#tmnt fourfold trap au

[cupcakeslushie]

Donnie Brainworm AU (hard hiatus)

Karai lures Donnie into her trap first in the Fourfold Trap, but what if she used the extra time to implant him with a brainworm? The brothers have to try to race against a ticking clock to save a brother who now hates them.

First

*just a note, this AU hasn't been updated since Jan 2024 and will probably not be updated for some time still, if at all. I hate to say never because I could get a burst of inspiration tomorrow, but just something to be aware of before you click!

Donnie Brainworm Au main tag

Brainworm Asks (A lot of asks also have drawn replies, so there’s more art in the ask tag than just was directly linked here!)

Warnings: brainwashing, neglect/abuse (not real, but perceived as the truth)

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU

Hey everyone- I originally posted this to ao3, but I wanted to cross-post here so I could actually tag the inspiration for the fic. My tag on ao3 however is SCREAM_ing, if you want to know where faster updates will be!

Summary:

-Based off the Brainworm Donnie AU comic by @cupcakeslushie on tumbler. I highly recommend checking their comic out, it’s pretty great! Here’s their description:

“Karai lures Donnie into her trap first in the Fourfold Trap, but what if she used the extra time to implant him with a brainworm? The brothers have to try to race against a ticking clock to save a brother who now hates them.

Warnings: brainwashing, neglect/abuse (not real, but perceived as the truth)“

Disclaimer!!! In case you missed it in the super long description- Please read this before.. reading.

This AU is NOT my idea, it comes from a comic creator on tumbler by the name @cupcakeslushie. I implore you to check their comic out before reading, their art is incredible. It’s also the basis of this entire work, and I will try to keep dialogue the same from comic to here.

This is also my first time writing a fanfic, so this pilot chapter is like a draft of a draft. Hopefully it will get better as I write 😅

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Chapter 1

----

“I know you have tried, Donatello; some things are simply not meant to be. At least I have four wonderful sons.”

If that wasn’t the nail in the coffin. Donnie’s heart sank as the black goop in the beaker—a hopeful attempt at a cure—oozed mockingly at him. His brothers, who’d been crowded around him to witness this latest attempt at a cure, began to solemnly walk out of the lab. Donnie didn't know what to do anymore, and he was running out of ideas.

His failure weighed heavily on his shoulders. He’d come up empty-handed again, his ideas to develop the cure were running thin. It’s been weeks of sleepless nights and many, many, coffee pots later, and his latest idea hadn't even come close to fruition.

It also doesn't help that he can't even focus on his brothers’ and master’s disappointment through the massive headache he’s been nursing for weeks. It’s back at full throttle now as he chokes back tears of frustration.

His family had taken it upon themselves to stop into the lab after each supper to check on his progress toward the cure. Donnie really thinks it's just their way of subtly asking, "Aren’t you done yet?" It’s that, or it’s them checking if he’s still standing after missing yet another mealtime.

The brothers left, all disappointed—except for Leo, who turned to Donnie with hardened eyes and a mouth twisted in frustration. To distract himself, Donatello doesn't meet his brothers' eyes as they leave, instead opting to grab a clipboard and take notes on what he could actually fix around the lair. Leo stalked angrily behind him, unnoticed by the genius.

“Donnie, you know how much this means to Sensei.”

“Leo, I’m trying as hard as I can.” He could barely believe Leo had just said that to him; the words cut through him like a dagger. His face fell, the weariness and hurt momentarily slipping through before he clenched his jaw and tried to steady himself. After all the sleep he’d lost and sacrifices he’d made, he couldn’t take the thought of being asked to give even more.

Couldn't he see that Donnie was giving everything he had to Karai’s brainworm problem? He hadn't had a full night’s sleep in almost a month. Tears of frustration begin to well in his eyes; in a last-ditch effort to quell his rising temper, he grips the sides of the clipboard tighter, digging his fingers into the smooth wood almost painfully.

“Well, try harder.”

White-hot indignation shoots down his shell, sudden anger at his older brother is sharp and undeniable. The clipboard left his hands, skidding across the lab with a loud crash, not bothering to look in the direction it goes. His hurt is quickly masked by anger, and his focus is completely on Leo, fists tightly balled. “Try harder? I always have to find the solution! You’re the leader, Leo! You find the answer! Or what about Raph?”

“I got the answer for you—Karai’s a lost cause!”

“Don’t say that, dude.”

All four brothers began arguing incessantly with each other, weeks of pent-up anger and frustration pouring out of each of them. Donnie fired back quickly, gesticulating wildly as he channeled weeks of exhaustion into his voice—when his T-phone began to ring from across the room. Still furious and hurting, Donnie stomped across the room, almost happy for the excuse to walk away from Leo.

“Donnie, I need to talk with you alone. It’s important. I need you to meet me.”

It was April, and while this wasn't the best time for a heart-to-heart, she said it was an emergency. And who was Donnie to deny her? Besides, it's not like he was doing anything more productive at the lair—he glanced at his brothers, who genuinely seemed like dogs about to pounce on each other, and his mind was made up.

“Shizukani,” Splinter’s voice rang through the lair, effectively silencing their quarrel. He stalked out, hands clasped behind his back. All the turtles froze like they were children caught in the act; they guiltily turned to face their master with wide eyes. “What is the meaning of this?” Splinter said sternly, not bothering to hide his disdain for the quarreling, his eyebrows drawn together tightly.

“Nothing, Sensei, I’m heading out. April needs me,” Donnie said and angrily walked out of the lair, palms still tightly balled up. Leo, who took great offense to this, demanded Donnie come back. “You’re needed here now, Donnie!” He stepped forward, toward his taller brother, but otherwise made no move to actually stop Donatello from leaving the lair.

“Donnie! .. Donnie!”

Donnie mentally scoffed. Yeah, because you guys are always such reliable sources of positivity and gratitude, he thought wryly. His youngest brother’s words resurfaced in his mind.

“Donnie, you tried your best, brah... even if it totally sucked.”

He kept his back to his family, continuing to stride toward the Shellraiser, refusing to acknowledge Leo’s calls. The Shellraiser roared to life, and he sped out of the sewer tunnels.

---

Donnie was a speed demon as he drove recklessly toward the location April sent him. He didn't bother stopping for streetlights or at intersections, forcing himself to have tunnel vision on April’s problem to avoid dealing with his own. The large van skidded to a stop as he reached the GPS pinpoint, a random alleyway with a large weathered garage door at the end of it. Donnie double-checked his T-phone, wondering why April would want to meet him in a place like this. Maybe she’d discovered something that could help Karai?

He didn't put too much thought into it. Donnie placed his head against the cool leather of the custom steering wheel he’d created, still attempting to cool off from his earlier altercation with his stupid brothers. Why couldn't they see he gave them his all, and they still had the audacity to ask him to do more? He was dying out here, for shell’s sake!

While all they had to worry about was training and what monstrosity of a combination they were going to eat that night, courtesy of Michelangelo, Donnie was slaving away in the lab, barely taking breaks to give them even a chance at saving their half-sister. Donatello shook the thoughts from his head; it wasn't important right now how he felt. He wiped away the hot, angry tears that had unknowingly begun to fall from his eyes.

