Savior
Chapter Six

I apologize to all my readers for taking so long on this chapter. I've had a lot of things happen in my life lately. I moved out of my parents' house and in with my friend to live at her apartment. I wound up with a lot more responsibilities, including babysitting my friend's baby while she works at night.

It's been eating away at my time and only last night did I finally complete this chapter. I've tried to do a little here and there when I could, but I couldn't manage the amount I wanted to in order to finish the chapter until last night.

I appreciate you all being so very patient. Here is what you've been waiting for.

April glanced out of the corner of her eye occasionally at her young charge as she guided the van through the New York City traffic. Alisa was staring blankly out the window. Her mind was a jumble of confused thoughts and emotions. More and more she was relaxing around April, but her guard was still up in force.

She did not fully trust the red-head yet. If not the Foot, then who had sent her after her? The apprehension caused by this question was gnawing in the pit of her stomach and it made her feel slightly ill.

April knew Alisa would be asking questions if she could and she felt she deserved the answers. She wondered if she should wait though until they got to the apartment, but her conscience tugged at her to talk now. She had to keep her eyes mainly on the road as started to speak to the young woman, and couldn't easily see a reaction.

"I know this must be all very confusing and frightening for you," April began, in a gentle tone.

Alisa looked away from the window as she heard her voice. She nodded her head, but she doubt the older woman saw.

"I was sent by a friend to help you when he saw the news report on you," April continued, "I don't know if you would remember your accident, but he was the one that saved you in the sewer tunnels and then brought you to the hospital. He was concerned for your safety there."

She took a chance to look briefly at Alisa. Her emerald gaze was wide and intense. The focused expression on her face was a clear indicator she was listening to every word. April had only seen that look on one other person.

"I suppose you'd like to meet him," she speculated, "But I don't know if you could. There are certain… complications you might say with that."

Alisa's eyes narrowed a little in suspicion at this information. What sort of complications could there be? Was she trying to hide something from her? She started to feel panic then rising rapidly in her. What if she had been wrong about April?

However, once again her intuition and gifts intervened to assure her she was in no danger. Alisa gradually relaxed and calmed down. The urge to flee diminished.

"He does want to meet you though," she heard April add, "We'll just have to see what can be done."

Alisa was intrigued to meet the mystery man as well, at least to thank her savior. Any grateful person, even if her life was pathetic, would. Rather than nodding her head, she decided to formulate another response and mouthed the word 'okay'. April smiled as she caught the action in the corner of her eye. It seemed she was making a little progress with the girl. There was still much work to be done, however.

A few minutes later, April pulled the van into an alley alongside a two story building. The name "Second Time Around" could be seen on the front. Alisa vaguely remembered coming to an antique store with her mother as a young child that had that name. Could this be the same store?

April parked the van near a side door and then climbed out of the driver's side. She then walked around to the passenger side door and opened it to help the young woman out. Alisa slowly pushed the release button of her seatbelt to unbuckle, but suddenly hesitated to go any further. For a moment, she was scared again and found herself curling defensively against the seat. April knew she was going to have to reassure her that she was safe.

"It's okay," the red-head tried to soothe her, "I'm not going to hurt you. There's no one here that will. You're safe."

She extended her hand carefully to Alisa for her to take. Alisa stared warily at it for a few seconds. She could kick or punch her way out if she wanted to, but her body was too weak to fight. There was no way she would get far even if she did.

She had to have faith in her instincts and trust April, but it was so hard for her to put trust in anybody after what had happened to her. Still, her heart told her she was making the right decision. She truly could not find a trace of anything in April that would suggest otherwise.

April gave a warm assuring smile and continued to coax her gently out of the vehicle. Finally, Alisa pulled herself away from the seat and accepted the older woman's hand. With her help, she slipped out of the vehicle and down to the ground.

She began to feel dizzy suddenly and swayed on her feet a little as she took a few slow steps forward. April quickly reached out to catch her as she half collapsed against her. The girl simply did not have enough strength left to walk on her own.

April paused long enough to lock the van door and close it. She then put one of Alisa's arms around her shoulder to support her as she led them to the door and inside the building. She walked her past the store entrance and straight to the stairs that went to her apartment. There would be time later to give Alisa a tour of the building. Right now she needed to rest.

It was fairly easy to get the young woman up the stairs and in the end April simply carried her. She was so small and light that she barely weighed anything at all. It startled April that she lifted weights heavier than her. She could even feel her ribs through her skin.

