100 TMNT Theme Challenge

-Light 4

Morning came at what seemed like too early for all the turtles. Regardless, all dragged themselves out of bed and went to start their day with a good breakfast before practice. As they dragged their feet to the kitchen, Splinter was already seated at the table with breakfast ready for the boys. They were happy that they at least did not have to cook today.

When seating themselves, Splinter noticed that all looked exhausted from the previous night's events. He was not at all surprised by this. He thought some things over in his mind and thought of something that might be more beneficial for them than practice.

"Boys, today I am going to cancel practice," he declared as soon as everyone had been seated at the table with food on their plates.

They all looked shocked, for it was not often that their sensei decided not to have practice, especially since they began their activities above the surface. If anything, he would want them to practice more, even more so considering the fact that they got their butts kicked last night, and they mean major but kicking.

"Why?" Leo questioned. Of course he had to question. All the brothers instantly felt fear that Sensei would change his mind because Leo questioned him. It's one of those, if you push a subject more than you should, than you can get negative results, or that's how Donnie would put it anyway.

"You all need rest. Rest is more important now for your bodies than practice. I am letting you rest today and will see how you all are tomorrow." Splinter then turned his attention to Raph, "Raphael, I need to look at your wounds. I did not do so last night but should now."

"…Hai Sensei."

The hotheaded turtle complied before him and his father left the table so any wounds could get looked at. The other brothers stayed at the table to finish breakfast before going off to do whatever they needed or wanted to.

In the dojo, Raph sat by the tree that resided there while Splinter brought over the disinfectant. He began to use it on some of the larger wounds that had been made on his son's arms. Raph winced a bit, but otherwise did or said nothing as his father worked treating him.

"Are you alright my son?" Splinter asked.

Raph was quiet for a moment, actually considering whether he should really answer it, or just tell what would make his father worry less. But let's be honest here, even if Raphael lied, his father would know in an instant.

"I will be."

"Do you know what I do when I miss my loved ones from the past?"

Again, silence stretched between father and son. Of course he didn't know, so why ask since he knew Splinter knew of this.

"No."

Splinter turned his head to the open dojo door to reveal Raph's brother playing the arcade game while trying to defeat the skull boss. Green eyes had followed and he watched his brothers make a ruckus over the game momentarily before turning back to his father, waiting for an answer.

Still looking out the door, he replied, "I focus on the friends that I am surrounded by in the present."

Raphael looked out the dojo door once more to look towards his brothers as they continued their fun. Perhaps, as Splinter suggested, it was best to be with his brothers, his family that he has always had.

"I am finished. You may go Raphael."

The turtle stood before offering a small smile to his father and then leaving the dojo to head towards his brothers. The time with Slash may have been dark, but the times with his brothers can provide the light that he needs to move on.