Chapter 15

Onward part II

Leo yawned heavily and wiped his eyes on his knuckle, a typical reaction to the sunless environment they were traveling in. Even if the sun hadn't set that long ago, Leo was already feeling the cold seep past his sleeves and clothes, he could even see his breath- but that didn't matter. He'd deal with it. Only thing mattered. And that was that about 40 minutes ago he had caught glimpse of something in the distance against the silhouette of the setting sun. A distinct village that stood in the middle of no where. Even with the sun down and the village out of sight, he knew it was there.

Murakami village

Home

He was almost home. TO his family, to his baby brother to his adopted family and birth father. They were all there. So close, it took all his willpower not to spur his horse and propel himself further. He didn't even mind now that his brothers (rather, his brother and Raph) hadn't said a word in a while. Leo could deal with it. It might be a while but he was sure that-

"Hey Fearless."

Leo glanced back at Raph, who had pulled his hood up, probably to keep out the cold air too. Leo was almost envious as such a clever addition to his normal clothes. Certainly better then his horo (that he couldn't even get out), "I know we just met , again, but if you don't' remember my name you can always ask-"

"Whatever FEARLESS, I need you to check on Don."

Leo blinked in surprise before pulling on his reins to match strides was this happening? Or did he fall asleep again? , "You're asking me for help?'

"don't' get all emotional, I just haven't heard from Donnie in a while. I'd do it, but if I move he might fall off."

That made sense, Leo leaned back slightly to see Donnie resting his head against Raph's shell. It was almost adorable and made the edges of Leo's mouth twitch, "HE fell asleep."

"Dam brat." Raph world of been scolded, except there was a underlying lightness to his voice, "He probably fell asleep waiting for your to answer his riddle."

What? Oh right, he was supposed to be answering a riddle. Oh dam now he felt bad, he'd ask Don to repeat it later,.

"we're almost to the village right?"

"right." this was the probably the longest he and Raph had gone without arguing, it was nice. It was a good sign. But didn't want to make a big deal.

"Good. " Raph moved around slightly. Leo wondered what he was doing till he realized that he was trying to jostle Donnie, "Up and at'em baby bro, we're almost there."

The smaller turtle grumbled lightly in his sleep, his upper lip moving in a almost snarl. Leo smiled lightly till he realized Raph's' brow had furrowed lightly, his neck craned in a attempt to look back on Donnie. "Oh dam-"

"What's wrong Raph?"

"Did Don look like he was snarling? "

"Yeah-"

"Hell, he only acts like that when he's not feeling well,"

"Even if he's asleep?"

"ONLY when he's asleep. Can you feel his forehead? "

Raph was asking him to do two things?! In one day?! That was a miracle! At first he though that word was too strong, but in truth. That word wasn't strong ENOUGH. Maybe Raph was starting to feel comfortable around him. Maybe he had started having memories he didn't tell Leo about. Leo did warn him about that (a warning that was met with a swift kick that knocked him off his horse). But if it was happening, the most important part was to not make a big deal. He placed on hand on his saddle and leaned over, brushing the back of his hand over Don's cheek and forehead, noting the contrast, "His face is a little cold but his forehead is warm-"

"Pull up his hood, I'll have to mix him some more medicine later."

"More?" Leo's eyes fell on the water flask that hung at Raph's waist, the one that Kaede had given him before they left, (he had heard her say something about 'being prepared'). It had seem a little large to him. Not only that but on their breaks he had seen him take out another bag and kneel by a nearby stream before opening the second bag and shaking it, a bit of powder mixing into the water. How many times had he seen Raph hand it to Don during the extension of their journey? He had lost count, that wasn't a good sign-

"don't look at him like that." came Raph rough growl, "it just keeps him from coughing, if he takes his medicine on time and doesn't do anything stupid. Which includes riding on a horse for an entire day."

the spirits, here came the blame, "I'm sorry-"

"Why are you sorry?" Raph looked over at him with a frowned, "DON'S the one who wanted to make the journey in a day."

Wait, that was true. That had been Donnie's idea, Leo didn't even suggest it, "Then why did you do it."

"I didn't WANT to, we argued all freaking night about it. Ma had to even come in a few times. So we compromised."

