*Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

*Author's Notes: I've finally returned with a new chapter of 'Slash's Revenge' and it's yet another emotional one.

Thank you so very much to all my friends, followers, and readers. I'm incredibly blessed to have so many wonderful people reading my stories. I appreciate you all more than words can say.

I truly hope you enjoy the chapter.

CJ

Chapter 26 – An Unpopular Decision

Daylight slowly crept its way inside the lair through the overhead grates, but no one even noticed. The family was all gathered around Donatello's bed, waiting for the genius turtle to open his eyes. It had been over eight hours since they had returned home, and still, the wounded turtle showed no signs of waking. He was just lying on his bed, frightfully still.

Currently, Master Splinter stood vigil at the foot of the bed while Leonardo and Michelangelo sat beside their unconscious brother. April was wringing out a fresh washcloth for Donatello's forehead at the same time as Casey was retrieving another large pot of clean, lukewarm water. Raphael was leaning in the corner of the room with his arms tightly folded across his chest. It was obvious from the distance he kept between himself and all of them that he was still battling with his inner demons, but no one asked any questions. Donatello was their primary concern right now.

All the air emptied out of Mikey's lungs in the form of a loud sigh for at least the fourth time during the last fifteen minutes. And just like the three previous sighs, Mikey's whiny voice followed mere seconds later.

"Shouldn't he be awake by now? Maybe you need to do that whole healing thingy again, Sensei."

And just like the three previous times, Master Splinter was quick to call for patience.

"We must be patient, Michelangelo. Donatello's body demands rest after all that he has been through. He will return to us in due time."

"But it's been like hours!" The 'end of the world' tone Mikey adopted made Splinter's lips curl up into a slight smirk. Waiting had never been his youngest child's strong suit.

"Perhaps it would be best for you to try to get some rest, my son."

Mikey's eyes widened in overly dramatic fashion, as though his father had just said the most shocking thing he had ever heard.

"NO! I can't leave him! I've gotta be here when he wakes up so I... so I can tell him how much I care about him! He needs to know that! If I'm not here, he'll – " Mikey had to pause for breath that didn't want to come. Each inhale sounded like a desperate, squeaky whimper. Sloppy tears made their way down his round face as he seized Donnie's hand in his own. "Please, Sensei! Don't make me go!"

"Michelangelo… " The whisper-soft sentence never made it past the first word. Not when Master Splinter could see how much this meant to his youngest son. Michelangelo was holding onto Donatello's hand as though he'd never let go. Then, came the heartfelt plea no one in their right mind could possibly refuse…

"Please, can I stay with him 'til he wakes up, papa?"

The usage of the word 'papa' took Master Splinter somewhat by surprise. The boys had stopped calling him that years ago, so to hear it again instantly felt like someone tugging at his heart strings. Bottom lip quivering against his will, the troubled father turned and lowered his head to hide the moment of weakness.

"Sensei?" The concern in Leonardo's voice was crystal-clear and it made it all the more difficult for Master Splinter to regain his composure.

Drawing in a deep, calming breath, Splinter returned his gaze to his family and painted on a stoic face.

"We will be of no help to Donatello if we pass out from exhaustion. This ordeal has taken a toll on all of us and we are in dire need of rest. Perhaps we should take shifts watching over Donatello to ensure that someone will be here when he wakes."

As to be expected, Mikey was the first to object to the suggestion. His hands immediately went to his hips in a huff.

"But I don't – "

Before Mikey could even finish his protest, Master Splinter held up a paw to gently shush his youngest son.

"Michelangelo, you may take the first shift."

A celebratory fist pump hardly seemed like an appropriate reaction given the rather grim circumstances, but Mikey couldn't stop himself. The non-verbal gesture earned him a facepalm from Leo.

"Um, no offense, Sensei. But do you really think leaving Mikey alone with Donnie is a good idea?" It was never a wise choice to question his father's decisions, but Leonardo truly felt Master Splinter wasn't thinking clearly due to the traumatic events that had unfolded. There could be no other explanation for why Sensei would choose Mikey over anyone else in the room.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Hands going right back to his hips, Mikey twisted his face into a half pout, half scowl, like he wasn't sure if he was upset or mad.

"N – Nothing. It's just that – Well, sometimes you've kind of got the attention span of a goldfish." Leo flashed Mikey a sympathetic expression before adding, "Maybe I should take the first shift."

The blatant insinuation that he was too unfocused to watch over his wounded brother instantly rubbed the youngest turtle the wrong way.

"I'm just as capable of taking care of Donnie as you are!"

"I know you are… but I… I just think it would be better for me or Raph to take the first shift, is all." Casting a gaze towards his hotheaded brother, Leo expected Raphael to back up his argument, but the guilt-ridden turtle just continued to stare at the floor as though he was in some sort of trance.

