I want to be blinded from this dull today​

[levelshift]

Who: Leonardo faceguy, Donatello purplexing, Accelerator levelshift
What: Three children commit light B&E and felony theft.
When: Late May. Probably after that Fantastic announcement, what timing.
Where: An electronics recycling facility in Central.
Content Warnings: Kids committing crimes, body horror, psychological horror, blood, sensory overloading. These kids have trauma, thanks nightmare floor! Will update as necessary.


[With everything going on in Central City - the flooding, the lockdown, Fantastic taking over the Alliance - the smart thing to do would be to delay this whole mission. Or even better - call it off, because even though it should be a (mostly) harmless crime for the benefit of Donnie, stealing equipment meant to be recycled is still illegal. But no, they've made plans, scoped the place out, trained. Dropping things now would be putting all that time and effort to waste, and besides, it should be a simple stealthy in-and-out mission, right? It's a recycling facility, how bad can the security be?

Besides, it'll be fun to stick it to Fantastic. A heist (albeit, a small one) happening right after he becomes head of the Alliance? Now that's fantastic.

Accelerator isn't too sure what to expect. He's been in a recycling facility before, back in Academy City, and the security was incredibly lax. This is a different city - different universe, with different rules. He's a little cautious, since this was originally his idea, and he's the one with only thirty minutes of power to work with. Otherwise he's a weaker-than-normal high school student relying on two very capable ninjas.

It's fucking weird to be relying on other people. He kind of hates it, and he isn't totally sure why, though he can't exactly overthink it right now like he usually would. He's trying to stay focused on breaking into the facility and not fucking anything up for Donnie and Leo. He's even made something of an effort for tonight, with a duffle bag to store equipment (a smaller backpack is inside for stuff he'll grab for the Society's cut) and a black hoodie in case he needs to hide his hair (he isn't sure, white hair just doesn't seem very stealthy).

So far it's going smoothly. With Leo's planning and leadership and Donnie taking care of the security system they're able to sneak in and avoid the paths of the security guards. In fact, it's going so well that it sort of seems like they might be able to get in, grab what they need, and get out with no incidents whatsoever.

Of course, it's absurd to throw all caution out the window simply because things are working out right now. Especially when they run into their first obstacle.

After dodging a few more guards, the trio will come to a long hallway, the only path to their goal without having to pass directly several security stations. Spread through the length of the hall are little red lasers, arranged into one very elaborate grid meant to ward off would-be thieves such as themselves. It's like something out of a spy movie, and it's unclear whether these are the kinds of lasers that will cut a limb off or simply sound an alarm if tripped. Maybe it's both.

Accelerator leans heavily on his crutch, looking thoroughly irritated with this obstacle. His reflection might be actively detrimental here.]

This is fucking ridiculous.

Comments

[faceguy]

[Ridiculous though it may be, Leo looks excited as he surveys the laser grid before them. This is like a spy movie! Maybe the lasers will even chop something off if they touch them! So cool!

He's also feeling pretty good because this has gone so well so far. Not that they've really told Accelerator about this, but their early attempts at stealth weren't exactly... stealthy. But it's been so smooth this time - no one has noticed their presence, and they haven't had to fight or anything! Turns out all that prep work paid off!

(He's feeling buoyed by it, if he's honest with himself. Maybe he isn't completely terrible at this whole leader thing after all.)]

It's cool is what it is. Who knew there'd be a whole laser grid!

[He eyes it, trying to imagine how they're going to sneak through this. It'd be cool to just do some sick acrobatics across the room like movie ninjas, but Leo is at least thinking of the fact that his shell does not afford him much flexibility. He can do plenty of sweet flips but only when he has the room to accommodate for his rigid spine.]

Any ideas, Dee? Is this something you can hack?

[purplexing]

[It's a good thing they're not criminals or something because they're way too good at this.

It's weird how different things can feel when you actually know you're breaking in to relieve someone of their property than just to break in just to do normal things, like hang out at weird off-hours. But Donnie's glad they've gotten so far without a hitch.

Ah, and now something a little more challenging.]

Kind of a bit much for a facility just expecting to recycle old equipment, don't you think?

[Donnie's already tipped his goggles down, pulling up his holo-interface.]

Well, I can either plot out the safest course to take between the lasers which might require the flexibility of a contortionist...