God, he felt even more stupid right now, letting his emotions get to him while April needed him—and that wasn't even a word! He shook his head again and refocused, hopping out of the Shellraiser and walking into the dark alleyway. The smell of oil hung heavy in the air, and he absently hoped it wasn’t from the Shellraiser. He hadn’t spent much time on his 'baby' lately, he mused with a pang of guilt. Karai’s condition was much more important, though, and he feared they didn’t have much time left before the damage to her brain would become permanent. He pushed the thought aside and fixed his attention back on reaching the end of the alley.

The garage opened quickly, as if she’d heard him coming. April’s figure was illuminated by a strange purple light. All thoughts of how weird that was went away when she called out. “Donnie,” April spoke in a gravelly voice, “the Kraang are back.” Donnie’s mood improved so much just from her voice that he almost didn't register what she’d said. He shook himself back in order for the third time that night. “What? We've got to tell the guys.” Donnie's eyes widened, and he pulled out his phone, immediately sliding past Leo’s contact to dial Michelangelo instead. No way was he going to call Fearless first thing after the night he's had—he'd make Mikey do all the explaining.

“There’s no time. They’re about to get away; we’ve got to move,” April rushed and leapt further into the seemingly abandoned warehouse. It was pretty hard to tell with that blinding purple light beaming out at him. Donnie scrambled after her, calling her name so she’d wait up. He supposed he’d just call the guys when they stopped the first round of Kraang—not so hard, right?

It was only after he stepped through the garage doors that he realized his mistake. It was a trap, and he’d fallen for it, hook, line, and sinker. The heavy garage door slammed shut. He had no time to react before he was shot—a red-tipped dart and a bag roughly shoved over his head, forcing his neck back at an unnatural angle. Donnie cried out, but it was in vain; he was at Karai’s mercy now, and her scaly smirk was the last thing he saw.

“Sweet dreams, Donatello.”

After Donatello stormed out, Splinter sighed and strode back into the dojo, likely to resume his meditation. The lingering tension filled the room, and Leo stood rooted in place for a beat, Splinter’s words on unity echoing in his mind. Arms crossed, he clenched his jaw at Donnie’s blatant disregard. Didn't being the leader mean anything anymore? He couldn’t help but feel the sting of Donnie’s dismissal, and his eyes narrowed with a mix of hurt and frustration as he watched his brother disappear down the tunnel.

Raph and Mikey exchanged a look before slinking away, each to their own devices. Raph muttered something about "always being drama in this place" as he slipped off toward the training room, while Michelangelo, not too rattled by the clash, eagerly bounced back to his own mission: a game of cards with Ice Cream Kitty.

"Sorry for the wait, Kitty," he said, petting her between her cold, strangely furry ears. “Leo was being a total jerk, but we’re back at it! Now, where were we?” Ice Cream Kitty purred contentedly, her pinkish ears twitching as she smugly waited for her next move.

They played for a while, Mikey easily distracted by the cold little creature in front of him. Somehow, Ice Cream Kitty managed to take full advantage of Mikey’s earlier distraction and swept through his cards with ease, sealing her victory. He couldn’t believe it.

“No way, Kitty, you totally cheated, cheater, cheater, frozen yogurt eater! Give me that card!” Mikey cried, feigning shock as she meowed back at him triumphantly. But before he could demand a rematch, his T-phone buzzed on the table beside him. Glancing down, he saw Donnie’s name flash across the screen and picked it up eagerly.

“Hey, Mikey! You’re not gonna believe it—Murakami whipped up something new. Get this: pizza gyozas!” Donnie’s excitement came through loud and clear, and that was all Mikey needed to hear.

The thought of gooey, cheesy, bite-sized pizza pockets made his mouth water. It was as though all the tension of the evening melted away. “Aw yeah! That sounds totally awesome D. I'll be there faster than a turtle can say pepperoni!” Mikey’s eyes went wide, practically sparkling with anticipation. He knew this was something he couldn’t miss, his head already exploding at the thought of Murakami’s latest delicacy.

Quickly, he gathered his cards and placed Ice Cream Kitty back in her freezer, laughing as she let out a playful hiss. “Sorry, girl, but duty calls! Donnie’s got something totally sweet lined up!” He shut the freezer with a wink and dashed out of the lair, visions of pizza gyozas dancing in his head as he bounded through the tunnels with pure unrestrained enthusiasm.

Upon reaching Murakami’s noodle shop, Mikey burst through the door, calling out, “Mr. Murakami, what up?” The smell of delicious food enveloped him, heightening his excitement.

“Greetings, Michelangelo,” Murakami said, a twinkle in his eye as he presented a tray. “These are for you. Each has a unique mixture of cheeses and delicate flavors.”

Without hesitation, Mikey snatched one and stuffed it into his mouth, the warm, cheesy filling melting perfectly against his tongue. “Oh yeah! This is awesome—” His voice trailed off as he savored the explosion of flavors, the world around him fading into bliss. He gobbled down another gyoza, hardly able to contain his delight.

But as he reached for a third, a sudden wave of nausea crashed over him. Mikey’s stomach growled ominously, and he felt a sharp pain coursing through him. “Oh...what’s happening?” he gasped, eyes wide with confusion. “Poison?”

“Do not worry, Michelangelo,” a shadowed figure responded, stepping forward. “It is not poison, simply chemicals to give you a nice little nap.”

Mikey’s vision blurred as the deliciousness of the gyozas twisted into a haze of betrayal. “Evil. Delicious, but evil...” he murmured, swaying on his feet before collapsing to the ground. In those final moments of consciousness, he managed to hit the panic button on his T-phone, sending out an SOS before everything went dark.

------

The silence in the lair was heavy, filled only with the distant sounds of the city above. Leo paced back and forth, his mind racing with the tension from earlier. "Where’s Donnie? He should have been back by now," he muttered, glancing at Raph, who was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

Raph shrugged, the unease palpable in the air. “You know Donnie. He probably got caught up in his experiments again. He always does.”

Leo stopped, his brow furrowing with concern. “But he was so upset. He stormed out. I just... I don’t like this.” The weight of their earlier argument hung over him, a nagging feeling that he should have done more to support his brother settled in his chest.

Just then, a frantic buzz interrupted their thoughts. Leo’s T-phone lit up on the table. “It’s Mikey!” he said, snatching it up. “Mikey- What’s going on?” But as Leo answered, his heart sank. The only sound on the other end was garbled static—no voice, no explanation, just the unsettling sound of a struggle. Panic surged through him. “Mikey! What’s happening?! Say something, anything!”

“Mikey pressed the SOS button!” Raph leaned closer, his eyes wide with alarm. “This isn’t good. Shell for brains wouldn’t do that unless things were serious.” He ran his fingers along his Sai, the familiar weight grounding him.

Leo’s fingers flew across the screen as he accessed the tracking app. “Where is he?” His heart pounded as the location pin appeared on the map, revealing Mikey’s last known position: an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. “He’s at an old warehouse!”

“Of course he is,” Raph grumbled, frustration creeping into his voice. “Why does he always have to go chasing after trouble?”

