Deep in the underground sewers, there was only the sound of dripping water and scurrying rats. The scuffling echoed in the dank underground. However, if
someone were to listen even more closely they would hear the grunts and smacks that they would hear in a fight…
Master Splinter was once again training his children. Leo spun and twisted skillfully while Raph charged forward arrogantly. Leo and Raph were flung easily away,
and they knocked down a couple of practice dummies. Don took a careful approach towards their Master. He used his bo staff to propel himself up and forward.
He landed on the other side of Splinter and twirled his weapon closer and closer. Master Splinter caught it with his bare hands and with little effort, carried Don on
the other end of the staff. Donnie was sent sprawling into Raph. While the rat was busy with the others, Mikey was lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.
When he saw his chance he sprinted suddenly out towards his Sensei. He looked completely focused, totally opposite of what he once had been. Master Splinter
blocked the blows from Mikey's nunchaku with Don's bo staff. Mikey was almost faster than his Master. Mikey wrapped a nun chuck around the bo staff and gave
a good yank. It clattered to the floor. Mikey rested a nun chuck on Master Splinter's shoulder out of respect and gave a low bow.
"Well done, Michaelangelo." Master Splinter's voice was filled with surprise as he returned the bow.
The other brothers got up and moaned in pain as they attempted to shake the sore muscles.
"I can't believe Mikey showed Master Splinter up!" Raph muttered in a hushed tone to his brothers. He was clutching at his seized up shoulder.
"Uh, I just think he was lucky not to get pounded into the ground!" Donnie groaned. He was rolling over off of his shell so he could get up.
Leo, who was massaging his temples as if he had a headache, didn't reply straight away.
"I'm proud of him, but that was completely out of character. Guys, I can't help but think he's still troubled by what happened, you know, before…" The blue-
banded turtle's face was scrunched up with worry.
Off to the side, Emily was sitting cross-legged on the floor. Her head was hung low. She was trying to remember more things about her clouded past. She didn't
have much memories of what happened before- whatever it was that happened. She shook her head with frustration, clearing her head of these thoughts.
"You four boys are dismissed! I must speak with Emily alone now," Splinter ushered the boys out of the room. He turned and shuffled in her direction. The sound
of his claws scratching on the floor echoed in the darkened training room.
He kneeled down beside her and said, "Emily, my child, my daughter, what is it that still troubles you? I see you do not wish to join your brothers in their ninja
training."
Emily looked down even further. She knit her eyes closed tightly for a moment, and then the words came in a rush.
"I don't think I can remember all of it! I sometimes catch myself trying to call Raph by Don's name, or something like that! How can I remember my ninja skills
if I find even a simple thing like getting a name right hard?!"
She stopped when she saw Master Splinter raise his hand to address her.
"Emily, you can't recall the past because you are looking in the wrong place." He smiled at her kindly. There was even a glint of amusement in those dark eyes.
"W-what do you mean, Sensei?"
"You mustn't look here," He laid a finger on his forehead. "You must look here." He moved his hand over his own heart. "Look deep into your heart, not your
mind. Only then, will the answers finally reveal themselves to you." He left her to ponder over this. He got up and scuffled over to his room. He quietly
slid the door shut.