Dinner was as animated as the night before, only Gabby participated better. The professor was a little under the weather, but still talkative. Gabby didn't say much to him regarding the gym, but she did tell him that she was getting better about the dark. She was looking forward to spending time with him that evening, if her schedule allowed.

Leo had talked with Rahab about the DVD's and understood her reasons for sharing them with Gabby. "Guess we all have been expecting more from her without finding out what she's capable of." He had admitted to his sister-in-law. Leo told her in confidence about Gabby sweeping him with her staff and commented, " Her ability to put into action what she sees is truly amazing, Rahab!"

She made a startling point after Leo was done talking with her, "Makes you wonder what she would have been like if Saki had survived long enough to train her."

Leo's expression darkened. He remembered too well his many volatile encounters with Saki and the Foot leader's demonic spirit that embodied him for years - until Seth freed him! His only comment was, "Don't want to even consider it, Rahab. It scares me to death to even think about it."

However, at the dinner table, Leo's attitude had brightened considerably. Mike was having all he could do to keep from talking about Gabby's accomplishment. He mostly wanted to tell Devon, but it had been a group decision not to say anything to him. All three turtles had accepted Devon as part of the training team, but he had been so unfair towards Gabby that more than anything, they wanted him to find out the hard way about her progress. They would never subjugate his sensei authority over her, but - as Leo proved - it was never wrong to best the teacher if it was done within the boundaries of the training session. They were all looking forward to watching the monitor when Devon's turn came with Gabby!

Gabby approached Rahab right after dinner and apologized for bringing her into the mix of things with the DVD's. Fortunately, Rahab had quite a bit of clout with Leo so she hadn't been the least bit upset with her niece. "I'm part of this family and when they are not here, that puts me in authority. Seth was there to protect, since I am not trained."

Gabby was relieved that she didn't get her aunt in trouble. But, Rahab's comments reminded Gabby of a question she posed earlier. "Is it expected within the Clan for couples who marry to both be ninja? You aren't, as you said, but you mentioned that Leo wanted Seth to be equally yoked!"

"Ah, yes. I remember you asking me that. Well, Leo is different than Mike. Mike just wants a wife and has no love for the kind of use Leo has for ninjitsu. There were blood feuds in Japan that all four of them were dragged into by Splinter, not to mention their hard life in New York! In Japan, Mike had been severely injured during one of these feuds around the time that I had Devon. He decided then that he didn't want anything more to do with them. He retired. He can still kick 'shell', as he likes to say! But, Mike is a family guy; prefers being home with me and - when they were younger - with the kids. We only have Riahna now and that's enough for Mike to still feel needed!" Rahab paused, remembering those hectic times when she was still with Raphael. She shook her head to dismiss the thought and then added, "Leo just wants to make sure that Seth will not be burdened with a wife who can't take care of herself. I can hold my own - my claws and my tail have helped me in the past - but you are basically without any natural defenses, other than what you're capable of learning! However, from what I heard tonight from Leo, you are one amazing student, Gabby!" and she smiled at her niece.

Gabby felt really good about talking with Rahab. She liked her a lot and couldn't imagine not ever finding her odd the way she did initially when she first arrived more than a week ago! It was funny how familiarity will produce acceptance.



Leo took Gabby outside this time for the next part of her training. She saw that the sun had begun to set, casting deep shadows across the yard. Leo took her over to the fire pit and sat down on the bottom seat. Gabby sat next to him. He began to educate her in the ways of his Clan, beginning with their history.

Leo started the history lesson by telling Gabby about his and his brothers' beginnings in the sewers of New York over five decades ago. Gabby remembered Don telling her a little bit about it, but as she listened to her sensei, she started to realize why her other uncle had been so evasive talking about his 'old stomping grounds'.

As Leo shared about life in the sewers, Gabby felt heart sick that they struggled so long with the winter cold, the near starvation and poverty, and their seemingly endless struggle against a crime syndication bent on destroying them. The same crime syndicate that evidently was responsible for Gabby's existence.

When Leo talked about their trip west in an old van a human friend had loaned them, his niece perked up. This was new information that Don did not share with her! She was intrigued when Leo told her how they were arrested for not having a driver license. Gabby smiled at that.

