Tmnt An Agonizing Secret

Chapter 2. The Unexpected Impact

Whew, glad that's over...Now for some quality time with my Justice League comics! Mikey picked up a comic book from one of the piles that had been strewn across the room and then plopped down on his bed, only to practically fall off at the pain the action had caused.

Ow, ow, OW! Jeez Louise did that hurt! This sure is getting annoying... With a pained groan, Mikey gingerly lifted himself off the floor and laid down on his bed carefully this time. Maybe...I should go to Donnie. Mikey shook his head at the thought. No, no. I already told him I took care of it. I'll be fine.

After an hour or so, Mikey looked up from his comic reading to yawn and looked at the clock. 6 o'clock, huh? I guess it's time for some dinner!

Mikey got up and was about to stretch when he thought better of it. He opened his door and headed to the kitchen. Hmm, I'm still kind of sore...think I'll make something easy tonight. I know! I'll make some pizza! I wonder what toppings I should put on...maybe something extra special for Raph. I'm sure I stashed that habanero sauce somewhere—

"Makin' some dinner?" came a gruff voice from behind Mikey, interrupting his thoughts.

Mikey turned slowly, remembering his side, and brightly smiled at Raph. "Yeah, it's pizza tonight!" he said enthusiastically.

"Sounds good," Raph said, making his way over to the couch. He grabbed the remote, turned on the TV, and glanced over his shoulder to face Mikey again. "Jus' no funny business with the toppings this time, got it?" After giving Mikey a threatening glare, Raph turned back around to the lighted TV screen.

Whoops, I guess it's just regular cheese tonight, now that Raph's watching. Oh well. Now let's see... Mikey began to make the pizzas from scratch, just as he had always done. Finally, his cheesy creations had been stowed away in the oven for baking.

Mikey leaned against the counter, wiping his forehead with a rag. That should do it. Now, all I have to do is wait...which is suuuuuper boring. Time to bug the shell out of Raph! And when I mean bug...

Mikey walked over to the couch where Raph was flipping channels. He sat down next to his brother. "So, anything interesting on?" he asked innocently. Hehe, he is so gonna get it.

Raph continued to look at the big screen dully and answered, "Nah, jus' same old, same old."

Mikey cocked his head. "That's funny, wasn't there some big wrestling match showing today? I thought I saw it in the TV guide..."

Instantly Raph whipped his head to Mikey, interested. "Really? Where, which channel?"

"Here, let me see," Mikey said as he reached for the remote. Raph handed it over and Mikey immediately changed to a certain channel. Let's see how much Raphie-boy likes watching the—

Raph gave a shout and stood up abruptly. He looked around franticly for a second then fumbled for the remote that lay beside Mikey. He shut the TV off as fast as he could, panting from the sudden exertion. "Mikey..." he growled, turning his head to his younger brother slowly.

Mikey's lips curved into an all-knowing devious smile. Ha ha, he should have seen the look on his face! So priceless. "Oops, I guess I got the time wrong," he said in a teasing voice.

Right when that...disgustin' bug show was on? I don' think so!" Raph said, scowling furiously. He smacked Mikey on the back of the head.

"Ouch!" Mikey wailed. Meanie Raph...he sure doesn't know how to take a joke. He stuck his tongue out at Raph childishly.

At Mikey's taunt, Raph grew angrier and said, "That's it, chucklehead!" He aggressively dived for his brother and the two turtles fell off the couch, rolling on the ground.

Suddenly, a bright white flash exploded behind Mikey's eyes as his bandaged side was struck. A high-pitched yelp escaped him as the burning pain shot through his body, taking over his senses for a moment. This hurts so bad...I can't...can't think straight... Mikey felt Raph lift himself off of him, but made no movement to get up as well. He heard Raph start to speak above him.

"That's what ya get, Mikey, an' next time I ain't gonna be so—" Raph cut off as soon as he noticed the grimace of pain Mikey's face was twisted into. "Mikey?" Suddenly Raph's eyes caught the bandage on the side that Mikey's hand was holding tightly. "Mikey! How'd ya—when did—what the shell?" Raph was at a complete loss for words. He leaned down hastily to examine his brother but stopped as soon as Mikey made a move to sit up.

Mikey smoothed his face and said quickly, "I-I'm okay." At least I think so...

"Ya sure?" Raph said, giving Mikey a hard stare.

Uh oh. He doesn't sound convinced. "Totally, bro. No worries."

"Well, it looked like ya were dying or somethin', ya drama queen." Raph took Mikey's hand and hauled him up gently.

Ack, it's still hurting...but at least Raph hasn't noticed anything. "That's drama king to you, dude." Mikey managed to give a small smile.

Raph snickered for a second but then became totally serious. "So, whad'ya do ta get that?" he pointed to Mikey's bandage.

Not again! Man, what is with my brothers? They are way too curious for their own good today. And how am I gonna get out of it this time—

Suddenly, the oven alarm went off and Mikey swiveled his head in the direction of the kitchen in surprise. "Oh! The pizzas are ready, better take them out!" Mikey left Raph on the couch and hustled over to the oven as carefully as he could, with a hand still placed on his injury.

As soon as he was out of view from Raph, Mikey clutched his side tighter in agony, holding in a groan. Why...is this still throbbing like crazy? What's happening to me? Finally, as the pain ebbed away, he let out a few calming breaths and proceeded to prepare the cooked pizzas.

Mikey let his mind wander off again. That was really close with Raph! But what am I gonna do now? I dunno how long this is gonna last. I thought I'd get over this in a day or so, but...how am I gonna hide this if the pain is so bad? No, I can't give up...a thing like this...I'll be okay. It's just a scratch; I'm not that weak. Why, you ask? 'Cause I'm the baddest turtle in the multiverse, Battle Nexus Champion! Mikey couldn't help but smirk to himself.

Once the pizzas were out of the oven and a mouth-watering aroma hung in the air, Mikey was able to fully relax. You know, all this broody thinking is sure making me hungry. And nothing says 'cheer up' like a good 'ol slice of homemade pizza!

Mikey inhaled deeply and then shouted: "Time for dinner, guys!"