Happy Monday everyone!

Welcome to Act 4. Time to start getting some answers, and time for the rest of the Hamato Clan to make some choices. For those whose hearts I've broken up to this point, I hope this will give you some solace. Maybe not right away. But soon.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Forget

Hamato Splinter had been dreaming without end for longer than he could recall.

He had wandered the paths of memory in a haze, revisiting things that had happened and things that had never happened and things that had almost happened, again and again. He had touched the future and let his heart dwell in the past. He sang in a garden with Tang Shen and he shared a scrounged dinner with Hamato Yoshi as himself and not as the pet rat they had known.

He trained with his sons and he battled at their sides against their foes. They emerged victorious or they fell and failed or the battles vanished in a rush of clouds and uncertainty.

Until slowly the dreams and visions changed.

The scenes of four turtles and their father sitting together happily began to fade, replaced with empty rooms and barren tables.

Four turtles battling in formation became three, became two, became one.

Four turtles united as points of light in the sky dimmed until the sky was dark.

And Splinter began to come back to himself, though he could take no action but let the dreams carry him and try to mark well what they showed.

It felt to him that it took another eternity before at last his mind was clear and his own.

It was one of those pleasant dreams where he was training beside his beloved Master Yoshi, so he did not bother to question it; he simply relished the presence of the human who meant everything.

But Yoshi paused after only a few moments and stared at him.

"Splinter. You cannot be permitted to forget. You are the last hope."

Splinter blinked. "What do you mean, Master?"

"Observe, Splinter. Look and understand."

Yoshi began to fade.

"Master!" Splinter cried out.

But the scene dissolved into a new one.

He stood on a grassy hill far above the rest of the forest. The sun was warm on his back, but the shade of the enormous tree at the crown of the rise cast an inviting, welcome shadow. He stepped under the branches of the tree and marveled at them, at their vitality, their strength. Nothing could have cut a single limb from the trunk that was so strong.

But then a cold wind began to blow. The sky changed from blue to grey as the world shifted.

Suddenly the trunk of the tree, once vibrantly brown, began to fade. Bark started to peel off. Leaves fell prematurely.

And those solid branches creaked – and cracked.

Before his eyes, one, then another dropped from the tree, shorn off by a weakness that seemed to grow from within. No lightning had struck, no saws tore at them, but they grew thin and frail and they fell.

Somehow, he knew if the sun came back, the tree would survive.

But the sky stayed stubbornly dark, and growing darker.

Beware the easiest path, for it lies. And darkness will engulf it.

The tree crumbled to nothing.

-==OOO==-

Splinter opened his eyes slowly, taking in the sun-lit, smooth beams above him and the scent of sandalwood. The soft sound of birds reached him on a light breeze.

He pushed back the heavy coverlet and sat up, finding himself in a fine, lovely room.

And he was not alone.

A squirrel person, more child than adult, scuttled to his side before quickly dropping to the floor, face pressed to his hands.

"Hamato-sama, you are awake! Do you know me today?"

Splinter frowned. "I do not seem to recognize you. But you know me?"

"Very well, Hamato-sama. I have been caring for you in your illness." There was a pause, then, "Please do not feel shame for your lack of recognition. It is no dishonor that our medicines worked strangely upon you and robbed you of your clear mind for so long."

"How long have I been here? And what is this place?"

"This is the palace of the Shogun in Edo. You have been here for many weeks, Hamato-sama. In two cycles of the moon, spring will be upon us."

Splinter considered – he remembered this dimension, of course, and he remembered living in the Daimyo's castle in his han far from Edo during the autumn as he recovered from the poison that had nearly killed him. Still, that meant he had no memories for at least a few months. How had he lost so much time?

"You say that the medicines used to cure me resulted in something strange?"

"Yes, Hamato-sama. The healers of Edo were able to save you from a terrible poison and the illness that followed it, but for many, many weeks you have not always known where you were or understood what was said."

Splinter did not let out a breath of frustration, but he did lean closer to the boy. "Please sit up. Can you tell me your name? I wish to thank you properly for your care."

The squirrel boy rose and sat on his calves, but never lifted his eyes to Splinter's. "I am Fuku, servant to Hamato-sama."

"Then I thank you, Fuku-san, for your kindness and your obvious attention and diligence. I am certain I have not been an easy patient for you."

