Splinter was having a hard time gauging the passage of time, but he felt like he'd been lying in his bed forever. Internally he recognized there was no choice when it came to accepting the arrangement, yet it often affected his mood in adverse ways.

He was secretly pleased with his sons for assisting him and each other, but the indefinite nature of his current "sentence" was disheartening. The rat would have had an easier time withstanding it if he could see a light at the end of the tunnel, but that didn't appear to exist.

Splinter had spent far too much time sleeping for his own taste, making it more difficult to determine what day it was, and how many had passed. He lived for the times he awakened with enough presence of mind to actually speak with one of his sons.

It was a rare occurrence to not find one of his boys near his side. While he hated the turtles' concern, he still craved their company, and the assurance that life would continue as normal. Donatello was there more often than the others, but he was also the most silent.

It wasn't unusual for the purple-masked turtle to be quiet from time to time, but Splinter sensed how disturbed the young one was. He hadn't possessed the energy to probe deeply into his son's state of mind yet, and could only allow Donatello's anxiety to fall to the wayside.

Typically when Splinter came around to find his purple-masked son, Donatello was occupied with something else, and often on his computer. So when he opened his eyes to find the ten-year-old merely waiting beside him, the rat was surprised.

"Donatello? Are you well?"

He nodded, though Splinter read the nerves his son was trying to contain. "How's your pain, Sensei?"

"It is...tolerable." His head injury was a mere annoyance which he preferred not to address. He sent a glance down to his leg in Donatello's homemade traction, and experienced a wave of fear he didn't want to admit out loud.

Splinter had wanted to ask his son's opinion before, but never managed to form the words. And Donatello has not offered any information from his studies, which probably means nothing good.

"What day is it, musuko? How long have we been home?"

"It's been about five days since we left the warehouse, Master. You seem a little more awake tonight."

"I have had nothing to do except rest," he grumbled.

"You've earned it, Otosan. I'm sorry you're stuck like this for now, but it's for your own good."

The rat grunted under his breath, irritated despite the truth of Donatello's words. A thoughtful look crossed the turtle's eyes, which could have been interpreted many ways. He knew his son wanted to speak, yet the youth didn't open his mouth.

"What is on your mind, Donatello?" he asked pointedly.

The turtle ducked his head momentarily. Then he peered at the door over his shoulder, as though afraid someone else was listening to him.

"My son, speak. I do not possess the energy to beg you."

"Sorry, I just...um..." He still hesitated, but then met Splinter's gaze. "I spent a little time at the library earlier this evening. Needed to download some new information, and I checked my email too."

Splinter eyed him shrewdly, detecting the tremor the ten-year-old struggled to contain. "What did you discover, musuko?"

"Master Splinter, I sold my ebay lot."

The rat sat up a couple more inches. "You are speaking of the baseball cards?"

"Yeah, Sensei. It, uh...there was a bidding war between two users, and it drove up the price. The winner owns some memorabilia store on the Upper East side. It's out of the way, but I'll get Leo or Raph to go with me to deliver. The plan is to drop it off like it was sent through the mail. That's why I limited the auction to local people."

Splinter nodded. "It appears your long term strategy was successful. I congratulate you, my son. What did your cards end up selling for, if you do not mind me asking?"

He noted Donatello swallow deeply. "It...went for just over $9,600."

The rat was so startled that he jerked too hard, and collapsed on the mattress with a low groan.

"Easy, Otosan," his son soothed. "Are you okay?"

Splinter winced and released a shaky breath. "This is unexpected."

"I know, but the money's all there. I already checked my Venmo card. I can use the ATM to get out a couple hundred at a time." Donatello offered him a half smile while reaching for his belt, and withdrawing a handful of bills.

"Leo and Raph don't know yet. Mike is the one who went with me tonight. This couldn't have come at a better time, with winter bearing down on us. The money is going to help a lot."

Despite the youth's enthusiasm, Splinter considered the money from another angle. "Donatello, have you given thought to anything besides food? There are other things such funds could be used for."

"Taking care of this family is all I'm concerned about. I'm really relieved, Otosan."

"I am proud of you, my son, but I would still like an answer. If you could do anything with this money, what would you put it toward?"

Now the purple-masked turtle looked confused. "It'll get us through the next few months easier."

"And what will happen after that?"

