For a moment the Hamato family simply stared at Versallia, the full impact of her confession hitting each in a different way. It was Master Splinter who found his voice first.
"The pilgrimage you undertook for the First Matriarch, it was part of your preparation for that role, was it not?" Master Splinter asked.
"Yes," Versallia admitted. "It was the final step required to ready myself for the impact of the gift she is to bestow upon me. Communing with my amulet was necessary in order to merge my sub-conscious self with the power of the crystal."
"Versallia," Leo said, drawing her attention back to him. "When . . . how were you chosen? Why you?"
There was an odd sound to Leo's voice, one that drew Raph's attention. His brother's brow was creased, his gaze locked on Versallia's face.
Her eyes were likewise turned up towards Leo, her focus entirely on him. "It is a birthright, a part of my destiny. It is a duty that I must fulfill or I fear our kind will perish."
"Can you explain that?" Leo asked gently. "I . . . we need to understand."
Versallia took a deep breath before speaking. "Long ago, when the crystals fell to Earth and bestowed their gifts upon us, the energy that allowed us to build our splendid civilization came with a price. Our close connection to the crystals gave us long life, but it also made the majority of Y'Lyntians sterile.
"There came to be a great disparity between male and female births. The females who were born were mostly sterile, with only the rare few able to bear children without an infusion of the energy of life. The ones who are fertile at birth are destined to become First Matriarchs. The power from the oldest of them, upon the end of her cycle of life, passes to a successor."
"That's you because your First Matriarch is dying, right?" Mikey asked. "How many of these Matriarchs are there? The only woman we saw in the crystal moon city was you."
"I was the only woman to survive the crystal suspension," Versallia said sadly. "I have long had a suspicion that the High Mage sabotaged the other suspension chambers, purposely destroying anyone who could challenge him for power. I am sure that due to my youth, he believed he could manipulate me, just as I am sure that he had somehow trapped the energies from the First Matriarch's. Given time, he would have forced those energies upon me, enslaving me as surely as he'd done to the hapless humans so long ago."
"Destroying the city meant the energies he'd trapped were lost as well," Don said, moving up to the other side of Versallia's cot. "Am I correct?"
Versallia finally looked away from Leo to directly respond to Don's question. "Yes. I believed that my birthright along with everything I'd ever known had been lost that day. When I discovered this new underground city I found that there was a First Matriarch amongst them. She was the last of them, with no successor until I entered the city."
"Why is it so important to hand off that power from woman to woman?" Raph asked. "What's the difference between a Mage and a Matriarch? Don't they both just manipulate that crystal thingy that hangs around their necks?"
"They do, but in separate ways," Versallia explained. "Our bond with the Earth comes from the power of the crystals, but it does not affect men and women in a like manner. You must understand, the Earth has many centers. The High Mage is connected by his amulet to the center of strength. This gives him the ability to manipulate earthen forms such as rock and lava. With his gifts he is able to mutate life forms; to change them to suit his needs.
"The First Matriarch is connected to the center of life. It is she who commands the Earth to bring forth its bounty. She imbues the ground with vitality so that it may produce food and directs the water to sustain our thirst. She has the gift of healing and provides sterile woman with the fertility necessary for child birth."
"Let me understand this," Don said, glancing quickly at Leo before looking at Versallia once more. "If the First Matriarch dies before she can pass her powers on to a successor, then there can be no more children?"
"Exactly," Versallia said. "That is why it is so imperative that there always be a First Matriarch. This is the reason the people of this city have forgone the luxuries that the star crystal could have provided. Its power was necessary for but one purpose, to sustain the gifts imparted at birth upon the First Matriarch. Because it has been used for no other reason, its energy was not diminished in the same manner as that of the crystal moon."
"But the High Mage is draining it," Don said. "Why would he take such a chance? Surely he understands what will happen once its power is gone."
Versallia's expression darkened. "He understands. He is so hungry for control that he believes his scheme to raise the crystal moon will be successful and that he will then have all the energy necessary to remake Y'Lyntius. With the world destroyed he will capture and enslave any humans who survive, forcing them to build his new empire.
"If he cannot have a First Matriarch who will follow his commands, he will do without one. The slaves will toil in fields planting and harvesting food. They will wait upon the Y'Lyntians, doing their bidding no matter how vile or depraved. Thus will exist a completely closed society of a small group of Y'Lyntians ruling the entire planet."
"Bet this time he figures out how to make sure his slaves don't rebel against him," Raph said grimly.
"He'll mutate the weak ones and quickly destroy any resistance amongst the surviving humans before they have a chance to form an army," Don said.
"This is not good, not good at all," Mikey said.
"No, it isn't," Leo responded. "Versallia, how many people from your city are following the High Mage?"