Fuku lifted his shoulders very slightly. "It is my honor to serve."

"Still, I apologize for any trouble I caused you, even unknowingly."

Fuku bowed again. "Thank you, Hamato-sama. You are too generous."

"Now," Splinter said. "Can you tell me anything about my sons?"

Fuku folded his hands. "Hamato Leonardo-sama is much in favor with the Shogun. He has shown great honor and has proven his strength and loyalty in many bouts against the Shogun's own samurai. It was he who arranged for your care, Hamato-sama."

"I would expect no less of Leonardo. What of the others?"

Fuku gave the slightest twitch. "I...know only a little, Hamato-sama."

"That is all right. Your small amount is vast compared to my own ignorance."

Fuku nodded. "Hamato Raphael-san sends messages to Edo sometimes, though I do not know their full contents. Hamato Leonardo-sama has read them aloud to you while you were ill, and from the little I could not help but hear, he seems well and strong. He also spoke of Hamato Michelangelo-san in good health."

"I'm glad to hear that," Splinter said, keeping his demeanor and his words gentle while inside he railed at the lack of detail. "And what of Donatello?"

Fuku's head came up, eyes wide as if in panic. At once he dropped back down. "Hamato-sama…I...forgive me!"

"If you tell me the truth," Splinter said, putting as much coaxing warmth into his tone as he could, "I will ensure you are not punished. You have nothing to fear from me, Fuku-san."

"The one called Donatello was...banished."

"Banished!" Splinter recoiled. "Why? And by whom?"

"The order came from Hamato Leonardo-sama, enforced by the Shogun himself. But…"

"What is it? Tell me, please."

"...It was you yourself who first cast him out."

Splinter's heart turned to ice. "I did...what?"

"The one called Donatello came to visit when you were newly in the palace. I had only that day been called into your service, Hamato-sama. You...the medicines were too strong and…"

Splinter held up a hand. "I take it I was hallucinating?"

"Yes, Hamato-sama."

"What exactly occurred?"

"You forbade the one called Donatello from entering your presence under any circumstances. And...when Hamato Leonardo-sama asked if you wished to cast him from your Clan, you told him to act as if you had done so until you reached a final decision."

The ice in Splinter's heart spread with a painful crack. I have cast out my own son.

While another son lives in riches and no longer guards his brothers.

And two other sons are alone in a strange world.

I must begin to repair things at once.

Splinter brought his feelings into order with iron control. "Am I well enough to leave this room, Fuku-san?"

"Yes, Hamato-sama, but you should not be seen in your bed-kimono. I can order a fresh one at once."

"Yes, please, and quickly. I must see Leonardo as soon as possible."

Fuku crawled backwards a few steps before getting to his feet. "I will run like eagles, and I will bring you to Hamato Leonardo-sama myself."

And he dashed through the door.

Splinter took a deep breath.

Master Yoshi. What has become of my family? Of my sons?

I will find what has been lost and restore what has faded, Master. I swear it.

I only pray that my sons are well, wherever they are, and that you continue to guide them.

But he remembered the dying tree and could not suppress a shiver of dread.

-==OOO==-

Splinter followed Fuku down several hallways, marveling at the elegance and beauty of every inch of the Shogun's palace. Lord Kawauso's castle had been lovely, too, but this was a work of art of the finest quality assembled with every detail considered.

As he walked, Splinter also noted how secure the palace was. Every floor was a nightingale floor that made soft chirping sounds whenever anyone walked upon the carefully-made floorboards, and the sight-lines had been very precisely considered so that there were few blind spots in which an assassin could hide.

And yet Splinter could find a few spots which could have proven dangerous. These, however, had guards posted beside them.

Splinter glanced down at Fuku. "Has Leonardo been improving the security of the palace?" he asked, gesturing at one of the blind corners that was now occupied by an armored guard.

"Yes, Hamato-sama. Hamato Leonardo-sama does regular inspections of the entire palace complex to ensure the safety of the Shogun and all Daimyo who reside here." He grinned before quickly stifling the improper show of emotion. "Hamato Leonardo-sama was not believed at first that there was a threat. Then one night while all slept, he left notes in each place he had warned was a risk, including one beside the Shogun's very bed."

Splinter smiled faintly. "I imagine no one doubted him after such a display."