"You find that funny?" Leo asked her as he saw her grin. He seemed serious to Gabby, suggesting he didn't take kindly to her reaction.

"Well, Sensei, up until that time, no human, other than your enemies and the few friends you made, had ever seen – um – turtles that weren't vertically challenged!" She smirked just a little. "You weren't exactly the garden variety type!"

Leo considered his student for a moment. She had a point, he reasoned. Finally, he had to smile back at her, "Yes, I guess you're right about that, Gabby! And, thinking back to that time, we certainly did give those state troupers something to gawk at!" He sighed and then told her, "If it wasn't for Mike's joking around and Don trying to get those law enforcement people to improve on their security system – and all within the confines of jail, no less – I don't think we would have been taken too seriously. Raph had the hardest time of it; he doesn't like being confined. But, he was smart enough to see that going off half cocked the way he was used to doing was only going to make things worse for the rest of us. Sensei – Splinter – had been quite proud of him for holding back the way he did!"

Leo then told Gabby about how their incarceration ended up benefiting them with the animal rights people getting involved with their release. Because they had become front page news, interviews were in high demand and eventually a couple of movies were made depicting the turtle's life story. All four of them became wealthy almost over night. That piqued Gabby's interest big time.

"They made a movie about you? Um, doesn't that kind of conflict with not having one's picture taken?" she asked. Remembering the kind of trouble she was currently in with singing publicly, she was a bit miffed.

"Well, yes it does. But, Sensei – Splinter – felt that the better people understood us, the easier our transition to topside would be. We still had problems, but at least people didn't away screaming or try to kill us because we were so different. .

Then Leo briefly told her about each of her uncles and himself.

Gabby wasn't too surprised to learn that Don had amassed the most wealth with his inventions and savvy business dealings. She could see Leo giving all his money away like he said he did and starting a school of enlightenment in Japan. Mike getting into the entertainment business seemed a natural thing for him to do, Gabby thought. Her more jovial uncle was always laughing and joking around; acting very comfortable no matter what the situation.

But, when Leo told her how her father, Raphael, lost everything through litigations after a lethal bar fight, it sobered her up right away.

"Spending that year in jail was the worse and best thing that ever happened to your father!" Leo began. "Like I said, he hated being confined. Add to that just about every kook in prison who wanted to challenge him and Raph had more than enough opportunities to knock heads around. The problem was the guards sometimes instigated the fights just to see some action. There was always someone stupid enough to take the bribe, too. Extra cigarettes, money, girls – whatever it took to get another fighter to spar with your father, there was always someone willing to fight him. After six months, though, the other prisoners were pretty well educated that fighting your dad was not the smartest thing to do. When he was finally let out, he was less combative. He still had a temper, but he had a lot more restraint with it. Splinter always felt that fate dealt with Raph on Raph's level."

Leo also talked about Splinter and the wisdom the venerated rat taught the four turtles. As he told Gabby about his mentor, she noted a bit of sadness in her uncle. She didn't ask about it, but it did encourage her to pay closer attention to him as he taught her.

Then, Leo talked about his time in Nepal after Splinter had died. He hesitated at times when he talked about the spirit of Saki possessing him. Leo was treading in an area that Gabby had a hard time accepting, but she held her tongue. Mysticism, to her, was not to be taken seriously. Yet, she couldn't forget the incredible heat Leo generated when her back had gone out! The fact that her daily intake of his tea at dinner time had nearly healed her foot was something to consider, as well. But, what surprised Gabby the most was when Leo shared with her his interest in Seth's faith. He was overwhelmed when Seth had sought him out, climbing the steep and high altitude mountains of Nepal by himself when he was only fifteen, only to be interested in Leo's salvation! Gabby's eyes widened with surprise. Leo smiled. "Seth was always unique among his siblings. His skin coloring and his eyes were just outward differences. But, he's always had an inner quietness that could reach inside of you. If it weren't for Seth and his god, I might still be affected by Saki's spirit!"

The history lesson only took about an hour, leaving Gabby with almost ninety-minutes of free time. She committed to memory all what Leo talked about. Thanking Leo for his insight, Gabby bowed and was then dismissed.

The professor was already in the guest house, so that was Gabby's next stop.