"The First Matriarch told me that he had persuaded nearly thirty-five of the young men to do his bidding," Versallia answered. "It is possible there are more now that it seems there will be no successor to the First Matriarch. Many young men had not offered their allegiance to him, but the ones that he has under his sway are our warriors. Lutetia, the First Matriarch, had just enough time to tell me that he has manipulated these warriors by promising them great power, her power. He encourages them to compete for High Council positions, of which there can be only five. If she perishes before I return to claim my birthright, he will fulfill his promise to them. Once that happens, there will be no more births, no more children. Y'Lyntius will stagnate and despite our longevity, we will eventually die off."
"Is that why he was chasing ya'?" Raph asked.
"Yes," Versallia said. "Lutetia told me all she knew as quickly as she could and then told me to hide. Her powers cling to her and until they are ready to move into another host, she cannot pass them to me, nor can the High Mage force them from her. Once she is weak enough, either of those successions can occur. I do not know how long Lutetia can hold on.
"I was seen by one of the High Mage's followers when I left Lutetia's chamber. He has them watching her all of the time. I managed to evade the guards because I am more familiar with her home than they, but when I came out into the open the High Mage shouted to his followers to capture me."
"That's when you left the city and returned to the tunnels," Leo said.
"I thought that I could retrace my steps to the point where we had separated," Versallia said, focusing again on Leo. "In the back of my mind was the idea that I could find you and warn you of all that had transpired. I quickly realized that the High Mage had set too many of his followers upon my heels."
"So ya' took the smaller tunnel instead," Raph said. "They couldn't go as fast and they'd have to bunch up 'cause the tunnel was too narrow for the lot of them. Smart."
Glancing at Raph, Versallia said, "It was my only option." As if compelled to do so, her eyes once more turned to Leo. "I thought that they would continue to pursue me, so I used every trick I could think of to throw them off of my path. It was necessary to go deeper into those unfamiliar tunnels than I would have liked. I did not know that the High Mage would not pursue me overly far. He must have realized that with his absence from the city some of its inhabitants might get to the First Matriarch and learn of his deception from her."
"Would they fight him?" Leo asked. "How many of the remaining Y'Lyntians will stand against the High Mage and those men he now commands?"
Raph contemplated Leo as his brother spoke, recognizing that his question was for the purpose of gathering intelligence on the size of a potential opposing force. It gave Raph a good idea of Leo's mindset.
"Many of those who remain are older and nearing the end of their life cycles," Versallia said. "Though they may give their allegiance to the First Matriarch, they cannot fight due to infirmity or because their sons are amongst the High Mage's army. There is still a goodly number who are physically able to oppose the High Mage and his followers. They are farmers and artisans though, not warriors. Someone would have to lead them; someone who knows the ways of battle."
Mikey turned his head to look at Raph, lifting an eye ridge when he caught his brother's attention. Raph's low grunt of acknowledgement couldn't be heard by anyone else, but it let Mikey know that he understood. Versallia was making her play for their assistance, without asking for it outright.
"We'll do it," Leo said, reinforcing Raph's thoughts. "We've beaten him before, this time we'll put him down for good."
Once more Versallia's face reddened. "I fear that is asking too much, yet I have nowhere else to turn. Placing this family in such danger causes me much anxiety."
"If the High Mage isn't ousted, he'll destroy the world," Leo said. "This is something we have to do for ourselves as much as the Y'Lyntians."
Versallia's eyes fluttered as her skin paled again, a look of exhaustion returning to her features. It was as if all of her energy had been used in the telling of her story, attaining the promise of the turtle's assistance draining the last of her reserved strength.
"Perhaps we should allow Miss Versallia to rest," Master Splinter said, noting how tired she looked. "There will be time later to learn more."
Raph had some things he wanted to say to Leo, but the resolute look on Master Splinter's face informed him that now was not the time and the infirmary was not the place. He and Mikey followed Master Splinter from the room without a backward glance.
Before Don could leave, Versallia said, "There is a tube in my arm. Could it possibly be removed?"
Turning back to her, Don said, "It's an intravenous line that's providing you with a little nourishment, some medication, and keeping you hydrated. I suppose I could remove it now that your throat seems to have healed."
Leo released Versallia's hand and stepped back to give his brother room to work. It took him only a minute to take the line from the Y'Lyntian woman's arm, placing a small bandage over the area where he'd had to puncture her skin.
As Don moved all of his medical machinery out of the way, Leo returned to his spot next to Versallia's cot. Neither said a word while Don was in the room, though when Leo covered the back of her hand with his, Versallia turned her palm up so that she could grip his as well.
Versallia's eyes had closed while Don was in the room, but as soon as he left she opened them.
"I am sorry to be such a burden," Versallia said.
Leo shook his head. "You aren't. You're our friend and we'd do anything for you."
"I am placing you in danger," Versallia told him, her brow creasing with concern. "It is too much to ask."
"No, it isn't," Leo insisted. "You shouldn't worry, you should rest. Do you want me to stay?"
Versallia offered him a wan smile. "I can see that you too are tired. You have not slept since rescuing me, I can tell. I will be fine, you have already done so much for me. Please, go and sleep."
