Race. [TMNT 2012]

038. Gone; Raphael

Song: Gone Too Soon - Simple Plan

Her body falls towards the ground like a ragdoll. Delicately, as if she is just asleep. Quietly, as if the blow that had struck her isn't significant. Slowly, as if time no longer exists.

I see every moment we spent together flash before my eyes, ninety percent of them being something I regret. Most of it was fighting over the silliest things. And yet, among our firm hatred for each other, I had fallen for her. I peeled back the layers she put up to protect herself, but all of that is about to mean nothing.

I let out a strangled scream as I dive to catch her. A bolt of pain shoots through my body as I land on my knees, but I barely noticed. I don't even care that Shredder, the plague on our lives, is finally gone. All I am concerned about is Charlotte dying in my arms.

"No!" Lucy cries out as she rushes over. She bends down beside the dark-haired girl, her eyes glassy with extreme despair. "Not you... Not like this..."

Charlotte's eyes are closed. Her hair is messy and covering her face, so I have to brush it away. I shiver as my hand touches her forehead; she is already starting to grow cold with death.

"Char," I whisper, as if being loud might quicken her death somehow. "Char, no. Please."

Charlotte's eyes flutter open, a dazed look in them. She quickly glances from Lucy to me. Her eyes slowly focus on my facial features, taking in every bit. Then, to my surprise, she smiles. It's weak, but it's a smile.

Charlotte's instantly aware of the panic I am under. "What's the matter?" she teases hoarsely. "Big, tough Raph can't take a little pain?"

I try to ignore the blood flowing out of her. I attempt to shove my emotions aside; I don't want her last few moments with me to be wasted by my sorrow.

"You're gonna be alright, Char," Lucy breaks in quietly. She put her hands over the wound in her chest, trying to stall the blood flow. She looks sick from worrying.

"Donnie, do something!" I lash out at the purple-clad turtle. Getting angry is the only way I can channel my fear.

Donatello flinches, but does his best to inspect her anyway. After a few seconds, he just shakes his head in defeat.

"The gashes are too deep, Raph," he says apologetically. "They punctured her heart. Even I can't fix that."

My own heart is nearly pounding out of my chest. "You have to do something!" I shout angrily. We won! None of us are supposed to die! Especially not her. Why does it have to be her?

"Casey, make them do-" As I look around for the hockey player, I see he's out cold on the floor. April is beside him with her forehead creased in frustration. He must have passed out from his injuries. He isn't about to help anyone anytime soon.

A finger gently touches my cheek. It's Charlotte. Her hand is quivering with the effort to hold it up.

"Raph, it's alright," she whispers. "I always knew I wouldn't make it out of here." She pauses for a moment to cough, and then she continues. "I'm just glad you get to go home."

"You're supposed to go home, too," I choke out. My throat is closing with emotion and my eyes are starting to become wet. I either have to choose between holding in my tears or talking; I go with the latter.

"You can have a normal life now!" I insist, my voice cracking. "You can go to school and live in a proper house. You don't have to keep looking over your shoulder as if someone is waiting to take you out. You'll be free, Char." My normally-tough nature seems to fade with every word that leaves my mouth. But for once, I don't mind.