Chapter 8:
Year 9 – Age 13
(Mikey's POV)
I don't think I've ever been so depressed to actually pass a test but it turned out that Elder Shichi wasn't kidding about the all-out attack force and now that I had mastered my nunchucks and therefore her challenge she apparently thought it was fitting to bring in a whole army of goons for me to be crushed under.
"The rules are simple." She explained as I studied the section of abandoned city before me. "Reach the check-point, avoid contact with the enemy and gather information."
"What kind of information?" I asked.
But she only smiled before answering simply with the phrase "Darna Shellah!" which I knew was just her word for my finder-power as she called it; which according to her meant 'the second-sight' in some other language. "You have until noon." She added and walked away without a care in the world
"But –" I started however by the time I had turned to face her she was already gone.
…
'Are these guys paranoid or is it just me?' I thought to myself as I ducked behind a wooden stand that proclaimed to have at one time sold 'boneless watermelons,'if I wasn't so busy hiding from a group of people that had randomly started searching every nook, cranny and shadow within sight I would have laughed in the face of such ridicules word-play.
Thankfully my pursuers were definitely not ninja and I couldn't see any weapons either so either they were just carrying small, portable items or nothing at all. Storing this information away for future reference I quickly climbed a wall before they could round the corner and see me.
I was finding that ever since our camping trip; my brothers and I weren't nearly as stressed and except for the occasional squabble between Leo and Raph to make their world turn right the fighting was almost nonexistent. In fact there were some moments that we were so close to the same wavelength I could almost swear I was hearing their thoughts.
We even found that our training with the elders was going better and after being distracted by the fact that we were separated for the first two years we could actually function now and really hear what they were telling us. It may not have seemed like much to an outsider but the difference was like night and day to us.
I was even learning that I could control my finder-power easier as I had started to physically see the connections between seemingly unrelated events and objects in order to track down and get what I wanted. (But that could have just been Shichi's training too.)
However it would seem that my little victory wasn't meant to last as I was suddenly pulled from my thoughts by the sound of a loud whistle from below and I quickly looked around to find that I'd been spotted as a whole herd of people were suddenly descending on my location.
"You gotta be kidding." I groaned before high-tailing it out of there however I didn't get very far before another group of people rounded a corner up ahead and I was forced to change tactics. "Oh come on." I complained and raced off in another direction.
This went on for several minutes until I promptly found myself surrounded by upwards of 100 people. "This is so not fair." I told them sourly as I ran around another corner only to screech to a stop and change course before I collided head-first into another cluster of enemies.
A small part of my brain registered the bright red line on the road as I crossed it but the larger part of me just wanted to keep running. However it didn't take but a second for a shadow to suddenly descend on me for the action and I was promptly knocked unconscious.
…
'That was unpleasant.' I thought to myself as I woke up and struggled to become aware of my surroundings again before opening my eyes to see where I was. 'Well at least I'm not tied up.' I commented silently and looked around to find Shichi perched on an old car watching me with glowing cat-like eyes.
"Why did you do that?" I accused her grouchily.
"You left the designated training zone." She commented simply.
"I what – you never said anything about that." I complained however her only response was to raise an eyebrow at me in such a way that said 'I shouldn't have to tell you.' "That's not fair." I argued again. "Do you have any idea how many people are out there?"
"235." She declared as if talking of the weather and I just about had a heart-attack.
"What?" I demanded disbelievingly.
"Not enough?" She asked simply. "I could easily make it an even 300 if you feel the need to prove yourself, or maybe 4."
"No, no, no, no." I commanded immediately waving my hands around like an idiot. "That's okay, I'm good."
"Than let's try again shall we?" She proclaimed jumping from the car gracefully to stroll over to the red line before looking back to make sure I had followed.
"But Sensei." I stated as I walked up next to her. "I can't fight them all."
"You're not supposed to." She corrected. "Your goal was to remain undetected."
"But they spotted me right away." I complained.
"That's because they were looking for you." She explained as I watched her curiously for an explanation. "They know you're out there therefore they will already be searching for you."
"But –" I started.
"While it is always a good idea to remain undetected a day might come when your opponent will already be searching for you and your ability to avoid detection will be tested to its limit." She explained and I looked at the ground as I considered that. "At which time it will be your job to analyze the situation, find the best route and lead your team out of danger."
"I guess that makes sense." I admitted. "But a designated training zone, seriously?" I asked sourly.
"I admit that might be stretching it." She proclaimed. "But it will remain in place all the same. You need to train in small places so you won't be caught off guard later on."
I sighed loudly and turned to glare at the city. "Fine." I agreed and she smiled at me.
"You mission remains the same." She commented. "Gather information, reach the checkpoint and avoid enemy contact."
"And stay inside the zone." I added sourly as I turned my glare onto the red line.
"That too." Shichi admitted with a small laugh. "Any questions?"
"What kind of information?"
"Yeah." I said quickly. suddenly remembering one very important detail. "Where's the checkpoint?" She just smiled and gave me a look. "What?" I asked.
"Gather information." She commented simply and walked off again.
"What's that supposed to mea –" I started to ask before it hit me that I would need to find that too. "Oh come on, now that's just cruel."
…
(Donnie's POV)
I never would have expected that talking to plants was such a long, diplomatic process?
Okay so I get that all flora spoke through chemical smells and complex array of ultraviolet colors which Olcadan was slowly training me to understand as words. Admittedly once I got started it wasn't all that hard, in fact it was a lot like learning Japanese or any other language.
But for crying out loud did every new species need a different language? I understand that they had to distinguish themselves from other plants but this was getting beyond a little unreasonable.
On top of that some vegetation just wasn't all that talkative; roses for example were just plain 'stuck-up' in my opinion. So how was I supposed to 'get to know'these plants, if they treated me like nothing more than a slightly annoying spec of dust?
It also wasn't entirely uncommon to accidentally say the wrong thing and have it be translated into 'shrub-speak' as a declaration of war.
Take a harmless looking foliage such as the morning glory which I learned the hard way could be down right nasty when insulted and other such weeds even release deadly toxins if they were miffed.
I was once attacked by a herb for no other reason than it was having a particularly bad hair-day. 'Like it was my fault a caterpillar had eaten its head.'
I was suddenly starting to see why Olcadan was so – insane.
…
"Oh shut up." I yelled into the forest like a crazy person as I exited and promptly threw a stone at the tree that was calling out every known insult under the sun.