“Forget that! We need to focus!” Leo snapped, pushing the rising irritation aside. “Mikey must have seen something. If he hit that button, he could be in serious danger!” He felt his pulse quicken, adrenaline pumping through his veins. “We need to move!”

“Great, but how are we getting there?” Raph asked, raising an eyebrow. “Donnie took the Shellraiser for his ‘important research.’”

“Of course he did.” Leo sighed, running a hand through his bandana. “Looks like we’re taking the Stealth Bike. It’s not as fast, but we’ll have to make it work.”

“Perfect,” Raph replied, rolling his eyes. “Just what I wanted: a scenic tour through the sewers before racing into a potential ambush.”

“Complaining won’t help Mikey,” Leo shot back, already heading toward the exit. “Let’s go!”

---------

Leo and Raph approached the warehouse with a sense of trepidation, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. As they crept closer, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The entrance was unguarded, the rusty door slightly ajar as if inviting them in.

“Doesn’t this seem a bit too easy fearless?” Raph murmured, glancing at Leo with a furrowed brow. “Yeah, it’s like they wanted us to find this place,” Leo replied, his instincts tingling. “But we don’t have time to second-guess ourselves. We need to find Mikey.”

They exchanged a determined glance before Leo pushed the door open, the hinges creaking ominously as they stepped into the dimly lit space. Leo’s heart raced, the adrenaline surging through him as he scanned the room, muscles tensed and ready for action.

“Where’s Mikey?” Raph hissed, his grip tightening around his sai, his eyes narrowing as he swept the shadows for any signs of movement.

In the center of the empty warehouse, they spotted him—Mikey lying face down on the ground, his shell scratched and dirty. Panic surged through Leo, and without hesitation, he sprinted toward his brother. “Mikey!” he shouted, fear clawing at his throat.

They reached Mikey, Leo kneeling beside him while Raph crouched down, both brothers desperate to check for any signs of life. Relief washed over them as they found him breathing, albeit with a few scrapes on his arms and a deepening bruise on his cheek. “Hey, Mikey! Wake up!” Leo shook him gently, worry etched on his face.

Mikey blinked awake, groggy and disoriented. “Yo, dudes! I just had the craziest dream. I totally tore up some pizza gyozas and got totally faked out by Murakami—so not cool!”, he groaned dramatically. Raph rolled his eyes, his expression a mix of relief and irritation. “Mikey, that’s probably what happened. Look around you, shell for brains.”

Just then, a voice rang out from above, they had company. “Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up.” Leo and Raph’s heads snapped up, their eyes narrowing as they spotted Karai on the balcony of the second floor. She leaned casually against the railing, a smug grin plastered across her face, her dark eyes glinting with triumph.

“What are you doing here?” Raph growled, his instincts flaring as he took a defensive stance, ready for whatever trick she had up her sleeve. “Honestly? I thought this would be more difficult,” Karai replied with a laugh, her tone mocking. “But it seems you turtles are even dumber than I thought. I only needed to use one of my holograms to distract you.

At her words, the holograms of Mikey and April flickered and vanished, leaving only the real Mikey on the ground. The tension in the air thickened as Leo’s gaze shifted back to his brother, confusion knotting his stomach. Suddenly, they noticed Donatello, not a hologram they realized, standing beside Karai. A disturbingly wide smile stretched across his face, his posture unnaturally rigid. His pupils were dilated, giving him a wild, manic look that sent shivers down Leo’s spine.

“Well, I was only expecting Leonardo, but…” Donatello said, his tone unnaturally smooth, sending a jolt of alarm through Leo. He clicked a button on a device in his hand, and suddenly the brothers found themselves surrounded by a swarm of Foot Soldiers, their black uniforms blending into the dim shadows of the warehouse.

“Having the rest of you here makes it so much easier,” Donnie finished, the hint of delight in his voice sending chills down Leo’s spine.

“Donnie, snap out of it man!” Mikey called out, pushing himself off the ground, his voice wavering between concern and disbelief. “This isn’t you bro, it’s Shredder totally hijacking your brain!”, he made a face like a strangely dizzy zombie to prove his point.

Leo’s heart raced as he assessed the scene—his brother, usually so awkward and slightly slew-footed, now stood like a puppet, a smile that felt more sinister than genuine plastered across his face.

“What have they done to you?” Leo whispered, fists clenching around his swords. Anguish mixed with anger surged through him, knowing they were once again up against something that could twist their own brother into a weapon against them.

Raph’s face darkened, his jaw tight as he scanned the area, eyes narrowing at the encroaching Foot Soldiers. “Another brain worm?” he growled, the fury building inside him. “Great. Just what we need.”, he tightened his grip on his sai and bared his teeth at the offending ninjas.

Mikey, still shaken, pointed at the advancing Foot Soldiers. “We can’t just stand here! Donnie wouldn’t want this, right? He’d want us to fight back!” “Yeah, well I don’t think he’s in charge right now Mikey,” Raph shot back, his fists clenching tighter. “But if we don’t take these guys out, we’ll never get to him.”

With a collective surge of determination, the brothers charged at the advancing Foot Soldiers. Leo led the way, his swords slicing through the air with precision, while Raph followed suit, his sai stabbing into the nearest ninja. Mikey stayed close, using his agility to dodge blows, but he could feel the tension mounting. It was an all-out brawl, the warehouse echoing with the sound of clashing weapons and grunts of exertion.

“Come on, you overgrown tin cans!” Raph yelled, launching himself into a spin kick that sent one Foot Soldier crashing to the ground. Mikey mimicked his brother’s movements, throwing punches and kicks, but every time they took one down, two more seemed to take its place.

“Hey, Donnie, how about a little help here?” Mikey shouted, hoping against all odds that some part of their brother was still inside. But Donatello remained unmoved, standing rigidly by Karai, an unsettling grin on his face, as if he were enjoying the chaos around him.

The battle raged on, but it quickly became apparent that the brothers were severely outnumbered. Just as Leo and Raph fought off another wave of attackers, they felt the weight of heavy chains being forced around them. The cold metal bit into their skin, and with a sickening sense of dread, they realized they were being captured.

“Mikey!” Leo yelled, straining against the chains, but Raph was already being dragged back by two Foot Soldiers. The ninja’s grip was unyielding as they pulled him away, the sharp clinking of metal echoing in the warehouse. Raph struggled, kicking out wildly, but the sheer force of the Foot Soldiers overwhelmed him.

“No! Let him go!” Mikey shouted, but he too was soon restrained, strong arms pinning him to the ground. He writhed and kicked, his heart pounding with desperation. “Donnie, help us!” he pleaded, eyes wide with fear.

As the last of their resistance faded, Donatello moved down from the balcony with a slow, deliberate gait. His movements were unnaturally fluid, a predator stalking its prey. The manic glint in his eyes was unsettling, pupils blown wide, giving him a wild, deranged look. The smile that had once conveyed warmth now seemed twisted, devoid of the love and camaraderie that had defined him.

“Ah, the glorious moment has finally arrived!” Donnie exclaimed, his voice dripping with unsettling delight. “All of you in one place, now here’s where it starts to get really interesting.” he spat, malice overtaking the previous happiness in his voice.

