Mike smiled as he glanced over at Shadow. Her face was twisted up in concentration as she moved her fingers anxiously around the controller. Crash Bandicoot wasn't exactly doing what she wanted him to. After a frustrated fumble, he fell off a cliff into oblivion. The words "GAME OVER" filled the screen, and Shadow cried out in disgust.

"Hey, don't worry." Mike smiled at her gently and laid a hand on her head. "Crash is the clumsy one. He just needs practice." Shadow frowned up at him, and slowly her angered face filled with a smile. Mike always had a way of making her feel better.

Mike loved Shadow, almost as if she were his own daughter. He enjoyed spending time with her and helping to look after her. He wished that someday he could have one of his very own, although his confidence in that was pretty low. He smiled over at her, noticing the reverence in her eyes. He switched off the Play Station and stood to his feet. "Come on, I'll make you some lunch."

April gripped Casey's hand tighter as they were led down the long hall. Their path seemed to stretch out into infinity as millions of worries crowded her mind. What if the baby had internal problems? What if he would have to stay here for a long time? What if he was underdeveloped? What if...he didn't make it? She tried to brush the thoughts aside, but struggle as she might, she just couldn't seem to shake them. This was her first child, and she wanted him to be perfect. She couldn't bear the thought of something going wrong.

Casey gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they were escorted into the premie ward. Luckily, Christian hadn't been placed in an incubator, and that was a good sign. The nurse quietly excused herself for a moment, leaving the couple alone to observe their child. Casey wrapped his arm around April as they stared down at the infant. He was definately smaller than April had first expected. This was what she had worried about all through her pregnancy.

Strange signs and symptoms had warned her that the baby could come early, but she hadn't really wanted to acknowledge them. She knew now that she should have told her doctor about this instead of pretending that everything would go smoothly. And then she'd had to give birth at home, without even Casey there! She was still a little angry about his disappearance. And poor Don! The baby slept soundly as they watched over him. April thought he looked just like an angel. She couldn't wait until they could take him home and really feel as though he was part of the family. She knew Shadow was anxious as well. She had been wanting a little brother or sister to play with for quite a while.

Casey remained quiet as he stared down at his newborn son. A sense of pride overtook him as he thought about the miracle of conception. His sperm had fertilized the egg. He and April had become one, and had created a life. This was more than he'd ever even had with Gabby. He was a father now, a real, full blooded father. He vowed to himself that he would raise this kid right, and not turn him into a hooligan like he had become.

"Hello." A voice startled them from their thoughts. They turned around quickly and were greeted by a man in a white coat, carrying a clipboard.

"Doctor Howard!" April was relieved to see him. He had been her Obstetrician since she'd found out she was pregnant. If only she had made it to the hospital on time, he would have been the one assisting with the birth.

"It's good to see you April." He took her hand. "Casey."

Casey nodded and shook his hand. "So...how's he doing?"

April added, "When can we take him home?"

Dr. Howard could see the worry and anxiety in their faces, and he had to smile to himself. "He's doing just fine. If everything continues to go smoothly, you should be able to take him home by the end of the week."

April looked over to Casey and smiled. He was okay. He was doing good. And soon they'd be able to be a family.

"So you lost your place too? That's terrible!"

"Yeah." Robyn lowered her head. "But don't tell April how bad it is, okay? She thinks it's just my job."

Don studied her for a moment. She looked as though she was about to cry. He wished there was a way he could comfort her, to assure her that things would work out, but he couldn't. How could he know that? So many things were screwed up lately. First, he had messed up his hand, then Leo had turned weird on them, Splinter had been distant for quite a while now, and now Robyn was out of a home.

"I won't tell her." he vowed. "But you have to promise me that you'll find something for yourself. I mean, I can't have you living on the streets, ya know."

Robyn glanced up at him and could see by his smirk that he was attempting to lighten the situation a little. She forced a smile for a moment, and then let it slowly fade away. "Really though...I don't know what I'm going to do."

