa, listen to me. I am your father, Hamato Yoshi. Your mother was—”

“Don’t you dare desecrate her memory!” she spat, delivering a spinning kick that narrowly missed his head. Her rage was palpable, fueling each swing of her blade, each furious movement as she poured her bitterness into the fight. Splinter countered with practiced precision, moving with a patience and grace that spoke of years of experience and regret.

Outside, the remaining turtles had finally freed themselves and entered the warehouse. Leo led, his arms littered with small cuts from the bladed trap he’d endured. Raph’s steps were unsteady, his face flushed from the intense heat he’d escaped. Mikey, though physically unharmed, walked with wide eyes, still shaken. They froze at the scene before them: Karai and Splinter locked in intense combat, each strike sharper and more determined than the last.

Splinter, spotting his sons in the doorway, seized the opportunity. He waited for Karai’s next swing, then deflected her blade and reached forward, laying his hands on her shoulders. With a last attempt, he began chanting the healing mantra, his words soft but steady. Karai struggled, her eyes wild, but as the energy of the mantra flowed through her, she stilled momentarily.

Her face twisted in pain, the brain worm’s influence beginning to weaken. Her grip on her katana faltered, and a guttural scream escaped her as the parasite started to loosen its hold. Splinter held her firmly, pouring all his strength into the healing, while his sons watched with bated breath, hope flickering across their faces as they saw their sensei attempt to bring their sister back.

As Splinter concentrated on Karai, softly murmuring the healing mantras, his sons shifted nervously, standing guard over their father’s efforts. The flickering lights cast uneasy shadows around the control room, their attention split between Karai’s strained expression and the distant echoes from the tunnels.

A scraping sound suddenly broke the silence, making each turtle whip around. They caught sight of a figure in the dim tunnel, only his silhouette visible at first. Sparks flew from the wall where he dragged his naginata blade, creating an eerie, jagged rhythm as he approached. The sparks flared briefly across his shell, but he remained undeterred, his shadowed face emerging with a wide, unsettling grin.

“Donnie?” Mikey’s voice broke the silence, a note of worry lacing his tone.

Donatello tilted his head, his grin stretching wider, eyes wide and disturbingly empty. “Well, well… looks like you managed to break out. I’m almost impressed.”

The brothers exchanged glances, instinctively taking a step back as Donnie stepped fully into the light. His posture was unlike anything they’d seen—tense yet relaxed, his shoulders rolled back with a confidence that bordered on arrogance. He looked as if he’d left behind any hint of the Donatello they knew.

Raph was the first to recover, fists clenched as he took a combat stance, eyes narrowed. “Enough games, Don. We’re getting you out of this mess—one way or another.”

Donnie’s smile faded into a sneer. “Always so quick to fight, huh, Raph? Doesn’t take much to turn you against your own brother.”

Raph’s fists tightened, but Leo interjected, stepping forward with an arm raised in a cautious gesture. “We don’t want to fight you, Donnie. This isn’t you.”

Mikey shifted uneasily, trying to catch his brother’s gaze. “Donnie, please. We’re your family. You know we’d never hurt you.”

Donnie’s gaze flicked between them, the smile vanishing as his expression turned stony and cold.

“You all keep saying that,” he muttered, voice low, almost growling. “But maybe… I’m just tired of being the one who does everything for this family.”

Without warning, he lunged forward, swinging his naginata with brutal precision, targeting each of his brothers in turn. Raph barely blocked the blade, the impact reverberating through his arms.

Donnie moved faster than usual, each strike calculated and relentless, as if fueled by a dark, hidden strength. Leo and Mikey scrambled to dodge his attacks, the former’s arms bearing fresh cuts as he parried desperately.

Raph dodged a sharp thrust and grunted, panting as he tried to regain his footing. “When did Don start fighting like this in training?”

Leo, already catching his breath, shook his head grimly. “No kidding… It’s like he’s holding nothing back.”

Donnie laughed, a twisted, humorless sound. “That’s because I’m usually too exhausted from doing literally everything to bother.”

His strikes grew wilder, and his brothers struggled to keep up, every dodge and block pushing them closer to exhaustion. Despite their skill, they were clearly at a disadvantage against Donnie’s newfound aggression. Leo finally coordinated with Mikey, who ducked behind Donnie, giving Raph just enough time to wrap his arms around his brother’s and pin them back. Donnie thrashed wildly, but Raph’s grip held firm, forcing him down to his knees.

“Sensei,” Raph grunted, holding Donnie in place, “I can’t hold him forever.”

Donnie’s breath was ragged, his head twisting as he strained against Raph’s grip. His eyes burned with fury, a bitter smile flashing briefly before he growled through gritted teeth. “You’re all so… stupid. Do you really think you can stop me?”.

Raph’s grip on Donnie grew weaker, his own exhaustion from the trap taking its toll. Donnie, sensing this, began to struggle more, his movements erratic. Just as Raph’s hold started to slip, Splinter hurried over, his focus shifting from Karai to his son. He knelt beside Donnie, chanting the healing mantras, but soon faltered. “The mantras… they are not working. What is this?”

Donnie stilled, a sinister grin creeping back onto his face. “Stockman made this worm special,” he sneered, leaning forward, his voice mocking. “You’ve got two days to work out some kind of miracle—before it eats through my brain!”

Each family member reacted with horror. Leo’s face tightened in grim determination, his mind already racing for solutions. Mikey’s expression crumpled with worry, his eyes wide with fear, while Raph’s usual confidence faltered, replaced by uncertainty and growing anger. Splinter’s face remained calm, but his furrowed brow betrayed his concern.

Donnie chuckled, a twisted, hollow laugh echoing off the warehouse walls. “Good luck finding the solution without me!” He sneered, shifting his weight to resist them.

Leo took charge. “We need to regroup back at the lair.” But Donnie struggled harder, thrashing violently. “It’s no use!” he growled, twisting to snap at Raph, nearly landing a bite. Then, abruptly, he stopped. His head hung low, eyes shifting calculatingly, as he forced a look of control.

The turtles froze, exchanging wary glances. Donnie’s change was unnerving. He looked up, face angled down but with a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Mikey’s gaze sharpened, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “I don’t know, guys. Maybe we shouldn’t get too close.”

Raph sighed in relief, grateful for even a moment’s reprieve, but Leo ignored Mikey’s warning and knelt beside Donnie. “Donnie, it’s us—your brothers.”

Donnie forced his head lower, masking his expression until Leo was close enough. As Leo crouched down, hoping to connect with the brother he knew, Donnie’s demeanor shifted almost imperceptibly.

