Chapter four: Peace and Quiet

April was silent watching Leo sleep. He looked peaceful, but she feared it wouldn't last. Again she held Leo's mask close to her, he seemed so calm for the situation he was in.

"You really care about him... don't you." Linda observed, thoughtfully.

"Of course." Sighed April, her gaze never leaving the motionless mutant. "Leo... and the others, they've... always been there for me. They're like family."

"I know," Linda nodded, she paused. "Ya know you're pretty brave. I hear you told your father that you're leaving to go with the turtles to help with Leonardo."

"Yeah, but I... I can't just- let them go alone. What kind of friend would I be if I did that?"

"You know this isn't your fault, right?"

"Yeah but... it's just... the turtles have always been there for me... now, l think it's time I do something for them." The two exchanged a smile, and a groan broke their gaze. Leo stirred and his eyes slowly opened again. His vision was still blurred, but they began to adjust to the light. As he looked around he became aware is his surroundings, realizing what was going on.

"April," he croaked hoarsely, though not as much as before. "Where are we?"

"We're almost there, we should be there any minute. How ya feelin'?"

"I'm, ok... I guess." The exhausted mutant replied, with a weak hallow smile.

"We're here," called one of the drivers, turning into the driveway of the farmhouse. When they pulled up in front of the house, April stepped out of the back and gaze knowingly at the familiar form of what was once her childhood home. She looked off into the distance, and saw the tombstone that showed where they had buried Master Splinter. The carving of their former master stood guard over the land, watching over them like a guardian of some kind. The memory of Splinter's death came flooding back to her, but it was drowned out by the turtles and Casey joining her as the medics brought Leo out. When they unlatched the straps, and removed the covers.

"Welcome back bro." Raph told him softly. The two brothers exchanged smiled.

"Well not quite." April remarked, with one hand on her hip and the other holding up Leo's mask. She then came forward and re-placed the mask on Leo's face where it belonged.

"Thanks April," Leo attempted to sit up, but the pain stopped him. Coming to his side the team stood ready. "Relax Leonardo," Linda advised resting a hand on his good shoulder.

"I... need- to- get up." Leo groaned, trying to sound like he was good enough to do so.

"Are you sure you're able to walk?" April was concerned.

"Yes, I'll be fine." Was the turtle's response. "Please." April glanced at Linda.

"Well... alright. But you'll have to be very careful." Linda said finally. April stepped back as Raph took Leo's left hand and Donnie supported his right side as they helped him sit up. And sliding himself over, Leo carefully slid off the stretcher. His knees buckled under him and his brother's held on to him. Slinging Leo's arm over his shoulder, Raph helped his brother into the house laying him down in the bedroom upstairs. As Raph pulled the light blanket over him, the turtle drew in a deep, tired breath.

"There you go, bro." Raph told him softly, patting his brother's chest gently as he settled down to sleep. "Get some rest."

"I'll check his incision quick and then we'll be on our way." Linda announced reaching over Leo, taking a quick look she carefully re-placed the bandages and nodded with satisfaction. "He's good." She said finally. And with that they all filed quietly out of the room. Closing the door behind them, they headed down the stairs on the living room. "Ok, here's a everything you'll need to re-dress the wound, ice packs, heat pad, and Selene. Again if you need anything, give us a call and we'll help you out if we can."

"We will, thanks!" April nodded, shooting her a grateful smile.

"Yeah, thanks for everything." Donatello added, grinning.

"No problem. Well... good luck to you. I hope Leo recovers well." And with that she headed out to the ambulance. The team stood on the porch and watched it until it was out of sight. And then, one after the other, headed back inside, until all that remained was April. She looked up into the sky, as the sun sunk into the horizon and disappeared. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness the stars became more visible. A shooting star flashed across the black sea of stars. Perhaps it was a sign that she made the right decision, or telling that her mother was still alive somewhere. Or maybe it was just a beautiful rush of light emanating from a rock in space. Either way, it still made her smile, as she, too, headed inside.

