Me and my family were playing "American Trivia" today, so I decided to sketch this silly panel of my SIW characters doing the same with quite similar results. XD

Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! :)

I knowww, I just didn't make the deadline of Father's Day for posting what I have so far for this art challenge of the most famous rat dad in history-- But hey, better late than never! :) For this challenge, I rolled both a D20 and D6 dice, and then did that specific challenge prompt with that specific character with Splinter. (1- Leo, 2- Raph, 3- Don, 4- Mikey, 5- Lotus). This was the perfect kind of practice that I needed to really get more experience in drawing SIW Splinter. I don't draw him enough, so this helped change that. :)

Enjoy!

Day 1 - Stars

Day 2 - Resist

Day 3 - Break Day

Day 4 - Humor

Day 5 - Expectation

Day 6 - Monster

Day 7 - Privacy

Day 8 - Medicine

That's all I got so far! :) Hope you enjoyed!

To God be the glory!

Part 15

Y'all get ready. We about to get into some serious fluff between these two~ ;) I told you this chapter would end on a good note, and I intend to keep that promise. We're nearly at the end of the first chapter now. :)

(For those not in the know, this comic is a continuation of my written story "The Strength in Weakness". It specifically takes place right after Chapter 20 of Book Two.)

To God be the glory!

~ Melissa

@indieyuugure @writer-in-wonder @allyheart707 @oddartistl3 @poetique823 @risebabyx2 @joyjoygorl @carrots-bear @imagionationstation @howtotrainyourdragonprince @gazing-n-blazing @brightonstudios @ninjaturtlefan-dee @rottmntlover14 @eggbem @lydjachan @sashatrout @chaosborb @maddys-nerd-blog @alexthecreature @dorkatella @thetanzanitequill @skiddknee @tmnt-siw-fan

Here we go~ These are more sketches I have from the "Splinter 2026 Challenge"! And for those who will ask, yes, every sketch I have made so far is canon in SIW. ;) Take that as you will.

Day 9 - Instinct

Day 10 - Youth

Day 11 - Pride

Day 12 - Absence

Day 13 - Nourish

Once again, I had a BLAST drawing my characters as itty bitty toddlers, and Splinter being younger too. (You can tell how young based on the size of his beard!) These sketches also helped me to relieve some built up stress that I've had these last few weeks. (Dealt with family drama, prep for my sis and cousin's weddings, starting a new job, AND playing part in the skit at VBS.) But God pulled me through!

Can't wait to begin the next batch of sketches once life slows down and I get a new sketchbook! :) By the way, while we're on the subject, I have a question-- would you all want a quick sketchbook tour now that I've finished it? Comment down below if you do, and I'll see what I can do. ;)

To God be the glory!

CHAPTER 1 - "Observations and Obligations"

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15 - Part 16 - Part 17 - Part 18 (FINALE!)

CHAPTER 2 - (TBD)

(Parts with more intense or scary imagery will be listed as RED, while parts with subtler trigger warnings will be listed as BLUE.)

To God be the glory!

CHAPTER 20 - Dinner and a Sh- OH NO

Why’s he just sitting there?!

Lotus inwardly groaned as she subtly scooted further away from the giant rat sitting beside her. While he read his novel in blissful unawareness, she was shrinking further into her shell, her mind a scurrying mess full of paranoia. Every seed of an escape plan would be shriveled into dust as soon as she remembered who it was she was sitting beside. The kindness she had seen in Splinter’s eyes did nothing but slightly soften his prodigious stature and presence. A smile didn’t soften hands that hurt. Or… could hurt. That was the scariest part. It was a waiting game.

Her fingers twitched with nerves as her eyes explored the room, focusing on anything besides the dreadful awkwardness swallowing her whole. The first thing she noticed was the coffee table nestled in front of the couch where she was sitting. The reddish-brown color was lovely, though it did still have its flaws. There were faded rings of moisture scattered across its surface, as well as a few chips and dents on the sides. When she leaned closer she could even make out the scuffed scratches of a pencil into the wood. 

Before her eyes wandered further, she noticed something shiny glinting from a crack near one of the drawers. Curious, she reached her hand into it. Her fingers landed on a tiny button, and with a muffled *kkkshhhrck*, a secret drawer opened, revealing rows of small bars wrapped in shiny plastic. She squeaked in surprise, startling Master Splinter out of his book. 

Lotus waved her hands frantically. “GHK! No! Uh, I didn’t mean to– it just slipped!!” 

Not only had she stolen time from the family, threw up on their floor, and slapped the eldest brother– But now to top it all off, she had broken their furniture. 

Well, that’s it. I should just walk out now before the swords and death threats make an appearance.

Before she got the strength to try standing, she was stopped by a soft, clawed paw on her shoulder. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself.

“Well… now the mystery of the missing granola bars has been put to rest…” Splinter sighed as he used his tail to close the secret compartment. “I must admit, it was well hidden. Though that’s more cause of concern than celebration…”

Lotus’ jaw slowly went slack as she opened her eyes, staring dumbfounded at the closed drawer and the fact that she was still breathing.

There’s no way he just shrugged that off. “I-I’m sorry, I won’t… I won’t touch anything else, I swear.” She softly pleaded, hands retreating to her chest for emphasis. “It– It won’t happen again.”

The rat-man turned towards her as he placed his book on the table. By his expression alone she could tell that he was deep in thought.

“There’s no need to apologize. I’m sure this is the handiwork of my sons. Probably Michelangelo, if I’m not mistaken. Though–” He leaned over and clicked open the secret drawer again, this time thoroughly inspecting the lining and craftsmanship. “He might not have been alone in his sly endeavor… This has Donatello’s handiwork written all over it.”

Master Splinter’s theory beckoned Lotus to join in on the drawer’s examination. And with closer inspection, she noticed that it had been dyed and stained to appear the same shade as the wood of the table. The inside once housed a normal drawer, but instead it had been replaced by a fake one’s face glued to the front. Then the bottom of the slot had been carefully carved out, making room for the mechanism that would pop out the secret compartment. You had to get pretty close up to notice the difference. It was kind of genius.

Definitely Donatello then.

With a light grunt, Splinter rose off the couch. “I’m going to fetch us some tea. Dinner won’t be ready for another hour or so, so we might as well enjoy a warm beverage as we wait. Do you have any preferences?”

Lotus blinked. “What’s… tea?” She asked timidly, suddenly ashamed by her lack of knowledge of something apparently normal.

Splinter only paused for a second. “You will see.” The great rat replied with a smile as he walked up the steps and vanished behind the kitchen doors. Not long after, he emerged holding two of the tiniest cups Lotus had ever seen in her life. He gently placed them down, not spilling a drop of the steaming beverage inside. “Go on,” Splinter beckoned, pointing the tip of his nose to Lotus’ drink, “try it.”

His encouragement fell on distracted ears as Lotus gazed at the intricate cups. Their rims were painted a solid, bright blue, and a story was illustrated on the sides. The artwork was painted skillfully in a whimsical style, depicting mothers, fathers, and children exploring an open field with a temple in the distance. Every strand of hair and string of grass was meticulously crafted, and it brought a fond sense of wonder to Lotus’ heart. She didn’t know the world being portrayed, the faces and buildings remaining nameless in her mind, but now… she could finally learn.

She made a mental note to ask Donatello later.

“I was not sure which flavor you would like, so the subtle honey citrus seemed best suited for your first time.” Splinter said as he took a soft sip of his own drink. “It should be cool enough for you to try it now.” He gently pressed, gingerly pushing the cup closer to her.

“O-Oh.” Lotus stuttered as her hands slowly surrounded the tiny dish. The textures of the ceramic felt satisfyingly smooth, but the layers of paint added gentle ridges that were fun to trace with her fingers. With the contact came the slow progression of warmth into her palms and up her arms. She couldn’t suppress the instinct to let out a long, content sigh as she slumped into the couch, holding the steaming beverage close to her plastron. Whatever the concoction was, it was working some kind of magic. And she hadn’t even tasted it yet!

She hadn’t… But she was supposed to. Expected to. 

She kept the cup nestled in her palms, a fair distance away from her face. She slowly looked back up at the giant rat man sitting beside her. He had been gentle, that was certain. He made sure back when he carried her into the living room to allow her to see her surroundings as he walked. Because of that, her stomach wasn’t a topsy-turvy mess. Or at least– not as badly. 

She began to lift the drink to her lips, the swirling steam tickling her nose and making her eyes itchy. 

One sip should be fine. 

Her hands slowed as the beverage’s heat grew closer.

One sip… shouldn’t get me sick…

 Her nose scrunched as foreign smells began to enter. The heat enveloping her face felt more like an unpredictable flame than a soothing comfort.

It shouldn’t… Right?

Her hands stilled.

She looked down into the dish, her lavender irises darting across the hot liquid’s surface. There were no pills hiding at the bottom. No suspicious flakes floating at the top either. It looked to be nothing more than colored, hot water.

It appeared to be harmless… Just like the tests… and the wires… and the pills… and… 

Leo.

Gentleness doesn’t negate ignorance. The dull throb of her incision would never let her forget that painful lesson. She couldn’t trust everyone to always know how to help her. She had to ask questions; clarify that the things the family were doing would help more than hurt.

“What’s um… what’s in it?” She meekly asked, keeping her focus grounded on the cup’s warmth and beauty, and not on its poisonous potential.

The rat man softly chuckled. The sound didn’t make her retract or shiver, which she made note of. “It’s a beverage consisting of hot water seeped with a bag of various herbs… And if you were my youngest son, would also be drowning in a pile of sugar.” He sighed. “This specific kind has traces of lemon and orange with a hint of honey.”

Lotus grimaced. “Are those… candies?” 

“They can be candy flavors…” Splinter said, a glint of confusion on the tip of his tongue. “But, originally, they are fruits– things that come from trees or bushes that carry many nutrients.” His hand reached down and tipped Lotus’ cup ever so slightly. “They help little things grow stronger.”

Lotus subtly nodded as she pulled the cup closer, letting the steam warm her chest and neck. She was pretty sure she wasn’t allergic to those things… But she should keep asking questions. Just– just in case.

“What about honey? What’s that?” She asked, finally gaining enough courage to look Splinter in the eyes. The deep, mossy green welcomed her, and she forced herself to remain planted on it. 