"Well, my dearest daughter how was your day today?" he asked as his daughter poured him a cup of tea. She poured herself one as well and then sat down next to him on the Futon.

"It went very well, Father." she replied.

"What all did Leonardo have you do? Please tell me as I am very interested." he asked with that twinkle still bright in his eyes.

Gabby filled her father in on how she had to clean the gym floors in the dark and then having to do them a second time. She talked about having lunch with Rahab, and finally finishing off with her afternoon work with the Sais and sweeping Leo with the Bo. That seemed to be the highlight of Gabby's day for the professor. He laughed so hard, it scared Gabby that he might injure himself. "Oh, if I could have only been there to see his expression!" Professor Perry guffawed. "He is a very capable defender of his home, dear Gabby, and for you - a novice - to surprise him like that? I am sure he was quite embarrassed!"

Gabby replied defensively, "No, not at all, Father. In fact, he smiled at me! I thought as you did, that he would be embarrassed, but more so. I thought he would be angry. But, it was just the opposite. I don't believe they want me to fail as much as they want me to succeed!"

"That, Gabby is true of all teachers. Even the ones who make your life so miserable you're sure they stay up all night thinking of ways to make it impossible for you to do well. It is the hardest, toughest teachers that care the most. Remember that. They are preparing you for the test to come and not knowing when that will be, they apply the pressure now, so when the test does arrive, you will be ready!" the professor said. He looked long at Gabby, sizing her up and then commented, "I have seen much growth in you. In such a short amount of time, you have become more confident and, therefore, less combative! Though I am sure it was hard in the beginning, you have made positive changes and I couldn't be more proud. I just wish I had it in me to have train you better than I did. Maybe, I should have given you over to them sooner....." His voice trailed as he tired and as he felt a bit of despair thinking about the years wasted not training her.

"No, Father, please don't say that! The timing is as what it should be, regardless of how you feel. Yes, it has been hard and frightening, but I am finding the training helpful in my adjustment." Gabby replied hastily.

"I am sure your friendship with Seth has also been helpful, too?" again, his twinkle denoted teasing, but the professor could tell that it only made Gabby melancholy. "I am sorry if I said something that made you sad! I know you miss him. I have asked Leo about him and he has told me that Seth is hoping to be home by Christmas. That is only three months away! "

Gabby's eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Seth's coming for Christmas? Really?"

"Oh, Gabriella, promise me you won't say anything to Leo or anyone else. I spoke before thinking! It is quite possible that this news was not meant for your ears! Promise me?" the professor pleaded.

"Yes, I promise. But, you have given me happy news, just the same!"

"This means that you must work extra hard at cooperating and not rebelling! I am sure that it wouldn't be too difficult for them to delay his visit a month if you get out of hand - again - like yesterday." He said.

Gabby looked at him and asked gustily, embarrassed "You know about that?"

"My dear, I was in the living room! I heard it all. Rahab assured me that Leo had everything under control! I had told them to wait, but they insisted on dealing with your fear of the dark immediately. Please tell me how it went for you?"

Gabby was quiet, remembering that night. She loved him dearly and she realized then that he didn't have any intention of betraying her. It was a group decision by the turtles to get her passed her fear. Gabby was mindful of the fact that she was gradually overcoming it, but the memory of what she went through was still fresh. "It went as well as it could, all things considered. I ...ah.....freaked out thinking about going down.....into that darkness. But, Leo and Raph worked me through it and.... ah ....well, I did as best I could." She smiled at the professor, but she didn't feel all that happy inside. Gabby felt tired and checked the time. It was eight-thirty. "Well, I probably need to get going. I have to be in my room by nine sharp. I love you, Father!" and she hugged him, feeling a tear escape down her cheek.

"Gabby, I love you, too!" the professor replied.

Gabby walked back to the house, feeling cool in the autumn chill. It was almost October and the weather was starting to get crisper in the evenings. Most of the reptilian family stayed indoors when it became too cold, but the part of Gabby that was human helped her to keep warm. She felt herself a contradiction in terms. She was half turtle, which meant that she could tolerate heat better than most humans, but she was also half human that had been mutated by turtle DNA! So, for the most part, she could tolerate the cooler temperatures better than her reptilian counterparts. She thought it all quite amusing.

