#and then they sang for three episodes straight and i cringed into the sun

[gardenerian]

Bertolt Brecht — @shamelesscreatorsnetwork throwback theme: MUSIC

[twilightpony4]

Ola Americano... Turtle?: 9. What If...?

Leonardo was right. Moving through a bustling state undetected when you were completely unfamiliar with your surroundings was tough business. From where they were located, they have to make a straight line into Santa Teresa and to the end of Centro. This was a task to be dealt with by Raphael (The big one), Michelangelo (most likely to be seen or come close to it) and Venus (their babysitter pretty much). The jungle was much easier than they could imagine. Now in a dominantly green setting, hiding and crouching from tourists was just a warmup to dodging the people of the city. In some parts, tall buildings were close together. This was just enough for spurts of a rooftop run. However, when they hit a very small building or a break for a crossing, there was a combination of travelling underground or making the bold choice to make a run for it in the darkest of alleys. If it wasn’t for the GPS in their shell phones, they would most likely hit Copacabana.

By the time they got there, the sun was well set beneath the waves. They were coming in from below as they hoisted the manhole cover over their heads. Michelangelo popped up beside Raphael and began to read. “Esta... ka..o...ção Aq...aquavi…” he squinted his eyes as he tried to read the foreign sign. “Aquaviária.” Raphael jumped in. Venus checked behind them and gave them an “ok” to come out. The red banded turtle slid the cover aside and the three terrapins crawled out of the depths. “Oh, I’m sorry I missed that episode of Dora the Explorer.” Michelangelo spat sassily as his brother pushed the cover over with his leg. When he looked up, Mikey had his lip stuck out in a pout and his hands on his hips. “Well, don’t hurt ya head” he gave him two pats on top, in which the young terrapin cringed in anticipation. “cause Leo said that both our targets speak English so don’t fall for their Portuguese.” “I thought they spoke Spanish!” He exclaimed. Venus violently put her hand over his mouth to quiet him. When he looked to his side, she scowled. Letting go, the youngest terrapin shook himself off and followed but yet the thought still pondered in his mind.

Only a single lamppost glowed bright near the roof they took refuge on. They waited by the sea, looking up and down the strip for any boat or anyone coming to meet it. “Ruffington will mostly try to appear here for a short time period,” The two took their gazes to the pier and the strip, on alert. “so we need to execute immediately and accordingly.” Venus took a spot along the border of the roof and sat down to hide herself as she looked directly below. “Look at that! The blue banded turtle is taking command.” Mikey’s delivery was formulaic, coming out as generic praise. “I like that. You know who else is a blue banded turtle who takes command? I so look up to that guy, Leonardo. Don’t you, Raph?” He nudged his brother who sat a couple feet away. “Not now.” He pushed him off and resumed to watch with his arms crossed over one another, placing his head on top of them. Alas, Michelangelo is not the easiest to get rid of. He didn't touch him, but his words were far more irritating. “But she totally embodies him right now!” He began to count his fingers with reasons. “Smart, respective and intrigued by Asian culture, likes the color blue....” the orange clad terrapin looked up to see if the turtle girl was impressed. However, she was too busy conducting her mission, just as his brother is. She heard him sigh elaborately.

“I get it. Mission first. You're very focused and disciplined.” Pause. “Just like Leo. I can see why you took him to China. I gotta say, if I had Leo’s discipline, I'd be a much better person. And to think he will do anything for the wellbeing of the one’s he loves. Man!” He leaned against the small wall of the roof, crossing his arms as he ‘imagined’ how great his brother was. “I sure hope one day he can find someone particularly special to protect and share all that he is.” He looked over to see how impressed Venus must be after talking him up. The female turtle was still keeping her eyes out for their target. Mikey became less encouraged yet quickly blurted out: “But sadly, he is just a mutant turtle. Only so few relationships can be made, so just like us all he has to make the most of who he knows and loves. I think he’s into girls who keep to themselves yet still have their own grind. Not many out there, but I definitely know my sister’s fit that bill.” That was when he got some attention from a turtle, but not from the one he wanted