Oooor I can simply calculate the exact points where the lasers can be redirected in a way that will give us clear access to the other side.

[He studies the laser field ahead of them through his goggles as he taps fiercely at his computer.]

-Got it!

[Not...that anyone else can see what he's seeing, but as soon as he's mapped out positions through his goggles, he lets his mystic-tech do the rest, forming tiny lenses like miniature satellite dishes, flitting about on equally small rotors as he weaves them between lasers to get them into position.

...true if he could do that he could have just conjured a robot or drone to get to the other side and find the off switch, but then he couldn't show off!

He raises his hand like a conductor, giving a sweeping gesture with a finger to send each little drone to move simultaneously, catching the laser beams to refract around a wide, open path while keeping the line from breaking in the case that full disruption could sound the alarm.]

[levelshift]

[Accelerator just sighs a little. This is a bit much, so either they're going to get some good equipment out of this or the person who designed the security system is really, really extra. With this world the way it is, it's a coin toss as to which of those is right.

He's mulling that over while Donnie types away, though partway through that his thoughts wander over to the calculations Donnie is making. It kind of sucks that he can't see them, but he can make a pretty accurate guess as to what they'd be. The lenses are cool as shit though and he stops zoning out to watch them with interest as they fly into position.

Man, mystic tech is cool.]

Shit, you make it look so easy.

[And there's no alarms going off, so unless there's a silent one they should be in the clear!

... Except he's reaching his free hand up to hold a finger against the switch on his choker, just in case, before sticking his crutch into the space it test things out. Still no alarms, and it isn't getting sliced to bits, so he shrugs and starts walking through.]

[faceguy]

Show off.

[It's said without any real heat (well, not more than usual), as Leo steps into the field after Accelerator. It's pretty cool that they can just walk between the lasers like this. He has no idea why a recycling center has gone to these lengths to keep people out, but ultimately their defenses were puny in the face of their mystic powers.

(It's definitely a good thing they aren't villains.)

Leo goes ahead and jumps and does a sweet barrel roll through one of the gaps in the lasers big enough for him to fit. Just because he can.]

[purplexing]

You're welcome.

[Really, he shouldn't be surprised for the lack of praise from these two, but it doesn't keep Donnie from pouting a little behind them as he follows.

He rolls his eyes as Leo has to take his turn at showing off, but his attention's already shifted to an access panel just past the other two now that they're clear. Good to take note of, especially if they're going to be transporting things out.

Once Donnie's past the laser field, he lets his mystic-tech disperse one at a time to resume the connection without interference.]

[levelshift]

[While Accelerator isn't going to roll his eyes and Leo's cool athletic prowess, he does make sure to maintain a flat look on his face.]

God, both of you are show-offs.

[It isn't fair. Fucking batteries and time limits and self-restraint and abilities that are only good for wrecking stuff. Why does he have to know these two.

They get to the end of the hall without issue, so that's one obstacle down. Despite the laser grid being so elaborate, with Donnie it really wasn't that big of a deal... he can't tell if that's good or bad.

The door at the end of the hall is pretty basic, no locks or traps on it. It slides open, in fact, leading to a massive, mostly empty room. The only other door is at the far end, and against one of the other walls in between both doorways is what looks like a giant doll. Above her is a jumbo lcd timer.

Weirdly enough, as soon as they enter the room the doll starts rotating around until she faces the wall, lifting a hand up to put a hand against it.]

[faceguy]

[Leo watches this odd behavior from the doll before looking back at the other two uncertainly. What the heck is that about?]

What kind of security robot looks away?

[And why does it look like that? It looks more like something that would be in some kind of weird room for kids than anything for security.

Maybe this is some kind of... weird break room, and not a trap at all? (He doubts it.)]

[purplexing]

[Just admit it, Accelerator. You're impressed by their mad skills!

But now they've got a new room to deal with, and Donnie is starting to really question the security choices here.]

Wha?

[His eyes flick from the creepy giant doll to the timer. Again he pulls down his goggles, looking for any kind of system access or sensors of some kind along the wide space between them and the other end of the room. Anything, really.]

Iii don't know but I don't like it...

[levelshift]

[He will never admit it!!

He's equally as confused by the robot, though, shrugging at the both of them.]

