A Little Change (Tmnt 2012)

Chapter 6

As his brothers continued to spar with one another, Mikey finished the bowl of cheerios he had been given. The painful hunger he had been feeling went away not long after.

Having finished his snack, Mikey knew he needed to act. This was the only time he had been able to move freely since yesterday. Mikey knew he needed to take advantage of this while he could.

His plan was still the same. He nedded to get to his room and call April. She would be able to help him.

Mikey couldn't risk getting caught, not sure how his brothers would react. He didn't want to risk losing his freedom even further. With that thought in mind, Mikey knew what he had to do. He groaned, not liking the idea at all. It didn't matter. It was his only option. Any other way, he would easily get caught. Mikey would have to crawl to his room.

The thought filled him with anger and embarrassment. That was the last thing he wanted to do. With the way his brothers were treating him, Mikey couldn't imagine willingly subjecting himself to such infantile things, but he didn't have a choice. He either had to crawl to his room and call April for help or deal with the baby treatment from his brothers until it ended naturally, if it ever did.

Mikey shuddered at the thought of being treated like a baby for the rest of his life. Yeah. That wasn't happening.

Determined to get out of his current situation, Mikey lowered himself onto his hands and knees. He quickly made sure none of his brothers were looking as he slowly crawled towards the exit of the dojo.

Mikey tried to be as silent as possible, which was easier than it would be normally since he was trained in the art of stealth. He managed to sneak out of the dojo without anyone noticing.

As soon as Mikey was out of sight, he sighed in relief, standing up. He brushed himself off and stretched. His legs had fallen asleep from lack of usage, and Mikey had to shake them a bit to get his blood flowing through them.

Mikey realized he had taken small things for granted as he walked past the kitchen and living room into the hall that contained the bedrooms. It felt amazing to be walking on his own two feet. Mikey knew that if he ever got out of this, he would start taking these things into account.

Mikey approached his room, quietly opening the door just in case the sound traveled to his brothers somehow. He was instantly relieved upon stepping into his room. Everything was exactly as he had left it.

Mikey's phone rested on the nightstand, still charging. He practically lunged for the small device, yanking it off the charger. He unlocked his phone and opened up his contacts. He didn't have to scroll because April was at the very top of his contact list. He immediately clicked on her name, pulling the phone up to his ear. He crossed his fingers, taking a seat on his bed.

Come on. Pick up. Mikey mumbled anxiously. He was about to give up when the ringing stopped, and April's voice flowed through the phone. Hey, Mikey. What's up? April greeted.

Mikey instantly relaxed at the sound of her voice. April. He said breathlessly, glad that she didn't seem to have a messed up mind like his brothers.

Everything okay, Mikey? April asked, sounding slightly worried. I need your help, April. Mikey said, getting down to business. My help? With what? April asked curiously. I don't know exactly. There's something wrong with everyone. Mikey said. Wrong? What do you mean? April asked. Their minds are all messed up. It's like their memories have been erased or something, but like, not all of them. Mikey said, attempting to explain the issue. Like amnesia? April asked. No. They seem to be able to do everything just fine, and they know who they are. At least, I think they do. Mikey said.

So, what's wrong, then? April asked. They think I'm a baby. Mikey admitted. It was silent for a minute. April? Mikey asked. He was shocked when she started laughing.

Mikey was confused. He didn't understand why that was funny. He knew she wouldn't be laughing if it was her they thought was a baby.

It's not funny, April! Mikey protested. It's embarrassing, degrading, shameful, confusing, frustrating, and scary. My feelings are not something to laugh about. Mikey said, crossing his arms in annoyance.

April's laughter calmed down. Mikey, are you sure you're not making a big deal out of nothing? She asked skeptically. Of course I'm not! Mikey shouted angrily.

Look, I know your brothers tease you a lot, but this is a bit much for a reaction, don't you think? April asked condescendingly. They aren't teasing me! Mikey shouted, aggravated that April obviously didn't believe him.

So, they didn't call you a baby and mock you? April asked. No. Mikey said. Well then, what do you mean? April asked, obviously confused. They literally think I'm a baby. Mikey said.

I'm sure that's not true. April offered. April, they put me in a diaper and fed me a bottle of milk with laxatives in it for breakfast. I'm pretty sure they think I'm a baby. Mikey said.

More silence. April? Mikey asked, worried he had pushed her too far.

They actually think you're a baby? April asked. Yes. Mikey said softly.

They put you in a diaper! April shouted, obviously horrified. Yep. They forced me to drink a bottle of milk with laxatives in it and then put me in a baby bouncer. They didn't let me out until after I had been forced to mess in the diaper. Mikey said, wincing at the memories. They what?! April shouted, obviously outraged. Yeah. It's bad. Mikey said solemnly.

It's super weird, though. It's like someone or something messed with their minds overnight. Mikey explained. When I woke up this morning, they immediately started acting differently. Yesterday, they were perfectly fine. He said. What's even weirder is that our guest bedroom turned into a nursery overnight, and a lot of baby stuff appeared. All of the baby stuff is my size. It just doesn't make sense. He added. Yeah. That is weird. April admitted.

You said they didn't remember something? April asked. Yeah. They don't seem to remember Master Splinter's death or anything to do with my real age. Mikey responded. Interesting. There's definitely something wrong with their minds. April confirmed.

April, please, you've got to help me. Mikey begged. I can't do this for much longer, and I really just want everything to go back to normal. He admitted. Relax, Mikey. I'm on my way. April said reassuringly.

Thanks, April. Mikey said gratefully. Of course. I'll be there soon. Hang tight. April said, hanging up the phone.

Hurry. Mikey mumbled, placing his phone back on the charger.

Before he could even think of doing anything else, the voices of his brothers stopped him. They sounded panicked, and Mikey immediately knew they had realized his absence.

Fearing what would happen if they discovered him in here like this, Mikey hurriedly left his room, making sure to shut the door. He didn't look forward to going back to being treated like a baby, but with any luck, April would be there to save him before too long.

With his hope restored from calling April, Mikey plopped down on the floor in the hallway and waited for his brothers.

There was no telling what would happen next. Mikey could only hope that whatever happened, it would get him out of this situation.