Raphael grabbed him by the mask-tails and yanked him to him. The young turtle yelped until he found himself looking up at his older brother while lying in his lap. The dark shade from under his head added a menacing touch to his scold. “Dude, shut up.” He whispered harshly. The youngest terrapin sat up. Disgusted, he made sure his brother watched him dust himself off distastefully. “I'm the wingman. You're his…” His lips pursed as he thought of a name. “right now you're just his tail feathers.” he explained with lethargy. “And I'm directing you away from a place where you mess up everything.” Mikey dismissed his brother’s accusations. Smiling, he nodded towards Venus’ direction. “See how she's been quiet and stuff.” Indeed she was. Not one word or acknowledgement was made since they got up there. Then again, she did say that her stealth mode seemed to block people put until she needed to speak with them. Yes, it was something she needed to work on, but when she zoned out of it all she heard was Raphael telling him to be quiet, so it wasn’t anything important she needed to know. “Yeah, because she's doing what she's supposed to do, unlike you.” “I think she knows we got her.” He whispered. On his face, there was a devious and suspicious look. His index finger was placed in between his teeth. They bit against his nail and fingertip as he watched the female turtle. “Look. Quiet, not showing her face or any emotion.” “Maybe she doesn't want to listen.” Raphael answered annoyed, looking over the roof in an opposite direction. “I haven't heard her retaliate yet.” He sang. “Man, what if she's already with him and they keeping it on the down low.” Raphael tensed up. Not from anger, but from shock. Michelangelo was too far gone to even noticed his pursed expression as he glanced over the roof before slumping once more with his arms crossing his chest. “Then again, you'd think our boy would've told us.” Just to think. What if Leo was holding out on them? Seems unlikely, but what if he did? Get your girl and run with those tips his younger brother gave to him for free. Turtle should have charged him. The disrespect, Michelangelo pondered. Raphael was playing with his lower lip, hand fiddling with his thumb. “Maybe he's waiting for the right time or something?” Mikey turned to look at him incredulously. In all honesty, Raphael wished he hadn’t said something, but whatever it was, something inside him obligated him to speak. “What do you mean ‘right time’?” The orange clad terrapin whispered sassily. With secrets and talk about one another’s relationship, especially a relationship that may be happening to someone else in the area, he tried his best to keep quiet from Venus’ ears. “What is the ‘right time’?” “What if he's afraid everyone's going to reject them; say that it's not gonna work. Maybe it'll shock Splinter and fear the worst if anybody knew about them. The right time is when everyone is happy or celebrating something; just a time where everyone is in a good mood. That way you're less likely to get negative reviews.” His delivery was fluid and concise, as he wanted it to be for his brother to understand. Michelangelo stared down at their feet. His delayed response built up a level of discomfort in the large brute as he waited. It was unlike him to speak in such a manner that the potential criticism made him uncomfortable. “You sound like you were prepared for that speech.” He snickered jokingly. For a minute, Raphael sat perfectly still. This was hitting a little too close. In order to keep that off of him, the older brother softened up some. “I have my moments.” He smiled. Then, he gave his brother a good nudge. “Now stop talking and be a ninja, good?” There was no audible agreement to this notion, but was notified by a matching, joyful appearance as Michelangelo began to look out and participate in the mission at hand. “I'd be so ticked off if he didn't tell us. I don't care, you don't keep that from your bros, can I get an Amen?” There was a silence between them. Michelangelo thought nothing of it for he was sometimes rejected of his “fist-bumps” and such. The brute’s face had dropped, but it was turned away so no one could see. But, there was someone who could sense it.

The second Michelangelo began talking about Leo and Venus being together behind their backs (she couldn’t hear them but it was at that time), a severe shift in Raphael’s demeanor changed. From what she felt, it was heart-racing on high alert. Something was wrong, but she’d rather wait for them to stop speaking to address it. “Are you ok, Raphael?” He jumped at the sound of her voice; they hadn’t heard it since. When he turned, the turtle appeared spooked and upset. Venus was confirmed, but it could be because of the jumpscare. “Huh?” He asked blankly. The female terrapin shook her head and looked back out. “Nevermind.”

A lot of time had passed since. They’ve kept remotely quiet with little words here and there talking about what they thought they saw in the water or if Ruffington would look just like his photo on their phones (relayed from the NYPD). “Hey.” Venus’ whisper was much quieter than what they were previously communicated with, but it was enough decibels to catch the male terrapin’s attentions. She immediately got lower, thus the light from the lampposts no longer outlined her head that was now engulfed in shadow. Both followed her example in alarm and kept silent. Some light highlighted her face, but they saw her nod her head to her right. With as much smoothness as possible, they let only their eyes retouch the light and peeked in the given direction. There came the sound of boots upon the pavement before the three men appeared.

