It was a big shock to them all. After 3 long months of not knowing how things would turn out, Leonardo woke up.

"Guys! Guys! Get up here!" they heard Raph yell from upstairs. Donnie and Mikey immediately rushed upstairs, wondering what in the shell could make Raph yell all of a sudden. They saw Leo's eyes opened, Leo sitting up, Leo smiling!

"Leo?" Donnie said, like he couldn't believe it. His heart was practically trying to eject out of his chest.

Leo, smiling wide, said in a raspy but happy voice, "Mm, hey, guys."

"Leo!" Mikey chirped, immediately engulfing Leo in his tight embrace.

"Ow, it's okay, Mikey! Ow, that's hurts," Leo replied hastily, trying to reassure his little brother. Leo saw Raph's hand enclose around Mikey's shoulder, getting their little brother's attention.

"Take it easy," Raph replied in a happy, relieved tone. Raph was the first to reach down and help Leo out of the tub. "Let's get you out of here."

Donnie couldn't believe it still. He couldn't believe after such a miracle happening earlier in the day, a mutant had already appeared the same night. He couldn't believe Leo had to get right back into battle when he was just starting recovery. He couldn't believe that after waking from serious injuries, he immediately endured more. Everyone had to be treated that night, as everyone was hurt, but Donnie was especially worried about Leo. He didn't even get to start proper recovery yet, and here he was, more battered and bruised than before.

After he had treated to everyone else, Donnie attended to Leo, looking him over. "Where does it hurt?" Leo let a pained grin slip out, as if the answer was a bit obvious. Leo immediately bit down on his lip as Donnie pressed the homemade stethoscope against Leo's side. Leo was holding back any noises of pain, as he just wanted to be treated as quickly as possible. "Leo, I know it hurts all over, but you're going to have to tell me where it's most bothersome first."

"I'll be fine," Leo breathed out, his voice more raspy than before. Donnie immediately became concerned. Seeing this, Leo trying to give Donnie a reassuring look. "I'll be okay, Donnie. I'm in a recovery period; it's not going to be easy."

"Don't talk," Donnie replied, tilting Leo's face up by pressing his finger to Leo's chin and lifting it. He looked for any bruising or marks. Sure enough, there were some bruises of different shades and sizes around his neck that went down to his shoulders and up the sides of his face. "Try to limit your speech for now, okay?" Leo's eyes fluttered shut out of frustration, but Leo nodded. He immediately winced, stiffening his neck. "You're going to want to limit your head movement, too." Leo lamely lifted his arm up, giving the 'OK' sign before letting his hand drop back down.

"Here's some water," Raph said, suddenly appearing behind them. Raph stepped around to get in front of them, holding the glass out. "He needs to stay hydrated still, right?"

Leo opened his eyes and reached for the glass, but Donnie grabbed it before he could. Donnie lifted himself a bit off the ground, feeding the water to Leo manually. Leo looked away as this was happening, and didn't return eye contact when he finished the water.

"Technically, we all do, but yes, Leo does need more water intake than the rest of us." Donnie handed the glass back to Raph. "Would you mind getting more?"

"Sure," Raph replied. "I'll get some for you, too."

Donnie waved him off. "I'm fine." Raph halted, throwing Donnie a look. Donnie looked at Raph, sighing and nodding. "Okay, fine, thank you." Raph rolled his eyes before heading back to get some more water. Donnie examined Leo's arms, looking for any injuries. Raph returned with two glasses of water, making sure they both drank their glasses. "How are the others doing?" Donnie asked Raph.

"I had Mikey go to sleep after he had some water. I think April and Casey are heading to bed, too. They're pretty beat."

"Good, good. They need their rest."

"So do you, Donnie."

"I'll sleep after I'm done examining Leo."

"Fine, fine, but you better be telling the truth. Don't stay up later than you need to." With that said, Raph left the room.

Donnie took his sweet time examining Leo. Leo wasn't enjoying any of it. He felt like a child being helicopter parented. He felt a bit pathetic. No, not a bit. Utterly. He was hurting all over. He knew Donnie was just trying to make his pain lessen, but he really wanted to be alone. He didn't resist to anything that Donnie applied or stuck on him, 'cause if he did, it would just take longer. He kept his winces to a minimum. When Donnie finally finished, Leo let himself fall back into the couch cushions and sink into them.

"There. Sorry if that took really long. I just have to make sure." Leo nodded, his eyes closed. "I'll have to check up on your injuries tomorrow, okay?" Leo nodded slowly, exhaling a long breath. "I know you hate it, but I just want to help you recover more quickly."

"Have you treated yourself?" Leo asked in a low voice, trying not to strain his voice.