"Any luck?" Olcadan asked from his seat on a log all the while aiming a knowing little smile in my direction.
"All I did was ask for some leaves." I defended crossing my arms over my chest in annoyance while the tree behind me continued its verbal assault. "I don't know how you put up with them."
"Back in my day they didn't have the mutagen following through their systems. I've theorized that this may make them slightly more – temperamental." He advised.
"That's a hell of an understatement." I grumbled. "Will you shut up already?" I demanded of the forest which only proved to encourage the other trees in the area to join in on the taunting.
"AY-YAH!" I screamed in frustration and promptly covered my ears. "I can't believe this, I'm yelling at foliage." I grumbled under my breath before looking up a minute later to glare at the owl mutant as he started to laugh at my misfortune.
"Take comfort kame, for crazy people do not know they're crazy." He stated simply.
I just groaned and collapsed on the ground in heap. "I'm usually not this easily riled." I mumbled mostly to myself.
"It does take some practice." He declared reassuringly as I heard him stand up and looked back to see him walking away. Immediately getting up to follow I couldn't help but groan as we walked around the corner of his house and I was presented with the promise of more torture.
I had told him about Raph's heart attack and explained the problem I had; had performing the chest compressions which caused Olcadan to start me on another form of training a little earlier than he had originally intended.
This being the introduction to a 50 pound sack of beans with the goal being to carry the thing for as long as I could every day as he steadily made it heavier. This not only increased my over all strength but also prepared me for the possibility that I might one day need to carry one of my brothers which had been the original point of this exercise.
Though I had been forced to start slowly as I was still too young to be a serious heavy-lifter it was going very well and it didn't take long before he started me on the more advanced course, which was basically the same thing as my avoidance lesson just with the added pressure of baggage – and shuriken.
I was still dogging the little wheels of pointed death hours later as I hauled my fake brother through the forest when Olcadan finally spoke up again.
"So, Donatello." He suddenly stated as casually as if he were merely strolling to the store on a Sunday morning. "How is your medical training proceeding?"
"Good." I answered somewhat out of breath as I leapt over a fallen tree and avoided another fast moving kunai he had throw in my direction. "I finished studying last month and I start practicing with Jyu today and Jordon says if I keep up this pace he'll start me on surgery soon." I explained as I moved to navigate a random boulder in the middle of the forest. "Leatherhead even made this fake body for me to practice on. It's really cool."
I heard the old owl laugh to himself quietly and I used the slight distraction to gain a few inches on him. "Very well." He stated and I distinctively heard his quizzing voice enter the conversation.
Naturally he encouraged my desire to broaden my medical knowledge in any way I could and part of his method of doing so was to interrogate me on anything and everything, no matter how ridiculous or impractical it happened to be.
"Broken bones?" He started and I quickly retaliated with my answer.
"Set the bone and splint it then wrap for support until a cast can be made." I rambled off from memory. "If it's a broken leg or foot stay off it and keep it elevated, if it's a broken arm or hand keep it in a sling and use it as little as possible, a broken toe or finger; tape it to another toe or finger so it heals straight."
I took a moment to run through my mental list trying to see if I had forgotten anything. "Oh and drink milk." I added. "The extra calcium will help it heal stronger and faster."
"Good." Olcadan proclaimed encouragingly. He hardly ever corrected me anymore and if he did it was only to add something that I hadn't previously thought about. "Bruises." He quoted after a second and I snickered slightly.
"Check for broken bones if their aren't then suck-it-up." I proclaimed smartly and he laughed before continuing the verbal quiz with 'abrasions.' After which I promptly found myself spending the next hour and a half listing off everything I knew about injuries, ailments and how to heal or cure them.
When my little medical-grilling ended and I finally caught up with him again it was only to be suddenly faced with a rather large cliff. I carefully put down my bag and walked up to him as he sat on the edge and looked out over the ocean.
"So now what?" I asked noticing that the sun was still a few hours from setting; he usually didn't give up training until he absolutely had to.
"There is but one more technique I have to show you." He revealed and I looked at him curiously. "But it is not what you would call – safe. If it is done wrong it could very well end your life." I looked at the ocean again as I took that into account.
"I can not ask you to risk this for my own selfish needs." He continued. "But know that it could aid you drastically in both healing and fighting."
"I trust you." I stated and he smiled before looking at me.
"Still I must insist that you take the time to consider it." He proclaimed before reaching into the inner pocket of his robe to remove a little white cloth which he gently unwrapped and held out to me.
I instinctively backed a way from the little blue flower sitting casually in his palm and declared rather panicked. "Why do you have that?"
"What do you know of this flower?" He asked gently touching the petals and I nearly reached out to stop him.
"That's Aconitum." I stated seriously eyeing the plant nervously. "Better known as Mookshood or Wolf's Bane. It's one of the most poisonous plants in Japan."
"Correct." He advised as he carefully picked one of its colorful little leaves.
"You shouldn't be touching it." I advised getting to my knees as I tried to find away to get the plant out of his hand without coming into contact with the thing myself as the toxins could easily be absorbed through the skin and take only minutes to affect the heart.
"I'm aware." He declared examining the petal in his hand thoughtfully.
"Then what are you – NO!" I quickly tried to get it from him but I wasn't fast enough to stop him from eating the thing whole. "Sensei, why did you do that?" I stated in a panic however my training soon kicked in and I immediately went into doctor-mode.
"I can make an antidote. I just need –" I started before quickly looking around for anything I could use to stop the poison, but I had so little time; death could occur within two hours of a lethal dose and he had taken at least twice that much.
"Donatello please calm yourself." He declared but I wasn't going to just 'calm myself' and quickly started into the forest again calling out to the plants around me looking for particular signals.
Less than a minute later I had located three potential candidates but unfortunately I wasn't given the means to put my plan into action before Olcadan was attacking me.
"Sensei please." I begged dodging his cane as he swung it at my head and I side-stepped another attempt to knock me off balance all while still struggling to make the antidote.
But Olcadan was up words of 50 times better than me at this stuff, I couldn't even hope to beat him at his own game and I knew that; which was how I found myself pinned to a tree about 5 seconds later.
"Olcadan!" I insisted in that leader-voice Leo always used trying to get through to him.
"Calm." He ordered right back and before I could stop him he had pinched a nerve in my neck and I went limp.
"Sensei, please." I begged trying to fight off the paralysis the way he had shown me but it remained pointless as he already knew everything I would have tired and countered me before I could accomplish my goal.
