your reflection doesn't quite look the same

by alleyrosie

Summary:

“Y’know Mikey,” he started. “I learn too much from you. It’s all wrong! Shouldn’t I be the one teaching you stuff?”

Mikey shook his head and giggled.

“Don’t worry Leo, not all of us can be the brains of the operation.” He winked.

“Besides, I’m sure I’ll take a page out of your awesome, incredible, heroic book one day. Just gotta learn how to read it.”

Leonardo had laughed and fondly patted the top of his younger brother’s head.

He shouldn’t have taught Mikey how to read that page.

 

or...three times Leonardo learned from his younger brother and one time Michelangelo learned from him.

Chapter 1: Lesson One

At 8 years old, Leonardo learned how to use his weapons.

For all his pride and perfect demeanor, Leo was no master in the dojo. He and his brothers were beginners, at best, just barely having become comfortable using their weapons of choice. They were lucky Master Splinter let them spar with them at all, considering their sloppiness and inexperience.

Leonardo huffed in frustration for what felt like the 500th time that day. He had been trying to perfect his technique with his blades--being the overachiever he was--for two. Hours. And that was after the three they had spent training that morning. He glanced down at the book, straining to keep the exact same form as the figure in the diagram. He wobbled. Sweat dripped into his eyes as he sheathed his swords and wiped his face, sighing loudly.

He didn't want to be mad. Quite the contrary, actually. There was a hefty stack of comic books and a brand new video game his father had scavenged that Leo had been itching to get his hands on, both of which would be ruined by his bitter mood. He just couldn't tear himself away from the dojo. Just like everyday, at the end of training, Master Splinter had sat he and his brothers down and unpacked their respective skills that needed improvement. Not like everyday, he had called out Leo.

"A ninja's weapon is not simply a tool," he had declared, speaking directly to the blue-clad turtle. "It is an extension of yourself. There are incorrect ways to wield your weapon, but there is no single correct way to wield it, either. You must learn to use your technique to strengthen your abilities, rather than use others' techniques to set your limits."

Leo's brow had creased in confusion, but he had nodded his head anyways and absentmindedly rose as his father dismissed them.

No CORRECT way?? Then what are all these lessons for? I'm doing it exactly how he taught it.

His stomach growled, pulling him from the memory and reminding him how hungry he was. Algae and worms wasn't the most ideal snack, but it was lunch and that would have to do. Reluctantly, he set his swords on the weapons rack and wandered into the main area. 

Raph was sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, engrossed in the cartoon flashing across the screen. He shot a glance at Leo as he walked by.

"Finally give up?" he quipped, smirking. Leo shot him a glare in return.

"Not giving up," he protested. "Taking a break. Need to eat before I get back to it."

The latter rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Mr. Perfect. You're missing out on a good episode. Had to wrestle Mikey for the remote."

Leo gazed longingly at the television, wishing he could join his brother in watching. But he had work to do. He couldn't let fun shatter all of his focus. He was so close, he could feel it, he just-

A near-silent snicker pricked at his ears. He glanced up in surprise.

Michelangelo was crouched on the staircase above the den, hand over his mouth in child-like mischief. He caught his brother's gaze and moved his finger to his lips in a silent "shhh" motion. Reaching down, he grabbed at a pair of objects at his feet, revealing one of his nunchucks and a rubber snake. Alarm bells went off in Leo's head.

What is he DOING?? Our weapons should only be used for specific training. He shouldn't even have his out of the dojo!

Despite his internal panic, Leo kept quiet, watching as his younger brother flipped out the blade on his kusarigama. Mikey loosely wrapped the snake around it, tongue stuck out in concentration. Once he was satisfied with his work, he leaned forward and slowly began lowering the chain--right above Raph's head.

Leo watched on in what could only be baffled amusement as Mikey stopped the hook right above his red-clad brother and shook the chain. The toy jerked and slipped off the blade, landing directly in Raphael's lap. In a miraculous flurry of limbs, the turtle screeched and launched himself backwards, slipping on the remote. His arms windmilled, struggling to keep him upright—to no avail. He rolled over his shoulder and crashed into the couch, eyes dazed with panic and confusion.

The eldest couldn't help but snicker as Mikey's bubbly laughter filled the room.