Hearing the rooster crow was a wonderful and familiar thing that she now realized she'd missed about being at the farmhouse. The peace and quiet is the farm was very refreshing, versus the hustle and bustle of New York City. The sunshine poured in the window of her room like a waterfall. Rising from her mattress she stretched her arms out, then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She dragged herself out of bed. And headed down the hall to the stairs. Passing Leo's room she heard a... CRASH!!! Something hit the floor. Rushing back and opening the door, she froze when she saw Raphael on the floor picking up the pieces of the cheap lamp that once stood next to the bed on the nightstand.

"Raph? What are you doing in her?" Her nerves calming at the sight of the turtle in red.

"Relax April," Raph said, setting the pieces on the nightstand again. "I was just checking on Leo. He's still asleep, I was just making sure he was alright in here." He then headed for the door, nearly brushing past her. Looking at Leo, he suddenly moved. Raph stopped in his tracks, turning around quickly he stood stalk-still watching his brother. Leo stirred and his eyes opened slowly. He sighed and looked around. April and Raph came closer.

"Leo?" Raph said quietly.

"Hey Raph." Leo responded carefully reaching his right arm up to wipe the sleep from his eyes. Holding his left hand up for Raph. Taking it Raph helped Leo sit up, April sat down on the bed behind him.

"How's you shoulder feel?" She asked, placing her hands gently on his shoulders, and running her fingers gently down his right arm.

"Ok I guess," he said, not even attempting to move it. Sliding out of bed Leo stood up, and he was relieved that the room didn't spin anymore. Though he did feel a little light-headed, he knew he'd been hit hard by the anesthesia.

"Easy, Leo." Raph reminded him.

"Yeah... I know." Taking April's hand, Raph led the way down the stairs to the living room where Donnie, Mikey and Casey were watching tv.

"Hey look who's up." Raph announced joining them.

"Leo, you're awake!" Donnie gasped that his brother being awake and walking. Everyone cleared the way as April sat him down on the couch and laid him out across it. Leo squirmed tenderly because of his shoulder.

"Hang on Leo, I'll get you something for the pain." April said, placing a hand on his other shoulder. Rising to her feet she disappeared into the other room.

"Since you'll be lying around for a while," Donnie began, right as April returned with a syringe. "I've added some games to your T-phone that I think you'll like. They should keep you busy... for a while." He handed it to Leo, as April have the medication. Knowing there was not much more he could do, Leonardo studies the games on the screen. He scrolled through them before pressing one that seemed interesting, and started play, tapping away at the screen. Mikey knelt over behind him, peeking over his shoulder at what he was playing. While the rest of the team left and headed to another room.

"Ok," April sighed, laying her hands on the table. "Leo's occupied. What's the plan?" She shifted her weight and leaned forward on her palms. She looked from one person to the other, searching for an answer.

"Well, I guess we do some training, while each of us take a turn to keep an eye on him." Donnie suggested.

"Ok." Raph shrugged, "then let's do it." He straightened out, popping his back, and beginning to stretch. "Come on Mikey, we're going outside."

"Aww man, but it was just getting good." Mikey whined from where he knelt.

"Come on!!" Raph repeated, intensely grabbing his brother's mask tails and dragging him out the door. Casey swung his baseball bat up over across his shoulder, and followed them.

"I'll stay and keep an eye on him first." April decided glancing at where Leo lay. Donnie gave a nod, and headed out too.

Leo was still focused on playing a game, when April returned with a cup of tea. She thought it might help her wake up more effectively. Taking a sip she laid back in her chair relaxing in the silence, which, for once, wasn't such a bad thing. Looking over at Leo again, she could see his eyelids drop lower and is body relax. His hands gently grasping his T-phone, which drooped a bit. Giving a loving smile she quietly took it from him, laying it carefully next to the couch on the small table. She pulled the light blanket over him as he drifted off to sleep again.

"Hiyah!" Raph stopped Donnie's staff from hitting him. "So," Donnie continued. How do you think Leo's really doing?" The turtle in purple avoided a blow from Raph.

"Didn't you hear him, he said he was fine." Raph responded, launching an attack at Casey.

"I know but, Leo can say he's fine, when he's really not." The big brained mutant pointed out. "Remember when the Shredder got him, during the Krrang invasion."