Don could see the tears begin to escape now, even as she tried so hard to hold them back. She felt foolish. She shouldn't be crying about this, especially not to him when he had so many problems of his own.

Fully aware of the desperation of the situation, he suddenly got an idea. "I know it's not the best down here...but why don't you stay with us for a while?"

Robyn stared up at him in surprise. "Down here?"

Don nodded and looked away, feeling kind of guilty for even suggesting that idea. The sewers were definately no place for a lady.

"I dunno..." she said softly. "I'll think about it. Thanks."

Don thought about all the reassurances Robyn had provided for him in the past. She had always been there when he'd needed someone to talk to, even when his brothers had been busy in their own little worlds. Akwardly, he laid his good hand on hers. It was hard to think of something reassuring to say. "Don't worry, we'll get through this...together."

Robyn stared at him silently. He studied the areas where the tears stained her cheeks. He wanted to wipe them away, but something held him back. "Just...don't cry anymore, okay?"

Robyn nodded and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It felt good to get that out atleast. She had been holding it in for so long. She stared at Don for a long moment, as he akwardly glanced around the sewer tunnel. She wondered what was going on in his mind. He had seemed kind of uneasy ever since she'd gotten here. She dismissed it after a moment, figuring it was probably just all of the hardships he was going through right now.

"Okay." A big grin spread across Raph's face as he gestured her forward. "Come get me!"

Megan smirked at him and gripped the plastic sai even tighter. "Ready?" Raph motioned her forward with his hands. She ran toward him, shoving the practice sai right where his arm had been just a second before. Raph whirled out of the way just on time and came at her with a kick. Remembering a move Splinter had taught her once, Megan jumped back and blocked his foot.

Raph smiled at her in surprise. "Damn, you're gettin' too good at this!"

Megan shoved him playfully. "Yeah, well don't look so surprised. You and Splinter taught me practically everything I know." For some reason, the sound of his master's name made Raph uneasy. He noticed that Splinter had been acting funny as of late, and he hadn't even been at April's when they'd arrived last night, only a couple of hours after the party started. He had tried to blow the whole thing off and not let his curiousity get the best of him, but now he was starting to worry a little.

As if she had read his mind, Megan grew serious. "I wonder why he doesn't call us down for practice anymore..."

Raph nodded. "I know. It's like...it doesn't matter to him or somethin'. I mean, for the entire last month, we almost never saw him at practice anyway. It's so...weird. So unlike Splinter."

An unexpected tingle ran up Raph's spine. He shivered and set down the sai. "I'm gonna go get a drink a' water."

"Master Splinter, I brought you some t--" Leo stopped dead in his tracks.

"No need, Leonardo. I have already taken the liberties." Splinter stirred the tea and held the cup up to his lips. The steamy aroma was soothing and comforting to his failing body. Leo stared at him in shock. When had Splinter gotten up? He figured that he would be napping about now. Splinter smiled at his pupil but said nothing.

"How long have you been awake, master?"

"Since six-thirty."

Six thirty? This had really caught Leo off guard. How could Splinter have possibly found the energy to get up so early, let alone go out to the kitchen to make his own tea? Just last night, he had thought he would loose him. Splinter had been so weak, and in so much pain. But today, he had been able to get up and return to some of his normal routine. He still looked like hell, but he was at least making the effort. A glimmer of hope entered Leo's mind. Maybe Splinter would pull through this afterall.

As April and Casey entered the apartment, they appeared to be in good spirits. Mike met them at the door and gave April a big hug. "So, how is he?"

April smiled at him. "He's gonna be okay."

"He should be home this weekend." Casey added.

Shadow ran to Casey, and he lifted her up in his arms. "Christian's coming home soon?" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah." Casey answered. "Your little brother will be home in a few days, and mommy April will need your help to take care of him."

Shadow grinned at the news. "I'll help. I'll take good care uh him!"

Mike watched Shadow's excitement and had to smile. She seemd just as happy about this new kid as he did. He loved to see her smiling face too. Those bright eyes lit up with anticipation as Casey and April explained how their lives would change with the new child.

