A/n: I would like to take this time to thank everyone who has read, favourite, followed and reviewed this story. Your ongoing support and encouragement means a lot, and for that I would like to thank you.
I would also like to thank my two Betas, Amonrapheonix and DarkUnderworld for their ongoing diligence and help with this story. I wouldn't be able to do it without you two, so thank you very much for the time and effort you put into each chapter.
-Chapter Twenty Seven-
-Leonardo-
Leo tried not to look to where Raph's right leg once used to be as he sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Hey," Raph mumbled back, attempting a weak smile.
"How are you feeling?" Leo asked.
Raph shrugged his shoulders. "As good as can be expected, I guess. Still sore but...you know."
"Do you want me to get Donnie?" Leo asked in concern, about to stand up and bring Donnie in. "Do you need anything for the pain?"
"Nah, I've already had my pain meds this morning. It's cool." Raphael replied casually.
"If you're sure..." Leo said uncertainly, gingerly sitting back down on the edge of the bed. He looked down at his hands, taking a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself for what he had come to see Raph for.
"Something's on your mind, Leo, I can tell," Raph spoke up before Leo had the chance. "I can always tell when you're thinking 'bout something."
"You're right," Leo sighed, turning to face his brother. It was now or never. "Look, Raph, we've been beating around the bush for a while now. I...I think it's time you told me what happened that night."
Raph quickly looked down at his hands unable to look at Leo. "You know what happened, you sawwhat happened. I was pushed from a catwalk."
"You know that's not what I'm talking about, Raph." Leo shot back calmly.
"Why do you want to know?" Raph demanded, looking back up at Leo. "What's so damn important about it anyways?"
"Because I know you're not telling me everything," Leo said gently but firmly. "And it's killing you Raph... it's killing us too."
"Damn it, Leo, I was going to leave, ok?" Raph snarled at his oldest brother, his secret finally spilling out in a wave of anger and hurt.
"Leave, what do you mean leave?" Leo asked in shock.
"Run away!" Raph shouted. "After that fight in the kitchen, I was so angry I just needed to get away. And as I was running through the sewers, I thought maybe you guys would be happier if I didn't come back."
"Raph," Leo whispered, lost for words. "You know we would never want you to do that. You're our brother; we love you."
"I didn't feel it at the time," Raph whispered. "I was hurt that it took you so long to come home, like you were happier away from us in that stupid jungle. I was tired of doing nothing, of seeing Don and Mikey stuck in jobs they hated. I was tired of having to hide behind a mask to fight crime and...I was tired of seeing the disappointment in Master Splinter's eyes...I was tired of everything."
"Raph, I truly am sorry for not coming home sooner, but I wasn't ready. I didn't want to fail you anymore," Leo whispered sadly.
"We needed you here, Leo, that's what you don't understand. You have never once failed us. You are a great leader and brother, but you should have stayed here, with us. We were lost without you." Raph murmured miserably.
"Is that why you became the NightWatcher?" Leo asked.
"Yeah. When you left we stopped patrolling. I'm not like Don and Mikey, I couldn't be happy with an everyday job. It's in my blood to fight and protect. So I created the NightWatcher, and went out every night to fight crime. We might have stopped patrolling, but crime doesn't take a break."
"Why do you think Master Splinter was disappointed with you, Raph?" Leo asked lightly. "You know Master Splinter loves you."
"I know," Raph mumbled. "But...I think he had an idea that I was the NightWatcher. Deep down, he knew what I was doing. I wasn't here for Don and Mikey- I went out every night, that's why I think he was disappointed with me."
"You mustn't think that, Raph, and you mustn't think that we don't love you or care for you. Sure we fight sometimes, like all brothers do. I admit you annoy me sometimes and frustrate me to no end, but all brothers do that, Raph. We stick together to the end, protect one another, and love one another unconditionally."
"Yeah well, how the hell am I supposed to protect my family now?" Raphael demanded, raw anger shinning in his one good eye. "I can't see anything in one eye and I only have one fucking leg! Now you tell me, how the hell am I supposed to fight and defend this family with only one leg? I'm nothing but a burden to this family now!"
"It's a setback, sure, but you're strong and young, Raphael," Leo said, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Stronger than you realize. With our help, you'll be back up and fighting in no time."
"He's right," Don said quietly from where he stood in the doorway.
"How long have you been there?" Raph asked sharply.
"Long enough," Don said, walking into the room. "I designed your prosthetic leg to be as much like your real leg as possible. I think I've got all the calculations right, so it is the same height and weight, and the joints are flexible. It will hurt for a while, and feel a little strange, but with some physiotherapy, we'll get you there."
"I still won't be able to do everything that I used to do. I still won't be able to fight, will I?" Raphael asked.
"No, I'm afraid not," Don admitted sadly. "You will have some limitations, but they shouldn't stop you from living a normal life."
"When can I start the therapy?" Raphael asked, looking up at his brother.
"In a few more weeks. You're still recovering and I want to help you get use to your vision impairment first before we start trying to walk."
"Ok," Raphael mumbled in resignation, staring down at his hands. "But I have another question."
"What is it, Raph?" Donnie asked.
"Do you reckon Master Splinter will let me get a tattoo?" Raphael asked, looking up with a slight grin. "I don't want this Purple Dragon brand on my skin."
Leo smiled wirily. "I'm sure he will make an exception."
Two weeks later...
-Raphael-
To Raphael's surprise, Donnie was able to repair his branded cheek by using a skin graft. He removed the section of skin that had been branded and replaced it with a thin layer of skin that was taken from Raphael's thigh.
Raphael started his physiotherapy a few days after the procedure. It was a long, painful, gruelling process, which meant that Raphael lost his patience very quickly.
"Take it easy Raph," Don tried to soothe his ill tempered brother. "You're not going to be able to walk perfectly right away. These things take time."
Leo leaned back against the doorframe, watching the proceedings with calm eyes.
"Try again Raph," Don encouraged. "The bar is there if you need it."
"I don't need no stupid bar," Raphael growled, gritting his teeth together in angry determination and defiance. Slowly he placed one foot in front of the other. He still wasn't use to his prosthetic leg. It felt weird and unnatural.
Losing his focus, Raphael wobbled and tripped over. A pair of strong hands caught him before he hit the padded floor.
"It's alright, Raph," Leo said, gently helping Raphael back to his feet. "I will always be here to catch you when you fall."
A/n: Well, this is it guys, only one more chapter to go and a short epilogue to follow! It has been such an incredible journey writing this story, and I hope you have all enjoyed it. Stay tuned for the final instalment, which should be posted in a few weeks. Feel free to leave a review and let me know what you thought!
~Cat