Chapter 2: Eight Virtues coloured Purple.

Righteosness

Courage

Benevolence

Respect

Sincerity

Honour

Loyalty

Self-Control

These are the eight virtues of the Samurai. Even if I am a ninja and I follow codes closer to the Ninniku Seishen, to keep my heart pure and compassionate towards all enemies. I feel as if I must explore more of my culture background. All these virtues represent so much of what my brothers and I stand for-

Leonardo rushed across the rooftops alongside his brothers, they had a near perfect patrol. They stopped three muggers, one robbery in progress and helped a punk on the streets to get back to his parents and stop wasting his life. He couldn't help but smile at the success of the patrol, it was as if they were finally being smiled upon from above- so to speak. Leo took a breath and the looked to his side where Raphael ran, his brother held an scowl and suddenly he felt his mood dissipate, what had gotten into Raph?

"Hey, what's gotten under your shell?" His blue eyes flickered with eagerness to know.

Raph watched his brother with a piercing amber gaze before he gave a grunt of dissatisfaction, "How do we know that punk kid wouldn't have jus' turned around' and gone back to stealin' money from people?"

The red-banded turtle was always one to bring up doubts. It wasn't that he lacked compassion, in fact his friendship with Casey had taught him many things, like taking the higher road. He just found it hard to understand that when they had someone captured- or on the run, that Leo had to sometimes try and prove his point that everyone needs mercy sometimes. Raph wasn't against mercy in the slightest. But, he did have his reserves for who it was meant for. Part of him didn't want to give that punk any chance, but Leo was for some reason in a good and- 'merciful' mood.

Leo looked at Raph, closed his eyes for a second and then sighed, "He was just a fourteen year old kid, we can't just beat him up and teach him a lesson. He doesn't know what he got himself into-"

"Odds are he never even knew what he got into in the beginning. Probably accidentally tried drugs for the first time, something moderate, like weed." Donnie's voice interrupted Leo.

Everyone stopped running and looked at him.

"What? I was only trying to be technical." Donnie defended.

Raph rubbed his face and threw his hands up in the air, looking extremely frustrated. "Great, let's get technical bout' somethin' serious."

Leo sighed and put his hands on his hips, collecting himself and mustering up his best scolding look.

"Ok, I understand that you don't agree with me, but it's not like I let the Shredder go. Remember. We killed him."

"Do I need ta bring up Karai-"

Mikey, who had silently watched this usual exchange, finally decided to pitch in.

"Oh no, he didn't." He pursed his lips and wagged his finger with slight sass.

The leader looked at him, irritated. "Thanks for your input, Mikey. Exactly what this conversation needed."

"You guys were getting all tense again, I was just trying to lighten up the mood-" Mikey pouted and folded his arms," Hey! Maybe we should play a game of ninja-tag, I'll totally be it." His baby blues shone as he tried to entice his brothers with a bit competition. Mikey might seem like the less intelligent one, but no one could deny his pure heart and how he just wanted his brothers happy.

Leo paused for a moment, sharing glances with the others, Raph looked ready to protest and Donnie just looked uninterested. He didn't forget that he still had to drop by April's. With a sly smile, he sent a challenging look Raph's way, which in turn made the Hothead square his shoulders, he was suspicious.

" Best idea all night, Mikey, we could all use a post-patrol reliever." Leo gave a nod in agreement before rolling out his shoulder. He gave Mikey a look and then smiled.

"Ok, you count to ten and then come looking for us."

"Awesome!"

Donnie's eyes widened and he looked at Leo, that was surprisingly odd behavior, usually Leo was the one who denied anything fun. His normal activities included things such as discussing their tactics afterwards at the Lair. Especially in winter. Leo was usually more concerned with their health. Mikey started counting and Donnie gave Leo a questioning glance, but the leader was already off. When he turned to explain to Raph that Leo has been acting aloof, he found himself alone in front of Mikey finishing his counting.

