Chapter 6
Myself, yourself, and Witchweed
Dinky finished watering some of her plants, a gentle smile upon her face “Donnie I wanted you to look at this plant I grew a while back.” She said turning to the purple terrapin “When I showed it to Swifty….well….she acted…weird….she said witchweed is useless and to burn it” She sighed softly while running her fingers through the strange purple flowering grass. She had invited Donatello over after the harsh chewing out Swifty had given her….the unicorn had hoped Donnie would find a use for this plant…or at lest tell her this plant wasn’t as useless as Swifty declared…
Donatello rubbed his chin as he leaned in to inspect the plant in question “Well…ah…I’ll admit botany isn’t one of my forte….in fact….I’ve never seen so much flora before in my life…” His brown eyes gazing around as he spoke. Really Dinky’s green house was amazing! Living in a sewer made it hard to actually see any kind of plant life, but he had to admit…it made things smell better…
“I’ve tried using the flowers to make soap, perfume….candy…so far….nothing has worked….literally…” Dinky said frowning moving away from the plant in question, moving over to another inhabitant of her green house “I could use almost ant plant in this green house in making soap, perfume, candles, make-up, even paint! Witchweed seems to be fighting me every step I try to take with it” she said in a huff with annoyance.
Donnie couldn’t help but chuckle “So your saying this is one of those magical plants and needs possible preparations and Swifty for some reason is refusing to touch this stuff…” He looked at the plant thoughtfully. Swift Heart had been keeping her distance lately…even acting coldly towards him…honestly he would have been thrilled before; however, he actually missed talking to some else that understood what he was saying….he missed his friend…he just didn’t know what he did wrong…
“I’ll look into it” Maybe if he could figure out a use for this plant he could get his friend back. Don’t get him wrong, he had no romantic feelings for the girl those feelings were reserved for his precious April but he didn’t have a lot of friends…it was nice having a friend outside is family…He carefully took a small portion of the witchweed and placed in a bag for later use “Anything else you can give me?” He asked
Dinky thought for a moment “Well I can’t think of anything else…I really don’t feel right giving you anything I know is potentially dangerous….there in the other section of the green house” She said pointing to a closed off room with an electronic lock on the door “There are some plants that can eat you whole! But the leaves can cure almost any poison…I’d only let you or anyone in there with Swifty, Luna or myself we know the most about which plant can cure or kill ya” she admitted with a smile
Donnie gulped “Wow…from the looks of it…you’ve got….a variety of deadly plants” He said looking at the sealed door, he know from the size of the green house alone that the area he currently stood in was only but a quarter of the actually size of the total building…as far Donatello knew the green house was divided into multiple section each with a specified designation for certain plants…the current location he stood in was the medicinal section of the green house…
He was also aware that Mikey was in the edible section of the greenhouse accompanied by Master Splinter. Said mutants were have a discussion of which Donnie could only cringe at his own memory….the talk was something he was bound to never forget….but with Mikey’s new found interest in females he supposed it was necessary…
In another section of the greenhouse was Raphael and oddly enough Mona Lisa, the dragon asked Raph for help gathering berries in the strictly fruit designated area…Raph had protested at first but after Mona whispered something into his ear he complied rather quickly to help the dragon. Mona was going to dye some fabric with the berry juices.
Leo however was training upon request from Princess Luna on battle tactics and command….basically he was being forced to play chess with her. Splinter even approved it agreeing that it would help improve his strategic planning for future battles.
Swifty was currently in her lab doing heaven knows what, Donnie wasn’t able to get any information out of her since she started giving him the cold shoulder….
Donnie sighed softly…his mind drifting to April for a moment she had been acting strange lately, the poor purple banded turtle just didn’t understand what was going on anymore girls were so mysterious to him. April was currently at school with Casey but they would be coming around later…Casey just couldn’t get enough of these magical ponies, dare he say fanboyed over this little village…
Rolling his eyes at the thought Donatello gathered the witchweed and turned to the exit bidding Dinky a goodbye as he left. The artificial sun stinging his eyes as he stepped out of Dinky’s greenhouse, his brown eyes taking in the sunny green fields of Settlement Town, and the small village that lay before him. The genus was unable to believe that all this existed underground and that there was a community that openly excepted him and his strange family without judgement.
Taking in a deep breath his lung filling with the fragrant air of this little place, the trees and floral blooms that the ponies planted left Donnie feeling relaxed and put a smile on his face. He headed off wanting to get back to his lab and start figuring out what to do with this magical plant.
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Raphael growled as he held the basket filled with mixed berries, “How did you know about THAT!” He demanded looking at Mona the desire to kill raising by the minute.
The dragon smirked and chuckled “Well it’s not MY fault your lips are loose when you are” She said placing a few extra blackberries in the basket
“I am never drinking again!” Ralph snarled as Mona chuckled pressing a berry to his lips.
“You say that now, but believe me once you’ve had your first taste….” Mona smirked as Raph allowed her to feed him the sweet ripe berry “You don’t stop till the taps dry” She said watching the tough mutant blush with a growl.
The red banded turtle looked away from Mona a blush painted on his cheeks as he chewed on the berry and wondered why he even let her feed him the stupid thing! Fluttershy had asked him to help her with some animals but Mona blackmailed him into helping her!
Mona sighed, poor little turtle crushing on a married mare…well all the more fun for her. She looked at him up and down. She was going to have so much fun dressing this hothead up in ridiculously fancy outfits.
Raph shuddered at the way she looked at him, like a little girl that just got a new Ken doll…he frowned “You better not dress me up in anything stupid or I swear I’ll tear everything to shreds!” he snarled causing Mona Lisa to laugh at his declaration.
