One Hand Down

Disclaimer: I do not own them, just borrow for my own amusement.

Part 3: A cry in the lair.


Leo had been nose deep in a book when he heard the painful cry. He knew immediately it was his brother and that his brother would not be making such a sound without good reason. Leo leaped off his bed, grabbed his swords and ran into the living area.

At the very same moment, Master Splinter's ear twitched as he came back to reality from his meditation state from the cry of his son. He had hardly heard his second oldest son cry out in pain before, but he knew from the cry that it could only mean one thing. Splinter did what any loving parent would do, rushed to his son's side.

Donnie was at Raph's side in a flash, "Just let me take a look!" Raph was refusing to let his older brother touch him, he was screaming in pain and trembling from the agony. He was fighting off tears, though he could not control them at this very moment. For once in his life, Raphael's stubborn tough-guy act fell apart, he could not control his own body. The agony of the pain and the shock of having missed his target over whelmed him and he knew it would not be long before he cracked.

"It can't be that bad Raph," Mikey said, as he backed away slowly. He was in a state of shock by the fact Raphael had misjudged his shot and ended up in such pain. He had never seen Raph in so much agony before. The fact Raphael collapsed from the pain and the look on his face, Mikey knew then this was serious. His usual playful attitude would be of no use in this situation. He stood rooted to the spot he did not know what to do.

"Mikey get some ice! Hurry!" Donnie cried in panic. Mikey ran to the kitchen, not knowing what he was doing.

"Raphie, let me see, just let me see, oh stop being so bloody stubborn and give me a look!" Donnie steadied his brother and tried to have a closer look at the injury. Raph's tear ducks had now opened up and the swelling around his right hand was increasing at a rapid rate. Raph clutched his right arm the pain vibrating throughout his body – it was agony.

"Where's that ice! Mikey!" Donnie cried out – Raph needed that ice now! He didn't dare leave his brother's side, he knew even through his typical touch guy personality, Raphael would need his support.

"Get his away from me." Raphael managed to growl; he never wanted that turtle near him again.

"Raphael!" Master Splinter and Leo ran to his side, trying to figure out what had happened. Raphael let out another painful cry hearing his father's voice. Master Splinter's voice filled with concern and worry; this was no time for Splinter to be his usual calm self. His son was injured, he had no idea what had happened, and all he knew was that Raphael was seriously injured.

Mikey in the kitchen gulped, he was dead. What if Raph has broken his arm and it didn't heal? Raphie could not use the Sais no more, would that mean that only three turtles would go out on patrol. They had always been a team of four; it would not work without Raph. Raph would never forgive him. The others would never forgive him.

"What happened?" Splinter demanded looking at Donatello.

"Raph went to break Mikey's beak and Mikey ducked. Raph pushed the pole here, see the dint?" Donnie pointed to where a dint in the pole was visible. Both Splinter and Leo looked at it, only Leo looked at it longer. Splinter turned his attention back to his second youngest son.

"I think he's broken his wrist, Sensei," Donnie informed his father.

"Yes, it seems so, though I must have a closer look, Raphael."

"No," Raph pulled away and another rupture of pain echoed through his body, he let out another scream of pain. The pain was killing him, his head hurt from the emotional and physical pain.

"My son, I can not help you, until you let me help you," Master Splinter said as calmly as he could master.

"Is there anything I can do, Sensei?" Leonardo asked obediently. He had never seen Raphael in so much pain before. Raph had been injured by the foot by he had never endured an injury of such force at home.

"Yeah, get lost," Raph, growled, before crying in pain again. He cried and turned to Splinter, "I only want you and Donnie, tell the others to get lost." Raphael struggled with his words. He was getting dizzy.

"Raphael, I know you are in pain, my son, you must not let the pain guide you in saying things you will later regret," Master Splinter tried to sooth his son, this time, Raphael let his father examine him. Splinter looked at Leo, who backed away a little. Raph might not want him there, but he still wanted to be there for his brother. He would respect his brother's wishes by backing away a small fraction, allowing Splinter and Donnie to take a closer look at the injured turtle.

"Mikey get in here with the ice!" Donnie called.

"Keep that little shit away from me," Raph yelled, as he pulled free of his family and stood up. Clutching his arm and falling over again, Donnie and Splinter catching him on the way.

"Raphael, come you may rest on the couch for now, Donatello, help me get your brother comfortable," Splinter soothed, "Leonardo, go find out where Michealangelo is with that ice."

"Yes Sensei," Leo bowed and walked away to the kitchen.

"Sit down my son," Splinter gently guided his son onto the couch and Donnie grabbed Raph's pillow and blanket from his room. The dizziness took over and Raphael did not see Donnie smiling at him, as he placed a blanket over him.

Leo found Mikey in the kitchen by the sink; his brother looked frozen to the spot.

"Mikey, what are you doing? Raph needs that ice," Leo grabbed the ice out of the freezer, Mikey had not even responded.

"Mikey?" Leo taped his little brother on the shoulder.

"Leave me alone!" Mikey ran out of the room and out of the lair all together. He needed time alone. He did not even bother to take his topside clothes.

Next chapter on it's way…..