Disclaimer: I still don't own the TMNT.

A/N: I've given up trying to make this chapter work for me, I seem to be struggling with grammar with all of my recent postings. Forgive me if they are slightly tatty.

A huge thank you to all those who have reviewed, added to favourites and read this story so far. I know it's a common line that I always say but I truly mean it, I can't thank you all enough.

Enjoy.

Three Weeks.

Chapter 5.

The Monster Within.

I tried to contemplate just what had happened in the lab, furiously analysing each moment as we ran along the corridor. Raph had taken point, Mike at the rear and every so often gently moving me along. I tried not to think what had become of Leo, his absence, although still raw, played heavily on my mind. It wouldn't have happened if not for my insistence that we investigate my disappearance; he wouldn't be separated from us if I had taken the time to think rationally and not brazenly urged them on and me.

It was typical Leo, throwing me through the door and accepting that he wouldn't make it. I knew that a part of me was angry with him for that, another part accepting that had our roles been reversed I would have done the same. Still, the realisation that he was now a prisoner of Bishop only made me more intent on discovering the answers.

Then there was my attack on Raph, I don't remember launching myself at him, I don't remember wrapping my hands around his throat. All I remember is the urge for combat, the intent to kill and maim for my commander. The memory is foreign and I wonder if this is part of Bishop's plan; whatever had been done to me, it seemed to focus on combat and control. He had me, could use me against anyone he chose; and he chose Raph.

"Raph." I called quietly, "I'm so sorry, I..."

He didn't turn to me, continuing on with his single mission to find Leo. "I don't wanna hear it, Braniac. You can say sorry till you're blue in the face, it don't change anything. It wasn't you; I don't know how many more times I gotta say that."

I could tell that he was hurting because of it; I knew that he had been affected by my actions. I also knew that he was adamant not to blame me, something I couldn't reciprocate. I couldn't understand the ease with which he accepted the situation, given who had orchestrated this whole plot, I would expect apprehension at the very least. But not Raph, everything he said he truly believed; to him, everything was black and white. Bishop used me to try and kill him, it was that simple.

But it wasn't to me. I knew better than to believe this was a simple case, knew enough to know that Bishop's plans for me extended further than simply annihilating my family.

That memory proved enough to me; it explained enough to show me that Bishop had programmed me for some purpose.

From what I could remember, he had specifically chosen me. I obviously had something far more important to him than my brothers did and I scoured my memories further for the answers.

What made me different from them? What part of me held more value to Bishop than each of my brothers?

It wasn't a stretch to conclude firstly of my intellect, having already seen the keen interest that Bishop had previously shown towards that notion. This, however, somehow felt different. I knew deep down that he hadn't held me for that reason, he wouldn't waste mind control if he wanted my cooperation. No, it would've been far easier to ensnare one of my brothers and force my hand.

Since I spent most of my time with my siblings, I could assume that whatever I had been exposed to, that they had also. Therefore, the options were limited to only a few occasions. My time with Kirby, Draco and the Daimyo's son sending me to the future; my trip with April to find her Uncle.

The time I was exposed to the outbreak virus...

The day I became a monster.

He wouldn't, there was no way that he would be crazy enough to bring that creature back to life. He wanted to terminate me when I became too much for his men to handle, he wouldn't risk so much again.

Leo had been the one to stop my rampage, he'd been so reserved for so long after that incident that I had to confront him and find out that he hated himself for shooting me full of tranquilizers. It took weeks for me to convince him that he had little choice.

Leo...

The thought of him brought me back to reality, suddenly aware that we had almost reached the opposite hallway backing on to the lab. Raph had gestured for us to stop and stood away from the large double doors ahead of me, he gave me a quick glance and I nodded my affirmation, approaching the console to the right of the doors.

I tried the code that had worked for the other door, frustratingly sighing when it expectantly didn't open. I tried other combinations, random ones and numbers that I pulled from any memory I could but none would work.

I stepped back suddenly when the screen above the keypad came to life, Bishop's face filling the small display.

"Don't bother," he drawled. "Leonardo isn't in this room any longer."

I narrowed my eyes at the display, feeling my brothers' presence behind me closing in.

"Where is he?" I demanded sternly.

"I have no intention of experimenting on him at this time; however he is contained for now."

I sighed in relief, uncaring if the man saw the motion. "If you don't need him, let him go."

He shook his head, lips curling wickedly. "You're right, I don't need him. You, on the other hand I need quite urgently. Surrender immediately and I'll let both of my prisoners free."

I felt a sense of relief at the confirmation of another person here, the same person I knew nothing about except to save them. With that in mind, I opened my mouth to ask who it was before Raph spoke ahead of me.