"Donatello." He commanded in a voice that made me stop everything and look at him. "It is alright." He assured me and sat down to place a hand on my shoulder in a comforting manor. "Please relax and watch."
I didn't want to watch, I was sure that any second now he was going to die and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. This was not what I had trained so hard for I wanted to help not sit around being useless.
But as the seconds became minutes and the minutes wore on into nearly an hour I realized that nothing was happening.
I watched him closely examining his every move as he continued to rub my shell supportively but still nothing transpired. I was starting to wonder if maybe I had been mistaken and the little blue flower hadn't been what I thought it was.
"That is not the case, Donatello." Olcadan suddenly said and I probably would have jumped had I had control of my motor functions. Even after all these years I kept forgetting that the elders had mind reading powers. "I assure you this is no trick, your account of the plant was accurate."
"But –" I started.
"I have been ingesting poisons and exposing myself to venoms since I was about your age." He explained. "By doing this I have built up a tolerance."
"But how?" It wasn't that I didn't believe that could happen as I knew from books that it was possible, but the participants would usually still show some out-word signs of distress and that was only with very small doses.
"Talking with the plants before hand helps greatly." He admitted. "But I have also strengthened my body against the effects as well as the lining of my stomach." He explained. "This allows the toxins to remain safely in my body until they are broken down and converted into their purist forms."
"You mean – medicine?" I asked truly amazed.
"Precisely." He proclaimed. "As ninja we are bound by what we can carry on our person, but this way the chemicals are absorbed into my body turning my own blood into a vaccine." He stated and I couldn't help but look at him in wonder.
"This is what I wish to show you." He explained. "But as you can guess it is extremely dangerous. In my days I did not have someone to show me the ropes; I had to learn by trial and error and some of those errors nearly cost me my life."
I swallowed nervously as he said this and forced myself to relax as he finally reached out to reactivate the pressure points in my body allowing me to sit up again and work some of the kinks from my shoulders.
"Consider carefully, Donatello." He proclaimed suddenly and I looked up again to find he had disappeared into the trees before I even realized he had moved.
…
{Never eat or use plants or medicines that you do not understand. Ever!}
…
"What troubles you my son?" Splinter asked and I turned around to find him standing in the doorway of my room.
"I'm sorry Sensei, I didn't mean to disturb you." I stated quietly looking back at the floor.
Though we still spent about four nights out of the week sleeping in the basking room, my brothers and I had started spending more and more time in our own rooms, as such my room was slowly becoming a place of comfort; an area that allowed me to think and consider my life.
Hard to believe considering that it was currently filled to the breach with a whole colony of rather noisy inventions in progress.
"You could never intrude on my time, Donatello." My father assured me as he sat next to me on the bed. "What is the matter?"
"I –" I started but quickly shut up again. "I'm not quite sure." I finally admitted after a couple of minutes.
"Perhaps if you start at the beginning?" He suggested.
"I – don't know if I can." I told him miserably.
I personally tried to never lie to my father and I hated keeping secrets but what would Splinter do if he found out about Olcadan's offer.
"My son." Splinter requested and I looked up at him. "I would never ask you to talk about something that you feel is private."
"I know." I told him truthfully.
"However I can't help but feel like you are struggling." He continued. "And talking often aids us in putting our problems into perspective."
I nodded in agreement of that as I looked back at the floor again, I really did want to talk to someone but who do you talk to about something like this? Looking back at Splinter I decided that my father would and should be a good place to start. "You're not going to like it." I told him quietly and he shifted slightly as if preparing himself for the worst before saying quietly.
"Tell me."
…
I couldn't tell him everything as my training with Olcadan was bound by honor to stay between us, however I had been given permission to discuss the more dangerous aspects with my family in the rare case that there was an emergency they would need to know everything they could.
Splinter listened calmly and quietly; asking questions only when I paused but never interrupted me outright which made it much easier to explain. So when I finally got around to telling him the real problem he seemed just as calm and collected as he had always been, but it was when he turned to look at the wall that I truly began to worry.
He remained quiet for another minute as he mulled it over then finally spoke up. "You have taken a lot onto your plate, my son." I admit I hadn't really expected that response but I would roll with it.
"Leo gets on my case about that all the time." I admitted.
He nodded but I couldn't tell if it was in agreement or just as a way to acknowledge what I had said. "If I may ask one question?" He requested looking back at me thoughtfully.
"Okay." I stated honestly not sure how to answer that.
"The endeavors you have undertaken, both in the past and in the possible future." He explained. "Do you do these things for yourself or for your brothers?"
I took a moment to think that through before answering to the best of my ability. "Both." I stated before going on. "Everything I learn is to keep my family alive and safe but –" I started again looking back at the floor. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want it for me too."
"Can you explain?" He asked kindly.
"Honestly I think it comes down to – fear." I stated and looked over to see his reaction but as always there was none. "You know how Leo has that fear of failure?" I asked and he nodded. "Mikey tries to hide it but he's always afraid that he'll become a burden and Raph has a fear of being weak; though he'll never admit it." He nodded again and I continued. "I think my fear is – being useless." I finally admitted.
"I do everything I can to improve myself but it's not only to make life easier for everyone else, though that's a big part of it too." I added quickly. "I do it mostly because I – want to help them." I proclaimed looking back up at him after I had succeeded in actually confusing myself. "Does that make sense?"
"It does." He told me warmly.
"So what do I do?" I asked curiously.
"I'm afraid I can not tell you that." He admitted. "As your father it would have been my place to show you another path if you were doing this for anyone other than yourself. But that is not the case." He stated and I thought about that for a minute before he continued. "I believe that even though you are confused this is something you truly want and as your father I have a responsibility to never stand between you and your dreams."
"So I should – go for it?" I asked anyway and he smiled.
"It is not my place to say." He answered just as I thought he would. "You must follow your heart." He continued. "But – please be careful?" He requested and I smiled brightly before reaching out to give him a hug letting myself snuggle into the warmth of his fur like I had when I was younger.
"I will."
…
(Raph's POV)
"Roku?" I called as I arrived at the big wood shed in the garden where the bear mutant lived. I would never understand how that tiny little place served such a huge guy.
"Aw, there ya are." A loud voice proclaimed and I turned just in time to locate Roku walking around the side of the house with two huge-ass sacks slung over his shoulders then before I could even react he threw one at me and I had to brace myself to take the sudden weight.
