If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all okay
and not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
and useless in times like these

by Jewel Kilcher in "Hands"

Leonardo dozed in a chair next to Splinter's bed. His chin rested against his plastron carelessly, and a cold cup of Ginseng tea was nestled loosely in his hands.

Splinter shuffled in the sheets quietly, so as not to disturb him. The pains in his chest were growing worse. In truth, he had been experiencing them for some time now. Waves of bitterness washed over him. He had not been wholly honest with them, but they didn't deserve this. He sighed.

The rat gave a tender side glance at Leonardo. The lamp light bathed the turtle in heavy shadows contrasting against a silky green glow. Nearby his katanas rested against the wall also glinting with a heavenly-like sheen. Splinter admired the rare scene with pooling eyes. His son's face was so serene and peaceful. If he were to pass on, he hoped Leonardo's face would be just like that.

Splinter then turned in the bed and gazed at the wall. Was it wrong to think of death so soon? Did it mean he was loosing hope? As a ninja, Splinter didn't fear death, but as a father he was petrified. Denial clawed up his throat, and he fought it down. He knew he was thinking of the worst possible outcome at the moment, but as their mentor that was sometimes necessary for their protection.

The marquee of thoughts and emotions in his mind paused as the door squeaked open. Michaelangelo peered in. Seeing that his master was awake, he stepped in and shut the door softly behind him. Splinter nodded a welcome as he sat in the chair on the opposite side. Leonardo didn't stir meanwhile.

"How're you feeling?" Mike reached for Splinter's hand that lay at his side. He offered a friendly pat.

The worried and pleading look speared the old rat's heart. He wanted to tell Michaelangelo everything would be all right, but was suddenly against it. They needed only his honesty now.

"Pensive," was all he dared reveal. Mike was very sensitive, and he decided to step lightly with his emotions.

Mike laughed, "Well, I guess that's a good sign." He gave his master's hand another squeeze.

Splinter was suddenly concerned. He saw it more as a bad sign, especially if he was already dwelling on the possibility death. Mike always had a way of twisting things to the positive aspect. It was usually a very good quality, but also a fault if wrung to denial.

"Perhaps," he forced a smile, "Has Donatello and Raphael returned yet?"

"No Sensei," more worry seemed to deepen in his son's already strained expression, "They've been gone all day..."

"They'll be fine," Leonardo's voice suddenly interrupted. He was wide awake now and giving his brother a long glare. "They can take care of themselves. Let's not trouble Sensei." He stood, "He obviously has enough on his mind."

Mike didn't like that tone and looked to Splinter for a rescue.

"Their safety is my concern, Leonardo," Splinter offered.

"And your health is ours," Leo added with little room for debate.

Mike was astonished. Leo was being more pushy then necessary, even to Sensei.

He suddenly realized this and sighed. "Sorry. I'm just a little...stressed," Leonardo added while rubbing the back of his neck.

Splinter abruptly erupted into more coughs. He tried to suppress them politely, but his lungs spasmed in rebellion.

Mike offered some tissues, "I think we all are."

The brothers exchanged sad looks.

As the attack died down, Splinter caught his breath. His throat was on fire with friction and acid.

"Michaelangelo, will you please bring me another glass of tea?" he croaked.

"Of course." Mike took the glass from Leo and instantly took his leave.

Leo stepped up and knelt. "Forgive me Sensei. I did not mean dishonor you."

Splinter lifted an emaciated hand and placed it gently on his head. "You are forgiven. Remember to be sympathetic to your brother's feelings as well as your own."

"Hai," he stared at the floor, "I will."

Leo got back up and walked to the wall where his katana rested. He sheathed them with a metallic swish and leaned toward the lamp. "I'll let you sleep now. Would you like the light off?"

"No, it's fine. Please see to Raphael and Donatello's return."

"I will."

"Good night, my son."

"Good night, Sensei."

The door shut softly and he was gone. Splinter sighed again. A dark cloud of loneliness came over him. Unballing his fist, he stared at the bloody tissue that remained hidden to them. There was still so much they needed to know.

"See anything?" Raphael stood beside a large, square garbage bin.

"No, not yet," a voice echoed from within it.

"Hurry it up, will ya'?"

"Well, Raph, this thing is loaded with biohazards. Do you want me to just start plowing through it haphazardly?"

"Yes."

"Your overwhelming support is touching. Truly."

There was a long silence. Inside, Donatello stopped his trash sorting when Raph didn't reply.

"Raph?"

"Shh!"

"What is it?" Don dropped his voice.

"Something's comin'."

Raphael snarled when a bulky truck suddenly backed up into the alley, "Shit!"

"What? What's wrong?"

"Get outta there Donny! NOW!"

A high-pitched beeping filled the alley as the garbage truck drew closer. Raphael leapt on a fire escape to avoid it while Don immediately grabbed the edge of the bin and jumped out. Making a neat landing, he turned around with wide eyes. Suddenly he was trapped between two large spikes from the vehicle like a deer caught in headlights. The spikes slid roughly into slots on the bin and began to lift it.

Raphael grit his teeth hearing the squeal of scraping metal. A tidal wave of scrap fell from the upside-down bin and into the truck's bed. But where was Donny? He paced to and fro, never taking his eyes from the scene. Then he spotted a shadow at the very forefront of the truck on the roof.

When the bin was finally empty, the device set it down and the truck jerked forward to leave. As it passed the fire escape, Donatello used his staff to vault towards it. He landed next to Raphael, slightly out of breath.

"That was close."

"Damn close," Raphael glared daggers at him.

"Guess we'll have to find another garbage bin."

"No."

"Raph, I need supplies for Splinter. We can't go back empty handed!"

"We won't." Raph turned to the hospital building nearby. The very one that the first garbage can came from.

Don followed his gaze, "No way. Don't even think about it."

"Common Donny, hospitals always have extra supplies. Splinter doesn't deserve used crud. We'll be in and out."

"Look, I know it's gross, but that's the way it's always been."

"Not any more. Let's go." Raph started climbing up the fire escape.

"Stealing from innocents is wrong, and you know it!" Don called from beneath him, "Sensei wouldn't want this!"

Raphael paused on the top level of the fire escape to wait for Donatello to catch up. Moments later, he appeared. Raph's arms snapped out and grabbed the rim of Don's shell to pin him. He looked his brother directly in the eye with frozen fury. Donatello was too stunned and alarmed to wretch out of the hold.

"Listen, and listen good. Splinter is too damn nice to humans for his own good. They've done shit for us and we've spilled our own blood in return. You're the smart one Donny, tell me, is that fair? Is it justice? Does that equation balance out?" Raphael shook him roughly.

"Raph, let me go," Don warned.

His brother's eyes flashed dangerously, "No! They OWE us. Don't you get it?"

"We can't. It's against everything he taught us," Don looked away.

"Fine, just get the hell outta my way then."

Raphael released his grip and shoved Donny aside. He then leapt onto the roof and disappeared.

Donatello's legs went numb. He slid into sitting position and hugged his knees. Suddenly it was cold, and he shivered. This wasn't suppose to happen...nothing was meant to be like this.