Part Two

Chapter four

Sorry It took so long to publish this next chapter, life got busy.

There is a time jump here. This story is written in reference to the 2012 TMNT verse, and part two takes place in season four. Also in this section we will see more of Leo's brothers, and their perspectives.

Leo's P.O.V

"LEO" Mikey screamed as he raced around the living room, a mess in his wake as an angry Raph charged after him. I let out a sigh from my place in the dojo, not even wanting to guess at what he had done to upset the hothead now. Mikey was a force in his own right, the prankster was relentless and quite clever when it came to new ways to antagonize his next victim. Sadly the next vicom was usually Rapheal; he had the biggest reaction out of the three of us to Mikey's pranks, and Donnie had a bad side you didn't want to be on for to long so Mikey knew not to push too far with the genius and me, well let's just say it's rare that Mikey can prank me. My time with the ravagers had done much to prepare me for such circumstances. My brother's often joked that I had a 'sixth sense'. I smiled at the term Mikey had dubbed my sixth sense: 'brodar'. Everything in my life was centered around my family, they were my life, so of course my sixth sense was atune and used to protect them.

"AHHHH" Mikey's screaming pulled me out of my thoughts as my little brother came crashing into the dojo jumping to cling to me for protection as he hid behind me from a raging Rapheal.

"MIKEY" Raph yelled. "You painted my door pink. PINK!" I just let out a sigh, not at all in the mood for this today. As the oldest brother it was my job to restore order and maintain peace, now more than ever since becoming leader of the team. I had been leader for about a year and a half now: I led my brothers, April and Casey against many enemies, many of which were mutans, we fought the foot, and have succeeded in halting two alien invasions. Through all of which I was the decision maker, the one who made sacrifices and kept the peace. It was my job as their leader and as their big brother to do this. To protect them. It was a job I took seriously, and loved to do. And although Mikey's pranks and Raph's temper fell into this category, today I wasn't dealing with it. Today was the one day a year I truly let myself remember the past. Since I came home, on the anniversary of the day I was taken I would spend the whole day in silence. I would dress in black and fast spending the day in thought or meditation. Usually my brothers catch on after a while and leave me. They know nothing about my missing year. After I had turned up missing, Splinter had told my younger brothers that I was visiting his friend the ancient one and that I would be home soon. As far as I know that is all he told them, and I never told them otherwise. Raph treated me with disdain at first. Me leaving for 'training' just confirmed in his eyes that I was a 'teachers' pet' and although it widened the gap between us for a while, It was preferable to the truth. My father had spared my younger brothers and I didn't want to ruin that from them. It was my job as their older brother to protect them, even if it meant sacrificing myself to do that. Because of my silence about my missing year my younger brothers' don't understand my 'dark day', I doubt they drew the connection my father did. They probably just assume It to be a form of training. On this day Splinter is usually the only one who bothers me. He never pushes me to speak just sits with me, whether in meditation or in silence. He thinks I'm mourning my lost innocence, mourning the year that was stolen from me. And in a way he is correct. But I am also mourning Fury, Rodiney, Rocky, Manny and the others. I mourn the life I had, and those I left behind. Just as the kidnapping had stolen a year from me with my family, escaping had stolen from me the life I had made for myself. Though it had been my choice and I never regretted it, I mourned it non the less.

"Why Pink?!" Raph snarled.

"Because it's pretty like you" Mikey giggled as he skatted away from our angry red banded brother using me as a shield.

"Could you keep it down, in here. I am trying to CONCENTRATE!" Donnie yelled from the doorway an invention of some sort in hand. The ruckus circling me continued as Mikey and Raph completely ignored the fuming genius. Suddenly a fist to the jaw sent me tumbling. The fist had been aimed at Mikey who ducked behind me. I had sensed it coming but didn't move. Maybe I was deeper into my meditation than I thought, maybe I didn't care, maybe it was my penance for my year of absence. I don't know. My brothers were around me in a second, fight forgotten.

"Leo! Leo are you alright?" Donnie was beside me instantly.

"Dude I'm so sorry!"

"Leo I'm so sorry. I was aiming for jug head"

I ran my arm across my face wiping away the blood. Not really caring about the pain in my jaw or the blood now smeared on my arm. Pulling out of Donnie's examination I stood and made my way out of the dojo. Pain I could handle, blood I can handle, but I didn't want to be fussed over. Today was a day to remember, I didn't need my brother's sympathy or worry. I just needed to be alone right now.