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Mikey was looking at Splinter with a terrified look in his large blue eyes, why did he have to tell him this stuff!? Oh dude this was the worse thing EVER! Mikey opened his mouth in an attempt to speak but found he couldn’t even say a word. For the first time in his life he was actually speechless.
“That my son is why it so important to remember this simple edict her body, her rules. If she says no then you are to reframe from any action, understand?” Splinter questioned his poor disturbed son….
Mikey scuttled away from his father looking at him “G…got it Father” He said frightened while his mind was still contemplating the whole ‘talk’ Splinter just gave him.
Splinter chuckled when he spoke with Donatello on this subject it had been a total reversal, with Donatello going to detail about the subject. Still the rat master wasn’t sure how he felt right now…He was in uncharted territory with his four sons; while he always hoped his sons would find love for themselves, he didn’t have a clue how to guide them in this situation…
“Daddy…” Mikey said softly eyes looking to the ground, a tiny pout on his lips as he rubbed his shoulder “Do you think….I mean…Swifty been kinda cold to Donnie…and I’m like happy about that…but…does that mean I gotta chance?” His voice was somewhat quivering as he spoke. The orange banded turtle felt his heart pounding in his shell he couldn’t look at Splinter feeling somewhat embarrassed by his question…
A smile graced the old rat’s face, “My son…” He placed a hand under Mikey’s chin and lifted his eyes upwards getting the youngster to look at him in “The path to true love is one riddled with hardships; however, you need only remember this…a heart encased in ice can only be melted by a warm sun.” He said removing his hands
The young turtle blinked “What’s that gotta do with Swifty?” He questioned scratching his head in confusion and folded his arms over his shell.
Splinter chuckled lightly “It means you need only be yourself and if it happens, it happens what you must always remember is that…sometime we cannot force other to feel the way we wish…be prepared for the worst but always hope for the best” With that Splinter turned away from his son and began to leave the greenhouse.
Michelangelo watched as Splinter left, his own blue eyes glancing around the green house. Was this how Donnie felt when it came to April? He really needed to stop teasing his older brother. He suddenly shook his head and gave himself a quick slap on the face “Dude! It’s like Splinter said! Something about a cold heart melting from sun! And ain’t no sun brighter then me!” He said confidently as he headed towards the door.
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Leo grumbled as he scratched his head, after what felt like hours and hours of listening to rules he sent even more hours getting his butt kicked at a extremely boring board game! His left eye had a slight tick to it as he watched Luna once again claim another victory.
Luna frowned as she looked upon Leonardo “Little one, your not concentrating on your strategies.” She said gently hoping to encourage him “Chess is about planning your next five moves…it about thinking ahead” She explained for what was more then likely the hundredth time that day.
“I know!” Leo snapped feeling irritated “And I have been planning! You just…keep…winning!” He looked away slouching in his chair and putting a hand under his chin
The Princess of the Night frowned “What is really bothering you? Is the situation with Karai weighting on your mind?” she asked trying to figure out why the eldest turtle was having such problems playing the game.
With a grumble Leonardo looked away “A part of me…really wanted to believe Karai was telling the truth…she learned in the end that Splinter is her true father…but he lost her…again” He slammed his fist on the table.
“I once was lost…in the mists of my own jealousy….I lost my way and pushed away the only family I had” Luna said softly closing her eyes, “However…anything that is lost can be found. A small group of friends helped me find my way back to light, love, and family” She placed a hand on top of Leonardo’s “Focus on bring her back not on losing her”
Leonardo blinked as he took in Luna’s words “What exactly happened to you? I mean you mention often enough that something bad happened to you…but you never go into detail…” He blinked curiously at her.
“That is a story for another time…sometimes speaking of ones own pain….is hard” Luna looked away from the child “I might one day tell your family my crimes” she flattened her ears to her head in sorrow
The blue terrapin looked at the chess board and moved his knight “Check” He said simply
Luna blinked at the looked at the board “Still so much to learn” She moved her own piece “Check mate” she said taking down his king.
Leonardo groaned in defeat slapping his forehead with his hand “How much longer do we have to play this game?” He asked
Luna only chuckled
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Donnie after making his trek back to the lair filed into his lab and be began taking out the witch weed with a smile on his face “Okay then let’s start with simple grinding it down and boiling it” he said taking a mortar and pestle and began to turn the whole flower into a paste grinding slowly.
The turtle noticed it released a pleasant aroma that he greedily breathed in…his eyes flashed green briefly before he let out a harsh cough and quickly covered his mouth. Donatello blinked for a moment before continuing…
With the plant turned into a nice mush Donnie proceeded to boil in a small little pot he had. The idea was to break down the paste into a liquid.
It was bubbling pleasantly in no time at all, while releasing even more of that pleasant aroma “I just can’t understand why Dinky was having such trouble? Already this plant is showing promise as an air freshener!” He inhaled the smell, his eyes flashing green again…he let out a churr from his throat feeling a tingling pleasure corse through his body without even realizing it he lower his beak to the boiling liquid letting it slip past his lips and flow down his throat…
Donatello suddenly flew backwards, green flashes of energy flowing over his body, his ever cell feeling super charged! He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, the gentle brown was now blaring green “I feel REALLY good!” He chuckled holding up his hands and looking at them he could feel energy surging through him!
“Donatello come to practice” The voice of his father echoed through his lab…
Donnie snapped to attention turning towards the door and growled, why did Splinter always have to interrupted him!? Always when he was in the middle of studying! Letting out a growl he grabbed his bo staff and marched out of the lab and towards the dojo. He almost felt like a storm was brewing deep down in side of him…
Four turtles all sitting in a row, practice was about to begin for the evening. All four turtles keeping their heads bowed and listening to Master Splinter as he spoke; however, one little turtle wasn’t…one little turtle was growing more and more annoyed by the minute….couldn’t they just get this over with? Couldn’t Splinter hurry this up?