Leo felt a cold chill settle in his stomach. “Donnie, Shredder has you and Karai under the control of a brain worm!” He called out, desperation coloring his words.

Raph, breathing heavily and straining against the chains, interjected, “You gotta resist it, Don! Use that big brain of yours! If I was able to fight it off, then you can too!”

But Donnie only laughed, an unnatural high-pitched sound that echoed through the warehouse, making the hairs on Leo's neck stand on end. “Oh, but this is so much fun! And truly Leo, I’ve never felt better!”

“Donnie, you don’t wanna hurt Mikey! I’m the one you should be mad at!” Leo pleaded, hoping to reach his brother through the haze of control that clouded his mind.

Donatello's grin widened, a jarring contrast to the familiar warmth that usually filled his expressions, as he stared at his oldest brother.

His eyes, wide and gleaming with an unsettling light, were devoid of recognition. The usual spark of intelligence was gone, replaced by something manic and chaotic. His fingers trembled slightly, as if he could hardly contain the excitement bubbling beneath his surface.

“~Aw, don’t worry, Leo,” he said, voice dripping with mock cheerfulness as he grabbed Leo’s face roughly, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Karai and I came up with fun activities for everyone!”

The chill that had settled in Leo’s stomach transformed into a wave of nausea. He could hardly process the twisted words spilling from Donnie's mouth. Fear surged through him, tightening his chest and twisting his expression into one of anguish.

“Donnie, please…” he whispered, desperation lacing his voice. His brows furrowed deeply, and his eyes widened, reflecting both disbelief and a flicker of hope that somehow, someway, he could reach his brother.

But the face that stared back at him was not the Donatello he knew—the warm, goofy brother with a penchant for invention and a heart full of loyalty. Instead, he saw a hollow shell, his brother was not with them at the moment.

“Donnie!” Raph’s voice cut through the air, furious and filled with disbelief. The sound was raw, almost primal, as if he was attempting to shake their brother awake from a nightmare.

Suddenly, the grip of the Foot Soldiers tightened around each of the brothers, yanking them backward into their respective traps. Raph thrashed violently, trying to break free, but it was no use. The chains clanked loudly on the concrete, but otherwise didnt budge.

Mikey too started to get dragged away, as he struggled against the grip of the Foot Soldiers, his heart raced, a sense of panic creeping into his chest. He watched his older brother, completely not in control for once, and felt a cold sweat break out across his brow. “Leo! Raph!”, he gulped “Dudes, I’m like, freaking out over here!” he shouted, desperation lacing his voice.

“Mikey!” Leo shouted again, fear morphing into determination as he struggled against his own restraints. The reality of their predicament began to set in, a cold weight anchoring him down.

He desperately sought to make eye contact with Donnie, hoping for a flicker of recognition, a glimmer of his true brother buried beneath the layers of madness.

As they were dragged away, Donatello stood there, a twisted smile stretching across his face, looking pleased with the chaos unfolding before him.

“This is just the beginning, my dear brothers,” he called out, his voice echoing with a sinister glee that made Leo's blood run cold.

[imagionationstation]

If I had a nickel for every fanfiction where I had Donnie violently whack Leo with a willing intent to harm, I would have two nickels.

It’s not a lot, but should I be concerned that it’s happened twice?

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 7

its finally here- albeit a day late. I'm not sure how I feel about the progression, any feedback is highly welcome!

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 6

Chapter 6 is out! Casey Jones makes his appearance!

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 5

Chapter 5 is here! April O' Neil steps into the lair- and yeah... she's missed a LOT.

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 4

Disclaimer: This AU is NOT my idea, it comes from a comic creator on tumbler by the name @cupcakeslushie. I implore you to check their comic out before reading, their art is incredible. It’s also the basis of this entire work, and I will try to keep dialogue the same from comic to here.

-------------------------------

The familiar clatter of feet echoed through the lair as the Turtles shuffled into the living room, their heavy expressions matched only by the weight of the air around them.

The usual hum of their home felt muted, stifled by the tension of the moment. At the far end of the L-shaped couch, Karai sat stiffly, her posture rigid, betraying the turmoil beneath her composed facade. The shadows cast by the overhead lights seemed to stretch ominously, flickering as if mirroring the dread that hung in the room.

They dragged Donatello in, his form oddly silent and cooperative as they settled him into the far corner of the couch. He leaned against the cushions, his body betraying a subtle fatigue. His eyelids drooped ever so slightly, as though he were on the verge of surrendering to the drugs coursing through him. With a Herculean effort, he shook his head, steeling himself to meet the dull, worn ground of the lair with a hardened gaze. It was a small rebellion against the haze clouding his mind, but the resolve in his eyes seemed to flicker like a dying flame.

Karai averted her gaze, her voice thick with remorse as she opened her mouth to apologize for what had been done to their brother. “I never meant for this to happen—”

“Stop.” Splinter placatingly raised his palm toward his daughter, his voice ringing out, firm and unwavering.

The wisdom behind his words was underscored by the weight of authority, a quiet strength that commanded attention. He stepped forward, his presence filling the space with a sense of calm. “You cannot undo what has been done, Karai. It is not your place to shoulder this burden alone.” He turned his eyes toward Donatello, who was fighting the effects of the brain worm with every ounce of his will. “We must focus on recovering Donatello now.”

Splinter glanced across the lair and took in his son’s appearance; blood streaked Donatello’s face in layers—his jaw was clenched, muscles tight and unmoving, as if baring his teeth against a torment he couldn’t control.

It was an image both haunting and heartbreaking—watching his son’s body struggle against exhaustion yet staying rigidly poised, refusing to surrender.

Splinter stood, watching with an expression pained yet composed, each wrinkle in his face deepened by a sorrow that weighed heavy in his eyes.He took a breath, his voice low and steady, masking the helplessness that gnawed at him from within.

Beneath his calm, there was an unmistakable undertone of regret, a sadness that he couldn’t suppress.

This was his son, trapped in something beyond his control—and for all Splinter’s wisdom, for all his skill and experience, there was nothing he could do to simply reach in and pull Donatello free. As he watched his son’s erratic, restless movements, Splinter’s heart felt leaden. The sight of Donatello, usually so calm and composed, now reduced to this wild, almost feral state—it struck him with a profound sense of grief, and he tightened his hands behind his back to mask his unease.

Across the room, Karai sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, her posture tense, hands clenched tightly in her lap.

She avoided looking directly at Donatello, though her eyes kept flickering in his direction, a storm of emotions barely concealed behind her calm facade. She felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest each time her gaze drifted to his blood-streaked face, the hollow look in his eyes—reminders of what her past decisions had wrought.

Her face remained stoic, lips pressed into a thin line, but her shoulders were taut with the weight of her unspoken remorse. For once, Karai felt herself falter, caught in a battle between her allegiance to her past and the family sitting in front of her now. She wasn’t used to being on this side of the damage, watching it unfold up close, seeing the pain of those left to pick up the pieces.

Raph had quietly disappeared into the kitchen, his footsteps barely audible against the cold, hard floor. He emerged moments later, a crinkled ice pack in hand, which he unceremoniously placed over his own forehead before plopping down onto the couch beside Karai, creating a sizable gap between them. The couch squeaked in protest under the sudden weight, a sound that echoed their internal struggles, amplifying the tension in the room.