Devon was in the family room with the rest of the Clan. They were all watching a movie. He invited Gabby to sit with them. Riahna was next to Raph, as usual, with Mike and Rahab snuggled next to each other. Leo was off to one side, sitting in one of the large lounge chairs. He watched his student as she turned towards Devon's invitation.

"No thank-you, Devon. I'm too tired. I Think I'll just go and get ready for bed!" Gabby replied and then started for the stairs. She was aware that her brother's invitation seemed out of step with the way he had been treating her lately.

"Hey, Gabs don't go up quite yet. I need to speak with you!" Devon called out as he climbed out of the chair he was sitting in.

Gabby cringed. Well, maybe that invitation of his for her to sit in on the movie was for the family's benefit. Remembering the last time they talked where he was abusive and completely intimidating, Gabby could only guess what it was he had to say to her. But, she didn't think he would do anything right there in the foyer. As Devon came into the hallway, Gabby noticed Raph watching him leave. Mike sat forward on the couch a little, but Leo only observed from the overstuffed chair he was sitting in.

Facing Devon advancing, Gabby asked, "What do you want?" She tried to sound respectful, but distant.

"Hey, let's not make this a spectacle, eh. Need to talk to you 'bout something!" He gently turned her around and towards the living room. Gabby did not feel at all comfortable since the living area was out of sight of the family room. Once there, he told her quietly, "Mike's convinced that you're looking forward to the beach this Sunday!"

"Nothing's been set about that. I have review and it's no telling how long that will take." she replied.

"But, you convinced him you were looking forward to it just the same! Even going surfing!" Devon grinned, knowing that Gabby did a monumental job of hoodwinking his step-father.

"I never said I was looking forward to surfing. He mentioned taking in some waves and I mentioned watching and getting some pointers from him; that's all!" Gabby replied defensively.

"Still, you left him with the impression that you might!" her brother restated.

"I might. Does that bother you?" Gabby asked.

"HA, bother me? Why would it bother me! I saw how you reacted when Seth swam out towards the breakers last week. Gabs, you were nearly hysterical! Your commotion woke me up. You have no intention of going surfing Sunday." Devon was shaking his head. "I have to hand it to you, though, you had Mike going! Problem is he thought I was trying to start something. Didn't like it much when he thought I was lying! Mike has a big problem with liars." and his expression darkened.

Gabby replied coolly, "Devon, keep in mind that you were the one who started this. You went to Mike and told him about last week. You tried to bait me through him. It's not your fault, really, that I recognized that ploy. The longer I stay here, the more I learn how to do things. Maybe I need to thank you for being such a good teacher."

There was some muffled laughing from the other room that both Gabby and Devon heard. Her brother scowled and it didn't help his composure much when he noticed his sister's smirk.

Gabby added, "And keep in mind that the living area is close enough to the family room that your dad and uncles can probably hear us right now. If I'm not mistaken, a true ninja has better than excellent hearing and can practically see through walls!" and Gabby smiled. "Are you through?"

Devon's jaw worked furiously, knowing that his sister was right and that she had bested him - never once showing disrespect. "Yeah, I guess I am..... You can go." he said, chagrined.

Gabby took the stairs three steps at time. She felt elated that she out maneuvered her brother with just words. And, she was pretty sure those in the family room were completely aware of what was going on. The timing of their guffaw was just too perfect.

From the landing, Gabby could see Devon going back into the family room, his shoulders hunched in frustration. She half expected some discourse from the others at his expense, but nothing happened. From her vantage point, she couldn't see into the room, so it was a safe bet no one there could see her either. She looked down the hallway towards Seth's bedroom, wondering if it would be a good time to get what he had placed in his nightstand for her. Gabby looked back to the foyer and the family room entry. The movie was one she was familiar with and she noted that it was only half way through. So, carefully, she opened her bedroom door, hesitated a bit, and then shut it. Hugging the wall, she moved towards Seth's room, walking soundlessly up the hallway. She tried the doorknob to the door of his room and found it unlocked. She opened the door and went inside, quickly closed it.

