Hello hello hello! Finally I get this chapter up after being sick for the past few weeks. I would have done it sooner, but I couldn't even concentrate on the story and had to get better. And I may not be a hundred percent, but I am determined to finish this story for you all. Here is the next chapter, and as always I do not own TMNT only my OCs. Please enjoy:)

Chapter 27: The Choice

One Week Later…

Verena's P.O.V.:

This whole week has gone by very slow and yet it has been relaxing, but despite the long waiting and bed resting I am finally healed. All of my wounds have turned to scars, the bruises have disappeared, and my concussion is gone; my body is perfectly healthy. Grandfather's special remedies have helped me a lot with all of my injuries and now I feel so energized. Not only that my family has taken care of me so much the past several days, staying with me during the night, making sure I was comfortable, all of those things. My friends have kept me company during the days when my family was busy, and they always made me laugh and smile. Leo did a lot for me as well just being there and showing me so much love and attention like any boyfriend would; he's just amazing. I owe him so much for all that he has done for me and if it wasn't for him, I may not be here today to be able to tell Leo how much I love him. Thinking about that… just scares me, being stuck in the dark for the rest of my life with nothing, and feeling no other emotion but pure sorrow. It is terrifying. However, the important thing is I am here now and I will spend the rest of my days with a big smile on my face; that is how life goes on.

Today I am taking Leo somewhere very special to spend some time together while Liza and Archimedes go with Sensei, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey out to the city to look at the marketplace. I feel like they will all get a real kick, as they say, out of the area when they see it for the first time. I cannot wait to see the look on Leo's face when he sees where I am taking him in a little bit, he is going to be in for a big surprise. Everything has to be perfect, no mistakes, no trouble, and I mean nothing can go wrong. I decided to keep my hair curled and I pick out a long, yellow high choker dress with most of my back showing; this dress is so simple and yet so elegant as it shows my skin and hugs my curves perfectly. One look and a spin to the mirror is all it took for me to see how good I appear and I know Leo is going to love it. I spray some perfume on and leave my room to go wait for him outside near the main entrance.

It honestly feels great to be walking on my own again and going outside after a long week, to smell fresh air, and to feel the sun touch my skin. I get to the entrance and I see Leo already there, turning around, and his jaw dropping nearly to the ground. He must really like the way I look. I stand in front of him smiling and he snaps out of his gaze giving me his charming smile.

"After a whole week being in your palace, you still look more beautiful than ever." Leo said taking my hand and kissing it.

I blush and giggle, "You are too kind Leo, and you look incredibly handsome. Just like you always do."

"Thanks Verena." He hooks my arm with his, "Shall we?"

I nod and we move, "Isn't it nice to be out in daylight?"

He smiles down at me and chuckles, "Yeah, it really is." Leo kisses my head as we continue to walk, "So, where are you taking us?"

"If I tell you then it will spoil the surprise." I tell him leaning my head on his shoulder, "Besides, I think you will like it."

"Really? Now I can't wait to see, and knowing you it will be amazing."

"Well let's hurry so we can have more time, and I have a little extra something special waiting for us there." I said and we pick up the pace.

"For you Verena, anything."

Liza's P.O.V.:

The Hamato family, Archimedes, and I are walking over the bridge going to the city to give our guests a grand tour. It is the very least we can do for them after all of the support and aid my family has received through everything. Each and every one of them has shown Verena so much kindness and comfort, but they have mostly given her love despite what she has been through the past couple of months away from home. We could not have imagined such great friends like them and from my family to theirs, we are forever grateful. Not only that, but now our worlds are safe from great harm once again and that is the greatest victory of them all.

Come to think about it I really need to stop looking back in the past and look ahead to the here and now, besides today is a relaxing day. There is no reason to spoil it. Right as we get to the other side all of us stop and take in the sight of the city, well actually our friends are with their eyes wide in awe. Half of the structures are made of Krytanium while the other half is made up of stone, some of them even reach up near the same height as the palace, and the streets are covered with so many people whether they are Kennistarian or not. The annual harvest has brought the sellers and traders in on every street to gain profit off of their freshly made goods. It is one of my favorite times of the year because of the new products created, mostly the foods. My husband and I turn to our friends and smile.