"He was challenged to a few duels by those guards who felt their honor had been abridged by his actions, but he defeated all warriors who dared his blades. He has won great honor for himself and for your Clan, Hamato-sama."

Splinter nodded. Then he peered more closely at his guide and servant. "Fuku-san, can you tell me if Lord Kawauso has yet chosen another Heir other than Leonardo?"

"He has not, Hamato-sama. Hamato Leonardo-sama remains the Heir of that han."

"With so much time in Edo?" Splinter frowned. "Leonardo knows that he should not delay in stepping down from his post."

Beside him, Fuku twitched as though he wanted to fall to his knees but could not while walking. "Hamato-sama, if you are angry, I apologize for my words."

"I am concerned, and perhaps I will become angry, but not at you, Fuku-san."

At that, Fuku did freeze before dropping to a low bow on the floor. "It is mine to bear the burden of your anger, Hamato-sama. Please, allow me to die to quiet your fury honorably."

Splinter stopped, cold with surprise. "Fuku-san, I would never ask for your death, especially for something so small and not of your making. Please rise."

"I cannot." Fuku's voice was low and tremulous. "I am yours and I have displeased you, Hamato-sama."

"You have not displeased me, Fuku-san. Now, please, to your feet."

Fuku slowly rose. "As you wish, Hamato-sama."

Splinter wrinkled his nose. "It is strange to hear myself addressed so. It is a title more befitting my own Master than myself. May I give you permission to call me Master Splinter instead?"

"No, Hamato-sama. I am too lowly for such an honor."

Splinter wanted to calm the boy who was distraught and shaking. "Can we reach no compromise, then? For while you honor me greatly, I feel it is I who am not worthy."

Fuku stubbornly looked at the ground. But then he took a breath and asked in a quiet, low voice, "Would 'Splinter-sama' be more pleasing to you?" And he curled a bit as if expecting to ward off a blow.

Splinter sighed. "Very. Thank you, Fuku-san. However, you need never fear me. I will not harm you, nor permit others to harm you."

A bit of the tension drained from Fuku's shoulders. He dropped back to his knees and his forehead touched the floor. "You have my gratitude for your mercy and kindness, honorable Splinter-sama."

"Now, rise. We must see Leonardo."

"Of course, Splinter-sama."

Fuku led Splinter out to the gardens which allowed him to see how vast the palace complex truly was. He had guessed he was housed in a building reserved for the family members of the Daimyo, but now he could see how grand the main building of the palace was where it sat shining like a jewel on the hill above.

"Hamato Leonardo-sama often takes his afternoons in the gardens for meditation," Fuku said. "I will send a servant ahead to warn him of your arrival."

"No, thank you." Splinter shook his head. "I would rather see him as he is first, before he is aware of my presence."

Fuku didn't know how to answer that so he simply ducked a bow and continued along the garden paths.

Splinter could sense his son long before he could see him. The almost-tangible presence of his chunin and Heir reached him with a reassuring steadiness.

But he was still concerned.

Steady and true he may be, but our family is still scattered and he allowed it to happen. Whatever else, something has changed the Leonardo who has stood at my right hand for so long.

But I must not be hasty in my judgment either, he thought after a moment. Leonardo has always held my trust. I must believe he has good reason for all that he does even now.

I must show him the same loyalty and honor he has shown me in my illness.

Beneath a stand of cherry trees, Leonardo sat upon a bench, his robes piled around him and spilling with effortless elegance at his feet. His eyes were closed and his face was serene and relaxed.

Splinter leaned down to whisper in Fuku's ear. "Leave us, please. I will call for you if I need you."

Fuku bowed wordlessly and at once backed away.

Leonardo was a fine ninja and an accomplished warrior, but Splinter was still his teacher, elder, and Master. Even Leonardo could not perceive Splinter if Splinter did not want to be heard or seen. So it was the work of but a few moments for Splinter to cross the garden path and the grass and stand before his son without disturbing him at all.

It was still not quite spring, but in spite of the chill in the air and the leaf-less trees surrounding them, there was something warm and welcoming about the spot. Splinter could well see why Leonardo had chosen it for his meditation – it seemed to invite it.

And thus Leonardo was very deeply in meditation, indeed.

He smiled faintly.

Were Michelangelo or Raphael here, they would undoubtedly startle him quite rudely. I will, of course not do any such thing.