"Come on than, keep up." He ordered walking away causally while I struggled to lift the bag.
"What's in this thing?" I asked through my teeth as I took a deep breath and focused on my strength before giving the sack another mighty heave and managed to lift it onto my back and quickly ran after him.
"Potatoes." Roku announced as I came up beside him.
"Where are we taking them?" I gritted struggling to keep my focus and not loose the control I had on my physical strength.
"That's a secret." He proclaimed
…
So how was yur camping trip, learn anythin' interestin'?" He asked about an hour later we navigated a little path up into the mountain and he reached out to steady me with one paw before I could fall over.
I was about to respond when my concentration wavered under the sudden sent of wood-smoke and I looked up to see a little shack nestled amongst the trees. Clearly Roku had noticed it as well as he promptly dropped the subject and strolled up to the place like he was king of the mountain.
"Hey grandma, ya there?" Roku yelled toward the house.
"Subtle as always I see." A voice replied and I looked around just as a little old lady emerged from the trees. "Aw, you must be Raphael." She said looking at me curiously.
"Yes ma'am." I answered respectfully nodding my head at her so I wouldn't fall over trying to bow.
"I see this slave-driver's already working you to the bone." She commented waving me toward the front of her house where she showed me where to put the bag of potatoes.
"Nah he's a tough lil' shit." Roku declared placing his own bag on top of mine with little effort and I glared at him as I proceeded to rub my shoulders in discomfort.
The old lady laughed slightly under her breath before speaking. "I guess he would have to be to put up with you." He commented causing Roku to smile at her and shrug like he had no idea what she was talking about.
"Raphael?" She said and I turned to listen. "Do you see that tenbin?" She asked randomly and pointed toward the long staff with a bucket attached to both ends.
"Yes." I answered.
"Bring it here please?" She requested and started to walk into the forest again while I went to retrieve the tool and hurried after her and Roku before I was left behind.
As we walked through the woods a couple of minutes later I noticed the presence of water getting closer and closer until we finally emerged from the trees to find a huge waterfall set into the side of the mountain.
"Cool." I commented taking in the awesomeness of the natural structure.
"Please stand under the falls." The lady asked me and I quickly made to place the tenbin on the ground.
"With the buckets." Roku corrected and I looked at him in confusion, but he just folded his arms and motioned his head toward the waterfall urging me on. I got over my shock and swiftly made my way to the falling water where I located a large rock directly underneath it and moved to stand there.
Almost immediately the buckets filled with water with more pounding in every second and I was forced to struggle to right myself trying to balance out the weight.
"Stand your ground, Raphael." The old lady advised from the shore. "Focus on your balance."
I immediately tried to do so but as soon as I did the concentration I had been using to control my strength wavered and the left bucket pulled me down then before I could right myself again the weight tugged me off balance and I promptly slipped off the rock and into the river.
I instinctively swam parallel to the current and made my way back to the shore where I quickly laid the tenbin on the shore so it would stop pulling me down and lifted myself out of the water as well.
"Not so easy, is it?" Roku asked me and I looked around to find him watching the falls with interest.
"Roku had the very same problem when he was your age." The old lady proclaimed coming to stand next to me.
"I didn't think it would be that hard." I admitted rubbing my shoulders again.
"It takes practice." Roku stated. "That's why yur here."
"But what is this going to help me do exactly?" I asked sure there was some kind of life lesson here. There always was when you were talking about the elders but I'll be damned if I could see it.
"Balance." The old lady said and I looked at her again.
"But I already –" I started however Roku quickly interrupted me.
"Yes, yes Jyu taught ya all that balancing act stuff and mind over body mumbo jumbo." Roku stated waving my argument away like it was fly.
"Your needs are a little different, Raphael." The lady continued for him. "You have a great deal of energy but you are unable to channel it. As such you require a different kind of balance; not only of the mind and body but of power and strength." She advised wisely.
"And this'll help?" I asked curiously and she smiled.
"If nothing else it will show us what areas you need to improve." She stated.
"So get yur shell back over there and start learnin'." Roku proclaimed dropping the tenbin on my shoulders again and swiftly shoved me in the direction of the waterfall. Catching myself before I could face plant I glared back at him and started over to my former position on the rock again.
My second attempt was no better than the first but I also didn't get a lot of time to adjust before Roku threw a stone at me and the resulting distraction sent me falling into the water again where I was nearly washed all the way down stream by the current.
When I surfaced again, struggling to pull the tenbin out with me I couldn't help but pick up on his booming laughter and I quickly turned to glare at him. "What was that for?" I yelled getting to my feet to square off with him.
"Oh yeah, this'll be a lesson in anger management too." He proclaimed as if he'd suddenly just remembered that little fact. "Did I fail ta mention that?" He asked coolly.
"Yes." I yelled now more than a little annoyed.
"My bad." He stated with a laugh before repeating himself with an annoyingly amused grin plastered all over his face. "This'll be a lesson in anger management too."
…
Near the end of the day I was struggling for every move as I hauled myself back out of the water and lay on my back breathing in precious air like it was candy.
I think I was actually getting worse at this instead of better as my time on the rock had nearly been cut in half and my plastron was starting to hurt from all the little hits I had taken over the course of the day.
The old lady whose name I had learned was Gen walked into my view and I leaned my head back to look at her upside down.
"That's enough for today." She advised and I couldn't help but groan at the unspoken promise of more of this torture.
"Yes, we wouldn' want him ta drown himself." Roku laughed as he walked up as well and gently leaned down to lift me up onto his shoulder.
"Hey!" I argued at the treatment but there wasn't a lot of fire in it as I was far too exhausted to care about the idea of being carried around like luggage.
The bear mutant just knocked his fist against my shell and turned to bow at Gen. "We'll see ya again soon, master." He proclaimed before walking away and started back down the cliff toward the castle.
…
Gen ~ Spring, origin or source.
…
"Kame." Roku's voice broke into my conscience and I opened my eyes, a bit surprised to realize I had fallen asleep.
"Huh?" I asked turning to see where we were and unconsciously moved around trying to get into a different position so I didn't look like a bag of rice he was carrying home, which seemed to cause him to just carefully lower me down and let me rest against his leg before pointing out over the cliff. "Look." He advised gently.
I had to work to pry my eyes open and see what he was pointing at but when I did I nearly stopped breathing.
Colors dominated the sky in a painting of blues, purples and pinks as clouds dotted the canvas with the last reflective rays of the sun contrasting violently in a magnificent show of reds, yellows and oranges and all the while Mount Fuji sat like some kind of portal to another world in the center of it all.