Mike had always wanted one of his own, and it depressed him a little to think that he may never get a chance. Even for Raph, who had found someone, it was very unlikely that he and Megan would be able to produce a child. Turtle genes and human genes were very different, and although the mutation had given him and his brothers human charictaristics, the fact still remained that they were reptiles.

He was so thankful that they had met Casey and April. The two of them had done so much for him. They had allowed him to help look after Shadow and that was something he really cherished. The two of them were almost inseperable. It was a closeness that he hadn't even experienced with his brothers.

Shadow climbed up into April's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck. April sighed contentedly. She was happy. She had a family, something she had wanted for a long time. It filled her with joy to know that even though Shadow knew she wasn't her biological mother, it didn't matter to the little girl. She had accepted her as "mommy" and decided that no other could take her place.

As Casey and April continued to talk, Michaelangelo suddenly felt a tinge of sadness creep up on him. Unable to restrain his tears, he began to cry.

Don gestured toward Raph's bedroom. "So, Raph sleeps in there." He pointed toward another door. "And Leo sleeps here. And this..." he opened up a third door. "This is my room."

Robyn smiled as she entered the room. It was so neat and tidy, except for a computer desk that lined one wall which was covered from one end to the other with papers. Glancing at Donatello for permission, she strolled over to the desk and picked one up. On it were written various mathmatical equations in some technical language she couldn't understand. It fascinated her how intelligent he was. Just a few months ago, she didn't even believe that turtles could speak, and now she was in the presence of a genious. She set the paper down and turned to him, noticing the look of embarrassment on his face.

"Ya know..." he said, trying to sound casual. "I get bored sometimes. Writing things out kinda helps me clear my head..."

Don started to worry that Robyn would think he was a geek or a nerd like he had been called so many times by his brothers. He just let their taunts and teasing roll of his back, but for some reason, her approval was important to him.

Robyn smiled. "Wow! You've got some pretty complex things in your head!"

"Well...it's really not that hard. Here, let me show you."

Don picked up a random sheet from off the desk and sat down on the bed. Robyn sat next to him, studying the sheet with a frown.

"This symbol right here stands for energy." He pointed to a symbol that looked very much like an "E".

Robyn nodded. "Okay." That was easy enough.

"And the "m" stands for mass." Don continued.

Robyn nodded again. So each of the letters stood for a word. Not too difficult.

"And the "c", ummm..." Don frowned down at the paper in his hand. "The "c"..." His memory suddenly failed him, and he found himself having trouble concentrating. What the heck does the "c" mean?!? He stared down at the letter for a long moment. Come on brain, think! He began to grow frustrated as his mind seemed to slip farther and farther away. He knew this equation very well. It was one of the simplest equations in the world, but he couldn't remember what the darn letter stood for!

Robyn glanced at him in concern. "Don...you okay?"

He looked up from the paper to meet her gaze. "Ummm...yeah, I think so..."

Raph picked up the sai once again. "Okay, break time's over. Grab your weapon."

Megan smirked at him and did as he told her. "You know, this is a great way to relive tension."

Raph gave her a look. "Yeah, well, don't get any funny ideas!"

He lunged at her, and she side-stepped out of the way. The tip of the practice sai just barely missed her arm.

"Heh...almost gottcha there!"

Megan grinned. "Yeah, but almost doesn't count." She knew he was going easy on her. After seeing him fight, it was clear that he could run her straight through with his sai before she even knew what hit her, no questions asked. But of course Raphael would never even think of it. Now it was her turn. Figuring that Raph had memorized her usual movements and reactions by now, she decided to try something a little different to see if she could catch him off guard. She gripped the sai tightly and came at him as usual. Raph whirled out of the way, but instead of striking at him, she turned around quickly, planting him with a round house kick to the gutt. Startled, Raph staggered backward. Megan dropped the sai and hurried to him.

"Raph? Sorry, I didn't mean--"

"Hey..." he rubbed his plastron. "You got me there. But now it's time to even the score..." A look of menace spread across his face as he set down the sai and balled his hands into fists. "Come on, you and me, one on one. No weapons, just skill."

