Chapter 3: Confession

Don cleaned Raph's arm carefully. It was a bloody mess. The wound that was once a mere scar, now open and bleeding like new. "I hope I'm not hurting you."

To say he was worried about Raph would be an understatement. His brother hadn't spoken a word since regaining consciousness, a fact that didn't help lessen his worry a bit.

"You're not," Raph murmured softly.

Don finished bandaging Raph's arm. Raph was refusing to look at him even then. "Raph look at me."

Raph slowly raised his head to look at his brother. Don put a comforting hand on each of Raph's shoulders.

"I don't know what's going on Raph, but whatever it is, you know we'll always be with you. We'll not let anything harm you, I promise."

Raph nodded, dropping his head toward the ground once again. Don sighed. "Let's go see how Mikey's doing."

"I'm the reason he got hurt," Raphael blurted sadly, "The hit he took was meant for me."

Don shook his head. "It's not you fault. Mikey wanted to protect you. Any of us would have done the same thing. We are brothers Raph. We always protect each other's backs."

"But what if he…"

"Don't give up on him yet. Now let's go." Don grabbed Raph's good arm and pulled him to his feet. "Let's see how he's doing."

"It's just that…I hate feeling so helpless, Don." Raph suddenly became restlessly angry.

"You're not helpless Raph."

"Yes, I am. That…man had control over me. I felt it, Don."

Don glared at his brother worriedly.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Logan came out of Mikey's room the same moment Raph and Don joined the others.

"He's lucky he's a turtle, I'll tell you that!" Logan began as he wiped his hands.

"Will he be all right?" April demanded.

"His shell took most of the damage. Though the wound on his side is deep, it'll heal in no time. So that's a yes. He'll be all right."

"Thank God!"

"Master, tell us what's going on," Leonardo demanded, "Who was that man and what does he want with Raph and April?"

Don gave Leo a face then turned to Logan. "I bandaged Raph's arm as best as I could but I'd really appreciate it if you could take a second look."

"Sure thing," Logan took the hint.

"No," Raph said firmly, "I'm okay Don. I deserve to hear this more than you do."

"Raphael is right," Splinter said sadly, "He must hear what I am going to say."

"First," Black, who rarely spoke at all, interrupted, "I don't think the woman has anything to do with it. They used her to get to you."