April began to formulate a plan in her mind as she entered the apartment with Alisa and took her to the guest room. She was going to get some food in her once she was feeling better and nurse her back to health. It was almost heartbreaking to look at her.

She wouldn't have survived in the hospital anyway even if her life wasn't in danger. She needed more than just cold doctors and nurses. She needed warmth, caring and love. Already, April felt a sense of responsibility for her and was even starting to regard towards her as if she was a family member.

She set her on the bed while she went to her room to fetch a nightgown for her to wear. She then helped Alisa undress and change into the white, long-sleeve flowing gown. It was like a tent on her and the hem reached to the floor, but it would have to work for now. April simply had no clothes that fit her.

When the young woman was dressed, she assisted her into bed and made certain she was comfortable. She tucked the covers and blankets in around her. Her head was effectively cushioned with two pillows placed under it.

April watched as her eyes closed and fall asleep immediately. She looked at her sadly a moment before she turned and quietly left the room. She closed the door behind her so she wouldn't be disturbed. April made her way then to the telephone and dialed the number to a certain shell cell.

"Hyah!"

Leonardo pivoted on his heel and swung his katana forward as he delivered what would've been a fatal slice through the air. He leaped once, spun in the opposite direction, and made an uppercut. To watch him, it seemed as if he was battling invisible demons. Perhaps the same ones that had been haunting him for the last two days.

He'd retreated to the dojo shortly after breakfast and remained within its walls for the past hour. He hadn't spoken any more to his brothers during the meal and they were wise enough to leave him alone. However, it didn't mean the discussion was over. They intended to get him to talk to them again at some point.

Leo felt his tension releasing as he performed the kata. He was actually starting to forget about the young woman and all the events that surrounded her. His mind was clear and his focus was as sharp as ever. Unfortunately, his peace was not to last.

He nearly dropped the sword as a shrill ringing shattered through his senses and brought him crashing back to reality. With a silent curse, he sheathed the katana and reached into his belt for his shell cell.

"Hello?" he answered, trying not to snap at whom he knew the caller to be April.

"I've got her," she stated, "She's here at home with me now."

He blinked, too stunned to speak for a few moments. He was confident April would succeed, but yet he was prepared to go with the alternative. He could feel the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile at this.

"You didn't have any trouble, did you?" he asked.

She gave a light laugh into the phone.

"Are you kidding?" she replied, "It was a piece of cake. Almost like taking candy from a baby. I pulled her right out from under their noses without them suspecting a thing."

His smile grew even wider. Everything was falling into place perfectly. Now he could begin to know what the truth was behind his near insane obsession with Alisa. However, he figured since she was safe now, he would soon forget her and they could both go on with their lives.

"I will be over tonight as planned," he told her.

April suddenly fell silent at the declaration and he could tell she was hesitating. He frowned, wondering why she was changing her mind now. They had already made an agreement he could stop by. After a moment, he heard her sigh and she spoke again.

"Leo, I'm not sure that's a good idea," she answered, "She's very weak and exhausted. Her health is fragile. Her system couldn't handle seeing you so soon."

"Then she won't see me," he insisted, "I'll come while she's sleeping. She doesn't need to see me."

He was becoming desperate now as he thought his chance to swiftly end his emotional agony was slipping from his grasp. It must be tonight. It had to be or he would not get the rest his weary spirit craved.

"Please, April," he started to plead, "I need to see her tonight. I need answers; I have to know. I promise my visit will be brief. I only need a few moments with her."

April was surprised to hear him beg so insistently. She noticed he'd been behaving weirdly ever since he found the girl. Just what was going on with him between her? However, she found she didn't have the heart to tell him no. It seemed to be very important to him.

Leo heard her sigh again after a few tense moments.

"Okay, Leo," she conceded, "You may come over tonight."

A hint of a smirk passed over his lips at the answer. He'd won. Of course, he'd known his sister wouldn't have refused him anyway.

"Thanks, April," he answered, "I'll be there around ten."

They said their goodbyes then and hung up. He tucked the cell phone back in his belt. He stood there motionless for a few moments afterwards as he reflected on the coming night. He could feel the anxiety slowly creeping up on him again, but this time it was different.

He felt almost… nervous? Was he nervous about seeing Alisa? What could he possibly be nervous about? He didn't understand at all. It left him completely perplexed.