"Megan set down the weapon reluctantly. "Raph, you know I'm not nearly as skilled--"

"Come on, what are ya? Chicken?" he taunted.

At that, Megan balled up her fists and stood in a ready stance. Raph was just about to charge, when a sharp pain spread across his chest.

"Aw, come on Raph, I ain't falling for that!" Megan smirked as he doubled over. But Raphael wasn't moving. After a few moments, she began to worry.

Splinter set down the cup with a shaky hand and laid his head back against the wall. Leonardo gawked at him silently for a moment, wondering what the rat was up to. Splinter closed his eyes and began to breath deeply. Clearing his mind, he focused his attention on his family. Master Splinter? Leonardo's voice echoed in his ears, but it seemed so distant, so far away, almost as if it were a dream. Suddenly, he saw him there, in a cloud of mist, gripping his katana tightly, searching around anxiously as if readying himself for an unseen enemy.

Splinter reached out a hand to touch him, but only met with air. Leonardo was just a vision - a memory he himself had created. Suddenly, about a dozen Foot soldiers swarmed in, surrounding Leo, with weapons drawn. Without sparing a second, the turtle reacted, slicing his sword with accuracy and skill. Soon, every one of the Foot bodies laid at his feet in disarray. Leonardo looked up toward his sensei. A look of silent reverence and obedience lit up his face. Bowing, he disappeared into the mist.

"Well done, Leonardo." Splinter said softly as the vision faded. That was the way he would forever remember him. His patient, dedicated ninja, the one who would most likely carry out Splinter's teachings. He knew that through Leo, part of him would live on.

Soon, the first vision was replaced by another. A head lifted and the eyes of a child stared up at him. "Michaelangelo..." The turtle gave him a small smile and stood silently for a moment before a stack of papers materialized in his hand. "I wrote this for you Splinter."

The rat reflected back to a poem Michaelangelo had once written, beautiful in detail. It spoke of rivers and sunshine, obviously an indication of how Mike felt about the world above, majestic in its beauty. It was one of his most prized possessions. He knew that Mike would continue his work, and someday, he would be great.

He would always remember the entertaining nights, the times when all had seemed hopelessly lost, and Michaelangelo would make a joke and erase it all away. He would never forget his creative energy, or the satisfied way he'd made everyone feel inside. Mike grinned and blew him a kiss before fading away.

Next came Donatello. He stood there motionless for a long while, just staring at the rat in thought. His eyes shined with knowledge and wisdom.

"Ahhh...Donatello." Splinter whispered. "So wise beyond your years."

Don would carry out his knowledge and share it with others. He would remember everything Splinter had taught him and put it to good use. The rat knew he would make him proud. Don crouched down to lay his staff at his sensei's feet. "I don't need this anymore." he said gently. Suddenly, he was gone.

Splinter stared down at the bo, and was about to reach for it when another being caught his sight. His eyes burned like fire, and an unseen wind wipped at the bandanna tails. "Raphael..."

Raph's eyes peirced into him for a moment, and then softened. A grin began to spread slowly on his lips. Splinter returned the smile and watched Raphael intently. "Master, I wanna thank you...you've taught me so much..."

As Splinter stared into the face, he could see how much his son had changed. The raw, determined energy still coursed through him, but he had somehow learned to tame it, even if in a small sense. He had learned to love. The rat was glad he had lived to see the day when Raphael had learned to let go a little.

As Raphael faded into the distance, Splinter thought he could almost see a flame appear in his place, but in an instant, it was gone, and he was alone.

An overwhelming feeling of hurt and anguish gripped him, almost bringing him to his knees. April was up in a second, and standing by his side.

"Mike? Mike, what's wrong? What is it? Why are you crying?"

As he opened his mouth to answer her, he staggered, almost losing his balance. Casey rushed over to them and grabbed Mike's arm, holding him up. April and Casey exchanged worried glances as they led him to the couch.

"What is it?" April asked gently.