Raph's P.O.V

I stared at the back of my retreating brother as Leo wordlessly left the room.

"What was that?" Mikey asked, eyes wide. I kicked the ground as I let out a growl of anger as I stood up and turned away making my way over to the punching bag. Screw this if Leo wanted to be a big woss let him. It was just an accident! He didn't need to be so sulky about it.

"His black Day" Donnie's voice stopped my trek short.

"What?" I asked, taken aback.

"The black bands, he was dressed in black" was all Donnie had to say. I frowned as realization dawned on me.

"But Leo's never acted like that before" Mikey added. "He usually just meditates all day," he points out. I shake my head in confusion.

"What the hell is fearless' problem?" I growl.

"Language Rapheal" Splinter's voice surprises me as the elderly rat comes into the dojo, his hands on his staff. "What is wrong with Leonardo?"

I shake my head " Leo's just being pissy cause I accidently hit him when aiming for Mikey and threw off his meditation. It's his black day so he's just being aloof" I shrug.

"He's in mourning" Sensei's eyes are tired and full of worry as he answers.

"What?" Me, Mikey and Donnie ask at once, thrown by Splinters answer. The elderly rat lets out a strained sigh. "There is much I should have told you long ago" he says looking older than usual. I feel flustered with an ebbing dread in my stomach as I and my brothers follow our father into his room, kneeling in unison at his small table as he pours us each tea, before he continues.

"I am sure you have all noticed Leonardo's strange behavior once a year?"

We all have, but Donnie is the one who answers. "We have, we assumed that it was some form of training Leo puts himself through each year and decided that it's just better to leave Leo alone on this day."

"It's next to impossible to pull Leo away from his training, on his dark day. I've tried, he won't talk or eat or anything!" Mikey adds.

Splinter lets out a sigh. "Leonardo is not training. His fasting and silence is a form of mourning. A ritual he has followed every year without fail on the same day."

That feeling of dread grew at Splinters declaration, worry filling me as my mind started to wander. Leo couldn't be mourning a lost love one could he? The only people we know who died were Tang Shen and Miwa, and actually only Teng Shen, as it turns out since Karia is Miwa. But we didn't actually know her, and plus Splinter always grieves for her in the spring, not now in the fall. But what else could Leo be grieving? This has been going on since we were children. "What is fearless grieving?!" I asked, slamming my fist onto the table. "We are five, we have always been five. We haven't lost anyone and this started way before we ever went to the surface. What could have happened to cause this!?" I yell.

"Rapheal calm yourself" Splinter placed a fatherly hand on my shoulder. When my breathing calmed he continued his wise old eyes boring into mine. "This is why I never told you the truth." My eyes widened.

"Sensei?" Donnie asked, his brown eyes calculating and worried. "What's going on? Raph's right this has been going on for years" He shook his head as though reprimanding himself for not figuring it out sooner. I felt myself go through the same process as images and memories flashed before me, realization suddenly dawned on me. Leo's sorrowful eyes as he refused to eat, sitting in his room staring off into space with the most forlorn look on his face, wearing those black bands around his arms, always quiet and secluded the days following. How hadn't I noticed?! Why did I think it was some sort of training?! Leo had obviously been suffering. Still is and I didn't even notice! I ran a shaky hand down my face, turning I saw Mikey and Don as pale with worry as I'm sure I was.

"Leonardo is strong" Splinter spoke after a moment. "But that does not mean he is not immune from pain or hurt. Though he doesn't seem to be troubled most of the time over this, there are times, such as this anniversary date where it catches up to him" the old rat let out a sigh again looking years older. "I've never tried pushing him about this, not wanting to hurt him. I always figured he would come to me if he needed to, but he has kept these secrets to himself all these years. After a while I figured he'd outgrow this yearly grieving but I have come to realize that leaving this to himself to deal with may not have been the wisest option. And leaving you three in the dark was not only selfish of me but also unwise. You four have always been each other's strength, and I have unintentionally isolated Leonardo from you in this." My heart hammered in my chest at Splinters words and it took all my inner strength not to run to my brother and check on him as my worry for him grew with each passing word.

Donnie's eyes widened as he stiffened beside me. "Are you saying that something tragic happened to Leo in his childhood and you just left him on his own to deal with it?!" my usually docile brother practically spat.