He shook his head then and sighed deeply. What was wrong with him? How could he let himself be this consumed over a strange girl? Why did he feel there was something more to her than met the eye? There had to be, especially because the Foot was chasing her down. Karai wouldn't bother with what appeared to be a homeless person otherwise.

He looked around the dojo, but at this point he knew he wouldn't be able to finish his practice. His focus was shot to hell. Leo turned then and left the room. He walked towards the stairs on his way to his room instead. He could feel the eyes of brothers on him as he passed the living room where they were gathered watching TV, but he ignored them. He headed up the stairs and closed the door to his room once he entered it.

He shed his katana, propping them again in the corner, and sat down on the bed. He held his head in his hands. He was so tired of the warring emotions within him. They kept conflicting; tearing at his mind, his heart and his very soul. Tonight, however… Tonight he would finally find peace. He would begin to return to life as normal. It would all be over soon.

He didn't remember lying down on the bed and he didn't remember closing his eyes. He did remember the sweet, blissful unconsciousness as he fell into a deep sleep.

Alisa awoke with a start. She sat up in bed, her eyes wide and her breathing heavy. As she attempted to regain her bearings, she noticed she was in a strange room. For a moment, she forgot where she was and nearly fell out of bed in a state of sudden wild panic. The bed sheets she'd gotten tangled in saved her, however, and she slowly began to calm down as she realized she was safe.

She wrapped her thin arms around her and her small frame shuddered with a silent half sob. More nightmares. When would they ever stop? She hadn't slept decently in two years since that night. The dreams wouldn't allow her.

She sniffled quietly and brushed the back of her hand over her eyes where tears had formed. She was so tired of crying, but the tears always seemed to come no matter what. She couldn't stop them.

She sighed deeply and closed her eyes. She was able to recall the last fleeting memory of her dream. A silver flash of steel, a sword maybe, then deep blue eyes set in a frame of lighter blue appeared; fierce, protective, caring.

A moment later, she opened her eyes again as her brow furrowed into a frown. That was different, but the eyes were familiar at least. Maybe they belonged to her savior the night she fell in the tunnels. She'd dreamt them once before, along with the other strange beings. Frogs, turtles? Japanese dogs or was it rats?

She shook her head amused as a small smile played on her lips. She reached up to her head and touched the wrappings gingerly. The concussion must have had her dreaming some weird shit.

Her musings were interrupted as she suddenly heard the doorknob turning. She stiffened, her defenses instinctive and automatic, as the bedroom door opened. Soft light poured in from the outside to illuminate the room. She was glad no other light was on or that it wasn't bright. Too much light hurt her head right now.

Standing in the threshold was April. In her hands, she carried what appeared to be a serving tray. The older woman smiled at the younger one.

"I'm glad to see you're awake," she greeted, "I've brought you something to eat. Chicken noodle soup."

There was a medium bowl of the hot soup with a slice of buttered toast and a glass of milk on the tray. The smell was enough to make Alisa nearly double over in pain as her empty stomach cramped horribly. She was so hungry.

The hospital food had been less than edible and she barely choked down even a muffin. She'd eaten stale chips and cookies that tasted better than that had. It was all she survived on for two years, wherever she could find change and a vending machine.

April walked to the bed with the tray and gently set it down across the girl's lap. The sight and smell of the home cooked food was wonderful. Alisa almost felt like she would cry for joy. Ms. O'Neil was so kind to her. She looked up at the woman with a wide smile of gratitude on her face.

April was pleased to see her so happy, but she noticed that the light of her smile didn't reach to her eyes. The emerald green remained dark and clouded. It was clear testimony of the hard life she had apparently lived. Her spirit was broken and empty. April again felt her heart go out to her.

She stayed with the young woman while she ate, keeping her company. There wasn't much in the way of conversation, but neither was the lack of it uncomfortable. Alisa ate with the manners she was taught, despite how ravished she was. She still finished quickly however.

April offered to bring another bowl of soup, but Alisa shook her head to decline. It had been enough and for the first time she could remember she was full and satisfied. She mouthed the words 'thank you' to her caretaker. April smiled.

"You're welcome," she replied.

She took the tray up from the bed when she knew the young lady was through. She headed then to the door with it. Though she paused and turned to look back at Alisa before leaving.

"If you need anything, just give a shout," she told her.

Alisa smiled and nodded. A moment later, the door was shut and the older woman was gone. She sighed and settled back down in bed, feeling exhausted again. She laid her head carefully on the pillows. She didn't like being weak like this; didn't like being defenseless.

