I'm still recovering from watching the final episode so went back to season 1 for this oneshot! This is based on the aftermath of 'showdown' the season 1 finale to shell-ebrate (!) the 5th mutation day of this amazing show!

Splinter P.O.V

The safe return of my sons was something I could never stop fretting about. I was well aware of the danger I had willingly placed them, even more so after my unfortunate conflict with Miss O'Neil, however when my four sons entered our home with our young ally, I was overcome with relief. Since the realisation of Karai's true identity my heart felt strained as with a heavy burden, the evidence of which I did not realise was so clear upon my features until April and Leonardo spoke to me in the dojo later that evening. Admittedly I was a little sharp with them, but thankfully their young hearts did not appear to take offense, however it was not until early the next morning, when Kirby and April had returned to their own homes, that I was able to discuss with my sons what they undertook in their mission to save the city.

Once we had all settled down in the dojo, the most temperamental of my sons was unsurprisingly the first to let his feelings about their previous experience known.

"Sensei, did you really tell Mr let-me-sacrifice-myself-for-you-and-the-mission here" he violently jabbed a finger at his directly elder brother, "to complete the mission at the cost of anything?" I heard the anguish in my son's voice and saw his anger. I looked at the others and noticed a similar level of pain within the gazes of my youngest two sons, but what truly broke my heart was the lack of emotion upon Leonardo's features. I bowed my head.

"My sons, I wish I could tell you that I would never order your mission to be a higher priority than the lives of others, however you have proven you deserve more respect than a simple lie." I raised my head again, knowing how hard it would be to make them understand my reasons. I now understood what my own father went through when he told me and Saki the same thing as children. "My job as your Sensei is to ensure you do what must be done. The mission is your priority, the sacrifices to complete this are almost irrelevant." The looks of disbelief was one of the most painful thing I have endured in my hard existence upon this world. "However," I continued, "as your father I would never wish for such an outcome. Your lives are more important to me than the world, but due to our sense of honour, it is our duty to protect the innocent from evil."

My youngest tentatively raised an arm. I nodded, knowing what was coming.

"So if we…" He clearly struggled to finish the thought. I interrupted before he could force the painful word out.

"I would never forgive myself if any of you died." I assured him, meeting each of my son's eyes, "I asked my own father the same question when he told me and Saki back in Japan. But please, before I continue, may I understand what transpired tonight for you to ask such a question Raphael?"

My son glared at Leonardo, then the others and then back to myself. I waited patiently, understanding the inner turmoil to question his brother and leader in front of me.

"We were in the technodrome and Kraang Prime was chasing us. Mikey fell down a crevice and there was only one pod." He then went into depth about how Leonardo used Michelangelo's chains to hold back the alien and ordered his brothers to escape as the technodrome was going down. I listened, attempting not to show my horror at how willingly my son had laid down his life for his brothers and the city, and once Raphael had finished, I could see the tears in Michelangelo's eyes, the confusion and pain in Donatello's and the guilt in Leonardo's. Even though what he had done was his own decision, Leonardo was clearly upset at the pain he had caused his brothers.

After a long silence, I finally found the courage to spoke.

"Leonardo. Explain."

My eldest stood and began to speak without pause or any sense of regret.

"I had to stop to save my brother, but in doing so the enemy was almost upon us. Therefore the only way to ensure the majority of us escaped was to hold Kraang back while the escape pod left. Once they were clear the technodrome hit the water which short circuited Kraang's systems allowing me to escape. I used the ventilation systems to find an exit then met up with my brothers in the escape pod."

I nodded and he sat down.

"I am impressed with you all." Whatever my sons were expecting, it was not that. "You all showed courage in the face of impossible odds and even when your brother ordered you to follow something which sounded impossible, you ensured your ally was safe, completing the mission." I turned to my eldest son and felt my heart swell with pride, yet I ensured my tone remained calm so not to reveal my true feelings, "Leonardo, you showed unimaginable courage. I regret giving you such instructions and as your father I am deeply sorry that you had to prepare yourself for such a sacrifice." Leonardo's head bowed slightly, and for once I could see a slight trace of the fear he must have experienced "However, as your Sensei, I am proud of how you led your brothers and ensured no one was left behind, fulfilling your role as a leader, and a brother." I turned my attention to all of my sons again. "I understand if you cannot forgive me for what I have put you through, and if any one of you does not wish to continue the ninja's path, I will not blame you. It is unfair to ask any more of you than I already have."

