Chapter Text
When Shinigami’s loud mutterings floated over the turnstiles, Donnie positioned himself near the stairs and crossed his arms. A moment later, Michelangelo limped into the lair, Shini supporting him. His head was bruised, his hands were covered in blood, and he was frowning. The frown turned sheepish when he looked up and saw Donnie.
“Sorry,” he murmured.
Donnie was already examining him. “What did you try to fight this time?”
“Shadows.”
“Huh?”
Mikey gave a lopsided smile. “They went down real easy, though. I missed a few times. Those rock walls were sharp.”
Donnie made a face, the lines between his eyes deepening. “Michel. Did you get into a fight with rocks? Is that why you're bleeding?”
“Only a little.” Mikey let Donnie scoop him up and carry him to the lab, Shini at his side like a calm cat. Donnie could have sworn she was smirking. As the stares of the family bore into his back, Donnie just focused on setting his brother on the gurney and preparing the bandages.
Shinigami hopped up next to Mikey and whispered something in his ear. Donnie turned around in time to watch the cuts on Mikey's hands begin to close up. He sighed, grabbed some disinfectant wipes, and began to clean the blood staining Mikey's pale skin. He didn't look him in the face until he was done. Mikey looked distant. Donnie checked the bruising on his skull, which didn't just disappear.
“I notice you still can't quite fix your own head wounds,” Donnie noted, grabbing a tube of arnica cannabis ointment and gently dabbing it. “Please try not to.”
“I know,” Mikey said. “The head is delicate and precious.”
“Thank you for indulging us with that,” Leonardo said from right behind.
“Hello, ghost turtle,” Mikey continued to watch Donnie rub one hand, then the other.
“What happened?” Leo asked.
Mikey glanced up at him, his eyes full of frustration and exhaustion. “I'm… not really sure I can explain.”
Shinigami elbowed him. “I understood it just fine.”
Leo folded his arms, lifting an eyeridge.
Donnie stepped away, wiping his own hands with alcohol wipes, and tilted his head.
Mikey sighed, and looked up at the ceiling. “It's…me. My memories. They're hunting me.”
Leo blinked.
Shinigami grinned. “See? That was easy.”
Donnie leaned towards the doorway and yelled “Raph, Mikey's subconscious is being antagonistic in a literal sense, your services are required.”
Raph appeared in the doorway, fist in palm. “I'm good at punching nightmares.”
“You're just gonna make it worse,” Mikey scoffed.
“Define worse,” Raph said. “We've been in your head.”
“That was to save my life, dude, those Neutrinos would have wiped my brain clean.”
“And what will your shadows do?” Leo asked.
“Probably kill everyone,” Mikey shrugged. “That's why I'll take care of it.”
Shinigami snorted. “Cute.”
“I mean it,” Mikey said, but it came out like a whine.
“You obviously aren't doing anything alone,” Leo said.
“Don't even think about it,” Raph grunted.
“You should know by now,” Donnie said firmly, “we’re in it together, we go together. You are not alone.”
Mikey just stared at him. “Good point.”