TMNT: Secrets of the Sewers

Start of Something

"Run."

A voice echoed through the endless darkness that surrounded Master Splinter like a stranglehold. He could barely breathe, could hardly see, and his entire body felt heavy. Every time he tried to move, he felt pain shooting through him so agonizing that he could barely stand it.

"Who is there?" He called out, his own voice seemingly weakened by this suffocating darkness.

"Run away..."

That same voice echoed, this time as if a godly being spoke. There was no source, but it seemed the totalitarian darkness around him was its source. A voice from all directions, without distinction.

"Don't stop. Can't stop. Run." It seemed more panicked now.

"Run." It echoed, louder.

"Run!" It seemed scared, terrified.

"Run away!"

He felt a chill run down his entire body, his every instinct telling him that something was behind him. His heart racing, he turned around to see a large silhouette towering over him. He didn't recognize the shape, but he could sense its malicious intent. Whatever it was, it was the epitome of evil.

"Run!"

.....

Splinter sat up, his fur soaked with cold sweat and his eyes dilated. His chest felt heavy, and his mind was in a fog. With deep breaths, he slowly felt his chi realign before rising from his bed. His dreams had become more and more vivid these past several days, warning him of some unknown horror. He had meditated on the meaning behind his dreams, but he still had no idea of what it could be.

He grabbed a small damp rag from the rotted wood end table, dabbing his face lightly. It had been getting more and more use over the last few weeks. He sighed.

"Perhaps the joy that only my sons could bring me will help me settle from my dreams."

He smiled, standing up and dusting off the fur on his chest and grabbing one of his robes. He slipped it on, looking in the cracked mirror he had set up, giving himself a small nod of approval. He then approached the door and took a deep breath.

"Grant me patience to withstand the day."

Splinter slowly opened the door to the main area of the small home he shared with his four sons, and was immediately greeted by the sight of his youngest son, Michelangelo, flying through the air on his skateboard.

"Cowabunga!" He screamed as he flew.

His skateboard slapped hard against the crack granite top of the makeshift lab that belonged to his brother Donatello. Vials and beakers jumped, then smashed against the floor as the blur of green and orange rolled off and smacked the concrete of the floor.

"Mikey!" Donatello shouted, picking himself up off the ground and adjusting his purple headband. "You're wrecking my lab!"

Mikey merely looked over his shoulder as he shredded down the railing of the short staircase towards the couch.

"Sorry Don!" He called, as he performed a trick jump over the coffee table, "It was in the way."

Splinter sighed, his claws pinching the bridge of his snout as he shook his head. He then reached over for the large walking stick that was leaning by the door. He loved his adopted sons very much, and they were his new world as they had been for the last thirteen years. However, there were some moments when punishment was needed.

This was one of those moments.

Mikey kick flipped towards Splinter, a goofy grin on his face.

"Hey Master Splin-"