"I'll do that later," Donnie replied. Leo's eyes snapped open, and he did not look happy at all. He stared down Donnie, not backing down until Donnie sighed and submitted. "Fine, fine, I'll do it now."

Leo watched as Donnie attended to his own wounds, pointing out any if Donnie had missed them or just simply ignored them. After Donnie was finished, Leo's stare was less intense. He looked exhausted now. Even though he was the one being watched by everyone, he wasn't going to let them neglect their own health for his sake. Donnie grabbed a pillow and a blanket from the sofa chair and stood in front of Leo. He propped the pillow behind Leo's head and neck and draped the blanket over him, making sure it was as tucked in as possible.

"Get some rest, okay, Leo?" Leo nodded, waving as Donnie left the room. Leo, although extremely worn out, wasn't tired just yet. He really wanted to have some- -

"Tea?"

Leo turned his head, his eyes falling on Raph, then to the steaming cup of tea on a plate in Raph's hands. Leo couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Raph laughed, seeing the relief and happiness in Leo's eyes over just some tea. Raph carefully sat down next to Leo, handing Leo the tea. "Thanks."

"I knew you were gonna want some sooner or later. After tonight, I bet you really wanted it." Leo nodded, smiling as he took a sip of the tea. "Sorry if it's not great- - we need to get some more groceries soon." Leo waved him off, happily drinking more of the tea. "Why aren't you talking much? Are you upset?"

Leo set down the cup, shaking his head in response. He froze for a moment, then shrugged.

"Donnie say to limit your talking?" Leo nodded, his eyes shutting in frustration again. "Look, I know Donnie's looking out for you- - we all are- - but I'm tired of being with you and getting silence. I dealt with that for 3 months. You're awake now, so start yapping."

Leo smiled a bit sadly, but he nodded. "I just know my recovery is going to take longer. And I just can't believe I was out for 3 months... it must have been hell waiting for something to happen."

"What matters is that you're awake now, okay?" Raph gave Leo an assuring smile. "Just drink your tea and be happy while you can. We're gonna help you out, Leo, okay? You're not in this alone." Leo nodded, going back to sipping his tea. "Do you want me to sleep down here with you?"

"You don't have to," Leo replied. "You can if you want to."

"Yeah, I will. I'm not sure if I'm chill with you being alone after what happened tonight. Besides, there's probably no more room upstairs."

"Are you sure? I'll be fine on my own, if that's what you're worried about."

Raph sat on the most cushioned chair, grabbing the blanket that was on the seat and throwing it over himself. "It's more for myself, to be honest. I keep thinking this is all some dream and that I'm gonna wake up and see you still in the tub."

Leo didn't know what to say, so he bit his tongue and nodded a bit. Leo reached for his tea and started drinking it again, looking into the cup. He heard Raph shuffling, probably trying to get comfortable enough to sleep in the chair, then a sudden lack of shuffling.

"Leo," Raph said. Something about the way said his name made Leo hesitant to look up, so he kept staring into the cup. "Yo, Leo." Leo didn't budge. Raph sighed. "Fine, don't look at me, just hear me out. I don't mean to make you feel bad whenever I bring up these past 3 months or whatever. It's just surreal to me- - I'm not tryna make you feel bad. If I have, I'm sorry."

Leo had finished his tea, so he had no excuse to keep looking into his cup. He set it down, then glanced at Raph, who had a soft yet defeated look on his face. "No, I'm sorry- - I'm just having a hard time processing it." Leo looked down to the ground. "Whenever you or the others say something about it, I just don't know what to say. You guys look so hurt whenever you talk about it, and it's because of me that you all are feeling that way- -"

"Whoa, no, that's not true," Raph interrupted. "Shredder's the one who did this to you. This isn't your fault at all, Leo. Don't blame yourself for something you didn't even do." Raph's voice sounded edged, yet it wavered. Leo looked at Raph again, seeing his brother's eyes swelling up a bit. Raph shut his eyes tightly, waiting for those swelling tears to go away before he opened his eyes. "We just really missed you, bro. We're real glad to have you back again."

Leo smiled a bit at his brother. "I missed you guys, too."

Raph yawned a bit, turning on his side before shutting his eyes to get ready to sleep. "Get as much sleep as you can, bro. Tomorrow, I'ma help ya train."

"Okay, Master Raph," Leo teased, yawning loudly. "G'night."

Raph mumbled "night" in response, and minutes later, Leo could hear Raph breathing heavily but evenly. Raph was sound asleep. Leo shut his eyes, waiting for sleep to take him under. It took a while, but it eventually came.