The great Master began to stroke his long, vine-like beard. “Honey is a sweet, viscous liquid given to us by bees. From what I remember of the boys’ animal science books, I believe it consists of nectar from flowers and the regurgitation of the insects.”

The big word left Lotus cocking her head.

Splinter cleared his throat as he looked at the girl, a sheepish grin etched into the furry wrinkles on his face. “... It’s made with bee saliva.”

It’s made with what now?

Lotus’ tiny cup landed back on the coffee table with a light *clunk*. “...I think I’m good.” She muttered queasily, even though she was already missing the warmth. People actually drink that?!

This time Splinter laughed, and it somewhat startled the girl beside him. The sound wasn’t loud, but it was filled with a pleasant jolliness that started to warm her like the tea had. Her shoulders steadily went slack as her body gave in to the comfort of feeling… safe. Or something akin to it, at least.

“Perhaps I can bring you some of Raphael’s peppermint tea.” Splinter said as he leaned and picked up the intricate dishes. “There won’t be any insect spit in it, I promise.”

Lotus’ body tensed back up as she shook her head from side to side. “Uh! N-No, I’m fine! You don’t have to do that-”

“It’s really not a bother, dear.” Splinter softly interrupted as he turned to the kitchen. “Would you like some sugar in it as well?”

Lotus’s beak scrunched. “Is… sugar made the same as h-honey?...”

Splinter simply shook his head back and forth, his smile growing wider.

Lotus started to wrap her finger around a stray stitch on the cushion next to her. She didn’t want to be a burden, and she was already pushing her luck with what happened with Leo. But… she really wanted to feel that comforting heat again. It was worth the risk.

“If it’s not too much trouble…” She squeaked as her head lowered submissively.

“No trouble at all, little one.” Splinter hummed, bowing his own head. He entered the kitchen and shut the doors.

Lotus remained there, alone, but cornered by her thoughts. She looked down at her hand and scowled. She leered at the bandage wrapped around her calf where the incision was hidden. How could she have been so stupid, hitting a member of the family?! And after all that he had done for her out of the kindness of his heart! All of them! The whole Hamato family was like that steam coiling out of her tea: warmth and comfort that she never should have felt. All it would take was Leo telling his brothers and father what happened and she would be punished.

Those gentle, moss eyes would become ignited with anger. Hands that had communicated to her with sign language would be used to inflict damage with a long bow. Calloused fingers that tenderly carried her would harness sharp sais to tear her to pieces. Voices that happily welcomed her would turn sharp and cold, telling her what she had known all along:

“You don’t deserve to be here.”

It was only a matter of time before her secret was out. And by that point, it would be an impossible mercy for the family to allow her to live.

It’s only a matter of time…

She was jarringly pulled back to reality by the echoes of voices coming from the hall.

 Very annoyed voices.

“NO higher level katas. NO lifting any weights over 5 lbs. NO spinning your sais with that hand–”

“Okay- OKAY, I GET IT. I’m gonna be a freaking invalid for the next week. THANKS A LOT, DOC.”

“Oh, come on, I’m asking you to rest, not locking you in the Medbay–”

“Haha, yeah, you say that now– but you’ll be playin’ a different tune soon as I break one of your ridiculous rules.”

“Then here’s an idea! Don’t break one.”

An exasperated Leo and aggravated Raph emerged from the shadows of the hall. Both brothers were walking at a steady pace, though Raphael’s increasing speed made it look like the eldest was chasing him.

Lotus’ brows creased as she tried to understand the argument happening between the two; things weren’t adding up. For starters, Raph’s mask had a slight sheen to it that looked like drying trails of tears– but his expression burned with anything but sadness. He was also holding his right arm close to his body, cradling it like he was injured. She saw how it had recently been wrapped in brand new, white gauze, but she didn’t remember him getting hurt–

“It’d be easier to not break them if they weren’t RIDICULOUS!” The fiery brother retorted.

“It is not ridiculous to hold off on lifting eighty pounds of weights with possible nerve damage, RAPH.” Leo shot right back, matching his brother’s growing pace.

“Eighties nothin’! I usually go at least two-twenty–”

“You are only digging your grave deeper, man.”

“UUGHHHH~”

As Lotus turned her head to gauge Leo, her theories took a screeching halt when they both made eye contact. The eldest’s icy gaze made her feel so sick. A horrible pressure in her chest pulsed as the voices in her head grew louder. Within a matter of seconds, the shadows of lies eclipsed the faint glow of truth. And following a deeply implanted instinct, she shot her line of sight to the floor, clamping her mouth shut.

Just as she was supposed to.

“Lotus?” Leo asked with a tone so careful it wouldn’t lift a feather. 

She couldn’t look at him. She wouldn’t! Maybe if she was quiet and obeyed every order, he wouldn’t tell the others what happened. Play the submissive. It always worked before, so why wouldn’t it now?

She heard his pace quicken, the rhythm of his nearing footsteps combining with the rapid beating of her heart.

“Is something wrong?” He gently pressed.

She shuddered at the appearance of concern in his voice. 

You shouldn’t be worried, you should be angry.

“What’s up?” Raph questioned. “She sick again?” The jagged edges of his suspicion were smoothed by genuine care. It made Lotus feel worse.

Just then she heard the kitchen door open, accompanied by a long tail being dragged across the floor. At the sound of the Great Master’s return, Lotus finally looked up– steadying herself in Splinter’s soft, moss-green eyes while avoiding the sharpness of Leo’s hurt, crystal gaze.

“Ah, boys. Perfect timing.” Splinter said as he gracefully made his way down the steps, not spilling a single drop of tea. “We’ll need to start dinner soon.”

“...You.” 

Lotus physically jolted at the spit of venom in Raphael’s growl. She turned to look at the fiery brother, frightened and nervous by his hostility. Leo had grabbed Raph’s shoulders, pushing him back as he whispered something. It sounded like a plea. But despite Leo’s efforts, Raph’s gaze remained on target. She could only see a deep, blazing hatred in his emerald and hazel irises. 

At first, she assumed his anger was aimed towards her; his seething fury finally coming to dish out her foretold punishment. The doubts in her head feasted heartily upon the lie. But she was quickly proven wrong as she followed where his line of sight was pointed.

“Raphael? Is something wrong?” The rat man asked as he walked down to the living room, the sounds of gentle glass and wobbling liquid vibrating with each step.

“Dude, stop, please.” Leo whispered frantically to his seething sibling, loud enough for Lotus to hear.

What is going on??

“Leonardo? What is the meaning of this?” Master Splinter demanded more than asked.

Raph lunged.

“N-Nothing. Everything’s fine!” Leo replied in a strained voice as he tried to keep a steady hold on his brother. One of his hands firmly gripped onto Raph’s chin, pulling his gaze back into the eldest’s. “Everything…” He strictly clarified,”... is fine.”

Lotus didn’t know what to do. She waited nervously for what would happen next. Her hand shakily returned to twirling the stray thread on the cushions, twisting and pulling the string like the tightening knot of tension in the room.

“Sure. ‘Everything’s fine’.” Raph hissed, yanking his arms out of Leo’s grip as he took a forceful step back. He walked past his brother, knocking his shoulder into the eldest’s arm. “I trust you know what you’re doing.” He emphasized under his breath as he blended into the shadows of the hall.

Leo watched until his brother’s form disappeared around the corner. Lotus couldn’t see his expression, but his ridged shoulders and heavy sigh told her there was more to the story than just a silly argument. The eldest turned around, slightly bowing his head to his father.

“S-Sorry about that, Dad. Me and Raph got into a… fight. I think he’s still got some built up steam.”

Splinter only hummed.

The room became constricted in choking silence, everyone’s lips shut from either confusion or contemplation. 

. . .

Over an hour later, noises began to erupt from the kitchen. Don had finally been released from his work, so he and Mikey combined forces to prepare the family’s dinner. 

Even from the couch Lotus could hear the cacophony of machines and voices overpowering each other. Argument after argument rumbled through the walls of the living room, from “You call THAT cooked?!” to “This is so salty it’s like I bit into a whale”. All throughout the two brothers’ squabbles, she could hear the loud WHHHIIRRR of a mini machine, as well as a sharp, constant beep blaring madly. Before she could guess what the shrill noise meant, she heard Don screech at the top of his lungs, “IT’S ON FIRE, YOU IDIOT!”

Crashes followed, quickly by a powerful “FWOOOSH” of something being extinguished.

Yeah… I’m just… gonna…

Lotus shrank deeper into the cushions, her head slowly disappearing into the cool, welcomed darkness of her shell. It was quiet in there– just what she needed. The racket from the kitchen became muffled, angry hums that eventually lulled her into a dreamless sleep.

. . .

After what felt like a blink, she was being woken up by someone’s hand on her shell. At the sudden physical contact her body tensed, letting out a surprised squeak. 

“Lotus… Time for dinner.” An exhausted voice groaned.

She popped her head and limbs out, then subtly smiled at the sight of Donatello standing  beside her. “Okay?...” She shrugged, unsure of the statement and why he was waiting for her to answer.

“... Do you know what dinner is?” Don asked, his tone growing closer to Leo’s.

“-- I know what it is!” Lotus snapped, trying to ignore the two brothers’ similarities. “But why are you telling me? I’m not gonna eat your food.” She crossed her arms and shrugged dismissively.

Don took a second before answering, rubbing the small indents on his nose from his glasses. “I’m telling you, because you’re invited to join us. My father would rather die than let his first ever house guest starve. And I bet Mr Team Medic would want you to have a proper meal, too.”

 He held out both his hands and waited.

Invited? 

Still unsure, but choosing to believe the words of the trustworthy brother, she slowly nodded. “Uh… o-okay…”

Holding onto Donatello’s arms for stability, Lotus slowly made her way off the couch. Her recovering leg whined in protest, but she did her best to ignore it. She was truly getting fed up with being so weak and helpless, and the pain and memory of her incision was not helping. She grit her teeth as a painful spasm burst in her calf. It took a lot to keep quiet, but she was determined to not be a burden.

“Everything in working order? Is your… stomach feeling better?” Don asked, the tiniest heartbeat of worry fluttering in his metallic tone.

“I’m fine.” Lotus wheezed as the pain grew. She placed most of her weight on the left side of her body.