Seth's room was sparse. There was a simple twin bed with a blue comforter opposite from the bedroom door. A cross above his bed was the only decor on his walls. No drapes on the window, but there were blinds to help keep the evening sun out, since his room faced the front yard. An armoire and a dresser made up the rest of the furniture. There wasn't much on the top of that other than a collection of religious tracts. Gabby didn't want to take too much time reviewing his room, so she quickly went over to the far side of the bed where the nightstand was. She hesitated, feeling uncomfortable being there in the first place. But, Seth wanted her to take what was in the drawer. She opened it and found the Bible he had promised her. She took it up swiftly, afraid that if she didn't, it would disappear. This was Seth's Bible! Gabby felt her throat constrict with the feelings she had for him. She hugged the book, then opened the cover and found a letter!! She had never seen his handwriting before and she was excited to read it. However, she wanted to do so in the privacy of her room.

Gabby went back to the door and listened. She cracked it open just a hair and looked. No one was in the hallway from what she could see. She opened it wider and looked out the other way and found that end of the corridor also empty. Coming clear out, she quietly closed the door and edged her way back through the passageway and onto the landing. She peered cautiously around the wall's edge to see if there was anyone down in the foyer. Again, it was empty like the hallway. Hugging the wall again, she made it to her bedroom door, noiselessly opening it and slipping inside. She locked it, just in case someone might have seen her. She wanted to make sure that if someone came up to see why she was in the hallway, she would have time to hide the letter and the Bible. She knew that if she were caught with both, it would be correctly surmised that she had gone into Seth's room. She felt it would not sit well with any of them downstairs.

Going over to her bed and sitting down, Gabby took the letter from inside the Bible. She felt it, knowing that Seth had folded it just a few days ago. She held it up to her nose to smell it, hoping to find his scent there. All she could smell was paper and the leather from the book - and she was disappointed. However, what was inside mattered most to her! She unfolded the letter and started to read,

Dearest Gabby,

By the time you read this, I will already be in Japan. I am not going willingly, but most certainly obediently. I am confident that in time, we will both see this as something necessary for both our personal growth. My main focus will be to do everything asked of me with excellence - and I pray that you will be like minded with what is asked of you there at home. Whatever training my father and uncles have planned for you, please know this - they believe in you!

When I first was told about you, I was not that excited. I say this to be honest with you. I felt that our family was big enough without some one we didn't know walking in and complicating our lives! As you noticed, when I arrived that first night, I was quite rude towards you and for this I apologize. It has bothered me a great deal since then after discovering the depth of my feelings for you!

I know that I behaved badly since then regarding my response to kissing you, but hope that you have forgiven me. Know, too, that I forgive you as well for what happened in Carmel. I am sorry for yelling at you after the karaoke bar incident and for what Devon is probably putting you through, I apologize for him, as well. He is not one to be confined too easily. Knowing my brothers as well as I do, I am afraid that you will be his target. Again, I apologize! He will eventually come to realize his behavior is counter productive. He is not above making amends where needed. But, it will take him time to come to that conclusion. However, whatever you do, dear Gabby, keep all of this hidden in your heart. Devon would not receive it well that I am telling you this! He's my brother and I love him dearly. But, he can be quite hostile if provoked.

As you read through Romans, please keep your heart opened to the truth. I believe with every fiber of my being that Jesus Christ is Lord! I have seen great things happen that can only be attributed to a living, caring God. Do not stop with Romans! There are so many truths and so much wisdom packed in these pages, it would take a lifetime to comprehend it all. And I want very much for you to come to an understanding faith.

I love you with my whole heart! I know that the days ahead will be difficult for both of us, but I am confident that the time will go by quickly. Know this - I will pray each night here in Japan at 8:45 for you. That will be five forty-five in the morning the day before in Big Sur. If my father and uncles stick to tradition, the start of your training will begin at 6 A.M. Think of me, then, if you can. If you come to an understanding of what prayer is, pray for me! I love you and always will to the end of my days!

Love,

Seth

By the time Gabby had finished the last line, she was crying openly. Not loud, but the tears flowed freely. She quickly folded up the letter and went over to tuck it into one of the drawers in the bureau. She then went to the bathroom to grab some tissue to wipe her nose. She stared at herself in the mirror and saw a different reflection than in the days before. She saw a strength and determination to make it through whatever challenges lay before her - and to learn as much as she could about the god that Seth loved!

