Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was the night before the solstice when all through the lair, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The turtles were sleeping in their beds made with care, all apart from one little turtle who was scared.

Whilst his brothers were cosy, all snug in their beds, visions of monsters swarmed in his head. His father on his chair was taking a nap, and had not promised the young turtle a long night’s chat.

When out on the streets there arose a clatter, he sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away from his bed he flew like a flash, he ran from his room in a mad dash.

The moon lit a path for the young turtle although, not even the light could guide him when he fell down below. It was then in that night Little Blue disappeared, but even in the tumble he did not shed a tear. Despite the bruises, scrapes, and inability to see, the little turtle knew in that moment that he would once again be free.

He grew his courage and refused to fear, then promised himself he would get out of here.

Chapter Text

Leo gasped, his tiny hands clenched the oversized t-shirt. Even after inhaling and exhaling, like that stupid documentary Donnie forced him to watch, he couldn’t steady his rapid heart. The beating was thrumming in his tympanas like a volcano ready to erupt. He couldn't take it anymore. He twisted in his bed, ready to wake up his twin sleeping soundly besides him…

Dee was sleeping so peacefully next to him. Undisturbed by the ruckus Leo was making. He couldn’t wake him up, not for some dumb dumb nightmare. Leo could take care of it himself. Yeah! Leo was a big boy now and wasn’t frightened by some stupid, giant, dark, black shadow with piercing purple eyes.

Nope! Leo was most definitely scared by it now. He flung out of bed and ran straight towards the soft light emitting from the projector, where his Dad was probably snoring in his arm chair. He knew it was selfish of him to reawaken his Dad, who was tired from his earlier scavenges, but Little Leo couldn’t help it. He needed someone to hold him, tell him to never fear, outrun the gigantic steps of the purple eyed monster because Leo’s little feet couldn’t.

His feet pattered in light steps and his t-shirt stuck to his damp scales. Sweat blurred his vision, making all he could see a haze of darkness. Until in front of the staircase, he saw the big black garments reappear. Leo froze. He stifled a yelp with tiny hands.

Leo wished he could shrink into his shell, but what if the monster got him? What if it managed to capture him whilst he was hiding?

He turned a way from the staircase and sprinted directly for Raph's room. It was also down another flight of stairs, but this time smaller, and there were no shadows blocking his way. Leo got to the hallway, and to the left was Raph's room.

A dark mist shrouded the entrance curtain to his big brothers room. It loomed over him, those intimidating, purple eyes slowly reappearing in the vortex of darkness.

Fight. Flight. Or Freeze.

Leo had frozen before when he first saw the monster, so he couldn't do that option again. What about fight then? He hesitated for a few seconds. He wasn't sure he could take on this giant creature like Lou Jitsu could. Maybe when he got Dad's help, they could overcome this monster together. Yeahh, that could work. But that only left one option for him now. To flee and secure aid with Dad.

In a split second, Little Leo spun on his right heel and legged it down the other the other passage. He knew he could outrun the monster now. One right here, one left here, then...

He was at a split in the paths. They were usually forbidden from using these back routes to enter the living room and now Leo didn't know which turn to take. Left or Right? Left or Right?

The monster would be gaining on him if he didn't act fast. More beads of sweat dribbled from his forehead and made fat, ugly plops as they hit the stone floor. What would Donnie do in this situation? His twin was smart and always had a better judgment than him (or so he was constantly told). He conjured up imaginary Mind-Donnie. Go Right. Mind-Donnie advised. It was is closer to the Main room, so surely there's and entrance into it by going Right.

Right. Right... And Donnie was always right. And Leo NEVER listens to Donnie. Leo gulped and headed left. For once he really hoped Mind-Donnie's intuition was wrong. Leo continued heading the next 2 lefts and started slowing down when he heard the steady flow of water.

He looked around him and noticed he was surrounded by streams of flowing sewage water. This wasn't the living room. It wasn't anywhere closer to home. If anything he was probably further from reaching Dad than before. He really wished he had listened to Mind-Donnie. Maybe that way he wouldn't have ended up in this random tunnel. If he had listened he wouldn't be lost. Then he could fight back against the monster, and sleep in dads arms as he rocked Leo to sleep. Wait.. The monster. What if it caught up? What if it managed to catch him? Then he wouldn't be able to call for help! No one would hear him. No one would find him.

The noise of running water drowned out. All he could hear was his quickening heart beat and shaking gasps. His lungs constricted. Breathe he begged, breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale, just like that stupid dumb dumb documentary. Think.. If he was lost, then maybe the monster would be lost as well in these tunnels. He truly hoped so at least. He didn't want to have to think about the consequences if not. Think. He forced those thoughts out of his head. His priority now was getting back home safely and finding Dad. That sounded manageable for Big Boy Leo to handle all by himself. Then when he got back home he could brag all about his adventure to Dee and show off how he definitely did not want to cry. Hehh, Leo smirked to himself. That would be one nice way to start the day.

