The light was blinding, and she nearly closed her eyes against the harsh flares, if not for the silhouette beckoning for her.

"Faline."

"Mom!"

"Hi, honey. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Y...yeah, it has. God, I'm so happy to see you! Where's Dad?"

"He's still at home. He left the adventuring to me, as usual. You know how your father is."

"Yeah, that's just Dad for you, I guess. Homebody as usual."

"Exactly. Rule-abiding too. I should be back with him, really. But you know I've always had a certain distaste for the rules. "

This place was unfamiliar. She couldn't remember much, wasn't too concerned about remembering much. All she knew was that she shouldn't be able to speak to her mother this way - in the way that Tamara could still answer back. Unless...

"...wait, if I'm really talking to you, does this mean I'm...dead? Or is this all a dream?"

"You're not dreaming, honey. This is real."

"So I'm dead."

"Not yet."

Her mother's laugh. Clear as day, as ringing and round as it had been in her childhood. She only wished she could understand what Tamara found so humorous. Maybe the baffled expression gracing her face now?

"You have a choice to make, Faline. You can stay here with your father and I, or you can return to New York."

"Why would I want to go back there? I've missed you like crazy. You don't know how hard it's been, Mom. Not having you around... it nearly broke me, I'll admit."

"Believe me, I know how hard it's been. I've watched you grow into a fine young woman. You've made me proud, Faline."

"Really? You think so? Because all I've done is act like a scared little girl my whole life since you... you went away."

It was a kind smile that filled her vision, as her mother placed an other-worldly hand on her cheek.

"Died. I died Faline. Death is nothing to fear, honey. And it's not your fault you were forced into timidity half your life."

"Yeah, I've got Connor to thank for that, partly."

"Yes, Connor — hmm. Connor has had some definite trials. He's put you through an unfair amount of pain. A girl losing her mom is hard enough. Your brother will have to reap what he sowed, and I'm just glad you're safe."

"And I'm just glad I'm with you. This place looks pretty nice."

"It gets better. You're in the In-Between, but the rest is even grander. Now don't rush into things. I want you to think about this, Faline. The fate of your friends depends on whether you stay here or not."

"My... friends? Mom, if you really know what's happened since you — died — you'd know I don't have friends."

"Now that's not true. Don't you remember? C'mon, look back and—"

She pulled away at that, the cut-off connection dimming the blinding light, which, she'd admit, was a bit of a relief.

"I'm done looking back, Mom. I don't want anything to do with yesterday. The past doesn't define me."

"I know that, honey, and I'm glad you've come to that realization. But the past is a part of us, like it or not. And if you refuse to reflect once in a while, you'll miss all the good things you experienced."

"But living in the now—"

"Is important, yes. But the past is something we learn from. It's where all the happy memories are."

"I...I don't think I can..."

"Try it for me, Faline. You're strong enough, I know it. The things you've gone through haven't been kind to you, but there's always light in the darkness. Find the light, Faline. Find the hope."

The white light shifted, turned cooler, calmer, darker but somehow still relieving. She recognized the color, a hue that she'd found comfort in before. It had tinted the irises of someone equally comforting to her.

"I...I remember...blue eyes."

"Who was the person behind them?"

"He was... he was a leader. Kind. Gentle. Protective."

"Handsome?"

"...Yes. In his own way. He was ripped, that's for sure."

Another giggle, like wind chimes on a windless day.

"Ha! You always know how to make me laugh, honey. But back to the point. Do you know his name?"

"...Leo. Leonardo. Oh my God, Leo!"

"That's it, Faline. He was your hope, wasn't he?"

"Yes, he was... you don't think it's odd? You know, that he's..."

"A mutant reptile with big knives?"

"He prefers the term ninja."

"I'm only messing with you. And I think you and I can agree that his appearance means nothing when you see the young man behind it."

"Mmhmm."

"You love him, don't you?"

Even in death, there wasn't anything that could stop Tamara from shocking her daughter.

"What?!"

"Oh, don't make a fuss. I'm your mother, you can tell me anything."

"...Yes. I...I do."

"And you miss him?"

And the colors changed, from a familiar cerulean to a harsher crimson, momentarily blocking out her mother while white-hot agony seared directly through her sternum.

"...God, yes. It hurts, how much I miss him."

"Then go to him."

"But...but Mom, I don't want to leave you. And Dad, I haven't gotten to see him yet."

"He'll still be with you. We'll both be with you."

"Always?"

"Always."

The image of her mother was getting dimmer, though she couldn't tell if that was from her tear-filled eyes or the smoke beginning to cloak her form.

"I'm...I'm gonna miss you, Mom."

"It's alright, honey, don't cry."

"I can't h-help it..."

One last brush of her fingertips against her face, wiping her tears like she'd done years ago, when she was still living.

"Ssh, Faline, it's okay. I'm here."

"I love you. I love you so much, Mama."

"I love you more, my sweet, sweet Faline."

She was definitely fading now, the fog becoming to thick to properly see her face. It wasn't fair; there were still so many things to ask, to tell her, to share with her.

"And... do you think he loves me too?"

"Leonardo? ...I guess you'll have to find out, won't you?"

The smoke couldn't obscure the pearly whites beaming at her mischievously.

"I know that smile. I haven't forgotten that smile. Just tell me already!"

"Love is an adventure too, honey. You have to be brave enough to embark on it."

"Send Dad my love, okay?"

"I will. Now, I think it's time you leave. That Donatello is pretty inexperienced with those defibrillators of his, isn't he?"

"Wha—"

zzZWAP.

"Ow! Mom, what's—"

"It's your ride home, baby. Stay calm."

zzZWAP.

"Ouch! Damn it, that hurts! ...Mom? Mom!"

"CLEAR!"

zzZWAP.

"...Fae? Can you hear me?"