"Raph?"

A full thirty seconds passed before Raphael finally acknowledged his older brother, although his eyes still refused to meet Leo's. Maybe that was because the temperamental turtle was too afraid of what he might see. "I don't think it'd be such a good idea for me to be here when Donnie wakes up."

Leonardo's response to the comment was stunned silence, but Mikey had no trouble finding his voice.

"It's gonna be okay, Raph. When Donnie wakes up, he's gonna realize how wrong Slash was."

"No, he's not, Mikey." So much regret filled Raphael's voice, it sounded like someone else was speaking. He then peered over at his baby brother and couldn't stop his chin from trembling. "He's gonna wake up and see the one who did this to him. Is that really what you want?"

Mikey's eyes doubled in size, and then, narrowed into slivers as he attempted to process this information. Truth be told, the thought of how Donnie would react to seeing Raph after all that had happened to him had never even crossed the youngest turtle's mind. He had been far too focused on getting Donnie back to think about anything else.

Now that his missing brother was finally home where he belonged, Mikey suddenly found himself wondering how would Donnie be affected by this whole ordeal?

Would he be scared? Angry? Hurt? Confused?

Would he blame Raph for what had happened?

And what if Raph's presence only made things worse?

Was Mikey willing to further traumatize his already-wounded brother?

Could he take that chance?

"No... I mean... I – I'm not sure."

Sinking his top teeth into his bottom lip, Mikey guiltily stared down at Donatello, as though torn how to best help his incapacitated brother. All the youngest turtle truly wanted right now was for Donnie to open his eyes. Then, maybe things could go back to the way they were before. But the more Mikey thought about it, the more he realized just how childish he was being.

He couldn't simply wish away the pain.

His brother had been brutally tortured.

How could Mikey be so foolish as to believe things were going to magically get better?

No amount of optimism could fix this, and that scared Michelangelo half to death.

What if there wasn't a way to fix the damage that had been done?

What if his brainy big brother was broken from the inside out?

What if their whole family was?

Mikey reached for Donnie's hand once again and held it in his palm as though it was a delicate flower he might accidentally crush in his grip if he squeezed too hard. Never in all his life had Michelangelo seen his big brother look so thin and frail; like Slash had starved and beaten him the whole time he had been missing. Just the thought of what that monster had done to Donnie made Mikey shudder inside his shell.

Why would anyone do something so awful?

Gazing up at Master Splinter, Mikey hoped to find solace in his father's eyes. Eyes that never ceased to bring the youngest brother comfort, even in the darkest of times such as this.

"I don't wanna do anything that might hurt Donnie even more than he already is."

"I know, my son. That is why it may be best for Raphael not to be here when Donatello first awakens."

Though Raphael had been the one to initially suggest that he not be there when his wounded brother came to, hearing his father say the actual words still made the hotheaded turtle's heart shatter like glass.

Out of the corner of his eye, Master Splinter watched on with unconcealed remorse as his temperamental son lowered his head yet again. The troubled father knew Raphael would take his comments personally, but they needed to be said. The bottom line was Raphael's presence could upset Donatello. As much as Splinter wanted to spare his second oldest son from any additional pain, he could not condone something that may cause Donatello further torment. Not when Donatello's condition was already critical.

Master Splinter then went on to explain the logic behind his seemingly harsh decision.

"At least not until we are sure Donatello is thinking clearly again. I worry that seeing Raphael too soon could trigger another panic attack, like the one Raphael said he witnessed on the rooftop. Donatello has been through a horrific ordeal and we do not yet know how significantly these traumatic events will affect him. We will need to do everything in our power to make him feel as loved and safe as possible."

"And me being here isn't gonna make him feel either of those things." Hurt plainly written across his face for all to see, Raphael stepped away from the dark corner he had been trying to disappear into. His hands were balled into fists pinned tightly against his thighs as he fought to restrain his emotions.

The insinuation that his own brother was afraid of him had Raph on the brink of a breakdown, but he somehow managed to keep it together. At least for the time being. He wasn't sure just how much longer his self-control would hold out. Hence, the reason he was slowly edging his way towards the door.

If he was going to fall apart, he'd much rather do it in private.

Unfortunately, Raph's plan to make a subtle exit was soon thwarted by a paw grasping his forearm.

"Do not assume I am singling you out, Raphael. If Slash has convinced your brother that we do not care, it may be difficult for Donatello to be around any of us at first. This is why I chose Michelangelo to stay with him. I believe Donatello will feel the least threatened by Michelangelo's presence out of the four of us."