Leo opened his eyes, seeing nothing but pitch blackness surrounding him. He blinked rapidly to make sure he had actually opened his eyes. He held his hand in front of his face, seeing it after his eyes adjusted after a couple of seconds. He carefully took some steps forwards, looking around for any sight of light. There was a sudden shimmer of light, then it disappeared. It appeared again, but this time, a sound accompanied it. Again it came, and he heard the familiar sound of blades being unsheathed.

"Who's there?" Leo called out. Leo reached behind him, gripping the air until he grabbed the handles of his katanas, sliding them out. He heard some faint whispering. "Raph? Donnie? Mikey?" He heard distant laughs. "April? Casey? Is that you?" Suddenly, he heard the familiar voices of his brothers and friends yell out cries of pain as the sound of blades gliding through the air boomed around him. "Guys! I'm coming, hold on!" Leo started running seemingly forwards. It felt like he was going nowhere, and suddenly, a distant light faced him. He ran for it, feeling relief when it came closer. He finally stepped through it, looking around and seeing none of his brothers or friends. "Hello?" The light around him faded until grayness surrounded him. He heard someone laughing at him. Fed up, Leo held up his katanas, ready to defend himself. "Come out, coward!"

"As you wish, Leonardo." Leo immediately tensed up as he heard the familiar, dark voice speak from behind him. He sharply turned around, his eyes falling on the figure's eyes. He saw the shimmer glide across its head, and he recognized the head wear.

"The kabuto," Leo breathed out. Leo stepped back immediately, but it was too late. Shredder raised his fist, the blades emerging from his gauntlet. Wicked laughter surrounded him, and the faces of Tiger Claw, Fishface, Rahzar, Bebop and Rocksteady appeared as Shredder struck down towards the terrapin.

"No, not again, no, n- -"

Donnie yawned, rubbing his eyes as he stumbled down the stairs. He went to the kitchen, pouring himself some water and drinking it in hopes of making the dryness in his throat go away. He pulled out his T-Phone, squinting as the brightness from his screen irritated his eyes. He was not awake enough for this, especially not at 3:24 in the morning. He turned off the screen and slid the T-Phone back in his belt. Donnie poured and drank some more water, set the glass aside, and headed back for the stairs, hoping to easily go back to sleep. Halfway up the stairs, he heard one of his brothers mumbling downstairs. His brothers sometimes mumbled in their sleep, so he thought nothing of it and continued up the stairs. The mumbles started becoming coherent, repeating the word 'no.' Donnie stopped walking, waiting to see if the mumbling would continue. After a couple of seconds, it stopped. Donnie shrugged it off, about to start back up again when- -

"NO!"

Donnie and Raph both shot awake, alarmed at the sudden yell. Donnie rushed down the steps, and Raph shot out of his chair. They searched wildly around the house, trying to figure out what was going on. They both jumped as the yelling continued. They both immediately rushed to the source as it continued yelling.

"No, stop, no no no!"

"Leo!" Donnie and Raph yelled, trying to wake their brother up.

"No, get off of me, stop!" Leo yelled, thrashing his arms around as he tried to defend himself.

"Leo, wake up, it's just a bad dream!" Raph yelled, shaking Leo's shoulders roughly.

"Leo, it's us! Wake up!" Donnie loudly whispered. He wasn't sure why he was whispering. "It's us, your brothers!"

"Get away from me!" Leo cried, his voice strained.

Donnie and Raph tried holding Leo down as he thrashed around. Raph sighed, raising an arm up. "I'm sorry, bro." Raph smacked Leo across the face, already writhed with guilt for hitting his brother.

Donnie shot daggers at Raph. "What the shell, Raph?!"

"I thought it would wo- -"

"Raph? Donnie?" The two brothers stopped bickering and looked down at Leo, who looked both lost and scared. "Is that really you guys?"

"What are you talking about, Leo?" Raph asked, immediately concerned.

"Shredder and the Foot- - they captured you guys, I didn't know where you were- - are you two okay? Did they hurt you?" Leo immediately felt guilty, a pained expression on his face. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't fast enough, I could have d- -"

"Leo," Donnie said calmly, getting Leo's attention. "none of that happened, none of it's real. It was a dream."

Leo was at a loss for words. "A- a dream?" Leo looked between them. "It wasn't real?"

"Everything's okay, bro," Raph replied. "Nothing happened."

Leo took a moment to catch his breath and somewhat collect himself. "It was... just a dream?"

Donnie nodded. "It was just a dream. We're all safe. We're at the farm house. Casey, April and Mikey are upstairs, sound asleep."

"Shredder is nowhere around here, neither are the Foot. Leo," Raph whispered, looking worriedly at his brother. "they're far away, don't worry."