The rat master was notching something off with his purple toting son…something wasn’t right…the very fur on the back of Splinter’s neck was standing on edge, his eyes narrowed as he turned to Donatello….his spirit felt off “Donatello your and Raphael will start” he needed to see how this will play out
Raph smirked as he and Donnie circled the dojo looking for an opening to strike “Well brainiac you might as well drop the staff and give up now” he taunted the purple turtle.
“Do you EVER shut up!” Donatello sneered looking at Raphael…damn him! Raph was always taunting him! Always bullying him! Talking down to him…making him feel…inferior…his eyes flashing green…
The red turtle only smirked at getting Donnie’s ire up so early “Aww did I hit a nerve?” He sneered sarcastically to his brother
Splinter suddenly had a bad feeling as he watched his brilliant son carefully, something was terribly off…
Donatello glared at his older brother “Your a complete moron who can hardly read without help…Mr. Dyslexic turtle!” He shouted swing his bo staff forward “Your so pathetic that you gave up within two days of ME trying to help you!”
Raph blinked and growled blushing bright red “What the shell Donnie! You prom…” He was cut off from speak when Donatello’s staff gave him a sudden slap across the face.
The other turtle had moved faster then normal, his body was emitting an eery green glow “What’s the matter brother dearest? You can dish out the humiliation but obviously can’t take it” He smirked feeling superior at the moment, he felt so powerful!
Leonardo got to his feet in an instant he had never seen Donnie act like this before, normally the purple turtle was so pacify but this…something was wrong….very wrong…
“Donnie is acting all dark and stuff” Mikey commented a hint of fear in his voice, the youngest turtle always the empathic of the group was feeling some serious negative vibes coming off his bro, he didn’t understand where this suddenly came from!
Smirking Donatello balled his fist as he approached Raphael with a smirk, his eyes glowing green and all that energy he felt was being focused into his fist. He charged at Raph….
The red banded turtle could only look on in shock as Donnie charged at him, everything seemed to slow down in that moment…
Splinter stepped in front of Donnie taking the full blunt of the attack as green energy expelled from Donatello’s fist and sent the ninja master flying back into the wall with a loud crash “Donatello…” Splinter said clutching his side “My son what has happened to you?” he questioned weakly as he stumbled to his feet.
The other three turtles could only stare in shock at what had just happened, none could find the words to say or even the will to speak.
“I’m done” Donatello said not even feeling the least bit concerned for his father, “I have more important things to research then wasting my time with this ninja crap” He stated as he turned and walked away
Once the genus turtle was out of the room the three remaining rushed to their father’s side to tend to his.
“Father!” Leonardo shouted not even sure what to do and even more afraid to lay a hand on him. Confusion was etched on his face “What was that?”
Mikey looked away his blue eyes filled with water and sorrow “Something was wrong with Donnie…something…bad man” He said hugging himself. The orange turtle turned to the dojo exit, what was that? The green stuff coming off Donnie…what was it….he blinked “Magic…” he whispered it had to be magic…
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Donnie was back in his lab, he had crushed and brewed more of the witchweed. He needed more had to have more! He picked up the flask and brought to his lips greedily drinking it down. He felt the wicked energy flowing right through his vains and laughed as he brought up a hand “I can do anything with this power! I can’t believe Swift Heart thought witchweed was useless! HAHA” He laughed sending out a green burst of energy and decimating one of his work tables with gleeful insanity.
He brought both of his hand up to look at them “With this power…I could do anything! Defeat Shredder, The Krang!! Even….” a dark smile crossed his face “Get rid of my so-called ‘rival’ hehe” a sinister chuckle erupted from Donatello as he began to plan…first he would need more witchweed…
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April had made her way into Settlement Town, she wanted to try and get to know the girls a little better…at least that was what she was telling herself…these girls had been training their whole lives to fight…like guys had been…they had the skills and talents similar to the boys…
The red head was heading to the castle figuring they were there if not she’d try the training arena next. The village seemed to be preparing for something a holiday perhaps? Maybe Valentines day? There were quite a few bright red hearts and red banners being hung around and everyone seemed to be extra cuddly with each other.
“Oh!” A voice cried out as April collided with another body and felt something hard it her head.
“Ouch!” April yelped grabbing her head as she looked to see what hit her and blinked “A…crown?” She looked up blinking she knew Luna would never bump into anyone! So who did she bump into?!
Pink….VERY pink…she had wings and a horn like Luna but she was pink with a purple, yellow and magenta mane. April blinked not recognizing this mare at all “Um…sorry” she said hopeful that this Alicorn wasn’t quick to anger…
The mare smiled “It’s alright accidents happen” She said cheerfully as she keeled down to pick up her crown and placed it upon her head. The mysterious princess then turned her head to look at April.
“Um…I’m April O’Neil nice to meet you….your highness” She said awkwardly “Sorry for bumping into you…I wasn’t really paying attention”
“I’m Princess Cadance and it alright I wasn’t paying attention either, Aunt Luna asked me to visit Settlement Town and over see preparations for Hearts and Hooves Day. This year is particularly special since its the first in twelve year since two Alicorns have reunited it’s given many something to hope for” She said gently before giggling “But truth be told I think Aunt Luna just wanted me to visit her”
April looked confused for a moment as she stifled a laugh “Hearts and Hooves Day? What’s that? Is it like Valentines Day?” She asked holding her hands behind her back.
The Princess smiled “I don’t know what Valentines Day is but Hearts and Hooves Day remembers the love of a young prince giving a love potion to his beloved princess.” Cadence began explaining the story to the young human happily.
