Liz: A TMNT Story

Chapter 11

Liz's P.O.V.

Falling.

Descending.

Plummeting.

My heart did somersaults as I felt gravity pull me further into the black abyss that was unconsciousness.

Bits and pieces.

Scraps of words.

Pieces of conversation.

My mind had trouble grasping exactly what was going on around me.

Pain.

Searing pain.

Agonizing, gut-wrenching pain.

It felt like every molecule in my body was being slowly torn apart. I clawed through the darkness, desperately crying out into the endless black for help, for some relief from the torture.

And then, one image - one brilliant, startling sight of ocean blue eyes, and for a split second, I was immersed in that sea of blue, my misery ceased to exist for one blissful moment.

The soft light emitting from the slightly open door seemed ten times as bright as my eyes snapped open. The onslaught of pain left me blinking back tears, and the shadows where the small amount of light didn't reach instantly set my heart racing, my mind into a state of paranoia. I could've sworn I saw the demented glare of cold metallic eyes. I tried to jolt upright - bad idea. I cried out in agony, my muscles and skin and bones and injuries screaming in protest.

A shadowy figure appeared in the doorway, and I almost threw myself off the cot I was situated on in fear.

"Hey, hey," the silhouette held their arms over their head in surrender, and though I was relieved to see they didn't glint like Kraang digits would, I also noticed there were only three large fingers on each hand. "Don't be scared," It - he - whoever it was - tried to reason with me, "I'm here to help. Trust me, I'm not your enemy."

I gulped and scooted to the far end of the cot, deciding to ignore the tears that stained my cheeks as I forced my body to move. Another figure appeared at the door, making my heartbeat ramp up to a hundred miles an hour. Two strangers and I, helpless, unable to defend myself. My stomach did backflips.

The first stranger inched slowly closer to me, the latter following closely behind.

"You need to stop hyperventilating," the first explained, his voice measured, words carefully thought out, "You don't wanna pass out again, do you?"

My breathing hitched, realizing he had a point. I gradually began to try and control my breaths.

"That's it..."

The second silhouette stepped over to the wall, and my sensitive hearing caught the flipping of a switch moments before the lights in the room blinded me for several seconds.

My entire form stiffened when I saw the two in true form. Two anthropomorphic turtles - mutants, just like me - one with a violet stripe of fabric around his eyes, and the other...

"You," I rasped as I gazed warily at Leonardo, my throat feeling like it had been clogged with tons of pebbles.

"Liz," His voice was firm, but soothing, "It's okay. Everything's alright--"

"Well, not everything," the other turtle contradicted, as he stepped over to a screen with a bunch of data and readings, "Her ankle is still extremely swollen."

I caught the disgruntled glare Leonardo threw his way, but I didn't pay much attention. My eyes were solely focused on my bruised, throbbing, huge ankle, now in clean bandages. My memory finally began working in my favor. My discovery by these turtles, the short interrogation... my scream as I slipped back into unconsciousness. I glanced up at the taller terrapin.

"Donnie," I croaked, the name sounding more like a question than a statement, as I tried to confirm my faulty remembrances.

"That's right," He nodded, carefully sitting at the edge of the cot. I subtly tried to shuffle away from him, my nervousness getting in the way of my social skills.

"And I presume you already know him," Donnie continued, gesturing to Leonardo.

I nodded, repeating the name of the blue-clad turtle. Leonardo's reserved gaze flickered nervously, but then he regained his collected facade and cleared his throat.

"Just Leo is fine..."

I glanced between the two of them, the terrible condition of my throat only allowing me to gesture to them and mutter, "B-brothers?"

They nodded simultaneously, and Leo chimed in, "We have two other brothers outside."

My memory shifted as I remembered the two other turtles from earlier. But my mind began to blur thoughts out, and I groaned as my hand clutched my forehead. I swayed slightly as a wave of pain washed over my brain. Leo's eyes narrowed in concern.

"You need to sleep," Donnie interjected, rising to check the computer screen, "You've sustained numerous injuries, and your body needs to recuperate."

I moaned, not exactly hating the prospect of rest, but still nervous about being so vulnerable.

"Don't worry," Leo stepped closer to me, sensing my hesitation, "I - we won't let anything happen to you."

He changed his words so quickly, I almost didn't catch it. Almost. But I was able to relax, if only a little. I slowly situated myself back onto the cot, once again ignoring my body's protest as I moved. After a few more routine medical checks, Donnie nodded to himself, seemingly satisfied with the results, and exited the room. I glanced over at Leo, my heart thumping against my ribcage - though I wasn't scared in the least bit.

He offered me a small, reassuring smile, grabbing the blanket at my feet and draping it over me. I tensed momentarily, but the pillow under my aching head, the fabric of the blanket soft, beckoning me toward sleep, drained the tension from my body as I inched closer to dozing off.

I yawned, allowing my eyes to close, and Leo's voice penetrated my hazy thoughts before I slipped into a wonderfully dreamless slumber, "Good night, Liz."