Higher. Higher. Finally, I reach the top of the mountain. The wind blows and I shiver slightly; the chill going through my thin clothing. I turn to gaze down the path that I had taken to reach this freezing goal. Blood. The wind filled with screams of horror. Feral, uncivilized bellows of rage. Death.

Eyes snap open. Sitting up abruptly, I'm breathing rather heavily. I slowly close my eyes again, though I stay sitting up, I shift myself into lotus position. I begin breathing in and out slowly; trying to calm myself. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

My Sons. I feel my breath shudder and my eyes open to stare blankly at my door. It was all my fault. Why had I not done anything before all this happened? Why did I not heed the warning that had been sent to me in my dreams? This past year has been a nightmare.

Donatello, captured by Bishop. Three months before we found him. Raphael and Casey Jones killed in the rescuing of his brother from that demon. We recovered his Sais; I had lost an arm. Bishop fleeing once more. Donatello in a coma and my last to sons in an intense state of shock and denial.

I force myself out of my reverie. Reaching for my cane with my left hand, I stand. I exit my room and enter the main. I see my sons Michelangelo and Leonardo, along with Ms. O'Neil. Leonardo was already at the lairs entrance, paused in a position that told of him about to open it. Michelangelo only a few paces behind him, and Ms. O'Neil looked as if she were about to stand from where she sat.

I steadied my gaze and looked upon Leonardo. I spoke, "Where are you going?"

He signed to me slowly, for I am not used to being deaf and we have both only recently started learning this language of signs, and told me that they found where Bishop was hiding and were going to take him out once and for all.

"Do you have a plan?" I inquired.

My son explained to me what they had planned out. Ms. O'Neil was to use her knowledge of technology to shut off all of the cameras and any traps or alarms that used electricity. Then Leonardo and Michelangelo would enter through a window 'or something' and get to where Bishop was.

A horrible plan. That demon would most certainly see that coming; I am mildly disappointed. "You will not go." I tell them.

All three of them gaze at me in surprise. Michelangelo turned completely towards me, "But Sensei-"

"You. Will. Not. Go." I spoke again, my voice lowering slightly.

"How can you say that!" It was Leonardo. "We must go! We must avenge Raph and Donny!"

"Donatello is not dead." I say in reply.

"For the tortures he endured. He's in a coma, Father!"

"And what will you do? Torture Bishop? Then you would be no better than him."

"He would deserve-"

"He will expect you. Your plan is too similar to the one that got Raphael and Mr. Jones killed."

"Bu-"

I lift and slam my cane on the ground, silencing him as the sound echoed. "You will not go, Leonardo! Nor you Michelangelo! Let us wait until Donatello has awoken again! Let us wait until our current scars heal! I will not be the father of death, Leonardo!" I was shaking, gritting my teeth together in a storm of emotions.

I feel the eyes of my son and the young lady on me as I stare deep into Leonardo's. He stares back at me, holding my gaze, and invisible battle. Finally, he lowered his eyes and stepped away from the door.