"Aww yeah! You just got pranked, son!" he exclaimed, dropping down in front of his older brother and poking at his face. "That's what you get for hogging the TV, you big bully."

Raphael blinked stupidly.Then, his face twisted into a scowl. 

"Mikey! You...you little-!"

He launched himself at his brother with a shout. Mikey let out a sound of surprise as they hit the ground, yet he was unable to stop laughing as he wrestled his brother and cried out for help.

"Leo! Save meeee! He's gonna crush me hahaha!"

Leonardo rolled his eyes in amusement and walked over to pull his baby brother out of the fray. Raph turned to him with narrowed eyes.

"Let me at him, Leo. He made me miss the end of the episode!"

"And he made me miss my entire episode!!"

"Alright, alright, both of you calm down!" Leo exclaimed, raising his voice to be heard over the bickering. "Mikey, tell Raph you're sorry."

Mikey rolled his eyes, still not quite wiping the smile off of his face. "Sorry I made you miss your dumb show, Raphie."

Raph growled in frustration, clenching his fists, but ultimately decided against arguing. He spun on his heel, storming off to his room. The other two stood still, staring at each other in silence as he vanished around the corner. It was quiet for a moment. Then, Mikey sucked in a deep breath and began cackling. 

"Dude, that was priceless. So worth it!"

Leo fought off his own smile, forcing his big brother face. "Mikey, you shouldn't be using your weapons for silly stuff like pranks. Master Splinter gave them to us for sparring and training."

Mikey composed himself and tilted his head in confusion. "Who says you can't use them for both? Think outside of the box, bro! Goooo with the flllloooowww."

He lazily twirled his nunchuck, before launching it towards an action figure propped up on the floor. The chain wrapped tightly around its midsection before Mikey yanked his arm back and pulled the toy into his hands. He began making dramatic sound effects as he swung it around in the air.

Leo opened his mouth to respond, but closed it again as he processed his words. Think outside of the box?

Maybe...maybe he had been approaching it all wrong. The books were guides, not step-by-step instructions. Maybe if he just worked on pairing basic techniques with his unique skills...

Leo grinned. He was finally starting to get it.

"You know what? You're right." He wrapped his little brother in a tight hug. "Thanks Mikey!"

Michelangelo stood perplexed as his brother raced back into the dojo, any thoughts of lunch long forgotten.

"Uhh...you're welcome?" He grinned. "Happy to help!"

Chapter 2: Lesson Two

At 12 years old, Leonardo learned how to cook--sort of.

There were many rules in their cozy sewer abode: No weapons training without supervision. No horror movies around Michelangelo. NEVER. Go topside.

But there was one rule that took priority, regardless of the circumstance:

Never. EVER. Let Leo work in the kitchen. 

Personally, he thought the rule was quite ridiculous. Yeah, he had a streak for setting the oven on fire, but so what?? And maybe they were on their fourth toaster from him trying to retrieve his bread with a fork, but that’s not his fault.

“It’s miracle you haven’t blown us all up yet,” Donatello had muttered once in the middle of tending to burns on Leo’s arms.

“I’m not going to blow us up,” he had argued. “How was I supposed to know you can’t boil water in a plastic bowl??”

Donnie had just stared at him.

Okay, yeah.

Maybe the rule was a little necessary.

The eldest’s only consolation was that slowly, his immediate younger brothers were starting to be encouraged away from the kitchen, as well. Raph couldn’t make a sandwich without peanut butter ending up on the walls and Donnie had yet to stir a pot of algae and worms without gagging or throwing up.

The only one of them who was allowed to cook, other than Master Splinter, was Michelangelo. Somehow, the youngest had simply been born with a natural ability to move throughout the kitchen smoothly—much to the dismay of his older brothers.

None of them would admit that Mikey had mastered a skill before them. Especially Leo. It was a huge blow to his pride as the oldest when he couldn’t take care of his brothers.

Which brought them to their current dilemma.

“Mikey, are you sure I can’t help you make breakfast?”

There was a loud groan. 

“Leo, I told you,” Mikey whined. “I got this! I’d like to be alive to enjoy my food, if you know what I’m saying.”

Leo huffed, but continued following him into the kitchen anyways.

