Hurt But Not Broken

Chp 9 ~ It could happen

Splinter's P.O.V

Splinter and his team parked the van out of sight near one of the less guarded warehouses close to our escape route. Slash and Leatherhead were pacing eagerly behind the master as Splinter looked around a corner, a hood over his head. Splinter never sensed nor saw anyone around the general area we were at.

We ended up finding the area we were at before when Casey, Rockwell, April, and Pete were attacked. The sound of the river distracted me all but a moment as I turned to my two friends. "Remember to keep as many Foot soldiers busy as you can. If you finish you can join me."

"Of course," Slash grinned eagerly. Leatherhead nodded as he growled low in his throat. Splinter nodded once and turned his attention to the platoons of Foot soldiers patrolling the area. The team hid from view quick as they could. "And also, Splinter, don't forget the ear pieces, just in case you need us sooner." Splinter smiled.

"Or if you need me," Splinter agreed and watched Leatherhead finally smile a little. He turned serious once more. "Can you watch over me as I try to contact one of my sons? I am close enough I'm sure to make at least some mental connection."

"Of course, Great Splinter," Leatherhead agreed while Slash was already taking Splinter's place by the corner. Splinter then got in lotus position and began to clear his thoughts of everything that would distract him.

Because of his determination, it didn't take him long to find some familiar feelings. There was a blackness until he finally came in contact with a dull blue light. Splinter's heart lept into his throat at this familiar aura. It was his eldest, Leonardo!

Splinter immediately focused on the light and tried his best to contact the teen.

"My son!" He called out, hoping to no ends that his plea was heard. A few seconds went by and his heart was pricking with anxiety. "Leonardo!"

Silence was in the air all but a minute and Splinter almost lost some built up hope until 'Master Splinter?!' Leonardo's voice was hoarse in Splinter's minds and he sounded most disbelieving. Splinter actually cried out in joy and felt his entire mind rattle. 'Father?!'

Splinter felt his son's aura immediately get stronger and the connection was growing more and more. "Leonardo!" Splinter paused in his own joy. "I am here, my son. Hang on. I found the location and I'm on my way to help you! I am just outside the place."

As soon as the words left his mouth the aura brightened and he saw the mental image of Leonardo. But what the old mutant saw terrified him, amplified his anxiety, and most of all enraged his usual peaceful being.

Fishface slapped Splinter's son, who was chained to Shredder's throne with a muzzle on his face. Shredder yanked on the muzzle to his poor son.

"It's not nice to ignore your Master," Shredder hissed in anger and Splinter felt his composure go down immediately. Splinter lost control over himself. The master grew so angry that the aura grew cold and he was sent out of it, breaking his connection to Leonardo.

'My son, my esteemed eldest son was being treated like a dog. Owned by Shredder!' Splinter growled and felt a jerk on his shoulder, throwing him off guard.

Splinter's old eyes snapped opened and he hissed at whoever touched him. Splinter was on all fours feeling furious. Leatherhead's eyes were wide and Slash looked cautiously fearful.

"My friend, you were not well. What happened?" Leatherhead asked with concern. splinter sighed shakily and got up on two feet. Splinter looked at his friend in shame.

"My apologies, my friends." Splinter apologized. "I saw a state that no one should be in. But I contacted Leonardo..." They both paused but they must have known it was nothing good because they didn't ask. Splinter was grateful they didn't.