The weight of the moment hung thick in the air, tension wrapping around them like a shroud. Donnie’s expression morphed, his eyes narrowing, masking any trace of the brother they loved beneath a twisted facade. The unsettling calm washed over him, a predatory smile creeping onto his lips.

Leo, in his earnestness, leaned in closer, his voice steady but laced with concern. “Donnie, we’re here for you. You can fight this.” For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a flicker of recognition in Donnie’s gaze, as if his brother was trying to push through the fog of the brain worm.

But just as Leo felt hope rising, the moment shattered. Donnie’s head snapped up suddenly, his grin widening unnaturally, a chilling smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He moved in a heartbeat, his forehead crashing against Leo’s face with a brutal kamikaze headbutt. The shock reverberated through Leo’s skull as he staggered back, his vision momentarily blurring. He barely registered the searing pain as his hands flew to his forehead, the warmth of blood flowing down his face.

“Leo!” Raph shouted, eyes wide as he rushed forward, catching a glimpse of the blood trickling from Leo’s nose. The sight of his brother injured fueled his anger, but Leo couldn’t focus on anything but the rush of adrenaline and the disbelief at what had just happened.

Donnie’s laughter echoed around the room, a dissonant melody filled with malice, as he turned to face them, blood spilling from his own nose and painting his grin a vivid crimson. The contrast was jarring—the sight of blood dribbling down his chin only amplified the madness in his eyes. His face twisted in delight as he taunted his brothers, a grotesquely bloody smile to top it off, “Shell that one was almost too easy!”

Mikey gasped, eyes wide with terror, taking a step back as he exchanged frantic glances with Raph and Leo. “Donnie, not cool dude…!”, his voice trailed off, horrified at his older brother.

Raph, snapping out of his shock, grabbed Donnie, hoisting him roughly to his feet. He’d had enough. “That’s it,” he muttered, tightening his grip. He and Mikey hauled Donnie toward the exit, Donnie purposely went as limp as possible, just to make it that much harder for his brothers; his twisted laughter echoing behind them as they dragged him away.

Splinter and Karai, both catching their breath, stared after them in silence, the gravity of their situation settling heavily. Leo wiped his face, steadied himself, and spoke resolutely. “This isn’t over. We’ll find a way.” Splinter placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder, giving a nod of encouragement. “Come, my sons. We must go.” The rest of the family moved together out of the warehouse, leaving behind the echo of Donnie’s laughter, a haunting reminder of the challenge they now must face.

Chapter Text

The Shellraiser sat parked by the side of the warehouse, a looming reminder of their rough ride home ahead. After regrouping, the brothers exchanged glances, each feeling the weight of what they’d just been through. Leo looked over at Karai. “You take the Stealth Bike back to the lair,” he instructed, his voice low and firm. “We’ll handle things from here.”

Karai gave a nod, her face set in determination. “Fine. I’ll meet you guys there.” she said, shooting a worried glance toward Donnie, who sat eerily calm, his eyes staring off as if lost in some twisted thought. With that, she sped off into the night.

Inside the Shellraiser, Donnie and Raph sat across from each other. Raph had insisted on using chains rather than holding him down himself, though the sight of his brother in restraints left a bitter taste in his mouth. “I know you’re in there, Donnie,” he muttered, almost to himself. “I’m not givin’ up on you.”

The Shellraiser’s engine roared to life, and Leo took the driver’s seat with a clenched jaw, his fingers tightening around the wheel as he glanced back at Donnie. Raph sat closer, keeping a firm grip on their chained brother, ready to act if Donnie tried anything.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Donnie’s eyes flickered toward Splinter, and in an instant, his entire demeanor changed. He lunged forward, thrashing against the chains, wild and unhinged, his body twisting at unnatural angles as he strained to break free. Raph held on tightly, trying to control him without causing harm, even though every instinct screamed that the brother he knew was buried beneath something twisted and monstrous. His face was set with determination, but he couldn’t ignore the forming bruises on Donnie’s arms, or the way his nose had started bleeding again, fresh crimson staining his face.

Donnie’s body contorted, twisting and turning, his face straining as he jerked against the bindings. The chains groaned, but Raph held tight, sweat beading on his brow. “Come on, Donnie, don’t do this,” he said, voice laced with frustration and sadness.

“Come on, Donnie, snap out of it!” Mikey called, desperation in his voice, his usual playful tone entirely replaced by genuine worry. He leaned forward, trying to reach his brother emotionally. But Donnie’s response was a wild, hysterical laugh that sent a shiver down everyone’s spine. “Oh, I’m just getting started!”, he sneered.

Suddenly, Donnie lashed out, his foot landing a kick straight into Mikey’s side. Mikey gasped, recoiling and keeling over, and Raph’s patience snapped. “Alright, that’s enough!” Raph barked.

Splinter, who was silent until now, moved closer. His face was a mixture of sadness and resolve as he knelt beside his son, placing his hands gently on Donnie’s temples. His son’s pulse beat erratically under his fingertips. He closed his eyes, beginning to mutter the healing mantras, a last attempt to reach the son he knew was still in there somewhere.

But Donnie’s eyes glinted with dark delight, his face breaking into a chilling smile. “You really think you can fix this? The great Master Splinter, failing again.”

Splinter’s face faltered, a shadow of pain flashing across his eyes, but he remained resolute. Meanwhile, Mikey looked like he was close to tears, shifting uncomfortably and unable to meet Donnie’s gaze. Raph’s grip on Donnie tightened as the younger turtle bucked in his restraints, clearly willing to hurt himself to get free. His skin was already bruised, dark marks forming along his arms from the chains

“Just hang on, Donnie. We’re getting you back,” he murmured to himself, eyes flashing with resolve.

“Getting me back? Oh, how noble of you,” Donnie jeered, his laughter wild and cutting. His head jerked sharply as he looked between them, his smile taunting. “Do you even know who I am anymore?” His eyes glinted, and he leaned forward as far as his restraints would allow, looking into Raph’s eyes. “This ‘me’—this is your fault, you know. Always holding me back, dismissing everything I do.”

Raph’s face twisted, both frustrated and hurt. He held onto Donnie, but his tone softened just slightly. “That’s not true, Donnie. We’re all in this together—always have been.”

“Together?” Donnie scoffed, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “Tell me something, Raph—how does it feel to finally be right? To get what you wanted all along: me out of your way.” His words dripped with venom, yet there was a spark in his eyes, something that hinted at Donnie’s mind trying to twist his family’s resolve.

Mikey’s face fell, his eyes wide and conflicted as he watched Donnie twist and turn, his taunts striking deep. “Come on, Don, we’re family,” he said softly, a plea more than anything.