“I just think with Sensei in his room, that I should be in charge.” Mikey hummed in acknowledgment, squatting down to sift through the cabinets. “I don’t know, what if something catches on fire?”

The youngest snorted, rising with a pan and an assortment of utensils in his hands. “Dude, you’re one to talk. No offense, but you’re a safety hazard just standing in here.” He motioned to the barstools with a spatula. “You can sit right there and watch me.”

Realizing this was the best he was going to get, Leo sighed and plopped onto the stool, resting his head on his hand.

Mikey started chattering away, whipping up a thick batter in a bowl.

“Man, when was the last time we had pancakes?” he asked with enthusiasm. “It’s so lucky that Sensei found this whole box.”

Leo tuned him out as he continued to talk, losing himself in his own thoughts. Even though it was just breakfast, it was a big deal to him. How can I expect to be there for them if I can’t even feed them, he thought dejectedly. Self doubt swirled in his mind. Some brother. I’m such a l—

“—eo? Hey Leo!”

“Huh?” He shot up, turning his head to look at Mikey.

“Dude, I was trying to get your attention, but you were totally spaced out,” he said, plopping another pancake onto the stack—which, Leo noticed, had suddenly appeared. “You okay?”

Leo sighed, relaxing his chin back onto his palm. “Yeah, Mikey, I’m fine.”

There a was a long pause of silence. Then, Mikey sighed.

“C’mere Leo.”

The eldest blinked in confusion before hopping off the stool and striding over to his brother’s side. A spatula was shoved into his hands. 

Mikey pointed a finger to the sky in a dramatic fashion. “You will flip this pancake, if my name isn’t Billy Joe!!”

“But your name isn’t—”

”Focus, dude!” 

Leonardo turned back to the stove with wide eyes, gripping the spatula tightly.

“You have to wait for the perfect moment,” Mikey provided, pointing to the pancake sizzling in the center of the pan. “You don’t want it to be burnt, but you also don’t want it to be squishy. See those little bubbles on the edge?”

Leo nodded seriously, eyes only for the pancake.

“When a bunch of those come up, then you’ll know it’s time to flip it.”

The duo waited with bated breath as the batter hissed in the pan. After about a minute, the edges of the pancake were littered with an array of tiny air bubbles. Leo glanced up at his brother.

“Now?”

Mikey grinned widely. “You got it! Slide it under there fast or it’ll just fold and mess up.”

Leonardo held his breath as he brought the spatula to the center of the pan and swiftly pushed it forwards. He stared in awe as it scooped up the entirety of the pancake.

“Flip! Flip! Flip!” Mikey chanted. 

With an exhale, Leo rotated his wrist quickly, plopping the patty back onto the pan. The top was a little dark, the edges a little crispy. But it was definitely edible and definitely not on fire.

“I…I did it.”

There was a beat of silence. Then, the eldest’s face broke out in a wide smile.

“I did it!”

Michelangelo whooped and grabbed him by the shoulders, bouncing on his toes. “Aww yeah!! That was awesome!”

The sound of boyish laughter filled the room as the brothers celebrated, spinning around and jumping up and down with excitement. 

Leo smiled, chest filling with pride. Maybe I’m not such a loser, after all.

The tension bled from his shoulders as he took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of—

Smoke.

Almost comically so, the joyous expression immediately left his face as he whipped his head around.

The pancake, forgotten on the burner, was taking on an ugly hue as it smoked and popped in the pan. In addition, a small flame had caught onto the edge of the spatula, which had been left a little too close to the stovetop.

On instinct, Leo snatched his younger brother by the wrist and yanked him behind him. “Mikey, look out! There’s a fire!”

The younger turtle gasped as he caught sight of the disaster, slapping his hands on his head. 

“What do we do, what do we do??”

“We need the fire extinguisher!! Quick, before the alar—”

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

…………

Needless to say, Master Splinter finished making breakfast. 

Leo and Mikey sat on the couch in shameful silence as they waited to be called back into the kitchen. Batter dripped from the tails of Leo’s mask. Mikey’s shell was littered with splatters of flour and eggs.

Well that was a disaster, Leo thought distantly.