The red head thought for a moment “So they are really love potions? Its not just some made up stuff?” She asked feeling somewhat concerned by this new information
“Yes but, love potions are highly illegal!” Cadence said sternly frowning at the very thought of love potions “Love potion don’t influence real love…just the feeling of being in love, real love is a magic that can’t be duplicated by anything” She paused a moment Before continuing.
“Evening my love magic, it doesn’t make ponies fall in love but reminds them of their memories of being in love” The princess was silent for a moment as she looked over the young human…a gentle smile crossed her face once again “I could use some help, would you be my assistant for the day?” She asked
April blinked for a moment, “Well…sure!” She smiled feeling pretty excited about being an assistant to a real princess. Turning around and taking a place besides the princess the two began walking.
Cadance smiled “Aunt Luna decided she wanted this Hearts and Hooves day to be held in a fair like style, so first thing we’ll do is try some of the food that will be served! I hope you like chocolate!”
The red head’s eyes lite up “Oh I think I can total handle chocolate” She said brightly feeling at ease with Cadence “Would it be alright to ask a question? I mean beside the one I just asked….”
The mare nodded, years of baby sitting Twilight had taught her one thing. The best way to get someone to talk about their problems was to let them do so on their own…
“I heard from the girls…your the princess of love, so…when you met your husband…how do know…you were in love?” April asked brushing some hair from her face, “And I mean you are a princess, and he was just guard how did you…I mean weren’t you worried about what other would think? About the future you would have?”
Cadance giggled softly “Before he was a guard back in high school, Shinning was a nerd” She said confidently, “He was into table top gaming and all short of nerdy stuff not very popular, and I was the popular filly simply because I was a princess” She said thinking back to that time long ago, “I loved him the moment I first saw him”
April blinked “So he wasn’t some sports team captain?” she asked honestly surprised by this revelation.
“The captain of the polo team was interested, he was popular with everpony and every filly thought he was the best looking but under it all was a shallow jerk and he was rude to every pony even my Aunt Celestia” Cadence frowned at the memory “He believed because he was so good looking, because he was so rich that only he deserved a happily ever after”
The red head looked away for a moment, why was she even asking this question. She knew looks were only skin deep, she knew personality mattered more! She knew all that! So…why was she torn?
“Love isn’t about choosing the easiest path April” Cadence said cutting through her thoughts, “Sometimes you need to be brave enough to love someone even if society says otherwise” There was a knowing smile on the princess’ face.
April blushed and looked away “So…chocolate tasting” she changed subject
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Luna blinked “From what you’ve described…it sounds like Donatello has come in contact with dark magic…but seeing as how he’s never used magic before…I must admit…I don’t know how this is possible” The princess of the night admitted as she poured tea for her guest Splinter.
“I sensed great darkness within him, and what he did during practice wasn’t like him at all….he is my gentlest of sons…” Splinter spoke worry evident in his voice. He needed answers and a means to save his son…
“Dark magic can and will corrupt the user’s mind and soul, we must stop this before it escalates…we find the source and destroy it” Luna said absolution a fiery determination burning in her eyes as she poured a heaping amount of sugar into her tea and took a sip.
Splinter raised an eyebrow “Do you take tea with your sugar?” He questioned looking at her.
“Sweet things makes us most happy” Luna shot back frowning with her cheeks puffed out, she couldn’t help it! Tea was very bitter and needed sugar.
Bonbon walked in and placed a fruit plate before the two “No Luna I’m not bring out any sweet cakes today, the doctor said your blood pressure was a little high the last time” The creme colored mare said before Luna could protest.
Luna twitched “You’ve been giving me a lot of cheek lately Bonbon have you forgotten who the mighty princess of the night is?” She questioned with a glare.
“No but I also haven’t forgotten who ate all the sweet LAST NIGHT and no it wasn’t Swift Heart she was in her lab all night” Bonbon glared at Luna “And I’d also like to remind you some of those sweets were for the Hearts and Hooves day celebration for tomorrow night!” she hissed
Luna looked away ear flattened against her head as she sipped her tea and munched on a strawberry “I haven’t a clue as to what your talking about” She said trying to play innocent as Bonbon smirked victoriously walking away.
“You two act like a daughter and mother” Splinter chuckled with a slight smile before frowning again as he thought about his son Donatello “I will take my leave…I need to figure out what is wrong with Donatello and where he some how obtained dark magic” The rat turned to leave.
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Donnie smirked as he entered Dinky’s greenhouse, he noticed the unicorn wasn’t alone “Hello Swift Heart” He greeted looking at the pegasus before addressing “Dinky I could use some more witchweed, I used up the last batch” his eyes flashed green as he eagerly made his way over to the plant.
“Witchweed” Swift Heart mumbled as her eyed went as wide a saucers. She watched Donatello’s movements, watched his body language, and mostly watched his eyes. She folded her ears back and moved away as Donatello began gathering a rather large amount of witchweed.
Dinky didn’t noticed anything different as she handed Swifty a small bag of dried tea leaves “Heres that tea you wanted! The citrus blend” She said smiling as the magenta mare absentmindedly took the small bag.
“I didn’t know you like citrus flavored tea” Donnie said turning back to look at the girls a lopsided smile crossing his face. He stepped towards the girls, the turtle noticed Swifty stepping away from him causing him to frown in disgust “Why do you move away from me? Why are you scared?” he demanded eyes flashing green with anger.
Swift Heart bit her lip to keep from gasping and drawing more attention to her, “No reason Donatello” she looked away. Swifty sniffed the air as Donatello approached her…a sweet smell wavered off him, her eyes narrowed “I need to get something from my lab” She said quickly taking her leave.
Dinky blinked “Swifty! Really that child, you’ve been trying so hard to be friends with her, and she’s just acting like a brat!” the unicorn’s fur bristled up as her cheeks puffed up “I’ll talk to her later” She said pulling out some preening scissors to get some extra cuts.