“You sure?...” The genius asked, unconvinced and unimpressed. He looked down at the leg Lotus was favoring. His expression shifted, becoming softer. “You can hop on it if that helps.”

It didn’t take long for Lotus to consider, especially as her strength and energy began to plummet. “I’ll try it.” She quietly agreed, limping and hopping as best she could. Eventually, Don led her to the stairs leading into the kitchen. They had only 6 platforms to climb, but it felt like staring up at Mount Everest.

She groaned. Don sighed.

“Nope, that’s enough of this malarky.” He stated, the annoyance returning to its rightful place in his voice. Then in one quick scoop, Lotus was hoisted up into his arms.

“EEP!” She chirped as her feet left the floor. Remembering Raph’s advice, she planted her pinpricks of pupils directly in front of her. She would not be getting sick again. 

“You’re a lot heavier than you look–” Don huffed, his voice and body straining. “Either that,*huff* or I need to *wheeze* work out more.”

Lotus honestly didn’t know what to say to that, her brain too busy to reply with the ache of her leg and the looming threat of vertigo.

Don’t look down, look straight. STRAIGHT.

It only took a few seconds to reach the top of the stairs– but going by the trembling gasps and groans of Donatello, it looked as if it had taken an eternity. Luckily for him, and unfortunately for Lotus, Mikey came bursting through the kitchen doors.

“DON!” He shouted with both hands cupping his face, “DUDE, FOOD’S GETTIN’ COLD!”

His booming volume made both the jade-skinned turtles wince. 

“Oh!” The youngest paused from his bellowing as he looked at the missing two standing right in front of him. “Good! You’re here! GUYS, DING DON AND LOWIE ARE HERE!” He cheered as he bounced back through the kitchen doors.

Simultaneously, Don and Lotus both yelled back, “DO NOT CALL ME THAT.”

Then just as quickly as he left, Mikey reappeared and yanked Lotus into his arms. Don puffed out a bitter thank you, as well as a quick slap on his youngest brother’s shoulder for “addressing him with such an insufferable nickname”. The two argued for a little bit, while Lotus was caught up steeling herself for a topsy turvy ride like last time. 

Once the two’s argument came to an unsatisfying end, Mikey burst through the kitchen doors, the tense girl in his arms begging her body to hold on to whatever crumbs of contents— and dignity– it had left.

Just as it began to talk back, angrily, the movement slowed down, becoming less jarring and disorienting. Lotus looked up and caught Mikey with his tongue out focusing hard on keeping his footsteps smooth, muttering to himself, “Righttt, gotta take it easyyy~”

“Yeah, you better slow down on that ankle!” Leo scolded from his seat at the dining table. “You’re ninety percent recovered now, so don’t lose that progress.”

Raph chuckled. “Better listen, Mike. Don’t want the Team Medic takin’ drastic measures to pin you down.”

“Ughhh, I’m going slow, see?? Look how slow this is!” Mikey groaned like a cheetah forced to take a leisurely stroll.

Soon after, Lotus was seated at a long, reddish-brown table. The wood and carvings adorning its surface reminded her of the coffee table with the secret compartment. And, mirroring it as well, it had scuffs and scrapes all across its face too. At her right side was Donatello, while Mikey was on her left. (She had made sure to keep her recovering leg away from the squirrely energy of the youngest.) Across from them sat Leo and Raph, with Master Splinter positioned at the head.

Before her lay a chipped, white plate filled with steaming heaps of… food? It was no meal like she had ever seen before. There was some kind of silky, mashed substance on one end of her dish, while on the other sat a steaming piece of… bark? At least, it looked like bark– but with a few tentative pokes she could tell it was just too soft. She stared, baffled, at the mysterious meal.

Near her, she could hear the muffled sounds of snickering. She turned her head left, not surprised at all to find Mikey watching her.

“Dude,” He chimed in, his smile bright and blinding, “You’re supposed to eat it, not make it confess to committing a murder.” He took a colossal bite of the mashed substance, chewing and smacking until the area in front of him was splattered with flakes of the ‘food’. 

“Says you. I don’t know what this is. It’d be stupid to just swallow it.” Lotus snipped back, secretly hoping for an explanation.

“Hmm~,” Don swiftly interjected, using the fork in his hand to gesture vaguely at the youngest. ”I’m sure you can learn a thing or two from her, little brother. Especially in the look before you eat category.”

“It’s not bad to try new things!” Mikey defended as he leaned closer.

“I have never seen you willingly ‘try’ anything besides junk food.” Leo retorted.

“Nah,” Raph said with a fanged grin as he speared some of the weird bark onto his fork. “Just put some chocolate on it and Mikey will try anything! It’s how we get him to take his meds. Like a dog with cheese.”

Lotus’ eyes widened as she turned to the youngest. The horrified and offended expression that met her told her this was news to Mikey too.

“YOU WHAT?!” He shrieked, slamming the table.

“Anyways.” Splinter cleared his throat loudly, trying to placate the growing laughter and indignant betrayal fluctuating across the room. He took a deep, cleansing inhale, waiting for his sons to quiet down. “Well, how was everyone’s day?” He asked, stoking casual conversation while trying not to ignite anymore childish arguments.

“You traumatized me.” Mikey stated with his hand in the air.

Splinter sighed like a migraine had instantly appeared in his head. “Being taught the workings of our bodies does not qualify as trauma, Michelangelo…”

“That’s what you think.” Donnie mumbled into his cup as he took a slow sip.

“How about you, Leonardo? Anything to report?”

It was a simple question, but Lotus could still hear the subtle prodding hidden beneath the casual words.

Leo wasn’t given the chance to respond. Instead, the poor, unsuspecting glass in Raph’s hand shattered, scattering teeny shards all over the table. The whole room burst into a frantic uproar, despite Splinter’s clear attempt to have a peaceful family dinner.

Lotus watched as four sharp pieces of glass flew onto her plate, sinking into the mashed substance. Now she definitely wasn’t going to eat anything.

“DUDE!” Leo yelled as he grabbed his fiery brother’s wrist, pulling it away from the landmine of pointed objects on his plate. Raph winced, a hiss of pain escaping and alerting Leo that he was holding on to the bandaged arm too tight.

Lotus could relate. She slid her recovering leg deeper under her chair.

“Sorry!” The eldest grimaced sympathetically.

Raph shrugged, then paused. His face twisted, conflict evident with his creasing brows and thinned lips. “It’s okay. It didn’t… Er- It only hurt a little.” 

Leo stopped too. And then he smiled. “Thanks for being honest.”

The words were small, but their meaning was significant going by the subtle smile on the eldest’s face. The whole table tilted their heads, each person trying to find out why. 

“What is wrong with you?!” Don squeaked, returning the subject to the more imperative matter at hand. He slid his glasses up and down on his nose, scrutinizing his plate as if it were covered in microscopic fleas. “You have ruined the dinner we slaved over!!”

“Dude, the potatoes didn’t stand a chaaance~” Mikey ogled as he poked at the stray shards sprinkled over his plate. “They’re bleeding gravy! It’s a total crime scene!”

“DO NOT TOUCH THE SHARP THINGS-” Leo yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at the youngest as if he were already guilty.

Mikey pulled his hands back as he shrugged. “Not my fault my potatoes got slaughtered by Raph’s flying debris!”

“NO ONE TOUCH ANYTHING.” The eldest commanded, now in full leader and medic mode. He stood up from his chair and ran to the supply closet in the living room. “Don, smack Mikey if he lays ONE FINGER on the table!”

Don grinned deviously, keeping a close eye on Mikey seated next to him. “I do believe I have been given permission to beat you senseless if I so choose.”

Lotus blinked at him, concerned on a number of levels with how happy the genius was to exact punishment on his brother. Her head slowly turned to the left, waiting.

The fear in Mikey’s eyes didn’t last, quickly being overtaken by his own knowing grin. “And I believe I could spit in your food at any time if I so choose. So guess we both have somethin’ to lose.”

“Ohohoh!” Raph pointed and laughed at his twin. “Got you there, Interi!”

Donnie gasped, yanking his plate even closer to his chest. “You’re disgusting and evil.”

“Takes one to know one.” Mikey shot back, sticking out his tongue.

“BURRNNNN~” Raphael sang.

Don launched his full plate straight into his twin’s face.

SPLAT.

Lotus watched the family go back and forth, bickering and laughing and making a mess. Even with all the teasing and instigation, she never sensed any evil intention behind the chaos. Raphael laughed. Donnie fired insults. Mikey smirked. Leo scolded. Master Splinter sighed. There was a liveliness and warmth surrounding the table that she had never felt before. It far exceeded the heat of tea or the comfort of a real mattress. The colors of the family’s auras shone like vibrant stars in the pitchblack sky of her developing world. 

 Despite everything, all the nightmares of her past and the possible doom in her future… Lotus looked at what was happening now. And then she did something that made all the racket around the table drop into stunned silence.

Lotus smiled.

And that's it for this chapter! :)

And now, I can tell you all the exciting announcement!! This chapter marks the end of the first arc of my story, and as such, it is also going to be the last chapter for a while. Why? Because after this chapter there will be a large time jump spanning a few months. Instead of trying to condense all that happens in that time into one more chapter, I decided to try something new. :)

For the next few months, this story will continue in comic form. I have many little plots and character interactions that I couldn't fit in one single chapter, soooo you guys are going to see them come to life with comic-based illustrations instead. :) I already have the first part of the first comic finished!

For clarification, after this chapter, I will only be updating comics of what happens next in the story. Okay? Okay! :) I look forward to seeing you guys again with the first part of the first comic!~

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reblog!

And a huge thank you to @poetique823 for being my beta reader! Your advice and wisdom has truly helped me to grow, my dear friend. ~^^~

@indieyuugure @writer-in-wonder @allyheart707 @oddartistl3 @risebabyx2 @joyjoygorl @carrots-bear @imagionationstation @howtotrainyourdragonprince @gazing-n-blazing @brightonstudios @ninjaturtlefan-dee @rottmntlover14 @eggbem @lydjachan @sashatrout @chaosborb @maddys-nerd-blog @alexthecreature @dorkatella @thetanzanitequill

If you want to be tagged in the next chapter, comment down below! (That way when I post the next chapter you'll get the notification!)

To God be the glory!