Leonardo remained at a distance, absorbed in his own world as he methodically treated and dressed the latest cuts and scrapes that marred his upper limbs. His brow furrowed in concentration, the movements of his hands betraying the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. Each bandage wrapped around his arm seemed to tighten the knot in his stomach—a reminder of their current predicament, of what was happening to Donnie.

Mikey shifted his gaze, his eyes flitting to Donatello, who sat unnaturally still, and the subtle details on his brother’s face. His face looked gaunt, almost hollow, with dark, bruise-like bags under his eyes that betrayed the sleepless nights he’d endured; a thin sheet of sweat coated his forehead. Mikey’s heart ached at the sight; he couldn’t shake the memory of the time he’d accidentally spilled the brain serum on Donnie’s hand.

The aftermath had been chaotic, battling against the creeping effects of the Creepweed while Donnie’s brilliance slipped through their fingers. It was a moment that haunted him—the relief he felt when he managed to find the cure, the final ingredient burning brightly in his mind. Pepperoni. The thought was like a beacon in the darkness; he could really go for a slice right now. He shook the delicious thought from his head, determined to focus on the more pressing matter at hand.

He wanted to reach out, to comfort his brother, but something in him froze. He could barely recognize Donnie behind those hollow, feverish eyes, and the thought gnawed at him, leaving a pit in his stomach.

Trying to shake the feeling, Mikey took a tentative step forward, trying to make his brother comfortable even in this impossible situation.

“Easy, D,” Mikey whispered, inching closer, the bowl and washcloth he’d grabbed as they’d entered in hand as he prepared to approach his infected brother. “I’ll take the tape off and clean that blood off you if you play nice. That’s got to be totally killing you right now.” His voice was soft, almost hopeful, as he attempted to breach the barrier between them.

But Donnie didn’t respond or show any signs of acknowledging Mikey’s existence; he remained a statue, the earlier sedative holding him in its grip. It wasn’t until Mikey, in a moment of impulsive distraction, unthinkingly ripped the tape off Donnie’s face all at once- the tape echoing throughout the silent lair-that chaos erupted.

With a sudden, animalistic ferocity, Donatello lashed out. He shot forward with a shocking ferocity, driving himself toward Mikey with the force of his entire body.

His arms were tightly chained to his torso, his movements clumsy and restricted, but the fury in his expression made him appear far more dangerous than any restraint could contain. He twisted his shoulders and slammed his weight into Mikey with brutal force, throwing his bound arms into him in a reckless attempt to reach him. Even in his weakened state, Donnie fought with a strength that bordered on desperation, his muscles straining against his bonds as he twisted and thrashed against their grip.

“Mikey, move!” Leo’s voice was sharp with urgency, and he and Raph immediately closed in, grabbing Donatello and pulling him back. But even bound, Donatello fought like a wild animal, his body thrashing and straining against their grip, teeth bared as he let out guttural, animalistic grunts. The effort he put into resisting them was brutal, unforgiving, as if he were willing to tear himself apart just to free his arms, to lash out and hurt anyone in his path.

“Hold him!” Raph growled through gritted teeth, his arms locked around Donatello’s torso as he struggled to keep his grip steady. Donnie’s shoulders twisted violently, his muscles straining as he fought against the restraint, his eyes fixed forward with a terrifying, silent rage. Leo grabbed onto his other side, adding his weight to keep Donatello from breaking loose. But it felt like holding back a tidal wave—Donatello’s strength was fueled by something dark and relentless, a force that seemed only to grow the more they tried to restrain him.

“Donnie, stop it!” Leo’s voice held a note of desperation, but Donatello’s expression remained unfazed, his gaze burning with that same feral intensity, a depth of rage they had never seen before.

In a sudden, violent wrench, Donatello managed to break free from their hold. He stumbled forward with a wild, reckless strength, but his bound arms left him defenseless, and his own momentum sent him crashing to the ground.

His chin hit the concrete with a sickening crack, forcing him to bite down hard on his tongue, blood pooling from his mouth and spilling onto the sewer floor in thick, red drops. It stained the ground beneath him, a vivid red that contrasted starkly against the grimy sewer floor.

“Donnie…” Raph murmured, his voice softening for a brief moment, shock and concern etched into his face. But there was no time to dwell—Donatello, even in pain, was already trying to push himself back up, ignoring the blood streaming from his mouth as he attempted to upright himself.

“Come on,” Leo said, steadying himself, though his eyes were heavy with a sorrow he tried to mask. “We need to get him to the dojo.”

Together, he and Raph hoisted Donatello back to his feet, each step toward the dojo feeling heavy. Donatello’s body remained tense, his breathing shallow and ragged as he continued to fight them every step of the way even as exhaustion began to take its toll, his eyelids drooping lower, each movement became slower and heavier.

They reached the dojo and secured a chain loosely around him, fastening it to one of the dojo’s support beams. Donatello staggered against the restraint, leaning back but never yielding, his face twisted in a stubborn snarl, teeth bared as he glared at them with that same raw, silent fury.

Before they shut the door behind them, Leonardo and Raphael cast one last look at their brother, now beyond recognition. The brother they had known was slipping away, his spirit fiercely battling against the numbing effects of the brain worm. Donatello’s eyelids drooped lower, a battle he fought desperately as fatigue pulled at him, yet he stayed stubbornly aware, forcing his eyes wider and baring his bloody teeth at them one last time.

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 3

Disclaimer: This AU is NOT my idea, it comes from a comic creator on tumbler by the name @cupcakeslushie. I implore you to check their comic out before reading, their art is incredible. It’s also the basis of this entire work, and I will try to keep dialogue the same from comic to here.

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The Shellraiser sat parked by the side of the warehouse, a looming reminder of their rough ride home ahead. After regrouping, the brothers exchanged glances, each feeling the weight of what they’d just been through. Leo looked over at Karai. “You take the Stealth Bike back to the lair,” he instructed, his voice low and firm. “We’ll handle things from here.”

Karai gave a nod, her face set in determination. “Fine. I’ll meet you guys there.” she said, shooting a worried glance toward Donnie, who sat eerily calm, his eyes staring off as if lost in some twisted thought. With that, she sped off into the night.

Inside the Shellraiser, Donnie and Raph sat across from each other. Raph had insisted on using chains rather than holding him down himself, though the sight of his brother in restraints left a bitter taste in his mouth. “I know you’re in there, Donnie,” he muttered, almost to himself. “I’m not givin’ up on you.”

The Shellraiser’s engine roared to life, and Leo took the driver’s seat with a clenched jaw, his fingers tightening around the wheel as he glanced back at Donnie. Raph sat closer, keeping a firm grip on their chained brother, ready to act if Donnie tried anything.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Donnie’s eyes flickered toward Splinter, and in an instant, his entire demeanor changed. He lunged forward, thrashing against the chains, wild and unhinged, his body twisting at unnatural angles as he strained to break free. Raph held on tightly, trying to control him without causing harm, even though every instinct screamed that the brother he knew was buried beneath something twisted and monstrous. His face was set with determination, but he couldn’t ignore the forming bruises on Donnie’s arms, or the way his nose had started bleeding again, fresh crimson staining his face.