That thing looks like something you'd see in a fucking textbook for preschoolers.

[The room itself doesn't have any sensors outside the robot, which is connected to the security system via hardwiring in her feet. So nothing wireless that can be messed with.

There's a loud beep that makes Accelerator jump (for a second he thinks it's his choker, but it's too loud for that), and then the lcd monitor flickers on, reading 2:00. That's when the robot speaks, saying GREEN LIGHT and sounding very much like a little girl. The monitor starts counting down from two minutes.

Accelerator, only knowing the game as Daruma-san ga koronda, glances at the two of them.]

The fuck? Is that thing letting us go?

[faceguy]

Well, green light does mean…

[Leo’s voice trails off as something occurs to him. Given how chaotic he and his brothers are he doesn’t remember them playing this game a lot, but…]

Wait, does the robot want to play Red Light, Green Light? What kind of security system is this?

[But so saying, he takes a few steps forward while the robot hasn’t turned around, just to test that theory.]

[purplexing]

There's nothing I can access externally to shut anything down. I'll give them points there but...

[Donnie's face screws up in disturbed confusion at Leo's suggestion once the timer sets and the giant doll speaks.]

Wh- Seriously?? You go from lasers to this??

[But they have a timer, so they're limited to...something. As Leo moves, Donnie glances over at him in brief panic before cautiously taking a few steps after him.]

Go when green, stop when red- assuming that's what this is. Not sure we want to find out what happens if she catches us moving if that's the case.

[levelshift]

[Nothing happens when Leo and Donnie move, luckily! Accelerator takes all of one step but looks annoyed. Now that they've explained the rules he gets it, and he isn't happy.]

Goddamnit, I am not playing Daruma-san ga Koronda.

[Since his hand is already on his choker he flips the switch, altering the vectors in his legs and proceeding to launch himself the rest of the way across the rest of the room (actually taking care to make sure the force doesn't break the floor or cause any unnecessary loud booms). It takes only a second or two and he's at the doorway, the door sliding open for him. He'll duck in, holding it open as he hits his choker again.]

You guys have this, right?

[Aaand that's when there a childish RED LIGHT as the robot turns her head around.]

[faceguy]

[Leo really, really wants to make a big fuss about Accelerator ditching them, but then the robot says “Red light!” and he has to freeze. He’ll just hope that the annoyed look on his face conveys what he’s trying to say.

Actually, he isn’t sure if this robot is sensitive enough that just talking will set it off. Does he want to be the one to test that theory…?

He debates but decides against it. But it’s a hard choice. He’s practically shaking with the effort to not mouth off right now.]

[levelshift]

[It takes a while for Accelerator to build up the nerve to send this message to their group chat. Part of him still doesn't want to - things have been mostly fine since the recycling facility heist, none of them have broached the topic of that nightmare floor, and since it was an overall success it seems like all of them can just move on from it.

(Probably. Accelerator would be shocked if either of them didn't come out of that with additional nightmares like he did.)

But moving on is hard when it feels like the sword of Damocles in the form of the Sisters is hanging over his head. The turtles had seen the clones, there was no getting around that. As much as he'd like to keep that part of his life separate and compartmentalized, does he really have a right to do that now that they've been dragged out? Somehow, it feels worse keeping quiet about their existence when this universe has gone ahead and acknowledged them.

He isn't doing anything but being selfish by staying quiet.

He knows this will undoubtedly ruin whatever kind of... not-friendship-relationship he has with Leo and Donnie, but so be it. The Sisters are more important than his own comfort. So he sends them a message.]

Hey. I'm not going to force anyone, but I think we should talk about that fucking room.

[There. The ball is in their court, so if they want to keep on remaining blissfully ignorant it can still be their decision.]

[purplexing]

[Really, it's a message he's been dreading without even knowing it. Not that he doesn't disagree to the proposition Accelerator makes, but if they'd all just quietly decided they'd try and pretend it never happened, Donnie wouldn't necessarily argue either. He knows it's probably not the best route, but he's pretty sure none of them have 'gotten over' things and isn't sure if bringing it up again will help or make it worse.

He suspects the latter.

Part of his concern is the whole talking about things in general. It isn't really his forte and it even takes Dr. Feelings some work to get him to cooperate.