~ Melissa

CHAPTER 18 - Never Enough

Leo couldn’t stop his hands from shaking. The horrible weight of Don’s discovery pressed into him, squeezing his lungs and crushing his heart. His freckled brother’s words echoed a continuous song he didn’t want to hear anymore.

“Lotus was human.”

It took that one sentence to thrust open the brimming flood gates of questions. Lotus’ origin as a human– having an official birth certificate– it meant… she once had a family. She might’ve had a father of her own, a mother! She could’ve had siblings, aunts, uncles! Where were they? Did they know she was mutated? How did she end up in that lab?!

… Did they even care?...

He counted his fingers again as he recalled a nightmare. His brothers had always assumed that only one dream haunted his sleep, but in reality, it had always been two. 

His nightmare of watching his brothers fall to their deaths would leave him panting and breathless after waking up.

But this nightmare always left him speechless with questions while confusing tears streamed onto his pillow.

~

His vision was blurred and spotted, and his skin was the wrong color. With his five-fingered hands he clutched onto something wrapped in a blanket. He didn’t know why but he needed to protect whatever was inside it. The wind blew, frigid and unforgiving. Snow poured down in relentless flurries. He felt alone and lost.

Then he heard a voice, empty and cold as the night.

“They’re not coming back.”

~

And then he would wake up.

He had always guessed that the strange nightmare was from watching too much tv at night. It was too bizarre to be real. 

Or was it just scary enough to be a memory instead of a dream?

Leo turned his gaze away from his hands to glance at his brother; the one who had carried the dreadful burden all on his own. Though the eldest would never admit it, he had always relied heavily on Donatello’s mind and skills. But for fear of dropping another responsibility onto his genius brother’s shoulders, the eldest’s reliance remained silent and unseen. 

He and Don would always bicker during their missions, but in actuality, his pessimistic, overdramatic, cunning sibling brought a needed balance to their team. With his intellect, he was able to ground his emotion-based brothers with facts and truth, becoming a much needed reality check to their imaginations. 

At that very moment, all Leo wanted were facts that he could stand on, not more questions that would drown him.

“D-Donnie… I don’t…That can’t be it!” 

The eldest watched as his freckled brother winced and turned away. A guilty, dreading expression twisted on his face.

“... There’s more on the files…” He softly admitted to the floor, “... I just couldn’t-... I didn’t-”

He’s scared.

Leo’s jittering hand reached out, planting itself onto his brother’s shoulder. He truly wanted to be a rock his sibling could stand on… But instead, they both just sat there, trembling and drowning together; lost in a violent sea of so many questions and never enough answers. 

“It was too much…” Don whispered, his voice strained and worn from carrying a burden he never should have.

“It is too much.” Leo softly agreed.

“M-Maybe… maybe in a few days I can try again…”

Leo tightened his grip. “Only when you’re ready.” He closed his eyes, a difficult decision being made behind them. “... You won’t be alone this time. We’ll… go through them together.”

Don’s weary gaze rose from the floor, genuine surprise and relief overcoming every inch of fear on his face. A shy, shaky smile bloomed. “Th-Thank you, Leo…”

The eldest knew what he was signing up for– another weight of responsibility was thrust onto his shoulders. But it was worth it to lessen Don’s burden. 

And at least this time– Leo was the one who chose to carry it.

“You’re welcome, Don.”

The moment’s delicate silence shattered at the sudden [BEEP!] of Leo’s phone on the table, launching both brothers’ rear ends two inches off the floor. With their bodies’ harsh jolt, as well as the indignified noises bursting from their mouths, the two combined to finally wake their slumbering third sibling.

Their little brother’s tedious snoring erupted into a snort, followed by Mikey groaning, “Whaaa’s goinn onnn?”

Leo and Don sat beside him, completely flustered and shellshocked. After a moment, the two turned to each other. The tender moment had ended, but the weight of decisions and responsibility still hung over them, threatening to fall and flatten them both. But now that their youngest sibling was awake, they reached for the distraction from their shared burden with open arms. With one last glance of understanding between them, they both laid flat on their plastrons and peeked inside to the natural haven of their baby brother’s shell.

“Heyyy, Mikeyyy.” Leo called, his voice giving off a faint echo in the natural cavern. “Sleep well?”

Mikey let out a huge yawn as his answer, while Don twitched and grimaced at the stench of incoming breath. “Ugh- GROSS! Mikey, you need to brush your teeth immediately!”

Leo simply rolled his eyes, appearing unfazed. Compared to his uptight brother who would flee the scene if someone got sick, the Team Medic had been forced to withstand far worse odors, forcing his sense of smell to adapt and grow more impervious. Therefore, the measly foe of Mikey’s morning breath had almost no effect. Almost.

He suppressed his own grimace as he sat up, both escaping the smell and moving to reach for his phone. “Yeah, I gotta agree with Don– You could slay more foes than Raph with that kind of smell…” 

Flipping the device open, he clicked onto the new text. The name of the sender instantly made him cock his head. Speaking of the hothead~ Why’s he texting me when we’re both home?

… He IS home, right?

Before more questions– or rather worries– formed in his mind, he simply read the message.

R - [Dad wants you in the Medbay]

…?

L - [Why?]

A few moments passed.

R - [Just get your shell over here]

Okay, now I’m getting nervous…

L - [Is it an emergency??]

A few more beats.

R - [It’s an overreaction. Just GET OVER HERE]

Leo groaned as he pushed himself up, his muscles scolding him for lying on a tile floor for the last thirty minutes. He knew it had been thirty minutes since at that very moment Don had also taken a quick glance at the time, exclaimed a word he shouldn’t have used in the house, and raced down the hall to his office.

“DON!” Leo chided, slapping two hands over Mikey’s newly emerged head, “LANGUAGE!”

There was no reply, which Leo expected, but hopefully his brother would be more conscious of his vocabulary– especially around Michelangelo.

“Alright, Mike. I gotta go– Are you… good?” Leo carefully asked as he removed his hands from his brother’s head, nervous he would send Mikey into a tailspin of embarrassment and horror all over again. He just needed to know that the youngest was doing better before he left. Raph said it wasn’t an emergency, so he assumed he could spare some time.

Mikey yawned again, stretching and popping fully out of his shell. The sight made Leo smile despite the stench attacking his sinuses.

“Yeah… Think I’m all good, dude. Um... thanks.” The youngest answered with a quaint grin of his own.

A tiny, selfish part of Leo wished he had an older brother who had calmed him down when he’d gone through such a mortifying experience. But the bigger, warmer part of him continued to smile, content to play that part in his own little brother’s story.

He bent down to pat Mikey’s head. “Happy to help.”

Now knowing the youngest was alright and wouldn’t retreat back into his shell again, Leo left the kitchen. Questions continued to clash against his cool-headedness, but despite the noise in his mind, he centered his concentration on helping his family– something that always overpowered his doubts and fears. 

“Focus on others so there’s less time to worry about yourself.” His father’s sage advice echoed in his mind; one of the many lessons that had left an impact on the eldest’s heart.

The smile on his face withered.

His footsteps and thoughts came to an abrupt halt once he opened the door to the Medbay. Sitting on the exam table, stiff as a bow and sharp as an arrow, was Raphael. He wore one of the angriest scowls Leo had seen, and once their gazes met, it only darkened. 

Finding Raph sitting like a patient instantly shifted Leo’s mindset to Medic, his eyes swiftly beginning to search for the problem while his hands remained motionless at his sides. He knew from experience with his brother that it was best to ask questions first, and leave any physical touch for when the problem was identified. Even then, Raph hated every second of being tended to, but at least he would usually cooperate better.

“What’s… up?” The oldest asked as he entered the room, his steps as tentative as his tone. That day hadn’t exactly begun with sunshine and rainbows, and he really didn’t want to start a fight if he could help it.

Unfortunately, Raph didn’t give him that choice.

“Oh, I’m just sittin’ here waitin’ for the tooth fairy.” His fiery brother monotoned gruffly.

Leo sighed.

Yeah, I expected as much…

The Team Medic raised his brows as a silent request for actual information. He attempted to not show any signs of annoyance or impatience as he hummed questioningly. 

Raphael growled as he rolled his eyes, his hands clutching tightly onto the table. “Dad told me to wait for you.” He mumbled.

Carefully, the oldest stepped closer. His anxieties were back, and they were only growing as he watched his brother squirm. If their father had commanded Raph to stay in the Medbay, then something must’ve gone wrong during training. But he hadn’t been called immediately- So it must not be that bad?

… Or had Sensei just caught his brother hiding another injury?

That thought– that realization– swept all other anxieties and worries down the racing stream. What followed was a reignited flame, consuming everything in its path.

“What did you do.” Leo whispered, his gentleness swallowed by fury. The calm crystal of his irises hardened and cracked like the thinnest sheets of ice.

Raph visibly jolted. Then all the walls he had built through the years shot back up. “I didn’t do anything!” He spat, shooting out his arms. “I was just a little sore from practice this morning, so Dad forced me to come here!”

Leo’s eyes fixed onto his brother, his sharp glare slicing through the lies. “Try again.” He spoke with a low, dangerous tone only used for interrogations.

Raph’s scowl deepened. “You think I would’ve come here if I had the choice?”

“I know you wouldn’t.”, Leo replied coldly as his heart pinched. “Therefore it must be really bad if Sensei told you to stay.” He took a step closer to his brother. “Just tell me the truth so we can both get out of here.”

His eyes stung and his heart throbbed, but the pain only stoked the flames within him. Being gentle never worked… When would he finally learn that?

Raph remained still atop the exam table, his heart and skull hardened. His expression still shot pointed arrows, but his body began to crumble and shrink. “It is the truth.” He stated obstinately, but his voice had the strength of a withered leaf.

More lies.

The fire in Leo’s heart exploded, engulfing the blue of his gentle soul with bleeding, furious red.

He took one more step, laced in obvious threat.

“I won’t ask again, Raph. Tell me the truth. Now.” 

The piercing cold of his voice seemed to spread all throughout the room, causing Raphael to begin shivering.

“I…” His fiery sibling began, anger now flickering unsurely, “... Leo, I don’t want to do this right no-” 

His words burned to husks before they reached the eldest’s ears.

“WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!” Leo burst, all hints of his gentleness and patience reduced to ash. “WHY do you have to make this so DIFFICULT? I just want to help! W-WHY don’t you TRUST ME?!” 

