Chapter Four:

Leo woke with a jolt the next morning starring up at the ceiling. He held back his fearful cry. Instead he whimpered. He felt so tired, so frustrated at this recurring event. He could hear the early birds quiet chirps, and turned to see water drops on the window from the morning fog. With a sigh he rolled out of bed and onto his feet. As he stretched his arms out, he stood there looking out the window at the beautiful morning. He found himself not taking in the scenery, or admiring the sun rise, but instead wondering if they were all being watched. He wondered if danger would show its ugly head today, or the next. He thought about his dream and what it could mean, who that girl was, and how it might all be connected. He was up half the night thinking about it before he had fallen asleep, only to have her haunt him yet again. She might have also been the one he had encountered in the woods, if they were the same person.

His side didn't hurt any more, but the bruise, though faint, still lingered. His visions remained a mystery. He was so confused. Hearing shuffling down stairs, he realized April must have already gotten up and was starting to prepare breakfast. Walking down stairs he greeted her with a friendly smile. Glad to see a familiar and welcoming face.

"Good morning April."

"Oh, morning Leo. Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah, just fine." He lied.

"You look like you could stand to go a little longer." She giggled. "Wanna give me a hand?" she said waving a spatula.

"Sure thing." He smiled and took the spatula from her.

He helped her with the cooking as the others began to awake and started getting ready for whatever they planned to do that day. If Raph went swimming again, Leo planned to go back to the clearing and train some more. If not, then he would meditate wherever he went with one of his brothers, depending who his buddy was. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to engage in any other activity with the others. He would be too concerned with the potential threat around them and be consumed by his own thoughts.

It didn't take long for the others to awake and make their way down stairs. Breakfast was dished out and they discussed their plans for the day.

"Okay, so we all got it planned out." Said Don to everyone at the table. "Mike, Raph, Casey and April are all going swimming, Splinter and me are going to play chess on the beach, and, what are you doing Leo?" he asked as Leo.

"Um, I'm going back in the woods for another hike, right by the lake."

"Oh. Well okay then, we'll all meet back here for lunch. Everyone got it?" Don looked around the table.

"Crystal dude." Said Mikey through a mouthful of egg.

"Stay close to the lake on your walk Leonardo." warned Splinter. "And keep your communication open." The old rat knew how his son was really planning to spend his afternoon. He was a little uneasy about him being away from the group, but he trusted Leo wouldn't go too far off. He also felt he needed to blow of some steam, so to speak. He sense he was stressed, perhaps more so. He decided he would approach him later and talk to him about it.

"Yes Master Splinter."

Breakfast was over quickly and their morning training went even quicker since they were so eager to get to their fun. Everyone gathered up their beach things, respected weapons, and walked down to the lake, while Leo waited up stairs for them to leave. Once they were gone he put on his pads and swords, and headed to the clearing. Once he arrived, he wasted no time in tying on his mask and unsheathed his swords. Taking a battle stance he stood in silence for a moment. He could hear every sound around him; birds, squirrels, rustling leaves, the others laughing and splashing in the distance. He opened his eyes and swung his weapons through the air. Again he performed all he knew in his art from flips, stabs, strikes, and slashes, to dodges, kicks, and defenses; everything Splinter had taught him and more. But this time, he had a face to put to his imaginary enemies'. He could see the monster from his visions. And he fought it with everything he had.

TT

At the lake, Don sat with Splinter on the beach as they started on their first game.

"Master Splinter, do you think there's something going on with Leo? He seemed a bit distracted this morning, and was acting strange last night."

Splinter thought for a moment before responding. "I believe your brother is troubled by the unknown around us. He takes on the burden of worry. I fear he will not enjoy himself as much as you and the others are. It is, a habit he has developed, one that keeps his senses alert. It is a good quality in a ninja, but he is unable to see when things are truly safe and let himself be at ease."

"Isn't there something we can do to fix that? Some way we can help him keep from having his fun ruined by being worried about something that might not even be a real threat? I mean, for all we know a bear or something could have gotten into the house. Though that seems highly illogical given the point of entry…" He trailed off. "And he was attacked by someone in the woods."

"I believe the answer to that lies elsewhere. We are not the ones who can help him overcome this fear and worry of what may be hiding in the shadows."

"Then who can?" Don hung his head. He was worried about his brother. He hadn't really been himself sine they got to the farm house.

"Perhaps we will find the answers here…" he said making his next move.

He turned slowly toward forest and looked deep into the woods. He could feel it, the energy in the air. It made his fur ruffle. Something was going to happen today; something important. There was a strange presence about. It was neither threatening, nor reassuring. He had felt it since they first arrived. Since then, it had been drawing closer to him and his sons. Today especially, that presence was very strong. It was mixed in with the twisted energies he felt in Leonardo that morning. He hadn't thought too much on it then, but now he was feeling more concerned. He inhaled deeply. There was a familiar scent in the air.