Leo retraced his steps. Or tried to at least. He continued down the tunnel, but the stone floor just kept getting colder and colder against his bare feet. Why wasn't he home yet?! Uhhhhh. What was that advice Mind-Donnie gave him before when he should have listened? Think, think, think. Right. Right! Mind-Donnie had told him to go Right, and when was Mind-Donnie ever wrong. Today was a show of his intelligent foresight, not that he could ever admit it to his actual twin. Dee seriously didn't need an ego boost.

Leo walked towards the end of the tunnel, looking for the next right turn available. He kept walking and walking until he saw a slight crevice in the stone. It looked dark and totally not ominous inside. But it was the next right turn he argued. Albeit, slightly smaller than the usual passageways, but it was still to the right like Mind-Donnie said.

Now there was only one problem. There was a gushing stream of sewage water in between the tunnels. It was no problem really. Leo could easily jump over it, and usually streams like this were shallow. Although this one did have water that was running very, very fast.

Well, he was going to see Mind-Donnie's words till the very end. Leo backed up against the side of the left tunnel directly opposite the right hand sides crevice. His right foot slightly elevated on the curve of the stone wall and his hands in a lunge position in front of him. On three he counted.

1.. 2.. And.. 3...

He ran as fast as he could along the few meter stone floor, before hop, skip and jump. Time moved like slow motion, he flew over the gushing water, in a form that would put any long jumper to shame. Non existent wind rustled his clothes. The concrete was coming up close, like really, really close. He angled his legs slightly lower so he wouldn't land on his tail. Maybe he had angled his feet too soon - they were about to hit the concrete at the edge of the stream!

In a quick second decision, Leo let his right foot hit the concrete floor and launched himself from the edge of the platform onto the secure inner curve. Unfortunately however, the land caused his right foot to blare in a searing pain. He trembled from the throbbing foot. It was the same one his Dad's teapot had pierced through a few days before. For a moment his vision went black. Like a dark mist had encircled him, and through the excruciating pain a sudden purple light sparked in the distance. He knew that light.

He shook his head and snapped out of his fleeting consciousness. After checking over both shoulders, he focused on the task ahead. He had to continue down the rocky opening. Leo crouched through the entrance, and took a tentative step forward on shaking legs. Then another, then another. The path seemed to just keep getting darker as he went on, the terrain steeper, with more jagged rocks scraping his feet. Huh, Leo thought. If all these stones were removed, this pathway could become a really epic slide. It could even fit Raph in with his big shell! Albeit he didn't think it was tall enough to fit Dad in.

Stupid Lee Lee! Stop being such a dumb dumb! Mind-Donnie reprimanded.

What are you talking about! If we were to dig out all the stones and flood it with water, then we could have our very own water slide, wouldn't that be cool?! Surely that big head of yours has some sort of machine you can design to make it possible.

Yes, I no doubt would find it a simple pastime to build and I thank you for your unwavering belief in myself, however you forget Leo that you should be focusing on the road ahead, instead of some extravagant water park, and should avoid jinxing yourself.

Hey! I'm no jinx!

Oh really, then remind me of the time you..

Leo let out a yelp.

He had slipped. Not that it was a surprise to Mind-Donnie, but concerning nonetheless. Leo was hurtling down the passageway, elbows and knees scraping against the edges. He was going to land head first at this rate. Little Leo popped into his shell, the rocky slide ever continuing for what seemed like minutes of spinning chaos, and was propelled from the ending tunnel crack, ricocheting off an opposing wall. Once his shell finally ceased rotating on the passage floor, Leo trembled out of his hiding, but lost all energy to continue down the path. His eyes filled up with tears, but he hurriedly wiped them away.

All he heard was the mad gurgling of water, whilst his mind reeled. Little Blue could see nothing beyond his bleary vision; all he knew was that the new tunnel he was in was immensely dark. Another blink and he could see nothing but black...

Nothing except a purple speck in the distance. A bright violet that was gradually coming closer. Leo had seen that purple dot before. It was the same as those piercing eyes of the monster he had tried so hard to escape. But it was all in vain - the monster had found him once again - and he was all alone, far from Dad in the Lair.

Leo's breaths deepened, becoming more erratic and quick. He was stranded immobile, whilst the monster's eyes grew closer with each second. At this rate it would consume him before he could even scream for help!

However, as the light came closer, Leo noticed that it wasn't in the shape of a circle, or even an eye. It was shaped like a teardrop, but ever changing and slightly warm. More like a fire, a small purple fire with hints of pink and magenta at the top, flickering flames, whilst the bottom half was a deeper indigo that subtly reminded Leo of Donnie. Maybe it was his twin, maybe his twin knew he was in trouble from their twin sense, and sent a projection to help guide Leo back home. Knowing that - hoping that - , calmed the little slider, knowing his twin was still looking over him made Leo feel safe.

He tried to reach out to it, but his arms had given up on him. The last thing Leo saw was the fire expanding from a torch to a flaming purple wall that encompassed him, before he surrendered to unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

Biting cold pricked every scale on Leo's body. He huddled into his thin t-shirt, but the warmth did nothing to assuage the cold. He arose in a fright. The purple barrier had vanished.

His mouth wobbled precariously. Leo didn't know how long it had been, but surely someone was worried about his disappearance by now. Maybe Dad had heard him at night and came looking. Or..or Dee realised something was up and alerted Dad or even Raph.