The white snow at its peak still glimmered and glowed in the slowly darkening world while the tree-scattered scenery around it lay under a think layer of fog that had roiled in from the ocean to blanket everything in its grasp.
"What say ya, kame?" Roku asked quietly placing a hand on my shoulder to steady me. "Was it worth it?"
I thought about that for a minute; about the trip up the mountain that morning carrying a bag of potatoes that had to have weighed more than me then the strenuous activity that followed of trying to handle pails of water that never completely emptied resulting in my current condition of not even being able to sit up on my own.
But this beauty was unimaginable; there couldn't possibly be any other like it.
"Yeah." I answered quietly and leaned back against his leg choosing to completely forget my pride and stubbornness in the face of such a peaceful place. "It was worth it."
…
(Leo's POV)
"Are you ready?" Ichi asked me when I found him waiting for me at the gate that morning. He had informed me the day before that we would be leaving the castle and going on a long journey so I had been instructed to say goodbye to my family for even he didn't know how long we would be gone.
"Yeah." I answered nervously and he smiled.
"Perhaps you should say one last goodbye." He responded motioning toward something behind me as he did so and I quickly turned to find my brothers running up to us.
"What are you guys doing here? You're supposed to be training." I informed them sternly. "You're gonna get in trouble."
"Tell that ta him." Raph answered folding his arms in a huff and turned to glare at Mikey who from the looks of it had dragged them both there himself.
"Mikey –" I stated strictly but he didn't let me finish.
"I know, I know, I know." He proclaimed waving away the almost lecture to promptly dismiss the argument and held out his hand toward me. Looking down I couldn't help but raise an eye-ridge at him when I found it was merely – a penny.
I was about to inquire as to the meaning behind the thing when he continued. "Find a penny, pick it up – something – something – something – good luck." He chanted happily earning a look from all three of us. "What?" He bellowed dryly. "So I want my big brother to have some luck on his side for his big trip, is that so wrong?"
I heard Ichi laugh lightly to himself behind me as I unfolded my arms to take in what Mikey was saying and smiled. "Thanks Mike." I told him genuinely and held out my hand for the coin which caused him to beam like the sun before dropping the thing into my palm.
"Great, now that we've all officially got a million flips waitin' for us." Raph proclaimed sourly before reaching out to grab Mikey by his bandana tails and drag him away from the scene. "Let's go!" He finished sternly and I smiled painfully as Mikey waved his last goodbye.
"You sure you'll be okay?" I asked Donnie quietly as we watched them go.
"All we'll be doing is training and eating, Leo." He stated turning back around to give me a look. "We can handle that without you, really we can."
"That isn't what I meant." I informed him quietly to be honest I had compete faith in their ability to keep it together while I was gone however I was still worried about Donnie himself as he would have to deal with Raph and Mikey alone the whole time.
He smiled once he realized what I was thinking about and answered smartly. "Oh, I'll be making that up to you when you get back, make no mistake."
My stomach did a nervous little flip on itself as that information set in. Mikey may have been the self-proclaimed prank master but it was usually only thanks to his ability to get Donnie to help him that any of his shenanigans even worked. However when Donatello himself had the desire no one was safe.
We looked back up when Ichi walked forward to place a hand on my shoulder. "It's time to go. It will take us most of the day to reach our destination."
"Alright." I answered simply before we all walked through the gate together and I looked back to wave at my brother as he ventured into the forest to reach Olcadan's house before turning around to follow Ichi again.
…
Turns out the tiger mutant hadn't been kidding when he said it would take all day to get there. Just ridding the tram for as far as it would go took hours but eventually we reached some abandoned city near the coast and disembarked.
The town was pretty much abandoned as it was mostly flooded which left the growth of trees somewhat limited to water-variety plants and any that had taken root before the dam broke.
But it seemed that even this was not our destination as Ichi led the way quietly out of the town and up into the hills behind it which was where we set up camp for the night and I spent a few sleepless hours trying to riddle out where he was taking me before finally resting up for the next day.
A few hours into the next morning I took notice of the fact that it was getting cold however nothing prepared me for when we rounded a mountain wall a couple minutes later to find the whole area was actually covered in snow.
"Are you alright?" He asked me gently as I pulled out the jacket I had brought with me.
"I'm fine." I informed him quickly and he nodded before starting to walk again and I alternated between wearing my jacket and taking it off so my shell could absorb the sunlight as we made our way through the mountains.
However keeping warm turned out to be the least of my worries as about an hour later I started to feel as though I was being watched.
But of course every time I turned to see what it was nothing revealed itself until one time I could have sworn I saw a really big shadow disappear behind a rock before I could get a good look at it.
"Sensei?" I said quietly continuing to stare at the place waiting for the creature to come out again.
"It is alright." Ichi told me gently not even stopping to turn around and I decided that the only thing I could do was take his word for it and continued to follow him through the storm. However it didn't take long before we came to a narrow canyon that made me nervous all over again as it was the perfect place for an ambush and it turned out I was right.
It was as if they had come in on the wind; one second we were alone and the next our way was blocked by not one; but two – yetis.
I immediately stopped in my tracks trying to keep my cool but Ichi regarded the creatures with an almost friendly demeanor as he walked up to them and bowed.
"Please allow me passage to the sacred land?" He suddenly requested which caused the two yetis to smile at him and take a single step in opposite directions to let us by.
Ichi promptly thanked them and continued with his stride as I quickly ran to join him but before I could the creatures moved back over to block my way separating me from my Sensei.
"Hey!" I complained when one of them nearly stepped on me but I promptly shut up again when they drew their swords.
"None shall pass." One of them told me angrily and I quickly took a step back.
"But you let him pass." I argued however they didn't seem interested in taking that into account.
"What is it that you seek?" The other one suddenly asked me.
"I – I don't know." I told them honestly looking toward Ichi for support but it was obvious that this was something I needed to figure out on my own. "I – I wish to pass." I answered suddenly as the pieces fell into place.
"Please, allow me to pass." I added with a respectful bow in their direction and heard them both snicker before putting away their swords again and stood aside just like they had done for Ichi.
"Thank you." I added as I calmly but quickly rose to my full height again and walked between them to rejoin my Sensei who smiled and nodded his approval.
"What did you learn, little one?" One of the yetis suddenly asked and I looked back at them to find they were clearly waiting for a response.