The one closest to the water was their target. He walked in long strides; confident with his boys on the other side. They appeared casual enough, but these ninjas knew better. They were there for a shipment to show up at some time at the docks. Whether or not they were far or close to that destination, they did not know for there were no incoming ships they had seen were nearby. “Let’s go!” Michelangelo sprung up and jumped on the edge of the roof. “Mikey, no!” Raphael reached out to grab him, but it was too late. With his torso exposed to the light, Michelangelo spun abruptly. “No?” But it was already too late. He was already falling off the building and the commotion captured the attentions of the three criminals.

It must have been quite the show to watch a 2-300 lb rock fall and bounce against the balcony until he fell through the fabric while screaming. “Que diabos são esses!” One of them shrieked. He wanted to get really close, but his fear kept him back. Michelangelo sat up and began dusting him shoulders off, groaning and moaning. “Não apenas ficar lá e olhar bonito! Attire neles! Eles poderiam valer a pena um centavo bonito!” It was Ruffington, and soon the large guns strapped unnoticeably swung down and were lifted up by the men at his side. They pulled the safeties and cocked them. The sound removed Mikey from his own universe and forced him to look up to the barrel of a gun. The men on the side flinched. Ruffington’s eyes grew wide in disgust and shock through his glasses when he caught the creature’s gaze. “My bad.” He tried to chuckle his way out, but those guns were still locked on him. Suddenly, there was a swooping sound. All of them looked up to see something rolling in the sky. Out of fear, the gunmen began to shoot at it was it came close with the ends of its hands firing up in a blue haze. Unbeknownst to them, it felt like their shots were firing back as they shot at it. The thing landed behind them and took no time to look before she withdrew two paper fans and began to charge at them.

Michelangelo stood up and grabbed one of the gunmen’s legs. Having not paid attention to him, he fell forward, gun no longer in hand. On the ground, he tried to get a hand back on his weapon, but a giant foot stepped down on the nozzle. When he looked up, he was meant by a punch to the face that left him out cold on the cement. Meanwhile, Venus was busy playing Superman and scaring the armed man and Ruffington as she charged through the hail of bullets bouncing off her torso. Was it an Ak? A FN SCAR-H? They don’t know, they prefer not to use these anyways. All they knew was that they were shooting. That meant a.) they’re trying to kill them and b.) that was a bad choice. Closer and closer she got until she grabbed the nozzle of the gun and pulled him forward. As he tripped, the female turtle kneeled down hence forcing him to roll over her back before getting a swift kick to the side before falling. The man caught some serious airtime before hitting the ground hard.

Meanwhile, Ruffington looked on with horror and tried to escape by running from the strange creatures. Before he could get too far, something hit him like a runaway freight train. He thrusted into the man, leading with his dropped shoulder and forced him into the wall of the building. Raphael was careful not to potentially break bone or seriously hurt this guy, but to send a message before proceeding. Ruffington gave an understandable yelp from the force and heaved from the air loss in his lungs. “Where is Chapelin and Stockman?” He demanded. “Como!?” His plain blue sweater vest was folded up under his chin as he choked. “I know you can speak English!” The red clad turtle let some pressure off and the immediately forced him further into the wall. “Where are they?!” He spoke deep and so much through his teeth that he almost spat in the man’s face. “I don’t know!” He cried out, glasses slipping off his nose only to be caught on his nostrils. “You don’t know?” He spoke playfully, yet threateningly. Raphael turned his head around to look at his brother and sister. Both watched, taking out the ammo from the guns and throwing it all into the ocean. “You hear that guys, he doesn’t know!” The brute smiled at them, but then suddenly wiped that expression clean off and closer to the scarred man’s face.“Well, since you’re not worth much, I guess I can just eat ya.” The corner of his mouth rose as he saw Ruffington’s already fearing face transform into flushed horror. “No!” He cried. “Why not?” The red clad terrapin spoke calmly. It made Venus suspicious enough to stand behind him to ensure such a feat would not be carried out. Michelangelo was left alone on “watch” duty to ensure one of his henchmen did not wake up and slam on them. “You’re the weapon’s dealer. Cut you out, all the bad guys left short. Better for us people of the law.” “You’re no people.” “Which is why this isn’t called cannibalism.” He cocked his brow. He reached for the side of his hip. The sound of metal being unsheathed kept the man from breathing as he watched a sai come into his point of view. The turtle let him see his tongue slide across his teeth into a sinister smile. “Wanna talk now?” “Ok! Okay! OK!” Ruffington cried out. “I’ll tell you!” He took a second to breathe. Raphael had to admit that it felt good to break a coiffed, intelligent looking criminal rather than a greasy one for once. “I don't know where they are!” “Tell me!” “I swear I don't know!” Raphael glared into his horrid eyes. “It’s the truth.” Venus assured. Raphael turned his head and nodded in assurance. He released some of the pressure off of him, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted something to get a lead off of. The arms dealer’s mind raced as he pulled for any information that could free him. “Chapelin wants the statue! It's-.” Two shots fired. Both popped into the shoulders of Ruffington. The suddenness made Raphael drop the man to the ground. “What the?” “King of Thieves.” He whispered hoarsely. “Say what?” Raphael shouted, but he heard his breath escape from him and his body deflate. Venus and Raphael turned quick to Michelangelo.