“Dude…”

He looked up at the sound of a whisper, meeting his younger brother’s eyes. Mikey grinned widely.

“You flipped a pancake!!”

Leo blinked. Then, he smiled.

“Thanks, Mikey.”

“Happy to help!”

Notes:

This got deleted and I had to rewrite it 😀

Chapter 3: Lesson Three

At 14 years old, Leonardo learned how to survive.

“Remind me again why we’re playing hide and seek at our ripe, teenage age?”

Leo groaned loudly. “I told you already Raph, it’s not hide and seek. It’s ninja training, meant to hone our skills for stealth an—”

“It’s hide and seek.”

“Donnie!”

“What?? It is!” The purple turtle threw his hands in the air. “Quoting the purpose of the exercise directly from Splinter doesn’t make it inherently more complex.”

Leo put his hand to his face as his brothers continued complaining.

“Aw c’mon, bros,” Mikey urged. “It’s gonna be fun! I think you’re both just scared I’m gonna beat you.” He stuck out his tongue at Raph and Donnie, who both squawked in righteous indignation.

“Ha! In your dreams! Tell us the stupid rules, Leo.”

The eldest turtle peeked through his fingers at his brothers, their eyes full to the brim with newfound determination. He blinked, then grinned and placed his hands on his hips.

“Alright,” he started, finger held in the air. “Rules are pretty simple. One of us counts to 20 while the rest of us hide. No peeking and no leaving the lair. The key is to use our stealth training to practice evading our enemy.”

“Gee, I don’t know Leo, twenty’s a pretty big number,” Raph teased. “You sure Mikey can count that high?”

“Hey!”

Leo smirked. “Okay Raph, you’ll count first. Last one to be found wins.”

“What?? I didn’t volunteer to be it!”

Mikey laughed and circled around him, poking at his shell. “Rules are rulessss, Raph. Don’t tell me you’re giving up already?”

The hothead growled and shoved the youngest off of him. Stomping to the center of the seating area, he put his arm over his eyes.

“You better hide reallllllyyy good, Mikey,” he grumbled. “I’m coming for you first.”

A squeak and a whoosh of wind was all Leo heard as the countdown began. He whipped his head around to see empty air where his youngest brothers once stood.

And they said they didn’t want to play, he thought smugly, quietly searching for a place to hide.

A soft creak caught his attention as he glanced up. The door to the lab rolled to a stop, barely cracked open.

Typical Donnie. Guess the lab’s off-limits.

Quickly, he snuck into the dojo, deciding on hiding in the tree. It wasn’t the most foolproof choice, but he figured he would at least not be found first.

“20! You’re done for, guys.”

Leo waited in silence as he heard footsteps echo throughout the lair. Closing his eyes, he focused on slowing his breathing and staying completely still, just like Sensei had taught them.

Blend with your surroundings, he recited in his head.

It was a solid 10 minutes before he heard his brother enter the dojo. A few mumbles exchanged back and forth told him that he was not the first found, either. Smirking, he opened his eyes, but remained still.

Another minute passed. There was a rustle of leaves. Game over.

“Found ya, Leo. You’re toast. Get down so we can finish this.”

Grinning, he stood from his crouched position and leapt onto the floor. Though, once he hit the ground, he processed Raph’s words.

“Wait, you haven’t found all of us?”

He looked up, gaze locking onto red and purple.

Raph rolled his eyes. “Nope. Donnie was stupid easy to find, which sucks, because I really wanted to get Mikey out first.”

“Rude, Raph. I tried.”

“Hiding under your desk so you could keep working on your project isn’t exactly unpredictable.”

Leo frowned, following his brothers back into the common area.

“Where haven’t you checked yet?” he asked.

“We’ve looked everywhere,” Donnie said. “I really expected him to be in the kitchen, but no dice.”

After a second search of all the major rooms, the trio gave in.

“Alright Mikey, you win,” Leo shouted reluctantly. “Come on out.”

There was a long pause of silence as the brothers waited for a response. Then…

“Alright!! I rule!”

Sharing an incredulous look, the brothers ran back into the living room from the bedroom tunnels. Mikey was folded neatly on the couch, clutching a blanket around his shoulders. They gaped at him.

