Disclaimer: I don't own any of them, as much as I would love to. They belong to the talented Eastman and Laird.

Chapter 5.

Don gently pushed Leo into the kitchen with a smile when his older brother glanced over his shoulder and Leo's expression confirmed the feelings that Don was picking up from him, he was nervous and there was a hint of fear, he knew that Leo had mistaken Raph and Mike as Foot ninja and was weary that he may still see that, but he hoped that it was just a memory come to life. Leo knew that Don was upset with his revelations at a small part of his time spent with Saki and he'd given his brother a shoulder to cry on. It wasn't just Leo's recollection that had played a part in Don's reaction, there was more to it. Don had been working long and hard at trying to mend the broken family and it had all finally come to the surface, he apologised to his ailing brother, telling him that he shouldn't be unloading more stress onto him, that it wasn't Leo's responsibility anymore. Leo had smiled at that and told Don that it felt good to be relied on, if only for a brief moment, although it wasn't something that he wanted back. Even he had to admit that it wouldn't help him in his efforts to return to anything resembling normal again.

Don guided him to the table and gestured for him to take a seat, he did so and watched as Don made himself busy by making them both something to drink. He returned to the table with two cups of hot tea and Leo thanked him with a smile, sipping cautiously to prevent scolding his lips. Don wasn't as cautious, he yelped and dropped the cup, his hand covering his mouth as he grimaced. Leo stood quickly and reached for his brother but Don waved him away, reluctantly Leo turned and began to clean away the broken pieces of the cup and it's hot contents. Don moved towards the sink to tend to his burnt lips, his hands began to shake and he held back the urge to slam his hands down onto the sink in frustration. How could he be so stupid?

The kitchen door creaked open slightly and a concerned Mike gazed in, Don's eyes went wide and he looked at Leo, expecting him to see the Foot ninja from earlier. Mike too became concerned, although he thought that Leo was afraid of him for his reactions in his room last night, he still heard the crash as the cup shattered and wanted to make sure that everything was okay. The room fell silent as the three occupants gazed at each other, no one moving.

The silence was deafening, Mike wanted to speak but the words wouldn't form, he didn't know where to start. He had been remorseful from the moment his hand had touched Leo's cheek in the harsh way that it did. He felt the pain and knew that Leo was still in a dreamlike state at the time, but his guilt still didn't justify what he had done. He gulped nervously and was half tempted to turn and walk away but he knew that both he and Leo needed to face this and now, regardless of Don's orders to keep his distance.

Don watched his brothers wearily, his body tense and ready in case Leo decided that he didn't want to be here, in case he decided to run. Mike's actions were caused by his anger, his inability to accept that Leo just wasn't Leo anymore. He did the only thing that came to him at the moment and that was to try and make Leo see sense, he didn't understand that these things take time, a lot of time. But Mike's guilt was eating away at him and Don knew that, he couldn't let that happen, he didn't want to see another brother suffer. He stayed silent, allowing his brothers to make their own moves. When Leo's shoulders slumped and he leant on the back of the chair for support, his head dropping to rest on his chest, Don thought that he was going to collapse to the floor.

'So he's back to hit you again.' The voice was mocking, the same voice that tried to halt the healing process so many times before.

"I'm not listening to you, not now." Leo hissed, not caring if his brothers heard him and thought him even crazier.

'Oh so now you've grown some back bone, huh?' the voice spat.

"Mike won't hit me. It was a mistake, can't you see that he's sorry?" Leo whispered harshly. Mike's eyes widened and he looked to Don, his intellectual brother gestured for him to come into the room completely and Mike moved towards him, he had never seen this aspect to Leo before and it frightened him but Don's arm around his shoulder and a whispered 'it's okay' gave a little relief. Don had seen this side of Leo on many occasions, he had grown used to it but it still bothered him, the first time was the worst.

'He's sorry? You really think that? Do you wanna know what I think? I think he's just doing that to get closer to you, so he can hit you harder this time.'

"No!" Leo slammed his fist down onto the backrest of the chair, Mike jumped at the outburst and Don squeezed his shoulder.

"It's a normal reaction, Mike. A symptom of schizophrenia, it'll pass." Don soothed but Mike wasn't relieved anymore than before.