His legs trembled in uncertainty. In an instance, the purple light reappeared. Donnie had heard him! Now he could see the blurry purple flame more clearly; it was more magenta than he remembered. Hesitantly, he reached out to touch the violet ball of fire, but it retreated back into itself.

"Wait!" Leo called out.

It turned round a corner, away from the rubble-littered path he had fallen from before. He quickly ran after it. It glided down another tunnel, then another, Leo in foot. A small but steady glow. Leo couldn't see where they were heading; he could only follow the purple flame surrounded by a sea of darkness. Each path stretched on endlessly, causing him to fear he was stuck in an infinite labyrinth.

Those to thoughts quickly receded when Leo saw the fire travel downwards from his current height. He hesitated. The flame must have recognised Leo's caution as it persisted, flying to the bottom of Leo's blistered feet, displaying a set of stairs before him.

Leo took a step back. If he were to follow the fire then he may be delving deeper into the sewers, further from his family. But DeeDee would never lead him astray. Perhaps they were heading to a hiding, away from the monster. He swallowed his fear and took a tentative step down. The ball of fire continued lighting each step before him. He had no reason to distrust the light and followed in stead, down the flight of stairs and through a sewer path with a much lower ceiling than the others, shaped in an arch. He was taken down a right, until the arched walls curved into a single dead end.

"What.." Leo mumbled.

Was this all a trap? Had the purple light intentionally lead him to a dead end? But Dee would never. Was he too quick to assume it was his twin?

His mind whirled. All the possible betrayals that he had watch in those late night telenovelas sparking in his mind. He turned back to find the stairwell - to make an escape before the monster trapped him down here as prey. But when he looked back, the corridor had disappeared. Only another curved wall blocked his exit.

He was trapped...

His heart rate quickened. Sweat dribbled from his scales. He stumbled back to the original dead end; maybe there was a secret door; a hidden passage he could force open like in Lou Jitsu. The violet light had disappeared as well.

His hands scrambled up and down the wall, clawing at every ridge. Calloused nails desperately scratching until sore and red. He was trapped down here. Stuck alone, awaiting the shadow monster's return. Awaiting to become the shadow monster's feast. Awaiting his own inevitable death.

The little turtle let out a gut wrenching sob, curling up against the stone cold wall. He stayed in the fetal position, crying loudly until exhaustion overcame him.

...........

When Leo reawoke, he could barely feel the tips of his fingers. Even his legs had gone numb. He twisted around to at least be able to crawl. His blurry vision eventually refocused. Leo's eyes widened when he finally registered what he was seeing.

Before him the curved dead end had completely disappeared, instead lay a ginormous curved room with a single glowing light and in the centre a magnificent tree.

Leo's eyes transfixed on the tree. It was so bizarre. In the middle of the dark atrium, it seemed like the dim light encaptured every detail of the tree's beauty. The bark curled in hypnotising patterns, like incantations, whilst emerald green leaves thrived amongst the branches. Roots sprawled around a makeshift flowerbed, built above the ground, with new bricks in a larger circle around it. Strange plants, some were frosty blue flowers, others, hazel mushrooms also inhabited the circular raised bed. It was truly mesmerising.

Gradually Leo got up and took a few steps towards the captivating plant garden. However as soon as he entered the atrium, a bright purple light sprung from within the tree and out from multiple leaves. An array of pink and purple shades shone from the leaves and around the domed atrium, like magenta stars in a dark purple night sky. Leo awed in amazement. But the beauty was quickly lost when he viewed the surroundings of the tree.

There were splatters of neon green liquid, the colour DeeDee got before he barfed. As well as a bunch of hazard masks and bright yellow caution tape around the centre of the atrium. Metal pipes protruded from the soil beneath the tree and snaked along the floor to large cylindrical tubes against the wall. Leo stuck to the wall, his right hand tracing the impossibly smooth surface, making sure he didn't step on the green goo. Despite his best efforts, his numb feet still stumbled into some cold liquid. It was a burgundy or crimson colour in the shimmering light, but Leo couldn't tell what it was.

Slowly, he kept walking around the atrium, careful of the glistening, crystal blue glass chambers. Leo was forced to leap over the coiling aluminium ventilation pipes, causing a stabbing pain in his right foot each time.

Once he caught his breath he noticed a thin blue curtain blocking his past. Curiosity got the better of him. He had yet to walk even halfway around the atrium, thus without further ado, Little Leo crept round it. There was a medical cot to the corner, but what really caught his attention was the bookshelf full of books, but more importantly, potions. Vials and flasks were full of colourful liquids, all a violet tinge from the light. Some seemed to have been smashed on the floor, like someone had left in a hurry, but that was none of Leo's concern. Instead, he got closer to the shelf, maybe one of the books had a secret map of the sewer layout, and Leo could use it to find his way home - like a treasure map, he smirked.

As if, Leo. The odds of that are zero to none. Pirates don't exist anymore. The profession went extinct over two centuries ago.

Mind Donnie!

Yes, yes, it is me, LeeLee. No need to applause... Actually scratch that you may applause.