"I guess...we'll get by, the same way we always have. I'm gonna keep searching for things I can sell on the internet, though I doubt I'll find anything else as good as the baseball cards."

Donatello fingered the plastic binder full of cards that his father knew well. "I always figured someone didn't mean to throw them away. Had to be a ticked off girlfriend or a fed-up mom." He chuckled suddenly. "But it will be nice to get rid of stress for a while."

"Musuko, you are only focusing on the moment. What about the future?"

"Sensei, you're always telling us to be present in the moment."

"Yes, that is true. But sometimes in order to succeed, one must also look ahead."

"Otosan, what are you talking about? Why am I supposed to look into the future? Our family needs things now."

"We have needs," Splinter acknowledged. "But those you seem most concerned for can only be temporarily met. Once food is eaten, it cannot do us any more good."

The turtle's brow furrowed. "I suppose. What are you trying to tell me, Master?"

"I want you to forget about our immediate needs, my son. Tell me about your dreams. Those things you would do if there were no limitations, and nothing to hinder you."

"Dreams?"

"Yes. If you could do anything you desired with the available funds, how would you spend it?"

"That's...I don't know, Sensei. I've never thought that way before."

Splinter couldn't contain irritation this time. "One thing, Donatello. Surely you have a single item you have longed to acquire."

"I would definitely look into some fiber optics," he admitted. "There's quite a bit of hardware to install to gain access to the internet. Letting the library be a thing of the past and accessing the web from my own computer is a dream, for sure. I'd also prefer to pay for the internet somehow, but it would require finagling. I'd have to break into a physical provider on the surface, create an account. There are a lot of logistics involved, including fashioning some kind of signal booster that would work underground."

"What else?"

The simple question made Donatello visibly nervous, though Splinter couldn't fathom why.

"Um...I would build a lab. Like, a real one. But that stuff is kind of selfish. It's why I don't like to think about it. Whatever we do with this money, it's got to be for all of us. Not just me."

"Musuko, why do you wish to build a lab? What are your reasons for seeking that type of work?"

The youth was quiet for a good minute. "I have ideas, Master, and theories about the way things work. But I don't have the ability to perform tests, or supplies to run experiments. I've been trying to find more alternative methods for medication which is agreeable with our physiology.

"I don't know what I can accomplish, but doing anything would require chemical components and equipment that I can't get from the dump. I have dreams about making things too. A radio with a longer range, or even something closer to a phone. I'd love to fix up machines like I did the computer, and try building more things of my own."

He paused, finally making eye contact. "Ideally, it'd be nice to have some options. You got away from this disaster without needing a blood transfusion, Sensei, but what if it had been worse? What are the chances that none of us will ever need a donation?

"Then with your leg, having to rely on touch alone, and not being able to see what's happening inside...There's so much technology out there. If I could learn how to use some of it, adapt things for our situation...It could save someone's life.

"But all of that seems out of reach, Master Splinter. It's much easier to focus on basic needs than to climb a mountain. This is too big for me."

"My son, you described your desire for a lab as 'selfish'. Yet everything you explained just now would encompass a benefit for our entire family."

"Sensei, I can't. This is far beyond what I'm capable of. I need to keep learning from you, and do the best I can with what I have to work with."

"For that which you choose to settle," Splinter corrected. "It is not the 'best' you can. You are only referring to the path of least resistance."

"Otosan, what do you want me to say? I don't know how to do any of this. Ideas and theories won't help our family."

"Not if you do nothing with them. How much would it cost to begin?"

"I have no idea."

"Are you aware of how to get the items you need?"

Donatello's guilty grimace made Splinter smile. "You have studied this matter."

"Not in the sense that I was going to do it. The internet is an effective way to find and buy things, since it requires no physical interaction."

"But once you purchase items, how would you acquire them?"

The turtle brightened. "You know those companies that rent out storage spaces? I found one that also accepts shipments during the day. So If I got in there to learn the system, set up an account and rent a space...All I would have to do is sneak in at night when they're closed and get shipments from my own unit. At least...uh...in theory."

"You have considered this a great deal."

"Daydreams mostly," he squeaked.

"Donatello." Splinter reached for his wrist. "Build your lab."

The turtle backed away slightly. "Otosan, I can't. I don't know how."

"Learn."

"I can't pull knowledge out of mid-air-"

"How did you learn to repair a computer? Or perform first aid that rivals my own?"