"So gentlemen, what do you think of the city?" Archimedes asks in a happy tone.

"…Awesome." Michelangelo said still taking in the grand city.

"This place is just like Verena's pictures, but seeing it with my own eyes it's all so cool." Donatello added.

"It is, huh? However, you gentlemen have not even begun to see all of the fresh produce that is here." I tell them in excitement.

Michelangelo jumps on Raphael smiling, "There's food?!"

"Of course there is food, and we even have the blacksmiths make weapons and armor for the warriors." I said the last part to catch Raphael's attention, and I did.

Raphael grins, "Well what are we waitin' for? Let's go!"

So with that said all of us walk over to the streets, eager to see what they have awaiting for us. I hope today will be a fantastic one for everyone, especially for Verena and Leonardo.

Leo's P.O.V.:

What a beautiful day it is to be outside, and being with Verena makes it even better. Her radiant beauty makes everything seem so bright and alive, the way her voice sounds is like the perfect song even when she laughs, I can go on for hours saying all of the amazing things about her. Our walk through the forest has been kind of nice and seeing the giant trees that reach to the sky, the leaves an emerald green, and the bark is either brown or white; it reminds me of the spirit world. One thing I notice is there are so many small birds, each one with long tail feathers, and they come in different colors; so far I haven't seen any other creatures. These birds have been chirping since we came in, it's interesting how their chirps sound like flutes, so soothing and soft in tune like they're singing to each other. As we walk deeper in the number of trees decreases and we stop at a rock formation of some kind that's covered top to bottom in vines.

My bandana turns to the side causing me not to see, "Hey, what are you-"

"Shhh," Verena puts her finger on my lips and giggles, "it is all part of my surprise." She moves her finger off my lips and takes my hand, "Follow me, Leo."

I let Verena guide me the rest of the way trying to figure out where she's taking us as I do my best to use my other senses. There is a strong rumbling sound in the distance almost like thunder, a cool breeze touching my skin, and a fresh aroma in the air. All of these thoughts are giving me ideas on where we are, but I still want it to be surprising. Suddenly I feel something smooth touch my feet and lightly brushing my ankles that makes my body have a chill; I think its long grass. Verena has us stop and I feel my bandana turn back around so I open my eyes and gasp at this grand sight; this is her special place she told me about a while back. It's just as beautiful as her description. The rumbling sound turns out to be a giant waterfall that creates a pond next to this rock wall, there are a few trees near the small house that's surrounded by flowers all around, everything about this spot is amazing. I look at Verena with a giant smile forming on my face as she laughs and rubs my arm gently.

"Well, do you like your surprise?" She asks waiting for my answer.

"No," I tell her and she gives me a confused look, "I love it." I pull Verena into my arms and hug her tight, "Thank you for bringing me here Verena."

"Anything for you Leo." She whispers in my ear and looks at me.

I look around for a moment then back at her, "This place is beautiful."

"I am glad you love it here, you don't know how happy I am to share this with you Leo. From now on, this place is your sanctuary."

I kiss her cheek to show my gratitude, "Thank you."

Verena turns her head back to look at the pond and smiles at me, "Would you like to go for a swim?"

I nod, "Sure."

We walk to the pond and I can really see how clear and blue the water is as we get closer. The color is almost the same as the bright blue sky and the sun hitting it makes the water shimmer like a gem. It looks so refreshing. A few feet away from the pond is a giant white blanket laid out with a bowl of fruit and two drinking glasses filled with tea for later on; she really wants this to be special. I set my katanas on the blanket and watch Verena go further until she lifts her dress and her feet touch the water, looking so graceful and angelic before me. I walk to her and feel the cool water touch my feet, and the whole sensation of it is making me relax even more if that's possible.

Verena holds her hand out to me with a sweet smile, "Take my hand."

I do as she says and put my hand into hers, smiling at her. The both of us walk into the water until our feet can no longer touch the ground; it's deeper than I thought it would be. Verena gives me a playful smirk and dives underwater, swimming away from me as I can see her yellow dress shining brightly. I take a deep breath and dive in the water, but I wasn't prepared for what I saw within the pond. So many plants growing from the pond floor and most of them are green, dozens of crystals stand on the ground sparkling along with the water, and a few fishes swim around having long fins like their tails. There right in front of me is my beautiful Verena swimming farther out as I follow her at a racing pace trying to catch her. Even in the water she's still fast. After a minute I finally hook her waist in my arm and we swim back to the surface. Soon as we are up I hear her laugh almost seductively in my ear and it sends chills down my spine.