"What??" Raph exclaimed. "Mikey, we checked the lair from top to bottom 700 times! Where were you?"

The orange turtle grinned widely. "Pish posh! A magician never reveals his secrets!"

"This is insane! I want a rematch. I'm counting again and I will find you this time!"

Raph stomped back to the center of the room and covered his eyes as Mikey bounced over to Leo and Donnie's sides, laughing.

"Sore loser, am I right?"

The two turtles just stared at him.

"ONE!"

Leo blinked and his brothers were gone again, leaving only a blanket behind on the floor. The lab doors creaked once more, clearly showing where his purple-clad brother's priorities were.

Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. As he turned around, he just barely caught the tail end of a bright mask slipping silently beneath the surface of the pool. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have never known Mikey had went in.

Throwing a quick glance over his shoulder at Raph, Leo silently made his way to the edge of the water and slid under.

On instinct, his second eyelid sheathed over his eyes as he squinted to keep track of the green figure sinking lower into the depths.

Mikey came to a slow halt and stopped kicking, spinning around to face his brother. His eyebrows shot up in brief surprise, before his lips turned up in a smirk.

Not willing to waste any breath, Leo simply furrowed his brow and swam further down, stopping in front of his brother.

He motioned with his hands in a way that he hoped conveyed the words ‘What are you doing??’

Mikey simply smiled and put a finger to his lips. Just wait, his eyes said.

Confused, yet compliant, Leo floated silently as he and Mikey waited.

Four minutes passed—far longer than any human could stay underwater. After about 7, Leo began to squirm, running out of oxygen. Noticing the panic in his eyes, Mikey pointed upwards and grabbed his brother’s wrist as he slowly dragged him back towards the top.

Just before breaking the surface, he motioned again with his finger to stay quiet. Then, they both peeked their heads out, silently sucking in air. Irritated voices boomed from the kitchen.

“Guys, come on! We give up! Just come out already!”

Grinning deviously, Mikey tugged Leo out of the water and quietly dashed to the blanket on the floor. He pushed him onto the couch, before throwing the blanket over both of them, concealing their drenched shells.

He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Man, you guys suck at this!”

Quick footsteps bounded into the living room as Raph and Donnie burst from behind the kitchen curtains, jaws dropping.

“Are you kidding me??”

“This is impossible!”

Leo blinked, stupefied, as his brothers argued. What just happened??

“This is so stupid,” Raph finally declared. “I’m done. I didn’t even want to play this stupid game, anyways.”

He stormed off. Donnie looked between the three turtles for a moment, then spun on his heel and retreated back to his lab.

Leo spun back towards his youngest brother and grabbed him by the shoulders.

“Mikey!” he whisper-shouted. “When did you learn to be so stealthy? How do you even hold your breath for that long??”

Mikey’s eyes widened in slight surprise before he snickered.

“Hide and seek is my game, bro! I’ve been practicing holding my breath for years!”

Leo simply gawked at him. Mikey looked over his shoulder, checking for any secret listeners, before he leaned in.

“I can teach you how, if you want,” he whispered, wiggling his nonexistent eyebrows.

The eldest blinked, then let out a chuckle.

“Y’know Mikey,” he started. “I learn too much from you. It’s all wrong! Shouldn’t I be the one teaching you stuff?”

Mikey shook his head and giggled.

“Don’t worry Leo, not all of us can be the brains of the operation.” He winked.

“Besides, I’m sure I’ll take a page out of your awesome, incredible, heroic book one day. Just gotta learn how to read it.”

Leo laughed loudly at that, fondly patting the top of his brother’s head.

“Thanks, little brother.”

“Of course! Always happy to help!”

Chapter 4: Lessons Taught...

At 8 years old, Leonardo learned how to wield.

At 12, he learned how to wait.

At 14, he learned how to survive.

…And at 15, he actually did.

With the world at stake, the only thing of importance is that you complete your mission. No matter what you have to sacrifice…

Or who.

Master Splinter’s words echoed in his mind as they bounded through the collapsing halls of the Technodrome.

No one is getting left behind, Leo decided mentally, dodging a piece of jagged metal. Not if I have anything to say about it.