"You taught me most of it-"

"Not everything. And I provided no instruction about computers. You did it by yourself. I will continue to help and support you any way I can, musuko. But you are capable of learning exactly what you need. You only have to focus on one task at a time, like installing your internet."

"This is a huge project, Sensei. I don't have time to deal with it yet."

"You can still prepare. I want you to do this, Donatello."

"Why? Why are you pushing me to spend money when we need it for other things?"

"My son, I want to protect this family. You want to protect this family. We have little to no resources currently. If you are all going to survive your adolescence, I believe you are going to need the options you spoke of. So build it."

Donatello sighed sharply. "I don't think Leo and Raph will like this. They won't understand."

"You will have to show them. Keep your money, Donatello, and begin to obtain the things you require."

"But Master, I really believe I can afford to put some of it towards food and other supplies we need now."

"Then divide some money out. Use it wisely, and invest the rest into our future."

"We have to consider better nutritional sources," Donatello suggested. "We've got to start getting more protein. It's hindering our muscular development."

"What do you have in mind?"

"A whey-rich source of protein which won't spoil quickly and would be easy to keep on hand. Something with good ingredients that we can turn into a drink. It might not be the best tasting thing ever, but I need your help convincing the guys to take it. After they see some results they might be more willing to play along, but there will probably be some initial persuasion required."

"I will tell them refusing is not an option."

"Okay. I'll get some powder ordered, as soon as I have the storage situation figured out."

Splinter was pleased by the progress of their conversation, but now turned to deal with the unsavory matter. "My son. I need for you to explain what you have learned about my injury. I sense you would rather avoid this, but that will not change it in the least."

"I'm not avoiding it, Master. There are a lot of things I don't know yet."

"Please tell me your thoughts, musuko. What have you been reading?"

The turtle rubbed the back of his head anxiously. "Even without an x-ray, the extent of the damage I feel indicates a need for surgery."

"Which we both realize is not possible. Are there any alternatives?"

"There's physical therapy, which is what I've been pouring over for the last couple of days."

"Is the therapy going to be enough, Donatello?"

"With the right regime, you should regain the use of your leg. B-but, it's not going to be the same. There's a strong chance you're going to be permanently hampered. As far as ninjutsu...I hope you'll be able to continue, given the time to recover."

It was no less than Splinter expected, but witnessing his son's discomfort in delivering the news hurt the rat internally. "Musuko, I knew this would likely be the case, since I am not able to receive the level of 'professional' care that one in my position needs. I believe you are the reason I will walk again at all."

Donatello shook his head, clearly emotional. "That's because you're epic, not because of me, Otosan."

When Splinter reached out again, his son willingly caught his hand that time. "We will get through this."

The turtle nodded, but still seemed miserable. "I wish it wasn't you."

"Musuko, I will rise up from this challenge, as I have many others. Do not permit guilt to cloud your mind."

"But it's hard when-"

The rat squeezed his hand tighter. "You are not responsible for the grenade. Do you not grasp how much worse this could have been? Thanks to your actions along with your brothers, everyone survived. We made it home."

"A lot of that was Leo. I don't know what you remember, but he was amazing."

"Your brothers said the same of you, Donatello. I am not surprised by any of it."

The youth ducked his head again. "Did they also tell you that...well, I...I deviated?"

The term puzzled Splinter. "Deviated how?"

The purple-masked turtle lightly pulled his hand back. "One of the nights we were out looking for you. I saw some kids in trouble, and I did something about it. Not by myself," he added rapidly. "Leo and Raph were there too. I'm sorry, Sensei. I felt like I didn't have a choice. If I hadn't acted, they could be dead."

"They likely would be." Splinter fought to steady his voice, but the admission from his son made knots twist in his stomach.

"I know I'm not ready, and I shouldn't have done it. But I couldn't leave them, Otosan."

"You could have. It was your choice," the rat negated.

"Are you mad? You don't have to be. I don't plan to do it again. I'm not Leo and Raph. Working together felt great, but I'm not cut out for this."

Splinter didn't want to have the conversation. He was already experiencing so much anxiety for his older sons, the thought of Donatello joining them was absolutely horrifying.

"I am not angry," he said faintly, only to reassure him. "I am concerned."

"I won't do it again, Master. I promise, I'll stay away from humans."