Suddenly, I get this warm sensation all over my body like a fire building up deep inside and Verena must of felt it too because she wraps her arms around my neck. I slowly move my hands down from her shoulders to her thighs and lift her legs up to wrap around my waist, feeling her body close to mine as I'm holding her y the waist. What we're feeling in this moment is complete lust for one another, the built up desire that we have needs to be let out. We have waited for a long time and we really need this. As if I was carrying a priceless work of art I move us carefully to the rocks, pressing Verena hard against them pinning her there and seeing no signs of discomfort from her. I stare deeply into Verena's eyes and see a burning desire ignite in her beautiful orbs, but then her lids shut and leans her head forward breathing light hot breath on my skin that's soothing me. I lean my head to hers and kiss Verena, releasing all of my lust in this intense heat of passion.

My right hand moves slowly to her hip and works its way up, lightly touching her breast on accident and I receive a low moan from Verena that gave me relief; soon my hand cups the back of her head. She angles her head more to the side deepening the kiss while pressing her tongue on my bottom lip and I open my mouth to accept it. Once again our tongues are swimming together through this passionate kiss. Verena slides her left hand on my arm feeling my muscles flex and digs her fingers onto my skin like a massage. I press her more into the rocks with my body going deeply to her and hearing my love whimper to me, enjoying the closeness.

Verena moves her lips away from mine and kisses down my jawline to my neck, placing her soft lips on my pulse and starts to suck on it as I moan in pleasure. Her tongue presses down on my skin and licks me along my pulse making me moan more, holding her head tighter in my hand urging her to keep going. The hand that's on my arm goes up to my chest, stroking it gently with her warm palm and giving me a chill down my body. I feel her lips give me kisses down my shoulder and back up to my lips. I lick her bottom lip asking for permission and she allows my tongue to enter her mouth, moving gently around with hers. Verena's tongue feels so soft rubbing mine playfully as I move it farther in hearing her moan.

I let go of Verena's head and place my hand on the rocks beside her to steady myself so I won't collapse from the intensity, but I urge myself to keep going. I kiss her lips and move down to her neck as she lifts her head to expose her flawless skin, giving her kisses everywhere in that area taking my time. My lips feel Verena's pulse and I return the same treatment she gave to me by sucking on it deeply and hearing her moan softly. Verena wraps her arms tightly around my neck and holds the back of my head with a hand, pulling me deeper into her warm skin. My tongue lightly touches her pulse and I lick along it as her moaning got lower almost being released from her inner core and I finish it off with a gentle bite on it. I kiss Verena roughly with so much force in it, our lips dancing hard together. Verena wraps her legs closer together, squeezing my body more to hers so we could never part from the embrace.

After what seemed like an eternity of showing our love for each other we give one more kiss and stop. The water feels so cool against our heated skin as we finally pay attention to the liquid surrounding us. I place my hot mouth next to her ear and start panting, trying to control my breathing as Verena does the same thing. This has been the most intense make out session we have ever had and it was so amazing. As my breathing became normal I stare into Verena's eyes and she looks into mine, showing me her beautiful smile and giggling sweetly as I smile in return. Verena shifts her eyes to the shore and I nod in agreement and swim us back there with her in my arms.

We get back after a couple of minutes of swimming and walk over to the blanket and sit down. I take a sip of the cool tea, tasting the refreshing drink go down my throat and I set the cup down. Verena takes a small, round red fruit from the bowl and eats it, smiling at me sweetly. She pats her hand on her lap to me, and I lie down on the blanket with my head on her lap looking up at her. Surprisingly Verena's body feels very warm as rubs my chest with her left hand; soon I relax from her warmth and let my mind be at ease. Verena reaches into the bowl and takes out a bunch of the same fruit, putting one between her thumb and index finger. I watch her lower the fruit to my mouth and use my lips to grab it, gliding my tongue on her fingers to help it go in. the fruit is sweet and tangy, almost like I'm eating a bite size version of an orange without peeling the skin; it's so good. I eat a few more pieces of the fruit and pull Verena down to me gently by her back, her head resting on my chest above my heart as we both close our eyes for a nap.

