Chapter one:

'This shouldn't have happened! No!' Tears are streaming down my face as I stare at the sight before me. 'I should have prevented this!' I turn enough to see the others as I hear their footsteps approaching. I see them stop as they see what I've found. Two of them have horrified sad looks... One of them is keeping his head down. I watch him approach the body, just as the others rush towards me and the body. My eyes narrow. 'If I had one wish in my entire life, then I wish that I could have another chance to go back and fix this... Stop this...' I close my eyes wishing with all my heart for it to come true... As my mind flashes back to just a few weeks ago...

...

"Well done everyone. That will be it for today." Splinter tells the four then leaves the room.

"Hey Donnie you said that you'd help me with that level!" Mikey mentions to the second youngest.

"Well yes but I really should-"

"Come on! I wanna get it done!" With that Mikey leaves the room practically dragging Donnie along.

I turn to glance to Leo who looks about to leave. "Hey." I speak up grabbing his attention as he turns to me. "I'm still feeling the energy of training. Wanna run across the rooftops with me?" I notice him hesitate a moment before nodding.

"Sure. Sounds good." Leo agrees so the two of us head out of the lair, and manage to get to the roofs.

I take the lead at first as we begin hopping from one rooftop to the next. I chuckle softly as I feel the wind blow against me. I slow down by one edge and hear Leo do the same. I see him hop up on the slightly raised ledge to look around. My eyes are drawn downward to where I see a bruise high up on his leg. I almost swear it's like it was attempted to be hidden closer to where his shell is. "What happened there? Looks kind of nasty." I watch him noticing him tense up and he doesn't look at me.

"I fell. That's all. It's fine, I don't even feel it."

I felt my heart twist as I'm smart enough to know better. I know that such a bruise couldn't have happened with a simple fall. I know it'd have to have some crazy factors to show up where it is. I know that it's a bad enough bruise that even if it is from a fall then it'd have to be a hard one. I can tell that there'd be less damage visible if a fall did happen. Ive never seen that bruise go with a fall before. I shiver as something isn't right. I don't know why Leo would lie about the bruise... Unless... I swallow harshly at the mere thought of what could be going on. "You don't sound too sure of that." I notice his hands clench tightly into fists. I approach him and reach out grabbing his arm... My heart twisting with deep worry as he still won't look at me. "Leo it's just us. You can tell me the truth. We're brothers! You don't have to hide things!"

"Then what about you?" Leo's words make me pause as I blink in surprise. "Don't act like you don't got your own secrets. So don't give me that not having to hide things." He then runs off before I can chase after him.

I glance away as I suppose that he's right that I do hide things. I guess I should have chosen my words more carefully. I look down to the rooftops floor as I think over what had just happened. I wonder if telling him would be worth it to see if my suspicions are right. I close my eyes deciding that it will be worth it. I know if it turns out nothings wrong I can put my mind at ease. I open my eyes and turn to go find him. I use the rooftops scanning the streets below as I go. I pause as I land on one rooftop only to see him sitting on the edge of the next rooftop. I head over and move to be beside him. I did see him shift as if contemplating running, before decide that it's not worth me chasing him around the city. I settle down beside him as he lets me do so. "You're right." I tell him and I still listen even though he's currently silent. "I do hide things too. Perhaps I really should take my own advice."

Leo slightly glanced to me I swear I saw it.

"Actually I've been sneaking out and taking care of criminals like thieves and gangs. Using my skills to stay hidden enough that no one knows it's me." I tell him, my heart beats hard in my chest as I hope this works. "I get a bit of a rush from knowing that I am on top of the attempts to stop crime. That when a crime is committed that they hope it's not me who will stop them. I guess it's all a bit silly, Huh?" I lightly shrug and glance to the sky that's bathed in the glow of the sinking sun. I wait for a few moments in the hopes that my plan worked. I watch him from the corner of my eye.

Leo opens his mouth only to close it. He seems divided on how to respond.

I lower my head and turn to look right at him. I can see the internal struggle to find something to say in his eyes. I wait a little longer until he finally speaks.

"I suppose that I can understand that. I mean it does sound kind of nice." Leo's words make me feel frustrated.

My hands tighten into fists and my teeth clench. "Hey! Come on!" I snap after a few moments of silence. I see him jump in surprise. I try to stop myself as my anger leaks out as I don't want to scare him. "I shared what I was hiding! Now come on. There's no excuse to hide things!" I finally manage to stop myself and I am about to try to fix this, but him speaking stops me from doing so.

"I got into a bit of a fight. That's all okay? I didn't want anyone to worry."

Now that was a little more believable.

I watch him as he waits for my response. I let out a breath and turn away. "Did you beat them?" I notice the two second delay on his response, I'm a lot sharper than some seem to think.

"The fight ended before a victor could be known."

