Okay, I know it's been a long time. But I decided to get the next chapter out before I was drawn and quartered. You will be happy to know the next chapter has already been started and it's a fast forward into the future.





When I came out of my room some forty minutes later, it was to find my sons minus Raphael sitting around the coffee table playing a game. It was unusual for them to be so quiet, but I gathered they had come to the conclusion that I was not in a mood to be trifled with.

My theory was confirmed when I announced that it was time for bed. Rather than their customary complaints, they chorused, "Yes Sensei" and quickly began to put the game away. A hasty bow and they scrambled to their rooms.

I watched them go and after waiting a few moments, I went to tuck them in. My first stop was Leonardo and Donatello's room. The two of them were lying down in their beds with the covers pulled up and the lights already out. I sighed and kissed them both gently on the forehead.

"Good-night, My Sons. Sleep well."

"Night Master," Donatello whispered.

"Good-night, Sensei," Leonardo echoed.

I was about to leave when Leonardo's voice called me back. "Master?"

"Yes, Leonardo?" I moved to sit on his bed.

He looked down for a second unsure as what to say. Finally he asked. "Did you punish Raph?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Leonardo, that is none of your concern. Go to sleep now. Rest assured that your brother is fine and will be up to mischief again in no time."

Leonardo smiled at that, but with a look of doubt on his face. "Ok. Good night sensei."

"Good night, Leonardo."

I left the room closing the door behind me and went to the next room. Michaelangelo's nightlight was glowing next to his bed and he looked to be already asleep. I chuckled softly. Michaelangelo usually had to be forced into bed, but once there he fell asleep instantly and was impossible to get up in the morning.

Raphael was also in his bed, but I could see from the dim light that his eyes were open and he was staring up at the ceiling. I sat down beside him. "Raphael, have you had the chance to think about what we discussed earlier?"

"Yes," he whispered a bit angrily.

I ignored it and asked. "And what conclusions did you reach?"

He looked at me as if he were about to say one thing and then changed his mind, "That I should obey the rules and stay away from the surface," he said mechanically.

I studied his face for a moment searching for the truth. I knew that he said that merely because that is what I wanted to hear. "Raphael," I began. "Is that the only conclusion you reached?"

My son paused considering that and I saw that he wanted to say something else. But finally he said, "Yes, Master."

I nodded and patted his hand gently. "Very well, then. Be certain you understand that, Raphael. Should it happen again, I will not be so lenient." I stood up and pulled the blankets up to him. "Good-night, My Son."

Raphael turned on to his side. "Night, Master."





"NO! I'm sorry! Please, STOP!"

I was startled awake by the sound of one of my sons screaming. I jumped up and raced for their rooms. It had been months since Michaelangelo had been plagued with nightmares and I wondered which of his brothers was responsible for the ghost story that must be behind this one.

I opened the door to Michaelangelo and Raphael's room. Leonardo, Donatello and Michaelangelo were all crowded around Raphael's bed. To my surprise, Raphael was pale and shaking wrapped up in his blankets.

"What is going on?" I asked.

"Raph had a nightmare," Donatello explained.

I stood there in silence. Why didn't I see this coming? Why hadn't I reassured him?

Michaelangelo placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You ok, Raph?"

Raphael's face turned crimson and he pushed away the caress. "Leave me alone, Mikey."

Michaelangelo looked hurt. "I was only trying to help."

"Well stop trying," Raphael said angrily. "That's the only way you can help."

"That's enough," I said gently. "Everyone back to bed."

My sons reluctantly did as I ordered and for the second time that evening I sat on Raphael's bed. Only this time it was to offer the comfort that I should have earlier.

"Raphael," I began quietly hoping that Michaelangelo would not hear. "Would you tell me what you dreamed?"

Raphael regarded me quietly for a moment and then shrugged. "I can't remember."

I sighed and for some reason I didn't quite believe him. "Did it have to do with what you and I discussed this evening?" I pressed.

My son shook his head. "No, I don't think so."

"Raphael, I know it is frightening to think of what humans are capable of..."

He interrupted me. "Are you scared of humans, Master?"

I was quiet for a second, thinking of how to answer that, but in my silence Raphael seemed to find his answer. "I don't wanna be a freak, Sensei," he said softly. "I don't wanna be something to study and dissect."

Saddened that I was the cause of his distress, I put my arm around him. "We are what we are, My Child. We can't change that."

He jerked away from my touch. "I don't wanna change who I am! There's nothin' wrong with me. Let the humans change who they are."

I saw that while trying to come to terms with the fear that I instilled in him, Raphael began to feel anger. He was angry because he had to be afraid. He was angry because he would never be accepted by humans for what he was. I never wanted or anticipated this. I took heart that this flame of anger was still small and I had the chance to quash it before it could grow into rage or hatred. But of course, we all know I failed.