"Um –" I started trying to think of something a little more interesting to say than 'the importance of please and thank you.'
"Force is not always required." The other suddenly answered for me and I looked at him as his brother continued. "The answer may come in words not blows."
I looked at them for another minute as I mulled over that information before turning to look at Ichi when he started walking away once more. However that little bit of a distraction was enough for the wind to suddenly pick up again and I looked back to find the mountain guardians had both vanished into the storm just as soundlessly as they had arrived.
…
I was nearly asleep on my feet as I continued to fight off hibernation and keep up with Ichi when I noticed that I wasn't really cold anymore which led me to look up for the first time in hours to find that we were now surrounded by lush green fields that even looked to be slowly becoming a desert.
"You seem surprised." Ichi stated with a little laugh.
"Where did –" I started to ask looking behind us for the snow mountain however there was nothing just more grass and hills.
"I did say this was the sacred land." He answered simply as I study one of many little piles of stones that had been meticulously placed along the side of the road. "You should expect many strange things here." He added and I nodded before falling into step with him again and watched as the land went by.
…
We ended up spending the night in the desert which was in itself nothing to worry about however nearly half way through the night I awoke to the most ungodly sound and looked up to find four creatures I could only describe as ghosts floating down the path.
"Just ignore them, Leonardo." Ichi told me calmly as he sat with his back to a large rock holding his sword against his shoulder as he slept. "They mean us no harm just remain silent and they will continue on their way." He assured me and I turned back to watch as the specters went about drifting down the mountain until they were eventually out of sight.
"What are they?" I asked curiously as I sat up from where I had been sleeping.
"Demon ghosts." He answered as if talking of the weather. "Nothing to worry about."
All I could do was blink at him in response as to me that sounded like a lot to worry about, but I guess he knew more about this place than I did so I just quietly settled back down on my blanket and watched the stars until I finally fell asleep again.
…
The next morning I awoke to another strange sound and looked around to find my backpack surrounded by – quail.
"Hey!" I yelled and quickly chased them off but not before they had managed to eat the last of my chocolate. "Stupid birds." I swore at them as they continued to peck around at the ground as if I was nothing to be concerned about.
"Leonardo." Ichi suddenly said disapprovingly when I was about to herd them off again.
"What?" I asked turning to look at him as he rose to his feet.
"It is not their fault you overslept and let them eat your food." He proclaimed calmly. "Now leave them in peace and let us go." He ordered putting out the last embers of our fire and started down the trail again.
I quickly gave the birds one last evil glare and turned to run after him only to look back a minute later and find that the flock was following me. I gave Ichi a look when he laughed at my expense as the little birds started to get underfoot nearly tripping me a few times.
"It would seem they liked your chocolate." He advertised unnecessarily.
"Really, I hadn't noticed. Ow!" I answered sourly before one of the little pests pecked at my foot.
"I warned you." Ichi stated seriously. "You should have just been nice to them." He added obviously seeing no real reason to help me with my little problem.
"Okay, I'm sorry." I told the birds in a rush causing them to stop what they were doing and look up as if they could actually understand me. "It was my own fault; I shouldn't have blamed you. I was wrong." I added quickly more in shock of the fact that they had taken it so personally than anything else.
A few of them made a little chirping noise as if to accept the offering of peace before the little flock went on their way and I looked back around to find Ichi smiling at me again.
"What?" I asked on auto-pilot feeling a little stupid considering the circumstances.
"And what have we learned." He proclaimed calmly placing both hands on top of his staff to watch me sternly.
"I should take responsibility for my own shortcomings." I guessed and he raised an eye-ridge at me questionably.
"It is okay to be wrong." He corrected seriously. "Those who never fail never learn."
I took that into consideration for a minute before looking back up to find he had started walking again without me and I quickly rushed to catch up again.
…
It was nearly the end of the next day when the trail under our feet changed to that of a well kept stone path but it was looking up that finally had me stopping in my tracks.
On top of the next mountain was what looked to be a sanctuary from an old movie; the kind built to house and train warrior monks.
"We are here." Ichi responded as we reached the mountain and he gently laid his hand on the rock face as if showing it respect for standing as long as it has. "Are you ready?"
Looking up I realized that there was no path to the top which meant we would have to climb. Turning back to my Sensei again I nodded simply and he smiled before started up on his own.
Half way up I realized that I was at a clear disadvantage as the wall was almost completely vertical with very little handholds and Ichi was naturally equipped with his claws to make the climb easier.
"Come Leonardo." He called down after me. "You have completed much harder tasks."
"I know." I growled at the rock in front of me before daring to reach down to my belt and pulled out a few kunai which I was able to use to aid my ascent. Thankfully he didn't have any argument for this just so long as I made it to the top.
However as I finally got a closer look at the structure I couldn't help but feel like it wasn't worth the climb as the building was clearly losing a battle with the plants that had breached its walls and one of its strong wooden doors even hung off its hinges leaving any enemy that reached the place to enter without a fight.
"Sensei." I finally said after a few minutes and he turned to look at me. "Is this it?"
He smiled before answering me simply "Yes, come and you will see why it was worth the journey." He added before walking through the gate and into the courtyard.
Upon entering the building I noticed wooden beams that should have been supporting the ceiling lying on the ground in ruins and found myself wondering if it was even safe to be inside the thing at all.
However I forgot my worries as we entered the main part of the edifice and my eyes were drawn to the candles that stood flickering in nearly every corner.
"Is there someone here?" I asked curiously.
"No." Ichi answered simply striding down into the stone garden without worry and I followed.
Looking around I started to notice a pattern as there wasn't just one entrance but five and all of which featured one of the elements, earth, fire, wind, water and metal.
"So –" I started as I continued to follow him across the area. "What happens now?"
"Now we rest." He proclaimed as we entered the doorway which featured the metal symbol and opened onto a little sitting room with a fire pit. "Tomorrow we will begin." He added simply and I looked toward in curiosity.
"Begin what?" I had to ask and he turned to smile at me as he set down his pack.
"You are nearly 14, Leonardo." He stated as if I didn't already know that. "I'd say you're plenty old enough to find yourself a weapon."
…
Waking up the next morning I couldn't help but be kind of nervous. I had never been this far away from my brothers before but I kept telling myself it was a good chance to test our bond to see how far it really stretched.
Currently I could still feel them as I could tell that Mikey was somewhat ticked off about his newest training exercise, Donnie was running and Raph was cursing out a bag of – potatoes?