"how?" he couldn't imagine Donnie arguing with anyone for that long. But maybe it was because Raph had grown up with him

"I agreed to the one day trip, but he has to take his medicine whenever I say."

"Good deal." Leo reached over again and took a hold of the hood, pulling it up over Don's head, " I just never believed that you would remember mothers tea recipe."

"what are you talking about?"

Oh right, he hadn't told Raph about that yet. And now Raph was looking over at him rather suspiciously ( it could be confusion, ,but with those permanent frown lines everything on Raph's faced looked like a scowl). How was he supposed to explain it?, he fiddled with his reins for a moment before he chose his words, "Back when we lived with our family, Don used to get sick a lot then too. And when he'd start coughing our mother would make him some tea. it's the same tea you give Donnie now."

Raph looked over at him with a surprised look on his face. Almost thoughtful, his hand falling on the flask at his side. Leo could almost say that Raph looked thoughtful but then his brow furrowed again as he took his reins again, "My mother is Kaede Tsukino."

"I-I didn't mean-"

"Les just get to your stupid village." with a snap of his heels the horse suddenly sprinted forward. And so went the moment, Leo wanted to feel more disappointed then he did. But he was grateful that he even had a moment of pleasant conversation with Raph. At least it meant that it was possible.

And that was a start.

Leo spurred Kaze forward and hurried after Raph, closing the distance again. Luckily Don hadn't awoken from the sudden jostling of the horse. But Leo decided it was better to keep quiet for now, to keep from saying anything stupid.

He wasn't going to give up on Raph.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo slid off his horse and took the reins, pulling Kaze forward by the reins and officially onto Murakami soil. By now you could see the outlines of the houses clearly and the faint flickering of candles that indicated families getting ready for bed. Families that he knew. He could even see two small buildings that made up his school. Despite the fact he used it as a place to sleep most of the time, it made him feel better to see it.

"Why'd ya get off your horse Fearless?" growled Raph

"it's a rule in my village, you never ride a horse through if you know better."

"Well that's stupid." But Raph slid off, before turning back to the saddle. Leo was a bit surprised to see Donnie sliding off the horse, wondering when he had woken it. Judging by the way Donnie was looking around with curiosity in his eyes (rather then groggy) he had to assume Don had been awake for a while. Which made him feel better. Don suddenly looked confused as he reached up and tugged on his hood, as though wondering how it had gotten there, "Ra-"

The red-masked ninja smacked him upside the head lightly, Leo almost yelled at him when he realized that all it did was for Don's hood over his eyes. Not only that but he realized Don was now glaring at Raph playfully. And that Raph was returning the same face, "get over it baby bro you were getting chilled." before looking up at Leo, his grin fading, "And for the record this place smells like ass."

"RAPH."

Leo ignored that comment, reaching back Raph he took Raph and Don's horses reins and pulled him forward, "Give me a bit to let the horses loose, I'll be back."

Donnie nodded, quickly pulling off the bags. Leo gave him a smile before hurrying up the path, the horses plodding behind him. Already he was getting nostalgic, he could remember running with Usagi to class, or to the fields to play a game with all the other children. He could even remember running to the stables like he was now, ready to take care of the horses. Speaking of which, he hoped that they hadn't been neglected in his absence. He hurried into the stable and tied the horses to the wall, taking a few moments to unsaddle them and give them a quick, but effective brush down. Almost laughing at the way Kaze leaned into the brush, "I know." he told the horse, "I'm sorry we didn't get home sooner, " he reached into his horo and pulled out a apple. He had been meaning to eat it on the trip. But every time he had thought about it his stomach would churn uncomfortably. " I promise to give you more later. But I hope this is enough for now." He smiled lightly as the horse lipped at the apple in his hand. Leo couldn't of asked for a better job when he asked Dorinbo for one. And the master of the stable had said he had a talent for taking care of them. He wondered if Lorenzo had training too-

He paused

Lorenzo

His grandfather.

A cold weight filled his chest, weakening his knees and leaning his forehead against Kaze's shoulder. The thought of his brave grandfather who made him run away, the thought of the life had taken. He had to find a way back to Lorenzo. To help him, to show him their family. His 3 grandsons. He had to. But how could he do that without telling them about Kojima? How would Mikey react?