"I see." I feel a little disappointed about his answers so far. I want to feel relieved but I just can't for some reason.

"It's not really a big deal though. Just don't go sharing it. I won't share what you told me." Leo keeps his gaze away coming off as afraid or ashamed to me. He really could be feeling both for a few reasons. Like him being angry about what happened, and ashamed that he has to give me lies until I stop prying.

"Don't worry I won't. That story doesn't matter enough to share. It's over as far as what I'm picking up from you." I notice him nod a little too quickly. "So what's the point? Besides I doubt the others would even notice. I had to see you from an angle to actually see it."

"Yeah. Thanks Raph."

I swear I heard him sigh in relief. I have a feeling that either he's relieved that I'm not upset about what happened, or that he's relieved that I bought his story. I can't help wondering if I'm just looking into this a bit too much. I can't really tell as the whole fight story is believable, plus there's no proof that it is anything else. I could really be letting this go too far in my own head. I find myself blinking back to reality when Leo speaks.

"We should probably head back soon."

"Yeah sure. I guess you're right."

We get up leaving the rooftops to head through the sewers to home.

I can't help noticing he tries to not look at me, attempting to not have it be noticed. I am starting to think that I'm not reading into this too deeply. I feel a nagging tug on my heart though I'm not sure what I can do. I played my ace card so now how can I convince him to talk to me?

Somethings going on with Leo.

Maybe I should keep a closer eye on him without him knowing.

We make it back and watch Mikey play his video game until movie time rolls around.

After watching a movie with Donnie and Mikey, all of us head off to bed.

I lay wide awake in my own as I try to figure out what could be making Leo act so weird. I swear it's like he's avoiding me to try to not let me any closer.

Why can't he just let me in!? Ugh! Stubborn bastard.

I will find out. I have to. I close my eyes trying to sleep... I have trouble however, that is until exhaustion catches up to me.

The next day...

Us turtles are in the training room fighting each other.

I notice Leo is slightly distracted for a moment. So I race over and swing the baton at him.

Leo manages to jump away in time so my attempt misses.

I feels a little frustrated about missing... However that is dashed away when I notice for a brief moment Leo looks scared. I wonder why, I can tell it's not fear of me as he almost seems distance for that moment.

Like he's thinking of someone else that is scaring him.

Not long later... Training has once again come to an end for the day and we all leave the training room.

I turn as Splinter speaks up.

"Leo. May I see you in my room for a moment?" Splinter requests rather calmly.

My eyes drift to Leo and I swear for a moment he looked tense.

"Of course Sensei." Leo agrees and follows Splinter to his room.

I watch him go taking note of how Leo drags his feet a little. I can hardly tell he's doing it... But why? I wonder if Splinter saw the bruise and wanted to talk to him about it. I see Splinter have Leo go in first.

Splinter turns practically meeting my eyes for a brief moment before he closes the door.

I glance to see Donnie heading to his lab and Mikey going to the kitchen. I don't doubt it's for a snack. I look to Splinters closed door and decide that I'll listen in.

Who knows what new information could be revealed.

I sneak up towards Splinters room door keeping my footsteps light yet quick. I am relieved to have my training to help me in this mission. I reach the door and lean close to listen in. I hear a single muffled voice that sounds a little loud and angry. I can't make out what's being said however. I wonder if Splinter is mad that Leo got into a fight. I don't fully know what possesses me to do so, however I grab the doorknob and quietly open the door just enough to peek inside. My hand drops from the knob, eyes widening, as I gasp in horror to the sight I'm treated to.

Splinter strikes Leo sending him to the ground. He stands over him while Leo doesn't seem to dare get back up. "You screwed up again! You're supposed to be perfect! No mistakes! And what did you do? You made a mistake! You let Raph almost get a sneak attack in! You're so stupid! You don't deserve your title as leader!" He kicks Leo and mumbles angrily.

I wonder if this is all a dream as surely this can't be really happening. As my mind fully processes what I'm seeing I feel the urge to charge in there and stop it form. I let it fester within myself as my brain fully catches up to that this is real. My eyes narrowing to a glare of rage. I reach for the door to shove it open only I stop when I hear Splinter speak again.

"I can take you out so easily. So. Are we going to have another mistake?"

"No." Leo's voice is quieter almost like a kid scared of getting in trouble.

I find the realization coming up that I'd be no match against Splinter. Plus I know that he could pin the attack on Leo on me. I could be chased away or not allowed alone time with Leo. I need to be a bit more stealthy if I'm going to help Leo better. As much as I want to stop things I force myself to leave. I can't bring myself to watch any more of this. I hate it and I know if I stay then I'll just end up barging in there. I do know if those words weren't spoken I would have barged in without thinking. I really should work on thinking before I let my emotions make me react. I push that thought away as my mind keeps focusing on what I just saw happening. I head to my room and angrily lift the weights I have. Working off my angry steam so I can plan a way to help Leo, hopefully a plan that will work. I glare up at my ceiling while lifting the weights. After lifting weights for a bit I remain seated on the bench that comes with the weights. My eyes cast downwards as I try to figure out a plan.