It never ceased to amaze me how the simplest of things could tick him off.
"Are you ready?" Ichi suddenly asked me and looked up from my meditation to find him standing in the doorway of the little room I was using for privacy.
"Yeah." I answered quickly getting to my feet and followed him back into the garden room again.
"Tell me have you given any thought as to your weapon of choice?" He asked as we walked through the earth doorway this time which went a lot further than the other one had yet it was hard to tell exactly how far as we remained underground the whole way.
"The katana." I proclaimed boldly almost shocking myself with how fast I had said it.
Ichi seemed relatively surprised as well but got over it quickly and grinned. "It would seem we have a likeness of thought, Leonardo." He responded and I couldn't stop myself from smiling too.
I was well aware that you didn't choose your weapon as it in fact chose you, so for Ichi to agree with me was something I found immense pride in as he himself was well renowned as a katana master.
I looked back around and squinted when we finally exited the other side of the cave and took in the area with aw as it was clearly a mineral goldmine.
I knew merely by looking around the place that just about any kind of metal or stone I could imagine would be found here.
"I do not think I have to explain what this room is for." Ichi proclaimed leaning heavily on his staff as he looked around as well.
"To forge steel." I guessed and he smiled with a nod.
"If the katana is truly the weapon you see yourself welding than you will have no need of my help from this point on." He stated simply and I nodded in understand before turning back to take in the area again until I spotted what I was looking for and rushed over to a pile of what looked to be coal dust.
However as I sifted my hands through it I could feel, as well as smell,that it was actually iron ore in its purest form; sand. As I looked around for the other main ingredient I would need I realized that it was missing from the collections of materials but after thinking about it for a minute I realized I knew where I could find it and quickly rushed back into the cave and out the other side before turning in a circle for a second until I located the room I would need; fire.
Ichi followed calmly behind me doing nothing but watching my progress as I strolled into the room and looked around at the clay iron-furnace as well as several other by-fire tools of the trade that I would need in the future until I located several large bins of black rocks and moved to examine them.
Unfortunately the first of the bins were filled with charcoal which wouldn't do me any good but the second was carbon and as I examined the coal critically I was glad to announce that it was of the highest grade, which was good for I would accept nothing less.
…
It took a long time to get the fire in the furnace just right but it was worth it when I finally started to add the iron sand and watched it carefully as it shifted to the bottom to mix with the carbon.
If I added too little the finished blade would be soft, too much and it would be brittle so I had to be precise in the amount of each substance I used but at the same time continually mind the fire so it wouldn't get too cold which is how I found myself denying sleep and even food for the next three days as I waited for the precious metal to form.
On the third day I watched the crucible of fire like a hawk refusing to leave the core inside unattended for even a moment. It all came down to crucial timing these last few minutes would be what would make or break my sword; I had to be sure.
Listening to the fire was sometimes all I could do as the metal was clearly unreachable so when I finally started to hear the sound I wanted I smiled and rose to get a hammer from the wall which I started throwing into the sides of the clay furnace effectively smashing it to pieces so I could quench the fire within and remove the iron.
It took nearly an hour to retrieve my finished work but as soon as I was able to lay my hand on the hunk of black metal I knew I had achieved Tamahagane, the steel used in all katana blades.
Or at least the ones worthy of mention.
…
Breaking the clump of metal apart I was finally able to find what I needed for my weapon and weighed each piece critically as I looked for a heavier metal with a bright silver color.
When I had finally chosen the steel chips I wanted I covered the mound with a sheet of paper and a layer of clay and ash to prevent oxidation before plunging it into the heart of a new kind of fire.
…
I had been studying these swords for years and knew the process could take months to complete but I gave the folding of the metal my full attention day after day, week after week until I was finally satisfied that I had beaten out any impurities. It was only then that I finally set it aside and focused on another block of metal; this one iron.
A sword forged only from hard steel would be sharp but would also easily break. The catch-twenty-two was that the softer iron wouldn't break but could not hold an edge. To remedy this I had to forge the lower carbon iron directly into the heart of the blade to make it flexible and then wrap the carbon-rich steel around it to create its cutting edge.
Together they'd make a sword that would be both strong and deathly sharp.
…
I didn't see a lot of my Sensei as I worked but something tells me this was as much a vacation for him as it was a learning experience for me so I didn't complain.
However the day finally came when my project actually looked like the blade I always felt it was which signaled the moment that the next procedure was to be undertaken.
So using a small hammer I gently maneuvered the blade into the right form. Though the katana was of relatively standard size the length did depend on the welder so holding it out in front of me I wanted it to just barely touch the ground which would be a helpful feature in the future as I was still excepted to grow a little taller, this would leave my blade a shorter more compact size, which was a must-have for a ninja who had to be stealthy and lightweight.
When I finally had the proportions I wanted I proceeded to do a rough filing to determine the frame which too was a delicate procedure as it didn't yet posses its curve and I had to do a lot of guessing and visualizing to take it into account.
But it wasn't long before I was finally satisfied and set to work creating a special mixture of wet clay and charcoal that I then started to pain-stacking paint over the length of the sword.
This would protect it during the next process and the area of thicker clay would also force the metal to cool slower thus creating the curve, but there was also a certain level of art to it as well for when it was finished this would become the tempered line know as the hamon; the wave-like design seen on the blade's surface.
This was fundamental in creating the image I wanted to show the outside world, so I had to do the sword justice as it would also pay homage to my own creativity.
It took a lot of time and precise brush strokes but finally I was pleased with the outcome and so I returned to the forging room which I darkened so I could make out the exact color of the fire.
This way I would know when I had reached the correct temperature for if it was too hot the steel would crack but too cold and the hardening process would fail so I needed all the help I could get.
Studying the metal carefully I remained at the ready to pull it from the fire at a moments notice but it took some time to finally get the steel to glow with the exact red of the rising sun, prompting me to quickly remove it from the furnace and quench it in the water I had pulled straight from the stream in the water room.
Giving it ample time to cool and finish the process I finally pulled the blade out of the water and marveled at the iconic curve that now decorated my sword. Finally it was done; my katana had received its soul.
…
After a short rest I took another week to polish and sharpen it; however I purposely avoided shining the finish. A samurai sword was no doubt one of beauty and power but a ninja's was one of silence and precision. By leaving the steel dull I reduced the chance that it would reflect light and give away my position.
