"Quite the contrary Raphael; you can." Surprised, Raphael spun to meet Tang Shen behind him. "How? I'm dead. I thought the dead can't come back." Tang Shen placed her hand on his shoulder. "That would be true if you are truly gone. However; you have been in a state of suspended animation. Your body shut itself down just enough to maintain vital functions yet you appeared dead to others. The antidote Donatello gave you is slowing reviving your body. You should wake in a few hours." Raphael smiled. He was happy that he would soon be with his brothers and sensei again. "Thank you."
"You are welcome my son and give my regards to your father. He has an excellent job in raising all of you." She kissed him gently on the top of the head as he vanished. Slowly, warmth returned to his body as his chest rose and fell with each breath. The paleness faded replaced with a healthy glow to his emerald green skin. Raphael sharply inhaled, filling his lungs with air. The first thing he felt is Leo's strong and solid grip on his hand. He smiled at the protective gesture of older brother.
Leonardo woke a few hours later to the steady rhythm of breathing. He slowly opened his eyes, glancing at his brother. He quickly averted his gaze, not noticing the rise and fall of Raphael's chest. He put his head back down on his bed. "I'm sorry Raph. Donnie was right." Tears spilled from his blue eyes. Never again would he see Raph's green eyes. He gripped Raphael's hand harder almost expecting a return of the gesture. He jumped when he felt a gentle squeeze back. Not believing it at first, he raised his head. Taking his other hand; he placed on Raph's chest and waited. Then he felt it, a faint heartbeat. A huge grin spread across his face. His hand rose and fell with the steady breathing. He couldn't hold himself back any longer as he tightly embraced his brother.
Raphael shifted under the sudden weight. "Ugh, a little too tight bro." Leo pulled back and stared into his brother's green eyes. Eyes he thought he would never see again. "I thought I was never gonna see you! Please never do that again!" Raphael tried to push himself up but found himself still too weak. Leo gently touched his shoulder. , his eyes brimming with tears. "Don't sit up just yet. You need to rest. It's good to have you back bro. It wasn't the same without you. Mikey took care of Spike. He stopped eating." Guilt built up in Raph's chest.
"What else Leo?" Leo pulled up a chair. Donnie completely blamed himself, Sensei practically shut down, April's been crying and I…I failed you."
"You didn't fail me. You kept everyone together and Donnie's not to blame. I'm sorry for worrying everyone. I didn't say anything."
"No Raph, the only to blame was Fishface; but that's been taken care. Let me go get the others." Leo started heading towards the door.
"Yeah I know and ya were told not, a few times." Leo froze. He didn't think Raph would remember any of that. Leo nervously laughed. "Hehe, you remember."
"Yeah and ya used my weapons and what's more surprising is that Karai helped." Leo turned. "She did and it was a nice change for once fighting on the same side. I got reamed at by Sensei when I got back but I did what I had to do for honor."
"Ya could've been hurt or worse cause if I saw you on the other side; I would've kicked yer shell." Leo laughed. "That's the Raph I know. You can't tell me you wouldn't have done the same." Raphael met Leonardo's gaze. "Maybe but that's expected of me not you."
"Yeah I guess."
"One more thing Leo, can I have my weapons back? As cool as they look on you, they're mine." Leo grinned handing the sais back over. "Hey Leo, why did Karai help? It's been bugging me."
"She said that she knows the pain of losing a family member. I guess she felt remorse. She gave me a vial of antidote that turned out to be an exact match. After Donnie tested it, he gave it to you." Raphael was shocked.
"Never knew Karai to have a heart." He chuckled. Leo embraced Raph. "Alright Meathead, let's share our surprise." He helped Raphael out of the bed. Placing his arm over his shoulder; Raphael shifted his legs over the edge of the bed. With Leo's help, he stood. His knees wobbly at first, it took several moments to regain his composure. "You ok Raph? Wanna sit back down for a minute?" Raph shook his head. He wanted to see the rest of his family. "Take it easy and if you need to rest a minute let me know." The duo slowly made their way across the bedroom. "Here hold my arm for a moment." Leo slid Raph's arm off. He held tightly to Leo's arm; his legs still weak. Leo slowly opened the door so that only he was visible.
Everyone in the living room turned their attention when the heard the creak of the door opening. Donnie glanced up at Leo, his eyes full of questions. Did it work? Is Raph alive or are they burying a brother? Donnie's heart skipped a beat then sank when he only saw Leo. Mikey's eyes welled again. "Leo we tried. I'm sorry." Leo's gaze fell to the floor. "Yeah, we tried and it…"