Breaths came in sharp spurts as he tried to focus on not hyperventilating. Memories of past battles blurred his vision. Hateful, destructive insults echoed in his ears. Loneliness and loss ripped into his wounded heart.

The flames, the anger, the hurt… it overwhelmed him.

“W-Why…” Leo gasped, struggling to breathe but adamant to speak what had been on his heart for years,  “... Why do you hate me?”

Horrible, heavy silence crushed the oxygen in his lungs, as the raging blaze within him was smothered by something far more powerful.

He grabbed his little brother’s arms in the tightest grip he could manage. “Why?” He wept, voice pleading and choked. 

The room was cold.

His mind burned.

His eyes stung.

Wounds he had been concealing for so long now bled freely.

 It was agony.

“I’m sorry.”

The voice was soft, delicate, and vulnerable. But what it said possessed the power to heal what had been broken. 

After a tear fell, Leo’s vision cleared. And what he saw before him was something he never expected and never wanted.

“I’m sorry.” Raphael repeated, his throat tight with pain as tears streamed down his face. “I didn’t w-want to be another burden. You… you already have enough on your plate– You’re stressin’ out all the time! You’re trying to h-help Lotus! You don’t… You don’t need another… another problem to fix!”

Leo’s vision was clear, but it was only at that point when his eyes truly opened.

He saw scars.

He saw tears falling from familiar hazel and foreign green irises.

He saw a soul… that was hurting just as much as he was.

“Raph…” He breathed, “Y-You… You’re not a burden. You’re… you’re my brother.”

Raph shifted his gaze to the floor. “I’ve been your enemy.”

“No,” Leo softly interjected, “No, that was years ago. We’re past that– W-We’re both better!”

His fiery brother turned back towards the eldest, his eyes shimmering. “Look at us.” He asked plainly, voice raw with honesty, “This–.... This isn’t better, Leo.”

“But we don’t argue anymore– “

“- Hard to do that when we’re barely talking anymore either.”

Despite all that Leo hoped, he knew his little brother was right. Their wounds may have been aged, but they had still been bleeding all those years. Like a gash wrapped in the finest silk, the silence that tied their tongues had never healed, it had only harmed. 

“I’m sorry.” Leo whispered, his gaze crossing from his brother’s eyes to the jagged scar inflicted by his blade. “I’m so sorry, Raphael.”

“It’s not your fault I’m like this.” His sibling muttered with a snarl not aimed at the eldest.

Leo reached his hand to his brother’s face, fingers gentle and shaking. Raph twitched when the eldest caressed his scar. “That’s not true… And you know it.”

His fiery brother’s eyes ignited as his posture straightened, pointing an accusing finger at himself. “THIS was an accident, you idiot.” Then he shot that same finger at Leo. “ And don’t you dare think otherwise.”

“It was my idea in the first place!” Leo argued, the truth of the fact adding poison and passion to his voice.

“You were thirteen!” Raph shouted as he slammed his finger into Leo’s plastron.

“I should have known better!”

“YOU. WERE. THIRTEEN.”

“- I could have KILLED YOU, DON’T YOU GET THAT?!”

Raph’s mouth clamped shut onto his fangs, a huffed sigh like a hiss escaping. “You were just a kid. A naive, stupid, reckless kid. Sensei hadn’t even forced you to be leader yet- you didn’t have all that responsibility weighin’ you down.”

That’s just an excuse. Leo thought bitterly, his hands releasing his brother’s arms and falling to his sides.

“You and I had no idea what we were doing,” Raph continued, his hand unconsciously grazing over the lightning bolt chip above his heart, “cause we were just freaking KIDS.”

“- But!” Leo attempted, but his voice was smothered by his brother.

“It doesn’t matter that you’re the oldest– you deserved to be free just as much as the rest of us.”

Leo stuttered at that, inwardly hushing the needy, selfish part of him he hated so much. “I… But Sensei said-”

“Dad was wrong about you. He never should have made you leader- Look at what it’s doing to you!”

“I-I’m fine!” He lied, eyes heavy and stomach twisting.

“You hardly sleep.” Raph growled, “I swear every night you’re jolting awake from the same nightmare. The nightmare that, heh, you never even trusted us enough to tell us about… Nothing’s changed since you were fourteen.”

Guilt coiled around Leo’s heart at his brother’s statement. He had always tried to be silent when he was ripped from his sleep by his nightmares… But apparently he had failed at that too.

“That’s not true!” Leo defended weakly, no longer believing the lie but still yelling it, “I-”

“- Never rest and rarely eat.” Raph whispered accusingly, “You’re not fooling anyone, even Mikey saw through your excuses about not being hungry.”

“... You call that being a good steward? “ His youngest brother’s voice echoed in Leo’s mind.

“I can handle it…” The eldest spoke with fluctuating confidence. “B-Being your leader sharpens me.” He repeated what he was told for years.

“It’s breaking you.” Raph replied, anger reaching a crescendo as his voice hushed to a deadly whisper.

Broken. Weak. Not strong enough. Not good enough.

“It’s w-what I was TRAINED FOR!” Leo finally cried out, tears returning. “If Sensei hadn’t made me leader I never would’ve-”

“What? Never gotten to act your age? Never got permission to just be?” Raph pushed.

Leo looked at his brother’s scar again.

THAT is what happened when I acted my age. THAT is what happens if I just be myself.

I have to be more than me. For them.

“Dad knew I needed to grow up. And he taught me how to handle it.” Leo spoke assuredly while his eyes continued to glimmer with doubt.

“By not sleeping or eating? That’s what he said to do?” Raph probed. “Oh~ Well done, Master…”

Leo’s eyes became dangerous slits. “Don’t talk about Dad like that.” He growled in return. “He’s not flawless, and he’s not supposed to be.”

He doesn’t know about any of this, so it can’t be his fault.

Raph slammed his hands down on the exam table, scaring the leader out of his thoughts. He began stalking towards Leo, making the eldest shakily backtrack to the wall. “And that is what makes it so much worse that he expects perfection from YOU.” He yelled.

“All he wants is for me to keep us safe! That’s not demanding ‘perfection’, Raph. It’s… expecting what I should’ve been doing in the first place.” Leo stated as he was corralled deeper into a corner.

“Oh-hoh, you make it sound so simple! Is that what Dad taught you to think? That it should be easy to lead?” Raph asked as he continued to storm closer.

“NO.” Leo yelled as his shell hit the wall, hands shaking and tears flowing, “H-He taught me how to love you guys instead of MANIPULATE you!” He angrily wiped his face as he took his own step forward.

“He chose me to be the leader… because I deserve that responsibility.”

His little brother’s face fell as the roles were switched and he began to back away. “W-What?...”

“Every nightmare…” Leo spoke as he took another step, “... every fight... every agonizing second trying to find you and bring you home…” 

Both brothers froze.

“… it’s what I deserve.”

That truth was all he had ever known; the only thing that kept him from becoming careless and bitter. It pushed him to be more diligent, a better brother, a worthy son.

More... Better… Worthy…

I’ll never be enough for them. 

Suddenly Raphael did something Leo never expected; something his fiery brother hadn’t done in years.

Arms enveloped him so quickly the air was knocked out of his chest. Shivering fingers rubbed up and down on his carapace. A hard, cracked plastron pressed against him. 

“Stop lying to yourself.” Raph’s small voice whispered from underneath Leo’s chin. He nestled his head closer, breath warm on the eldest’s neck. “You don’t deserve any of this.”

Leo remained speechless and breathless in the embrace. His hands hung at his sides, unmoving and unreciprocating; frozen. 

“You take what Sensei says so seriously… there’s no room for what God has to say.” His little brother spoke in the softest tone Leo had ever heard. Raph slowly pulled away, just enough to look his oldest brother in the eyes. “You need to stop thinking about this ‘who I have to be’ crap, and focus on who you already are.”

Leo’s gaze sank like a ship swallowed by the depths of the sea.

I’m trying.

I’m failing.

… I’m so tired.

A calloused but tender hand reached down, lifting Leo’s chin. Warm hazel and green met weary crystal.

“You’re a leader.” His little brother said, eyes filled to the brim with honesty and admiration. “You’re a medic. You’re a soldier of Truth… But first, you’re my idiot brother who can’t get it through his thick skull that he can never be perfect.”

“-I…” Leo choked and gasped in the torrent of truth and pain.

“You can never be enough.”

Images burned into Leo’s mind of the many years he trained under his father; the times he pushed himself to be better- to rise up to the expectations hanging above him that were always just out of reach. His Master’s counsel echoed back to him.

“Your brothers rely on you, Leonardo.”

“Never forget that your actions always have consequences.”

“It’s our duty to keep the family safe.”

Flashes of his failures taunted him, reminding him of his weakness: the scar over his brother’s eye… the fear in Lotus’ heart… the anxiety that crushed his lungs and twisted his stomach every time someone left their home…

Raph sighed as he slowly shook his head, placing a steadying hand on his oldest brother’s shoulder. He smiled, broken but healing. “... You’ll never be enough… because you’re not supposed to be.”

It went against everything Leonardo believed. And yet, his little brother’s words finally began to calm the raging storm inside him. All that time- all those years of struggling and fighting to be worthy of his family and his roles on the team… He had been believing a lie.

There’s only One person Who will always be enough. And it would never be him.

And that’s okay.

And then, for the first time in far too long, Leonardo sobbed into Raphael’s arms.

That's it for this chapter! ... WOO!

I have been leading up to this very moment for so long- You've all been up and down Raph and Leo for not communicating and settling their sibling feud- And now, at least, things have been said, and hearts have finally been given the opportunity to heal. <3 (Also the mystery surrounding the brothers and Lotus' origins continuessss)

I've said before that a lot of my story- specifically the relationships and dynamics of the family and Lotus- are based on my life and the friendships and connections I have with my own family. And this chapter, or rather this entire Leo and Raph arc, is specifically based on the healing journey that me and my older sister had to embark on in order to learn how to love each other. As every sibling knows, there will always be times when you don't like your brothers and sisters. There will always be those lil moments when they drive you MENTAL and steal your YOGURT OUT OF THE FRIDGE EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE KNOWS IT'S YOURS- ... I need to calm down.

Aaaanyways~ Sibling relationships can be extremely unpredictable and messy. And for me and my sister, we nearly spent eight or so years arguing, challenging, instigating, and competing with each other.