“Oh, family.” Donnie sneered, the word laced with bitterness. “You’re the ones who made sure I felt like anything but.” His eyes darted to each of them, his tone dripping with disdain. “My so-called brothers… only useful when it’s convenient for you, huh?”

Leo’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his face set in determined silence.

When Donnie lashed out with another sudden kick at Mikey, which luckily didn’t land, Leo finally turned, his voice sharp. “That’s enough. We’ll have to sedate him.”, he gave the order as he stared, using the rearview mirror, at the struggle unfolding at the back of the van.

Raph nodded, exasperated. “Before he hurts himself even more.” For once he was glad to take an order from fearless, for Donnie’s sake and his. He still wasn't feeling too hot from almost becoming baked turtle.

The sedative worked slowly, leaving Donnie half-lucid but still snarling. His words cut deep, especially as he looked straight at Splinter and jeered, “Too late for miracles, Sensei.”

He paused, a sadistic grin stretching across his face. “You’ve got two days—two days to pull off your little miracle before I’m gone. Forever.”

Leo’s jaw clenched as he gripped the steering wheel, horror written across his face. Mikey was silent, his face pale as he took in the realization. “Donnie…” he whispered, broken.

At that, Raph’s face hardened, and he abruptly slapped a thick strip of duct tape over Donnie’s mouth. “That’s enough, Don,” he said, eyes steely as he looked at his brother. Donnie’s eyes flared, glaring from behind the tape, his manic laughter muffled but still echoing in the enclosed space.

As the Shellraiser roared through the darkened streets, tension settled thickly around them, each brother shaken.

When they finally skidded to a stop, Mikey took a long breath. He happy return to familiar surroundings, “Man… it’s good to be back.”

But the journey was far from over; they each knew the battle to save Donnie—and each other—was only beginning.

Chapter Text

The familiar clatter of feet echoed through the lair as the Turtles shuffled into the living room, their heavy expressions matched only by the weight of the air around them.

The usual hum of their home felt muted, stifled by the tension of the moment. At the far end of the L-shaped couch, Karai sat stiffly, her posture rigid, betraying the turmoil beneath her composed facade. The shadows cast by the overhead lights seemed to stretch ominously, flickering as if mirroring the dread that hung in the room.

They dragged Donatello in, his form oddly silent and cooperative as they settled him into the far corner of the couch. He leaned against the cushions, his body betraying a subtle fatigue. His eyelids drooped ever so slightly, as though he were on the verge of surrendering to the drugs coursing through him. With a Herculean effort, he shook his head, steeling himself to meet the dull, worn ground of the lair with a hardened gaze. It was a small rebellion against the haze clouding his mind, but the resolve in his eyes seemed to flicker like a dying flame.

Karai averted her gaze, her voice thick with remorse as she opened her mouth to apologize for what had been done to their brother. “I never meant for this to happen—”

“Stop.” Splinter placatingly raised his palm toward his daughter, his voice ringing out, firm and unwavering.

The wisdom behind his words was underscored by the weight of authority, a quiet strength that commanded attention. He stepped forward, his presence filling the space with a sense of calm. “You cannot undo what has been done, Karai. It is not your place to shoulder this burden alone.” He turned his eyes toward Donatello, who was fighting the effects of the brain worm with every ounce of his will. “We must focus on recovering Donatello now.”

Splinter glanced across the lair and took in his son’s appearance; blood streaked Donatello’s face in layers—his jaw was clenched, muscles tight and unmoving, as if baring his teeth against a torment he couldn’t control.

It was an image both haunting and heartbreaking—watching his son’s body struggle against exhaustion yet staying rigidly poised, refusing to surrender.

Splinter stood, watching with an expression pained yet composed, each wrinkle in his face deepened by a sorrow that weighed heavy in his eyes.He took a breath, his voice low and steady, masking the helplessness that gnawed at him from within.

Beneath his calm, there was an unmistakable undertone of regret, a sadness that he couldn’t suppress.

This was his son, trapped in something beyond his control—and for all Splinter’s wisdom, for all his skill and experience, there was nothing he could do to simply reach in and pull Donatello free. As he watched his son’s erratic, restless movements, Splinter’s heart felt leaden. The sight of Donatello, usually so calm and composed, now reduced to this wild, almost feral state—it struck him with a profound sense of grief, and he tightened his hands behind his back to mask his unease.

Across the room, Karai sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, her posture tense, hands clenched tightly in her lap.

She avoided looking directly at Donatello, though her eyes kept flickering in his direction, a storm of emotions barely concealed behind her calm facade. She felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest each time her gaze drifted to his blood-streaked face, the hollow look in his eyes—reminders of what her past decisions had wrought.

Her face remained stoic, lips pressed into a thin line, but her shoulders were taut with the weight of her unspoken remorse. For once, Karai felt herself falter, caught in a battle between her allegiance to her past and the family sitting in front of her now. She wasn’t used to being on this side of the damage, watching it unfold up close, seeing the pain of those left to pick up the pieces.

Raph had quietly disappeared into the kitchen, his footsteps barely audible against the cold, hard floor. He emerged moments later, a crinkled ice pack in hand, which he unceremoniously placed over his own forehead before plopping down onto the couch beside Karai, creating a sizable gap between them. The couch squeaked in protest under the sudden weight, a sound that echoed their internal struggles, amplifying the tension in the room.

Leonardo remained at a distance, absorbed in his own world as he methodically treated and dressed the latest cuts and scrapes that marred his upper limbs. His brow furrowed in concentration, the movements of his hands betraying the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. Each bandage wrapped around his arm seemed to tighten the knot in his stomach—a reminder of their current predicament, of what was happening to Donnie.

Mikey shifted his gaze, his eyes flitting to Donatello, who sat unnaturally still, and the subtle details on his brother’s face. His face looked gaunt, almost hollow, with dark, bruise-like bags under his eyes that betrayed the sleepless nights he’d endured; a thin sheet of sweat coated his forehead. Mikey’s heart ached at the sight; he couldn’t shake the memory of the time he’d accidentally spilled the brain serum on Donnie’s hand.

The aftermath had been chaotic, battling against the creeping effects of the Creepweed while Donnie’s brilliance slipped through their fingers. It was a moment that haunted him—the relief he felt when he managed to find the cure, the final ingredient burning brightly in his mind. Pepperoni. The thought was like a beacon in the darkness; he could really go for a slice right now. He shook the delicious thought from his head, determined to focus on the more pressing matter at hand.

He wanted to reach out, to comfort his brother, but something in him froze. He could barely recognize Donnie behind those hollow, feverish eyes, and the thought gnawed at him, leaving a pit in his stomach.

Trying to shake the feeling, Mikey took a tentative step forward, trying to make his brother comfortable even in this impossible situation.