"Are you ok?"

Leo stood up straight in surprise and looked around, Donnie was standing in the doorway, pulling his hood down and revealing concerned light brown eyes. Leo put on a smile instantly, "Of course I am Otouto-"

"I don't believe you."

Of course he wouldn't. But Leo didn't blame him, he was just being a good I-sha and little brother. Leo walked on over to him and patted him on the scalp, "don't worry about it Donnie, I'm just tired."

"But-"

Leo tapped him on the forehead lightly , stopping his sentence with small squeak (it was a old trick he had with Mikey) and looked over to Raph, who was leaning against the wall, " Come on, I live close." he put on a smile. Even if Raph didn't smile, he gave a small nod. Leo turned and ran up the hill. His eagerness knocking out all his anxiety, his house located right at the top of the hill, Dorinbo's' house located right next to it. That's where Mikey was, his family. His little brother. Leo barely had time to kick off his sandals before jumping up onto the walk way and reaching to knock on the door, but the door moved slightly before sliding open entirely. Leo drew his hand back in shock till he recognized the rabbit standing in front of him, with a smirk on his face, "I thought I heard you, Leonardo."

The confusion that filled Leo's mind faded away instantly and a smile burst forth "Brother! His hand reaching out and grabbing Usagi by the shoulder, , "It's great to see you!"

"As it is to see you, we were getting concerned.."

"We?" Leo looked around Usagi to see Dorinbo sitting in his living room, a yunomi in his hands and a friendly smile, "Father! I didn't expect to see you BOTH over here."

"I thought it would be nice to bring some tea over, but it appears there was a higher force at work."

Leo felt Usagi reach up and grip his shoulder tightly, it took all his energy not to fall to sadness, to relief-

"Brother? FATEHR?"

Leo blinked, almost forgetting the whole reason for his journey. He turned to see Donnie and Raph standing just off the walk-way. Raph had a rather confused look on his face, what was there to be confused about-

Raph looked down at Donnie, "I think he forgot to tell us something baby bro."

Oh, right. But before Leo could explain Donnie smiled, "that's not Michelangelo, that's Usagi, Leo's adopted brother. And the rabbit in house must be the man who adopted him."

Leo smiled for a bit, but then it hit him, "I never told you about Usagi. I never even said his name."

"I know." Don's head ducked down slightly, pressing his fingers together. Obviously guilt, even Raph was looking at him strange. But Donnie up at Leo was a sad guilty look on his face, "Promise you wont be mad?" Don asked

"Uh, sure-"

"I saw it when you were washing off and I was cleaning your clothes, I could see where they had been altered and since I've treated rabbits before, since they need special forming clothes for their ,"he coughed into his hand, "tails, and I saw where Usagi's name had been taken out of the stitching."

Leo wasn't sure how to feel about that, other then impressed at Don's detective skills. And judging from the smile on Usagi's' face, he was just as impressed. He felt a hand fall on his shoulder and turned to see that Dorinbo had decided to join them out on the walkway, he smiled at Leo before turning to the Tsukino brothers in the yard, " I am assuming you are Donatello-chan?" he said, looking right at Don, "your father did say you were clever, as did your brother. I'm glad that hasn't' changed in 10 years."

The courage that had helped Donnie tell them about his observations seemed to leave him for shyness, the younger turtle ducked his head with a small blush, "Hai, Konbawa."

"Konbawa Donatello, I am Miyamoto Dorinbo," he bowed his head lightly, giving the young kame a encouraging smile. Dorinbo's eyes fell on Raphael, his mouth twitching slightly, "I am to assume you are Raphael?"

The red masked turtle gave a small grunt making eye contact for only a moment before turning his head away. Leo probably would scolded him, but he found that having a head was favorable in comparison to NOT having one. The best thing for Leo to combat Raph's' rudeness was to act like he wasn't there (unless he got too rude). He turned back to his family, back to Usagi, "Is Mikey-"

"He's asleep, but I can go wake him up."