And it nearly broke our relationship beyond repair. But, my parents and oldest sister combined forces and double-downed on us to read our Bibles and study what God had to say about loving others and putting their happiness before your own.

"Your love for your sister must outweigh your longing to win."

It took years of training; teaching and learning how to speak kind, uplifting words to each other, openly complimenting each other's work, and especially growing to see each other in the correct light. Like Raph did to Leo in this chapter, we would remind each other of who we are: sisters, family, fellow soldiers for Truth, and followers of Christ.

How can someone see the love of Christ in a home full of people who hate each other?...

I hope and pray that God will use this chapter to touch your heart. Whether it opened your eyes, soothed your soul, or pricked your conscience, I hope it leaves an impact. <3

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reblog!

@indieyuugure @writer-in-wonder @allyheart707 @oddartistl3 @risebabyx2 @joyjoygorl @carrots-bear @imagionationstation @howtotrainyourdragonprince @jasminegazer @brightonstudios @ninjaturtlefan-dee @rottmntlover14 @eggbem @lydjachan @sashatrout @chaosborb @maddys-nerd-blog @alexthecreature @dorkatella @thetanzanitequill @poetique823

If you want to be tagged in the next chapter, comment down below! (That way when I post the next chapter you'll get the notification!)

To God be the glory!

~ Melissa

The soft fragrance of lavender candles did everything they could to ease the stifled air of Splinter’s bedroom. However, now that his youngest son had vacated the space, it seemed that the Great Master was finally able to take a proper breath. Light grunts escaped him as he leaned to retrieve the meditation mats, his aged knees groaning in protest of the motion. Normally he would’ve chided Michelangelo for not picking up his own mat after their meeting, seeing how it was blatant disregard for proper etiquette. But after putting his youngest child through such a mortifying experience, he supposed, just this once, that he would make an exception for the unintentionally rude behavior. 

His stoic exterior faltered with a slight wince as the tightness of inflammation made itself known in his wrists. The ache constricting his joints burned with a heat of familiarity and resignation that bothered him greatly. As a sensei and father, he would never allow it to stop him from handling his sworn responsibilities to his home and children. But his stubbornness and long-suffering did little to ease the growing tension in his hands and joints.

Some days were more difficult than others. And at those specific times he was forced to rely on his sons to take care of each other and their home, while he remained as an invalid in his room. 

The draining migraines would compel him to keep the lights off and his candles snuffed out, adding a deathly, almost mournful aura. Those days became the bane of his existence. No blade or enemy had ever wounded him like the helplessness he felt when he couldn’t care for or protect his family. Guilt coiled around his heart when one of his thoughtful sons- most often Leonardo- would enter into the dark abyss of his room carrying a steaming cup of tea. As the boy took slow, careful steps so he didn’t spill the beverage, he would ask in the softest tone a child could manage, “Papa? Is there anything I can do to help?”

A shaky breath escaped Splinter’s mouth.

The burden of caring for a parent should never be placed on such a young child’s shoulders.

Those days had unfortunately become more prevalent as time trudged on. But comparatively, through the years, his sons grew in their capability of handling the needs of their home. That brought him great relief when confined to the darkness of his room. Despite the pain flickering within his joints and mind, he still recognized his Lord’s majesty and mercy shining through. The thrashing waves of agony were hushed still when he remembered and planted himself on the blessings in his life. As time passed and wisdom grew, he would make a conscious effort to sing psalms of gratefulness to his Creator, thanking Him for his sons, his home, and the cherished days that weren’t so painful.

A faint smile bloomed on the rat-man’s face as the memories within him came together to paint a beautiful masterpiece of warmth, love, sadness, pain, and resilience. His family had climbed atop the highest of hills as well as tripped and fell into the lowest of valleys- but through every challenge, every trouble, every test, they all remained planted in the truth of who they were and Who God was. 

That fact brought tranquility into the old Master’s heart, believing and knowing that when the time came for his children to be on their own, they would be alright.

Shaking his head softly, he returned to his task, quickly adapting to the growing ember of discomfort by shifting the meditation mat into his arms rather than his hands. With practiced precision he reached his tail and wrapped it around the rolled mat, weaving it into the closet and sliding the door shut with a careful flick. 

A rueful chuckle left him as memories of his mutation rose to the surface in the shadowed lake of his past. For years he had vulgarly cursed those who changed him from man to rat. The decline from revered Master to Sewer Dweller was certainly a drastic change to become accustomed to. But over time, the Lord calmed his vengeful spirit, quenching the blaze of resentment and anger through countless hours of studies and meditation. 

It was perfect timing in God’s plan, seeing how just a few weeks later, the rat-man stumbled upon the greatest treasure he would ever own.

Splinter sat on his bed with a wistful sigh as he began to remember that frigid night thirteen years ago.

~

It had just reached late autumn in the city of New York, leaving a crisp, chill air snaking its way through the sewer tunnels. That evening was especially cold thanks to the rain. The streets of the city were smothered with a dense fog as droplets cascaded down, leaving the pavement scattered with puddles reflecting the glimmers of billboards and traffic lights.

He had just returned to the damp darkness of his sewer home when he heard it- a young child’s cry echoing in the depths of the tunnels. Something within him, a deeply rooted instinct, awakened at the sound of distress. Without a moment’s hesitation, he dropped his newly acquired bag of stale pastries, as his body began sprinting to the source. With years of experience in his changed form, he minimized his breathing and softened his steps. His ears automatically began twitching and rotating, searching for the nearby child.

The sewers were no place for anyone, especially one as frail and easily frightened as an infant. Memories of dark corridors, open sewer grates, and treacherous heights loomed in the concerned rat-man’s mind, propelling his feet to a faster pace. 

After what felt like eons of drowning silence and steadily rising panic, he heard it again; A few faint sniffles and a smothered whimper. A rushed exhale of relief passed through him as he dashed around the corner.

Every ounce of air within his lungs vanished altogether when his eyes met the source of the frightened sound. There before him, glowing under the beams of light through an above sewer grate, was a tight huddle of three shivering, turtle mutant toddlers. Splinter couldn’t believe his eyes at the sight, his jaw dropping as words vanished from his mind. With a few cautious steps he remained disguised in the shadows, watching and studying the young children. All of them were half covered by a thick, impenetrable shell on their back. Their skin ranged in hues of different greens, one being a lively mint, the other two having a deep jade. Splinter couldn’t quite see their faces- all three were huddled close, their shells pressed together like a wall, shielding them from the dangers of the world around them. Noticing the droplets of water trickling down their shivering backs, it looked as though they had all come from the city above. Perhaps they were only seeking refuge from the rain? 

Splinter made up his mind as he slowly pulled himself out of the concealing shadows. Immediately the three toddlers took notice of his sudden presence, causing a chain reaction of hisses and growls to escape their tiny, trembling bodies. When he didn’t back away from their clear warnings, the mint-hued child scrambled to his feet, taking a stand as he stretched his gangly arms in front of the others like a human barrier. Splinter couldn’t help but smile at the bravery of the little one, attempting to protect his brood from anyone capable of harming it. The young boy finally showed his face, revealing two irises that shone as bright as blades. Going by his size and overall body structure, he looked to be about four or five years old. Tears poured down his cheeks as his lip quivered, clearly terrified but still not backing down from protecting the others. 

“G-Get back! GO AWAY!” The little one cried, his voice trembling as much as his body. 

At the shout of the oldest- or at least who Splinter suspected was the oldest- the two jade toddlers hunched together further. The one with the crimson shell shielded the smaller child with his body. Just before the violet-hued toddler disappeared beneath him, Splinter caught a glimpse of blue cloth clutched in the child’s arms.

“I mean you no harm, young one.” Splinter softly replied, as he lifted both his hands into full view of the toddler. “I merely heard your cry and wanted to make sure you are alright.” 

The small turtle cocked his head as if not understanding Splinter’s concern. “W-Why? Y-You’re not like the kind lady…”

‘Kind lady’?

“Who is this woman you mention, little one?” Splinter tried, attempting to earn more pieces to this sudden puzzle plopped into his lap. “Is she your mother? Do you know where she is?”

The boy shook his head. “She h-helped us ec- ex- exescape. She’s not our m-momma. We… We don’t h-have one anymore.” As if the realization struck the child for the first time, he wailed out with cascading tears, “We’re lost! She- She told us to c-come down here and wait for her- but… but she n-never came back!”

At the heightened sound of distress from the boy, the others seemed to answer his cry by making small chirps and churrs. The noises had a warmth to them, a nonverbal communication of comfort and safety that even Splinter himself could feel. His heart softened at the obvious love the children carried for each other.

“It is alright.” Splinter gently soothed, lowering himself to his knees so he didn’t appear so frighteningly tall. “You are all welcome to come with me. My home is not too far from here. There are blankets and a fireplace so you’ll be nice and warm. I even have some food to fill your bellies with.” He stated in the most welcoming tone he could muster. He didn’t have that much experience with handling children, the life he once knew being one of loneliness, but he had grown up with younger siblings. That had to be enough.

The child’s lip pouted in thought as he pondered Splinter’s invitation. The great Master was partially relieved to see the young boy being cautious of trusting a stranger, but the dropping temperature demanded that these little ones find a place to stay, and soon. If they didn’t go with him, the children would be left to the dangers of the unpredictable city above. The sewers seemed to be the only safe place for outcasts like them- anywhere else was shadowed with the looming terrors of government organizations and greedy scientists.

A loud sneeze sounded from behind the boy, making his trembling form jolt. He turned around to look at the others, his eyes wide with worry. “Is Mikey okay?” He asked in a small voice drowning in concern.

The red-hued toddler glared daggers at Splinter with his hazel eyes as he slowly leaned back, allowing the purple one room to sit up. What Splinter once thought was just a blanket in the child’s grasp proved to be so much more. There, swaddled tightly in the blue cloth was a very tiny, very pale baby mutant turtle. Its eyes remained sealed closed as if it hadn’t yet had the strength to open them. Pale mint spots decorated its head. It must’ve been no bigger than Splinter’s hand.

“I th-think he’s cold, Leo…” The purple one whispered, his squinting hazel eyes meeting the red one’s matching pair. A pitiful whimper crept past his lips as he pulled the baby in his arms closer to his plastron, seemingly hoping the heat he carried in his body was enough to keep the infant warm.