For the first time since falling down here, Leo actually felt a sense of hope. Donnie was back, which meant his family had to be close and looking for him. Mind Donnie wiggled him out of his thoughts.

Anyways, as you can see, there are several fascinating books before you. Perhaps it would be beneficial to take one so that we can find out who was here before us.

Pfffhhh 

Leo scoffed. Donnie just wanted the books to read for himself! Dee had recently become obsessed with big books and Dad had been quite slow on getting any new ones from the surface. Lee considered it for a moment.

Wouldn't that be considered stealing?

...Well, we may get to return one day and explore this place fully, therefore we have the intention to return this book, thereby not making the act theft.

Are you sureeeee?

Yes Leo, now hurry up and get back already.

Leo smiled slightly, but DeeDee was right, he was getting increasingly colder, even his teeth had begun chattering! 

Leo went on his tiptoes and reached for the largest book he could see. Sure it was only three shelves up, but who was counting. Leo pulled with all his might, but it didn't budge. Alright then, different approach: one foot rested on the first shelf, whilst both hands grabbed the thick leather cover. He kicked off, probably with too much force, because Leo went flying back, book thudding to the ground. When trying to get back up again, Leo nicked his finger on the glass of a broken vial. 

Owww. 

Tears pricked in his eyes, Mind Donnie wasn't there to comfort him either. Leo sniffled, but he knew sitting there would be just as futile. Eventually, he dug his palms into his eyes and forced himself to breathe. Once calm, he picked himself back up and brought the fallen book to his chest. He knew he was getting his blood all over the thick cover, but his head was swimming in too much pain to care.

He carried on to the final section of the atrium, the book a heavier burden in his small arms than anticipated. It was also partitioned by a tattered curtain, but this time there were evident tears and blood tarnishing it. Nevertheless, Leo crept past.

Immediately, Leo regretted it. More scarlet blood splatters littered the floor; a long metal table stood in the centre; and two more metal chairs surround it. The worse part, however, were the several long, sharp, bloodied, menacing knives, scissors, equipment Leo didn't even know what were used for scattered across the floor. 

He shouldn't have ventured here. Sure the previous sections had creeped him out a little, but this utterly scared him. Alone, far from his family and continuously chased by the shadow monster... Leo gasped. Now he was certain he was doomed. This was the monsters lair! And Leo had waltzed right into it without knowing it was all part of the shadow monsters plan to trap him down there and perform unspeakable deeds to his dead body.

The little turtle had to escape. There was no questioning it. He turned on his heels and legged it to the exit, sore limbs  rejuvenated with adrenaline. Leo needed to escape before the curved doorway reclosed.

As if sensing his sudden change, the light from within the tree also morphed into the magenta fire from before... It was tailing Leo..Ha, get it! Tailing, like Leo's own tail.. The little turtle let out a yelp when he noticed it. Leo should never have followed the light, never have trusted it. It was the reason he was down here in the first place. It was the reason he wasn't home with his brothers and Dad. It was the reason the monster would be able to prey on Little Leo. 

Anger boiled inside Leo, making his feet smack louder against the stone floor. One turn here, then down the corridor. The cut along his finger still groped with pain, whilst his foot screamed with each step. He hoped he could find Dad soon so that he could patch it up for him.

Oof!...

Leo whacked his cheek right into the stone. He had tripped on the very first step! A light flickered in the distance. The purple flame was gaining on him. He didn't have time to cry over a bunch of cuts and bruises. Leo clawed his way up the staircase, the pain threatening to pull him under. He didn't have time though. The monster would arrive any moment.  

His vision fluctuated, darkness creeping into the corners of his eyes. Leo had to continue! Ragged gasps escaped him, whilst sweat plopped on the stone. His fingers and knee caps bled with each push. But Leo couldn't give up - not now. He was over halfway up the staircase, when darkness overtook him. He didn't even manage to hear:

"-NARDO!"

Chapter Text

For once, Donnie woke up in blissful silence. No chaotic younger brothers entering a screaming match at who knows what hour, no groggy twin begging him to sleep in with him, or even arise earlier because he was bored being alone all night. It was a pleasant surprise, and one he whole-heartedly took advantage of. Sure it felt slightly odd diverging from their usual routine, but it wasn't something he longed to stress over.

After a few more minutes of peace, Donnie decided to do something productive with the silence. He began reading his manual on beginners engineering. He glanced up at times, surprised by the lack of disturbance from his twin. He readjusted the blanket, no longer in a mess like Leo had left it. It was warm, cosy even, wrapped in the blanket on a large bed, yet he still imagined Leon rushing in, and snatching the blanket back of him. He shook his head, his twon was no doubt preoccupied with whatever game had grabbed his attention.

Over an hour passed by, by the time Raph entered Donnie’s peaceful sanctuary, Mikey repeatedly nodding off on his shoulder. Raph immediately took note of no loud brother in blue within the twins' room

“Where’s Leo?” Raph asked sluggishly.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Donnie stated.

“C’mon, let’s go eat some breakfast,” Raph yawned, tugging on Mikey’s t-shirt to stop his youngest brother from nodding off once again.