"There's no way we're letting Donnie hand himself over to you, it ain't happening."

I wanted to protest, voice my opinion that Leo was worth my sacrifice but Bishop started to laugh heavily.

"I'm sorry," he chortled, "This is humorous. I'm truly amazed that your memory lapse could provide me with so much entertainment."

He addressed Raph as he sobered. "You'd think differently once you realise the truth."

"What the hell would make you think that?" Raph hissed back.

Bishop sighed, his gaze falling to me again. "In a moment a map will be displayed on this screen, memorise it. Follow the route exactly and you'll be reunited with Leonardo, do not deviate from the path. If you attempt to explore this compound outside of the designated route, I'll order my men to kill your brother." He smirked, "All those wonderful leaping ninja moves are pretty worthless in a small cage, it would be as simple as shooting fish in a barrel."

I heard Raph growl at my side, ignoring him for a moment and turning my attention back to Bishop. "Why the games? What's the point of making us scurry around your building?"

"No games, I assure you." he replied, "Leonardo is currently dazed from his containment, his cell mate is, unfortunately in slightly worse condition. I'd prefer not to move him unnecessarily."

"Who is it? Who else is here?" I needed so desperately to know, I wanted so much to believe that my actions for this person was worth it all.

Bishop's look of complete glee unnerved me, "You'll see. Then you'll understand and I guarantee you'll willingly stay with me."

His face disappeared, quickly replaced with the map he mentioned. I committed it to memory and was pleased that it remained long enough for me to do so. Turning to face my brothers, I silently asked them for their thoughts.

"I don't like this, but if that route actually leads us to Leo, I'm all for it. Trap or not." Mike said. "Plus he was pretty insistent to warn us not to go poking our noses around where they're not welcome, for Leo's sake."

"Agreed," I replied calmly, "There doesn't appear to be many alternatives."

"I'm not as worried about his map as I am with what's at the end. He made it clear you'd just walk into his open arms, that guy is using us for something and I don't like it." Raph had started to pace the narrow corridor; I could feel the tension pouring out of him. I didn't feel any better than he did at that moment, knowing now that whatever Bishop had done to me showed clearly that he certainly held all the cards, our hands were tied and we had no option but to play along. His orders were clear; any deviation would result in Leo's death.

This 'other person' was incapacitated in some way, who they were still eluding me and I fought to try and dredge up fresh memories.

We followed the route steadily, careful not to deviate. The corridors were devoid of people, no soldiers or staff of any kind and I wondered for a moment if Bishop was keeping his word. I wondered why he didn't just try to force me into submission, he already has all of us inside his own facility, trapped, outmanned and outgunned. He currently held Leo and could easily use him to make me instantly submit. What was Bishop up to?

I staggered as my vision clouded, the corridor fading into darkness as images flashed through my mind.

"He's ready, sir."

"Good. Has he been activated yet?"

"No, sir. We wanted to ensure he had been adequately contained and relatively sedated before commencing."

"A suitable precaution, I don't want the thing free."

Bishop walks towards me, he's wary, cautious. He looks up at me.

"Can you hear me, Donatello?"

I growl, deep and loud, louder than I expect. Bishop looks upset.

"I thought you said he wouldn't be animalistic?"

The other man looks nervous.

"I... I'm sorry, sir. A minor setback, I assure you."

Bishop's angry.

"Make sure you deal with this as soon as the test is complete, he's no good to me as a beast."

"I... I will, sir. I'll make it my top priority."

"Make it your only priority or I'll assign it to someone more capable and let Donatello use you as a chew toy."

He glares at the man, not happy.

"Start the strength testing, analyse everything and report to me immediately upon completion."

Bishop leaves, then the walls start to close in. I raise my arms, metal making it hard. I push against the walls, they move closer. I push harder and roar my frustration and anger. They're trying to crush me...

"Donnie!"

I feel someone shaking me, powerful hands gripping my arms. I look up and into Mike's panic filled eyes, his face an expression of shock.

"Mike, what-"

"Dude, you dropped to the floor, started growling and thrashing all over the place." He gulped nervously, pointing at the wall. "Then you did that."

I turned to look behind me at the wall, eyes widening at the site. A hole the size of my fist could clearly be seen in the twelve-inch thick concrete. I'd punched hard enough to produce spider web cracks radiating out for at least six feet.

I turned back to Mike, glancing between him and Raph, both crouching in front of me with fear in their eyes. "I did that?"

They nodded. Raph took one more look at the wall.

"What the hell did they do to you, Don?"

A/N: I still haven't gotten to the bombshell yet, still interested?

Thanks for reading x