"Hate to admit it, but Donnie's got a point." Casey agreed. Raph and Casey lowered their weapons.

"Yeah, maybe you're right." Raph sighed staring at the ground, after a second thought.

Leonardo lay still and seemingly peaceful, but inside was a whole other story...

Leo stood alone in the darkness, noticing a light to his left he looked up at it and his pupils shrunk in horror. He saw the Shredder in slow motion delivering the blow that left him in a coma for a three months. In front of him just beyond the Shredder was another memory. Razhar, Tiger Claw, and Fishface's attacks that weakened him beforehand. And to his right appeared the aftermath, his time recovering at the farmhouse. He remembered how angry and upset he was that he wasn't getting better. The anger and frustration bubbling back up in him as he thought about it. He remembered wondering if he'd ever get better. Then a another really bright light appeared behind him. He was almost afraid to look, but he was too curious NOT to look. The light blinded him for a sec, but he saw quite clearly the memory of the day before. He remembered holding onto that light pole for dear life, and how painful the 'snap!' was. And the surgery that followed, it was hazy, but it was there. He remembered when Master Splinter was injured by Slash, and what followed. When Karai poisoned them with her venom under the control of Shredder's brain worm. How Master Splinter taught him the Healing Hands technique, and how he, himself, used it to stay alive and save his brothers... and his friends. He had hoped he could save Karai... But Splinter beat him to it. And he was glad for it. 'Wait,' he thought to himself. Dropping to his knees he focused himself, calming his mind and spirit. He began to glow and the light grew and grew...

Suddenly Leo's body also began to glow to April's complete surprise. She stood there stalk-still not daring to move. What was happening?! She did not know, but still she remained where she was. After a pause she hesitantly knelt by his side, touching him lightly she felt a restorative power flowing within her. She suddenly felt rejuvenated, and she fell backwards onto the floor. Just then the others returned to see this and they, too, froze.

"What's happening?!" Raph breathed.

"I don't know, it just started." Leo suddenly shook himself out of it, his eyes quickly fluttering open. It was as if he'd been startled by something.

"Leo?" Mikey said, peering over Raph's shoulder. Leo rubbed the sleep from his eyes with his left hand.

"Uh, Yeah, Hey." He replied, trying to look awake.

"Dude, are you alright? Cause that was... weird." Raph wondered.

"Uh, What do you mean?" Leo was genuinely confused.

"You were glowing." April told him picking herself up off the floor.

"I was?" Leo's expression showed his surprise, but April nodded.

"Wow." Leo scratched his head in surprise. "Guess I'm more powerful than I thought."

"What do you mean?" April wondered.

"I guess... I was having a dream, that I was using the healing hands."

"Well... maybe it wasn't just a dream." April suggested.

"Maybe." Leo shrugged, his gaze wondering across the floor.

"Welp," Mikey said, clapping his hand together, "who's hungry?!" Everyone's hand went up. "You got it!" So Mikey dashed for the kitchen.

"Is it really a good idea letting Mikey cook all the time?" Raph asked as he and Casey followed Mikey. April knelt by Leo.

"Leo, what really happened?"

"I don't know, believe me." Her eyes searched his. Her mental energy could sense the truth of his words.

"Ok, I believe you. But are your sure you're ok."

"Yeah, I think so. For now." With a smile April stood up and, taking a seat next to him, sunk into it.

How's it going fanfic fans!! For all you turtle fans, if you haven't noticed, I'm a huge Leonardo fan!! Especially in this series(and the 2003 series and 2007 movie ;D) and as always none of the relationships here are anything other than friends and/or family... Except for maybe Casey and Donnie's rivalry over April. ;) And anyway I always loved Leo and April's interactions, especially in the episode Eyes of the Chimera. And honestly I wish that match up could've been used more often and explored somemore in the show. I loved the way these two bounced off each other throughout the show. And thought I should give them another situation like that. They have a special kind of friendship and I wanted to recognize that a little more. Anyway, let me know in th comments who your favorite turtle/character is. And as always let me know your thoughts on these story concepts. Thx!!