Donnie’s body contorted, twisting and turning, his face straining as he jerked against the bindings. The chains groaned, but Raph held tight, sweat beading on his brow. “Come on, Donnie, don’t do this,” he said, voice laced with frustration and sadness.

“Come on, Donnie, snap out of it!” Mikey called, desperation in his voice, his usual playful tone entirely replaced by genuine worry. He leaned forward, trying to reach his brother emotionally. But Donnie’s response was a wild, hysterical laugh that sent a shiver down everyone’s spine. “Oh, I’m just getting started!”, he sneered.

Suddenly, Donnie lashed out, his foot landing a kick straight into Mikey’s side. Mikey gasped, recoiling and keeling over, and Raph’s patience snapped. “Alright, that’s enough!” Raph barked.

Splinter, who was silent until now, moved closer. His face was a mixture of sadness and resolve as he knelt beside his son, placing his hands gently on Donnie’s temples. His son’s pulse beat erratically under his fingertips. He closed his eyes, beginning to mutter the healing mantras, a last attempt to reach the son he knew was still in there somewhere.

But Donnie’s eyes glinted with dark delight, his face breaking into a chilling smile. “You really think you can fix this? The great Master Splinter, failing again.”

Splinter’s face faltered, a shadow of pain flashing across his eyes, but he remained resolute. Meanwhile, Mikey looked like he was close to tears, shifting uncomfortably and unable to meet Donnie’s gaze. Raph’s grip on Donnie tightened as the younger turtle bucked in his restraints, clearly willing to hurt himself to get free. His skin was already bruised, dark marks forming along his arms from the chains

“Just hang on, Donnie. We’re getting you back,” he murmured to himself, eyes flashing with resolve.

“Getting me back? Oh, how noble of you,” Donnie jeered, his laughter wild and cutting. His head jerked sharply as he looked between them, his smile taunting. “Do you even know who I am anymore?” His eyes glinted, and he leaned forward as far as his restraints would allow, looking into Raph’s eyes. “This ‘me’—this is your fault, you know. Always holding me back, dismissing everything I do.”

Raph’s face twisted, both frustrated and hurt. He held onto Donnie, but his tone softened just slightly. “That’s not true, Donnie. We’re all in this together—always have been.”

“Together?” Donnie scoffed, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “Tell me something, Raph—how does it feel to finally be right? To get what you wanted all along: me out of your way.” His words dripped with venom, yet there was a spark in his eyes, something that hinted at Donnie’s mind trying to twist his family’s resolve.

Mikey’s face fell, his eyes wide and conflicted as he watched Donnie twist and turn, his taunts striking deep. “Come on, Don, we’re family,” he said softly, a plea more than anything.

“Oh, family.” Donnie sneered, the word laced with bitterness. “You’re the ones who made sure I felt like anything but.” His eyes darted to each of them, his tone dripping with disdain. “My so-called brothers… only useful when it’s convenient for you, huh?”

Leo’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his face set in determined silence.

When Donnie lashed out with another sudden kick at Mikey, which luckily didn’t land, Leo finally turned, his voice sharp. “That’s enough. We’ll have to sedate him.”, he gave the order as he stared, using the rearview mirror, at the struggle unfolding at the back of the van.

Raph nodded, exasperated. “Before he hurts himself even more.” For once he was glad to take an order from fearless, for Donnie’s sake and his. He still wasn't feeling too hot from almost becoming baked turtle.

The sedative worked slowly, leaving Donnie half-lucid but still snarling. His words cut deep, especially as he looked straight at Splinter and jeered, “Too late for miracles, Sensei.”

He paused, a sadistic grin stretching across his face. “You’ve got two days—two days to pull off your little miracle before I’m gone. Forever.”

Leo’s jaw clenched as he gripped the steering wheel, horror written across his face. Mikey was silent, his face pale as he took in the realization. “Donnie…” he whispered, broken.

At that, Raph’s face hardened, and he abruptly slapped a thick strip of duct tape over Donnie’s mouth. “That’s enough, Don,” he said, eyes steely as he looked at his brother. Donnie’s eyes flared, glaring from behind the tape, his manic laughter muffled but still echoing in the enclosed space.

As the Shellraiser roared through the darkened streets, tension settled thickly around them, each brother shaken.

When they finally skidded to a stop, Mikey took a long breath. He happy return to familiar surroundings, “Man… it’s good to be back.”

But the journey was far from over; they each knew the battle to save Donnie—and each other—was only beginning.

[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

Donatello Brainworm AU- Chapter 2

Disclaimer: This AU is NOT my idea, it comes from a comic creator on tumbler by the name @cupcakeslushie. I implore you to check their comic out before reading, their art is incredible. It’s also the basis of this entire work, and I will try to keep dialogue the same from comic to here.

---------------------------

Leo, Raph, and Mikey each found themselves ensnared in their worst nightmares, locked away in brutal traps designed with them in mind.

The heat was oppressive in Raph’s room, stifling, an inferno of glaring red light illuminating every surface. Sweat poured down his face as he glared at the room’s walls, which radiated heat like a furnace. His throat was dry, and his breaths came in gasps. A low, mocking laugh crackled through the speakers above.

“Always so hot-headed, aren’t you, Raph?” Donnie’s voice taunted, that twisted lilt making Raph’s jaw clench. “I thought it was fitting, this room. The heat seems perfect for a hot temper like yours.”

Raph’s fists clenched, trying to keep his frustration in check. “Donnie! I know you’re still in there, bro. Fight it!”

But Donnie only laughed harder, a dark, empty sound that reverberated off the walls. “Oh, Raph. You’re always trying to fight. Let’s see how that serves you now.”

In another part of the warehouse, Leo gritted his teeth as he felt the cold bite of metal chains pressing into his wrists, pinning him in place beneath a glinting array of swinging blades. Each blade looked freshly sharpened, gleaming ominously as they swung, poised to strike at any moment. Leo took slow, deliberate breaths, trying to steady his mind.

Donnie’s voice crackled over the speakers. “Always the leader, Leo. Always the one with the swords. I figured this would remind you of how sharp your own arrogance can be.”

“Donnie,” Leo’s voice was a low growl. “We’re coming for you. You don’t have to fight us.”

“Coming for me?” Donnie’s laugh echoed through the room. “Oh, Leo. You’re so predictable. I know every move you’ll make. Let’s see how long you can keep up this charade.”

Meanwhile, Mikey struggled against cold metal restraints, strapped down and immobilized. The device hummed ominously, and he felt the restraint’s cold pressure against his wrists. Donnie entered the room, not just a voice but a figure, leaning over him, his gaze dark, his face twisted into a taunting smile.

“Well, Mikey,” Donnie said, his tone disturbingly light. “What do you think you’ll mutate into?”

Mikey swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat as he gazed up at the familiar face that seemed so alien now. “Donnie… c’mon, bro. This isn’t you. I know you’re in there somewhere.” His voice quivered, every word a plea. “We’re family, man. Snap out of it.”

