Back in the lair, Splinter quietly made his way to Donnie's lab. He stopped a moment, listening to the gentle rhythm of machines. Splinter closed his eyes, praying it was merely a dream and his son wasn't dying. His brown eyes traveled to his gravely injured son. The heart monitor steadily beat in the background. His feet moved silently as he walked over. Donatello didn't need to turn around to see who it was.
"He's stable for now but it's still early. There are too many factors to tell yet how he will recover." 'If he does.' Donnie left that part in his mind. Master Splinter has enough to deal with.
Splinter rested his hand on Raphael's forehead. It was still too cool for comfort; his heart rate a few beats too slow. Agony gripped Splinter's heart at the thought of losing his son. How many more times must Raphael come close to death before it wins?
"I know Donatello. I am just worried." A few tears slipped down his face. "I wish to speak with all of you in the dojo. I know Leonardo is already in there. Please fetch Michelangelo and April. It won't be long." Splinter noticed the distressed look on his son's face. He wasn't comfortable leaving Raphael alone for any amount of time. "It will only be for a few minutes then you can return to your brother's side." Donnie nodded.
"Hai Sensei." Splinter returned to the dojo where Leo sat in meditation. He didn't need to open his eyes to know who entered. Splinter sat in front of his son.
"I am having Donatello bring everyone else in here to discuss Raphael's condition." Leo nodded. It wasn't the conversation he wanted to have but it was needed.
Donatello set down his current project before walking over to his older brother. He found no words to say as he listened to the machines keeping him alive. April shifted slightly on the cot. She hasn't been able to stay asleep for long in case something happened to Raphael. Slowly sitting up, she rubbed her eyes. It had been a rough night. Every time she closed her eyes, blood filled her vision. She knows Raphael is strong but everyone has their limits. She spotted Donnie standing next Raphael. His shoulders heaved with sobs. She walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"He'll be ok Donnie. Raph's strong." April wasn't even sure if she believed her own words.
"Sensei wants to talk to us in the dojo. I have to get Mikey." April nodded heading towards the dojo. Donnie then left himself heading towards Mikey's room when he heard soft sobs coming from Raphael's room. No one dared entered Raphael's room without risk of bodily harm. But it was sitting empty now. No sounds of grunting or muffled screams. Instead his older brother is lying silent in his lab. Donnie slowly opened the door; revealing Mikey lying face down on Raph's bed. His face buried in the pillow.
"Mikey." Donnie gently sat down next to his brother.
"It still smells like him, When is he gonna wake up Donnie? When? I want to hear him yelling again. I don't care even if it's at me. I just want to hear him." Mikey cried harder into the pillow. Donnie wished he had an answer. Like he told Leo, he just doesn't know.
"I'm sorry Mikey. I wish I had an answer for you but as I told Leo. I just don't know. There's so many factors to consider. But one thing is for sure is that Raphael is strong. He'll be back in here before we know it. Pounding at his punching bag. Yelling at you for some prank and arguing with Leo. You'll see. Just give it time." Mikey slowly got up, hugging his older brother Even though uncertainty filled the air, Mikey felt better.
"Thanks Donnie." Donne smiled.
"No problem bro, let's not give up on him just yet. He needs us. Now Sensei wants us in the dojo."
"To talk about Raph." Mikey looked up.
"Yeah." Mikey swung his legs off the bed before slowly standing. He nodded as he left the room with Donatello in tow. They trudged to the dojo; taking their seats in front of Master Splinter. April and Leo were already seated.
"April, my sons, although this is not easy but I need to speak to all of you about Raphael. His injury is grave and most often fatal. Yet by some miracle he is still alive as nothing major was hit so there is hope. But at the same time we must prepare for the worst. Raphael is strong yet even the strongest can fall. If he survives, we must support him the best we can and prepare for many fights. The road to recovery will be long and painful and he will fight us. But despite that we must remain strong and never falter." Everyone met Splinter's gaze.
"Hai Sensei." They responded and mentally preparing themselves for the many fights with their hot headed brother once he wakes. One by one, they left the dojo and returned to the lab.
Over the next few weeks, tension grew in the lair as the silence continued. On several occasions, Leonardo was forcibly pulled from either the dojo or the lab. He still maintained that it's his fault for Raphael's injury. If only he had sensed Karai first then his brother wouldn't be dying. 'No, he won't die.' Leo shook that thought from his head. And despite all odds, his brother's condition is slowly improving. Donatello informed them a few days ago. His face glowed with delight. Everyone was all smiles. Finally a glimmer of hope. He even said if he continues to improve quickly, the ventilator can be removed. Understandably, he didn't want to remove it too soon but the longer he's on it; he runs the risk of dependency. The slit was also healing nicely.
Although, he was happy to hear they'll have their brother back, doubt still filled his mind. He can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen. Maybe he just needs some fresh air. No one has left the lair since the attack.
Slowly making his way to the dojo, he quietly entered. Not surprisingly he found Master Splinter meditating. Maybe he could convince him to let him go topside.
"Yes my son."
"Sensei, will it be alright if I go topside for a short time. I just need some time alone." Splinter thought for a moment. His oldest son seems to be under the most stress from the current situation. Given that Raphael is improving; it shouldn't be a problem.
"You may my son but under one condition. If you see Karai, do not engage in battle." Splinter feared more for Karai than Leonardo. He saw the look in his eyes when he spoke of her. The line was crossed when she nearly killed his brother. He feared Leonardo might act like more Raphael in this case. He doesn't want him doing something he might regret later.
"I will Sensei." Leo bowed. He prayed he wouldn't run into Karai. He's not sure himself if he could control his temper.
"You may them and remember your phone."
"Hai." Leo stood, leaving the dojo. As he passed the lab, he heard Donnie tinkering with a new invention.
"Donnie." He called loud enough for him to hear. "I'm heading out for a bit." Donnie turned.
"Be careful Leo and avoid Karai." Leo chuckled.
"Already got told by Sensei." Donnie, however; didn't see the amusement.
"I mean it Leonardo. I saw how you reacted that day. Don't do anything you'll regret. I don't want to explain to Raph what happened. So please don't do anything stupid." Leo glanced down at his brother. He already swore Karai will pay for her actions. No one harms his family. It will be his secret from his family. But the tone Don used and using his full name made him cringe, he knows he means business. But this is between him and Karai.
"I'll do what I can to avoid it." Leo knew couldn't guarantee what would happen. He rested his hand on Raphael's forehead. "Please wake up bro." A lone tear escaped, splashing of off Raphael's cheek.
"He's improving Leo. Go get some fresh air. I can tell you need it. If anything changes; I'll let you know." Leo nodded before leaving the lab.
Donnie hated lying to his brother. He hadn't told anyone that Raphael's condition took a turn for the worse. He discovered earlier in the morning that his heartrate was steadily dropping. Now, it's too slow for comfort. He hoped it was temporary and even tried several medications but nothing worked. His worst fear is coming true. Part of him was glad Leo left, he didn't want him to be here when Raphael slips away.
"Please Raph, find that stubborn streak and come back to us. I can't stand seeing you like this, Please big bro, don't leave us." Donnie cried into Raph's chest. He counted the number of beats as he remained pressed against is plastron. 1..2…3….4, each beat slower than the first. Each pause longer. How much longer can this go on for? Maybe he should just call Leo back. But that's just added stress and Leo needs some alone time outside the lair. He'll call later.