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Time to Chill: Raphael
I remain numb as the doors of the van slam shut, with a final click. Probably a lock. At this point it doesn't matter. Part of me is burning, ready to fight and rage against the purple dragons who locked me in here. The other part of me is immobilised, not by the chains securing me to the wall but to the horrific state of Master Splinter lying opposite me. I barely notice as the engine starts and the van moves away, taking us who knows where. Blood pours from the deep hole in Splinters shoulder, steadily soaking his robe and chest. His right arm is chained up to the wall opposite me and my own chains prevent me from getting any closer to him.
This is my entire fault. If I'd just left with him this might not have happened. Splinters right, I should just follow Leo's orders. No wonder he didn't want to hear my ideas before. This was my plan tonight, and look how it ended up! Part of me really doesn't want to look at him, but the other part of me can't tear my eyes away from the sight. Why would he take that bullet for me? After I just told him I didn't need him? If he'd just stayed away from me, he wouldn't have gotten hurt. He'd be back at the lair with my brothers. The sons who don't disappoint him.
I try to push down the feelings that bubble just below the surface, my anger has caused enough problems tonight. But right now I can't. I feel so confused. I've spent half the night brooding over how much I resent Splinter, and now I can't hold back the guilt for feeling that way in the first place. The van is picking up speed and turns sharply to the left, causing me to swing into the side of the van as well. I barely notice the movement, until a familiar groan startles me out of my own head.
Across from me, the movement of the van had caused Splinter to bash his bad shoulder on the floor, and I could now see familiar brown eyes glancing blearily around the area.
"Master Splinter… you should probably stay still" I called out to him. My voice comes out as a barely recognisable whisper, betraying my fears and regrets with its weakness.
That didn't seem to deter him. His left arm was clearly useless at his side, and with his right hand chained to the side of the van, his attempts at moving didn't get very far. Eventually he managed to drag himself into leaning against the wall, but that didn't seem to give him any comfort.
"Raphael" he started "are you alright?"
The weakness in his voice made my heart clench. I'm no Donnie, but even I could tell he was in a lot of pain.
"I'm fine. You.. You're shoulder. I…"
"This isn't your fault, my son" he reassures me, as I stumble and struggle over my words. His breathing is uneven, and I can see his eyes struggling to stay open. He must be in agony, but he's trying to convince me this isn't my fault? Of course it's my fault!
"What are you talking about? Of course it's my fault, if I'd just listened to Leo…"
"No!" he snaps with effort "this is my fault Raphael. I should not be so dismissive of you and your other brothers. Agreeing with Leonardo has become habit, and I've treated the rest of you unfairly as a result. I'm sorry."
I want desperately to respond to my Father and tell him I forgive him. But I can't find the words. How can he be apologising to me? I'm the one who got him shot. Everything that's happened tonight has proven how listening to me isn't a good idea. Before I can figure out how to make my mouth work again, I notice Splinter starting to pass out opposite me.
"No! You need to stay awake" I shout to him. He's lost a lot of blood, and I can't shake the fear if he passes out he won't wake up.
"I will try" comes a muffled reply "You must escape Raphael"
"I can't get us out of this, I'm not Leo or Donnie. Shell, even Mikey could probably think of something to do!" the frustration bubbles over in my voice. How can he expect me to do this?
"You are you, Raphael. I trust you will escape."
"Not without you!" I shout angrily, the realisation of what he's implying hits me hard.
"You must get out" he repeats, his voice getting weaker as the blood continues to fall from his injury.
I won't leave him behind. I don't know how, but I need to get us out of here. I need my brothers, Splinter's in really bad shape and I don't know what the shell I can do to help him.
A/N - Sorry about the delay! I've hit writers block, unfortunately. This chapter is a bit short, but necessary! Please review, love to know what you think!