Archived Story

Remedy and Rest (w.i.p)

As they lifted Shoku off the ground, a mixture of concern and something darker flickered in the brothers' eyes. Her fragile state was unmistakable.

Donnie swiftly alerted the others, issuing instructions to prep the med-bay. Despite his doubts about helping her, a sense of duty drove him to try.

The jets on his battle shell sputtered, struggling to maintain balance under the weight of three teenagers. Shoku's visibly starved body seemed almost weightless, a poignant reminder of her suffering.

The next few hours passed in a haze of urgency. Donnie focused on treating Shoku's bite wound, his hands moving with precision. Meanwhile, Leonardo expressed concern about harboring a yokai who had previously attacked them, while Mikey filled him in on the situation. Mikey also updated Raphael and Splinter via group chat.

Donnie carefully applied Vaseline and non-stick bandages, then administered antivenom based on Google's instructions. He was an engineer, not a doctor. But, he was probably the only one who could get her immediate treatment.

Donnie administered medication that they had access to in order to alleviate muscle pain and cramping, hoping to slow the poison's progression. Researching frantically, he found solace in the rarity of fatal black widow spider bites. However, Shoku's road to recovery would be long and arduous.

Beyond the bite, her body bore signs of trauma: cuts on her mouth and ears, and bruises scattered across her skin. Donnie carefully cleaned the wounds, applying bandages that clung awkwardly to her fur. He hesitated, unsure how to treat injuries hidden beneath her thick coat.

Donnie relaxed into his chair, panic subsiding after further research assured him Shoku was out of immediate danger. The med-bay doors slid open, and he swiftly averted his gaze, opening a new tab on his computer to feign busywork.

Leo's footsteps announced his arrival. "Don, did you poison someone to make a friend?" Leo teased, earning a groan.

"Go away, Leo. I've got work to do," Donnie replied, partially fibbing. While his current task wasn't crucial, he did need Raphael's expertise when he woke up. Glancing at the clock, Donnie noted the late hour - Raph was definitely asleep.

For a moment, he considered consulting Splinter but quickly dismissed the idea.

"What? Can't a brother ask questions after you sped off to bring home a dying cat?" Leo teased, his grin infectious as he leaned on the table, legs crossed in a relaxed pose.

Donnie rolled his eyes, focusing on the screen to avoid his brother's probing gaze. "She's not dying, nor is she a cat."

Leo's attention shifted to Shoku, his expression transforming into a mix of curiosity and caution.

"She looks like she hasn't eaten in years," Leo said, a chuckle escaping his lips despite the unsettling truth. His gaze lingered on Shoku's frail form, her prominent ribs a stark reminder of her neglect.

Donnie's eyes snapped back to his screen, avoiding the disturbing sight.

Leo's voice cut through his focus. "You're acting weird, Donnie. Not demon-possession weird, just... weird." He leaned against Donnie's desk, his weight shifting onto one hand.

Donnie paused, recognizing the concern beneath Leo's teasing tone. He knew Leo meant well and wasn't trying to insult him.

"Well, she's already inconveniencing me with how much she's relying on my intellect," Donnie said, his tone dripping with exaggerated arrogance.

Leo raised an eyebrow, recognizing the bluff. "You're doing fine," he said, rolling his eyes.

Leo's reassuring touch came in the form of a gentle pat on Donnie's covered shell with his three-fingered hand. Donnie shrugged it off gruffly, but a hint of appreciation flickered beneath his grumpy exterior.

"Get some sleep, Donnie. It's late," Leo reminded him, nodding toward the digital clock on the computer screen.

Donnie acknowledged the advice, knowing Leo was right. With a lively smile, Leo waved goodbye and headed for the door. "This beauty queen needs his rest. See you in the morning."

As Leo exited, he dimmed the room's brightness, leaving Donnie to his devices. Donnie shut down his computer and retreated to his quarters, meticulously storing his gear in its designated places.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and Donnie drifted off to sleep.

Shoku's eyes fluttered open, her head throbbing with a burning headache. Disoriented, she struggled to recognize her surroundings. Her body felt foreign, weighed down by aching muscles.

As her vision cleared, she saw the array of bandages and ice packs strapped to her limbs and torso. Gingerly, she removed the ice packages and swung her legs off the aubergine-painted table.

Her gaze drifted to the computer in the corner, its screen springing to life as she approached. She bent down to check the time and date, her heart skipping a beat. Almost two days had passed since her collapse at the Grand Nexus Hotel.

Nearby, the stolen gauntlet sat charging beside various machinery, but Shoku barely registered it. Her focus remained fixed on her precarious situation.

Shoku hastened to a nearby mirror, curious about her condition. She was surprised to find her appearance well-tended. Her fur was brushed, slightly greasy but smooth.

With delicate claws, she carefully removed the band-aids from her mouth and ears. Wincing, she peeled off the sticky strips, some of her fur coming with them. Though the pain was manageable, her eyes watered. She fluttered her lashes, allowing tears to escape.