“Easy, D,” Mikey whispered, inching closer, the bowl and washcloth he’d grabbed as they’d entered in hand as he prepared to approach his infected brother. “I’ll take the tape off and clean that blood off you if you play nice. That’s got to be totally killing you right now.” His voice was soft, almost hopeful, as he attempted to breach the barrier between them.

But Donnie didn’t respond or show any signs of acknowledging Mikey’s existence; he remained a statue, the earlier sedative holding him in its grip. It wasn’t until Mikey, in a moment of impulsive distraction, unthinkingly ripped the tape off Donnie’s face all at once- the tape echoing throughout the silent lair-that chaos erupted.

With a sudden, animalistic ferocity, Donatello lashed out. He shot forward with a shocking ferocity, driving himself toward Mikey with the force of his entire body.

His arms were tightly chained to his torso, his movements clumsy and restricted, but the fury in his expression made him appear far more dangerous than any restraint could contain. He twisted his shoulders and slammed his weight into Mikey with brutal force, throwing his bound arms into him in a reckless attempt to reach him. Even in his weakened state, Donnie fought with a strength that bordered on desperation, his muscles straining against his bonds as he twisted and thrashed against their grip.

“Mikey, move!” Leo’s voice was sharp with urgency, and he and Raph immediately closed in, grabbing Donatello and pulling him back. But even bound, Donatello fought like a wild animal, his body thrashing and straining against their grip, teeth bared as he let out guttural, animalistic grunts. The effort he put into resisting them was brutal, unforgiving, as if he were willing to tear himself apart just to free his arms, to lash out and hurt anyone in his path.

“Hold him!” Raph growled through gritted teeth, his arms locked around Donatello’s torso as he struggled to keep his grip steady. Donnie’s shoulders twisted violently, his muscles straining as he fought against the restraint, his eyes fixed forward with a terrifying, silent rage. Leo grabbed onto his other side, adding his weight to keep Donatello from breaking loose. But it felt like holding back a tidal wave—Donatello’s strength was fueled by something dark and relentless, a force that seemed only to grow the more they tried to restrain him.

“Donnie, stop it!” Leo’s voice held a note of desperation, but Donatello’s expression remained unfazed, his gaze burning with that same feral intensity, a depth of rage they had never seen before.

In a sudden, violent wrench, Donatello managed to break free from their hold. He stumbled forward with a wild, reckless strength, but his bound arms left him defenseless, and his own momentum sent him crashing to the ground.

His chin hit the concrete with a sickening crack, forcing him to bite down hard on his tongue, blood pooling from his mouth and spilling onto the sewer floor in thick, red drops. It stained the ground beneath him, a vivid red that contrasted starkly against the grimy sewer floor.

“Donnie…” Raph murmured, his voice softening for a brief moment, shock and concern etched into his face. But there was no time to dwell—Donatello, even in pain, was already trying to push himself back up, ignoring the blood streaming from his mouth as he attempted to upright himself.

“Come on,” Leo said, steadying himself, though his eyes were heavy with a sorrow he tried to mask. “We need to get him to the dojo.”

Together, he and Raph hoisted Donatello back to his feet, each step toward the dojo feeling heavy. Donatello’s body remained tense, his breathing shallow and ragged as he continued to fight them every step of the way even as exhaustion began to take its toll, his eyelids drooping lower, each movement became slower and heavier.

They reached the dojo and secured a chain loosely around him, fastening it to one of the dojo’s support beams. Donatello staggered against the restraint, leaning back but never yielding, his face twisted in a stubborn snarl, teeth bared as he glared at them with that same raw, silent fury.

Before they shut the door behind them, Leonardo and Raphael cast one last look at their brother, now beyond recognition. The brother they had known was slipping away, his spirit fiercely battling against the numbing effects of the brain worm. Donatello’s eyelids drooped lower, a battle he fought desperately as fatigue pulled at him, yet he stayed stubbornly aware, forcing his eyes wider and baring his bloody teeth at them one last time.

Chapter Text

April stepped into the lair, breathless and visibly annoyed, muttering under her breath about her dad’s insistence on family bonding time, cut off from her phone for hours. But as her gaze settled on the room, her voice trailed off. She froze, taking in the unusual scene—the tension that seemed to thicken the very air around her, the grim, weary expressions on everyone’s faces. The sight stopped her cold.

Mikey, normally cheerful and bouncing with energy, was crouched low over the sewer floor, scrubbing what looked like a bloodstain with a washcloth. He didn’t even glance up at her, too absorbed in his work as he furiously scrubbed Donnie’s blood from the floor, his usual carefree demeanor stripped away.

Splinter stood a short distance away, his hands clasped tightly behind his back, his face marked with a worry that April rarely saw. The master’s calm, usually unshaken, was tinged with an uncharacteristic anxiety as he watched the others, his gaze flickering toward the dojo as if drawn by something he wished he could simply wish away.

Leo and Raph were slowly walking away from the dojo, their faces etched with exhaustion. Their plastrons were streaked with blood—Donnie’s blood—and Leo’s arms were wrapped in fresh bandages from the night’s battle. Both of them looked drained, their shoulders sagging under the weight of an invisible burden. Whatever had happened tonight had clearly left them shaken

But what really stopped April in her tracks was Karai, sitting stiffly on the L-shaped couch with a grimace. April’s eyes darted between Karai and the others, unable to hide her confusion. She crossed her arms, her her tone incredulous
“Wait. Karai?! What is she doing here?”

Karai looked away, clearly uncomfortable. “Nice to see you too, O’neil,” she muttered, a faint tension in her voice as she adjusted her posture and tried to appear nonchalant.

April’s gaze swept back to the others, still full of questions. “Seriously, what happened here? It looks like I missed some sort of horror movie.”

There was a heavy silence, and everyone exchanged uneasy glances, each reluctant to be the one to break it.

At last, Splinter spoke, his voice a low murmur weighted with sadness. “April… something has happened to Donatello.” He paused, a flicker of pain in his eyes before he continued. “Shredder… he has infected him with a brainworm.”

April’s face paled, memories of Karai’s possession flashing through her mind. She shook her head slowly. “Oh no… Not Donnie…” Her voice cracked slightly. “Where is he?”

Leo nodded grimly toward the dojo. “He’s in there. We… we had to restrain him. It wasn’t safe.”

April’s jaw clenched, her voice firm. “And you’re sure it’s Shredder’s doing? Just like with Karai?”

“Exactly like with Karai,” Leo confirmed, his eyes full of anger and worry. “We can’t get it out of him without hurting him… but we can’t leave him like this, either.”

