How bad do you want it?

Master Splinter look into the face of his son. His ears would raise and fall as the question spun in his head. A thousands things to say, but this wasn't Leonardo whom would take his words as wisdom and seek to gain his approval even at the cost of his own self imagery. This wasn't Donatello, who he could use logic and reasoning to answer and perhaps challenge in such a way that he would solve the problem for him. Nor, Michelangelo, who he could simply distract from the trouble until he has a better answer than the one he had to give now. No, this was his red masked son. The one who challenge his authority, who followed his heart, who is easily sway by emotions, and stubborn to a fault. There would be no distracting him, and the words he spoke would be inspected and judged in the court of his heart. One wrong move, one wrong word, and he could lose him …forever.

Master Splinter was speechless as he stared at Raphael.

Are you willing to destroy everything for knowledge?

So quiet, but Raphael knew he had put a serious challenge on the floor. His father was concern for him, but, his concern couldn't make anything better. He couldn't help him. No one could, and bringing his secret to light would only achieve one thing….his complete and utter isolation and then …destruction. He knew, he knew it as surely as his skin was green. His fear, his defensive had all been built around this weak point, this secret, and like hell he would simply fold in the face of his first challenger. No matter who it was as he sat there and waited.

This was a battle of wills, and out of all his brothers.

Raphael knew, he was the best equipped to stand up to Master Splinter.

When the knowledge gain can save a life.

This was a test.

Master Splinter knew it.

Yet, there was no way to prepare for it.

He would have to take a chance.

When the knowledge gain can lose a life.

Raphael knew he was being unfair.

There was no win for Master Splinter in this.

No matter the answer, in his eyes, he would fail his son.

The only question is, what would be worst?

Would you risk it?

Master Splinter took a deep breathe. The moment was now, and Raphael could see it in his eyes as he open his mouth and spoke. The words tumbling out, were meant to sound wise, but, they came out almost as a whisper. Master Splinter loved his sons, equally and completely. He didn't want to run one away, and he couldn't ignore that he was hurting. There really was no choice, and Raphael knew it. Though he had to try. One last attempt, one last card thrown on the table, and then, it was over. He had lost …they had lost.

"Yes."

"Tell me my son, what is troubling you."

Raphael lower his head as the words were said. He knew this would be the answer, but it still hurt as he prepared to speak only to feel a finger press underneath his chin. Slowly, gently, it would strive to raise his eyes as he looks into the face of his father.

"You underestimate me, no matter what you say, I will not turn my back on you. I love you, Raphael, I am not sure what makes you mistrust me so, but nothing you say will change that. But, I can not sit idly by and watch you harm yourself …no matter what, I will not watch you be consume by darkness."

He says the words with an honest heart, but he doesn't know the secret. Not yet, and Raphael gives him a half heart smile.

"I wish things….were that simple."

Raphael response back as he pushes Master Splinter's hand away. There was no use in trying to hide it anymore. Yet, a secret hidden so long, it was hard to simply let it go.

"I killed someone …Master Splinter. No, not just someone, I killed your daughter. I did it out of fear, I did it out of disgust, and I tried to hide it for so long. But, it just wouldn't say hidden, she won't stay dead."

Master Splinter looks at his son, the pain on his face at those words. Confusion, fill him, but as Raphael continues, it clears up …as Master Splinter gently stood up. He would reach for the blanket carefully as he pulls it to the side. There is no resistances from his red mask son as his father's whiskers droop at the sight.

"I see."

"I could not have knowledge of her and still …let you continue to live."

Master Splinter reaches over for his son and hold him in his arms.

"Hai, sensei."

Raphael respond as he allowed the embrace.

They both knew, it will be for the last time.

This transgression could not be forgotten nor forgiven.

The secret was finally out.