TT

In the clearing, Leo found himself getting tired from his lack of proper sleep and sweating from the hot summer sun. Sheathing his swords he sat under a nearby tree and removed his mask, using it to wipe his brow. He decided now was a good time to meditate, so he folded his legs and breathed deeply, slowing his heart rate. As his mind began to clear, he thought once again about his dream, the girl in the woods, and the girl on the lake. The lake girl was defiantly the one from his dream, but the other may or may not tie into this. It was very possible they were the same person, but he had his doubts. And then there was the monstrous beast. Was it meant to symbolize a great danger from this seemingly harmless individual that always came before it? He thought maybe it was a good time to tell Splinter about it.

…

Somewhere not far away, a figure walked through the bushes in the forest. They were stalking, nearing the clearing where Leo sat. They peered through the thick bush, trying to see the stranger sitting beside the tree. They wore a hooded, camouflaged jacket.

…

After resting for a while, Leo got up and readied himself to continue his training. Taking a breath, he swung his sword and plunged into another set of cottas. He didn't get very far into his exercises when he felt a strange and all too familiar sensation; a tingle down his spine. He was being watched.

He paused for a moment. He stood perfectly still and listened to every sound around him. There was someone out there. Friend or foe? He was leaning towards the later. Not wanting to let the unseen spectator know he was on to them, Leo began to go through the motions of a basic cotta. He performed it slowly, allowing himself to search the surrounding woods. Then, he heard a small rustle. There! He spun around and dashed towards the thicket. Before they had time to blink, Leo had sliced through the brush and held his blade to the enemies' throat. Not a moment later, the hostility in Leos eyes vanished, turning to shock and disbelief as his sword fell from his hand. Those eyes. Those haunting blue eye were starring right into his.

It all came together. The stranger that ran from the cabin, the girl turned monster in his dream, and the muse on the lake all shared the eyes that belonged to the creature standing before him. This was her. A mutant! A mutant girl!

He stepped back slowly, lowering the weapon in his other hand. He allowed himself to look her up and down. Her skin was a soft grass green. She had yellow stripes starting at her eye ridges continuing down her cheeks; sort of like a vertical eye mask. Her raven black hair was French braided and pulled to the side. She wore a large camouflage jacket and cut off shorts. Her feet were bare, revealing the dull claws on her three toes, and her long tail was wrapped around her left leg. It had dark green spots running down the center. She had backed into a tree, pressing herself against it.

At first, she seemed a shocked and surprised as he was. Then, her expression changed. It softened. She seemed to be searching him for something, wondering what to make of him. She pulled her eyes away from him and looked down at the sword he held loosely in his hand.

"You're…a mutant." He said in awe.

She looked back up at him, back into his eyes. Leo felt a chill run through him. What was behind those eyes that made react in such a way? At that moment they both heard screaming coming from the lake? Leo spun towards the sound.

"April!" he said with concern.

Taking advantage of his distraction, the mutant girl took off running into the forest.

"Wait!" Leo shouted. He was about to pursue her, when he heard April scream again. Then his brother began to shout. They were in trouble! He turned to the forest, the girl was gone. He growled in frustration. He grabbed his sword off the ground, slung his bag over his shoulder and dashed off towards the lake. His family needed him, and he would make sure whatever was threatening them would get the beating of a life time for ruining his chance for answers.

He ran as fast as he could, slicing through the brush and limbs, letting nothing stand in his way. He began berating himself up for not being with his family when they needed him. How could he have been so selfish? So focused on keeping his skills in check that he abandoned the people he was working to protect. He prayed he wouldn't be too late. Finally, he burst from the forest onto the beach.

"April!" He called, panic in his voice.

His eyes darted around the area, looking for the attacker. But, there was none.

April continued her frantic cries as his brothers and Casey attempted to calm her down. Casey held her from behind.

"Calm down babe! Donnies gonna get it off." He tried to speak calmingly.

"Just get it off!" she shouted, cringing.

"Leeches don't come off easy April." Don said quickly. "We need to get some salt from the house." He examined he leach stuck to poor Aprils' belly.

Leo starred at the group, who had yet to notice his presence, in dumped founded shock before all hell broke loose.

"Are you fucking kidding me!" He screamed, stabbing his swords into the sand.

The others turned to him, startled. "Leonardo! Your language!" Splinter scolded.

Leo stormed up to them. "I came rushing in as fast as I could, frantic as hell, panicking, thinking you were all in danger and about to be killed by who knows what, and I find your screaming your head off over a stupid parasite?!" he shouted.

April leaned back into Casey, shaken and taken back by Leo's outburst.

"Do you have any idea what you all just put me through?! What I just lost?! Now I'll never know why! I'll never get the answers!" he continued to shout.

"Leo!" Raph stepped in between him and the frightened couple. "I'm the hot head around here, not you! Calm down already!"