She felt bad having to rely so much on Ms. O'Neil, but the woman didn't seem to mind. In fact, Alisa could sense she wanted to help her as much as possible. She did feel a little better at that. She pulled the blankets around her shoulders and closed her eyes. She was soon asleep once more.

A few hours later, Leo slowly opened his eyes and then sat up. He blinked a couple of times to clear away the lingering blurriness of sleep. He stretched out his body and gave a huge yawn. He was still very tired, but at least the nap afforded him a little rejuvenation. He did feel somewhat better than he had, though he felt he could have used another hour.

He stood to his feet and finished his stretches. He took a moment then to straighten the covers on the bed where they had become mussed as he laid. A sudden knock on the door made him pause. He narrowed his eyes slightly in irritation as he turned his gaze towards the door.

No doubt it was one of his brothers. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? He didn't want to talk about it.

"Please go away," he called out.

"Leo?" Donatello's voice came through the door, somewhat muffled by the heavy wood, "Leo, please open the door? We need to talk. We're worried about you. Please, don't shut us out again like before."

Leo felt a stab of guilt in his heart at his words. Many months, almost a year, ago, he had once done this same thing. He wouldn't let his family reach him when it was clear he needed help, but it was different then. He had closed himself off completely from the whole world; his own heart even. He literally lived in a hell of his own making before he was able to break free of his self-destructive path with the wise help of the Ancient One.

It was not the case now. He just wasn't sure how to explain his feelings on Alisa to anyone else when he didn't half understand them himself. He felt perhaps embarrassed to.

A few moments of tentative silence passed as he thought on his brother's request. He really didn't want to share such private thoughts and feelings with him, but he did want to get his brothers off his back once and for all about it so they would quit their pestering with him. In order for that to happen, he needed to be cooperative and talk to them.

He did prefer to speak to Donny rather than Mike or Raph on the subject. He had to give them credit for their diplomatic choice. Obviously they knew he would be more inclined to open up to their brainy brother. He heard Don shift quietly outside the door as he waited. Leo heaved a deep sigh as he finally reached a decision and granted permission.

"Come in," he bade.

A moment later, the door slowly opened and revealed the purple-masked turtle behind it. Donny entered the room and gently shut the door behind him as he did. He then faced his brother and the two of them stood there quietly looking at each other. Leo knew Don was waiting for some sort of cue from him, but he was hesitant to give it. As much he hated to admit it to himself, he was scared to talk about this.

The silence between them only lasted for a minute or two, but it felt like years. Finally, Leonardo let out a heavy sigh and sank on the newly made bed to sit down. Don took it as an invitation and followed suit, but chose to sit in the chair that was in the room instead. He was aware he would have to breach the subject carefully to start off.

He cleared his throat a little.

"So, uh, have you heard from April yet?" he asked.

Leo nodded his head slightly and tried not to stare down at his hands he had resting in his lap. He suddenly felt very shy around his brother. He wished he had the ability to draw into his shell like his normal cousins so he could hide. He was never very good at being open with his feelings and rather preferred keeping them to himself. However, there was no turning back now.

"Yes," he replied, "She called earlier while I was practicing."

Don wasn't surprised. He and the others had sensed the change in his mood when he abruptly left the dojo and headed up here. He'd been brooding again; distraught and tense. They assumed perhaps the news he'd been given was bad at the way he was acting.

"What did she say?" he inquired.

Leo was quiet for a moment. He frowned and shifted his weight on the bed in an awkward manner. It appeared as if he were uncomfortable with the question. He then sighed.

"She got her," he finally said, his voice low, "April has her at the apartment."

Don raised his eye-ridges at this. Now he was surprised. He knew April was resourceful, but it would be almost impossible for even her to have gotten the young woman out of the hospital. How did she manage to pull it off? Any story she'd come up with, no matter how plausible it seemed, should've at least aroused enough suspicion amongst the staff to refuse her.

Though if April had succeeded, then why-

"I-I can't get her out of my mind, Donny," Leo's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts, "She's driving me insane."

It was obvious to what "she" he was referring to. He swallowed, taking a deep breath as he attempted to bring his emotions back under control. Don noticed he was griping the edge of the mattress hard enough that his knuckles were starting to turn a paler green from cutting off the circulation. The expression on his face was unreadable, but his eyes betrayed the anguish he felt that lied within their sapphire depths.