Leo could try to convince me to not do anything.

If Splinter finds out that I know what's going on then it could get worse, plus he might use me as a scapegoat to get away with what he's doing. He's clever enough to be able to hide this for so long after all.

I have to be cautious with any move that I make. I think the first step is to talk to Leo. I need to try to be there when he needs comfort the most. I suppose that's a good place to start. Plus it'll probably help him open up about it all. I rub my chin in thought as to what I can do after that. I should work towards getting this all to stop. But how?

This part has me stumped.

We're not humans so we can't go to the police about it.

I'd also have to prove that this is going on before I bring any accusations up. I guess I could record some of it. I'd just have to not be caught by Splinter. I don't like the idea of sitting back and watching, I just think it will be the best chance to make sure our brothers are on our side on this. I lower my hand as I decide that's going to be my plan. I get up and wipe myself down before searching for Leo. I try his bedroom first since I doubt he'd want to go out to the living room or kitchen. I knock and make sure to announce me being there. "Hey Leo it's me." I wait wondering if he'll allow me inside. I frown as there is no answer. I open the door to find his room uninhabited by anything living. I leave and walk by Splinters room to which I see the door fully closed.

Surely they can't still be in there.

I turn as Mikey comes out of his room. "Hey. Have you seen Leo?" I inquire hoping with a worried heart that Leo still isn't in Splinters room. I can't imagine the damage he could inflict on Leo if he is still there.

"Oh. Leo went out for a walk just a little ago after hanging out in his room." Mikey's explanation causes me to quietly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thanks." I head out of the lair and go to search for him. I realize that if I do find him then this can work.

We'll be well away from Splinter so we can talk without fear of being overheard.

I go along the rooftops getting a good view of the surroundings. I find it helps me search much faster. I try to find areas with less people outside, since I bet that's where Leo would go. I peer past a ledge of the roof I just jumped on finally spotting Leo. I hop down into the alleyway and Leo slightly turns to me. "Leo." I begin but Leo speaks up.

"I wanna be alone right now Raph." Leo tells me turning fully away. He's standing so his back is facing me.

"I think that we really should talk." I slightly demand as I move a few steps closer.

"There's nothing to talk about. Why don't you go do your vigilante stuff." Leo tries to lure me away with that failed attempt.

"No. I know. I know Leo." I tell him and his whole body goes tense in shock. I move even closer and put an arm around him. "You could have said something. Even if it was just in private."

"H-How did you..." Leo begins the question before seemingly realizing the answer.

"Yeah I spied on you two." I don't want to say his name as it could torment him more. "I know it's an invasion of privacy but I'm glad that I did it." I hold him close letting him lean against my chest. I haven't gotten a good look at him, for injuries, but I think that there's something that needs to be known first. "I'm here for you Leo. I'll support you as much as you need. Don't be afraid to come to me."

As if something has snapped Leo slumps against me, sobbing as tears stream down his face.

I continue to hold him close. My right hand rubbing his left upper arm gently. I let him cry as I don't doubt that it's just been building up for so long.

"I'm sorry! I didn't want you to get hurt! I always screw things up! I'm just a failure!" Leo sobs to me causing me to be saddened and angered; sad that it's gone so far that Leo thinks that of himself and angry at who caused it. "You weren't supposed to find out! Please don't say anything about it! He'll make things worse! He'll hurt you! Please!" His words fall away to just his heavy sobbing.

"Shhh. It's okay Leo. You're not a failure. He just wants you to think that. You're so amazing. You do your best despite everything going on behind closed doors." I tell him as I hate how he thinks of himself. "He's wrong. And especially wrong to tell you horrible things that aren't true. You don't deserve any of this." I keep him held as close as I can. I try to mummer encouraging words as I let him cry to me.

After a little bit Leo finally manages to calm himself down.

I feel like now I can check on any injuries Splinter most likely gave him. I look him over as he sniffles wiping away the lingering remains of his tears. I see some bruises from where he was hit in a few spots. I also can't help noticing a cut on his arm.

It's not deep and looks more accidental than intentional.

Looking at where the bruises are it's clear Splinter is smart about how he hurts Leo. I can tell that the bruises could be easily explained, or are in spots that won't be as noticed. I don't have to guess that Leo's shell probably takes the majority of the hits.

We can't bruise on our shells so it'd be the perfect spot to not leave anything noticeable.

It makes me feel a little sick and angry at how well it's hidden.

"I'll be fine." Leo tries to assure me bringing my attention to his face. He offers me the best smile he can do right now, which isn't bad after all the emotions he just went through.

