Author's Note: This story is back from summer break! I hope you'll enjoy what's to come…

Festival Preparations

The dunes of sand seemed to quiver on the passage of the twelve riders. They went as fast as their horses allowed them.

The man at their head - the one riding the finest horse of the group - couldn't afford to be late for the upcoming Year End Ceremony at the oasis.

In fact, he should already have been there. Matters of the utmost importance had held him back, though.

Very few people knew that he wasn't merely a delegate of the caliphe, but also a member of his secret service, one taking care of delicate matters of the caliphate's security.

One who was trusted with very old and dangerous secrets, secrets like the one buried not far from his journey's destination.

Almost as an afterthought, his left hand let go of the reins to slide inside the purse on his belt. His fingers stroked the tiny crystal hidden inside it. It was the recovery of this item that had delayed him. It had costed him a fortune, and not only in gold, but it was worth it.

Thanks to it, he would soon have the answer to the question that had nagged at his mind for more than a decade.

Leonardo watched his work-in-progress morosely. He wasn't particularly fond of sewing, but his mother had requested his help with the checking of the ceremonial clothes their family would wear at the festival beginning tomorrow, and there was no way he could have declined.

Especially not so soon after his latest adventure.

To say his parents hadn't been happy about the fact he had impersonated Raphael was an understatement, especially when the guards had ended up involved. Leonardo knew he would better keep a low profile for the next few weeks, if not the next few months.

So he was sitting next to his mother in the brightly lit house while Raphael was out there training - he was supposed to perform during the festival with the other brand new firebenders of the year. Leonardo didn't even have Michelangelo or Donatello to take care of the conversation, because they were both helping the blacksmith, Leatherhead.

Normally he wouldn't have minded working with his mother, far from it. But he had a feeling she knew something was off with him, and it made him uneasy.

Was it how his whole life would feel? Like he walked on eggshells with the people he loved the most?

As if on cue, the soft voice of Tang Shen snapped him out of his bleak thoughts.

"What's on your mind, Leonardo?"

For a panicked second, he wondered if she had read through him.

Don't be stupid, he chided himself. His mother was sharp and caring, but she was no telepath.

She couldn't know about his little secret.

"Nothing," he answered, way too fast.

"Hmm."

Leonardo couldn't blame his mother for not being convinced. He cleared his throat and quickly racked his brains for a better answer. "I mean, I was thinking about the ceremony. Raph will perform for the first time. I know he's going to be incredible!"

Tang Shen smiled fondly. "No doubt."

Leonardo relaxed. Now maybe she'd be satisfied and -

"Is there anything you want to tell me about?"

Leonardo almost stabbed his finger with his needle. "Me? Something I want to tell you about?"

His mother lifted an eye ridge. "Yes."

"No! I mean, no, thank you, Mom. I'm fine. Absolutely fine."

Leonardo hoped he wasn't blushing.

Before Tang Shen could answer, though, two excited shouts and sounds of running feet were heard in the gardens.

Soon, Michelangelo and Donatello burst inside the room, panting as if they had run all the way from the village.

Which they probably had.

"Mom, he's here! The delegate has arrived!"

Tang Shen quickly put down the robe she had been working on, and Leonardo did the same with a secret sigh of relief.

His little brothers had been disappointed when the delegate had sent word that his arrival would be delayed from a few days, but now they were reaching new excitement heights and he wouldn't be too much to keep an eye on them, which was a much more engaging task than sewing.

Not to mention that the man's long-awaited arrival would keep his mother too busy to ask him any awkward questions.

"Once more," Saki ordered.

Raphael dutifully put himself back into position. He could hear other students sigh as they did the same, and he smiled inwardly.

Unlike him, they weren't used to his uncle's demanding nature.

The performance was going to be great. They would fill the sky with fireballs and draperies of flames; the choreography was arranged to the nearest second.

Not that it was a dance or anything. It was more like a display of their power and refinement, if you asked him.

As the best student, Raphael had one of the main roles, along with Angel - which he was delighted about - and Slash - which he was way less delighted about.

The bully hadn't talked to him since his disastrous mistake. Raphael didn't know whether it was best to rejoice or worry about it. Angel pretended that the neighbors had heard Slash's father yell at his son for an hour straight. Maybe Slash had decided to keep a low profile?

Spike hadn't been very talkative either, and he was avoiding Leonardo's twin, which annoyed Raphael. Shouldn't the boy have rejoiced about the fact he got reinforcements?

As the drums of the musicians resonated once again, Raphael silenced these thoughts to focus on his moves.

Now wasn't the time to make a careless mistake.

When the rehearsal was over, Raphael resisted the temptation to collapse to the ground like half the students. He was rewarded by an appreciative smile from his uncle. Puffing himself up, he made his way to Angel.

"I don't want to boast, but I think we're going to make the greatest performance of the last decade."

She chuckled. "I'm not sure they think the same." She tilted her head towards the students groaning below them.

"They're overdoing it. I could have gone on all day." Raphael winked.

Angel crossed her hands behind her neck, not fooled by his lie. "Oh really? And to think I believed that if your uncle wasn't there, you would be lying in the sand with them!"