Then, as if the thought came to him from far away, I wonder what Donatello would do to interrupt him?

He dismissed that notion and focused on the son before him.

I dreamed you vanished into darkness. I will not allow it to happen, Leonardo.

That decided him. Splinter folded his hands behind his back and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Wake, my son."

Leonardo didn't so much as twitch.

"Leonardo. It is time for you to return."

Now his eyes flicked behind his eyelids and his mouth pulled in from its lax position.

"Leonardo. Wake at once, my son."

Leonardo's eyes opened and his face split into a smile. "Master Splinter!"

Splinter returned the smile. "I am pleased to see you have continued your studies in my absence, my son."

The joy that lit Leonardo's face suggested that he was moments from leaping to his feet, but he took a deep breath and rose sedately. Then he bowed low before his father.

"I am so glad you're all right, Master Splinter. It's been so long. The healers assured me all would be well eventually, but…"

"I understand well, Leonardo. It is disconcerting to watch a loved one who is so injured. I have watched over you myself several times and know well its struggles." Splinter met his son's eyes as Leonardo straightened back up. "Thank you for your care, my son. I believe were it not for your interference that I might not yet be well."

"We really owe our thanks to Lord Kawauso," he replied. "He's the one who has the influence to ensure you were given the best treatments by the best healers. He even arranged for you to have your own servant who could look after you all the time."

"Yes," Splinter nodded. "Fuku-san has been loyal and quite informative as well."

Leonardo raised an eye-ridge. "Oh?"

Splinter looked more closely at his son. "I understand that you still stand as Heir?"

"Yes. Lord Kawauso has not yet seen fit to remove me from this station."

Splinter's gaze went a bit sharper. "And your brothers?"

"They're fine," Leonardo said – a little too quickly for Splinter's liking. "Raph has been working with some of the peasants to set up patrols throughout the han." Leonardo's eyes sparkled with sudden pride. "Raph figured out that his group could take goods from the bandits they stop, so they don't need a stipend from the Daimyo to keep their families fed in spite of not being farmers or craftsmen or merchants. The arrangement has made the han much safer and other Daimyo are discussing doing something similar."

"I am pleased to know Raphael is well," Splinter said, "but it distresses me that he is so far away."

"I know." Leonardo gave a tiny, delicate shrug. "But he has Mikey with him on and off. And that group is pretty solid, too. They'll look out for him."

Splinter crossed his arms. "And what of Michelangelo?"

"Mikey's making his place in that village kind of permanent," Leonardo said. "I think he's been waiting for you to get well before he asks your permission to approach Mitsu's father officially."

That surprised Splinter. "Michelangelo is so serious about her?"

"I guess so. I only hope she's pretty serious about him, too," Leonardo said. "If Mitsu's father agrees, she has very little room to object to such a union. I would hate to see Mikey find out she doesn't like him enough but have backed himself into a corner. Once he asks, he can't really bow out later."

"I see."

"Really, we're all doing fine," Leonardo said.

That earned him a glare. "You have three brothers, Leonardo, not two."

Leonardo actually drew in a sharp breath. "Master Splinter...about Donnie…"

Splinter's tail twitched suddenly, making a sharp, scratching noise in the dry grass. "Explain to me, my son, how you could have allowed this to come to pass?"

Leonardo frowned. "Sensei, it was you who barred Donatello from your presence."

Splinter's anger grew. "Be that as it may, you better than all others knew that I was not well and should have seen that my illness had rendered me irrational."

"Well, not really. I mean, I knew that, but when it came to Donnie it just made so much sense."

Splinter's was surprised. "I would never cast any of my sons from our Clan. You know this, Leonardo. You have spent a lifetime preparing to lead this Clan as it is, in spite of the animosity you have shared with Raphael in the past."

"I…" Leonardo bowed. "I see now that I was in error. I'm sorry, Master Splinter."

"It is not I who requires your words, Leonardo."

"I...I see. I'll write a letter and send it through to his world at once."

"That," Splinter said, an edge of sharpness in his tone, "is a dishonorable execution of your duty, my son."

Leonardo blinked. Then he ducked his head. "Understood, Sensei. I will...I will go to the lair soon and apologize."

"You will invite Donatello back here and you will make your apology to him before me."

Leonardo ducked into a sharp bow again. "Yes, Master Splinter."