Donatello shook his head “Don’t worry I want to talk to her on my own, but I’ve got other things to do first….I really need to talk to Casey first” He smirked and left with the witchweed in his bag
The unicorn looked confused “I thought he disliked Casey?”
A few moments later the three other turtles came run in looking freaked out and worried
“Dinky!” Leo exclaimed taking hold of her shoulders “Was Donnie here? We need to find him!” He said with such urgency
Mikey stepped forward “Luna thinks he’s under the influence of dark magic! He was totally tripping out at practice and shoot off evil vibes!” He shouted
“He actually beat me!” Raphael stated with a glare “Got any clue how Donnie got involved with dark magic” He insinuated something with his tone.
Said unicorn cocked her head to the side “The only thing I gave him was Witchweed…Swifty said it was useless so I asked Donnie if he could find a use for it” she said simply looking at the boys “He was hoping to be friends with her again…”
Mikey twitched “Friend?! That fiend!” his face contorted in an angry pout “He’s so evil he finally gave up on April and is now going after the best girl in the universe!” he said only to get slapped in the back of the head by Raph
“Just tell us where Donnie went” Raph said rolling his eyes “I need to get some serious payback for earlier!” he snapped
Leonardo slapped his forehead “Raphael! Michelangelo! This is a bigger problem then your love life or your pride! Donnie is in trouble we could end up losing our own brother!” He shouted
“Well…Donnie did say he wanted to talk to Casey…” Dinky said as the boys suddenly rushed out “Oh….that should have been a clue” she scratched her head as her ears drooped slightly and quickly followed after them.
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Casey and Mona Lisa were currently shouting at the TV in the back of Mona’s fashion studio, watching a collage hockey game and each rooting for the other team. The two hockey fans were cheering and shouting, throwing popcorn into the air and stuffing their faces with junk food.
“Dude these fudge cakes Pinkie made are awesome!” Casey said stuffing another chocolaty cake into his mouth “And it even better when you have all your teeth” He laughed
Mona laughed wiping her face “I’d share my sapphire cupcakes with ya but it might break those pearly white” She teased crunching into a jewel studded cake “OH Look at that another point for my team! GO! GO! GO! TEAM!” She hollered loudly
The two fist bumped as the game continued, they didn’t even hear the purple banded turtle enter from the front door. Donnie smirked as he heard the sounds of joy ringing from the back, currents of dark magic traveled up and down his arms as he approached the sounds a maniacal smile etched on his face…
“Donatello” The turtle nearly jumped out of his shell and turned around to come beak to snout with Swift Heart “I require your assistance in my lab now” she said sternly leaving no room for argument “It has to do with the witchweed I have found a way to make it even more powerful” She said looking him in the eyes “It’ll make you even stronger, nothing will stop you but only if you help me”
The turtle blinked “So you were working on it the whole time?” He inquired to the girl stepping closer to her. He noticed this time she didn’t back away, perhaps uncovering what witchweed did finally got her to open up to him.
“Indeed, I’ve been working with witchweed for quite awhile” Swifty said folding her ears back as she crossed her arms “Come quickly the time grow short with ever seconding passing” she said expressing a sense of urgency and left quickly.
Donnie rolled his eyes well what harm was it to indulge her? If he had to think about it she never really asked much of him anyway…smiling “Very well I know where Casey is…I’ll deal with him later” He followed Swifty close behind.
“Hey did you hear something?” Mona asked slurping down some cola and looking confused.
Casey let out a belch and laughed “nah, your hearing things” stuffing more food in his mouth.
A moment later four people came running in “Casey!” Ralph shouted looking frightened and relieved as he saw his friend unharmed.
Both hockey fans looked confused for a moment and glanced at each other before turning to the turtles.
“Where’s Dorkatello?” Casey asked scratching his head in confusion as to what was evening going.
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“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much chocolate in my life!” April said rubbing her stomach and laughing as she stumbled out of Pinkie Pie’s bakery with Cadence. April stretched her back and smiled brightly.
Cadance smiled it was nice to see the young human relieved of her stress and worry “I'm glad to see you feeling better” She said putting a hand on the young girl’s shoulder.
April couldn’t help but return the smile, “So what are we doing….next” Her smile fell when she turned her head away and spotted a familiar turtle walking side by side with a short pegasus “D…Donnie?” she felt as though her heart was in a vice clamp that was growing tighter by the second as she watched the two being all friendly…was Donnie looking at Swifty with the same warm filled eye that often stared at her?
The princess of love looked at the girl with a knowing look in her eyes “I think your beginning to realize your own heart” She said softly as she glanced at the two…something…something wasn’t right with the purple turtle….she looked back at the girl “April come with me” She began leading the girl off…
Donnie looked at Swift Heart as they walked, “Why don’t we hurry this up? I can feel the Witchweed adding from my veins” He growled holding up his hand and forming a green ball of energy.
Swifty looked at him cocking her ears as began walking faster “Flying is faster but alas you have no wings follow” She said sternly. The pegasus knew she had to take it slow, she had to let the witchweed drain from his system “Magic of this potency must be dealt with patients”
The turtle growled his eyes flashing green “Don’t test MY patients” he snarled speeding up to keep pace with her…
The young pegasus glanced away from Donatello and noticed the red headed and Princess Cadence. She felt somewhat glad to have made the annoying girl upset, “Why does one so intelligent as you waste your time aspiring to court such a maiden? What spark does she inspire in you?” She asked
Donatello blinked “April? She so lovely, cool, smart, brave, and so beautiful” he sighed thinking about his precious April oh what he would do to have her in his arms! To sweep her off the ground and swoon for him as the turtle moaned for her.