Gabby had just come out of the bathroom, when there was a knock at her door! She startled, looking back at her bed where she had left Seth's Bible. Calmly walking over to it, she took it up and placed the book under her pillow. Then, she asked, "Yes?"

"It's Leo." her visitor said.

Gabby's heart started to pound. What was he doing there at her bedroom door? Had he sensed her going into Seth's bedroom? Maybe he can see through walls! That had Gabby a little concerned.

Composing herself and yawning - hoping to erase any worry in her face - Gabby unlocked the door and opened it.

"Why was the door locked, Gabby?" Leo asked his face unreadable.

"I wasn't sure if Devon would come up to .....I don't know; he seems to be targeting me a lot. Can't blame him, but I don't trust him anymore."

"Why would you not trust him? All he has done is challenge you!" Leo replied.

"I don't know him well enough to determine that. He just seems to be a little more focused on confronting me, that's all." Gabby reasoned.

"Hmmm....I see." Leo looked at her for a long moment and then asked her, his expression stern, " What were you doing in Seth's room?"

"Blast it!" Gabby thought to herself. She realized she had done a lousy job of keeping her expression flat and Leo noticed it. He tilted his head, waiting for an answer.

Gabby evaluated quickly several responses, but knew that she had to face the truth of the matter. She was not yet skilled enough to feign ignorance or lie, not with Leo anyway. She replied, "Before we came back to the house last week, Seth wanted me to have his Bible. He told me to go and get it after he was gone. I didn't have a chance until this evening. "

"Why didn't you just ask me - I would have retrieved it for you." Leo offered.

"He wanted me to get it." Gabby replied simply.

"But, he is not your sensei - I am." he stated and then asked, "May I see it, please?"

In her guilt, Gabby realized that Leo knew exactly what was in the book. Did Seth tell him? Maybe Leo did a 'once over' in the room after Seth had left and found the Bible. If it was Seth's only one, his father may have been concerned and asked him about after he returned to Japan. Either way, Gabby was going to play this one step at a time.

"Here," she said after retrieving the book from under her pillow.

"You were hiding it?" Leo asked his expression serious.

"I was keeping it close by." Gabby explained.

"Hmmm..." Leo replied, looking hard at her. Then, he opened the front cover! Looking up from the book and back to his student, he asked, "Something's missing, Gabby. Where's the letter?"

Well, it was a done deal. Leo had known about the book and the letter! Without a word, Gabby walked solemnly over to the dresser drawer, opened it, and took out the missive Seth had written to her. She returned to Leo and handed it to him. She felt her face flush with emotion and cursed herself silently for being so obvious. She refused to make eye contact with her uncle.

Leo asked as he noticed his niece blush, "Since this was intended for you, may I have permission to read it?"

She looked up and quietly asked him, not doing well at hiding her irritation with him, "Haven't you done that already? You knew about both before you even came to my door."

Leo narrowed his eyes and sternly replied, his expression serious, "First, do not assume anything about me! Second, Seth called and told me about this over the weekend while you were in New York. He didn't feel right having you sneak into his room and wanted me to get the book for you. I decided to wait and see if you would do the right thing and ask me. But, since you did not...." and he tucked the book with the letter under his arm,".... I will keep it until such time I feel you have learned your lesson about being honest!" and he turned and walked back down the staircase.

Gabby was mad! Closing her door, she threw herself onto the bed and slammed her fist into the pillow - and then cried. She was so close to having a part of Seth with her. Why didn't she just tell them, tell Leo, and ask for Seth's Bible? In part, she was afraid he would say no. But, as she thought about it, as she 'read' through the book that she had memorized years ago, she realized that it talked much about integrity and honesty as well as doing all things with excellence! Plus, Leo had all but given her the opportunity to ask him down at the fire pit that evening when he shared his interest about Seth's faith. She cried all the more, realizing the costly mistake she had made, but more because she had lost face with her sensei. How was she going to face him tomorrow? How could she make it up to him? She was starting to care what Leo thought about her and it sobered her resolve to do whatever he would ask of her. No matter what the task - even if it meant learning how to surf on Sunday!