Leo nodded absentmindedly, looking around to confirm it for himself. Once he calmed down, he felt embarrassed. He had a nightmare, and it took him what felt like forever just to believe none of it was real. Why did he have a nightmare? Why was he acting like such a child? He needed to pull it together for his family, and here he was, crying about a bad dream.

"Leo, you okay?" Donnie asked. Leo nodded, looking away from his brothers. He felt so pathetic. To add onto his negative feelings, he didn't want to be left alone now. At the same time, though, he wanted to feel confident enough to sleep by himself. But he was still reeling from the nightmare.

"D, can you fix him up some tea?" Raph asked.

"Yeah, yeah, be right back," Donnie replied, speed walking to the kitchen.

"Thanks," Raph replied, watching Donnie leave. Leo shuffled himself around, trying to get Raph's hands off his shoulders. Raph lifted his hands up quickly, realizing why Leo was moving around so much. "Sorry about that, and uh, sorry about your face."

"What?" Leo croaked, confused. In an instant, he felt one of his cheeks start to sting, like he had been slapped. Leo immediately raised one of his hands to his cheek, covering it. "Ow, what the shell..." Leo mumbled, confused.

"Sorry, I didn't know how else to wake you up- - we tried shaking you, yelling at you..."

Leo groaned, waving off Raph's apology. "No, it's fine," Leo replied in a hushed tone, looking up at his brother. Leo rubbed his cheek, letting out a little chuckle. "At least it worked." Raph laughed a bit, just as Leo was hoping for him to do. The forced chuckle was meant to ease Raph's nerves, so Leo was glad it worked. Leo held a small smile for a moment, but it faded as Leo looked away from Raph. "I- I'm sorry for waking you up just because of my stupid dream..."

"Don't be sorry, man," Raph replied. "And it isn't stupid. Do you wa- -"

"Tea's ready," Donnie interrupted, coming in with a small cup. He knelt down a bit, carefully handing it to Leo.

"Thanks," Leo mumbled, quickly drinking the tea.

"Whoa, what's the rush?" Donnie asked.

"I just wanna go back to sleep," Leo mumbled, turning on his side, facing away from his brothers.

"Really?" Donnie stood up straight. "Are you sure?"

"Don't ya wanna talk about it?" Raph asked. "Maybe if ya talked about it, it'd make you feel a little better and make the nightmare go away."

"It's fine," Leo said. "I'm really tired."

"Leo- -"

"I'll talk about it later, okay?" Leo said, trying to get them to stop asking.

"But Leo- -"

Leo turned his head to look at his brothers. He forced himself to give them a soft, reassuring smile, hoping that they would at least back down for the night. "I'm okay, guys. Thanks for helping me. I just- -" he let out a fake but convincing yawn "- -wanna go back to sleep, and I'm sure you both want to, too."

Donnie and Raph were still worried, but they were really tired. They looked at each other, then back down at Leo. Donnie ran a hand down his face and Raph just sighed.

"Alright, Leo," Raph finally said. "You're sure?"

Leo nodded, smiling at them once again. "I'm sure. I just want some sleep."

"Okay, but when we wake up, we should talk about your dream," Donnie yawned.

Leo nodded again, turning to face away from his brothers as he pulled the blanket over himself. "Mhm," Leo hummed. "Night, guys."

Donnie and Raph glanced at each other once again, looking uneasy about not addressing the dream, but they knew better than to try to argue with a tired Leo. "Night, Leo," they replied in unison. Raph went to his chair as Donnie ascended up the stairs. Once Raph heard Donnie shut his door, he shifted around until he was comfortable and closed his eyes, ready to sleep. Before Raph let himself fall asleep, he whispered loudly at his brother.

"Leo, you awake?" Leo didn't reply, so Raph listened intently at Leo's breathing. After some seconds, he heard the heavy, even breathing from Leo, meaning Leo was asleep. This eased Raph's nerves enough for him to go to sleep- - Raph was worried about Leo staying up and not getting sleep in fear of having the nightmare again, but hearing Leo sleeping made him feel at ease. In seconds, Raph fell asleep.

Leo waited to hear the heavy, even breathing from his brother before he loudly whispered "Raph, you awake?" After no replies after him asking many times, Leo let out a long sigh. He really was tired, that much was true, but he was too scared to go back to sleep. Raph's concern about Leo was happening. Every time Leo nodded off, he immediately panicked, his heart racing and his thoughts clouding his mind. Leo anxiously waited for it to be daytime. He knew the recovery process was going to be long, but he hadn't accounted for this, and he dreaded the now longer process of recovery. He wondered when- - if- - he was ever going to get past this.