"My son, if you have already been driven to protect them, I fear it is bound to happen again."

"No, it won't," he insisted. "I don't want to be around them. Humans aren't worth the trouble they could bring us."

Splinter cocked his head, automatically replying before he could stop himself. "All life has value, Donatello. It is not right to say they have no worth."

"I don't mean it like that, Sensei. But why should we be involved? Why risk everything that could go wrong?"

"Why did you help someone to begin with?"

"Because I had to! Nobody else was around. I was there."

"If you saw such things again, do you honestly believe you could resist it?"

"I don't know, so I won't let it go that far. I don't have to look down when I go out. I'll stay on the roofs, and that won't happen."

Splinter wanted to agree with the course of action, but words escaped him. It took an eternity to find the will to reply. "You are very young. It is perhaps better to avoid altercations at this time. But you cannot ignore everything which happens around you forever, Donatello.

"You are going to see unspeakable things once more. You will be forced to make decisions you do not like. But you should not allow recent events to color your mind, or cause you to value the lives of others less. What if it was one of your brothers or myself, musuko? If someone had the power to help us, would you not prefer for them to act?"

"But Otosan...I didn't think you would want me near them either."

"It is not what I want for any of you. Yet do you imagine there is something you could say to deter Leonardo and Raphael from performing such acts?"

"I doubt it. I'm still scared though. Those cops almost killed us a bunch of times."

"That is why you must keep training, and only use violence as a last resort. It should not be your first choice, Donatello. You are not wrong for wanting to avoid conflict. However if some fights are not faced, if evil goes unchecked...there are varieties which will only continue to grow."

"Why do we have to face it? Why should it be up to us?"

"You do not have to do anything, musuko."

"I felt like I did. And that's not fair."

"It is always your choice, my son. When the time comes to make it again, I am confident you will know what to do. For now, on the basis of my own peace of mind, I would prefer for you to refrain."

"Yeah. It seems too soon anyway, and I'm still not sure how I feel about this. I'm not gonna patrol, Sensei."

"You will continue your training with me?"

"Of course, Otosan. I don't wanna quit, not just because I'd rather forget the rest of the world exists."

"Many humans are quite remarkable, Donatello. They are brave, strong, selfless, and compassionate. I fear you are allowing these recent events to cloud your perception of people. Many are willing to sacrifice their lives, stand up for what is right, and discover cures that save others. There is much goodness in the human race. I can tell you that from personal experience."

"I'm sure there is, Sensei. The problem is knowing who's who."

"Is a life less valuable because it is not upstanding, my son?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Did you try to kill the guilty men in your own encounter?"

"No, Master. I wouldn't have done that."

"Why not, Donatello?"

"I didn't need to kill them. Taking them down was enough, especially since someone else arrived."

"Their lives are still worth something," Splinter reiterated.

"When they choose to do evil things, it doesn't seem like they should be," he grumbled.

"But it is not for you to decide, musuko. You cannot determine whether someone is worthy to live or die. That is much too great of a burden to carry."

"I get it, Otosan. I don't honestly believe they're worthless either, this is just...complicated. Like everything else."

"Some complications are easier to solve as a family. Are you accepting enough help from your brothers?"

Donatello nodded rapidly. "They're helping a ton. Leo and Raph are even getting along better. They still disagree, but it isn't like before. I'm hoping the change might be permanent."

"Your brothers are not perfect. Yet it does seem they may have learned a few things through the ordeal."

"I think we all did," the young turtle murmured.

"What did you learn?" Splinter took the opportunity to ask.

The ten-year-old appeared to ponder the question deeply. "I learned that...I have to speak up. I can't keep everything in, or details will get lost."

"What else?"

"Leo and Raph may fight a lot, but they care about each other too. I've seen the proof."

"Keep going, Donatello."

"They trust me," he said quieter. "Somehow, them believing that I can do something, makes me think I might be able to do even more."

"You can do more," the rat affirmed. "You can make right decisions. You can build a laboratory, and follow the instincts which have guided you all along."

"Your influence has guided me, Otosan."

"I lack your intelligence, musuko."

"That's not true. And even if it was, you could still kick my shell with the use of only one leg."

"I will come back from this, Donatello," he proclaimed, determined. "Find me the exercises. Help me with a plan. I am not ready to get out of this bed yet, but that day will not be forever in coming."