Summary: Their brother is dead, taken away from them cruelly by a cowardly mistake. But is he really gone? What is he trying to warn his brothers about? And will he be able to warn them in time? Or will they too share his untimely fate?

A/n: Had the idea for this when I was tossing and turning and trying to get some sleep the other night. I suppose all ideas, both good and bad, sprout from the musings that insomnia can bring.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Turtles.

If I Die Young

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
The sharp knife of a short life, oh well
I've had just enough time

~The Band Perry

~Prologue~

Master Splinter closed his eyes in grief, bowing his head as the tidal wave of anguish washed over him and fractured his heart into a thousand sharp, tiny shards. He tried to hold back the hot tears that leaked from the corners of his eyes, but failed. He tried to keep a hold of the sob that was building up within his throat, but could no longer contain it. So he let the tears roll freely down his furry cheeks and the sobs escape his chest. Tonight he could find no calmness or stability through meditation. How could he, when the life of his family was fractured?

Memories leapt unbidden to his mind and played across his closed lids, swirls of colour and wisps of smoke that danced before his eyes and formed into familiar shapes. Master Splinter choked on a sob and buried his face in his hands. He didn't want these images in his mind, as splendid and lovely as they were, they were also heartbreaking. He thought his heart couldn't ache any more than it did now, but the images felt like another punch to the gut, and felt as if the pointed shards of his heart were piercing through his chest.

He took big, gulping breaths, trying desperately to get his emotions in check and his breathing under control. He needed to be there for his family, to comfort them during this hard time. There would be time for him to grieve later.

Slowing his breathing and trying to calm himself down, Master Splinter wiped his tears away with a shaking hand, trying to compose himself. He needed to be strong now for his family. They could not see him cry.

Regaining his composure and his control, Master Splinter let out a deep, steading breath and opened his eyes. The solitary flame of the single candle danced slowly, casting flickering shadows on the wall. Warmth spilled from the flame, and Master Splinter found comfort in the dancing colours, the heat and the familiarity.

Master Splinter always knew that this life he raised his sons in would be hard, and he knew it would be dangerous. He always waited up every time they went out for patrol, worry knotting in his chest until they returned, laughing and smiling and oblivious to their father's worry.

But now all that fear and worry had come true. The fear that, he may outlive one of his sons had turned into a horrific reality, and no amount of desperate pleas or anguished tears could change that.

Looking down at the red bandanna still clutched in his hands, Master Splinter rose slowly to his feet. He could hear his sons in the other room, and knew they needed comforting. Clutching the bandanna like one would clutch a lifeline; Master Splinter left the solitude of his room and went to his sons.

His four, beautiful, sweet sons that now had become three.

A/n: So, what did you all think? I'd love to hear your thoughts, dear readers. More to come soon,

~Cat