I wasn't sure how much time has passed, but I wake up to soft kisses on my cheek begging me to wake up. I open my eyes and see Verena smiling down at me with gentle eyes as I cup her cheek with my right hand. The sound of the waterfall, all of the grass and flowers dancing in the wind made the entire place more peaceful, and I love every single inch of it.

I sigh and smile, "To think in a few hours we'll be back in New York, back home. Everything will be perfect like it was before."

Verena's smile disappears and she slowly sits up with her back to me, "Um… about that…," Her voice is shaky.

I sit up and look at her with concern, "Verena what is it? What's wrong?"

She takes a deep breath and sighs, "I… I'm not going back."

My eyes widen from complete shock and my heart stops, "I-I don't understand." I shake my head, "Why?"

"Leo please, let me explain." I can see her struggling to say it but she does her best, "What happened over a week ago with the Dark Benders has made it very clear to me that my world is still in danger. We may have weakened the threat, but it will always remain and grow either the same or stronger. That is something I cannot allow to happen." Tears start to well up in her eyes, "This was the hardest decision that I ever had to make, but I must do what is right for my people and for my home. My family needs me, and I feel like if I leave and the Dark Benders do something to them I will never forgive myself. I love your family, I mean you all are a second family to me and have done my family a great deed. And I love you more than anything, Leo, but I can't abandon my duty. I… I'm so sorry." She looks down away from me.

I feel like I got run over by a train. Verena just threw a giant bomb on me completely off guard. I bring her back and this is another problem I now have to face, but this isn't about saving her from a threat this is about her choice. And now it comes down to me to tell her my opinion. I have no other choice in this matter and even though it will hurt us I only want what's best for her.

I caress her cheek and turn her head to face me, wiping away some tears, "Verena… I understand what you're going through and I see why you made your choice. I go through hard decisions most of the time with my family, thinking about what I have to do to protect them. The sacrifices that I've made had benefited us, and now I must make the ultimate sacrifice for you. I may not like it, but no matter what you choose I will stand by you all the way just like right now. No matter where you go how far away we'll be I will always love you Verena, forever."

I bring her close to me and hug her tight as she cries into my shoulder, the pain overwhelming her. And as I hold her I can't help but share the same pain, thinking this is one of the worst days of my life. I go back home losing the one girl that I'll ever love.

One Hour Later…

Our walk back to the palace was very quiet, in fact it was the most silent time that we've ever had so far. I didn't like it one bit. It was awkward and uncomfortable for the both of us, but what can we do? What more can you say when someone's mind is made up? Nothing much. I did what I thought would be best for Verena, and if it'll make her happy then so be it. That's all I ever wanted for her, is to be happy.

Since coming back to the palace I have been in my room, looking out the window standing up. It wasn't long until I heard my family come into my room laughing so loud, I guess they had a great time with Liza and Archimedes. I don't want to face them so I keep looking at the window.

"Man that was so much fun! I can't believe they have that much food in one place." Mikey said in a happy tone.

"And the devices they have are so cool. I can't wait to try them out when we get back home." Don added.

"Won't it be great to be home again Leo?" Mikey asks.

"Yeah, just great." I said and turn around.

"What about Verena? Is she excited ta come ta New York with us?" Raph asks trying to be careful with his questions.

I shake my head and face the window, "I let her go."

"What?!" My brothers shouted in shock.

"Leo why would ya do that?" Raph asks putting a hand on my shoulder.

I take a deep breath, "Because I want Verena to be happy. Who am I to try and force her to come with us when she wants to stay here?"

"My son," Master Splinter calls me and I look at him as he stares into my eyes closely, "Verena told you she cannot come, did she not?"

I whisper, "Yes."

"And do you wish for her to stay or to come home with us?" He asks me the one question that I've been dreading.

I squeeze my hands into tight fists and feel a tear run down my face, "I would want her to come with us more than anything, but after all of the things she told me I know it can't happen. I don't want to put my selfish needs before hers, that's the last thing I would ever do to her." I choke on my tears and clear my throat, "Verena deserves the best…, she deserves to be happy, and I can't take that away from her. We may be far apart, but I will always love Verena no matter what."