"Hey!" Raphael glared at her to better show his half-faked indignation.

"Just saying." Angel's grin suddenly vanished. "Look! Isn't it Slash talking to Spike?"

In one glance, Raphael realized that she was right. He frowned and accelerated to join the two boys who had walked from the main area and near a row of standing stones.

"Hey, Spike! Everything alright?"

Both Slash and Spike spun around. Slash opened his mouth to say something, but he changed his mind and grimaced before leaving with fast, although prudent, steps, keeping Raphael in his field of vision all the time like he was some dangerous beast.

In the meanwhile, Spike remained frozen where he stood.

Raphael cleared his throat. "Did he… was he threatening you?"

Spike looked the other way.

"If there is anything I can do to help…" Raphael went on uneasily.

Spike suddenly glared at him - for one brief second before he averted his eyes.

"No, thank you," he said in a bitter tone. "You've done enough."

Raphael blinked. "What?"

"I never asked you for anything! Why did you feel like you had to interfere?"

"But… but… he was bullying you!"

"And now it's worse!" Spike spat. Seeing Raphael's utter incomprehension, he sighed. "Look, I'm not strong like you or courageous like your brother. I'm not looking for trouble. All I want is to be left in peace!"

Raphael swallowed hard, not sure what to answer. Spike's shame was obvious - as was his anger.

"I… Uh…Sorry," he finally uttered.

"Just leave me alone. Please," Spike whispered before turning his back to Raphael and departing.

Raphael exchanged an upset glance with Angel. "Now talk about killing the mood." He shook his head. "I just wanted to help him!"

"You can't help him if he doesn't want to be helped." Angel sounded sad. "You know, he hasn't always been like this. When we were young, he was as daring and happy as most of the other kids I knew."

"What happened?"

"His father died," she merely said. "A firebending accident. Spike has never been the same since then."

Raphael had the time to ponder her words on his way home. Had he really done more harm than good by trying to help Spike? But what was he supposed to do, let Slash bully the poor guy without a second glance?

He hated feeling so confused. Maybe talking about it with Leonardo would help him to sort his thoughts - it often did.

However, he quickly realized it wasn't going to be possible to have a quiet conversation with his twin any time soon.

The house was in uproar - apparently, the caliphe's delegate and his party had arrived.

Tang Shen smiled to the man in front of her. She wished her husband or even her brother-in-law was there. Caliphe's delegate or not, she didn't like this Bishop. She couldn't pinpoint exactly why. He looked handsome and had been nothing but polite and respectful.

Maybe it was that something in his eyes, like he had seen things human beings shouldn't.

And possibly done them, too.

"These will be your chambers. I hope you'll find them to your liking." Tang Shen bowed.

"It's perfect, thank you." Bishop bowed in return.

"My husband will soon arrive. I apologize for his absence. We weren't sure when you would arrive, and as the Year End Festival begins tomorrow…"

"Don't worry about it, Madam. I'm the one apologizing for not being on time."

From the corner of her eye, she caught Leonardo hushing Donatello and Michelangelo out of the corner where they were trying to spy on their guest.

"Do you wish to rest in the meantime?" she asked Bishop.

He smiled. "I'd rather meet the rest of your family. I didn't have the honor to see them last time. It certainly looks like they're eager to meet me."

Tang Shen nodded. He had a keen hearing and a sharp sight, no doubt.

"We're honored. I'll have refreshments brought to us in the gardens."

Raphael caught up with his brothers on their way to the gardens, where a table full of fruits, cookies and juices was waiting for them and their guest.

"Did you see him?" Michelangelo whispered excitedly in his ear.

His enthusiasm was contagious. Raphael grinned and forgot about the episode with Spike.

"Not yet. How is he like?"

"He's like a stranger!" Michelangelo's eyes shined like it was the highest possible statute.

"He's tall and very polite," Donatello added.

Raphael tilted his head. "You've already talked to him?"

"No, but they already spied on him." Leonardo winked at his twin. "You're just in time for the official presentation."

Raphael nodded and placed himself in line with his brothers. Leonardo smoothed Michelangelo and Donatello's hair in a swift gesture before turning his attention to the house.

They didn't have to wait long until their mother came outside, followed by the tall man that had his brothers so excited. Tang Shen raised her eyebrows in mild surprise at seeing Raphael with the others.

"Bishop, these are my sons. Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo."

Raphael and his brothers bowed low.

"It's an honor to meet you," the man said.

If he was surprised to see two pairs of twins, he didn't show it.

"The honor is ours," Raphael answered.

Then they all sat down and began chatting pleasantly. Bishop paid attention to everybody in the family, including the two youngest - a good point in Raphael's book.

When Yoshi and Saki finally arrived and the adults went inside to talk about politics, Raphael had a rather positive view of the man.

Leonardo couldn't sleep. It was as if his body refused to relax. He itched to stand up, go to his cave and waterbend, but he knew it was too risky to leave the house now. Bishop's party would no doubt take turns patrolling the gardens, and Leonardo didn't know them well enough to avoid them; not to mention there was bound to be more guards because of their important guest.