"How can you just accept what he's doing? He's talking to himself, that's…it's scaring me." Mike shook slightly and Don tightened his grip, he knew how frightening it was.

"The first time I saw him like this, I was just as shocked as you are right now. It hasn't gotten any easier since, but I've grown used to it, don't ask me how."

"I remember that. You came from Leo's room and you looked pale and… and frightened. Is this what it was like?"

"No, it was worse."

"Leo, it's okay, everything's going to be okay." Don's hands were held out submissively as he tried to coax his brother from the darkened corner of his room.

"Of course he doesn't understand, he wasn't there was he?" Leo bellowed to no one. Don watched him as he shuddered and his hands flew frantically for no reason.

"No! I don't!" Leo screamed, "I don't care what you think!"

"Saki, Saki, Saki, that's all that you've got to say? I'm not a coward! I'm not! I…I am…Don't do this…Leave me alone!" Leo's screams steadily faded, his voice loosing it's strength, his words now pleading.

"I don't want to…don't call me that! I…please, just leave me alone…"

Don couldn't take it anymore, he moved towards his brother and knelt at his side, taking him into his arms. Leo didn't protest as he continued his begging.

"It hurt…I'm not…why are you tormenting me? Don't…"

The hopelessness washed over him and he knew then that Leo was different, he had changed and that scared Don, he'd never seen Leo like this before. Emotion overwhelmed him, he tried to stay strong knowing that Leo needed to feel that strength, but right now he wanted to run, to flee this burden and let someone else deal with it, instead he stayed…and cried.

"I'm not listening to you anymore!" Leo spun around as if he was turning his back on the voice, his posture strengthened and for a brief moment his brothers saw something in Leo that they hadn't seen in such a long time, the determined, strong leader they were fighting hard to bring back to life. He turned to face his brothers and gave them an apologetic smile, Don returned the gesture and gently pushed Mike forward knowing that this was important, that they needed this moment. His younger brother resisted, not wanting to approach Leo just yet, fearing that he might not be welcome but Leo moved towards him albeit slightly weary.

"Leo, I… Are you okay?" Mike asked nervously, his steps slow and juddering.

"Yes." Leo replied, he reached for Mike and apprehensively touched his shoulder, "Are you okay?"

Mike nodded happily, "Yeah, I'm fine… Leo, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did it… I…" Mike began to ramble, words rolling like waves filled with meaning from his mouth, Leo started to chuckle, finding humour in Mike's nervous habit, before gently pulling him into an embrace, Mike reached around him, he couldn't describe how grateful he felt at Leo's silent forgiveness and he breathed a sigh of relief at Leo's tightening hold.

After a moment they separated and Leo rubbed at his eyes, the tiredness of the day's events finally taking their toll, he yawned causing Don to copy him wincing slightly at his tender lips, he was exhausted too, "I think we could all do with some rest," he said softly, "and I need to do something about my lips, they're killing me."

Mike had only just noticed that Don's lips were reddened and he smiled, this wasn't the first time that Don had scalded his lips on a hot cup, usually it was with his morning coffee. "Coffee too hot, Don?" he chuckled.

"Tea this time," he replied as he dabbed his lips with a cool cloth, "you'd think I'd learn by now, wouldn't you?"

Mike laughed, "Can't teach an old dog new tricks, Donny-boy."

"Hold him down!"

"NOOOO!" The needle terrified him, he couldn't take any more and he fought as hard as he could against his captors. Spittle ran down his mouth and a blow to his head didn't stop his frantic movements, he was broken and he knew that this wouldn't continue for much longer. He wished that his final moment would come and silently pleaded for Saki to end his pain now, he didn't care how he died as long as they made it swift. This needle wouldn't grant him that wish.

Saki had grown bored of him, it seemed that there was no chance to obtain what he wanted from Leonardo and he knew that it was time to end his misery, he halted his men and approached the tortured animal. He stood over him as Leo was forced to his knees.

"Take him back to his cell. Sever his head." Saki walked away, "Leave his body where they can find it."

Leo's struggles ceased and he allowed the Foot ninja to half carry, half drag him away. His torment was finally over.

He slumped to the floor and was roughly pulled to his knees, his head stayed bowed and he thought of nothing, no final words of his family for they had abandoned him, he didn't plead for survival, what was the point? His life wasn't worth living anymore. He heard the blade and felt the rush of air as it was lifted and waited for the killing blow, then another sound broke through, a war cry like nothing he had ever heard before, a scream of anguish and hatred that tore at his heart. A sound that he hadn't heard in a long time.