"I can't describe what it feels like," he continued, "It's almost as if she's haunting me and no matter how hard I try to keep fighting it, I find I can't escape. I don't know what exactly happened that night, but she's made some kind of connection with me. I don't understand why and I'm never going to until I can get some answers."

Don was pleased to hear this confession of sorts out of him. He actually didn't expect to get this far with him, so it was indeed a tremendous accomplishment. He sat there quietly absorbing his brother's words. After a few moments of contemplation, he looked squarely at his older brother in the eyes.

"You're going to see her tonight, aren't you?" he asked, but he already knew the answer.

If Leo was surprised at the assertion, he didn't show it. He narrowed his eyes slightly at Donatello, his gaze becoming somewhat callous.

"Are you going to try and stop me?" he challenged, his voice steadily rising with emotion, "Because you can't, Donny. I have to see her; I need to. I'll never be at peace at this rate and I wonder when I'll finally snap from this emotional torture. I have to know who she really is; why I feel this way about her."

Don put up a hand in a defensive gesture, a little stunned at his outburst.

"Whoa, easy, Leo," he soothed, "It's okay. No one's going to stop you. It'd be useless anyway. We know you. You'd go no matter what."

He paused for a moment and then sighed as he shook his head.

"I'll be honest with you, however, Leo," he continued, "I don't like the idea one bit. There's too much risk involved, but I trust you to know what you're doing."

He stood up from his chair then and made his way to the bed at Leo's side. He reached to lay a hand on his shoulder and giving it a gentle assuring squeeze.

"I wish you good luck, bro," he told him, quietly, "I hope you find what you're looking for."

Leo relaxed considerably and the angry expression on his face dissipated as it became gentle once more. The corners of his mouth lifted now into a small smile.

"Thanks, Donny," he answered, softly, "I appreciate it."

Donatello returned the smile.

"Anytime, bro," he replied.

This exchange brought them to a comfortable silence and a sense of peace had fallen over the room. It signaled the conversation was over. After lingering another moment, Don eventually turned to leave.

Leo watched him until he'd gone and then fell back across the bed with a heavy, relieved sigh. That had almost been physically draining, certainly emotional, but he felt as if more weight was lifted off his chest now. He knew Donny would tell the others, but it wouldn't matter. They couldn't do anything to stop him.

He closed his eyes and focused to listen for any sounds coming from downstairs. It wasn't long before he heard faint, but distinct yelling reach his ears and he felt himself almost cringe. It was easy to discern who it was. He knew Raphael was furious with his decision to see Alisa. However, it was expected given how his temperamental brother seemed to downright loathe her. It worried him almost, especially if in the future there was ever a chance she'd end up staying around.

Raph was usually suspicious of any human they encountered on a personal level, but he was never this extreme. The feeling of hate he emanated towards her was so strong. It was the reason why Leo wouldn't have talked to him as he had with Don. He would've never understood how much the mission tonight meant to him.

Leo listened for a moment longer before everything finally grew relatively quiet again and then opened his eyes. He needed to prepare himself for what the evening would bring. As he sat up, he caught a glimpse of the denim backpack that lay in a heap near his bed where he'd left it the night before from out of the corner of his eye.

He'd not touched it since. He'd already found out all what there was to know within the bag, but it was maybe more than he wanted to. He should take it with him to return to her. She would want to have it back.

He rose to his feet and stepped forward to retrieve the pack. An electrifying sensation traveled up his arm and down his spine as he held it. He gave an involuntary shiver in response. It emanated her very essence. He quickly set the bag down on his bed as if it burned him.

For a moment, he stared at it as his feelings once again became an undistinguishable mess. He wanted to ignore them; turn them off. If only that was as easy as flipping a switch to turn off a light. He was sure he wouldn't be teetering on the edge of insanity right now if he could.

He screwed his eyes shut tight as if to block it all out. He began to take several deep breaths as he tried to remain controlled and calm. He couldn't afford to lose it. He was so close now to getting his life back to normal again. Only hours remained and it would be over for good. He could lay it to rest. He wouldn't have to give Alisa another thought.

He kept repeating this in his mind and soon started feeling better. He took one last deep breath, held it a moment, and then slowly exhaled as he opened his eyes. He avoided looking at his bed and turned away to start walking to the back of his room to his meditation spot.

He didn't bother with lighting candles this time, but he did light the incense. Gentle tendrils of smoke curled around him. The scent of the burning jasmine and honeysuckle pleasantly filled his nostrils and brought a small smile to his lips. He was reminded of a past summer spent at Casey's farm when those flowers were in bloom. It was one of his favorite smells of the season.