A hard look settled over April’s face as she processed the situation. Then, after a pause, she glanced up at Leo, a spark of determination in her eyes. “I might be able to help.”

Leo’s gaze sharpened, hope flashing briefly in his eyes. “You think… maybe you could use your powers to… I don’t know, reach him?” He felt completely out of his depth, atleast when Raph was infected it was easy to get him mad enough to expel the brainworm himself. With Donnie it felt like a whole nother ball park.

She nodded, resolute. “It’s worth a try. If I can reach him, even for a little while, maybe I can keep the brainworm’s influence at bay.”

Leo gestured toward the dojo door, and together they walked the short distance, each step feeling heavier as they approached. April’s heart thudded as she reached for the handle, bracing herself for whatever waited on the other side.

The door creaked open, and her breath caught as she stepped inside. There was Donnie, chained close to a support beam, his head drooping slightly. The sight of him in such a state sent a wave of anguish through her.

His skin was slick with sweat, and dark bags had formed under his eyes. Blood, both dried and fresh, smeared across his face, staining his mouth and trickling down his chin where he’d bitten his tongue. His jaw was clenched, lips drawn back slightly as if he were biting back a snarl, even in his exhaustion.

Donnie’s eyes were half-lidded but still intense, blazing with a dull, hostile and feverish light. He angrily stared daggers at the pair from across the room.

April took a shaky breath, her heart twisting at the sight. “Oh, Donnie…” she whispered, pain evident in her voice. The brother she knew was somewhere inside, but staring into those cold, hollow eyes, she wondered if she could really reach him.

Donnie’s head jerked up as she stepped closer, his body tensing, eyes narrowing as he tracked her movements. Even restrained, his gaze burned with a wild, unyielding resistance, and a low, guttural growl escaped his throat, a warning that dared her to come any closer.

April swallowed, steeling herself. She dropped down slowly, keeping her movements calm, and extended her hand, resting it gently on his shin.

Donnie’s eyes flashed, and his body jerked against the restraints, his bound arms struggling as he tried to lunge at her, teeth bared, almost daring the chains to hold him back. But he was at a clear disadvantage, and the effort left him slumping, breathing heavily, his nostrils flaring with rage as he continued to glare at her, animalistic and raw.

Closing her eyes, April tried to focus, her senses reaching outward to connect with the strange, foreign presence in his mind. The familiar chill of her psychic abilities washed over her, and she concentrated, searching for the dark, oppressive force that held him captive.

The brainworm’s influence was a twisted web of anger, fear, and pain, coiled around his mind like a vice. She could feel it pulsing with Shredder’s relentless will, driving Donnie’s thoughts into a frenzy. But as she pressed forward, she found a sliver of space—an opening.

Carefully, she poured her energy into it, her focus like a beam of light slicing through the darkness, creating a temporary buffer between Donnie and the worm’s control. April felt the connection steady beneath her fingers, like a fragile thread tethering Donnie to himself. It took all her focus, every ounce of her energy to keep the buffer steady, but as long as she was touching him, she could maintain the hold, dampening the worm’s control.

She exhaled slowly, grounding herself as she kept her hand on his shin, willing him to stay with her. Gradually, she felt his muscles relax beneath her touch, his breathing slowing, the rigid fury in his face softening slightly. The wild look in his eyes dulled, his eyelids fluttering as if he was coming to a place between awareness and dream. His gaze shifted, unfocused, but softer, the sharp edges of his anger dulled.

“Donnie…” April murmured, watching his face closely. “Can you hear me?”

There was no response at first, just a deep, weary silence. Then, finally, his eyes found hers. The tension in his expression softened, and his mouth relaxed from its snarl, his gaze empty but strangely calm.

It wasn’t quite recognition, but it wasn’t the brainworm’s control, either. It was as if she had reached a piece of him that had been pushed deep down, beneath the worm’s hold.

“April…” His voice was barely more than a whisper, heavy with exhaustion, but it held a fragile clarity. He blinked slowly, confusion flickering in his eyes as he struggled to focus on her. His lips trembled, and he looked down at her hand on his shin, seeming almost puzzled.

April’s heart twisted as she kept the connection steady, feeling his exhaustion and the strain of the battle he’d been waging alone. “It’s me, Donnie. I’m right here.”

Leo’s eyes lit up with a new idea. “April, if you can hold the connection long enough… we might be able to buy some time. We need Rockwell’s help—he might know something about slowing the effects.”

April nodded, the strain visible in her face but her resolve unwavering. “I’ll keep trying. As long as I’m here, I can keep him in this… middle state. I don’t know how long I can hold it, but I’ll try.”

Leo gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Just keep him steady until we’re back.” He shot one last look at his brother—whose expression was strangely still, hovering somewhere between rage and complete exhaustion—before he left the dojo, his footsteps quick and purposeful as he went to tell the others.

Now alone with Donnie, April steeled herself, determined to keep the connection as strong as she could. She felt the brainworm’s influence, constantly pressing at the edges of her mental barrier, and she poured her energy into pushing it back.

Donnie’s eyes remained half-lidded, but the aggression had faded, his gaze softened and distant. He stared blankly, but without the same hostility; it was as though she’d reached some flicker of the Donnie she knew, just barely holding it in place.

“Stay with me, Donnie,” she whispered, her voice full of quiet resolve. “I won’t let you go.”

Chapter Text

Leo led Casey down the dimly lit hall to the dojo, stopping just outside the entrance. He hesitated, his jaw clenched in guilt and unease, before muttering an excuse. He couldn’t bring himself to see Donnie again, not after everything. With a curt nod, Leo turned away, leaving Casey to walk into the dojo alone.

Casey stepped in, bracing himself for the worst. He had imagined Donnie as Leo described—feral and unrecognizable, chained up like an animal. But instead, he found April sitting cross-legged on the floor, looking exhausted, her fingers gently resting on Donnie’s temples. Donnie’s head lay in her lap, his eyes glazed and half-lidded, looking peaceful, if not entirely lucid.

“Casey!” April greeted softly, her voice filled with a weary warmth as she noticed him enter. Donnie’s head shifted slightly, and his gaze seemed to focus on Casey—or as close as it could get in his current state. Donnie’s face split into a slow, almost dopey grin, and he began to babble, his voice surprisingly light, “Casey Jones!... Casey... Casey!…” His fingers, bound tightly in chains, picked at them distractedly, like they were some fascinating new toy.

Casey chuckled, moving closer. “Wow, you happy to see me that much, shell for brains?” he teased, stepping into Donnie’s line of sight. At that, Donnie’s glazed eyes seemed to sharpen, his posture straightening suddenly as he snapped up. As he sat up, the movement yanked April’s hands away from his head, breaking her focus.

