Chapter 13: Please Come Back

The walk back to the lair was uneventful. Donatello followed Karai and Mikey, making to keep in contact with either one that whole time while keeping an eye on Leo, Raph, and Master Splinter. It hurt the old rat to see his son watch him so carefully and full of fear. He knew it was the animalistic side but he had hoped that Donatello would be able to recognize his father. Leo and Raph felt that same. They both hated the fact that their brother was afraid of them.

"I can't believe Shredder actually did that to him," Leo breathed, keeping his voice low, only speaking to Raph.

Raph glanced around, making sure Mikey and Karai weren't listening. "This is a nightmare. Do you think we'll get Donnie back?"

Leo looked over at his brother and nearly stumbled at the sight. Raphael was hunched over, holding himself tightly, as his green eyes shimmered with unshed tears. The whole body language screamed defeat. Leo reached over, grasping his shoulder tightly. "We'll get him back I know we will." Raph gave him a weak smile before remaining silent. Leonardo turned his gaze back at his mutated brother, hoping he hadn't lied to Raph.

Snakelady was here. That meant he was safe. His side still hurt and the white stuff around his arms was gone. Flyman wouldn't be happy with him but Flyman wasn't here. Who would make the pain go away?

"Don't worry, Donnie," Snakelady calmly whispered. "We're almost there and you can rest."

"She's right, Don!" He turned his eyes to the other creature who knew the duh word. He was a smaller turtle. He had kind eyes and a soft touch. Smallturtle gave him a small pat on the head, still showing his teeth. That was strange. Teeth meant bad but Smallturtle was safe. Maybe showing teeth was different.

Donatello lost his thought as another voice caught his attention. "Where will we put him?" He turned his head to the three following close behind. Alpha had spoken. A shiver ran through his body and Snakelady laid a hand on his shell, telling him it was okay. Alpha was scary. He had sharp, shiny things that really hurt.

"Donatello will stay in the dojo. There will be plenty of space for him." Giantrat knew the duh word too but he also had a sharp stick. Giantrat had really hurt him. His side still ached from the stick. The other turtle didn't say anything but he had sharp sticks too, but smaller. Loudvoice was scary in his own right too. He would stay close to Snakelady and Smallturtle. They would keep him safe.

Master Splinter bowed his head as he watched Donatello look them over, fear in his glowing red eyes. Karai and Michelangelo had managed to herd him into the dojo, letting him move around and sniff the area. Splinter watched his son carefully, noting his injuries, the wound on his side, the few on his arms, and the large crack down his shell. Splinter's eyes narrowed as his son's neck was exposed. His breath caught as he saw the black collar around his throat.

"Karai." Karai looked up, taking her eyes off of Donnie and Mikey as the smaller of the two made sure the larger didn't hurt himself. "Do you think you could take that off?" She looked over to what Splinter was pointing at and nodded.

Donatello cooed at her presence, head-butting her gently, wanting pets. She gave him a little scratch before whispering to Mikey. "Keep him occupied for a second."

"Hey, Donnie. Isn't this place nice? You like it, don't you? Who's such a good turtle?" Mikey jabbered on, petting Donnie's head who let out coos and chirps at the affection. Karai quickly reached around and unbuckled the collar. As she peeled it off, Donatello let out a whimpered, shying away from her hands. The skin underneath was raw, bleeding, and covered with burns.

"My poor son…." All Splinter wanted to do was go to his son and comfort him but Donatello would not let anyone but Karai or Mikey near him.

Leonardo stood at his side and softly said, "I'm sure everything will be okay. Right Sensei?" Splinter jumped at his son's words. They ran with truth. He let a smile graced his features.

"Yes, everything will be fine. We will give Donatello time and show him we mean no harm." Splinter turned away, happy his family was reunited, but knew he needed some time to himself.

"Donnie's a genius. It seems so demeaning that Mikey's talk to him like that," Raphael spoke up, clenching his fists in anger.

Leo sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder, "He just doesn't understand. We'll need to make sure we help him."

Donatello was now sniffing around the base of the tree. He tilted his head and placed his front arms on the base of the tree, stretching out to taste the cool air that entered their home. It was like he had never seen it before. Mikey continued to talk to the large mutant while Karai moved over to the other two turtles.

"We should give them some time together," Karai spoke. "Donnie won't hurt him."

"Mikey is his only little brother," Leo pointed out. "I don't think he'll ever intentionally hurt Mikey." Raph nodded in agreement as the three oldest left the room.

Michelangelo noted they had left as Donnie got down onto the ground, shaking his head, and showing off his sharp teeth. Mikey back away for a second before realizing Donnie was trying to copy his smile. He grinned back at him and said, "See? You really are smart, aren't you D?"

The large mutant grumbled happily before laying himself on the ground, making sure to keep in contact with Mikey the whole time. Mikey smiled at his brother and sat down, resting his shell on the base of the tree. A coo and soon Mikey had a lap full of Donnie, well only his head. Donatello blinked up tiredly at the smaller turtle before closing his eyes with a content purr.

Mikey sighed as he began to gently stroke his brother's head. "I'm really glad your back Donnie, but how can we help you? None of us are smart like you. I… I really miss you, D." He buried his face in the angular head, hoping his brother wouldn't feel his tears. "Please…. Please…. Please come back. I don't know what I'd do without you….."

Author's Note: Back on track. I think I'm updating this so fast because I'm excited about each chapter plus the wonderful reviews I'm getting from all of you. Special thanks to Pilyartquitect, TheEquestrainidiot 2.0, RatchetLover, BipperCipher3, Pip, Andraia452, and .52 for their reviews!