Standing, I turned my back to them, not wishing for my sons to see my disappointment, but also my shame in not being by their side when they faced such horrendous odds. I was about to make a path towards my own room when I heard my sons stand and one by one move towards me. I looked over my shoulder, just as the youngest of my sons threw himself around my waist, burying his head in my kimono.

"I'm sorry, Sensei." He began to shake softly as the tears started. I prepared to acknowledge that the ninja's path may not be for him when Michelangelo surprised me by continuing, "I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I still wanna be a proper ninja!" I placed a hand upon his head and smiled softly. Suddenly Donatello joined us and spoke before I could get any words out myself.

"We didn't mean to offend you, father." He held me almost as tight as Michelangelo, "We were just worried."

"And scared." Muttered Michelangelo, and I wrapped my arms around my two youngest sons. I felt them weaken slightly so I lowered myself to the floor, allowing them to maintain their hold, knowing that even at their age, such a simple thing as a hug could work miracles.

Then the surprises kept coming. Leonardo and even Raphael joined us, until my family was circled around, all softly crying, some more reluctantly than others, I felt myself smile as I saw Raphael battle with himself and his ego to stop the tears, yet as I laid a hand upon his cheek, he permitted himself to show his emotions.

"This is our life, Sensei," Leonardo had a few tears leaking from the corners of his eyes, "even though we have to go through hard times, we're a family, we look out for each other. I can't let them die." The last words were barely audible, and I understood they were for me alone – his brothers too busy crying to hear. I placed a hand on his head and gave him a small, yet admittedly sad, smile, telling his that I understood and that I was not disappointed. In fact, in that moment I could not have been happier of what my family had achieved.

"Come, my sons." I whispered, once the tears had begun to fade, "Allow us to sleep in the pit till morning. I feel that to part would only encourage your hearts to seek out one another." This brought some noises of excitement and in a moment the three youngest had rushed off to gather pillows and blankets to for a sort of 'nest' as I called it when they were only babies. However Leonardo still knelt beside me. "My son?" I asked him, placing a hand upon his shoulder, "What is it that troubles your spirit?"

Leonardo wiped his eyes and his gaze grew serious.

"I know how much I hurt my brothers last night, Sensei, but I will not stop. If their lives are in danger I will have to put my own on the line if that is the only way to save them. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if they died and I could have done something to prevent it."

Slightly taken aback by the passion in his voice, I could only stare at my brave son. I understood – even when he was but a small boy – how deeply he cared and wanted to protect his brothers, but the extent to which he would go for them was overwhelming. I knew he would lead them all towards greatness one day. In that single moment I realised this, and I gathered him in my arms.

"I know, my son. I understand. You will always have my blessing, even if you must break my heart or do something unthinkable, I will support your decisions for I know you will not rest until your family is safe." I felt Leonardo tremble in my arms and I rubbed soothing circles in the middle of his shell. Soon he had calmed himself down enough to let go. I released him and stood, holding out my hand to help him up. "Now come," I smiled at my son, "allow us to find some space before your brothers steal all the best cushions we possess."

I received a smile in return and without another word, my young leader dashed out to his brothers where the pleasing sound of chaos and laughter was coming. I stole a glance towards my picture of my beloved Tang Shen and little Miwa and bowed towards them.

I shall save you soon, my daughter. However, tonight I shall save my sons' spirits. Their happiness and wellbeing is my current mission – that is something you must understand.

Without a second glance, I moved out of the dojo to find a large pile of blankets and pillows tossed in the pit, my sons already nestled down together. Michelangelo and Donatello were curled up side by side, both barely visible beneath the blankets and pillows surrounding them, while Leonardo had taken his usual position near their heads, his hands resting on top of his younger brothers' heads while his eyes still open, watching his brothers before he allowed himself to sleep. Raphael was curled next to Leonardo, the usual angry expression now passive and almost peaceful. One arm was draped around his elder brother while the other was hung over the shells of the two youngest.

Every single face seemed content.

I moved over and sat opposite the pile, smiling at Leonardo. "I will keep watch, my son." I whispered, "Sleep now. Your brothers are safe." He nodded and within minutes, he too was sleeping. I watched their faces then stood, and began to tuck them all in.

"Goodnight my brave children." I whispered, "There are no more tears and no more troubles. You are home and we are together. I am here." I smiled and sat back down. Tomorrow would bring a new challenge, but for now, they were happy, and that was all I could ask for.

Not a request, I know, but I just found this on my memory stick so decided to put it up! Based off the season 1 finale in order to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of TMNT 2012 which was yesterday!

Boyakasha my friends, I shall post a new chapter soon as possible! :D

LL99 OUT!