The crystal-eyed boy, or Leo as the purple one called him, shriveled where he stood, his light blue irises glimmering with absolute desperation as he turned back to Splinter. 

The protective instinct pulsing within the great Master made his heart drum painfully against his chest. There was no doubt in his mind that if these little ones didn’t find shelter soon, that baby would undeniably perish. With a new wave of boldness sparked by the forlorn children, he edged closer and reached out his hand, a soft smile gracing his face. 

“I can help you, Leo. All of you.”

Leo’s face scrutinized the open palm before him, his shoulders slowly rising in insecurity. The child’s gaze rose to meet Splinter’s, and with a trembling voice asked a question that would either seal or end the forming agreement. 

“Y-You… You’re not gonna take us b-back, right?” 

Splinter’s expression thoroughly melted at the heartbreaking clarification. With assurance and peace that he didn’t understand but knew to be true, he opened his arms and said,

“I will take you all home.”

Leo’s eyes widened at the statement, large tears quickly making their way down to the tip of his chin. He turned to his brothers as if for confirmation of the group’s decision. “R-Raph?”

The red-hued turtle, or Raph, continued to wear the glare he had firmly carved into his rounded face, but nonetheless allowed the decision with a curt nod of his head. “Fine.” He grunted, his voice squeaking despite the low tone he was trying to force through his throat. 

Leo then turned to the purple-hued turtle. “Don? “

The squinting child, Don, also glared, though his face read more of being confused than hateful. Splinter couldn’t help the small smile that began to spread on his face when he saw the tiny freckles adorning the boy’s cheeks and shoulders. The markings reminded the rat-man of his own younger brother, something he would relentlessly tease his sibling for throughout their childhood. 

Splinter’s thoughts screeched to a halt when the baby sneezed again, causing all the children to immediately jump into action. Raph wrapped his arms around Don as the freckled boy clutched the baby closer to his chest. The realization in Don’s eyes was clear: The decision was made.

“O-Okay, Leo.” He whispered, his voice slightly smothered by the cloth of the blanket against his face.

With all his brothers’ agreement, Leo turned to face the rat-man again. “M-Mikey needs to get warm. He’s too c-cold!!” He cried out in clear concern for the sickly baby. His voice lowered to an agonized whisper that broke Splinter’s heart. “I don’t know what to do. He’s s-sick and I don’t know what to do! I n-need to know what to do!!”

The great Master’s smile grew as he held out his arms wider. “I will do everything that I can, dear Leo. I promise. You don’t need to carry this burden alone anymore.”

With that, Leo’s tiny body collided into Splinter’s chest, sobbing relentlessly as tears stained his exhausted face. The rat-man immediately embraced the boy in his arms, using his hand to tenderly cradle the child’s head. “It is alright. Shhh. Shhh, it’s alright. I'm here. It will be okay.” He softly hummed as he unconsciously began rocking his body back and forth to help settle the child. Tiny hands clenched tightly to the fabric of his robe, as if letting go would result in being swept away. 

Splinter rose off the floor, keeping one hand under Leo to support the child still clinging to him like a lifeline in a hurricane. He cautiously crept to the remaining huddle of toddlers, reaching out his unoccupied hand in silent permission.

Don immediately retracted from Splinter’s presence, pressing the baby in his arms to his heart. He let out a low, almost silent growl, to which Raph instantly joined in to the threatening chorus. 

Leo turned his head away from Splinter’s chest to face his brothers, stating in a placating tone that definitely sealed the great Master’s suspicions of him being the oldest of the brood.

“N-No, guys. It’s okay. He’s gonna h-help!” 

The two jade turtles gave a sideways glance at each other, silent communication happening between them as they contemplated what Leo said. Eventually the two relented, the growls ceasing as Don pulled the baby swaddled in his arms away from his chest to present it to Splinter. 

“He n-needs to get warm soon… Please.” Don whispered, his eyes remaining in a permanent squint making Splinter a little concerned for the freckled child’s eyesight. The violet-hued toddler gently held the baby out, his tiny fingers being oh so careful as he delicately placed the infant into Splinter’s outstretched hand.

The newborn’s head fit snugly in his palm, the contact with the baby’s skin confirming it had a rising temperature. That realization made the rat-man act as if the infant were a porcelain doll, gently pulling him up to his chest alongside Leo. The movement caused the blanket the baby was in to shift, revealing a small patch sewn into the corner of the cloth. Splinter leaned closer and silently read four names stitched neatly into the fabric:

“Leonardo~ Raphael~ Donatello~ Michelangelo”

The rat-man resisted his body’s natural response to take a staggering step back as realization collided into him. The facts quickly stacking into his brain of the children’s situation had led him to a heartbreaking conclusion- Four mutant children, cold from the rain and shivering in the sewers, with nothing but a blanket with all their proper names stitched inside- This had not been an accident, but a purposeful abandonment. 

“H-hey, Mikey.” Leo whispered, laying a single finger on the baby’s plastron peeking through the top of the blanket. The boy moved his finger in gentle circles on the tiny chest, resulting in the baby, or Mikey, stretching and yawning as he pulled himself closer to his oldest brother. Leo smiled. “You’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna g-get you warm now.” 

. . .

A single tear fell from Splinter’s face as the memory ended, leaving nothing but love and nostalgic warmth in its wake. That night so long ago changed everything- He changed. His relationship with God changed. His relationship with the world changed.

He was given a true, unmistakable purpose in the forms of four tiny, mutant turtles.

Splinter leaned forward, a strained grunt escaping him as he pulled open the drawer to his side table. Delicately folded within was a small, blue blanket; the very cloth that Michelangelo had been swaddled in that night thirteen years ago. The rat-man’s fingers gently stroked the small piece of fabric as nostalgia filled his soul. 

Becoming a father in a single night was the most terrifying thing he’d ever experienced. Scarier than moving to America, and even scarier than being mutated. When those events occurred, he was the only one that was affected by them… But as soon as four precious, little souls found their way into his heart, his life became more than it had ever been. It wasn’t about him anymore.

The responsibility laid on his shoulders shook him to his very core; The fact that he was now held accountable for four more lives on top of his own both warmed his heart and twisted his stomach. 

He quickly learned how selfish he truly was. There was no such thing as personal time when you became a father, nevermind a father of four. Keeping the home clean and caring for his sons made the very idea of ‘spare time’ feel like a long-forgotten dream. Every moment of his day was spent comforting, caring, scolding, shouting, cleaning, and protecting his newly acquired family.

Exhaustion seeped into his bones, and he found himself marveling at the strength of his own mother- how she’d raised two boys and one little girl all on her own. It never felt so incredible to him when he was young, but now, after struggling to survive raising four sons of his own, he looked through new eyes. It came off a little humorous to him how his mindset had so drastically changed once his role was switched from child to parent. Perhaps this was God’s gentle vengeance for how rambunctious and troublesome he’d been when he was a child.

Mother did always say that “children were a refining fire”… 

But despite the chaos, the messes, the hardships, and the learning curves, he knew he was right where God wanted him to be. What he once thought was a downgrade from man to rat turned out to be a promotion from sensei to father.

Nothing could match the swell of pride when he heard his children call out his name for the first time.

“Dad! DAD! Look! I finally got the kata right!”

“Hey Dad, let me hit ya in the arm and see if ya can take it!”

“DAAAD My math homework is demanding that I show my work on how I solved the equation.  Tell it I don’t have to!”

“I love you sooo much, Papa. Yer like the sun! You don’t ever go to sleep, and you’re always there even when I can’t see you!”

Another small smile spread along the great Master’s features recalling the past words of his now grown sons. The events of the day confirmed it; All of them were officially teenagers now. 

Splinter lifted the blue cloth and pressed it into his chest. He never imagined becoming a father, finding such worth and purpose in the lives of his children. It had never mattered that they weren’t related by blood, for the love the family shared always remained the same- never-ending. That same tenderness shone brightly within his sons as they did their best to bring the sickly girl in their home back to health. 

Something unexpected sparked inside, surprising Splinter with the possibility that their family might be growing again. Lotus he recalled. Her past was shrouded in darkness, and the bruises adorning her pale, jade skin further revealed the abuse she had endured within the horrendous labs. When Splinter and Leonardo had infiltrated that building in search of the twins, neither of them ever imagined that they would find her- another lost, mutant turtle. 

Or perhaps… Splinter thought, sadness weaving its way into his heart, Another abandoned child.

With a soft sigh, he stepped away from the faded pictures and words of his past, and made his way back to the present with dutiful intention. He recalled the fact that he had a certain fiery son who needed a talking to- and possibly a medical check up if the teen’s pained face was anything to go by. It would’ve been a lie if Splinter had said he wasn’t worried about Raphael. Truly, it made him very nervous that his son was already injured within three days of returning to their home. As much of a spitfire as the boy liked to be- instigating his brothers with playful taunts and causing fights- he rarely got himself injured in the process. Just that morning had been his first training session in far too long, so what else was there to cause such an injury?

As the concerning questions continued to pile on top of each other, growing the dread flickering inside the old Master, he finally decided that enough was enough. After returning the precious blanket to its drawer, he rose from the edge of his bed, his knees once again noisily acknowledging his growing steps in age and frailty. He steadily made his way to the door until a slight pang of discomfort squeezed the joints in his hands. He quickly adapted, opening the door with a calculated twist of his tail.

After leaving his room, his ears began to twitch at the sound of footsteps. Turning around, he nearly plowed into Raphael, the teen’s attention directed to his cell phone rather than his surroundings, most likely reading a text message. Splinter refrained from giving a lecture regarding the vitality of spacial awareness to a ninja, resorting instead to focus on the hefty task ahead of him:

Making his fiery son listen.

“Raphael-”

“-GAH!” His son gasped as his head shot up from his phone. A shaky sigh followed as he used his hand to pat his rapidly beating heart. “S-Sorry, Master Splinter! You scared the shell offa me…”

“I don’t believe that’s possible, Raphael.” The great Master retorted back, using his tail to tap the ridge of his son’s carapace. “I can’t imagine the amount of force one would need to pull out another’s spine.” He said with mischief in his mossy irises.