A scowl made its way to Swifty’s face but held her tongue for the moment with Donatello’s current condition speaking her mind would only cause him to lash out. Her eyes glanced around thankfully during their chat they had managed to walk all the way to her lab. She looked up at him and opened the door “After you” she motioned for him to enter.
“finally” Donatello thought smirking as he entered followed by Swift Heart and the sound of a locking door. The purple turtle turned sharply towards the little filly “What was that?!” He demanded the dark energy pulsing through his body.
“Ensuring we aren’t disturbed” Swifty said brushing by him and walking over to her cauldron and picked up a vile that was placed on a table besides the cauldron. She glanced at Donatello “Drink this and your power will be increased” She handed him the vile
The turtle took the vile and examined it, the liquid inside smelled just like the witchweed he licked his lips and drank it in one gulp “Ahhh…” He sigh contently as he felt the energy flow through him again.
Swift Heart picked up a medical mask and slipped it over her muzzle, she turned from Donatello and grimaced when she heard the turtle teen regurgitating all over her lab floor…it was necessary…she folded back her ears as she heard Donatello gagging and huffing…just a little more…just a little more…she heard more retching before a thump….
Swifty turned to the now unconscious turtle laying in a mixture of green and blue slim…she had to work quickly…
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Donatello opened his eyes, his mouth felt like cotton balls, his body felt drained of all strength, and his stomach felt like a hot iron rod had been forced inside and burned his entire gut from the inside out….he became aware that his gear and been stripped and he had been strapped down to a medical bed…
There was an IV in his arms and clear fluids in a hanging bag next to him, he also noticed another IV this one was attached to a bag filled with sparkling green liquid…what was going on?
“Try not to move, detoxification can be…vary unpleasant…” Swift Heart said suddenly popping into view as she looked him over pulling a warm comforter over him “I’ve already informed your family of what happened to you…but its time…I tell you what happened and more”
Donnie looked confused “Detox? But I never took…any kind of drugs…” he said hoarsely and watched as Swifty shook her head…
The little pegasus was silent “I sabotaged any attempt Dinky made to use the witchweed…because I knew the truth behind it…most creatures have ready access to their magical cores” She began taking a seat next to the bed and checking Donatello’s pulse.
“For some accessing it like a unicorn could is impossible…Witchweed…was created through dark arts in a far off land Zeboraca the Land Zebra tribes…but this plant wasn’t created by the zebras…it was created by the lioness tribe” Swifty picked up a bowl of water near by and brought it to Donnie’s lips and helped him to slowly drink “lioness tribe was very envious of the zebra’s powers, their spirituality, and inner strength…the lioness tribe once ruled all of the Zeboraca”
“What does this have to do with me?” Donatello asked moving his mouth away from the water not sure where this was going at all…and he had a feeling he wasn’t going to like it…
Swifty placed the bowl down and picked up a towel she had close by and began wiping his face, “The Zebra Tribe brought order to the chaos the Lioness tribe had placed upon the savanna…the Lioness in retaliation summoned a demon spirit that ‘blessed’ them with the magical plant…witchweed” she scowled angrily and stood up.
Donnie watched as Swifty moved away from him…her whole demeanor seemed off…her wings were drooping as were her ears…her back was turned to him “What happened…what does witchweed do?” He pressed for more information…
“It enhances a creature’s ability to use their magical core; however, it corrupts both the mind and soul of the user on top of being a highly addictive narcotic” She said moving back to her seat “They thought they could over power the Zebra Tribe…their assumption was incorrect…they were banished from the land” her eyes narrowed, “But they failed to learn their lesson through painful defeat” again she sneered
Donnie looked down at himself, “So…I unknowingly took a very bad drug” he said holding up his hands, “It felt…so good to be so strong!” he said balling his fists “I even beat Raph!”
“But it wasn’t really your true strength…” Swift Heart said putting her hands on top of his and forcing them down “Witchweed enhanced your physicals ability…”
“But how do you know so much about this stuff!?” Donatello said suddenly getting angry at her pulling his hands away “And what was this about sabotaging your own sister?!” he glared suddenly feeling as though it was all Swift Heart’s fault
The young mare looked away taking back her hands, “Before the fall of Equis…I lived in Northern Mountain region…Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ruled the Southern region…” She paused “Now you may think they ruled all of Equis because they raised and lowed the sun and moon…” She shook her head “But this was not so…”
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Luna sighed as she looked at the worried family before “The Northern Mountain region as well as other parts of Equis weren’t under our rule and we preferred it that way…my sister and I didn’t believe in ruling over the entirety of the world…each country had it’s own government and system of leadership…” She explained to the group
“The Northern Mountain region was divided into seven separate domains, each controlled by a different family” Luna looked away “I don’t know much about the domain Swift Heart came from…it was a place called Crystal Valley…Swift Heart has told me of her short time their…but it is not my place to share her past…”
Splinter looked as though he wanted to speak, to demand an answer from the princess, he placed a hand on his head and sighed “Of all things I feared for my children drugs were never something to cross my mind…I always talked about this situation with them…I warned them…”
Luna placed a hand on the rat’s shoulder “This was a drug not even I knew of…much one that exist in this world you couldn’t have known…not even a princess know everything”
“Enough! I just want to know if Donnie is going to be alright!” Ralph demanded slamming his hands on the table with a glare “All this stupid magic stuff! All this stupid….stupid EVERYTHING!!” He shouted tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
A gentle hand placed itself on the hothead’s shoulder “Raph…we’re all worried about Donnie…but getting angry isn’t going to help…we need to be there for him…support him in his recovery” Leonardo said trying to console his little brother “I’m just as worried too”
Mikey smiled “Besides he’s in good hands…cute hands….” The orange turtle said getting a dreamy look in his eyes again…only to get slapped upside the head by Leonardo and Raphael.
