The following morning, Mikey woke up early and decided to see how Raph was doing. On the way to the lab, he came across Master Splinter.

"Morning, Sensei," Mikey said.

"Same to you, Michelangelo," Splinter replied. "Please get your brothers so we can start practice."

"Actually, Sensei, there's something you need to know."

"What would that be?"

"Could you follow me?"

"As you wish."

Splinter followed Mikey to the lab. When they got there, Leo was sitting near a still unconscious Raph while Donny was checking to see how Raph was progressing.

"Sensei, is it time for practice?" Leo asked, spotting Splinter.

"Practice is canceled," Splinter replied, seeing Raph unconscious on a cot covered with a blanket. "Anyone want to fill me in as to what happened to Raphael?"

"We came across Shredder and the Purple Dragons last night after we left Chloe's place," Leo explained. "Raph yelled for me to look out and shoved me out of the way of a wrecking ball which got him instead."

Just then, the Shell Cell rang. Donny got the Shell Cell out of his belt, flipped it open, and answered it after seeing Chloe's name in the Caller ID box.

"What's up, Chloe?" Donny asked politely.

"My grandparents wanted me to invite you and your brothers over for dinner," Chloe explained. "It's our way of thanking you for helping us."

"You mean about the time Mikey and I found you in the sewers after your apartment had recently caught on fire and I found out that you lost your parents in the fire but you had grandparents in the area?"

"That's right."

"That would be great but tonight's not a good time."

"Any reason why?"

"Raph was badly injured in last night's battle."

"How is he?"

"Still unconscious. Leo won't leave his side and Sensei canceled practice for today."

"Hope he gets better. I have to go now."

"Thanks. Bye."

"Bye."

Donny closed the Shell Cell and put it in his belt. Then he left the lab, came back with a cold pack wrapped in a cloth, and put it under Raph's head.

"Where'd Splinter go?" Donny asked, noticing that Splinter had left the lab.

"He's in his room," Leo replied. "He said that we could get him if we need to."

"OK."

"When do you think Raph will wake up?"

"I wish I knew."

Donny took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Leo went over to Donny and gently placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"You OK?" Leo asked with concern.

"I'm fine," Donny replied, struggling to stay in control.

"You're not fine."

"What are you talking about?"

"You look like you're about to fall apart any second now."

"Which I can't do right now. I need to focus on Raph for the time being."

"Splinter has told us several times that bottling up your emotions is not good."

"He's right," Mikey said.

Mikey walked over to Donny and Leo and the three of them wrapped their arms around each other and broke down completely. They pulled away a few minutes later when the floodgates were empty.

"Feel any better?" Leo asked Donny.

"Actually, I do," Donny replied.

"Glad to hear it," Mikey said.

Leo went over to Raph's side and Donny did another check on the bump which got smaller. Mikey left the lab to take care of his kitten Klunk.

"Raph, please wake up," Leo said squeezing his unconscious brother's hand. Donny put an arm around Leo who rested his head on Donny's shoulder.

To be continued...