Leo balled his fits and gritted his teeth. The girl had run away. He had held his sword to her throat, intending to attack. She had those eyes. She was gone now and he doubted he would ever see her again after presenting himself as such a threat.

"My son." Leo turned to Splinter. "This is extremely unlike you. What has happened? What has troubled you so that you would react this way?"

Leo looked at his family, all keeping their distance and looking lost and confused. He caused that. He let his emotions run wild. How could he blow up at them like that. This wasn't him. It was that girl, the dreams, the sleepless nights. It was starting to catch up with him. "I, I'm so sorry…" he lowered his head. "I just… I'm so confused…" He fell to his knees, holding his head. Splinter approached, placing a hand on his sons shoulder. He could sense the twisted energy, the restlessness with in Leo. He looked to the others.

"Raphael, take the other back to the house so Donatello can help April." He calmly instructed. "We will join you shortly."

"Yes sensei…" Raph could recognize a serious situation when he saw one, and Leo being brought to his knees was pretty serious alright. He ushered everyone towards the path to the cabin.

Splinter looked down at his son. Leo looked up. "Im so sorry, father… I have acted shamefully. I should have controlled myself…"

"My son, I have sensed a disturbance in you for some time now. You have a longing that cannot be fulfilled. Since we came to this place, you have not been yourself. You have been plagued by something. I know you think you are strong enough to hold yourself up, but true strength comes from admitting weaknesses."

Leo sighed. "I have, been plagued by dreams. Since the first night, I have had strange visions that I cannot explain. I have not been able to sleep through the night. I am worried about the unknown around us. I've been training in the forest, so that I could be ready for anything that may happen." He looked out towards the lake. "I think, I just pushed myself too far."

Splinter sat in front of Leo. "Tell me of you visions."

Leo sat up straight and took a deep breath. "The dreams are all different, but they have the same outcome. I hear music, I see a girl, I see her eyes; at first their very beautiful, then they becoming threatening, and filled with murderous intent. She then transforms into a beast. Its roar is, haunting. Then I'm attacked. First it's by these creatures I can never identify, then the beast will lung. I'm unarmed, always helpless to stop it. Then I fall through a black void, and wake up."

Splinter listened intently. He was quietly, pondering Leonardo's words. He tried to fit all the pieces together. "I am not certain of the meaning behind your nightmares, my son. But I know that you fear for you family; for you loved ones safety. Since we arrived, you have been uneasy. No one knows what caused the distraction in house. Or who it was that attacked you. You are your brothers' leader. You feel responsible for their safety. I fell I have put too much pressure on you. As your master, as your father, I should be the one consumed with worry for my children." He gave his sons hand a gentle squeeze.

Leo sighed.

"Do not feel as though you have let me or your brothers down, Leonardo. You have done so much for them, for all of us. It is your time to be care free. I wish to put your mind at ease. I will be the one to worry and watch. When we return to the farm house, I want you to go to bed. You need much rest. And tomorrow, you will not go into the woods to train. You will remain with the rest of us. Then you will be here should anything happen, and perhaps be able to enjoy yourself…"

"Yes Sensei…" Leos head hung low. He was ashamed, but he was so tired he just didn't care. Three day without proper sleep had taken its toll.

Splinter stood and placed on hand on Leos shoulder. "Come." He said softly. They walked back to the farm house together, where the others were waiting.

TT

Back at the house, April sat on the kitchen counted while Donatello poured salt on the leech. He then gently removed it from the squeamish woman.

"There, all done." He proceeded to dispose of the parasite and bandage her wound.

Casey stood beside her. Raph and Mikey sat at the table. The room was pretty quiet. Then Mike spoke up hesitantly.

"So, anybody else wondering what up with Leo?"

Donnie sighed. "I knew something was bothering him, but I didn't expect him to pull a Raph on us."

"Hey." Raph glared, then huffed. "Yeah, your right."

"He looked pretty tired this morning, but I didn't think there was anything really wrong with him." April added.

"Dis just aint like em." Casey added as well.

There was silence for another moment, before they heard the front door open. They all filed into the living room as Leo proceeded up stairs, head hung low.

"Master Splinter, is Leo alright?" April worriedly asked.

Splinter turned to the group. "He will be just fine. He has been so worried about the strange event surrounding our arrival, that he has not been able to rest well. He has been training in the forest, aiming to be prepared for anything. He has simple over worked himself and needs rest."

"Is dat all?" Raph asked skeptically.

Splinter nodded. "He's going to rest for the day, and tomorrow we will all spend a relaxing day out doors. Not training."

"Sweet! Gonna sleep in!" said Mikey excitedly.

The others rolled their eyes.

"Well, I'll get dressed and get dinner going I guess." Said April, heading up stairs.

The other dispersed throughout the house to do their own thing.

TT

Upstairs, Leo fell into bed and starred at the ceiling. He was almost afraid to try and fall asleep. He knew another nightmare would be waiting for him. Nevertheless, he closed his eyes and let sleep over take him.