Disclaimer: TMNT is not owned by me.


"Splinter! Casey! He's waking up!"

The loud voice was unwelcome to Donatello's sensitive ears. His head throbbed as he shifted, discovering, though his body still ached, he was no longer as constricted as he had been before.

"Ughhh…" Don moaned. He opened his eyes slowly, turning towards the grinning blurs at his side. Don blinked, trying to make sense of the still focusing shapes.

"April?" Don's voice was raspy even to his own ears, and suddenly something plastic was being pressed to his lips. Cool, healing water poured from the cup onto his dry lips and down his burning throat. When the cup left his lips, Don felt surprisingly rejuvenated and he was finally able to make sense of his surroundings. Don could tell he was in his own room, tucked tightly between soft blankets. April, Casey and Splinter stood anxiously at his side, April still clutching the plastic cup in her hands. Splinter placed a furry hand on Don's own and squeezed it gently. They all looked tired and relieved as if Don had been on the brink of death and his return to the world of life was a welcome surprise. Did he almost die?

"What happened?" he asked softly. The three exchanged a curious look.

"What's the last thing you remember, my son?"

Don paused. His fight with Karai came back in flashes of images and words. He remembered his daring escape and his dire injuries. He briefly considered lying to his father and friends about the cause of his injuries but knew no excuse could cover up all his aches and pains. I won't bring it up first, he decided.

"I remember trying to make a call…"

Don's brow furrowed. For some reason he couldn't remember who he had tried to call, or if he had even spoken to anyone.

"That part's a bit murky," he muttered.

"You called me, Donnie," April piped in. Don turned slightly to look at her worried face.

"I answered and could hear someone on the other side but when I asked who it was you never said. Then I heard you say 'Help' and well…I quickly worked on tracing the call."

"Then me and April went lookin' for ya," Casey continued, "and let me be the first to tell ya, Don, you didn't look so hot."

"We thought…" April's voice trailed off and the worried look on all their faces intensified.

"So," Don said trying to smile and reassure his friends, "what's my prognosis?"

The two men turned to April who took a deep breath.

"Well, physically you were pretty beat up, the result of what I would say must have been a nasty fall. You had a pretty serious head wound which is still on the mend. You also had a fractured wrist, broken arm, leg fracture, and your shell was cracked. That worried me the most actually but when we worked on it the crack turned out not to be very deep. You have quite a dent; we couldn't get the pieces back in place. Besides that everything else is healing well. We've taken off a few of the bandages but you'll have to take it easy for the next few weeks."

April stopped when she noticed the confused look Don was giving her.

"If I was hurt only last night, how could you have removed some bandages already? I'm a healthy turtle but I don't heal that fast."

April hesitated and it was Splinter who took up the narrative.

"You had another injury, my son. Perhaps you remember this?"

From inside his kimono Splinter removed a small object. Don lifted his head to get a better look and then let his head fall back. He felt a pang of embarrassment.

"The dart," he muttered.

"Indeed," Splinter continued, holding the dart up to examine it as he spoke, "apparently Karai has devised of a way to transmit the toxin from that monster without needing the monster itself."

"There was a highly concentrated amount of poison on the dart, Donnie. If I hadn't had a few vials of the antidote left in my apartment for study, we….we would have lost you," said April.

"You've been out for almost two and a half weeks, Don."

For once, Don was grateful for Casey's blunt nature. Don closed his eyes taking a deep breath and trying to absorb the fact that he had lost weeks.

"The poison wasn't as much as Leo received the first time around but…it was close, Donnie," April said in a quavering voice.

"What were you thinking?" Casey growled, "Facing Karai on your own like that? Are you insane? Ya got a death wish or somethin'? I should beat your ass some more for all the pain you've caused us--"

"Mr. Jones," Splinter held up a hand which silenced Casey immediately. Still grumbling, Casey moved away from Don's bed. Don listened to his friends talk but didn't open his eyes.

"May I have a moment alone with Donatello?"

April and Casey quickly assented and left Donatello's bedroom. When Splinter didn't speak, Don opened his eyes. His father was sitting in a chair beside his bed. The dart was no where in sight.

"You have given this 'old one' quite a worry these past weeks."

Don flinched at his own cold words. Memories of the Splinter from his vision and the truth he had discovered made the weight of his guilt reach a new peak.

"I should never have called you that…Father."