Kraang Prime let out a metallic screech from behind him. Leo’s breath caught in his throat. That thing was gaining on them—quickly. Its long, wiry limbs crashed violently against the sides of the ship as it clambered towards them. Even if the alien didn’t catch him and his brothers, the debris exploding throughout the hall would certainly crush them all.

We just have to make it to the escape pod. We can get out. 

Another roar echoed throughout the corridor, followed by the dreadful sound of a familiar scream. 

Leo’s heart launched into his throat as he spun around just in time to see Mikey disappear into a deep crevice in the floor. 

He felt sick. 

Gauging the distance between his brother and the alien, Leo broke into a sprint towards Mikey, katanas already sliding out of their sheaths.

It was going to reach him first. 

Kraang Prime slowed, the laser gun on its head creeping over the edge of the crack. It began to whirr and hum, seconds away from firing. Moments away from decimating his baby brother.

Filled to the brim with terror and rage, Leonardo closed the gap between himself and the creature with a shout. 

“Get away from my BROTHER!!”

The robot screeched and lurched backwards as Leo’s katanas sliced through its helmet, pink sparks spraying through the air. He wasted no time, leaning into the trench and throwing out his hand. 

“Mikey! Hurry!”

Leo met his brother’s eyes. A sea of emotions warred in them. Fear. Gratitude. Determination. 

But shining bright above them all was complete and total trust. 

With a grunt, Mikey tossed his nunchaku into Leo’s palm, hanging on with all he had as his brother pulled him up. 

Just as Mikey threw himself over the ledge, Kraang Prime slammed its mechanical claw into the ground, dragging itself up again. Leo gripped the nunchuck tighter, scrambling forwards and pulling his younger brother with him.

They raced towards the escape pod with the monster hot on their heels. Raph and Donnie were already inside, urging them anxiously to hurry. April was propped up against the wall, still unconscious. 

“YOU HAVE NO ESCAPE, TURTLES.”

They were so close. 

But Leo knew the alien was closer. 

He pulled his youngest brother ahead of him and shoved him forward. Mikey stumbled into the side of pod, spinning around as his brothers scrambled to pull him in. Leo stood several feet away, meeting his brother’s eyes with an apologetic gaze.

“Leo! What are you doing?!” Raph screeched.

Donnie threw out his hand. “Get in! We have to go!” 

Mikey just stared on in silence.

Kraang Prime had slowed to a halt, glaring at the turtles in anticipation. Gripping his brother’s weapon, Leo slowly faced him.

“This ends now, Kraang,” Leo growled, ignoring his brothers’ cries of disbelief.

The creature let out a shrill laugh. “Fool! Your weapons are useless in defeating Kraang!”

Unmoving, Leo glanced down at the nunchaku in his hand. A familiar voice whispered through his mind. 

Think outside of the box, bro!

Gritting his teeth, he launched himself forward, stretching the chain to full length. Before it could react, Leo sprung upwards, wrapping the nunchuck around the alien’s bulging head. 

Kraang Prime cried out as it was forced to bow backwards under the unexpected strength of the blow. It screeched and writhed against the chains, but Leonardo would not be moved.

Leo looked to his brothers with panicked eyes, feet digging into the cold floor.

“Go! Get out of here! I can’t hold him forever.”

“WHAT??”

It was Donnie who had shouted, but Raph was the first to lurch forwards. Donnie and Mikey grabbed his arms, barely keeping him in the ship.

“Leo, don’t be STUPID!! We’re not leaving you!”

“You don’t have a choice! We’ll all die!”

“If we leave, you’ll die!!”

The alien roared again, splitting their argument in half. Leo huffed, sweat drenching his features. His strength was fading fast. 

Donnie looked between his older brothers frantically, clearly trying to work out the best case scenario. He glanced at April, who was barely starting to twitch with the beginnings of consciousness. Panicked tears gathered in his eyes as he gripped Raph’s arm. 

Mikey, on the other hand, was still standing in perfect silence. He seemed only numbly aware of his hold on his red-clad brother as he stared at Leo. His gaze was unreadable. A dull, creaking sound from above drew his eyes away for a moment. 

The escape doors were closing. Warning alarms started blaring throughout the corridor. Whatever alien security mechanisms that were built into the ship were kicking in. They were out of time. 