Donnie leaned closer, his eyes gleaming as he tightened his grip on the edge of Mikey’s restraints. “Maybe you’ll turn into something even dumber than you are now,” he murmured. His voice was cruel, every word calculated to cut deep. “Oh, don’t worry,” he added, glancing at the cameras. “I’m making sure Raph and Leo can hear every word. Can you hear him begging, guys?”

Mikey’s eyes filled with desperation. “Please, Donnie… I know you’re stronger than this.”

Donnie stood back up, brushing his hands as if wiping away dust, and shot Mikey one last twisted smile. “Well, it’s been fun. Try not to get too comfortable.”

As Donnie strode into the control room, Karai watched him with an amused look. She could see the subtle fury and focus in his eyes as he tracked his brothers’ struggles on the screens.

She observed him carefully, a smirk growing as he fixated on each image, soaking in the fear and desperation.

His anger, his precision—it all reflected the brainworm’s grip over him. She mused silently to herself, marveling at how well the parasite had taken control, transforming Donatello into this perfect puppet of her design.

“If only we’d done this sooner,” Karai murmured, smiling. “Look at them, tearing themselves apart.”

Donnie turned to her, eyes sharp with sinister resolve. She took a step closer, folding her arms as she met his gaze. “It’s time for the final piece of our plan, Donatello. We need to bring Splinter here.”

A spark of malice flickered in Donnie’s eyes, and he nodded, lips curling into a chilling smile. “I’ll handle it.”

- Splinter was deep in meditation when the sharp, urgent ring of the cheese phone jolted him back to reality. His eyes snapped open, his calm broken as he moved toward the phone with deliberate urgency. He knew it could only mean trouble—his sons only used this line for the direst emergencies. He answered, his voice steady but tinged with a father’s worry.

“Donatello? What is the matter, my son?”

A low, distorted chuckle filtered through, unmistakably Donnie’s voice but darkly twisted, dripping with malice. “I have your sons, Splinter,” Donnie replied with a chilling calmness. “Come find me… or else.”

Splinter’s face tightened, his fingers clenching slightly around the phone. “My son, please—this is not you. Whatever is happening, fight it.”

But Donnie’s only response was another laugh, short and wicked. “Tik-tok, sensei”, he taunted. Time’s running out.”

The line went dead. Splinter exhaled, gaze steeling as he carefully placed the phone down and rose to his feet, setting his resolve. Without another word, he moved with quiet purpose, leaving the dojo behind as he began his journey to find his sons.

Meanwhile, each of the brothers was forced to navigate their traps, relying on themselves in ways they hadn’t in a long time. Leo, stuck in his blade-ridden cell, focused with relentless precision, dodging the glinting steel as it sliced through the air. His eyes darted around the room until, finally, a well-timed strike broke down a weak wall, creating a narrow opening into Raph’s oven-like cell.

Raph, dripping with sweat and visibly exhausted from the heat, wasted no time moving through the opening. He pulled Leo to his feet, despite his own sluggishness, before they burst into Mikey’s cell, where Mikey’s wide-eyed relief met their arrival just as his mutation machine whirred dangerously close to activation. They disabled it, working as a unit, but each of them bore fresh marks: Leo’s arms were slashed, Raph fought to keep steady on his feet, and Mikey—though unharmed—was visibly shaken.

Elsewhere in the control room, Donnie’s fists clenched as he watched the screens, his face twisted in sudden, unchecked rage. Without warning, he slammed a fist into the control panel, shattering one of the screens with a fierce, startling intensity that drew Karai’s attention. She glanced at him, eyebrow raised, but said nothing as he stormed out.

Outside, in the shadows of the warehouse, Splinter moved like a ghost, silently dispatching Foot Bots one by one until he reached the central control room, his steps soundless. He slipped into the room, his gaze immediately landing on a familiar figure standing at the panel, her back turned.

“Miwa,” he said quietly, almost a whisper, as if the name itself might awaken something within her.

Karai’s shoulders tensed briefly, but she did not turn. Instead, she replied coldly, “Hello, Father.” Then, without another word, she lunged forward, drawing her weapon, her eyes glinting with determination as the fight began.

Splinter entered the control room, his eyes narrowing as he saw Karai poised and waiting.

“Welcome, Splinter,” she sneered, her tone laced with disdain. “It’s been a long time.”

He held a steady gaze. “Do not make me fight you, my daughter.”

Her face twisted in anger. “Never call me that! If you want your sons, you’ll have to fight me… to the bitter end.”

Splinter took a breath, pain flickering across his face, but his stance shifted as he prepared himself, accepting her challenge reluctantly. He saw no other choice. Karai lunged, her katana slicing through the air in a fierce, fluid motion. Splinter blocked her strike, his movements calm but powerful, deflecting her blow and stepping back, his gaze still filled with sorrow.

Between strikes, he implored, “Miwa, listen to me. I am your father, Hamato Yoshi. Your mother was—”

“Don’t you dare desecrate her memory!” she spat, delivering a spinning kick that narrowly missed his head. Her rage was palpable, fueling each swing of her blade, each furious movement as she poured her bitterness into the fight. Splinter countered with practiced precision, moving with a patience and grace that spoke of years of experience and regret.

Outside, the remaining turtles had finally freed themselves and entered the warehouse. Leo led, his arms littered with small cuts from the bladed trap he’d endured. Raph’s steps were unsteady, his face flushed from the intense heat he’d escaped. Mikey, though physically unharmed, walked with wide eyes, still shaken. They froze at the scene before them: Karai and Splinter locked in intense combat, each strike sharper and more determined than the last.

Splinter, spotting his sons in the doorway, seized the opportunity. He waited for Karai’s next swing, then deflected her blade and reached forward, laying his hands on her shoulders. With a last attempt, he began chanting the healing mantra, his words soft but steady. Karai struggled, her eyes wild, but as the energy of the mantra flowed through her, she stilled momentarily.

Her face twisted in pain, the brain worm’s influence beginning to weaken. Her grip on her katana faltered, and a guttural scream escaped her as the parasite started to loosen its hold. Splinter held her firmly, pouring all his strength into the healing, while his sons watched with bated breath, hope flickering across their faces as they saw their sensei attempt to bring their sister back.

As Splinter concentrated on Karai, softly murmuring the healing mantras, his sons shifted nervously, standing guard over their father’s efforts. The flickering lights cast uneasy shadows around the control room, their attention split between Karai’s strained expression and the distant echoes from the tunnels.

A scraping sound suddenly broke the silence, making each turtle whip around. They caught sight of a figure in the dim tunnel, only his silhouette visible at first. Sparks flew from the wall where he dragged his naginata blade, creating an eerie, jagged rhythm as he approached. The sparks flared briefly across his shell, but he remained undeterred, his shadowed face emerging with a wide, unsettling grin.

“Donnie?” Mikey’s voice broke the silence, a note of worry lacing his tone.

Donatello tilted his head, his grin stretching wider, eyes wide and disturbingly empty. “Well, well… looks like you managed to break out. I’m almost impressed.”