Breakfast was unusually quiet, Dad had left the milk out and Raph could easily reach the counter for the cereal. 

"What were ya reading, Don?" Raph inquired.

"Just a beginner's guide to engineering. Did you know that some of the original Dyson vacuum cleaners have a better suction power than newer corded vacuum cleaners, despite it being one of the very first cordless and bagless versions at the time-" Donnie began listing.

"Huh, yeah. Cool." Raph was quick to end the rambling, "Sooo, uhh.. Is Leo gonna eat with us or has he already had breakfast?"

"No idea," Dee replied, nonchalant.

"Hu-Wh.. What do ya mean Dee?" His eyes darted back to him.

"Waphy?" Mikey interrupted, milk dribbling from his chin. Raph got a towel to wipe it up.

"He wasn't there when I woke up, so I just assumed he had already begun playing a game by himself. I mean, it's been over an hour since I awoke."

Raph paused mid-wipe.

An hour an hour! Raph's brain began freaking out. Raph hadn't heard a single thing since waking up and Donnie hadn't seen Leo wake up either. Did that mean Leo had or hadn't eaten breakfast?! Well if Leo had, then surely someone would have heard the clatter. Only Raph was tall enough to reach the kitchen tables, which meant that Leo needed to climb on top of one of the chairs to reach the milk. But Leo constantly made a mess, so there was no way he could have poured the milk by himself without dropping it everywhere!

Yet the counter was spotless.. So then had Leo begun playing without even eating anything? Ughhh. Raph internally groaned. That would mean Raph would need to seek Leo out to eat breakfast before putting the milk away! Dad had left the job to Raph since he was the biggest, and Raph had been told off twice before for leaving the milk out - he didn't want to make it thrice. Plus, more recently, Dad always seemed to be grumpy and even more in a mood if he had to tell one of them off. Raph didn't want to make Dad mad at any of them today.

"Waphy?" Mikey tried again. Big eyes switching between him and Donnie.

As if finally sensing Raph's fear stink, Donnie added "Ahem.. But, there is always the possibility that Leo got up at the same time as Dad and decided to eat breakfast with him instead."

That eased Raph's spiking vitals, "Yeah, probably. That sounds like Leo." The snapper was becoming increasingly aware how much his second youngest brother had difficulty sleeping. Quite often he had found him colouring quietly, or patiently waiting at the table with a spoon in hand. That being said, he trusted his immediate younger brother, when he said everything will be fine.

"Wha' are we gonna play?" Asked Mikey.

"How about we see what Leo's up to and then we play whatever he is."

"You two go ahead, I'm going to start dismantling the microwave."

"Donnie..." Raph warned.

"And... Once I have inspected every part twice, I will reassemble it before lunch."

Looks like Raph wasn't getting out of being told off today.

He huffed, gathered the bowls and lead Mikey out by the hand. First, they double checked the twins' bedroom; no one was there, then the projector room; only Dad was there, then the main hall; no one was there either, then Donnie's makeshift work station, which he had dubbed "the lab" and were promptly kicked out of.

"Ughhh. Where is he, Mikey?!" Raph grumbled after checking their own bedrooms, "Let's just forget it and play by ourselves."

"Weo?" Mikey looked up with his big, baby eyes.

"No Weo, Mikey. He is nowhere to be found," he said gently, "Com'on"

Mikey was lead out by the hand, eyes still searching for their brother in blue.

...

By lunch, Donnie had successfully dismantled, reassembled and upgraded the microwave, and no, it did not take any videos on YouTube, nor research. Take that distrustful brothers!

"Aha! Leo! I told you I could fix the microwave. Take that! He said with pride." Donnie gloated when he heard footsteps approaching. Dee imagined Leo sighing, yet applauding with due praise eitherway. He was mid fist pumping in the air when he finally turned around.

"Err, Donnie?"

"Wh-What?" He stumbled, checking behind Raph's shell, "Where's Leo?"

"Well, we-"

"No Leo," Mikey interrupted, pointing back at Raph.

"What?!" Dee's vocal cord reaching unfathomable heights.

"Well, we searched everywhere, even our rooms, and couldn't find him," his pace speeding up, "But, don't worry Dee, he's probably just hiding or fell asleep someplace, y'know how he gets. A-And Dad must've seen him this mornin' anyways."

Donnie started calculating, "It is currently 1:43pm. We had breakfast at 9:20. I woke up an hour earlier to read. I would have heard any loud noises, especially if they were right next to me/ from a certain slider, approximately 30 minutes before I awoke. Are you saying none of us have seen Leo in approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes?!"

They all stared at Donnie's makeshift watch, the gravity of the situation settling in.

"That doesn't mean he's not okay! Dad's been out for o'er a day, and he's come back fine!"

"Leo is still a child, unlike Dad!"

"But he pr-probably ate breakfast with Dad-"

"I don't care about breakfast!"

Donnie panted aggressively before collecting himself. "I care about knowing where my twin has been for the past," He looked to his watch again, "nearly six hours! I don't know if you've realised of this Raph, but Leo could be hurt or lost somewhere for all we know. Forget about if he's eaten or not, what's most important is knowing if he is safe."