Mikey’s eyes trailed back down to his eldest brother. He held Leo’s desperate gaze, unblinking. Leonardo grit his teeth.

Please.

Michelangelo blinked.

Then, with the slightest nod of his head, he reached up and slammed the visor shut.

Leo watched as the pod rose and launched towards the exit. Kraang Prime howled in anger, jerking against the chains. Popping the links around his spindly arm, he reached towards the orb.

His grip was slipping. The doors were closing. The ship was going down and they were going to die. 

Wait for the perfect moment.

Drawing on the last of his strength, Leo grit his teeth and pulled against the writhing alien. 

Wait.

Wait…

Kraang roared.

Now!

Releasing the chains, Leo watched as the robot lurched forwards. The tips of its metallic fingers caught the edge of the pod, giving it one final push towards the escape hatch. 

The doors clanged to a close. They were safe.

The ship suddenly shook, bringing Leo to his knees. Kraang Prime spun around, limbs sparking and creaking.

“You fool!! You will DIE here!”

The Technodrome slammed into something outside, tilting and sending them both tumbling towards the ceiling. 

Leo collided shell-first into the escape hatch with a painful grunt. The ship was crashing.

Wasting no time, he flipped himself over and grabbed his katana, prying it between the doors. The hatch pulled open with a groan and water instantly began flooding into the room. 

Oh no.

Leo could smell the salt water as it rushed in, reaching his knees in seconds. The ocean floor was approaching rapidly. If he didn’t get out now, he would be sealed in.

Swim.

Sucking in a deep breath, Leo ducked under the water. A piercing shriek echoed around him as Kraang made one final attempt to reach him. He kicked with all his might, swimming down and around the sinking ship.

He pulled against the suction of the water as the Technodrome sank further, colliding with the ground. He had almost made it.

Kick. His legs were getting tired.

Swim. The depth seemed endless.

Hold your breath. He needed air. 

Just…

Survive.

.

.

.

.

A single escape pod surfaced. The visor slid open.

“I…I can’t believe it,” Donnie breathed. 

April groaned, blinking wearily. “Are we…out? Did we make it?”

Before anyone could answer, the Technodrome crashed into the water, billowing with thick, dark smoke. It wasted no time in sinking to the depths of the sea.

“Leo…” Raph whispered, plopping heavily onto the floor of the pod.

Donnie dropped beside him, sharing a solemn gaze with him before lowering his head. 

The rushing of the waves did little to ease the mournful silence that had settled over the group. April cried softly. Seagulls cawed in the distance.

“Come on…”

The group glanced up towards the voice as the orb rocked.

Mikey was leaning over the edge of the pod, eyes distant and searching.

“Come on, Leo. I trusted you. Come on.”

His mumbles were met with silence.

Raph and Donnie shared a pitiful look. 

“Mikey, buddy,” Donnie whispered. “He’s not—”

A splash, followed by someone spluttering for air, cut him off from the left. The group whipped their heads towards the sudden noise in alarm.

Two feet in front of them, Leo coughed and hacked as he spun to face them. He took a deep breath and stared. 

They stared back. 

Leo blinked. Then, he grinned, lifting his arm. “What, no help?”

The tension broke.

“Leo!” Raph cried, nearly capsizing the ship as he launched over the edge to pull him in. “You…you dork!”

Leo collapsed to the floor of the pod, panting with exhaustion, but still smiling. Donnie threw himself on top of him, crying in relief. Raph and April were short to follow, spluttering useless apologies and heartfelt thank yous as they huddled against him.

The pod rocked slightly. Leo looked up and met Mikey’s eyes as the orange-clad turtle stumbled to the floor. His tearful gaze didn’t leave Leo’s for a second.

For a moment, they simply stared. Then, Mikey broke. 

He launched himself forward, sobbing in relief. Shaking with terror. Frantically apologizing for leaving. Thanking his brother for coming back.

Leo shook his head as he pulled his brother closer. 

“No, Mikey,” he whispered. “Thank you.”

His little brother’s shoulders shook with the wet laugh that escaped his lips. 

“…Of course, bro,” he whispered back. “I’m always happy to help.”

Notes:

So sorry this took so long, I was hit with incredible writer’s block 😛 One more chapter to go.