Leo sank down on the cushion and folded his legs under him in the lotus position. He closed his eyes and meditated until nearly dinner time. Aware of the approaching hour, his mind then began to slip out of the trance with the grace and ease of a professional. Slowly, he opened his eyes, but continued to remain motionless as he adjusted to the realm of living once more.

As he did, he reflected upon his visit to the astral plane. He had not been successful in seeking the answers he would have liked, but it hadn't been entirely fruitless either. He'd found his grandfather, Hamato Yoshi, and spent time talking with him. While Yoshi had comforted his frustrated young grandson, he had also left the poor turtle more utterly confused than ever.

He approved of Leonardo's venture to seeing the young woman tonight, but warned him what he thought would be the end would be in fact only the beginning. He'd had a little knowing smile on his face as he said it. His grandfather was being purposefully cryptic.

At any other time, Leo would have mulled over such a wise message, but currently it served to further agitate him instead. He'd lost his patience. It was clear testimony of the fact that the ninja was bordering dangerously close to falling over the edge.

Yoshi again succeeded in calming him and Leo felt ashamed of his actions. He apologized to his grandfather, but Yoshi was not angry. He merely smiled and briefly placed his hand on the turtle's shoulder to assure him. He then wished him good luck and bid him farewell as Leo had lost the connection and exited the realm.

He sat now and stared blankly at the burning incense in front of him, which had been reduced to little more than a smolder at this point. He could feel a knot began to form in the middle of his chest and his breathing grow heavier. His eyes started to sting and fill with water. He felt like crying and he was so damn near close to it, but he found that he couldn't. The tears stubbornly remained unshed. He was past the point to even cry.

He sniffled once and hastily wiped the moisture from his eyes. He soon regained his bearings and altered his position to rise to his feet. He snuffed out the remains of the incense as he did so. He headed to the door and opened it to step out of his room. He walked to the stairs and descended to the main floor.

As he neared the kitchen, the scents of dinner reached his nose and he felt his stomach rumble low with hunger. Well, it was a good sign he supposed that his appetite was slowly returning to normal again. He did feel a little more relaxed now than he had in a couple of days, but he was still nowhere like his old self. That wouldn't change until after tonight's meeting at April's. However, with Yoshi's prophecy now in his mind, he was worried things wouldn't turn out like he planned.

He nearly groaned out loud. Why couldn't he stop thinking so much about this? That was what his problem was. If he let himself, he tended to overanalyze things. He would then begin to second guess himself and waver in his certainty. He would be a lot better if he just followed through with his initial thoughts and handle whatever unforeseen consequence there was when he got there. He was good at that anyway.

He headed in to the kitchen, hearing the low voices of his family where they were already gathered at the table waiting for him. They stopped immediately upon his entrance. He managed a smile at them. Don and Mikey smiled in return at his appearance, as did his father, but Raphael refused to look at him and turned his head away.

Leo felt a little hurt, but had expected it. He quickly brushed it off, however, and took his usual place beside Splinter. The rat caught his attention and slightly raised a questioning eyebrow at his oldest son. Leo knew what he was asking. It came as no surprise to him that Splinter would have heard of his plans for the evening, but he felt like a guilty child under his gaze. Shamefully, he bowed his head and nodded it.

From the sidelines, Raph watched with a smirk on his face. The others glared at him which he glared back. Splinter was fully aware of the impending argument about to erupt and shot his three younger sons a stern look. They immediately appeared contrite, save for Raph as his expression continued to remain dark. After a moment, Splinter returned his attention to Leonardo.

"You are aware that I know of the endeavor you are partaking in this evening?" he stated.

"Yes, Sensei," Leo replied, quietly, keeping his head bowed.

The rat narrowed his gaze as he scrutinized his son. Splinter felt unsettled with Leonardo's intentions. He knew he desired to seek out the answers to heal his troubled spirit, but the old master believed it would be a mistake. Whether he was careful or not, which there was no doubt he wouldn't be, there was still a potential for much risk.

He was torn, however, as he could not explicitly forbid him to go. Leo was suffering emotionally and the family did not wish to see him go on for much longer. He was destroying himself from within once again.

He needed to expel the burden he had shouldered upon himself. He would not give up otherwise. Splinter found he could not deny him that, despite his uneasy feelings of the manner in which he was choosing to do it. With a heavy sigh, Splinter began to speak again.

"I do not approve of this, Leonardo," he said.