Raph had realised this. He was worried, incredibly worried for his little brother, but he was the eldest, and couldn't wear his fear on his sleeves, for all their sakes. Plus Dad would be so disappointed if he found out...

Mikey suddenly started crying, "Weo. I want Weo."

Raph swiftly picked up the youngest, rubbing his shell, "Look Dee, we've checked everywhere. Now, I am going to make us lunch, and if by dinner we still 'aven't seen him, we will tell Dad, 'kay."

"But dinner is not until-" Dee tried interjecting.

"No buts," Raph stood firm, "Here."

Raph tried giving Mikey to Don to put in his high chair, but went to do it himself when he wrinkled his snout at the snot.

...

The day continued being rather silent to say the least, a suffocating fog hanging over them. They had all noticed the lack of obnoxious, boisterous laughter surrounding the lair, and it was hard to forget.

The afternoon was spent playing with some Jenga blocks; Raph's trembling fingers caused him to lose thrice in a row, and consequently, had to pack it away. Then Mikey suggested painting next. Unfortunately, Raph was forced to clean up once again after Mikey tipped over the green paint. He had been painting a family picture that involved lots of blue, in hopes of giving it to Leo, so that he would know how much they loved playing with him. Raph didn't miss the way Donnie's eyes scrunched up when he saw it.

They weren't usually allowed to play with the paints - Dad always complained that it was a pain to scrub the floor afterwards. Recently, Dad seemed to be drawing more distance, and didn't seem to keep as much of an eye on them as before. But that was a good thing, right? It meant that they were maturing and didn't need to disturb Dad as much. So then.. Wouldn't Dad be disappointed when Raph pestered him with Leo's nonsense. Leo was probably hiding for attention or something, so maybe it wasn't such a great idea to inform Dad just yet... Instead.. They should try looking for him again. Yeah! Then they'd all eat dinner together, and Dad would never know.

After tidying up the paints by himself, Raph gathered his younger brothers into the main hall and proposed the idea of hide and seek, but this time in reverse! That meant they would all seek for Leo, and the winner would get first dibs on their seat next movies night. Each brother set off. 

First, Raph double-double checked the twins' bedroom, whilst Donnie headed to the kitchen and Mikey to his own bedroom. Then the projector room; were Dad was snoring, and Mikey was also passed out on top of one of the cushions. Raph chuckled at the sight. He carried the youngest and tooked him in his own bed, then thoroughly checked both of their rooms. Much to his disliking, no one was there.

Raph decided to check Donnie's so called "lab" next, but the softshell was already waiting for him, foot tapping incessantly.

"He's not in here either," was all the turtle had to say, his thunderous expression studying Raph.

Raph subconsciously scratched the back of his head, "Well, it's not like we have checked everywhere, yet Dee-"

"Quit lying to me, Raph!" Donnie spat, "This is serious now! It's evening already, and we've checked everywhere! I just want my twin.." Tears threatened to fall.

"Dee-"

"No, Raph! This isn't funny any more. No one has seen Leo all day. We don't even know if he was with Dad this morning, a-and you're trying to cover it up, so that you don't get in trouble with Dad!" He burst into tears.

"I am not!"

"Are too! Then why do you keep preventing us from telling Dad straight to his face?!"

"I-I just don't want Dad to worry over no-nothing. You know how Leo is-"

"So what?! You think my twin is just-just pretending to hide for attention! He's not stupid like that, Raph! Yes, he is dumb at times, but he would never go this far-" Donnie chocked on his own sobs, the waterfall of tears dampening his purple hoodie.

"Dee,"

"N-No, Raph! I-I w-want my twin back!" He huffed.

"And we'll find him, alright. Just calm down, 'kay?"

Raph brought Donnie to the floor and rubbed soothing circles across his shell. The second eldest hugged him tightly, sobbing into his vest. The sounds threatened to make Raph break down as well. They sat together, Raph soothing Donnie in the dimly lit room, brainstorming the best ways to find Leo.

Oh right, he hasn't told Dad yet. Uh oh.. Dinner was soon and Dad would expect to see them all.

Raph told Donnie his game plan; since they had all been searching for Leo individually until now, maybe it would be better to check again, but in pairs. The soft-shell agreed, wiping a few stray tears from his red-rimmed eyes. The turtles systematically investigated every room, minus the projector room, where Dad was still snoring, but as usual, no one was there.

Mikey woke up by the time they had finished their search. Honestly, Raph's feet were killing with the amount of walking he'd been doing today!

Somehow, Raph managed to convince his younger brothers to do one final scan of each room before telling Dad at dinner. Especially since Mikey knew some of the smaller hiding spots Leo had discovered during their games of hide and seek.

...

10 hours and 27 minutes. 10.45 hours. 627 minutes and counting. Nearly half an entire day, and his twin was still nowhere to be found.

Donnie wanted to curl up in their shared room and hide until sleep overcame him, and he'd awake to the sound of a snoring twin, realising this was all just a dream.

Where was he?! They had been searching all day! Their room, the bathroom, the kitchen, the garage, the store room, the lab, he had even peeked into their Dad's room! Why hadn't Leo just woken him up?! He honestly wouldn't have minded. It would have been much better than causing all this stress and probably getting lost somewhere Donnie doesn’t even know if he can reach.