The brothers exchanged glances, instinctively taking a step back as Donnie stepped fully into the light. His posture was unlike anything they’d seen—tense yet relaxed, his shoulders rolled back with a confidence that bordered on arrogance. He looked as if he’d left behind any hint of the Donatello they knew.

Raph was the first to recover, fists clenched as he took a combat stance, eyes narrowed. “Enough games, Don. We’re getting you out of this mess—one way or another.”

Donnie’s smile faded into a sneer. “Always so quick to fight, huh, Raph? Doesn’t take much to turn you against your own brother.”

Raph’s fists tightened, but Leo interjected, stepping forward with an arm raised in a cautious gesture. “We don’t want to fight you, Donnie. This isn’t you.”

Mikey shifted uneasily, trying to catch his brother’s gaze. “Donnie, please. We’re your family. You know we’d never hurt you.”

Donnie’s gaze flicked between them, the smile vanishing as his expression turned stony and cold.

“You all keep saying that,” he muttered, voice low, almost growling. “But maybe… I’m just tired of being the one who does everything for this family.”

Without warning, he lunged forward, swinging his naginata with brutal precision, targeting each of his brothers in turn. Raph barely blocked the blade, the impact reverberating through his arms.

Donnie moved faster than usual, each strike calculated and relentless, as if fueled by a dark, hidden strength. Leo and Mikey scrambled to dodge his attacks, the former’s arms bearing fresh cuts as he parried desperately.

Raph dodged a sharp thrust and grunted, panting as he tried to regain his footing. “When did Don start fighting like this in training?”

Leo, already catching his breath, shook his head grimly. “No kidding… It’s like he’s holding nothing back.”

Donnie laughed, a twisted, humorless sound. “That’s because I’m usually too exhausted from doing literally everything to bother.”

His strikes grew wilder, and his brothers struggled to keep up, every dodge and block pushing them closer to exhaustion. Despite their skill, they were clearly at a disadvantage against Donnie’s newfound aggression. Leo finally coordinated with Mikey, who ducked behind Donnie, giving Raph just enough time to wrap his arms around his brother’s and pin them back. Donnie thrashed wildly, but Raph’s grip held firm, forcing him down to his knees.

“Sensei,” Raph grunted, holding Donnie in place, “I can’t hold him forever.”

Donnie’s breath was ragged, his head twisting as he strained against Raph’s grip. His eyes burned with fury, a bitter smile flashing briefly before he growled through gritted teeth. “You’re all so… stupid. Do you really think you can stop me?”.

Raph’s grip on Donnie grew weaker, his own exhaustion from the trap taking its toll. Donnie, sensing this, began to struggle more, his movements erratic. Just as Raph’s hold started to slip, Splinter hurried over, his focus shifting from Karai to his son. He knelt beside Donnie, chanting the healing mantras, but soon faltered. “The mantras… they are not working. What is this?”

Donnie stilled, a sinister grin creeping back onto his face. “Stockman made this worm special,” he sneered, leaning forward, his voice mocking. “You’ve got two days to work out some kind of miracle—before it eats through my brain!”

Each family member reacted with horror. Leo’s face tightened in grim determination, his mind already racing for solutions. Mikey’s expression crumpled with worry, his eyes wide with fear, while Raph’s usual confidence faltered, replaced by uncertainty and growing anger. Splinter’s face remained calm, but his furrowed brow betrayed his concern.

Donnie chuckled, a twisted, hollow laugh echoing off the warehouse walls. “Good luck finding the solution without me!” He sneered, shifting his weight to resist them.

Leo took charge. “We need to regroup back at the lair.” But Donnie struggled harder, thrashing violently. “It’s no use!” he growled, twisting to snap at Raph, nearly landing a bite. Then, abruptly, he stopped. His head hung low, eyes shifting calculatingly, as he forced a look of control.

The turtles froze, exchanging wary glances. Donnie’s change was unnerving. He looked up, face angled down but with a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Mikey’s gaze sharpened, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “I don’t know, guys. Maybe we shouldn’t get too close.”

Raph sighed in relief, grateful for even a moment’s reprieve, but Leo ignored Mikey’s warning and knelt beside Donnie. “Donnie, it’s us—your brothers.”

Donnie forced his head lower, masking his expression until Leo was close enough. As Leo crouched down, hoping to connect with the brother he knew, Donnie’s demeanor shifted almost imperceptibly.

The weight of the moment hung thick in the air, tension wrapping around them like a shroud. Donnie’s expression morphed, his eyes narrowing, masking any trace of the brother they loved beneath a twisted facade. The unsettling calm washed over him, a predatory smile creeping onto his lips.

Leo, in his earnestness, leaned in closer, his voice steady but laced with concern. “Donnie, we’re here for you. You can fight this.” For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a flicker of recognition in Donnie’s gaze, as if his brother was trying to push through the fog of the brain worm.

But just as Leo felt hope rising, the moment shattered. Donnie’s head snapped up suddenly, his grin widening unnaturally, a chilling smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He moved in a heartbeat, his forehead crashing against Leo’s face with a brutal kamikaze headbutt. The shock reverberated through Leo’s skull as he staggered back, his vision momentarily blurring. He barely registered the searing pain as his hands flew to his forehead, the warmth of blood flowing down his face.

“Leo!” Raph shouted, eyes wide as he rushed forward, catching a glimpse of the blood trickling from Leo’s nose. The sight of his brother injured fueled his anger, but Leo couldn’t focus on anything but the rush of adrenaline and the disbelief at what had just happened.

Donnie’s laughter echoed around the room, a dissonant melody filled with malice, as he turned to face them, blood spilling from his own nose and painting his grin a vivid crimson. The contrast was jarring—the sight of blood dribbling down his chin only amplified the madness in his eyes. His face twisted in delight as he taunted his brothers, a grotesquely bloody smile to top it off, “Shell that one was almost too easy!”

Mikey gasped, eyes wide with terror, taking a step back as he exchanged frantic glances with Raph and Leo. “Donnie, not cool dude…!”, his voice trailed off, horrified at his older brother.

Raph, snapping out of his shock, grabbed Donnie, hoisting him roughly to his feet. He’d had enough. “That’s it,” he muttered, tightening his grip. He and Mikey hauled Donnie toward the exit, Donnie purposely went as limp as possible, just to make it that much harder for his brothers; his twisted laughter echoing behind them as they dragged him away.

Splinter and Karai, both catching their breath, stared after them in silence, the gravity of their situation settling heavily. Leo wiped his face, steadied himself, and spoke resolutely. “This isn’t over. We’ll find a way.” Splinter placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder, giving a nod of encouragement. “Come, my sons. We must go.” The rest of the family moved together out of the warehouse, leaving behind the echo of Donnie’s laughter, a haunting reminder of the challenge they now must face.

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[donatellowiththebookinhishand]

AO3 TAG- SCREAM_ing

Any fics I post here are cross-posted from ao3, if you want regular updates and a much better view for your reading delight... find me there!

[cupcakeslushie]

You know the Fourfold Trap where Karai has a voice modulator and uses Donnie’s voice to gloat? Yeah that scene sure is something. If Nickelodeon won’t give any of the Donnie’s the villain arc they deserve, then I will go through each and every iteration and do it myself if I must.

And…