He sighed. Raphael thought Bishop was interesting, and Leonardo agreed, but he was still wary of the man. Something about the way he talked seemed too laid back for a person of his importance.

On the other end, what did he, Leonardo, knew about such things? He lived in an oasis, secluded from the rest of the world.

Finally, he relented and stood up. Maybe a nice trip to the kitchen would help him relax and cut through his moody thoughts.

He was halfway through his destination when he heard snippets of a conversation. He held his breath. He could recognize the voices of his father, Bishop and Saki. And… Splinter? Why was he there this late in the night? Leonardo was well-placed to know that the old master didn't have a minute to him these days.

He knew better, but he couldn't help coming slightly closer. His curiosity was too strong.

All his senses awake, he stopped in front of the closed door and listened.

"I still think it's a dangerous idea," Splinter was saying.

"It's worth it." Bishop's voice had an edge to it that Leonardo heard for the first time. "Don't you want to know if you're guarding a ghost or… a ghost?"

Leonardo tensed. Were they talking about the Shredder's grave?

"Of course we do." It was Yoshi. "But we have a responsibility towards our clan. We can't put them in danger."

"I have a responsibility to make sure nothing threatens the caliphate," Bishop said in a honeyed voice. "Are you going to help me with it or not?"

There was a heavy silence. Leonardo didn't move an inch.

"Of course," Yoshi finally answered, his voice tense. "That's what we've been doing for the past two centuries. That's our duty."

"I didn't mean to offend you." Bishop's cold tone indicated the exact contrary. "I'm merely saying that the more information we have, the better."

A pause.

"Your son seems to share my opinion."

Leonardo's eyes widened. Was he referring to his talk with Donatello, who had seemed more than eager to share his opinions on a variety of subjects with Bishop? But Donatello couldn't know anything about the Shredder.

The door opened. Leonardo, who hadn't heard any footsteps, could only gape at the man standing in front of him.

"Leonardo, that's it?" Bishop smiled at him without warmth. "Please come inside."

Leonardo obeyed, his cheeks burning. His father, his uncle and his teacher were still sitting on the floor, their drinks in front of them. Ancient tapestries hung from the walls. The room was dedicated to receiving honored guests and Leonardo rarely had the opportunity to come inside and admire them. However, they were the least of his worries right now. He was way more concerned about the men's reactions.

His father looked annoyed and his uncle plain furious. Splinter's expression was unreadable.

"It looks like the words 'we won't be disturbed' hold a different meaning here." Bishop seemed to enjoy himself a little too much.

"I'm sorry," Leonardo stammered as the others didn't react. "I was heading for the kitchen and I…"

He watched his feet, ashamed. "I heard you talking."

"You were curious." Bishop sat down again. "There is nothing wrong with that - unless it gets you killed. Although I'd say not being curious enough can also get you killed," he mused.

His sharp eyes were piercing Leonardo, who was now the only one standing and wished he was anywhere but there.

Talk about keeping a low profile. He couldn't even begin to imagine what his father must be thinking right now.

"So, what do you think?" Bishop said with apparent indifference.

"About... About what?" Leonardo wasn't overconfident.

"About what you heard, of course."

Leonardo hesitated. "I didn't... I just heard that you wanted to know about something and that it's dangerous. I don't know what it is."

Which was true.

Bishop smiled coldly. "Then why don't you come with me tomorrow and find out?"

Leonardo's eyes widened. "What?" he said, rather stupidly.

"I don't think it's a good idea," Yoshi said simultaneously.

Bishop's smile widened.

"You don't have to worry. It'll just be a reckon mission, nothing dangerous. But of course, you're welcome to come with us. The festival begins when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, doesn't it?"

As he was presiding over the Year End Festival, Yoshi really couldn't be absent in the morning. However, it was clear that he didn't want to leave his son alone with Bishop.

Leonardo bowed his head in shame. It was his fault if his father was embarrassed in front of their guest.

"I'll come with you," Splinter suddenly said.

Yoshi looked gratefully at him and Bishop nodded his appreciation.

"What better guide could I have?" Bishop turned to Leonardo. "We'll leave at dawn. I assume you know how to ride?"

"I do, Sir."

Leonardo didn't dare to ask where they would be going. He had a bad feeling he already knew the answer.

Alone in his appointed room, Bishop smiled. It had been an interesting evening for sure. And the boy's arrival couldn't have been timelier.

He had been discrete, but Bishop had a keener hearing than most people.

Bishop undressed and took his purse to pass it around his neck.

With the boy accompanying them, the oasis people would think twice about double-crossing him. Not that he really thought that they would betray him, but it was better to be safe than sorry. They hadn't seemed very enthusiastic about his pet project. They probably had hoped he would never find the crystal he needed.

He took it from the purse and gazed into it. In the darkness, it shone with the faintest of blue lights.

Thanks to that masterpiece of waterbending art, he would soon have his answers.

And if there was truly something still alive buried in the sands of the desert, he would either bow it to his will or destroy it once and for all.