I can see relief in his eyes like some kind of pressure has been lifted. "Come on. Let's go for a nice walk. Be away from that place for a bit." I suggest, hating that our home is not the place of safety or happiness it should be, hoping to bring his mood up before I tell him my idea.

"Yeah okay." Leo agrees so the two of us begin a walk keeping as hidden as we can. We even jump across the roofs once we get to some busier areas.

We stop on one roof looking to some of the clouds in the sky.

"It looks like there might be rain tonight." Leo mentions to which I make a sound of agreement.

"Seems like it." I turn as he leans against me resting his head on my shoulder. "You feeling okay?" I ask worried he might have an injury that's making him unwell.

"Just a little tired. I sometimes don't really sleep all that well. He doesn't come into my room at night but I still worry that one day he will. Plus knowing what tomorrow likely brings doesn't help." Leo admits and I'm glad that he's being honest with me.

I pull him close in a hug. I encourage him gently to stay close to me which he does. "Why don't you sleep in my room tonight? Or I could sleep in your room. So you'll feel safer and I can be there to help you." I offer to him. "We are usually the two who get up the earliest anyways. It'll be easy to pretend that we slept separately." I wait to hear what Leo thinks of the idea.

Leo thinks it over a little before nodding. "Okay. Which room should we pick?"

"Whichever one you feel most comfortable in."

Leo glances away in thought for a few moments before deciding. "Maybe yours. My bed does have more space. But I'm worried about if he does come in during the night."

"We can use my room then." I agree to this. "There'll be enough room."

Leo nods softly and tries to press a little closer to me. "Thank you Raph."

"You're welcome Leo." I stay there with him for awhile as we enjoy the fresh air, each other, and the freedom from the horror at home. I decide I'll bring up ideas on how we could stop him once and for all later, probably tomorrow or so. I can tell he needs some time to just relax right now. I understand since he did have quite the day today.

We stay up there for a little while longer just making small talk with one another.

"We should probably head back." Leo suggests and I nod supposing it is about time.

We get up moving apart, before we hop from lower roofs to lower roofs until we reach the ground.

I open a sewer hole letting Leo climb down first. I follow making sure to put the cover back on.

Our walk along is rather quiet.

I know he is anxious about returning to a home made unsafe by a parent. I want to comfort him however there's echoes down here. I don't know if Splinter is in one of the sewer tunnels or somewhere else. So I don't want to alert him that I know.

As we draw closer to home it's probably best to be talking a little.

"It was great weather outside." I mention hoping he'll go along with the small chatter.

"Yeah. It was a good idea to go out for a bit." Leo nods his head softly opening the door to our home.

We head inside as I try to continue a little small talk.

"Hopefully the weather will stay like this. It'd be nice to go on walks without the chill in the air." I mention. Out of the corner of my eye I see Splinter in the living room sipping tea. I see him eyeing us a little but I pretend I don't notice. "It's also not bad weather for fighting bad guys."

"Well I'm going to do a little training in my room." Leo mentions starting to turn.

"Cool. Have fun." I respond casually then head to the kitchen. I turn as if just noticing Splinter there. "Hi sensei." I greet as I normally would managing to keep my anger for him back. I turn away to continue to the kitchen.

Leo's door can be heard closing softly.

"It sounds like you two had good weather out there." Splinter mentions so I stop and turn to him. He watches me appearing calm though I wonder if he's looking for any signs that I know. "Did you two enjoy yourselves out there?" He is clearly silently asking me what we did out there. He keeps his gaze to calm and curious.

"Yeah it is great weather out there as you heard." I confirm making myself smile as genuinely as possible. It's hard for me but I have to keep my anger back. I'll be putting Leo in danger if Splinter knows that I know. "We did enjoy it. Hanging out on rooftops is nice in this kind of weather. We didn't see anyone causing trouble while we were traveling the rooftops. It would have been kinda cool to take a bad guy down." I shrug as if it's no big deal really. "At least we had good weather. Honestly I think we needed just some peaceful moments out there to relax a little." I hope he doesn't think I'm sharing too much about this.

"Yes. It is at least good the weather was nice. If you relaxed like that a bit more perhaps you and Leo wouldn't be fighting so much."

"Possibly." I agree with him and just knowing that I do makes my stomach turn. "I'll keep it in mind. But someone's gotta keep him on his toes."

Splinter nods and gets up. He heads to the kitchen as I move out of his way.

I follow him into the kitchen clenching my teeth to try to hold back from attacking him. I grab a cup quickly trying to relax myself before he notices. I get some of the juice from the fridge while he washes his tea cup.

He walks away once done while I casually enjoy juice.

I feel like he doesn't suspect anything. I'll still look out for any signs otherwise.

The sooner we can take care of this the better.

Hopefully tomorrow Leo will agree to my filming idea to have proof.