"Are you hungry? I could bring you some food first," Leo offered.
Squeezing his hand lightly, Versallia said, "I am too tired to eat. It would be good to have something once I waken."
"I don't know what types of food you like," Leo said, thinking again how little he knew of her.
"Anything that comes from the soil," Versallia replied. "I believe that humans will eat the meat of animals, but Y'Lyntians do not have a taste for it."
Leo nodded, leaning in close. "I'll make sure your meals are meatless. If there is anything you need, tell me and I'll get it for you."
Without thinking about it, Leo lifted her hand to his mouth and gently gave the back a kiss. Versallia watched him, her expression soft. When he released her hand, she touched the backs of her fingers to his cheek, brushing it lightly.
For a moment Leo was lost in Versallia's eyes, the icy blue like a beautiful, bottomless crystal. Her lips were as pale as her skin, but with a hint of color than was enticing.
It was tempting to remain in the infirmary, to pull his cot up beside Versallia's and lie there next to her. When her hand left his face, Leo wanted nothing more than to hold it again.
Calling upon his will-power, Leo stepped back. Versallia needed sleep and so did he. Remaining with her, having her so close, would keep him from getting the rest he needed. If he was to lead a rebellion against the High Mage for her, Leo knew that both his mind and body had to be fresh.
"Sleep well," Leo whispered before moving towards the door.
Before he exited, Leo glanced back and saw that Versallia had already fallen asleep. He pulled the door to where it was not quite shut, in case she called out for help.
Though tired, Leo was also hungry. He decided to get himself something to eat and then to check on his brothers. He knew that they were concerned over his behavior and if Leo was honest with himself, he worried as well. Since connecting with Versallia, he hadn't felt like himself and hadn't behaved like the leader his brothers needed.
Yawning widely, Leo entered the kitchen and saw right away that it was already occupied. Raphael stood at the counter, pouring water into the coffeemaker.
"Making a fresh pot for Donny," Raph said when he saw his brother. "He and Mikey are working on the Tunneler."
"Thought I'd grab a bite and then check on them," Leo said, pulling open the refrigerator door.
Raph turned to lean against the edge of the countertop and crossed his arms. "Ya' look all in. Why don't ya' go make friends with your bed?"
Placing sandwich fixings on the table, Leo inhaled deeply and said, "I will, later. The three of you have been laboring so diligently to repair the Tunneler that I figured another pair of hands would be helpful. Remember how we all worked together to build the Battle Shell? We're good when we've got a common goal."
"We're best when we've got the same objective," Raph said. "Is that what we've got right now?"
Leo glanced up at him, catching the hidden meaning in his question. "Helping Versallia banish the High Mage is the only mission we should be focusing on. As long as he's around, our entire civilization is in danger."
"Sure, I get that," Raph said, placidly watching his brother build a sandwich. "I just want ya' to remember that Versa might have an agenda of her own as well. Ya' take everything she says at face value, but ya' ain't asking yourself why so many of her own people, people who know her better than that High Mage guy, are siding with him."
Slamming a fist on the table, Leo glared at Raph. "Versallia is gentle and soft spoken, that's why. She doesn't push people the way he does and she's didn't get the chance to tell them what he is before he went after her. They don't understand what's going on. We were raised to be suspicious and even we believed his lies when we first met him."
Raph lifted a hand, showing Leo his palm. "Calm down, bro'. I ain't insulting Versa, okay? I'm just asking ya' to acknowledge that I've got a different way of seeing things than ya' do. Instead of getting pissed at me for it, could ya' maybe stop for a second and try to see things from my point of view? I promise that I'll make an effort to do the same."
Leo stared at him, working to get his sudden flare of temper under control. It wasn't like him to get that easily riled by something that Raph said, not when he knew that reacting violently was a sure way to set Raph off as well.
The fact that Raph didn't seem irritated gave Leo pause to think. Was his brother so concerned with Leo's behavior that he wasn't responding as defensively as he normally would? If that was the case, then Leo needed to do some deep personal self-evaluation.
"Deal," Leo finally said, noticing that some of the tension left Raph's shoulders. He finished putting his sandwich together and slid it onto a plate. "Let's go see how Don's doing."
Raph poured out a cup of coffee and crossed the kitchen to join his brother. "Yeah, he's been alone with Mikey long enough."
As they left the kitchen, Leo forced himself to appear cheerful. "Look at it this way, the sooner the Tunneler is repaired, the sooner Versallia is out of here."
He tried for a lighthearted tone, looking relieved when Raph acknowledged it with a "Yep."
For his part, Raph was perfectly aware that Leo was trying hard to mollify him. Since Leo didn't normally feel the need to do that, or even to explain himself, the fact that he was making such an effort was disquieting.
The little niggling voice of concern in the back of Raph's head suddenly got louder. Raph decided that he was going to have to keep a close eye on Leonardo.
A very close eye.
TBC….