"Very impressive." Ichi stated as he studied the blade when I was finally finished. "It is truly one of a kind." He said this in an almost sad tone of voice but when I questioned him about it he just shock his head and dropped the subject.
"It would seem you have but one more addition to make." He commented as he gave the sword back and I nodded in agreement as he got up to retrieve something from his room.
While I waited I carefully rewrapped the blade in its protective cloth, though I was in no way concerned that the sword would be damaged the edge was still sharp enough to take my hand off without me even noticing; so I needed to be careful.
A minute later Ichi returned and I looked up as he held out his gift; the hilt.
I could smell mahogany as its main structure and marveled at the golden decorations as well as the hidden blade I eventually located within. The silk of its wrap was colored appropriate in a deep royal blue however there was no hand-guard but I had expected that, as I wanted to keep my blade streamline and thin and a guard would have taken away from that purpose.
Of course this also allowed me to see another feature of the hilt more clearly and I smiled as I asked a question I already knew the answer to.
"Is that my penny?" Looking a little closer I could tell for sure that the object set into the middle of the habaki; (the collar that prevented the blade from slipping from its scabbard,) was indeed the coin Mikey had given me before I left.
"Maybe." Ichi answered with a smirk and couldn't help but laugh. "I assure you it will fit." He added as I held it up to the back of my sword for a measurement before quietly looking at him again as that information set. I had noticed a few times after returning to my sword in the morning that it had been moved ever so slightly. It would seem someone thought himself sneaky.
"Thank you Sensei." I stated with a bow which he returned before helping me hold the hilt in place as I carefully set the pegs so I could finally take in the majesty of the finished blade held for the first time the way it was always intended.
…
I never anticipated I'd be gone for five months so my brothers were probably all kinds of ticked off at me by now but it seemed they would have to wait another day because Ichi revealed that I was to be given one final test before we left, which was how I found myself face to face with something kind of magical living-rock creature from another dimension.
The goal was simple, defeat the opponent.
I was also allowed to use anything I deemed fit to do the job including my sword if I so desired; which I would by lying if I said I hadn't been itching to try. So when Ichi called the match I was ready with my katana.
The weight of the blade was like something made of smoke and its physical presence in my hands was soothing and natural as it seemed to almost flow like a wave with the motion of my arms. Like it was an extension of my soul and with it I was finally complete.
I was aware that Ichi was watching me closely as I ducked and weaved around the creature that was clearly trying to use his size to his advantage, but unfortunately for him I was used to fighting people bigger than me.
Being forced to fight from a young age taught me how to move flawlessly with a larger opponent, so it wasn't long at all before I'd managed to duck under his legs, jump onto his back and plunge my sword through the rock-like armor to finish my test.
I carefully jumped back to the ground and circled around to look at the thing and bowed respectfully causing him to do the same before falling apart into a pile of rocks.
"Well that was easy." I bragged as I walked back up to Ichi carefully holding my sword so I wouldn't cut myself. I had intended to carve a sheath on the way home to help pass the time I would usually spend walking in silence.
"Sensei?" I asked when he didn't respond but he quietly came out of his little trance when I spoke. "Is something wrong?"
"No." He answered with a little smile. "I have just never seen a more natural talent."
…
We headed home the next morning and admittedly I was sad to watch the old building disappear back behind the mountains again but I knew I had to get back. However Ichi was very quiet as we walked and it was obvious that he had something on this mind but he continued to tell me that I shouldn't worry so I didn't.
We met up with the flock of quail again as well as the demon ghosts but this time they didn't seem all that intimidating or even annoying. In fact I rather enjoyed it when the little birds followed us for several miles like our own personal convoy and they just had a way of making me smile when they roiled around in the dirt to clean their fathers.
When we finally got to the snowy mountain top again I couldn't help but look around for the two yetis. I kind of wanted to apologize for being such a jerk before but they never showed up and as we left the mountain behind I turned to bow respectfully toward it knowing that they were watching me.
I found myself getting more and more jumpy as we finally boarded the tram again and I watched the landscape slowly became familiar once more until finally the top of the castle reappeared over the treetops.
It was late enough that my brothers would be home and I really wanted to see my father again and apparently Ichi understood this as he told me to go on ahead once we finally exited the train and I promptly thanked him with a bow before making my way though the familiar forest toward home.
I didn't even get my first words out after opening the door before I was plowed over by the green and orange blur of Michelangelo.
"Nisan!" He proclaimed loudly and I laughed as I carefully pulled my arms free so I could give him a proper hug. "We missed you so much, even Raph but you know he'll never admit it."
"Hey!" Said turtle complained as he and Donnie arrived as well.
"Five months, really?" Donnie declared sourly but I could tell by his little smirk that he was just teasing. "We should be charging you rent." He added before I captured him into an awkward hug and gave him a noogie.
I finally released him after a minute and looked at Raph who was glaring at me like I had kicked his puppy or something. "Sorry." I quietly told him and his stance relaxed a little from the shock. "I didn't think I would be gone so long, but it turns out I really needed it."
He seemed to consider that as he took in my peaceful words and calmer demeanor before finally smiling. "Yeah, ya did." He finally agreed and I smiled back before holding out my hand in a gesture of peace.
"So we're good?" I added with a cringe but he just laughed and threw his hand into mine as he reached out to pat me on the back.
"Yeah, we're good."
"My son." A new voice said quietly and I looked up to find Splinter standing with us as well and I quickly released my brother to bow respectfully toward him, however it didn't last long before he had suddenly reached out to hug me.
"I've missed you, Leonardo." He told me as I hugged him back.
"I've missed you too, father."
"Ichi-san." Donnie said at that time and I turned to find my brothers bowing respectfully toward my Sensei as he entered the house and he smiled warmly at them and bowed back before looking toward Splinter and they bowed again to each other.
"We should talk." He said gently and Splinter nodded before leading the way into his room.
I had been aware that Splinter would have to hold onto my sword until I was allowed to carry it myself but I really hadn't expected his reaction to it.
"Interesting." He proclaimed simply as he studied the blade. "Have you seen what I have Ichi-san?" He added.
"I have." He answered simply and I turned my gaze between the two elders curiously hoping for an explanation as to why it was so interesting. But they only silently exchanged the answer between themselves.
"What?" I finally asked but they just smiled in return.
I was really starting to see what Mikey meant about the elders being vague.
In case you didn't catch it; Leo's part was based almost entirely on the 2003 episode
'The Ancient One.'