At least he can take refuge in simple text. You can hide all the faces you want behind some very vague or straight-forward words. Though it does take some doing before he finally gets around to typing out his response at all because he's paranoid someone might be watching to see who's going to say something first.]

If you think so.

[YEAH NAILED IT Speaking of vague.]

[faceguy]

[Leo spends his own time not responding to that text, while he mulls over what he wants to say. Because, like the other two, he has absolutely no desire to discuss anything that happened in that room. He's already told Donnie everything he needs to know, and he doesn't feel like Accelerator needs to know more than he does already - it's not like there's anything he can do about it. Donnie's nightmare he already understands, just from living with him for so long, and Accelerator's...

He's not really sure yet how much he wants to know about it.

He's a little surprised Donnie says something first, but once he does Leo can't just not say anything. (He was always going to have to say something.)

Well, if Accelerator has things to get off his chest about it, Leo can hear him out.]

sure
did you have a specific thing you wanted to talk about?

[levelshift]

[Don't mind him, he's just going to feel disgusted at his growing anxiety until he sees their responses, then feel even more disgusted for realizing he was kind of hoping they wouldn't want to talk. But this is better, he knows that it is.]

Yes.

[That's all Leo is getting, it's very helpful.]

Where are you two? Where can we talk that's private?

[purplexing]

[He's not sure if having Leo weigh in is reassuring or not, but at this point they are all more or less committing.

At the moment there's only one place he can think of that really fits the private bill, even if it's not completely set up yet.

Donnie frowns to himself before shooting Leo a private message: Lair? Your call.]

[faceguy]

[Why did he think he was going to get away with a text conversation about this?

Of course meeting in person is better. Normally Leo isn’t even against meeting in person for anything. It’s just… this particular topic makes him antsy.

He’s also mulling over private places and comes to the same conclusion Donnie does at around the same time.

sure. he should probably know where it is anyway. in case we need to bug out.

And so, with that agreed upon, he sends a location ping to Accelerator.]

meet us here

[“Here” will be a narrow, deserted side street not far from Leo and Donnie’s apartment, which most importantly sports a manhole cover with a maintenance ladder to the tunnels below.]

[levelshift]

[Why the hell do they want to meet on a street..........

Whatever, their decision.]

Fine. I'll be there in 5.

[There's no point in delaying this any longer than he needs to, so he's going to take the speedy route to their apartment.

That is, he's flying. Using those same four miniature tornados as the night of the heist he's making his way over to the street and will indeed be there in five minutes. When he arrives the tornadoes dissipate and he drops to the ground, hands in the pockets of his jeans, looking entirely casual.]

[purplexing]

[They're on the same page, which is good. Donnie replies with a thumbs-up and starts getting ready as Leo passes along the info to Accelerator. At least it won't take long to get to their main entry point.

Flying is always the best way to get around. Well, next best way when you don't have a tank or make convenient portals. Donnie raises his hand in a wave as Accelerator touches down.

He gives a quick look around before nodding at Leo.]

Still clear.

[faceguy]

[Leo waves at Accelerator too, then nods at Donnie.]

Alright, let’s go.

[He pops open the manhole cover, then looks down at the ladder. It is a bit slick…]

Are you good to climb the ladder, Accy?

[levelshift]

[He gives a little nod at Donnie in greeting, before proceeding to resist the urge to make a face at where they're going.

The sewers. Greaaaaat.]

I'll turn this thing off when we're down there.

[He walks over and hops down, ignoring the ladder and just altering his gravitational vectors to slow his descent until he reaches the bottom, then moving out of the way.]

[purplexing]

[Donnie can't help but smirk a little. Yeah, it's not glamorous but really, Accelerator shouldn't be too surprised when he'd asked if they knew somewhere private to talk.]

Ugh, even dropping he's showing off.

[Once the esper's at the bottom, Donnie slips down the manhole after.]

[faceguy]

[Honestly for them, this is more normal than meeting in the apartment. Leo just rolls his eyes at Donnie’s comment in agreement.

Leo lets Donnie get clear of the top, then he steps in himself and pulls the cover on over his head. No one sees them go down.

They get to the bottom, and he hops off the ladder and steps forward.]

Chop chop, we’ve got a little bit of a walk from here!

[It’s not too far, but it’s not right next to the entrance they used.]