April’s face drained of color as she lunged forward, hands reaching desperately to reconnect with Donnie. “No—Casey, back up!” she warned, but Casey didn’t quite understand the urgency in her voice. Donnie’s expression shifted, his eyes widening with a

growing mania as he continued chanting Casey’s name, the sound becoming sharper and more frenzied with each repetition; his tone escalating into a near-manic excitement. The chains rattled as he tugged at them, his gaze fixed intently on Casey with an intensity that felt almost predatory.

“Donnie!” April shouted, her fingers finally finding his temples again. She clenched her jaw, concentrating intensely as she tried to reestablish control. Donnie’s body stiffened, his mouth opening in a scream as the brainworm was forced back, his mind temporarily cleared. The outburst seemed to drain the last bit of energy from him, his head drooping forward, the sedative’s effects finally overtaking him.

Casey watched, horrified by the intensity of Donnie’s reaction. He turned to April, his voice shaky. “Red... what did you just do?”

April looked up at him, dark circles beginning to form under her eyes. She took a shaky breath, trying to explain. “My powers… they can stop the brainworm from controlling him. But only if I stay awake, and keep physical contact with him.” She looked back down at Donnie, her voice thick with exhaustion. “I have to hold on until Dr. Rockwell gets here. But… I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.”

Without a word, Casey knelt beside Donnie, settling on the other side of his friend and sandwiching Donnie between him and April. Donnie looked barely conscious, his chin dipping down to his plastron as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Casey offered April a steadying nod, ready to help hold Donnie steady however he could.

Casey felt the sudden weight of Donatello’s head slump onto his shoulder, and instinctively, he tensed up, caught off guard by the unexpected contact. His eyes widened, filled with surprise and concern. “Uhh…” he started, but the words caught in his throat as he glanced down, taking in the grim sight of his friend. “...Oh, he’s... asleep?” His voice trailed off, a mixture of disbelief and worry threading through it as he looked at Donnie.

Donatello’s usually vibrant green skin was dull and marked with dirt and scratches, remnants of the chaos they had just escaped. He was still chained to the wall of the dojo, his arms pinned tightly against his torso, restricting any movement. The dim overhead lights flickered slightly, casting long shadows that emphasized the weariness etched into Donnie’s features. His eyes, usually sharp and intelligent, were now closed, his expression a mix of exhaustion and vulnerability.

Casey’s brow furrowed deeply, a surge of protectiveness flooding through him as he instinctively adjusted his position to support Donnie better, trying to make him more comfortable without disturbing the chains.

April sat cross-legged on the floor nearby, her body hunched slightly forward, tension radiating off her. She let out a long, weary sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction as she took in the sight of Donnie finally at rest.

Casey looked at her, an unspoken question in his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ve still got him,” she said softly, her voice a calming presence in the stillness of the dojo. She moved her hand to rest atop Donatello’s right hand, fingers splayed out to maintain their connection. The gentle pressure was both grounding and reassuring, her thumb absentmindedly tracing over his knuckles, a small gesture of comfort amid the chaos.

Casey’s eyes darted back to April, alarmed. “A sedative?!” he exclaimed, the shock evident in his tone as his brows shot up in disbelief. “You mean Leo actually—” His words faltered as he processed the reality, heart racing at the thought of what Donnie had been through.

April nodded slowly, her posture slumping slightly as if the weight of her words were too much to bear. “Yeah, Leo had to. Donnie was in so much pain... all the way home was a struggle to keep him from hurting himself or them.” She dropped her gaze to Donnie’s still form, her eyes reflecting a deep empathy mixed with sadness. The flickering lights above them cast an ethereal glow, highlighting the faint sheen of sweat on Donnie’s forehead, a testament to the feverish state he had been in.

Casey absorbed her words, feeling a knot form in his stomach. “So what do we do now, just wait?” he asked, voice dropping to a near whisper, the words laced with fatigue and concern. His shoulders slumped as the reality of their situation settled in, the tightness in his chest growing heavier. He ran a hand through his hair, disheveling it further as frustration and helplessness bubbled beneath the surface.

“Unfortunately,” April replied, her voice a tired murmur, the strain of the night evident in every syllable. She leaned back slightly, casting a sideways glance at Donnie, whose breathing was shallow yet steady. “Without anyone to go through Donnie’s notes, all we can do is slow it down.” She kept her hand resting on his, fingers intertwined, a small but firm reminder that he wasn’t alone in this battle.

Time stretched in the dojo, the quiet enveloping them like a heavy blanket. The air felt thick, heavy with unspoken worries and lingering fears. Both Casey and April felt their eyelids growing heavier, fatigue pressing down on them like an unyielding weight. A shared yawn escaped Casey, his mouth opening wide as he tried to shake off the exhaustion that threatened to overtake him. He glanced at April, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment, a silent understanding passing between them.

As the weight of the night settled in, they both leaned slightly into one another, the tension in their bodies easing just a bit. It was a fragile truce against the overwhelming weariness that pulled at them, a comforting connection amidst the chaos of their situation.

They both succumbed to sleep, the dojo shrouded in quiet, leaving behind the echoes of their struggle and the hope that tomorrow might bring a better outcome for their friend.

Chapter Text

April and Casey blinked their eyes open, the darkness slowly giving way to an unsettling glow.

They lay on a smooth, cool surface, the air buzzing with a strange electric hum that sent a shiver down their spines. Above them, a vast array of large, rectangular screens flickered erratically, filled with static and shifting images that danced across their surfaces. The overwhelming sight loomed, filling them with a sense of disorientation.

“What the hell... where are we?” Casey’s voice broke the silence, laced with confusion and urgency. His expression mirrored April’s wide-eyed surprise as they struggled to process their bizarre surroundings. The screens hung suspended overhead, connected by a network of cables that twisted and wove like a tangled web, and the air felt thick with an ominous energy.

April pushed herself up on her elbows, squinting at the strange light. “I don’t know, but this is definitely not where we were a minute ago,” she said, her brow furrowing as she glanced at the flickering screens. They glowed with an unsettling light, casting shadows on their faces. Each screen seemed to pulse with chaotic imagery, and the static crackled in the air, as if alive and trying to communicate.

She turned her head, catching Casey’s gaze, their eyes locking in a moment of shared confusion. “Do you think we’re in Donnie’s head or something?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it aloud could make it real.

“I think it has to be,” Casey replied, shifting from bewilderment to determination. He sat up fully, his shoulders squared as he readied himself for whatever lay ahead. “We need to find him. He’s gotta be in here somewhere.”

April nodded, her resolve strengthening as she pushed herself to her feet, shaking off the lingering disorientation. “Let’s figure out how to get through this place. There’s gotta be something here that can help us.”