Leo couldn't lie that he felt disappointed, but he didn't want to wake him Mikey just because he was home. He heard Donnie climbing up on the walk-way, guess the reunion could wait-

Suddenly the door slid open and something slammed into Leos' chest, sending him flying back off his feet. Leos hand shot out and grabbed the walk-way pillar, the force sending him spinning around the pole till he landed against something solid and he was forced to let go, sending him stumbling back and falling against the wall at a almost dizzying speed that left the world in a spinning color stream , what was most confusing was the noise, wait. He knew that voice and he knew those arms warped around him in a crushing grip, his vision clearing up so he could see Mikey right in his face, eyes wide and tears in his eyes "LEO! IS IT YOU?! IS IT REALLY YOU?!"

"Yes Mikey-" he laughed, "its me, its really me." he put his hands over Mikey's' face, showing his presence. Mikey's' eyes lit up again with a wide smiling gasp as he slammed into Leo again, hugging him tightly around the neck and practically closing his airway.

"YOURE HOME! YOU'RE HOME YOU'RE HOME!" he screamed at a unholy level. Leo quickly hugged Mikey back, not so much out of comfort (ok yeah it was, he missed his aka-chan, so what?) but mostly out of comfort to quiet Mikey down before he woke up the entire land of Edo, "Mikey-"

"LEO!YOU'RE HOME! YOU'RE HOME YOU'RE HOME! YOU PROMISTEDMEYOUWOULDN'TBEGONETOOLONGYOUPROMISEDREMEMBER?IREMEMBER,IREMEMBERREALLYWELLWHICHISFUNNYBECAUSENORMALLYICAN'TREMEMBERANYTHINGYOUKNOWTHATBUTIREMEMBEREDITTHISTIMEBECAUSEIMISSEDYOU!IMISSEDYOUSOMUCHANDYOUWEREGONEFORSOLONG-"

"MI-"

"IWASWORRIEDSICK!ITHOUGHTYOUGOTEATEN!ITHOUGHTYOUHADBEENTURNEDINTOAFROG! !IDIDNTBLOWUPTHEVILLAGETHOUGHDIDYOUSEETHAT?ITOLDYOUIWOULDN'TANDIDIDN'T!IISNT'THATAWESOME!?"

"Yes Mikey, that's awesome, I'm very proud of-"

"USAGIWASHEREEVERYNIGHT,GEEZHEWASSTRICT,ICOUDLNTEVENGETGUNPOWDERNOTTHATINEEDITITWASFORAIDEAIHADIEVENGOTGROUNDEDHOWSTUPIDISTHAT?BUTWHOCARESYOU'REHOMEYOU'REHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOME!'" suddenly the weight disappeared from his neck and disappeared. It took Leo a bit to realized he could breath again, but where was-

"USAGI!DIDYOUSEE?!DIDYOUSEELEO'SHOME!?HE'SRIGHTTHERERIGHTBEHINDME!ITHINKHEMIGHTOFPASSEDOUTHE'SHOMEHE'SHOME!"Mikey was now holding Usagi's' hands and jumping up and down, high enough to reach Usagi's' height. He was sure that if Mikey wanted to he could jump right over Usagi , Leo wanted to tell Mikey not to harass Usagi but the rabbit looked amused

"I can see that-"

"IKNOWHE'SRIGHTTHERERIGHTTHERE!DOESTHATMEANI'MNOTGROUNDEDANYMORE!?ITREALLYWASN'TMYFAULTTHEYDAREDME-"

Leo began to get worried that Mikey was going to pass out. Dorinbo must have been wondering the same ting because he moved over slightly and touched Mikey's shoulder, "Perhaps you should take a breath-""

"DAD! Suddenly Mikey's arms were wrapped around Dorinbo's chest,, 'DIDYOUSEE?!LEO'SHOMELEO'SHOME-"

"Michelangelo-"