Raphael deflated immediately, rolling his eyes and moaning, “Ugh Dad, it’s just an expression…” 

“Mmhm.” Splinter hummed as Raphael returned to reading whatever it was that was displayed on his phone. The rat-man swiftly looked over his son’s form as the teen was distracted, searching for any more concealed injuries. Finding none on the surface, his gaze zeroed in on Raphael’s right arm. The great Master’s expression tightened when he realized Raph was favoring his left hand, using it to hold his phone even though the teen was known to be right-handed; It seemed his fiery son was still bothered by his injury. Splinter cleared his throat, making his son look back up to meet his gaze. He raised his white brows in question, giving a small gesture with his bearded chin to the device in the teen’s hand.

“Oh- uh, Don texted me. Told me to bring Lotus to the couch so she can rest. The uh, the Medbay table’s not exactly comfy.” Raphael muttered, rubbing at the back of his head and shrugging his shoulders.

Splinter’s gaze constricted again, becoming a deeper frown as he noticed the faded outlines of cracks over the skin of Raphael’s right arm. The same arm- he realized- the teen had been clutching back in the dojo. 

“My son, is there something you want to tell me?” He asked in a tone as casual as a breeze and serious as a storm.

The boy’s posture immediately straightened. “Uh…no? Why… do ya ask?” Raphael replied, his face subtly shifting from confused to nervous.

Splinter sighed.

Gentle prodding never worked when he was a child so why would it now?

“Hmm- let me try a different question- Raphael, there is something you need to tell me. What is it that happened to your arm?”

The boy's face fell immediately as he swerved the limb in question behind his back, as if hiding the wounded appendage would do anything to help his side of the argument. “Uh- NOTHIN’.” 

Splinter’s frown quickly escalated to a knowing glare. “A lying tongue does not belong in the mouth of a man who stands for truth, Raphael. Choose your next words wisely.” He chided sternly, holding out his hand to his son. 

That boy never makes it easy…

The teen’s heterochromatic irises darted left and right, clearly searching for a way to escape. “B-But!”

“Raphael Kisho Hamato.” Splinter rumbled, his warning slow but drenched in potency. “Give me your hand.”

As always, being referred to by his full name seemingly scared the boy into complete silence, causing his shoulders to shoot up and his head to lower as if he were about to escape into the safety of his shell. Eventually he came to the conclusion that there was no way out of his predicament, so he relented and held out his arm to his father. 

The great Master took Raphael’s arm while maintaining a steady pressure. Whenever the teen winced or grunted his father would reply with hushed apologies as he continued the examination of the faded marks littering his son’s jade skin. 

“It…” The boy timidly spoke up, his volume uncharacteristically small as he turned his gaze away, “It’s from the lab.” He whispered, shame squeezing his voice in a painful grip.

Splinter forced back the immediate surge of anger blazing within him. He should’ve known better than to leave his sons in the hands of the captious city above- a world where equality and acceptance were nothing more than empty promises to him and his kind. “Freak!” “Abomination!” “Creature!” Threats and slurs echoed in his ears, voices of past men and women who no longer saw him as a colleague… But a monster. 

He forced a calming breath that did little to alleviate the pain finding its way to the surface. “How did this happen?” He asked gently but gravely. 

The boy’s gaze remained planted to the floor, his eyes creasing into a subtle wince whenever Splinter pressed onto the thin scars. “I um… I got injected with something. But I guess it didn’t work… Still hurt like shell though…” The last of his sentence was barely recognizable with how he spoke under his breath. Thankfully, rats were designed with acute hearing.

“Did you tell Leonardo of this? I’m sure he would want a further examination to clarify if you’re alright, my son.” Splinter asked in a fatherly tone that both requested and demanded his son’s obedience.

“N-No!” Raphael surprisingly cried out, waving his other hand, “No, you can’t tell him. I’m fine! It just aches sometimes, I swear!”

The great Master cocked his head in mock confusion. “I can’t tell him?” 

His son’s face twisted into a grimace as he realized how much had been revealed through his words. “I-...”

It seems I was wrong to presume all was well between Raphael and Leonardo. Their years of growth and recovery have yet to complete.

“Raphael.” Splinter warned, “Surely I do not need to remind you what happens when you hide your injuries from those who want to help?” He made his point by turning his son’s palm over to display the faded scars of ropeburns scattered across the teen’s hand; More proof that Splinter had failed in the past to see the needs of his hurting child. “Why don't you want your brother’s assistance?” He asked, concern clear in his words as he soothingly rubbed healing circles into the long-faded wounds etched into his son’s skin. Without realizing it, the great Master’s gaze wandered to the lightning bolt chipped into Raph’s plastron; Further proof of the teen’s struggles that he had kept from his family; Secret battles that had been fought without the proper armor, eventually leading to disastrous consequences.

Raphael’s body tensed at the tender words of his father. Slowly and cautiously, the teen pulled his eyes from the ground and met his Sensei’s gaze. “It’s not that, Dad. Things are just- they’re… They’re different between me and Leo now. I don’t…” Raphael’s eyes began to glisten, resulting in the teen immediately growling and hiding his face into his hand. In a trembling voice very rare for his warrior son, the boy hissed, “I can’t screw this up again…”

The great Master’s heart pulsed lovingly at Raphael’s explanation. He thanked the Lord for the caring spirit his children all possessed, shown in their own unique ways. But as with all things, there must be balance. Replacing hatred for guilt would do nothing to heal what had been hurt.

“My dear boy.” Splinter’s voice soothed like warm tea on an aching throat. “It is true that your past with Leonardo has strained your relationship. But I have also seen healing- true progress in both of you. As the years passed and you grew in understanding, your bond began to mend. But this progress means little if you continue to hide your pain from your brother.”

“I-It’s not like I want to!” Raphael defended as he slowly pulled his arm out of his father’s grip. His voice was strained, thin and fraying like Michelangelo’s hand wraps mere moments ago. “He’s just got a lot on his mind right now- one too many problems. And I don’t want to be another to add to his growin’ list.”

“Hmm. I understand the concern you carry for your brother. But you must trust that he will speak to you if you are becoming a burden he can no longer carry.”

Splinter had to restrain himself from taking a step back at the expression of utter betrayal plastered all over his son’s face.

“That’s the problem, Sensei…” The teen replied with a bitter tongue, “I can’t trust him to tell me. The guy’s a major hypocrite! You think I’m bad with hidin’ my scrapes and bruises- but Leo’s been carryin’ all kinds of guilt about me and Don gettin’ snatched! Worst part is he didn’t tell anyone ‘til we had a friggin’ intervention!”

Splinter hummed and nodded, processing his fiery son’s words. 

“It’s bad enough bein’ the leader and carryin’ all the responsibility with it, but on top of that he’s the team medic! Ever since we got home he’s been goin’ nonstop. I haven’t even seen him eat anything yet, and it’s been over two days! ‘Treat your body like a temple’ MY A-”

“-Ahem.” Splinter warned, his tail curving dangerously like a whip about to lash out- Another way he had adapted when it came to the discipline needed in raising four boys. No vulgar language was ever allowed in this home. 

Raph grumbled but complied, letting out a defeated sigh. “All that to say, Sensei… No. I can’t trust him to tell me the truth. He’d probably just lie straight to my face.”

Splinter couldn’t argue against the teenager’s statements. It wasn’t a complete shock to hear that Leonardo wasn’t caring for his body as he should either. With a regretful sigh, the old Master shook his head. “I see your point, Raphael. But whether you’re wrong or right doesn’t change the fact that you need this wound to be examined further. Especially if it is still causing you pain.”

“B-But I told you it’s really not that bad! You can tell, look!” Raph gestured to his arm, and began to poke it for emphasis of his wound’s apparent recovery. The facade remained unconvincing though, as Splinter still noticed his son’s eye slightly wince with each poke. “The scars are all faded, so they’re probably healin’ just fine!”

Splinter’s gaze once again met with the scar carved deep into the skin over his son’s heart, an expression of sheer guilt bleeding into the rat-man’s features. “Unseen wounds can be the most dangerous, my dear Raphael.”

The teen gingerly followed his father’s gaze, and upon reaching the lightning bolt chipped into his plastron, his whole body struck rigid. His hazel and green gaze instantly shot back to the floor as his breath began to quicken. 

I have gone too far… Splinter realized dejectedly.

Returning to the needs of the present rather than drowning in failures of the past, the rat-man leaned forward and rested a steadying hand on his quaking son’s shoulder. “Now that this has been brought to my attention, you will go to Leonardo and let him tend to your wounds- willingly or not. Am I clear?” His words were spoken in blatant authority, but his soft tone comforted with the gentleness of a worried parent.

Raphael’s trembling breath eventually steadied. With a sigh of resignation, he slowly nodded.

“Very good. I shall accompany you to the Medbay, just to make sure your journey is quick and unfaltered.”

The fiery teen’s head rose just enough to reveal he was rolling his eyes. Despite the blatant sass dripping from his son’s expression, the great Master could still detect the hints of fondness in his multi-colored irises.

“Gee…thanks, Dad…” Raphael drawled, a thin smirk finding its way onto his lips.

“You are welcome, my beloved son.” Splinter replied, his tone playful but his heart overflowing with endearment.

Raphael paused at his father’s heartfelt words, his expression shifting as he seemingly began to ponder them. His face twisted as his gaze once again found its home on the ground. With a slight tilt of his head the teen gestured to the awaiting hall, signaling that the conversation had officially reached its end. 

I shall respect his boundaries. Splinter thought to himself as a weighted sigh left the rat-man’s nose, The walls he has built may bring my heart grief, but that does not negate the truth that they were formed by his hands.

The Lord allows us the choice to trust in Him- Therefore I must give that same liberty to my own children.

…No matter how much it hurts.

With nothing more to say, both father and son began the short journey to the Medbay.The two traipsed side by side, silence filling the gaps of sound between their soft footsteps. 

That's it for this chapter! Guys- I gotta be honest with you- this was by far the most difficult chapter I have ever written in my life. Many fanfic writers agree that writing for Splinter's POV is a test on the author's part by itself. And then on TOP of getting his inner voice, mannerisms, and dialogue right, I also had to figure out the backstory of how he and his little adopted family came to be.

Just- YIKES. XD But my glorious writing Sensei, @poetique823, guided me every step of the way, giving helpful critiques and compliments to show me better how to write this complicated chapter. :) She saved my sanity~

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reblog!

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To God be the glory!

~ Melissa