Don saw the reaction immediately, as small as it was. He didn't know how long it had been since he had referred to his father in such an affectionate and humble manner but at his tone Splinter's eyes widened slightly and his hands, folded in his lap, clenched. He didn't speak, just waiting for Donatello to continue.

"Father," Don continued slowly, "I went after Karai on my own because I didn't know how else to deal with everything. I thought I could avenge our family on my own. I have realized now that I am not yet ready."

"There is no need to do this alone," Splinter shook his head sadly, "It was foolish and over protective of me to exclude you from my own plans to rid us of Karai. I should have consulted you."

"I thought maybe after everything," the words rushed out of Don now, his eyes filling with tears, "that my training more and tinkering less would make you proud. It was always just a senseless hobby to you wasn't it? Donatello, the one that tinkered with needless toys?" Some venom reentered Don's voice and he took a steadying breath. His anger at his father was still there but this was no time for that. Don was trying to get to the point where he could say three dreaded words to his father.

"Maybe I thought I could replace Leonardo, I don't know…"

A hand rested on his shoulder.

"You need be no one but yourself, Donatello."

Don nodded weakly.

"There's…something else, Sensei," Don admitted quietly, "while I was out I…had an experience."

Splinter's eyes widened now in curiosity.

"You can tell me, my son."

Don hesitated. Would this knowledge help or hurt them?

"You were right," Don sighed, "the toxin doesn't just weaken the state of the physical body. It messes with ones spirit as well."

"What did you see?"

"I saw," Don swallowed hard, "I saw my brothers."

Splinter didn't speak at first. He just continued to rest a reassuring hand on Don's shoulder and watch him calmly. Finally he spoke.

"What do you mean you saw your brothers?"

"I met their spirits, Sensei. The toxin has trapped them within the spiritual plane. They…can't ever leave."

Splinter removed his hand from Don's shoulder. Though he still looked calm, Don could tell by his eyes that this upset him.

"I'm not sure I understand…"

Don did his best to explain what the others had told him and when he was finished Splinter passed a shaky hand over his face.

"I have tried often to commune with them during their meditation. I have tried to bring them to the spiritual plane to find where the poison hurt them and heal them. I thought progress was being made but…it seems only minimal progress is all we will know. As for Leonardo…"

For a moment Don saw a flicker of grief flash over his father's face but then he was calm once more.

"We will not give up on them, my son. Different though they will be, always in their hearts they will be your true brothers."

Splinter smiled weakly.

"They have made much progress during your absence and have been anxious to see you. If you feel up to it, I'd like them to see that you are well. Their worries have been growing worse of late…"

Don nodded.

"I'd like to see them, Sensei."

Splinter nodded, rising from his chair.

"We will increase our efforts in spiritual healing. Perhaps your help will do more good than mine has. I hope, Donatello, that this event has taught you a lesson and you will not attempt to attack Karai again."

When Don didn't respond Splinter turned and slowly left the room. It seemed to Don that Splinter's shoulder's sagged more than usual as he exited but Don just shifted on his bed to get comfortable and turned to gaze at the camouflage wall of pictures beside his bed.

Splinter's last words reminded Don of what the Splinter in his vision had said, about how dreams were meant to teach us lessons. Had he been trying to tell Don that he was supposed to learn a lesson from the time spent with the spirits of his brothers? And who was really hiding behind the image of Splinter and watching over his brothers? It seemed as if Leo at least had some idea as to who the helpful spirit was. As Don's eyes washed over the old pictures on his wall, Don tried to think of who it could be. Finally, his gaze fell on one picture and he started. Of course! It made perfect sense! The picture was of the five of them all sitting together during a blackout. Leo had told them a story he had learned from the Ancient One about Master Yoshi. It must have been Master Yoshi watching over the drifting spirits of his brothers, trying to help them! Was Yoshi watching over Splinter's sons for him until he could once again do it himself?

Don thought of his brother's lost and stuck in the realm of spirits, truly gone even if their bodies lived and breathed before him. No, Don thought furiously, these are still my brothers. Bits and pieces would trickle back and new parts of them would grow and replace what was gone. His brothers would be different, reborn and new but they were still his brothers and he would take care of them whatever it took. And of course Don wasn't about to completely give up on getting all of his brothers back.