Suddenly Mikey released Dorinbo and leapt off the railing. It was only then that Leo realized that Raph had his hand firmly on Dons shoulders, probably yanked him off when Leo and Mikey did their little 'spin trip'. Smart. But Mikey grabbed Donnie by his hands and began jumping up and down again , "DIDYOUSEE?!LEO'SHOMELEO'SHOME!HE'SMYBIGBROTHER!IMISSEDHIMSOMUCHSOSOSOSOSO-" The bombardment of words suddenly ended. As though Mikey just then realized he had no idea whose hand he was holding, it made obvious by the way Mikey looked from Donnie's confused face to Raph's' appalled one with a frozen smile on his face. Leo rolled onto his feet before something slammed into him again and hooked behind him. Leo looked behind him to see Mikey hiding behind him. The rush he had gone through finally ending and thought retuning. Mikey's hands grip his sides and he moved in close, and peered around him at Donnie and Raph again with wide blue eyes. Leo could almost laugh, it was just like when Mikey was a child, while he wasn't shy he could be very spooked by a new person if caught off guard. He looked up at Leo with his wide eyes, "Is-are-are-they-"

"Yeah." his lips were in a small smile. He couldn't help but feel satisfied. It took a lot to shock Mikey into silence. He gently reached around him and coaxed him forward. Mikey still stayed close to Leo's side, but now he had a better view, "Mikey these are our brothers. Raphael and Donatello," he paused for a moment, 'Raphael and Donatello Tsukino." he looked over at Donnie who gave him a grateful smile. He could even see that Raph was pleased. There was no point in trying to force a last name on them, to be honest he didn't plan on changing his.

Despite Mikey's outgoing personality it was obvious that he was still apprehensive about moving forward. He looked up at Leo with fear. But Leo pushed him forward a little bit further. Finally Mikey stepped away, off the walkway, but glancing back at Leo as though making sure he was still there. But it seemed like Don's small smile was giving Mikey encouragement. Mikey moved forward a little bit further and looked Don looked him up and down with one eye, as though analyzing him, "You're, Raphael?"

"N-No sorry." Don said sheepishly, the way he moved closer to Raph's side just proved he was just as nervous as Mikey was. But Raph just looked amused, like Mikey was a dancing tokage rather then a excited kame, "I-I-I'm Donatello. B-bu-but you can call me Donnie or Don."

"Donnie?" his face lit up slightly, "Don Donnie Don, I like that! Its fun!"

"Thank-"

"Donnie you're a runt!"

Leo wasn't quite sure if he heard right, even if he did he was PRAYING he misheard. But judging by the shock on Don's face, they had all heard the exact same thing, "I-I'm a what-" Don started but Mikey was over there in a instant, moving his hand from Don's head to his as though comparing. Leo probably would have been scared that Raph would hurt him but Raph hadn't moved at all, he still had that smile on his face.

"See see!? You're shorter then me!" said Mikey, ""SEE?!I'MTALLER!"

'N-not by that much, "

""You're freaking short! I mean, I know I'm freaking short but you're freaking short! You're shorter then me ! But you're supposed to be older! THIAT'S HILARIOUS!" he moved closer. Leo was bout to scold Mikey when Mikey moved over and put his hand over don's head, then moved to over his head again, "See? See? I'm not the shortest YAY1!" then Mikey looked over at Raph, "WOW! You're a freaking giant!" he grabbed Raph by the arm and lifted it up, "Dude! Its thicker then my HEAD. Leo do you see how big his arms are?! He's a freaking giant!" then he moved an grabbed Don by the arm, "And he's shrimpy! Its hilarious!"

"MIKEY."

Mikey froze up in mid laugh, it was nice to know he knew Leo's 'stop messing with the giant and the giants little brother whom he is very VERY protective over'. Mikey slowly let down their arms and moved over, climbing up the walkway again and over to Leo, "I-I'm sorry."

Leo sighed lightly, but he held his arms up, a clear invitation. Mikey hurried on over and hugged him again. This time the grip wasn't crushing was mostly warm. Leo smiled down at his aka-chan. Something's never changed, and he would be grateful for that. He had his aka-chan back, he was home.

"Leonardo."

Leo raised his head to look at Dorinbo (honestly he had almost completely forgotten him in the mess of emotions).

"It is not quite that late yet, Yoshi might be happy to see them. He has been waiting for this moment for a long time."

That was true, but- "Maybe not now Father, we just got off from a long journey, I think they would like to rest-"

"Better now then later."