Leo felt his heart sink into the pit of his stomach at these words. Would he have to go against his master? He didn't want to, but if he had to he would.

"However," he heard Splinter continue, "I know how much it means to you. Therefore, I cannot nor will I stop you from going to Ms. O'Neil's to see the young lady. You are old enough now that you can make your own judgments and I have full faith in you that you will judge correctly."

Leo lifted his head up almost instantly and he couldn't help the smile that was growing on his face. He then bowed again in respect and gratitude to the rat.

"Thank you, Sensei," he answered, softly.

"You're lettin' him go?!" Raphael erupted, suddenly.

"Raphael," Splinter reprimanded, "Leonardo needs this so he can put it all behind him and finally be at peace."

"I can't believe…!" Raph raged.

"Nodoka!" the rat interrupted, uttering the command sharply, "Enough. It does not concern you."

Raph bit back another protest, knowing it was unwise to push Splinter any further. Instead, he turned and went back to eating his dinner, but not before he shot a dark glare in the direction of his older sibling. Leo was going to get himself into trouble with this girl; he just knew it.

She'd hurt him like Karai did and the Kunoichi had nearly destroyed his brother from the inside out. That girl would be all their undoing. How could he be so blind? He was deliberately setting himself up to take another fall.

Leonardo simply ignored the look and began eating his own dinner. He was happy to have Sensei's consent, but he felt he would've gone regardless. He wasn't going to let Raph's behavior affect his mood. His brother could bitch all he wanted to. It wasn't going to change the fact he would be seeing Alisa tonight as planned.

Leo finished dinner and then helped himself to a small slice of the red velvet cake Michelangelo had baked earlier. After dessert, he excused himself from the table and walked out of the kitchen. He still had a couple of hours before he was to leave for April's, but he wasn't sure what he could do to pass the time. If he were any of his brothers, he would spend it either playing video games, tinkering with the Shell Cycle, or burying himself in his latest invention. He was not, however, and he had few hobbies he enjoyed; Ninjitsu, reading, occasional cooking and painting and drawing.

His family didn't know the latter; they had no idea he could. He kept his work hidden and had never shown it to them. Most of his drawings were meant for his eyes only anyway and he much preferred it that way. At any rate, he was much too modest to go around looking for recognition and praise. Besides, Mikey paraded enough of his own drawings for the both of them.

It was at times like these Leo found it helped putting an image to his thoughts. He liked to sit at his desk and draw whatever creation would come forth to his mind onto his sketch pad. It was also how he first discovered he had a talent for art.

Sometimes he didn't have to think about what to draw. His hand would simply start flowing across the page with the pencil as if it had a life of its own. It was only here he allowed himself to lose control and let his imagination take flight. It was the only time he never constrained his desires and emotions.

He rounded the corner to the stairs and began to ascend them to his bedroom. A sudden harsh and demanding call of his name, however, made him halt. He turned and faced the red-masked turtle standing at the bottom of the stairs. Raphael glowered up at him. Leo narrowed his own eyes in response to him in a cold, impassive stare.

Neither of them spoke, appearing to have a silent conversation of sorts. Whatever words were being exchanged between them, it was making the temperamental turtle angrier and angrier with each passing moment. Leo remained calm, cool and resolute.

"Leonardo, you're freakin' insane!" Raph finally exploded.

"You have lost it, bro," he continued, "Can't you open your eyes and see she's just another Karai? She's trouble, Leo, I know it. She's been trouble since you found her bleedin' in the sewers. You're already under some mind control with her."

The reference to Karai stung and Leo winced inwardly. He had come a long way since those days where after she'd violently betrayed him and he rejected his own heart as a result. However, no matter how much time had passed, the events were still as fresh in his mind as if they had happened only yesterday. Yes, he had been a complete fool that time, but it was different this time; Alisa was different. There was this gut feeling he had about her, and he had learned to trust his instincts.

"I am not crazy, Raph," he replied, matter-of-factly, in a low voice, "I know what I am doing."

"You may not think so," he continued, "But I am doing it to protect us; to protect me. It can't go on like this or I very well will end up insane. I don't think any of us wants me to have a relapse. I have to know what the truth of her connection is to me."

Raph snorted and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Obsessive as always, aren't you, Leo?" he said, "You just can't let go of something. You won't rest until you find every possible answer."

Leonardo regarded his brother pensively.

"Someone has to," he answered, quietly.

Raphael shook his head.

