Chapter 8

In the Med Lab

Mikey watched his body resting peacefully on the bed. Donnie was sitting next to Mikey's bed, checking his brother's vitals and taking notes.

Donnie's POV

"Hey Mikey, how are you feeling? I know you can't answer me right now, but I…I miss you, little brother. We all do. I can't believe you'd try to..." I stopped and sighed, "I can't say this is your fault, Mikey. It was ours; we treated you badly. I wish I could do more, but all my machines say that your vitals are fine. So why are you still in a coma? Please don't give up, Mikey; we can help you to heal. I love you, baby brother." I took Mikey's hand and squeezed it tightly, hoping Mikey would squeeze back.

Raph's POV

I entered the lab and saw Donnie holding Mikey hand like it was his last lifeline. It broke my heart to see Donnie like this. All of us were wearing thin. How could we help Mikey if couldn't even help ourselves? And what if Mikey never wakes up? What will happen to our family? Wait a minute, what am I thinking?! Of course Mikey will wake up. He WILL wake up and he WILL get better.

"Hey Donnie, I'm going to stay with Mikey. You need to rest, bro, you look exhausted. Don't worry, if something happens, I will get you." I added as Donnie opened his mouth to protest.

Donnie nodded reluctantly. He stood up and looked over his shoulder one last time before heading to his room to get some sleep. I crouched down beside Mikey's bed and stared at my little brother's face.

"Well Mikey, what can say? I'm scared, Mikey, really scared. I've never felt so scared in my life. I remember once, when we were little, you told me that I was your hero. What kind of hero hurts his baby brother and calls him names? Mikey, you're our sunshine; you light up our lives just by being your happy self. I'm sorry I failed you, for not being there for you. Please come back to us, Mikey, I promise I'll be a better brother." I whispered as I tried to suppress a sob that threatened to rose in my throat. It didn't work; big fat tears started streaming down my face. I didn't bother trying to wipe them away; my main focus was on Mikey. I laid my head on Mikey's bed and closed my eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Leo's POV

"Raph." I called to my brother, who was resting on his knees with his head on Mikey's bed. That didn't look too comfortable, I thought. He jerked in surprise, blinking at me sleepily. "It's my turn to watch over Mikey. You should go to your room to get some sleep."

Raph got up and passed me wordlessly. I caught a glimpse of dried tear stains on his face. I felt my heart twist in discomfort, Raph rarely cried, even when he was little. This shows how bad the situation is, how torn up Raph is over this.

"Hey Mikey, it's me, Leo. I-I need to tell you something. Do you remember the fight with the Foot clan? You were great out there; you took all of them out by yourself and rescued us. I was mad that I led us to a trap. I let my anger out on you because I felt useless that I wasn't able to do anything.

What kind of brother am I to make you feel like a failure? You're not a failure, Mikey, I am. I'm supposed to be the leader, the eldest, so all of you are my responsibility. I should have known you were feeling depressed and suicidal. This is my fault, Mikey. You're a brave ninja, good son and a wonderful baby brother. I swear, Mikey, if you die, I will kill myself just to be with you. I really want you back, Mikey, I-no, WE can't live without you."

Splinter's POV

Leonardo was talking to my youngest son when I came into the lab. Our family is going through a rough time. I wish I could do more to help all of them.

"My son, it is late, it is time for you to go to bed." I told him, putting a paw on his shoulder.

"Sorry, Father." He said, not meeting my eye. He still blames himself for all this, I thought with a heavy sigh.

After Leonardo left the lab, I turned to my youngest son. "Michelangelo, you need to wake up and return to us. This family is falling apart without you."

Mikey's POV

Shell, what I have done to my family?

"Guys, I'm so sorry. I want to go home! Mother, please send me back home! My family needs me!"

Mother suddenly appeared and smiled at me.

Mother's POV

"Good, now you see the truth, my son. Your family loves you and they would do anything for you. It is time for you to return home. Never, EVER do something like this again. If you do, I'll raise you from the dead just to send you back, you got it?" I threatened, half-playful and half-serious.

He laughed and flashed me a thousand watt smile. It made me happy to see that smile on his face again.

"Close your eyes on the count of three." I instructed. "One…, two…, three!"

TBC