They exchanged a brief glance of unspoken understanding, a silent agreement to press on together. The eerie glow of the screens surrounded them, their static-laden whispers echoing in the cavernous space, urging them to explore deeper into this uncharted territory. With cautious steps, they began to move, their determination a stark contrast to the uncertainty that loomed overhead.

Every flicker of light seemed to pulse in time with their hearts, drawing them further into the unknown, where answers awaited amid the chaos. Together, they faced the unsettling reality, knowing they had to uncover the secrets hidden within this strange realm.

As April and Casey absorbed the eerie surroundings, a mechanical whirring drew their attention. From the shadows between the flickering screens emerged a small robot, its design reminiscent of Donatello’s Metalhead but more streamlined and updated. With a sleek metallic body and bright, expressive features, the robot approached them from behind a 'guest registration' desk with a playful bounce in its step, its movements precise and animated.

“You have entered Donatello’s mindscape,” it announced, its voice cheerful yet tinged with a hint of urgency. “I’m sorry April Harriet O’Neil and Arnold Bernid “Casey” Jones, but you two are not currently authorized to be here.

April tilted her head, a playful smile creeping onto her face as she noticed the robot’s antennae. They were comically oversized and bobbed with each movement. “Are those… ears?” she asked, her tone light and curious. The absurdity of the moment wasn’t lost on her, and she couldn’t help but find humor in the robot’s quirky appearance. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she felt a sudden urge to connect with this peculiar creation.

The robot beamed back at her, its expression shifting into a cheerful grin that mirrored April’s curiosity. “They’re antennae!” it clarified, its voice upbeat and enthusiastic. An emoticon-like smile appeared on its display, adding to its charm. The little robot seemed to embody the essence of Donatello’s creativity, and for a moment, it distracted them from the unnerving environment. April felt a strange sense of comfort in the robot’s presence, a brief respite from the strangeness surrounding them.

However, Casey was less amused. His brows knitted together in frustration as he processed the information, his demeanor shifting from curiosity to agitation.

“Mindscape? Wait—how the hell did Donnie find out about my name?” he shouted, pacing a few steps, his movements sharp and deliberate. The disbelief in his voice was palpable, and his wide eyes reflected a mix of panic and confusion. “And why hasn’t he used it against me yet?” The thought rattled him, and he crossed his arms, exuding an air of defensiveness as if preparing for an argument.

The robot’s cheerful demeanor didn’t waver as it continued, though its tone shifted to one of seriousness. “I’m a preliminary design by Donatello,” it explained, gesturing toward a small panel that displayed schematics labeled “Metalhead 3.0.”

The design showcased enhancements and upgrades, an intricate blueprint that highlighted Donatello’s ever-evolving genius. The screens flickered behind them, casting strange shadows as the robot continued, “But I’ve taken this avatar to warn you both—your presence here may be taken as a threat if you do not tread lightly from this point.”

The shift in tone brought a gravity to its message, making it clear that the stakes were higher than they’d initially realized.

April and Casey exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The playful atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a shared understanding of the risks that lay ahead. April’s expression turned serious as she absorbed the warning, the weight of their predicament settling heavily on her shoulders. “So we have to be careful,” she stated, her voice steady, eyes narrowing as she surveyed the surroundings.

“Great, just what I needed—a robot warning us about some dangerous mind game,” Casey muttered, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. His initial panic began to ebb, but the cautious resolve that took its place only added to his tension. “This is the last thing I wanted to deal with right now.” He paced back and forth, trying to work through his thoughts, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brow.

The little robot watched them both, its expression remaining upbeat, as if trying to reassure them. “You should stay close to me,” it suggested, tilting its head slightly. “I can help you navigate through the complexities of this environment. Donatello’s mind can be... unpredictable at the moment.”

April nodded, her determination ignited. “Lead the way, then. We need to find Donnie before he gets into more trouble—or before this place gets us.” The seriousness of their mission returned, overshadowing the earlier levity. She took a deep breath, steadying herself for the challenge ahead.

As the robot moved forward, April and Casey followed closely, their hearts racing in unison with the flickering lights that surrounded them. With each step, they felt the weight of their task settling in, the uncertainty looming like the shadows cast by the giant screens above.

As April and Casey navigated the complex web of screens above them, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The once whimsical environment morphed into something far more foreboding. Dark warning signs began to flash in rapid succession, bolded triangles with glaring exclamation points surrounding them on the screens. The word “ALERT” echoed in their ears, filling the air with a tense urgency that sent shivers down their spines.

April's gaze darted around, absorbing the shifting landscape as her heart raced. “Uh oh… too late,” the robot, Metalhead, announced, its voice laced with urgency. The realization that they had unwittingly triggered some kind of alarm hit them hard, and a knot of anxiety formed in Casey’s stomach. His posture shifted, shoulders tensing as he instinctively prepared for trouble.

Sensing the change in energy, Metalhead reacted immediately. “No more time to explain! Hurry! I’ll hold him off!” it urged, its cheerful demeanor evaporating, replaced by a serious, almost frantic energy as it extended one arm toward them, pointing decisively. “Create shortcut!”

April’s eyes widened in concern, her instincts kicking in as she grasped the seriousness of the situation. “Woah, wait a sec!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with urgency. She felt the weight of responsibility for her own safety and that of her companion. Despite the chaos around them, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were caught in something much larger than themselves.

In response to the robot’s command, the ground beneath them began to shift. A dark, swirling portal erupted near their feet, its edges crackling with energy, a stark contrast to the ominous darkness surrounding them. It was a visceral sight—an escape route that offered both hope and fear. The swirling mass beckoned them with an eerie allure, and Casey felt a rush of adrenaline surging through him.

Metalhead moved swiftly, extending its arm toward the portal and guiding them with a sense of urgency that was impossible to ignore. “Go now! You must escape!” it insisted, its expression fierce and focused. The tension in its mechanical features was palpable, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

April glanced at Casey, her brow furrowing with uncertainty. They had barely grasped the gravity of their surroundings, and now they were faced with the immediate need to escape. “We have to trust it,” she said, her voice steady despite the rising panic. With a determined nod, Casey took a step toward the swirling darkness, a mix of fear and resolve etched on his face.

As they moved toward the portal, the air hummed with energy, the alerts blaring ominously behind them. April’s heart pounded in her chest, and for a brief moment, she hesitated, torn between the fear of the unknown and the instinct to flee. But Casey’s firm grip on her hand propelled her forward, and together, they plunged into the chaotic void.