"Wait! Are you saying I can't be here when Donnie wakes up, either?" A mix of utter disbelief and disgust came shining through in Leonardo's sharp tone, as though a great injustice had just been committed. He then pushed himself up out of his chair so that he was at eye level with his father, readying to argue his opinion.

Though Leonardo had always proven to be the most respectful and mature of his sons, Master Splinter was fully aware that his eldest boy sometimes had a hard time with being told 'no.' Especially those times when it made him look bad. Perhaps being named leader had inflated Leonardo's ego slightly more than Splinter had anticipated.

"Yes. That is precisely what I am saying. It would be in your brother's best interest not to wake up to a large audience. It may be too overwhelming for him."

"But I didn't do anything to hurt him!" Without even realizing it, Leonardo's eyes shot towards Raphael; a silent accusation that made the hotheaded brother flinch as though he had been punched in the gut.

The reaction caused remorse to pass over Leonardo's features, but he was quick to press his lips together to form a thin, hard line, not about to let an actual apology slip past his defenses.

Raphael just stared back at his older brother with his mouth ajar; his breathing becoming noticeably louder than only seconds before as though each inhale and exhale was a struggle. The guilt was tightening around his chest like a crushing vice. There were so many things Raph wanted to say – things that desperately needed to be said – yet nothing came out other than a single tear that slid down his cheek.

"This is all your fault, Raph! Slash isn't the monster! YOU are!"

Without warning, Raphael yanked his arm out of Master Splinter's surprisingly gentle grip and fled out of the room, just about plowing into Casey in the process. The turtle brushed past the human teenager as if he hadn't even seen him, making a beeline straight for his bedroom. Luckily, Casey had been paying attention and managed to jump out of the way with most of the water in the stock pot he was carrying still intact. The force of Raphael's door slamming shut seemed to rattle the entire lair and Casey could've sworn the liquid in the pot rippled from the impact, like it always did when a T-Rex was coming in those 'Jurassic Park' movies.

Casey was about to laugh over the obvious similarities between his reptilian friend and a Tyrannosaurus Rex when he heard Master Splinter's deep voice call out Raphael's name.

Realizing that he'd probably been gone way longer than he should've just to fetch a pail of water, Casey decided he'd better get his butt in gear. He certainly didn't want to do anything that might tick off the giant, talking rat. That would be all kinds of scary.

As soon as Casey stepped foot inside Donnie's room, he noticed the mood was much grimmer than it had been before he had left. Something had clearly gone down during his absence.

"Uh, is everything okay?"

Four pairs of eyes darted from person to person to person, as though nonverbally asking who was going to be the one answer the question. Eventually, it was Master Splinter who offered up a response.

"There has been no change to Donatello's condition, which has us all a bit on edge. Raphael especially. I believe he just needs some time to himself."

Suspicions mounting, Casey watched the various reactions to Master Splinter's comments. April's watery stare shifted to Donatello's near-motionless form while Leo's sulky gaze made its way down to the floor. Mikey's mouth plunged into a deep frown as he fidgeted about in his chair, like someone had placed hot coals on the seat.

Casey was no genius like Donnie, but he knew there was more to the story than they were letting on. Still, he didn't feel like he had any right to call their bluff. Not after all they had been through the past few weeks or so. That and the fact that he was the new guy…

"It's been a rough night, yo." Posture sagging in exhaustion, Casey stuffed his hands inside the pockets of his hoodie and let out a weary sigh.

"Yes, it certainly has. That is why Michelangelo has graciously agreed to watch Donatello while the rest of us get some much-needed sleep."

The youngest turtle proudly puffed out his plastron and nodded like a bobblehead, eager to fulfill his duties.

To Leo, the enthusiastic reaction was the equivalent of pouring salt in an open wound.

"Shouldn't Mikey get some sleep, too?" Though Leonardo tried his darnedest to hide his bitterness, it still crept into his every word, revealing just how frustrated he was with his father's decision. The oldest turtle didn't want to sleep. He wanted to stay with his wounded brother, just like Mikey.

Recognizing Leonardo's sulking for what it was, Master Splinter chose to ignore it. He, instead, concentrated on answering the question his brooding son had posed.

"Once April has gotten some rest, perhaps she would be willing to relieve Michelangelo of his duties as needed." A brief glance at April confirmed that Master Splinter had been right in his assumption. Her radiant, blue eyes lit up at the chance to help.

"Of course, Master Splinter. Whatever you guys need." April reached forward and cupped her hands around Donnie's face, gently stroking his flush cheeks with her thumbs. The heat searing off his skin wrenched at her heart and it took all the strength she had to stop herself from bawling over how hurt Donnie was. She hated seeing him like this.