April looked on the verge of tears “But does only Swift Heart know how to help Donnie?” She demanded, “Why don’t you just use your magic to cure him!?” she shouted at the princess
“I can’t tell you…that is only for Swift Heart to tell…it’s her tale” Luna said getting up from her seat “I’ll have Bonbon bring you something to settle your nerves…I have my duties to tend to” with that said the lunar princess too her leave…
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“Only Princess Luna knows the truth about me…not even my adopted sisters nor Lyra and Bonbon know of this” Swifty said placing another bag of the sparkling green liquid “Crystal Valley was a mining domain, some of the rarest ores could only be found there…. the area was controlled by the Duke Rep he was a Hippogriff” The young pegasus said retaking her seat.
Donnie watched her for a moment, “I’m guessing this Duke was important for some reason…and for some reason he means something to you…”
“Your right…Duke Rep married a Lioness named Catrina, this lioness came to the valley not only for the valuable ores that were there…but also the soil…it was perfect for growing her witchweed…” Swift Heart said darkly, “Catrina charmed her way into Duke Rep’s heart and made him solely devoted to her…they married several years before I was born…”
Donatello gulped “She used witchweed to exert her control over him…and the valley” he guessed and frowned when Swifty nodded suddenly pieces were forming in his head…
“Duke Rep was completely under her spell..however…he could only remain under her spell as long as he was happy…he wanted something that Catrina couldn’t give him…Witchweed made impossible…” Swifty looked at him with a variety of emotions showing in her face “He wanted children…Catrina would hire any female desiring money to bare Duke Rep children…”
“You were one of his kids weren’t you?” Donnie said feeling a lump form in his throat, “How many kids were there?” He asked
Swift Heart was silent for a moment “I was the youngest of 13 mixed half siblings…my mother was a unicorn mare whom wished to leave crystal valley…and that’s all I knew”
“M..ixed? You had thirteen older siblings? I can’t even imagine how that might have been” Donnie stuttered staring at her with saddened eyes, “Go on…tell me more”
Swifty looked away “It was hard…everyone always tried to one up each sibling…being the youngest made me the easiest target…” The pain that shined in her eyes was evident “Before I learned to fly…I was thrown down a mine shaft that was closed off due to an infestation of rock worms…” she wrapped her wings around herself shivering.
With her ears folded back Swift Heart spoke softly “Enough about that, my past is just that and I shall speak no more of it. Catrina used witchweed and used her dark magic to enslave the citizens of Crystal Valley…the day Equis fell I was leaving Crystal Valley…I was running away to find something better then that life…I didn’t even know what I was looking for…” She looked at Donnie “I still don’t know if I’ve found what I seek…I don’t know if my journey had ended…”
Donatello was silent for a moment “When I yelled at you…and…grabbed you…” he felt so stupid! All the signs had been there! The purple turtle took a breath “Swifty why did you share this with me?”
The pegasus looked away again “How else can I explain what I know? When I was young…I hid in the one place the other never looked…my special place…the library…it had all the knowledge I needed..I knew I couldn’t stop Catrina…I had to leave…what I required for the detox potion…was more knowledge…something I couldn’t acquire there…It was only in Southern part of Equestria in which I attain the information" She said softly, “I can cure you…it shouldn’t have happened…if only I had told Dinky the truth…this whole situation is my fault” she turned and left him before Donatello could ask anymore questions…
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The family was still waiting for news when the magenta pony came into the room looking at them “Donatello will be fine, since the affliction was caught before it could spiral too far he’ll recover quite quickly. I have given the detox cure and by morning’s light will be released from my care till then he shall remain in isolation” She said walking past them.
Raphael stood up “That’s it?! That’s all you have to say!” He shouted clearly not happy about the situation, he wanted to know what the big secret Swift Heart was hiding “Hey! Don’t you walk away!” he shouted
Master Splinter stood quickly and placed a hand on his hotheaded son’s shoulder “Raphael…a persons past is never easy to speak of, let her be…” he commanded sternly and turned to his other two sons “We shall go home and return in the morning” he left no room for argument as he removed his hand from Raphael’s shoulder and turned to the ponies “We shall return in the morning thank you for taking care of my son” he bowed to them and headed out of the room…
Leonardo look turned to Dinky “I think you should talk to Swifty now that you know she sabotaged your previous efforts…you deserve answers” he said following Splinter as Raph followed silently behind him leaving Mikey the last to leave…
Michelangelo stood up a look of pain sorrow etched on his face as he looked at Luna “I don’t blame her…ya know she had her reasons and this could have happened to any of my bros it was just like an accident man…” He said following his family
Bonbon sighed after the turtles had left “Why can’t Swifty tell us what she knew!? This whole sad situation could have been avoided if she just opened up to us!” Bonbon said frustrated as she rubbed forehead shaking her head. “I really try to get close to her I do! But she always seems miles away!”
Putting a hand on Bonbon’s shoulder and pulling the mare into a gentle hug Lyra rest her chin on top of Bonbon’s head and gently rubbed her back “Bonny…don’t be like this…yelling didn’t help, bribing didn’t help, all we can do is what we’ve been doing…keep trying and just stay patient with her” she said softly kissing Bonbon’s hair “For whatever reason she scared of us, we just have to keep trying to help her…”
“Your wrong…she opened up to me…she felt we were similar because of my past…because of my feelings toward Celestia…” Luna said lowering her gaze “I should have told you everything I knew but not even I knew that Dinky had obtained witchweed…it was a foolish of me to not keep a closer eye on them…but blaming ourselves will not change the situation all we can do is move forward” Luna said looking up and smile “We shall all move past this and become stronger for it” The other two mares nodded with a smile.
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Dinky out of all of them was the most enraged by the situation, all of her hard work was for nothing all because Swift Heart kept a secret! All because her ‘so-called little sister’ sabotaged her efforts to make witchweed useful!