“Weren’t you supposed to-?” Venus began, but stopped. He looked like ‘Spongegar’, looking left and right for the source of the bullets. “That wasn’t from them.” He did not try to face them but rather stayed on the topic of finding where the bullets came from. Raphael and Venus got a sick feeling and stood shell to shell. Someone was out there, watching. The suspense was killing them as the three of them merged into a single, defensive circle around one another. “Find it.” Raphael ordered. On the count of three, they split up in full steam. It sounded like it came from the pier. Raphael and Venus looked along either side of the bank while Michelangelo charged the pier by himself. “No one on my side.” Venus had her glowing hand outstretched as a light source. With her spot clear, she ran over to Raphael’s side. She found him down in the rocks where the waves hit. He was crouched down with the cold water hitting his feet. “Me neither.” Thudding feet came close as they recognized it as Michelangelo’s heavy self. “Dude, like nobody’s here. Ya’ll find anything?” He puffed, hunching over hands on knees. “There’s no one around.” Venus answered sadly. “What do you mean?” Michelangelo's voice was shrill as his arms went up as he dug his fingers into his head. “It means they got away.” She replied, slightly annoyed. She began to climb back up from the bank. On the sidewalk, she reached out a hand and helped Raph walk up. “Did Ruffington…?” Mikey began until he looked up to where the gunmen were. His mouth gaped open and as wide as his eyes had gotten. “Ya’ll! He’s gone!” He yelled. The other terrapind turned around in shock. Both quickened their efforts so that they could see for themselves. Michelangelo was already running towards the spot Ruffington was held up on. A few paces behind, Raphael and Venus sprinted. When they got there, there was nothing to see. All three bodies were gone. All that was left of their existence was the small splash of blood on the wall left by the deceased. “Did he crawl off?” Michelangelo kneeled down for a closer inspection of the ground. His fingers dusted over the top of the cement, hoping to catch onto something. “No sign of him either. Somebody done wanted him dead.” Raphael sighed. There was no trail of blood or drag. “Well, they got what they wanted.” Venus huffed, looking up to the stars and spun in slow circles. “And left us with no leads!” The brute yelled, throwing his hands up. Venus gripped him on the shoulders, The turtle stopped moving and allowed her to sling an arm around his neck and stand beside him. He began to calm down with her presence. “Our best bet is to head back to camp and regroup.” Her tone was level and calm. Raphael knew that was the best choice and knew he had to let go of what happened. Venus had his back if Leo had something to say (Mikey too, but I mean who would you rather have you back you up? The girl he likes or the usual screw-up?). With her arm behind him, she used it to guide him towards the direction of camp in the late night. Michelangelo groggily trudged behind them, droopy and whiny. “I don’t wanna face Leo and tell him we failed another one of our missions.” Mikey trailed behind them, thinking. “Maybe we’ll be lucky and they mess up too!” The turtle lit up. “Mikey? No.” Venus shook her head, neither one looking back on him. “No, wait!” He glitched out, shaking his head and trying to sort out what he really meant to say. “Not like that… ok, rewind, start over…”