Sensei walks up and hugs me, "I am sorry, Leonardo."

Raph hugs me around my shoulders, "We're always here for ya bro."

Don and Mikey join in and soon everyone in my family is showing me so much love and comfort. I really need it. All of a sudden I began to cry silently into Raph's shoulder, feeling like an idiot that I didn't fight hard enough to keep Verena with me. I pretty much gave up on us.

Alistair's P.O.V.:

I heard everything. This is something that I feared would happen. My daughter choosing her duty over the greatest man that has shown her so much love since being on Earth. Leonardo choosing to let her go to not seem selfish with his deepest desire. All of it has turned into a big mess, and I need to help clean it up. I leave the door of Leonardo's room and walk down the hall to go find Verena so I can talk some sense into her. It is not fair for someone to give up love over their duty, and my daughter is that someone to do so. In my mind, there will come a time where love will be greater over duty, this is one of those times between Verena and Leonardo; two honorable people that have found love. They belong together.

I find my daughter out in the garden standing next to the statue of Nakoma, looking to the sea. I quietly walk over to her, watching her like a hawk as the Earthers say, making sure she does not see me.

"Just another boring day in Kennistar." I said with a light cheerful tone.

Verena turns her head and gives me a small smile, "Yes, I suppose it is." She looks to the sea.

My smile grows and I look down to her, "You know I knew this couple once, who stood in the exact same spot where we are looking to the sea. They have dreamed of great things that they wanted to share together, a life being in a close bond. Until the woman said to her love she needed to return home to her family and felt like she did not belong with him. The woman made the man feel so much pain."

Verena shifts her eyes at me, "And what happened to them?"

"The man strongly convinced her to stay with him, telling her how much she means to him in his life. It was in that moment she realized her life would be empty without him in it, and so she chose him. Now they are happily married, have two beautiful daughters, and two grandsons." I finish my story and stare at my daughter.

She looks at me in shock, figuring out I told her about Aurora and I, "Father-"

"Pup," I place my hands on her shoulders, "do not be so upset. What you and Leonardo are going through, I have gone through it with your mother. Do not throw your love for him away because of your duty as the Yin Warrior; it is not fair to you or him. In our lives each of us has a path to follow," I put a hand under her chin, "our paths are here in Kennistar. Yours, Verena, is with Leonardo and his family in New York."

She gasps as tears stream down her face, "You really mean that?"

I nod and smile.

"But you all and the people, what about that?"

"We will be fine. You have done so much for each and every person here in Kennistar, now I want you to have what you desire." I wipe the tears with my thumbs, "He loves you, Pup, and you love him. A brighter path for you has just begun."

Verena hugs me around my neck tightly and cries, "Thank you, Father."

I hug my daughter and squeeze her close to me, afraid of letting her go but deep down inside my heart I have to. Even the bird must leave the nest at some point, to be free and start a new family. In the end, I am going to miss Verena, my little girl, my Pup.

Three Hours Later…

Leo's P.O.V.:

My family and I are with the Ishtars in the throne room waiting for the teleporter gate to open, the only one not here is Verena. I can understand that, it would be painful for me if I say goodbye to her. The gate lights up and the metal bars expand, and that's our indication of the device ready to send us home. I look at the Ishtars and they are smiling at us, but I can see they are going to miss us. And so are we.

"So, this is it." Mrs. Ishtar says breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I guess so." Don said.

"We are grateful for all of your help and hospitality, Your Majesties." Master Splinter said respectfully.

"On the contrary, it is we who are grateful to you and your family, Splinter sensei. You have helped us defeat our enemies and have brought peace once again." Riordin tells us and bows.

We bow in return.

"You are all welcome to The Sacred Palace as a token of our gratitude." Mr. Ishtar said proudly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I tell him and sigh.

"Come my sons, we must go home." Sensei calls us, but as we're turning to leave a voice yells at us.

"Wait!"

Verena's P.O.V.:

I run down the stairs as fast as I can and go in between my family and Leo's, catching my breath for a moment. Finally I stand up straight and look at Leo, seeing his surprised look on his face.

"Verena," He said and steps closer to me, face-to-face, "what are you doing?"