"I don't know." Mike sobbed. "It just hurts. Something isn't right. I just..." he looked up at the two of them, and then over at Shadow who was staring at him in fright. "I just don't feel right."

"Look, if it's about the baby..." Casey began. "We told ya he'll be alright--"

"No." Mike gasped between sobs. "I...it's not that, I just...I can't..." Mike's sudden outburst was starting to scare Shadow. Casey noticed her fearful expression and decided to take her into the bedroom.

"Come on Shadow." he took her by the arm. "Let's go find something to play with."

"But, what's wrong with unca Mikey?" she protested.

"He's okay honey, he's just a little tired." Casey didn't know what else to tell her. He and April again exchanged glances as he led her out of the room.

April laid a hand on Mike's carapace and studied him intently. "Come on, Mike, you can tell me." she said softly.

Mike took a deep breath, and attempted to calm himself. "I don't know, April...something...it just feels like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. I just...all of the emotions...they're flooding me at once. It's like...I can't control them..."

April frowned in concern as Mike continued to sob. Was he having a nervous break down? Was he covering something up? She couldn't tell, but she didn't like the looks of this one bit. "Come on" she said loud enough for Casey to hear. "I think we should get you down to the lair."

"This is Einstein's theory of relativity." Don grumbled. "I use it all the time. It's a very practical equation. But I can't remember what the damn 'c' stands for!"

Robyn laid a hand on his shoulder, attempting to calm him down. "Don, it's okay. You're probably just tired. The past few days have been pretty exhausting."

Don looked at her for a moment. "Yeah..." he said finally. "Maybe you're right." He was about to set the paper down and forget about it for a while when a sudden pain shot through his head. He balled his fist up in pain, crinkling the paper in the process.

"Don, it's just a stupid equation." Robyn wondered why he was getting so angry over this. But then she realized, as Don dropped the paper and brought his hand up to his head, that it wasn't anger he was experiencing. "Don, you okay?"

"I don't know..." His head hurt something fierce. "Can you get me some aspirin?" As Robyn stood to leave, Don cried out. He fell back on the bed, gripping his head tightly. Robyn rushed to his side and knelt over him.

"Don? Don, what's wrong? Does it hurt that much? Maybe it's a migrane."

"No." Don managed to say. His head hurt so bad he couldn't see straight. What's happening to me?

Robyn stood up. "Maybe I should go get Splinter."

"Raph, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to kick you so hard!"

The turtle didn't respond. His breathing grew heavy and he sank to his knees, crying out in anguish.

"Raph!!!" Megan rushed to him and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "Raph, are you okay? What's wrong? Say something!"

"Hurts." was all he managed to say.

"Where does it hurt?" Megan began to run her hand over Raph's plastron, pressing it gently in hopes of finding the proper spot. Raph cried out again and lowered his head to his knees. This is bad. This is very bad... Megan began to panic. She didn't know what to do. Was it his heart? Had she kicked him too hard? She'd never forgive herself if she hurt him.

She jumped up and began to rush to the phone. Maybe she could call 911 and ask them what to do. Raph reached out a hand and gripped her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Splinter..." he croaked.

He found himself standing yet again, in the abandoned house in Chihaya. The air around him seemed thicker somehow, reminding him of pea soup. It seemed as though at any moment it might engulf him. He stared around the room. The colors and textures seemed more vivid somehow, more tangible. He studied the walls, noticing how they stood out, almost three-dimensional. He gazed at the sky outside staring at the brightly lit stars. Suddenly he felt a presence behind him.

"Splinter."

He turned around quickly and stared in awe. A man, about five and a half feet tall, with black hair, and sparkling brown eyes met his gaze.

"Splinter, do not be afraid."

The rat took a step forward, never letting his gaze stray from the man. "M...master Yoshi?"

Yoshi smiled. "I am so proud of you, Splinter. Look at all that you have become."