"And that's why you drive yourself crazy; you think too much," he stated.

"I thought that was Donny," Leo quipped, his lips curling slightly into a wry smile.

The witty remark caused Raph to stare in surprise at his big brother for a moment. Leo was making jokes? This wasn't like him at all. Mikey was the one to make light of a serious situation, not him. How close was he teetering on the edge? Raph felt his uneasiness grow steadily with each passing moment.

"Leo, you need help," he advised, genuinely concerned, "And you don't need to get it by going to her. You need to come to us; to talk to Master Splinter."

The roles had been strangely reversed and he wasn't sure that he liked it. He wasn't good at this sort of thing. That was Leo's forte, but at the moment the blue-masked turtle didn't appear to be in his right mind to handle himself that way. So Raph figured it had to be up to him to set him straight now. It looked as if no one else was going to do anything to stop him. Even Splinter had given his blessing and it escaped his comprehension as to why he wasn't getting more involved.

The smile had long disappeared from Leo's face and his expression was hard and serious once more. He was angry as well, but the only outward sign he gave of it was in his blazing sapphire eyes. He was doing well to keep his temper in check.

"I appreciate your concern, Raphael," he spoke, his voice stoic and even, "But I can handle this on my own and it's she alone that holds the key to my answers. Now, if you'll excuse me."

He then turned and continued on his way up the stairs leaving Raph speechless at the bottom. After a moment, he heard him curse under his breath before he stomped off in the direction of the dojo. The faint sound of heavy padded thudding soon followed as the punching bag was being worked.

Leo finally reached his room and closed the door behind him as he entered. He leaned his shell back against the wood for a few moments and breathed out a heavy sigh. He began to mull the conversation with his brother over in his mind. Was he right? Maybe he was being a little overly obsessed with Alisa?

He shook his head. No. Raph… just didn't understand. None of his family for that matter really did, but at least they seemed to be more supportive of him than his hotheaded sibling was. However, the more he thought on it, the more he began to approach his behavior at another angle and considered it a different method. In his own way, Raph was trying to only protect him.

A faint smile crossed Leo's mouth then. He truly was appreciative of his concern, but he didn't need to worry about him. He'd be fine. At least, he hoped. There was really no way of knowing and it was one of the things that had Leo anxious and set on edge.

He eventually pulled away from the door and let his gaze wander to his desk at the back of the room. The sketch book lying in wait on the surface seemed to beckon to him. He readily accepted its invitation and walked over to sit down in the chair behind the desk. He adjusted his position until he was comfortable and then focused his attention on the book. He flipped it to a blank page and picked up his pencil.

For the next two hours, his hand was a flurry of activity, rapidly creating hundreds of strokes with the pencil. Every now and then, he would switch from the pencil to charcoal and back again. His eyes were narrowed with focus and his brow furrowed deep with concentration. He had no real idea in mind of what he was drawing, but he let his feelings and the pencil guide him as usual.

At long last, he finally finished and laid down his art tools. He looked over then and checked the time on his alarm clock. It was almost ten. He needed to get ready to go over to April's.

He swallowed hard. The nervous feeling had returned and this time his stomach proceeded to twist itself into knots. It was so strong he felt like he was going to throw up. The time was at hand now and there was no turning back. Though, he had no intention to do anything of the sort. He breathed in deeply, letting each breath out slowly as he tried to calm and collect himself. He just wanted to get this over with and get on with his life.

He remembered the drawing and spared a quick glance of the picture on the paper. At first, he couldn't believe what he was seeing and did a double take. Then he felt a cold chill run down his spine and his body shivered involuntarily. The image before him was of a face of a young girl.

He'd drawn her as exactly as he last saw her. The morning she'd awakened amongst them and was later taken to the hospital; those intense emerald eyes boring their gaze into him. His hands were literally almost shaking as he hastily closed the sketchbook.

"This is going to end tonight," he whispered to himself.

He stood up from his chair and strode to the bed where he retrieved his sheathed katanas in the corner. He strapped them on and then grabbed the backpack on the bed, slinging the good strap over one shoulder. He walked to the door and opened it quietly. He listened to the sounds in the lair for a moment. Except for the soft hum of Donatello's computer and the faint sound effects from Michelangelo's video game, the household was silent.

Leo slipped out of his room, down the hall and stairs and into the dark sewer tunnels. He had a mission and he would see to it that he succeeded. Little did he know Fate was at work and it had other plans for him.

End Chapter Six