"I came to say my farewells," I take a deep breath and cup his cheek in my hand, "and to go home with you."

Leo's eyes widen and his jaw drops, taking short hard breaths, "Really? You're coming with us?"

I nod and smile, tears beginning to form, "Yes."

Leo pulls me into his arms and hugs me so tight that I cannot breathe as I wrap my arms around his neck. The both of us cry, happy to be going to New York together just as it should be. My father really helped me see that my love for Leo is stronger than anything, even more than duty. I was wrong to pick that over Leo, and now I know my place in this life is with him and my new family, to be happy together. I guess it's true to what they say, true love does conquer all. Leo kisses my forehead, both of my cheeks, and lips rapidly showing me a lot of affection; I can't help but giggle.

I hear my family gasp and turn around to face them, a little worried about their reaction to my choice. I walk over to them and stand still.

"Verena…" Liza looks at me confused.

I smile, "I have made my choice." I look at each of my family members, "And I now must follow my path, even if it means leaving Kennistar. My place is in New York," I look back to Leo and his family, "with them, with him. Earth is my home." I turn back to my family.

"If this is your decision then we will stand by it one hundred percent, my dear." Mother said with sadness in her voice.

I nod and kneel down to my nephews, "You two be good for your mother and father now, and take care of each other."

"Aunt Verena, please don't go." Bryce hugs me around my neck and Aragon jumps in next.

"Hey, I'll still be around boys. If you two ever need me for anything I am just a wrist link call away. I'm going to miss you boys." I tell them and get up going to my grandfather next.

He bows to me, "I hope you find all of the happiness in the world, Verena. You have made me so proud."

I bow to him, "That is because I have had an amazing teacher all this time." I go up and hug him, "Thank you for teaching me so much, Grandfather."

He hugs back, "You are most welcome, Verena."

I walk over to my sister, "Liza-"

She rams herself to me to give a tight hug, "Take care of yourself, Sister. And try to visit us every once in a while, alright?"

"I will Liza. I promise."

"Good." She kisses my cheek and smiles, "I love you, Verena."

"I love you too, Liza." I said and go to my mother next.

"… This is all so sudden. I-I cannot believe this is happening." Mother softly pulls me into her for a hug and cries, "I wish you did not have to go so soon, Sweetheart."

"It will be alright Mother, okay?" I reassure her the best I can wiping away her tears, "Please don't cry."

"I know. I am going to miss you so much, Verena."

"I'll miss you too, Mother." I kiss her cheek and go to the final family member, my father.

Father places his hand on my shoulder, "I am glad you decided to go, Pup."

"All thanks to you, Father." I go up and hug him, "You helped me see the love I have for Leo and I can't thank you enough."

He smiles down at me and looks over my shoulder, "Come over here, Leonardo."

I look at Leo and her does as my father tells him, not looking nervous at all.

Father puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes it firmly, "Take care of my daughter for me, Leonardo."

Leo also places his hand on Father's shoulder and smiles, "I will, Sir."

"And you take care of him too, Pup." My father says.

"Of course." I said and wink at Leo, earning a chuckle from him.

My father lowers his head down and touches my forehead gently, "I love you so much, Pup."

"I love you too, Father." I softly tell him and kiss his cheek.

Leo takes my hand and we walk over to his family at the gate, seeing their excited and happy faces gave me a great amount of joy in my heart. To think I will be having more adventures with these guys and learn even more with Master Splinter. I feel that the best of it all is to finally be with Leo, to have a normal life loving him and making it grow. That is the life I've been waiting for. I look back to my family and smile at them one last time, telling them silently I love them all, always. The rest of us step through the gate and return home, to New York City.

Whew! I finally get this one done! So, what do you all think? I would love to hear what you thought about this chapter because I frickin' enjoyed it so much. As always you are my judges. Sadly there is one more chapter left and I am working on it as we speak for you all, so hopefully I will have it up as soon as possible.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas holiday as much as I did, and I want to wish you all a Happy New Year since I probably won't have the last chapter up before then:).

Thank you all that have favored, followed, and reviewed my story so far and I will do my best to make the last chapter great. Please R&R, PM me, and all that good stuff. I'll see you all in the new year. Until next time:)