"Thank you, April." Forcing a small smile, Splinter nodded in both appreciation and approval. The wise old rat knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that nothing Slash could have said or done would ever make Donatello distrust April. That made her the obvious choice for filling in for Michelangelo should it be necessary.

As to be expected, Leonardo looked disappointed that his father had not selected him to be Michelangelo's stand-in, but Master Splinter was not about to change his mind. The fact of the matter remained, Donatello felt the safest around Michelangelo and April. They were the ones who would have the best chance at getting through to him if he were to wake up in the same distressed state he was in when Raphael had found him.

At least, Master Splinter prayed that they could get through to him…

My poor son.

"Maybe everyone should try to get some sleep now. I promise I'll let you guys know if anything changes." Mikey looked directly at Leonardo when he said this; a sympathetic expression adding lines and years to the youngest turtle's normally smooth and youthful face.

All Leo did in response was droop his shoulders, perhaps resigning to his fate.

An awkward hush fell over the room as they each waited for someone else to make the first move.

It was April's small and unsure voice that finally cut through the silence.

"I – I'd like to stay down here, if that's okay with all of you."

Master Splinter's grim features softened into a warm, gracious smile. "You are always welcome here, April. I hope you know that."

Timidly sweeping a stray tendril of hair behind her ear, April peered up at Splinter with eyes that couldn't hold back the tears. Words escaped her for what felt like forever, but she soon realized she didn't need to speak to show her appreciation. She instead lunged forward and threw her arms around Master Splinter's waist, burying her face into the surprisingly soft fabric of his robe.

"Thank you for staying, April. I am sure Donatello will be most pleased when he wakes." Gently returning the embrace, Master Splinter listened to the sounds of April sniffling into his robe. Another smile crossed his face, but only remained there for a moment. "I believe it is time for us to take Michelangelo up on his offer."

With that said, all eyes turned to Donatello, as if to check one last time if there were any signs of him regaining consciousness.

Much to their dismay, the wounded turtle was still out cold.

Leonardo was the first to exit the room, though he moved without a sense of urgency or purpose. His sluggish body language silently screamed out the immense disappointment he was feeling inside. Casey followed behind Leonardo on clumsy feet, clearly unsure of what else to do. Several long seconds passed before April released her hold on Master Splinter and trudged towards the door. Like Leo, her mannerisms revealed she was hesitant to leave, but she did not look back as she stepped out into the hallway. Perhaps it was because she didn't want them to see the tears streaming down her freckled cheeks. Or perhaps it was because if she looked at Donatello one more time, her legs might finally give way beneath her.

Once April was out of sight, Mikey cast his innocent gaze up at Master Splinter, seeking out the reassurance that only his father could provide.

"Everything's gonna be okay, right, Sensei?"

These six words held so much desperation and hope, Master Splinter didn't have the heart to speak the truth. Not so long as Michelangelo continued to look up at him with those sorrowful blue eyes that seemed to stare straight into his soul.

"There is much damage to be undone, my son. It will take a long time for these wounds to heal."

Mikey nodded his understanding. Though he was admittedly a bit naïve at times, he knew his father wasn't just talking about the physical wounds Slash had inflicted upon Donnie. Things were way, way worse than the toned-down version of the truth Master Splinter had just offered up.

"If they heal at all. That's really what you're trying to tell me, isn't it?"

"I wish I had better news for you, Michelangelo. I truly do. But if anyone can bring light to this dire situation, I know it is you, my son. Your brothers will need your eternal optimism, now more than ever. Please promise me you will not lose your faith in them, no matter what happens."

"I won't, Sensei. I promise."

A thin, watery smile was Master Splinter's only response. He then turned and exited the room without so much as a sound.

Now alone with his unconscious brother, Mikey scooted his chair forward and wrapped a hand around Donnie's closest forearm, giving it a firm, yet gentle squeeze.

"We're gonna get through this, D. I know things seem real bad right now, but they're gonna get better. You'll see."

With this said, Mikey rested his head on his big brother's bed, letting his tears soak into the mattress below.

To be continued…

*More Author's Notes: This is such a heart-breaking end to the chapter. The poor family. They've been through so much and there's still a long way to go in this story. Who's ready for some major angst?

I want to say a huge thanks to DonnysGirl87 (aka donniesgirl87 ) for creating the amazing artwork for this chapter. If you haven't checked it out already, you can see it on my Tumblr site. I absolutely love how it turned out and I'm so grateful to you, DonnysGirl87! Thank you a million times and then some. You're so very awesome! ILY!

Please let me know if you liked the chapter. Favorites, follows, likes, reblogs, comments, and/or reviews are always very appreciated. I am also willing to accept virtual hugs and cookies. ;)

I pray that you and your loved ones are all healthy and safe. Take care, everyone.

Thanks so much for reading.

CJ