A/N: Wow…so sorry guys, I really intended to post this last week, better late than never I guess. Thanks so much to all of you who have reviewed this…your glowing praise really helps me keep up my courage to keep posting this insanity. I can only hope that I don't disappoint with this next installment.

As always I own nothing, not even the computer I'm typing this on.

On to the story!

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Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do with it if I did. – George Carlin

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Mikey had returned from his shopping trip with Casey and had volunteered to take a shift in the Donny-watch while April and Casey went home to get some much needed rest. After the false alarm yesterday, Mikey was starting to feel like Donny would never wake up. As much as he didn't want to lose faith in his brother, the facts and harsh reality were starting to chip away at any hope he had left. Especially now, after hearing from Raph what April had said about Don's condition, he was defiantly losing hope. How am I supposed to keep my hopes up, when the only doctor-type person we have doesn't even think Don will ever wake up?

Master Splinter had told them all yesterday about finally finding Donatello in his meditations, but hearing how Donny didn't even remember who Splinter was ended up being to opposite of encouraging. Now Mikey was back to playing the waiting game, a game he was not happy playing, especially with his brother's life on the line. Now, more than ever, Mikey wished there was something else, something more; he could do to help his brainy brother. But, waiting for Donny to decide to wake up, seemed like all he could do, at this point.

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Donatello no longer knew what to think about the situation he found himself in. On the one hand, he could not move very much, and was having difficulties remembering and focusing on his surroundings. But on the other hand, he felt safe, especially after that odd dream he had. He was no longer worried about where he was, which was a great relief. Meeting Splinter in his dream had sparked several childhood memories, and as the minutes ticked by, more and more of his past was coming back. He could remember his brothers and his father, but Don still felt like there were several pieces missing, gaps that he had a feeling were very important.

Time to try opening my eyes again, I guess. Man, this utter helplessness is getting ridiculous. I hope this fatigue and heaviness wears off soon! As Don forces his eyes open again, he could make out a green and orange figure next to his bed. Turning his head towards the figure, he tried to remember if he knew this person or not.

Mikey was quick to notice Don's open eyes, and franticly called out to the rest of the family, "Guys, come quick, Donny's awake again!!"

Don could see several more figures come near him, and he turned to look at them, seeing the same blurry green figures from the last two times he remembered opening his eyes. Come on, mouth, talking is good.

While Donny was busy trying to get his voice to work again, he was able to make out a few of the sounds around him. Wow, they are really insistent that I wake up. I wonder how long I've been out? Guess there's only one way to know for sure. Donny focused, trying to make out the soft voice of his remembered father, but he could not hear clearly enough to know for sure.

"Donny, can you hear me?" Mikey asked, scared of the answer, not wanting to be let down once again.

"Mmmhhmmnn…" Donatello tried to get his voice to work, but it would not cooperate, his tongue was sticking to the bottom of his mouth. This breathing tube isn't helping matters much. I wish I could tell them to turn that ventilator off; I really don't need it anymore. His mouth felt like heavy cotton was being forced down his throat, making it extremely difficult to form meaningful sounds, much less words.

"Donny?!?!" Raph and Leo both could not believe their eyes. Don was looking around and trying to talk.

Is he really waking up, this time? Raph was quick to look over Don's vital signs and make notes for April to go over later, he did not want anything to risk the health of his brother's recovery. I can't believe this is really happening! Finally!!

"Donatello, my son," Splinter took his son's hand and reached out to rub his head. "It is time to face the world again, my son. The time for hiding is over."

Don could hear some muffled sounds, but nothing was very clear. He recognized the voice of his brother's and father, but couldn't make out what they were saying, he was only able to make out every other word or so. It was like trying to listen to a bad radio connection from under water.

Don could hardly move his tongue in his mouth, it was so dry, making it that much more difficult to try and speak, even with the oxygen tube down his windpipe. Man, I would kill for a sip of water right now!! He could not believe no one had thought to give him a drink. I guess they are so happy to see me awake, they forgot what it's like to try to talk after being out for a long time.

"Guys, he won't be able ta talk around tha' ventilator. Give me 'a minute ta check 'im out, and I'll take tha' tube out so he can try ta talk ta us." Raph moved to the equipment next to the bed, hurriedly going over remembered directions Donatello had given him, long before all this had started. Don't screw this up. It's only your brother's life on the line if you mess this up. Raph tried to ignore that voice in his head that was trying to tell him that he didn't know what he was doing, but Raph knew that he was the only one in the room that had any idea what to do, at this moment.

Raph turned off the ventilator and the oxygen tank, keeping a steady eye on Don's vital signs, ready to turn them back on if the slightest blip showed that Don was not ready or able to breathe on his own yet. Holding his breath, Raph waited, praying to every divine being he could think of, hoping that he did not just sign his brother's death warrant by taking him off of life support.

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