The sensation of falling enveloped them as they were swallowed by the portal, the world around them dissolving into a maelstrom of colors and sounds. The last sight they caught was Metalhead standing its ground, determined and unwavering, as the alarms blared louder. “Stay safe!” it called out just before they vanished, a final plea echoing in the darkness.

The swirling chaos consumed them, and April felt a rush of emotions flood her mind—fear, determination, and a hint of hope that they would emerge from this strange and dangerous journey with a little more insight as to how they could help Donnie.

------

April and Casey plummeted through the darkness, their screams echoing all around them as they tumbled, weightless, through the mind-scape. The fall felt endless, and the swirling chaos of color and sound only added to their disorientation. Finally, with a bone-jarring impact, they hit solid ground.

April landed hard but managed to brace herself, rolling onto her side before groaning and pushing herself up. Casey, on the other hand, wasn’t as lucky—he smacked face-first into the ground with a loud thud. April winced as he let out a muffled groan, slowly peeling himself up with a hand clutched to his nose, blood already trickling from beneath his faceplate.

"Jeez," April muttered, rubbing her sore shoulder as she looked around. "Right when we were about to get answers… what did Metalhead mean by 'hold him off'?"

Casey, still grimacing, clutched his head with one hand as he managed to get to his knees. "Did he have to shove us through a hole with zero warning?!"

Their questions were cut short by strange, staticky voices echoing around them. The voices were scratchy and fragmented, like an old radio signal breaking in and out.

"Do-onie! You're so boring! Why don’t you ever play with us?"

"Don't talk to him, Mikey."

"Leave the freak alone, Mikey. I don't want him around anyway!"

The voices sent chills down their spines, and they turned toward the source of the sound. Standing there, caught in the glow of flickering lights, was a tiny version of Donatello. He looked much younger, maybe a child, his mask tails hanging comically long for his face, and he wore a pair of oversized glasses that slipped down his nose, far too big for his small face. The younger Donnie was staring up at the shadows looming over him, the dark, hulking figures of his brothers towering above him, their shapes indistinct but unmistakably familiar.

Casey’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t help but lean closer. "Dude, is that little guy… Donnie? Look at his huge glasses, Red!"

April’s expression softened as she took in the sight, a small, awestruck smile breaking through her worry. "Oh my gosh, just look at him! He’s… he’s adorable!"

Their initial amusement faded quickly, though, as they took in the rest of the scene. The shadowy figures of Raph, Leo, and Mikey loomed over the young Donnie, their voices growing sharper, crueler.

"You're worthless," one of the shadows sneered.

"Freak," another hissed, its tone venomous.

Little Donnie flinched, his eyes brimming with tears as he cowered under the weight of the verbal assault. April’s heart twisted at the sight, horror setting in as she realized this wasn’t just bullying—these were Donnie’s memories, twisted by insecurities and fears she hadn’t fully understood until now. And then, as if things couldn’t get worse, more figures appeared around him.

Shadowy versions of Splinter, Casey, and April herself emerged from the darkness, their faces warped with anger and disappointment. Splinter’s voice cut through the air, cold and condemning.

“You are such a disappointment.”

April’s own voice followed, but it was different—harsh, cruel, dripping with contempt. "You actually thought we could be friends? My life was better without you! I was just being nice, Donnie. I’m tired of you!"

Casey’s shadow sneered with disgust. "You disgust me! You’re just some mutant freak. As if anyone would love you…”

April and Casey froze, their faces paling as the full weight of what they were seeing settled in. They stared, horror-struck, at the scene unfolding before them. Was this truly how Donnie saw them? Did he believe they thought of him this way? The thought sent a pang of guilt and sorrow through them both, leaving them paralyzed in shock.

The spell was broken by the sound of footsteps behind them. April and Casey whipped around, only to see Metalhead standing there, its body swaying awkwardly, almost as if possessed. The robot moved with an eerie stiffness before reaching up and… taking off its own head. April and Casey barely had time to gasp in surprise as Metalhead tossed the head aside, and the figure underneath began to take shape, stepping into the dim light.

At first glance, it looked like Donatello—tall, lanky, but with a frightening twist. As he peeled away the disguise, April and Casey quickly realized this wasn’t the Donnie they knew. The figure’s face twisted into a grim smirk as it spoke, its voice gravelly, menacing. "It’s all pretty messed up, isn’t it?"

"Metalhead?!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices trembling. The discarded robot head rolled to a stop at their feet, its vacant eyes staring up at them.

The figure shed the last remnants of Metalhead’s armor, fully revealing himself. This was Donatello, but not—he was a nightmarish reflection of their friend, with dark veins crawling up the side of his face and a grotesque outline of the brainworm bulging at his temple. One eye had turned pitch black, with only a single white pinprick of an iris, giving him a chilling, almost hollow stare. His entire appearance exuded a dark, unstable energy, as if every shadowed corner of Donnie’s mind had come to life in this twisted form.

The figure chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Don’t cry over the robot. It was only an avatar. You should be more worried about what'll happen to the real Donatello when I *find* him."

He threw his head back, laughing maniacally, eyes narrowing as he focused on them. The staticky background behind him flickered erratically, almost like it was reacting to his madness. Casey and April could only stare, their hearts pounding as he rose to his full height, an eerie shadow of their friend but distorted, wrong in ways that filled them with dread.

Then, with a sickening “schkktt,” he drew Donatello’s bo staff, the naginata blade sliding out with a sharp metallic sound. His voice lowered, almost a whisper, but it dripped with malice. “It was driving me crazy… going on and on and on about *helping* me.”

April and Casey shared a horrified look, their mouths set in grim lines as they braced themselves. They could hardly believe what they were hearing, yet here he was—this mind-scape version of Donnie—spinning the bo-staff in one hand, his expression growing ever more unhinged as he slowly began to stalk toward them.

“No more disappointing sensei…” he murmured, dragging the blade across the ground with a screech that made their skin crawl. “No more trying to fix every problem…”

The figure’s eyes grew impossibly wide, wild with a madness that seemed to bleed from every inch of his being. He stopped, tilting his head as he considered them with a twisted smile. "I just need to find that final, weak link holding me back… that part that’s so desperate for love and approval. So willing to sacrifice everything—health, sanity, *everything*—for an ungrateful family.”

Casey and April stood frozen, struggling to process the horror of his words, the sheer bitterness lacing each syllable. The figure smirked as he lifted the blade, pointing it directly at them, and both of them snapped out of their stupor, instinctively adopting clumsy defensive stances despite the shock etched on their faces.

“Donnie…” April whispered, her voice barely a breath. She didn’t know if the friend they knew was even in there, but right now, they were staring at something dark and twisted—a side of Donatello that had been buried deep within, now clawing its way out in front of them.