Turtles Forever

Bad Day

"Let your minds become pools of steel. Break the surface, explore the depths. For that is where the true wonders lie." Master Splinter's voice was calm, yet firm, as he sat cross-legged in the center of the lair, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The turtles, however, were anything but calm. Yuuki sat with them, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, her brownish red eyes closed in attempt to focus. Venus, Alopex, Mona, Elizabeth, and the twins were at April's, giving the lair an unusual quietness

"I wonder if you can combine burgers and nachos into one tasty treat. Burchos." Michelangelo mused, breaking the silence.

"Michelangelo!" Splinter's voice was sharp, cutting through the lair like a blade.

"We've been at this for hours." Raphael groaned, stretching his arms as if to shake off the stiffness settling into his muscles.

"Yeah, I'm starving! Why does it got to be all minds all the time!?" Michelangelo whined, flopping backward onto the floor with a dramatic sigh.

"Maybe because you guys don't have the talent for it," Yuuki's voice was calm but laced with a hint of mischief. She opened one of her brownish red eyes, a flicker of amusement dancing in them as she crossed her arms, her lips curling into a small smirk.

"What are you getting at?" Raph shot back, his tone defensive.

"You guys have the brute strength but stink at meditation," Yuuki shrugged, tilting her head slightly as she looked at them, her smirk widening.

"She is right." Master Splinter's voice was measured, but there was a sternness to it that made all four turtles stiffen. His eyes opened slowly, a deep, penetrating gaze sweeping over his sons. "You have not been using your minds enough. Your behavior has become increasingly sloppy. A symptom of unfocused minds. This lair is a reflection of those who live within it. What does its current state say about us?"

"That we really love casual Fridays?" Mikey quipped, earning a glare from Leo and a chuckle from Donnie.

"Our safety depends on keeping our presence a secret. Yet you roam the city recklessly as if no threat existed." Splinter's eyes narrowed as he turned to Leonardo. "And Leonardo, your behavior is most troubling of all. There's a new hardness to you, one that strays from the true path of ninjutsu."

"I do what I have to, to protect this family." Leo's voice was firm, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes, something Splinter didn't miss.

"As do I." Splinter sighed, his tone softening just a fraction. "Back to meditation."

The lair fell into silence again, the only sound the faint hum of the Lair. But it didn't last long.

"Yuuki?" Donnie's voice broke the silence, and everyone turned to see Yuuki clutching her head, her long black hair falling over her face, her brownish red eyes squeezed shut as if in pain. Leo immediately moved to her side, his hand on her shoulder.

"My head..." she murmured, her voice strained.

"Master Splinter!" Leo's sharp cry drew everyone's attention to the rat master, who was now slumped forward, his breathing shallow.

"His breathing is shallow! He needs medical attention!" Donnie was already moving, his analytical mind shifting into overdrive.

"Get the Battle Shell ready! Mikey, get April on the phone, tell her we need a doctor now!" Leo barked, his leadership instincts kicking in.

"And what? Take a 65-pound rat to the hospital?" Raph snapped, though his usual gruffness was undercut by genuine worry.

"Anybody know a veterinarian who can keep his mouth shut?" Mikey asked, his voice trembling as he fumbled for his shell cell, his eyes wide with panic.