Leo blinked, unsure he had heard right, he turned over to look at Raph, "You WANT to see him now?" he sure wasn't expecting that. But Raph shrugged, lifting his arm up to drape around Don's shoulders. Looking down at the smaller kame for a moment before looking back up at Leo, "I'd rather get it over with. "

Even if it didn't seem to be the right reason, Leo was still grateful he said it. He looked over to Dorinbo again who nodded, with a smile, "I'll go see if he's awake. He is still healing" before stepping off the walkway and heading in the direction of the Miyamoto house. '

"Still?" that didn't seem right, Leo knew that Splinter had been in bad health, but Leo was gone for a while. He should of healed up by now. But he tried not to think about it. At least he was still alive. He felt a grip tighten around his stomach, the sheer force alone almost lifting him off his feet, his hand shot out to the side. Desperate to grab something to hold him steady. "Mikey!"

But the younger (well, now youngest) turtle didn't seem to hear him, his face was pressed so tight to his chest that Leo was worried that he couldn't breath. But judging by the muffled rambling that's' coming from him, it seemed he was just fine. Leo put his arm around Mikey's shell. He was used to being bombarded with Mikey hugs before, but this was just him being clingy. But the way Mikey's shaking concerned him, almost like he was doing his best not to break down completely. Leo placed a hand on the back of Mikey's' neck, at least that stopped the shaking somewhat. Leo looked over at Usagi, "I know that I just got back, but did something happen while I was gone?"

Usagi's eyes shifted slightly, almost in guilt. That definitely wasn't a good sign, "Nothing at first, he was just worried" he reached forward and placed a hand on Mikey's scalp, "but at school some of the children started telling him that you used Splinter as a excuse to finally abandon them."

Leo gripped Mikey to him tightly, almost horrified, "And he believed them!?" no! He couldn't, he would never abandon Mikey.

"No, he was very adamant that you would return, but, "Usagi rubbed Mikey's scalp again, his black eyes sad, "He feared that worse things had happened, he just wanted you to come home."

The permanent ball of guilt in his gut intensified, he knew this trip wouldn't' be easy on Mikey. But he never imagined this, the fact that Mikey had reacted so strongly to his return was proof enough. HE held Mikey tighter, rubbing the back of his neck lightly and pressed his forehead against Mikey's scalp "I'm sorry Aka-chan." he apologized softly to the youngest brother. There was another high pitched whine (he made a small note that it was very similar to the one Don gave him when he tapped him on the forehead. That similarity alone made him feel better) and Mikey hugged him even tighter. Leo felt the edged of his mouth rise slightly. It was so like Mikey to act like this, yet he returned the hug tenderly. This is what made Leo feel needed. This is what made him finally feel like he was home.

"YOSHI!"

Leo's head shot up in panic, he had never known Dorinbo to shout, so it only meant something bad had happened. Really bad. He quickly released Mikey and pushed him into Usagi, "stay.' he ordered before he ran across the short space between houses. And through the door, 'Please be ok.' he begged as eh ran through the house, the few spaced between Splinters door and him seemed to be infinite, 'please-' he burst through the door, "FATHER-"

Dorinbo was kneeling by Splinter, at first Leo didn't see anything wrong, only that Splinter was still asleep. But then he saw what was missing, the subtle rising and falling of Splinters chest was missing

His birth father wasn't breathing.

Before his body could react to the panic that was about to tear through him, he was shoved aside by something small,

"MOVE PLEASE!" shouted Donnie as he slid forward, taking his strange back off his shoulder, unbuttoning it and rummaging through it, "When was the last time you saw him?" he looked right at Dorinbo, "What was he like?"

Luckily Dorinbo seemed to be taking the panic better then him, he was already in leader mode, " I saw him about a minute before you came to the house .He was tired, he didn't eat either and he fell asleep just after he had some tea."

Leo watched Donnie snatch up the yunomi at Splinters side, sniffing it, "Did it have medicine in it?"

"Only the one that our I-sha gave him, he was doing well so he decided to leave the village for a bit."

"can you bring it to me? Please Dorinbo-san?"

