TMNT '05, Season Two, Episode Nineteen, Down In The Underground, Part One
Water drips somewhere overhead, a steady, continously noise in the damp, gloomy dark of the abandoned tunnel. Something in the darkness squeaks, chittering as it runs from the beam of light stretched across the wet concrete.
"Why are we even down here? We need to stop the Kraang!"
"And we will, Raph, but this will take time. One wrong move and we won't get a second chance."
The red clad turtle grumbles, kicking at the ground as he and the others walk through the darkness. Up ahead there is a cracked wall.
"I told you this was useless!"
"We need to map any potential points of weakness, Raph. We can't afford for anyone to find us," Leo retorts, flicking the flashlight to shoot a beam down the tunnel to the left. "Okay, team, let's split up. Mikey, you're with me; April, you and Donnie try to set up the cameras; Raph, you're with Casey."
As the others split off, voices disappearing into the murky shadows, a hand claps down on Raph's shoulder, startling him. Casey grins, before ruffling his head.
"Woo, it's you and me, little man! Team Tough Stuff!"
"That's a lame name, Casey."
"Let's just go," Raph grumbles, stomping down the tunnel, muttering.
Worried eyes watch him, before the older teen is running to catch up.
The darkness stretches down and down, further and further, swallowing any light that flickers in its depths. Water sloshes sluggishly past them, their footsteps rough taps in the quiet hum.
"So, Raph, what do you think we'll find? So far I'm not seeing much of anything. Just a whole lotta nothing," Casey says, flicking his light on and off as they walk. The tunnel swerves, the stone here older and worn. "You haven't been real talkative lately."
" 'm fine," the terrpain bites out.
A hand falls across his shoulder, steady and gentle.
"Raph, if you need to talk, it's okay-"
Huffing angrily, he takes another step forward.
And then the world falls to pieces.
*******************************
Groaning weakly, Raph pushes himself up. His head hurts so bad... He reaches up to touch it, gritting his teeth when it stings.
"No, no, don't touch that." Firm hands guide his back into his lap, before gently pushing him down. Something soft presses to his forehead, followed by a soft hum.
He tries to mumble, to open his eyes, but everything is too heavy.
That tender touch rubs circles into his hand, clutching it tight.
"Go to sleep, otōto. I'll watch over you."
Darkness consumes him, warm and deep.
*******************************
Blearily cracking his eyes open, Raph let's out a small whine. Light stabs his eyes, harsh and blinding.
Rubbing at his face, he takes a look around.
He doesn't know where this place is.
Glowing lines trace the walls, bright and vivid, the stone a warm sepia. Curtains cover the doorway, a dark turquoise. Sitting upright, he notices the bed underneath him, the thin blanket draped across.
Swinging his legs up and over the side, he stands. Well, tries to. His legs nearly buckle, but by leaning against the wall, he's able to make his way to the entrance.
Moving the curtains aside, Raph peers out.
It nearly steals his breath away.
A giant maze of streets and buildings spreads out all around, lit up with bright blue lines and the crystal cluster that glows overhead. The air is warm, billowing gently as though the city sighed in relief.
Taking a shaky step down, he drinks in the world around him.
Vines cover some of the buildings, trailing from hanging pots like veils of soft green; the stone underfoot is old, worn, as though many have walked here long before him; the air crackles with hear, soothing to his cold scales.
Humming softly, he takes a seat, watching lazily as the light flickers, pulsing, across the world around him.
Something... had happened. He wasn't alone, there was, was rocks, and darkness, and-
He had to find him! He could be hurt, or lost, or, or dead-
The turtle fights back a wail, clutching his head. It hurts, a dull throb under his fingers.
Stumbling to his feet, he tries to hurry down the stone steps, fear coursing through his veins as he fights to get to thr bottom.
His head swims as he comes to a stop, panting as his vision blurs. Tears prickle at his eyes, sharp like shards.
"There you are, otōto. It's okay. I'm right here."
Something steps out of the dark, tall and thin. Vines twist behind it, writhing as the figure takes another step forward. It opens its arms out to him.
Raph falls into them, sniffling. Gentle fingers rub his shell, a fond voice cooing softly.
"That's it, I'm right here, everything is okay." A thumb wipes away the salty tears, rubbing tenderly under his eyes.
"Where were you? I was worried- it was dark, and- I'm so sorry- are you hurt-"
"Shhh... I'm alright. I'm glad you are okay. You got hurt."
The hug tightens, squeezing him closer, as vines spread even further.
"But you're okay now. I've got you. And that's all that matters." The older teens pulls away to give Raph a grin, eyes pulsing with electric blue light. "Why don't we play a game, hmmm? I know you love to play."
Raph run for your life ❤️
Hehehe, I waited to answer this ask bc I wanted to finish Raph’s design first lol. Honestly his colors were a bit wack at first but I figured it out.
also they’re smart asf, trying to block any break ins early. Oh btw I did another doodle of reader and bebop bc I had an idea. Reader is like this spooky phantom that’s just in the show right? I imagine they’re always sitting down somewhere. Well, what if they change positions based on the scene they’re watching and randomly sit on places. Including the villains sometimes lol