A brisk wind blew and in spite of his heavy kimono, Splinter shivered.

Leonardo rose and took his father by the arm. "Come. Let's get you some tea and proper food. I'll catch you up on everything that's happened."

Splinter nodded and settled into his son's care.

But before they had even reached the nearest building of the palace, Splinter's thoughts had changed and his anger vanished. Instead, he wondered he had been in error. Or at least too hasty.

After all, he was well-honored by his son and Heir, and here in this world they could live happily and in comfort because of Leonardo's efforts.

What cause did he have for such disappointment in Leonardo? Of course Leonardo had done what he thought was best, and his son was rarely wrong about such things.

He must let Leonardo become all that he could be without holding him back or causing him to doubt himself.

And Donatello will understand. We all depend upon Leonardo in this world. His choices are to the benefit of all. If he wishes to delay his apology, I will permit it.

Within the day, Splinter forgot about the apology – and Donatello – altogether.

-==OOO==-

Over the course of the next two weeks, Splinter fell into a comfortable lull.

His illness had sapped some of his strength, as he learned the first time he attempted his morning training and collapsed from exhaustion for many hours. Leonardo and Fuku attempted to dissuade Splinter from attempting such exertion another time, but Splinter refused to abide by their wishes, though he moderated his efforts. He had been ill too long and needed to regain his strength as quickly as his body could manage.

In the mornings, Splinter would train on some of his easier forms, joined by Leonardo, until his energy wavered. Then he would eat a light breakfast with his son before settling in for several hours of meditation while Leonardo attended to his duties as Heir.

For the midday meal, Splinter took to joining a few of the other guests of the Shogun, including parents, wives, and children of other Daimyo who lived in Edo for their own protection – and the assured loyalty of their Daimyo. Splinter struck up several friendships with the women who lived comfortably but rather alone while their husbands were in their respective hans, and found the children they raised to be well-behaved and polite – something rather soothing to a father who had raised somewhat more unruly sons himself.

In the afternoons, Splinter wandered the gardens, building his endurance in the spring cold and wind. Fuku often accompanied him, and in time Splinter was able to urge the boy to be more comfortable in his presence, telling stories of his own family who were connected by marriage to some important members of the Shogunate and who had therefore secured his place in the palace. Splinter found he liked the bright, child-like chatter of Fuku. He found it entertaining even when it was rapid and difficult to follow without the innate knowledge of the world's customs.

It reminded him, now and again, of someone else's chatter, but as quickly as the feeling of memory came, it would vanish.

Splinter took his evening meals with Leonardo and Lord Kawauso whenever the pair were not dining with the Shogunate. Then he would meditate for several hours before bed.

As his body grew in vigor, his afternoon walks became shorter and he trained more, slowly regaining all he had lost. It was a credit to the medicine and healers who had saved him that he recovered endurance and strength as quickly as he did.

Also as the days passed, Splinter became more accustomed to his role, and to Leonardo's. He let thoughts of Leonardo giving up his place as Heir fall away. He still worried for the two sons who were so far away, but that worry turned into a desire to find them a permanent place of their own in the Shogun's favor so that they could all settle down together.

Instead of trying to pull Leonardo back, he encouraged him, urging him forward so that his position as Heir would be assured and thus so would be the fortune of their family. As Leonardo had always been trained to protect his Clan, now Splinter helped him earn honor and prestige for it so that they could continue to gain favor with the Shogunate.

"I believe," Splinter said one morning as he and Leonardo shared the early meal, "I was wrong to be angry with you before."

"Oh?" Leonardo asked.

"I think perhaps you are well-suited to remain as Lord Kawauso's Heir for as long as he pleases, and for that I apologize to you. I should not have judged your choices so harshly."

"It's nothing, Master. But what if the Daimyo eventually produces another, biological Heir whom he raises above me?"

"Then your actions here in Edo will serve to ingratiate you to another Lord, or even the Shogun himself. For as long as we have such powerful allies, we will be able to live in comfort and your brothers will continue to be honored as members of our Clan."

"I will do my best, Sensei. I will ensure that you and our Clan are so highly respected that we may maintain this life together here in Edo as we deserve after a lifetime of living in squalor."

"Yes, my son. That is what I wish for us all."

Splinter's fever dreams faded and he focused only on the world and the path before him.