Was that it?.. Something was keeping Leo from them? Had he gotten stuck? Trapped? Lost?

Did he venture outside the lair?...

They had to get Dad's help.

"Raph, let's go tell Dad."

Raph was visibly panicking at the suggestion.

"D-Dad's not called us down for dinner yet though."

"Raph," his expression darkened. "Did you ever happen to consider if Leo left the lair?"

He could see the cogs turning within the eldest's head.

"It's a perfectly reasonable explanation if you think about it. I mean-"

"Then we better go, Dee!" Raph dragged Mikey by the hand towards the main exit.

"What? No! We can't just leave."

"But, Lee migh' be out there, all alone, we gotta find 'im," wide eyes turned back on Donnie.

"B-But we can't go by ourselves."

"We need'ta leave right now, Don. Leo might be lost."

"Weo's 'ost?" Mikey's eyes glistened.

"Not if we leave now and find 'im in the sewers, together."

"But Raph,"

"We atleast gotta try, Dee."

"I agree, but we have a greater chance of getting lost in the sewers ourselves, compared to if we just told Dad, and searched together."

"But Dad'll just panic and shout at us for not telling him sooner.."

Mikey looked between his two older brothers again, Raph's head hung low in defeat, whilst Donnie was muttering to himself.

"Maybe.. Not if we phrase it right. He said with high uncertainty and doubt."

Raph didn't catch the last bit, "You got a plan?"

"Statistically speaking, Mikey has earnt the least shouts from Dad, thus making our chances of Dad listening to us greater than if you or I asked."

"Sooo.." his head bobbed from all the big words.

"So, we get Mikey to tell Dad."

"What?! No! Nuh uh. Not happening Dee."

"B-But"

"I'll do it," Mikey puffed his chest up at his brothers.

"Wai-, No, Mike," Raph started.

"Great!" Donnie already began pushing Mikey out of the hall, and into the projector room.

"Wait, what am I doin' again?"

"Uhhh!"

Raph and Donnie revised the plan a whole four times by the time Mikey had memorised it. Albeit, it had included many mini-arguments. It was simple really, but Mikey was still a toddler, who had the attention span of a goldfish. Just walk up to Dad, act all cute and innocent, as if Baby Mikey wasn't that already, and ask him if he's seen Leo. Hah! He did remember the plan. Here it goes.

Mikey ran up to the armchair and grabbed the armrest, trying, and unsurprisingly, failing to pull himself up over it. He opted to stand infront of the projector instead.

"Papa, papa, papa! Where's Weo?"

"Yes, Orange, I will feed you, just give Daddy 10 more minutes."

"But have you seen Weo today?"

"No, no, now leave me be. My favourite commercial is about to start." Splinter stretched his head to see past his youngest son, gently using his tail to pull him to the side.

Wait! What was Mikey meant to do now? They hadn't practiced this bit. He looked towards the entrance of the room for support. Donnie was nodding rapidly, whilst Raph was shaking his head. He did remember them both saying something about keeping calm though, and not letting Dad worry too much. Yeah! That's what Mikey will do. Tell Dad straight, so that he doesn't worry too much.

"Buh Dad! We can't find Weo."

"Huh," his eyes flickered back to his son, who was still in the way of his favourite commercial.

"We haven't seen Weo all day."

Raph audibly face palmed, whilst Donnie ran behind the armchair.

Splinter blinked sluggishly, digesting the information. What did Orange mean? Was he telling the truth? They didn't know where Blue was? But then wouldn't Red have informed him at breakfast - he left Red in charge for a reason. No no, he must be assuming too much. This was probably all just a prank to get him away from his beloved programmes.

His face soured. He turned in his armchair, prepared to reprimand his eldest two sons, whom he'd heard shuffling in. Purple wide eyes stared back, a touch red behind the frame, whilst Red's jaw was set in worry as he picked at his nails. Maybe this wasn't a joke. Maybe Blue was hiding somewhere and couldn't get out. Maybe, just maybe, he had gotten lost. 

But how? When?! Splinter had been relatively conscious, if he had to say so himself, and had claimed his chair the entire day. There was no way he wouldn't have heard his ruckus of a son at some point, and yet it had been a peaceful day. Then Blue must have left the lair... But when? And why?..

Splinter knew Blue had trouble sleeping, but he wasn't stupid enough to leave the lair in one of those sleepless nights. He tried to think back, had he heard Little Blue leaving at some point in the night? Splinters expresion turned grim. Before he had drifted to sleep on the couch, he had heard some furious pattering across the lair's stone floor, but had easily brushed it off as another rat.

Splinter tried to quieten his pounding heart.

“B..Boys, do you happen to know what time Blue went m..missing?” Splinter stammered.

“No not exactly, none of us were 'wake,” Red replied, head hung low and feet shuffling, like he was prepared to be scolded.

“Bu..But, DeeDee said that LeeLee wasn't there when he woke," Mikey chimed in, hoping to be helpful, but in reality, it just made Splinters blood run cold.