Said unicorn was current in the training arena going through her combat training in angry not believing that because of Swift Heart one of their friends could have been seriously hurt! “AH!” Dinky shouted firing a blast of water into the air and slicing at it with her trident. She spun her weapon around and jabbing at the air…She was angry!
“Hey Dinky” A soft voice spoke out suddenly causing the unicorn to stop her practice, Dinky looked at Mona and frowned as the dragon stepped forward towards her “Need a sparing partner?”
Dinky shook her head “I just want to be a lone right now! I can’t believe instead of just telling me about witchweed she purposefully ruined all my attempts to use the stupid flower! Why did she keep this from us!? From me! I thought we had grown close enough to know everything!” She shouted stopping her hoof on the ground.
Mona shook her head “D you and I have always known Swifty had ya know…issues we only met her when she was only four years old we don’t know what had happened back then” The dragoness stepped forward “We’re not phycologist…and well a pony hasn’t actually shown up…Swifty needs help in ways we can’t help her, but the most we can do…is stay by her”
The unicorn shook her head “How!? How can I stay by her? How can I lead her if she won’t even open up!? I’m tired of secrets!” Dinky shouted strapping her weapon to her back and storming away “I’m done with her pathetic attitude! This ends now!”
Mona blinked for a moment before quickly breathing fire and stopped Dinky in her track “Don’t even think about it! Right now your acting out of anger! So knock it off!” She shouted and left Dinky
Dinky said nothing as the fire died down, “I’m not backing down this time…” She said leaving the arena “A team without trust can’t function…I am getting to the bottom of this once and for all”
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Donatello stared at the all the things around him, it was strange being the patient instead of the doctor even stranger to be in someone else’s lab. When he had first entered this lab he thought it was utterly ridicules with all the bubbles blowing around and the giant teddy bears thrown about like a giant mess…however laying here it didn’t seem so ridicules…the way the bubbles just floated around and the light they reflected all colors of the rainbow and seemed to danced around the giant bears…it was comforting…he swore he could even hear a soft music box playing in the background…
The purple turtle was feeling much more clear headed, he was also thinking about what he needed to do next…he closed his eyes…
Swifty would come in and out changing the liquid drops from his IV she wouldn’t say anything, more then likely for not knowing what to say. Donatello sighed as he thought about what he had learned…coming from a background of abuse was never easy to overcome and she never had anyone to really talk to…he smiled well he knew the best cure to help her…it was something he couldn’t do…this, if he was honest with himself, was a job better suited to ironically Mikey…when it come to the heart he had a natural empathic sense…maybe that’s why Mikey had fallen so hard for her…because she needed him…and Mikey knew it.
“Hey Swifty…can we…can we be friends?” It seemed like a childish thing to ask but in this situation it was the best way to get an emotionally detached girl to realize his intentions
The little pegasus blinked at him almost owlishly and cocked her head to the side “You wish to be friends with me?” She looked confused “But from your prior actions toward me it indicated otherwise…”
Donnie sighed “And I was wrong in treating you in such a manner…I only want to be friends Swifty…truth is…I love April and love is something that can’t be forced or even analyzed…it something that happens and when you admitted you liked me…I wanted to push you away I was worried…” Donatello looked at Swift Heart and saw a confused look on her face “I was worried April would try and push me towards you or back away from me…I worried I would lose her” He admitted looking away feeling guilty “And I didn’t treat you right, I should have just told you the truth and from now on I will be more honest with you, I want to be your friend”
Swift Heart blinked cocking her head to the opposite side, it was strange but the little pegasus could have sworn she saw Donnie glowing for a moment….she blinked again “Admittedly my attraction to you was due to your intelligence; however, as I’ve observed your feelings for April are true I already knew such a relationship between us was improbable” She said running a hand through her mane and offering a gentle smile “There are few whom understand what I speak of…friends are a rarity…” she looked at him “I’d like us to be friends”
The two genius smiled in comfort and understanding, the turtle nodded “Friends then…and as friends I’d like to collaborate with you on finding a way to defeat the Krang and finding a retromutagen!” He said confidently “I get the feeling if we put both of our heads together we can do some awesome stuff!”
“I concur with you Donnie, I believe there to be a possibility of my potions adding to the arsenal for future battles after witnessing your smoke bombs…I believe a blinding bomb would be most useful” Swift Heart said putting a hand under her chin.
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April was currently pulling various science and technology magazine off the self as well as getting Donnie’s favorite candies after finding out what had happened the red head wanted to do everything in her power to make Donnie feel better while he recovered from his…drug induced episode…Casey was with her though he wasn’t nearly as concerned as she was…
“April don’t you think that enough? I mean Swifty even said he’d be better in the morning and he ain’t dying!” He said somewhat irritated and crossed his arms over his chest with scowl on his face.
April glared at Casey “But they also said he would need to rest for at least a day or two! Donnie’s mind is like a sponge he’s going to love all these and when your feeling down candy makes you feel better!” She snapped at him and turned making her way to the register.
The Hockey player frowned and followed “You know Swift Heart likes him, maybe you outta back off and let her have him!” He snapped glaring “Stop toying with him when it obvious your with me!”
April suddenly turned and faced “I am NOT with you! I DON’T want to date you and frankly…I think your a jerk!” She shouted slamming everything she was buying on the register counter.
“So what are you saying? You want to date…that FREAK?” Casey shouted at her scratching his head getting angrier by the moment, how was this happening? The only interesting girl he knew was actually considering dating a ugly mutant freak over a devilishly handsome jock like him!?
The red head paid for everything and smiled “He’s not just a freak…he’s my freak and it’s time I stop beating around the bush…” She said walking away and leaving a confused Casey Jones n her wake.