Hurt But Not Broken

Chp 13 ~ Useless

Splinter's P.O.V

I frowned heavily at my second oldest son. He was finally resting peacefully but not asleep. He seemed to be in a heavy daydream and sometimes he would twitch. He would get this scared look on his face sometimes and each time it hurt my heart. Rage also swirled in me and I fought hard to control it, which is something new for me.

I sighed and rubbed Raphael's cheek with one of fingers and hurt bloomed in my chest when he flinched but relaxed when he noticed it was me. I gave him a smile and stood.

Donatello had also freaked out when the blood was spilled, yet he had not said a thing since then. He has also not looked at anyone. All he does it stare at Michelangelo, who has yet to move just like Leonardo. I was worried, but not too much about my youngest and eldest. I knew that they were simply in a healing slumber and would wake soon.

But Donatello's withdrawal has me worried above all. I have no idea what is going on through that big mind of his. He has not spoken to Casey when he calls out, or April and that's the biggest surprise. He has never ignored April.

I sighed worriedly before walking past April, who was slumped over chatting quietly with Casey. Both tried to give me a reassuring smile. I smiled back and stood beside Donatello, who had not moved or even acknowledged my presence. I was more worried now. I knew that he knew I was there, he just wasn't responding.

"Donatello," I spoke softly and placed a hand on his shoulder. I was surprised when he didn't tense or move, not even his eyes flickered once. It was unnerving. "Donatello, my son, look at me."

I saw the faintest of tension in his face all of a sudden, like he was fighting to listen to me or ignore me. I blinked. "Speak to me, my son. You are safe here."

Still no movement, but I saw resentment in his eyes at my statement and it shocked me.

Did my intelligent son not feel safe here? "Are you not going to speak to me, my son?" I couldn't help the hurt that must have reached my voice. His face tensed again but he ignored me.

I sighed and patted his shoulder before moving away to go back to the couch with Leonardo, who looked anything but peaceful. I sensed his spirit was troubled, still as troubled as when I found him and my heart ached for him. He has much turmoil but hopefully he will come out of his slumber and pull himself and his brothers together.

'Leonardo...you brother's need you to lead them,' I thought sadly as I brushed my hand over his face, 'They need your comfort. They won't truly feel safe until you are leading them again.'

I was blinking back rare tears then as I glanced up at Michelangelo's prone form. I clenched one of Leonardo's hands without hurting him and almost sighed.

'Michelangelo... you need to wake and comfort your brothers. They need your care-free spirit.' I thought as I hung my head low.

"Good evening everyone," Mr. Kurtsman greeted as he stretched. He was coming out of his room with his clothes sticking to him and his hair a mess. "Ah, the Mutanimals are not out yet?"

"No, sir," April spoke up with a slightly amused smile towards him. Mr. Kurtsman blushed and fixed his hair while Casey snorted in amusement.

"Ah, you're awake Donatello!" Mr. Kurtsman exclaimed with relieved eyes. We all tensed and watched to see how Donatello respond. He ignored everyone. Mr. Kurtsman looked at me and was confused. I just frowned worriedly and he seemed to understand immediately.

He sat on a chair by Michelangelo and checked the machines like Rockwell had instructed him at one point. He smiled softly at Leatherhead, who had not left the head of Michelangelo's bed since he was brought here. "Ah, seems like Michelangelo's vital signs are even and he is getting more healthy!"