Raphael lunged his sai into the heart of the ninja and his katana dropped from his limp fingers, the other that remained screamed and launched himself forward. He was cut down before his battle cry had ended.

Gentle hands wrapped around Leo's shoulders and pulled him backwards, another hand, this one warm and furred, cupped his chin. His sensei and father stared into his eyes and Leo cried inwardly as he saw the fear in his expression, fear and pity. Leo allowed the darkness to encompass him as his body was lifted softly and carried away.

Leo hugged the blankets tighter as his nightmares played themselves out yet again, his foetal position offering him some comfort from his horrors. A hand gently stroked at his forehead and his body relaxed slightly, the soft caress subconsciously easing his troubled mind. Splinter wept by his son's side and silently pleaded that his pain would end soon before he was lost completely. He heard a sound, footsteps approaching the door and quietly stood, he bent down towards his son and softly kissed his brow before heading towards the open window.

Raph pushed the door open quietly as he did every night, he needed to check on Leo to make sure he was safe, to make sure he was still there. To make sure that he hadn't wandered off silently to try and find another way to kill himself without his family finding him until it was too late. He smiled when he noticed his brother sleeping peacefully and approached the open window, it was cold outside and he didn't want Leo to catch a chill from the breeze. A final glance and Raph left his brother for the night, his own bed was calling as he yawned deeply.

AN: This chapter took a lot out of me to write, usually I like to write chapters in one sitting but this time it was written over a few days. I had a lot of trouble writing the part with Leo and Mike and it probably shows, I hope I didn't mess it up completely.

Reviews:

Digmon Girl: Another update, I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review:)

Darktiger2: Actually, I'm working on the next chapter for WTRLPSU so I'll send it to you when it's done. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about it. Thanks for the review:)

Pacphys: Hehe, yeah. I usually just settle for 'chucks' most of the time, it's too confusing, LOL! You've got the family down pretty well and you'll probably notice that Don doesn't stay angry for long, he needs all the help he can get right now. Yep, Saki needs to pay for what he has done and I may even do a sequel, possibly a one-shot, so that the family can get their revenge. Thanks for the review:)

Ramica: Thank you! I'm so glad that you reviewed:) I have difficulty writing all of Leo's torturous memories, they are heart-wrenching, I'm glad that I am translating them so well that everyone can see as I see it and that means so much to me. This does take so much out of me to write and I always feel drained after completing each chapter, it's a tearjerker for me. Thanks for the review:)

Reinbeauchaser: I think from the very start of this story that I wanted Don to be the main healing aspect in Leo's life right now, it's sad that Splinter's character is reluctant to help his sons. I wanted to alienate him from the family but found that I couldn't completely do that, it's just not in his nature and I wanted to keep him in character as much as possible whilst still pushing his limits. I think there is a breakthrough for Splinter in this chapter, so hopefully things will be looking up. Thanks for the review:)

BlueRaven: I take it that by cute you mean Leo and Don's little cuddle at the end? LOL, yeah that was kind of cute. Thanks for the review:)

Pi90katana: Good? I think I'm cruel not good! LOL! As I've mentioned, I am thinking of writing a sequel so that the guys can get their revenge, Saki does need some payback! Thanks for the review:)

Spootycup: I received your email and decided to finish this chapter off, there was more to this one than the other chapters for other stories so I went with this story. Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for the review:)

In The Clouds: Ooh! I've read 'Reflections' however it was some time ago so I think I'll take another look. Don's decision was short lived but I think he realised that he couldn't do this on his own, he needs help and there's only so many people he can turn to. Thanks for the review:)

Auri1: Thank you so much! I'm glad that I can translate the emotions and feelings in such a way, it means a lot to me as a writer to know that you can feel everything that I'm trying to show you. I think Don decided that it was in Leo and Mike's best interests to allow them to see each other, as for Raph? Well, I'm not so sure about that yet. Thanks for the review:)

Rev: Past life regressions? Did I torture people in a past life? LOL! Quite possibly! Thanks for the review:)

Joyjoy101: Scary? I do hope so, LOL! Thanks for the review:)