"I see.." Spliter tried formulating a plan in his head, but every idea was swimming with worry. A timeline of events formed in his head: Little Blue likely awoke in the night, as per their usual routine, and ran down to find him, explaining the pattering he heard. However, for some reason, Blue headed down the wrong staircase or corridor and no doubt got lost in the sewers.

Gradually, Splinter rose from his chair. He wasn't sure what to tell his boys. It was far more likely for Blue to have gone missing in the sewers if they had already turned the place upside down looking for him. But if Splinter were to go, he could not take all of his children. They may tire easily or wander off, and Splinter had no idea how long it would take him to search. He turned, heading towards his room.

"D..Dad?" The oldest muttered, in a hopeful plea.

Right, yes, of course; he needed a plan that could not be argued with.

"Right, " He cleared his throat, but no words escaped his mouth, "Ummmm.. Stay right here, boys. I will return from my room once I have gathered the necessary supplies to go looking for Blue." To figure out exactly how went unsaid. He turned on his heels and left before anyone could disagree.

Dee looked up at the eldest, “Are we really meant to believe that he's actually gathering supplies and not just locking himself in his room again?”

“Donnie!” Raph scolded, covering Mikey's ears before he could be struck with the same doubt and fear as Donnie. “Don't say that sort of stuff around..” His eyes fell to the trembling ball of orange clutching his clothes.

“Of course, Dad meant what he said! We should trust him.”

“What?! Like how we’re suppose to trust him to take care of us; to cook for us, to put us to bed.” Donnie struck back, the argument becoming heated.

“Yeah, and he does do that when he’s able ta.”

“Puh-lease, he’s infront of the TV more often than not! Even you know, he would rather waste his days in his armchair or sulk in bed all day than look after us. That’s why you end up doing more than Dad usually does. I mean, do you really think he’s even thought about dinner tonight?”

That comment stung, and Raph visibly winced. He hadn’t wanted his immediate younger brother to realise the amount of stress Dad unknowingly put him under on days he was too unwell to get out of bed.

Donnie saw the slight twitch in Raph’s figure and recognised that he had taken it too far. He took a deep breath before continuing.

“Look Raph, we may not be able to venture into the sewers like Dad can, but we can at least formulate a stategy he can follow and plan out how to take care of Leo if he comes back injured.”

Raph couldn't comprehend all the big words Dee had used, but Mikey piped up at the idea.

“Yeah! Let me go gwab my dwawing book quickly.”

"Okay,” Raph sighed, taking a seat on the floor. Donnie followed in suit.

“Firstly, the sewers surrounding and below the Lair are a complex system of tunnels and pipes, expanding both outwards as well as downwards. Whilst Leo has most likely stayed on this same layer directly under the surface in hopes of relocating home, we cannot disregard the option that he has journeyed below.”

Raph was still puzzling out the first few terms Dee had used, when Mikey returned with his colouring book in hand, as well as a few crayons and felt-tip pens. When Donnie saw, he immediately tore out the back page and started furiously scribbling some notes in a dark purple pen.

“Hey!” Mikey began to protest, but Raph quickly scooped the 4 year old into his legs. The youngest then proceeded to grab a green and black crayon, colouring in layers of each colour, in what Raph guessed were supposed to be sewer tunnels. Donnie cleared his throat. Raphs eyes redirected his attention to him.

“As I have listed here, the most efficient method would be for Dad to check the tunnels 50 metres from the atrium and proceed from there down each layer. Hopefully Leo would have listened to previous safety advice I have countlessly given, and known the best way to be found is to stay where you are once lost.”

Raphs head bounced with the onslaught of words, and noticed that, despite the situation, the youngest had completely given up on understanding Donnies logic.

“Errr.. Donnie, I don't mean ta in'errupt..”

“Well, you already have, and time is of the essence, so be quick with it Raph.”

“But..uhm, could you perhaps shorten your explanations.”

Donnie scoffed.

“As I have written here in step one and two, Dad should check every tunnel that is 50 metres surrounding the lair, then do the same with the next few layers underneath it.” Donnie repeated.

See now Raph understood! Even Mikey nodded in agreement.

“What about when Dad brings Weo home?” The youngest questioned.

Raph didn't want to think about the possibility of Dad coming back empty-handed.

“Then we ensure the first aid box is ready for Dad in case Leo got a bruise and make sure Lee’s bed is all warm and cosy so that he can fall asleep right away.”

Raph tried his best to keep the tears from pricking his eyes. His younger brother, all alone, in the dark, cold tunnels, with who knows what. Dad had always warned them about venturing beyond the lair, told them tales about his fights with the Evil Rat King. He knew Leo's attention seeking nature was annoying, more than anything else, but now that he was lost without anyone even there. What would happen if he got a cut or a bruise? Raph wouldn't be there to rub it or even put a band aid on it. Raph sniffled. They had to be prepared to give him the most hugs and love once he returned.

“Right," he said with conviction. “Once Dad leaves, Donnie prepare your room, Mikey gather all the cushions, pillows and blankets you can find, and Raph will set up a first aid station in the kitchen. Understood?”

Both Mikey and Donnie nodded.

“Understood.”