Don smiled. He remembered Leo's reassurance that he would always be watching over him and found himself gazing at the ceiling of his room. It was probably foolish of him to be thinking of his brothers as 'up there and watching' since he knew the spirit realm was not in an up or down position relative to his own…but it still comforted him, the thought of them watching and guiding him. He also felt a renewed strength. Seeing his brothers had only reinforced his desire for vengeance. Whatever Splinter said, Don still wanted Karai dead. He would kill Karai. Oh yes he would…and he'd do it right next time.

"Stop pushing!"

"You're walking too slow!"

"Look who's talking!"

"Will you just--"

"Shut UP, Raphael."

Don's thoughts were interrupted by loud voices outside his door. He watched the door handle turn slowly and a curious head with wide eyes behind a gold mask was suddenly peering in at him.

"D'ello?" the head inquired quietly. Don grinned.

"Hey, Mikey! Come in!"

Mike smiled, throwing the door open.

"D'ello! You're finally awake!"

Mike bounded across the room and hugged his brother. Don gasped as his brother's tight hug caused his healing body to protest. Feeling his brother wince Mike quickly drew back with a sheepish grin.

"Sorry…it's just been so long and we were worried sick! I mean, look at you!" Mike's expression turned into a scowl and he started to wag an annoyed finger at his bedridden brother.

"I'm never leaving your side again, big bro, no matter how many crazy ninjas are after you!"

"Sure, Mikey, whatever you say," Don chuckled. Realizing the second person he had heard had not yet come in, Don tore his gaze away from his happy brother and stared at the door. Raph leaned against one side of the door frame, looking at him as if he had never seen him before. Mike threw his brother an annoyed look.

"Well, are you coming in?" he insisted. The tone of Mikey's voice seemed enough to compel Raph to enter though he hesitated a moment before walking forward, as if considering to bolt. Don couldn't help but gasp as his brother walked towards the bed. Walked! He was limping slightly, clearly favoring his 'flesh leg' but he was walking!

Raph stopped by the end of Don's bed.

"Aren't you going to say hello?"

"Mikey," Don frowned at his brother, who gazed at Raph like he was a nuisance, "stop being so harsh on him."

Turning his attention back to Raph, Don smiled.

"Hey there, Raphie." Raph scowled and looked away.

"Don't call me that," he mumbled.

Don blinked in surprise.

"You can…talk?"

It was the wrong thing to say apparently, since Raph glared angrily back at him.

"Of course I can, what am I two?"

"Talking, walking Raphie," Mikey teased. Raph scowled again, looking at the far wall.

"Little brothers," Mike mumbled, giving Don a knowing look, "how on earth did you ever put up with three of us? I can hardly handle two!"

Don smiled sadly.

"It wasn't so hard then," he sighed. He watched Raph closely.

"Listen, I've been out for awhile…if one of you could explain…"

"Mike was so excited," Raph blurted, "so excited for me to meet you and get to know you. He talks about you all the time but," Raph's brow furrowed with effort, "I only remember little things. The two of us reading together, you helping me with toys…I…don't know you at all."

Raph shifted but Don didn't speak, just waited.

"So you're my big brother huh?" Raph muttered.

Don smiled.

"I guess I am."

"Do I have to call you D'ello?"

Don laughed at the concealed horror in Raph's voice and Mike's cry of protest for being mocked for the nickname.

"You can call me whatever you like," Don assured him, "Donatello, Don, Donnie, or even D'ello."

"I'll um, stick with Don," he muttered. Don nodded.

"Work's for me, Raph."

As if Don's not using his pet name was a sign of acceptance, Raph's face suddenly brightened.

"You were in a fight huh?" he asked eagerly, "how many of them were there? Mike's been bragging about helping you ever since…"

"I have not!" Mike cried. Don chuckled. Some things never changed…

"Raphie here is just jealous 'cause Splinter isn't letting him train in the dojo yet. He just gets to sit and meditate and watch me," Mike stated smugly. Raph frowned.

"Watch this, D'ello!"

Mikey swiftly removed his nunchucks from his belt and took a step away from Don's bed. He then began a series of moves that made Don stare in amazement. It was only when Mike hit himself over the head and made his characteristic 'ow!' noise as he rubbed the spot that Don smiled. Raph snorted with laughter.

"Well, at least I'm learning," Mike grumbled, glaring at his 'little' brother.