"Ten!" Mikey opened his eyes and and stared at Donnie for a few seconds, he blinked and sighed. " Dude, the whole point is that you hide."

Oh, really. Donnie rolled his eyes.

No use being sarcastic with my brother. Wonder what Leo is up too-

"Hellooooo- Earth to Donatello, dude c'mon, we gutta find the others man."

Mikey's eyes sparkled mischievously as he ran off with a spring in his step. Donnie blinked and then shook his head, smiling.

Mikey's happiness has always been infectious.

"Not if I find them first!" With his challenge raised, he unsheathed his bo and vaulted past his goofy little brother. Mikey laughed and and then let out a battlecry.

"Cowabunga!"

Leo laughed as he ran across the streets, the lights flew past him. His thigh muscles rippled under the pressure. But he felt free. With his brothers playing their game of hide an go seek, because really that's what it was, he could slip away. In these moments of his own mind he truly was himself. He grinned widely as he flipped up a vent and twirled in the air- time stopped. He was flying.

He watched the people, who were still about, bustling around. It was serene, it was his moment- but all good things came to an end and his feet landed on the ground, he skidded against asphalt before straightening and and continuing his trip to Second Time Around.

Leo reached out his hand, grabbing hold of a washing line and sliding down, landing unto a fire escape with surprising silence. He let out a sigh and his breath fogged up the window of April's top apartment. Before he knocked, he realized that he was staring at his reflection, with a slight tilt of his head he reached out. For a moment in his exhilarating freedom and hint of mischief he had forgotten that he was the leader of his brothers. The responsible-stick-in-the-mud that didn't now the meaning of fun. Leo dropped his gaze, his energy replaced with a cloud of darkness and self-loathing.

What was I thinking?

Leaving his brothers out in the cold like this? Sure they wore jackets and scarves, but would that help if a blizzard struck? Leo scowled and finally knocked gently on the window. He saw the light flicker on and then rubbed his face. Now his only mission was to get Donnie's gift and regroup with his brothers.

April O' Neil, artifact hunter and reporter was an ordinary human woman with extraordinary friends. They had helped her in so many life or death situations that she felt she could never repay them enough. April quickly made it to her window in her very warm and very snug nightgown. With a bite of her lip and regret, she opened her window, immediately hissing at the icy air coming in.

"Hey, Leo, you do realize the window is unlocked right?" She buried her face in her sleeve, this cold was unbearable.

Leo coughed and then rubbed his head sheepishly, "Didn't want to seem rude. "

"Nonsense, I've known you guys for years, you can't possibly be rude. Besides, Raph comes here unannounced most of the time. Especially when it is to hangout with Casey when a game is on." April rolled her green eyes while stepping aside for him to enter.

Leo waved his hand dismissively. " Oh- no, not staying. Just here for Donnie's package. Sorry to disturb you this late."

April frowned, she could never understand Leo's ability to come across as business and no pleasure She gave him a sad smile, her heart always reached out to her four boys-

"Sure Leo, I'll get that package for you." April turned and headed for her living room, ginger hair disappearing behind the wall.

The package, that wasn't even that heavy, weighed in his hands like the burdens he carried on his shell. His forgetfulness and light-hearted mood could have very well landed his brothers sick in bed. Leo shook his head as his eyes swam with thought. He felt like he was doing the walk of shame, heading back at a slower more careful pace. What was he to do?

"Great, she's dead!" A voice echoed from a nearby alley.

"Shut up, Jed- " Pierced another man's voice.

Leo broke out of his thoughts and turned his head to the yells. Who was dead- He moved closer to the edge of the rooftop and looked down. His eyes widened, " Purple Dragons."

A/N: Firstly,I would like to thank Lady of Myths and Legends and QueenDivaReba for their reviews, it really warmed my soul. This chapter is a bit slow but I really wanted to work on the guy's bond. Also there will be more of April soon.

I do not own the Turtles or ninja-tag, and the research I did on Bushido and Ninniku Seishen, is as accurate as I could manage.