-==OOO==-

Sixteen days from when Splinter had woken fully in command of his mind, Miyamoto Usagi arrived at the palace.

Splinter and Leonardo received him in one of the smaller rooms of the palace. They sat side-by-side, both kimono flowing around them like pools of water.

Usagi had come directly from the road and his own clothing was dirtied and a little worn, but his friends forgave him that breach of etiquette.

"I'm sorry it has taken me so long to arrive," Usagi said after polite greetings had been exchanged. "I intended to come much sooner, but I ran into a little trouble with the Assassins' Guild."

Leonardo smiled at him. "I am not surprised you found yourself in the middle of another adventure."

Usagi returned the smile. "That seems to be the path I shall always walk, I fear. However, another evil-doer has been vanquished and another village is safe, which is what truly matters. My own future could never be more important than the peaceful lives of the innocent."

"Well said, Usagi-san," Splinter said. "Though we do wish to hear your tale."

"Of course," Usagi said. "But first, I wished to inquire...is everything all right?" He looked closely at Leonardo.

"Sure." Leonardo gave a dainty shrug. "Master Splinter's getting better every day, and the security around here has improved a lot. We haven't had any real threats to deal with since we got here. It's been...peaceful."

"Hmm." Usagi's look narrowed. "And you are certain you are quite well, Leonardo-san?"

"Yes. I said so." Leonardo returned the expression with one of his own. "What's wrong, Usagi?"

Usagi folded his arms against his chest. "I have known you for some time now, Leonardo-san. But of late you have been acting...a little differently from what I have seen in the past."

"How so?"

"To put it frankly, I am disturbed by your treatment of Donatello-san."

Splinter's eyebrows rose in surprise. He had not thought about Donatello since his first conversation with Leonardo after emerging from his illness. He had entirely forgotten Leonardo's promise to go speak to him, and now no longer thought such an apology was urgent.

"Donnie?" Leonardo tipped his head. "Why?"

"Perhaps not only Donatello, but all your brothers," Usagi said. "Never in all the time we have known one another have you been so casual about the safety of your brothers in a strange place."

Leonardo smiled a bit. "But this isn't a strange place. This is our home now."

Usagi flinched. "It is, perhaps. But it is not Donatello's. And if you will forgive me, it seems strange to me that you are so little concerned about his well-being."

"He made his choice," Leonardo said, and his tone went sharp. "He hasn't come here for months. He's clearly happier where he is. And living here is easier for the rest of us without him causing confusion."

"Confusion?" Usagi asked, eyebrows high. "Is that how you see it, Leonardo-san?"

"How do you see it, then?"

"I saw a friend trying desperately to please those who would not ever be satisfied by him while also still remaining true to himself and the family he loves. That he was not well-suited to this world does not mean he was not acting with integrity and honor."

"I never said he wasn't honorable," Leonardo shot back.

"You imply it. You imply it by allowing ugly gossip to be spoken about him and you imply it by casting him out rather than embracing him." Usagi's eyes snapped with affronted anger. "Do you know what the guards said when I asked them about your brothers and if any were in residence here besides yourself? That but one brother has ever been seen here and he was thrown back to his own world after being removed from your Clan!"

Leonardo crossed his own arms. "That was a mistake."

Usagi did not back down. "And have you rectified it yet? Have you ensured that Donatello-san is well? Because the last time I saw him, he was heartsick and fighting many battles alone."

Leonardo took a deep breath and Splinter could see he was winding up to argue. He held up his hand to stop them both.

"I believe we should discuss something else," he said. "Let us share happier stories for a time. Then we can return to this topic when our minds are clearer."

Usagi's eyes widened and he stared at Splinter. "Master Splinter...you…?"

Splinter looked at him curiously. "Yes, Usagi-san?"

Usagi abruptly pushed to his feet and gave a cursory, almost rude bow. "Excuse me, please."

Leonardo extended a hand as if to draw him back. "You don't have to go. Sensei's right. We'll just talk about something else for a while."

"No, thank you," Usagi said, turning away. "I have some things to think upon. I will visit with you another day."

And he quit the room.

Leonardo and Splinter exchanged uncertain looks.

"He's sure upset about Don," Leonardo said at last.

Splinter shrugged. "Well, he is a loyal friend and there is no dishonor in that. When he returns, we will more carefully explain that all is as it should be."

"Sure."