"It's only until my balance gets better," Raph argued, still smirking, "then I'll be able to kick your ass."

"Raph!" Don stared at his brother shocked, "When did you learn that new word?"

Raph shrugged, giving his brother an embarrassed look.

"Sorry….I heard Uncle Case use it once…"

"Uncle Case," Don muttered, "Well Auntie April isn't going to like that…"

"Uncle Case has been hanging out with us a lot while Splinter and April have been taking care of you," Mikey explained, "He let's us do loads of things you guys won't let us do."

Don's eyes narrowed.

"Like what?"

"Um…" seeing his brother's expression, Mike quickly made a dash for the door,

"We should let you get some sleep, D'ello. We'll see you later…"

"Wait, Mikey. I'd like to see Leo if that's alright."

"He's been hanging around your door a lot," Raph replied quietly, "He don't talk much, but I think he's been worried sick about ya."

Don looked to Mike for confirmation and Mike nodded slowly.

"He hasn't spoken to anyone since you came back injured. He just keeps watching your door, hanging around outside it mumbling the word 'hurt' to himself."

"Then please, bring him in and let him see I'm alright."

"Sure thing, bro. Come on, Raph, let's get him."

Mike darted out the door and Raph limped to the door then turned back to Don.

"It was good to meet you," Raph muttered. Then he was gone.

A moment later Mikey returned, helping a stumbling Leo into the room as Raph watched anxiously from the doorway. Mike helped Leo into the chair besides Don's bed. The entire time Leo's eyes remained fixed on Donatello, lingering on his bandages before meeting his eyes. Mike gave his bedridden brother a small smile, heading for the door and shooing a curious Raphael away.

Leo's attention began to wander as soon as he sat. His eyes became unfocused and left Donatello's face.

"I wonder where you go," Don said softly, "is it nicer where you are? Can you run and talk and fight like you used to? Is there no more cold metal, only warm flesh? Are you with the others spirits, Leo?"

Leo's eyes wandered back to Don's face. Leo frowned as if seeing his brother for the first time.

"Hurt," Leo stated in a worried voice, "Hurt long time."

"I know, Leo. I…had to go somewhere for awhile."

"You promised," Leo continued angrily, "Promised no hurt again. You lied."

Don looked away, biting his lower lip. Leo was right. Don had promised him he wouldn't get hurt again and here he was, stuck in bed for weeks with injuries far worse than the last one.

"Not again," Leo said firmly, glaring at Don, "Now I watch."

Don looked back at his brother in surprise.

"What do you mean 'you watch?'"

Leo shook his head.

"I protect. I watch."

A small smile formed on Don's lips.

"Going to be keeping an eye on me huh?" Don's eyes shifted to the ceiling, "That part of you is definitely still around…"

There was a moment of silence as Leo continued to gaze at his brother, who stared up at the ceiling, thinking about his recent spiritual encounters.

"Ok, Leo," Don said slowly, "You can watch me. It's obvious I'm not ready to face Karai yet, so I'll need to stay put and train anyway."

Leo's head titled sideways as Don continued to muse.

"It'll give me time to work with you three on healing spiritually. I refuse to believe what you--" Don paused, "what I was told in the spiritual realm. I'll find a cure. We'll get you all better."

"We'll get you all better," Leo repeated sternly. Don chuckled.

"Yes, we'll get better together, Leo. I won't make a move until we're all ready," Don smiled dangerously, "what better way to unbalance Karai than have you show up with gleaming katanas as good as new?"

Leo's face brightened.

"All as good as new," he stated happily.

"Ok! No more visitors!!"

Mikey bounded into the room, no longer trailing the hesitant Raphael.

"Dad says D'ello needs his sleep and Doc Croc wants to check up on him so it's time to go, Leo!"

Leo didn't protest as Mike helped him out of the chair but Don watched in confusion.

"Doc Croc?"

"You know," Mike said in exasperation, "Big alligator dude that takes our blood and all that?"

"Mikey, he's not a--"

"Say goodbye, Leo!" Mike stated loudly over his brother's words.

"Goodbye," Leo called weakly. Don watched them stumble out the doorway and sighed. It was going to be a long recovery…


Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I just want to let you guys know this might be the last update for about a week or so, because I'm leaving for vacation on Monday. I may get another chapter in before then but I make no promises! Just wanted to give you a heads up so you don't think I abandoned this. I would never do that :D