Splinter let out a sigh. "Donatello as I told you I regret my actions, at the time I thought it best. But now I see my foolishness."

"You thought it best?!" Donnie spat standing to glare at our father. "This behavior started when we were nine, Nine! Leo was still a child, and you thought that whatever was bothering him. Still is bothering him was better left alone?!" I stood up to stand beside my younger brother in solidarity, Mikey beside me. But watched my brother's rare show of anger in silence. Not wanting to interrupt this rare unfiltered rant, agreeing wholeheartedly with every word.

"You isolated him! Leo isn't one to share his problems, he stuffs everything away and focuses solely on others. One needs reassurance and support when recovering from a traumatic event, especially children!" Donnie was red in the face with anger as he continued his rant, Mikey was crying and it was taking all I had not to break something.

"Donetello!" Splinter yelled standing up to face his son. "I admit that my past actions were not the wisest. But do not mistake my faults as intentional. If I hide things from you, it was for your own good! Now I understand your hurt and anger but I will not have my children disrespecting me like this" Donetello instantly sobered realizing his out of character outburst.

Splinter nodded his eyes softening as he once again took a seat gesturing for us to do the same.

"What happened to Leo father?" Donnie asked. "I'm sorry I got angry Sensei, I'm just worried and angry at myself" he lowered his eyes and I felt a pain of sympathy knowing exactly how he felt. "My brother has been suffering and I had no idea" Donnie scolded himself. Splinter reached out a hand to rest on Donatello's shoulder. "Do not blame yourself my son, it is not your fault. Anger and blame will not help your brother Donetello."

I let out a sigh knowing my father was right. I set my face in determination as I prepared myself for what I knew would be a hard story. Splinter let out a sigh as he pulled his hand back, settling himself as he began. "I never told you the truth thinking that by doing so I was shielding you. But you are much older now than you were then. If this is too hard for you or you do not want to know, then feel free to leave I would understand."

Mikey was the first to answer. "Leo needs our help. We can't help him unless we know. Were all for four and four for one. We never leave a turtle behind."

I nodded in agreement. "Fearless carries the world on his shoulders for us Sensei, please let us bear some of the weight with him"

"Please father, we need to know," Donnie added.

Splinter let out a breath. "About eight years ago today Leo went missing. I had sent him to look for you three, but when you returned without him I grew worried. Not wanting to alarm you, I said nothing and left you to play while I searched. When I went looking for him I found signs of activity in the tunnels close to our home. The further I looked the more worried I grew, it wasn't until I followed these tracks to a sewer junction that I saw these intruders. They were not the sewer workers I was expecting, they wore uniforms and carried strange weapons. I overheard a conversation between what I assume to be between two soldiers and a commander of some kind. They were discussing a break in or operation, and reporting a 'hiccup'" I felt my anger rise as I listened to the story, clenching my fists at the mention of invaders in the sewers. If they hurt my big brother in any way, there was going to be hell to pay!

Splinter's usually kind eyes hardened as he continued. "It wasn't until I realized what this 'hiccup' was that I became worried" My eyes widened as my fear was confirmed. "Leo must have come upon them while looking for you." Splinter looked down momentarily, guilt and remorse in his eyes as he continued. "He was struggling and yelling in the man's arms. As they talked. By the time I realized they had Leonardo it was too late. From where I was hidden I was too far away. Seconds after I saw him, their commander, a mutant fox said something about taking him with. A mere seconds later they disappeared in a flash of blue light." The old ninja master looked down, his shoulders shaking slightly as though the story was physically hard to tell. My chest tightened and my eyes widened.

"Leo was Taken!" I practically yelled.

Splinter looked up his eyes sorrowful eyes "yes"

"By who?!" I growled standing up, sais in hand ready to personally destroy the basterds responsible.

"I regret to say I do not know Rapheal. That question has plagued me for years. After Leo was taken I learned that a lab investigating alleged alien technology was broken into that night. The attack coming from the sewers."

"Are you saying Leo was taken by an alien organization?" Donn asked, eyes widening.

"It wasn't the Krangg? Was it?!" Mikey all but cried.

Splinter shook his head. "Similar technology Michelangelo but not Krangg."

"How long was Leo in the hands of these sewer scum?" I growled.

Sensei meets my gaze. "One year". I felt like all the air was sucked out of me. Those two words hitting harder than any punch. Unable to stand anymore I fell to my knees. Beside me Donnie gasps his eyes growing wide, and Mikey lets out a sobb filled whimper.

