Work Text:
Splinter slowly opened his eyes, unsure of whether he was seeing the real world.
Strange. I still feel my tail.
Still groggy, he reached to his backside and felt something there. At least part of his tail was still left.
Either that, or I’m dreaming.
The anesthesia had put him through several layers of sleep, each darker and emptier than the last. Now, he was going though the effects in reverse, dreaming more and more as he became more awake.
There had been the temptation to stay asleep as a blissful escape from the pain and illness he’d suffered, including the infection that had caused him to be here in the first place.
And why not? He’s already said his goodbyes before going under.
Embarrassingly enough, one of those goodbyes was to his tail.
No, I can’t leave this world yet. The Turtles need me to be around for as long as possible.
The following afternoon, Splinter was strong enough to stand, and he wasted no time trying to walk again. With the medicine fully worn off, his mind was clearer. Unfortunately, his tail stump was starting to hurt.
Still, he wanted to look strong for the Turtles, who would be visiting soon.
Like all things, the pain will fade away.
Splinter practiced some fighting poses.
Unfortunately, the turtles got caught up in a battle with Shredder and couldn’t visit.
“We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Splinter spent that night lying awake. He wanted to exercise, but the pain had worsened and spread to the rest of his body.
Perhaps if I meditate, I won’t feel it.
Splinter tried to think of something relaxing. Someone who made him happy.
I haven’t seen April in a while. Will she come, too?
Splinter drifted off, dreaming of a visit from the ones he loved.