The head of the village nodded and hurried out of the room. But Leo kept his eyes on Splinter, unable to stop the cold horror running through him. This couldn't be happening. He had just spent a month searching for his brothers so he could reunite his family, they had just gotten BACK, he had killed someone to bring their family together, this couldn't be happening, this couldn't be-'

Don reached into his bag again, by now he had set out several items including glass cups and small paper bags, this time he pulled out a black candle. Leo didn't know what he doing, but suddenly Raph was shoving him to the side and grabbing Donnie by the wrist the held the candle, "don't you dare-"

"WE don't' have a choice.. "Don yanked his arm free and pulled out his metal flint, flicking it next to the wick and lighting it, a strange smell filled the room, before Leo could really think about it Splinters mouth suddenly opened with a painful gasp, his chest rising before closing his mouth again. But this time the breathing continued. The relief caused Leo to finally release the breath he had been holding. But then Donnie turned to look at him, his face stern, "I need to ask you all to leave, now."

"What?!" he couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Donatello I just can't-"

"Yes you can, you BOTH." he looked over at Raph with emphasis, "can. Neither of you are helping, especially breathing down my neck. Please leave PLEASE."

"But-" he wanted to argue, to say how he could be helpful. To prove he could help, but all his excuses fell away . He felt a tugging on his arms, despite his instincts to fight back, he allowed the person to drag him back. Raphael put his hand on Don's scalp before following.

Leo allowed Dorinbo to pull him out of the room, Raph closing it behind them . Already his anxiety was coming back, the overwhelming feeling of helplessness. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Raph sitting right across the room. At a glance one could assume he was resting, but his amber eyes were bearing down on the door with obsessive intensity. Waiting for the moment.

Leo couldn't blame him, all he could do was struggle to get the oxygen back into his lungs he had failed. He had FAILED. He felt hands fall on his shoulders, giving him a small shake, "Breath, my son. before you pass out."

Leo opened his eyes to see Dorinbo holding him by the shoulders, a firm but concerned look on his face. He forced himself to take a few breaths, which seemed to be what his father wanted because he finally released them, his hand reached up and stroked Leo's cheek lightly before walking over and into Splinters room.

"LEMME GO USAGI!'

"Michelangelo-"

"I GOTTA GET IN THERE COME ON-'

"You shouldn't-'

Finally the sliding door to the outside flew open as a green toe shoved it open. Usagi had his arms wrapped around Mikey's chest, holding him off the ground as the 12 year old thrashed around, "Usagi come on-"

One glance between adopted brothers was all that was needed. Usagi gave Leo a nod before setting Mikey on his feet in the house. But before Mikey could ram through and into Splinters room Leo grabbed him by the shoulders. Mikey frantic gaze turning to Leo, "Wh-what's going on?! What happened-"

"Splinter just fell ill-"

"ill?!" the horror was clear on his face, "I-IS he going to be ok?! What'-"

"Donatello is in there right now with Dorinbo-"

"D-Dorinbo isn't a I-sha and -and Donatello is only year older then me-"

"Not quite-"

"LEO!" Mikey shouted, a true sign to the panic running through, judging by the tears spinning up in Mikey's eyes, "Wh-what if Splinter dies?! Y-you just got home, a-and Sp-splinter was telling me a-about mom-he-he said that-that y-you'd be home-he-he said-"

"MIKEY." he placed his hands on either side of Mikey's face again as his brother let out a sob, he had to comfort him. To show him he was still the big brother Mikey remembered, "It-its going to be ok,' he put on the tone he used to always use with Mikey, when his panic was too much to handle, he stroked Mikey's' streaming cheek with his thumb, "Don's one of the best I-sha in his city. And Dorinbo's there to assist him, I promise he'll do his best."

Despite his words, Mikey put his hands over Leo's and let out a sob, squeezing his eyes shut. Pulling on Leo's heartstrings in a way that only his baby brother, the one he had helped raised, could. He pulled Mikey into his arms and held him tightly. He felt Mikey press his face into his plastron as sobs began to shake. He placed his hand on the back of Mikey's head. This was his fault, the reason for his little brother's tears. He was the one who told Mikey to get to know their father, to get closer to him. And now Mikey was suffering as he sobbed for the father he had gotten close to.

"H-he can't die Leo."

"Donnie's doing his best." he promised. It was all he could do. Because for the first time in his life, Leo had failed Mikey.

His aka-chan.