"After a few days you started to ask for your brother, not wanting to worry you I told you that I had sent Leonardo to my friend the ancient one." I felt my heart race as I remembered that day. I was so jealous of Leo then. Thinking that Splinter favored him and loved him more, and that had been the reason for sending Leo away, to Splinter's good friend. But it had all been a lie! Leo hadn't spent a year training like I had thought, he had spent that year lost and alone in the hands of these..these..these thieves! Who knew what he had been through... Too shocked to move or answer I just sat there like a stone, my mind racing as Splinter continued. "Over the next few months, I continued looking for your brother though all I was able to find were reports of alien sightings, and reported break-ins" as he spoke the old rat pulled out a folder from an old worn bag. The folder was filled with pictures and papers which he handed to Donetello who immediately started going through it as Splinter continued. "But the only relevant piece of information I could find was a similar case in 1988, where a boy in Missouri disappeared in a field outside a hospital in a flash of blinding blue light. The boy's name was Peter Quill, and he was never found." My heart hammered at the cascade of new information.

"Where did you find Leo?" Donnie asked, looking up from the folder.

Splinter let out a sigh. "It had been a year since Leo's abduction, and I had all but given up hope. I was scavenging in the outer tunnels of my ussal patrolling area one day when I had heard a sound. I had left you three at home so I knew it wasn't any of you, when I went to investigate I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Leonardo. He was thin, and looked as though he had been wandering the sewers for days. When he saw me he ran and lept into my arms like he used to when a small child. We stayed like that for a long time." Splinter's eyes grew misty. "For a while there I thought I'd never see him again." Splinter was quiet for a second lost in thought before continuing. "He babbled for a while about 'sneaking away from Rocky' and something about the Smithonaian. A day later" Splinter pointed to one of the papers in the onvelope, "the news reported an artifact stolen from the Smithonaian". I bristled and inwardly stocked 'Rocky' name away on my punch list.

"Did Leo say anything else about the people who held him captive?" Donnie asked, bristling with anger beside me as he forced himself to remain calm and collected.

"No," Splinter let out a sigh. "In all my time searching, I had not considered what I would tell you three when or if Leo returned. Even more I had not considered what I would tell Leo and how he would react to it."

Mikey's eyes widened as the dots connected for him. "You told him what you told us, and he kept quiet to protect us"

Splinter nodded his worn face somber. "He acted as though he had only been away at training, as I had said. I saw his inward struggle as he fought to adjust. But despite his struggles Leonardo just pushed himself harder. Though the changes were subtle, they were there. He had matured during his time away, aged. It was the first time he mourned" Splinter noted with a frown. "It was shortly after he returned. Leonardo came up to me one night, asking to speak with me. It was the first and last time he spoke of his capture and time away. He said that he had never meant to leave, and had done all he could to come back. He mentioned that the lessons he had learned had been hard ones, but he would learn to use them for the benefit of his brothers." Already heartsick the words cut even deeper. "After that he spoke very little and I had feared pressuring him, so I left it at that, letting him know my door was open. The next day he found Japanese cloth in among my things and faceaned bands around his arms, spending the day in silence. The next year the bands reamerged and he spent another day in silence this time on the anniversary of the day he was taken, and the tradition has continued since." My heart pounded in my chest as the story concluded, my mind racing. Suddenly Mikey stood and walked over to the chest of cloth in Sensei, pulling out a black band of cloth which he tied around his arm, the same way Leo had. Wordlessly my usually bubbly younger brother walked over to Donnie and me holding out two similar stripths of cloth. My eyes settled on the cloth, emotions raging inside me like a storm after the secrets just revealed. Leo had been alone for that year he had been missing. But he was not alone now. We would not let Leo stand alone in this. I wrapped the cloth around my arm with dedication, before silently leading my brothers away. Reaching the door I turned and bowed. "Thank you Sensei" I answered in unison with my brothers. Donnie disappeared to call Casie and April as part of the team they needed to know what was going on. I trusted my brother to be discreet about the details. But I knew come tomorrow we would have a concerned redhead and protective hockey player down here rallying around Leo with us. My older brother needed to know he no longer had to face this alone.

Wow sorry that was a longer chapter than I expected. Next chapter I will have Leo wake up and see his brother's rally around to support him, maybe play with the grief band Idea a bit more.

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