"Master Yoshi, I--"

"Come Splinter. Come tell me about your life. I want to hear all about your experiences." Yoshi held his arms outstretched toward the rat. "I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Splinter glanced back at the open door one last time. He wished that there was still time, but he told himself he had to go now. Goodbye, my sons, he thought to himself. I love you all. As Splinter made his decision, the door closed gently, as if on its own will. A lone tear trickled down his cheek as he turned his head slowly to face his master once again, and reached out and took his hands.

Leo grabbed onto Splinter's shoulders and shook him gently. "Master Splinter? Master Splinter, please come out of your trance now. Master Splinter?"

As Leo shook him gently, Splinter's head flopped down from the wall to hang loosely from his shoulders. Leo frowned at his sensei and lifted his chin, starting intently into his face. "Master Splinter?"

A chilling reality hit him suddenly, and his heart began to beat a mile a minute. "Oh god, Master Splinter...no!" He shook him again, this time just a little harder. Maybe he was just too caught up in meditation. But Leo knew the truth. As he let out a cry of anguish, Splinter's lifeless body slumped into his arms.

April wrapped Mike's arm around her shoulder as she escorted him through the sewers. Although his eyes were still red, and he let out a sniffle once in a while, she could tell he was doing a little better. Maybe he was just homesick, or maybe all this talk about babies and things had made him a little over-sentimental. Whatever it was, she decided he needed a few hours down here to spend with his brothers.

As they neared the lair, Mike's head suddenly jarred up in surprise, and gasping, he cried out. The tears began to pour down his cheeks again, and despite April's efforts to hold him up, he sank down to his knees, sobbing in despair.

Robyn led Don gently toward Splinter's quarters. Don stopped suddenly, gripping his head as he staggered backward. Robyn thought he might pass out. She wrapped an arm around his waist and mustered all her strength to keep him from falling. The pain intensified, spreading out through Don's brain, pulsating like a madly beating heart. As he cried out, his screams echoed through the tunnels, but the others didn't hear him, for they too were screaming.

Megan clutched Raphael's hand as she guided him toward the lair. Their trip had been slow, as the pain had made it hard for him to walk. He wasn't sure what was happening to him. All he knew was that he had never experienced such pain in his entire life. As they made their way slowly, the pain suddenly built up again, ripping through his plastron like talons. Raph's face twisted up, and he cried out into the night as the searing pain engulfed him, sending him into darkness.

"No master, please! No!" Leonardo leaned over the silent frame. "NOOOOO!!!!" He lifted his hands in anguish as he felt the weight of the world come crashing down upon him. His very soul felt as though it were being ripped from his body. Letting out a sob, he lowered his head and laid it over his master's unbeating heart.

"God...no!" He sobbed. "You were just here with me...you were getting better! You were just here..."

His own voice sounded squeaky and unfamiliar to him, like a lost child's. His heart was breaking in two, and the pain that he was experiencing was far more than physical. As Splinter died, so did a part of him. So did a part of them all.

Donatello and Robyn were the first to Splinter's quarters. As soon as they stepped inside, they knew something was wrong. Leonardo was sobbing profusely, partially from the loss, partially from the pain, and partially from the realization of guilt that had begun to spread through him. He hadn't told any of them! How were they going to react when they found out?

Don stood paralized for a second, just staring from Leo to his sensei. A great feeling of loss and emptyness overcame him, and he sunk down to his knees. Robyn gasped as she caught site of the limp body laying on the futon.

Mike and April arrived just a few minutes later. Mike's emotional state had gone from bad to worse, and as he laid eyes on his brothers and their grieved faces, and then on Splinter, his agony intesified even further. He knew his sensei was gone even before he looked upon him. He could feel it.

The heads looked up for a moment as Megan led Raphael into the room. The pain he was experiencing was almost suffocating, and he had almost blacked out. A look of terror filled Megan's face as she saw the others. What was going on? Raph lifted his head wearily and stared into the sorrowful faces. He could see that he wasn't the only one who was experiencing some kind of pain.

The worst though, was when he caught site of Splinter, lying lifeless on the mattress. Suddenly a pain, even greater than the one that already plagued him, burned through his chest, and lifting his head toward the sky, he cried out in agony.