-==OOO==-

Splinter was dreaming again.

"Where am I?" he asked. He seemed to be standing in an open field with a blue sky above.

Before him, Hamato Yoshi bowed. "You are with your family, Splinter."

Splinter glanced over his shoulder and saw his four sons arranged behind him, also bowing.

Yoshi rose but he did not smile. "Shall we begin?"

Splinter could only nod and settle into the stance his Master adapted, letting the familiar form carry him.

A cold wind rose and clouds began to darken the sky.

Splinter stopped his movements. "Master?"

Yoshi's eyes met his. "Beware the easiest path, for it lies."

Splinter looked around. Behind him, his sons also stopped their motions.

The shadows fell from above with the weight of hail, engulfing first Michelangelo, then Leonardo, then Raphael. As the darkness fell upon them, they began to move out of formation and turned away from Splinter.

"My sons! You must stay with me!" he called.

But the darkness grew thick and their steps carried them deeper and deeper into it.

Splinter spun. "Help me, Master Yoshi!"

Hamato Yoshi's eyes were sad. "I cannot help you, Splinter. I can only do what I have already done."

Donatello stepped past Splinter to stand beside Yoshi.

Splinter looked at him. "Why have the shadows not fallen upon you, my son?"

Don shook his head and his eyes were wet. "Because I wasn't there, Master. As I'm not there now."

"Donatello, do you know what has occurred?"

"Not really." He shrugged. "But it doesn't matter. I have someplace else to go now."

Donatello bowed to Hamato Yoshi. Yoshi returned the bow and then held out a hand.

Splinter took a step forward. "Donatello? Master?"

Donatello accepted Yoshi's hand and turned away. Hamato Yoshi looked back over his shoulder at Splinter.

"I can only do what I have already done," he said again. "Whatever you choose, I will not leave this one to his fate without recourse. Choose wisely, for I cannot help you another time."

Hamato Yoshi and Donatello began to walk away, leaving Splinter behind with feet that felt frozen to the ground.

Suddenly a lightning-bolt struck from the sky. Splinter's cry of fear and pain was lost in its crash.

Fire rose up, wild and engulfing, and Yoshi and Donatello vanished into it.

"No!" Splinter cried.

He yearned to run after them into the fire, to save them.

"And yet, if I leave my sons in the shadow..." He turned back to where he could barely see them anymore. "They will be lost."

All at once, he understood.

"I must find my sons and return them to the light. Or we will be parted by a calamity that will divide us for all time!"

Splinter closed his eyes on the scene. "I am coming, my sons." He gathered his will like a physical thing in his hands.

Splinter woke with a start.

"I have been lulled into foolishness!" He pressed a hand against his chest to try to calm his pounding heart.

A head peeked in his door. "Splinter-sama?"

"Fuku-san." Splinter stared at him as if he had never really seen the squirrel before.

"Are you well, Splinter-sama?"

"No, I am certainly not." Splinter shook his head. A tremble ran through him.

I have failed in my vow to protect this family. I have let myself be blinded by the ease and refinement of this life. I have let the comfort of my surroundings numb me to their reality.

How easily I have been led astray. I must make my will iron and unbending even in the soft wind that whispers.

If I am lost this time, I fear I shall never see clearly again.

I cannot squander this last gift from my Master.

"Can I be of service?" Fuku asked, crawling near.

"Yes." Splinter's eyes blazed with sudden conviction. "Send messengers, the fastest you can call upon on my behalf, to summon my sons here. Raphael and Michelangelo must both come with all speed."

Fuku was clearly surprised but he kept his face down. "I will do as you command, Splinter-sama."

But Splinter was not done. He pushed the bedclothes away and stood. "What is the hour, Fuku-san?"

"The false dawn approaches. Night has almost faded."

"Good. Bring me tea as soon as you have finished sending the messengers. And a new kimono. I have important business today."

"Yes, Splinter-sama." Fuku's forehead hit the floor before he was off and sprinting.

Splinter moved across the floor on silent feet to where the sky was beginning to pale with the dawn.

"I understand, Master Yoshi," Splinter said to the coming morning. "I will not fail you again. I will not be tempted this time. And I will do as I ought to have done weeks ago."

He closed his eyes and bowed to the sky.

"I will reunite my family and bring them home. I will restore what has been lost. By my honor, I swear this time I will not fail."