Hey everyone! I apologize how long this took. With school happening I just haven't had the time. Sadly, I also haven't been feeling so confident with my writing so with two and two together it has taken me forever to get this chapter done.

Oh and a quick disclaimer I mention a game in here that I own no rights to XD But the game is frigin awesome anyways woot Left 4 Dead XD

Anyways I hope you all enjoy it and don't forget to review. ^^


Chapter 4 – Secrets hidden within Truths

It was quiet. So quiet that Raphael was sure if you drop a pin it would sound like a bomb dropping. Only a few moments had passed since Master Splinter came into the room to talk to him. Yet, it felt like ages. Today was the day. Raph had known this day would come, when he would have to tell them his little secret.

Three pairs of eyes were watching him intently. The curious blues of Michelangelo, the calculating ambers of Donatello and the encouraging browns of Leonardo. They all wanted to know, they all desired to know. Yet, Raph knew that they would not like what they were going to hear. The candles were being placed between them, Raphael on one side while Leo, Donnie and Mikey on the other. Master Splinter was placing the candles between them in one straight line. Once he finished his father had taken a seat beside Raphael.

"My sons, I know that you all have questions and both Raphael and I are here to answer them finally," Master Splinter said softly. His voice was a calming gentle wave that instantly vanquishes Raph's nerves. He was sure as long as Master Splinter was beside him this would go by easier. "These candles you see before you," Master Splinter explained sweeping a hand out before him to emphasize where they are, "represents a line – a border."

"A border…to where Master?" Leo instantly chipped in; he was leaning towards them, eyes wide with gleeful anticipation. It was typical of Leo to be clinging onto every word that Master Splinter says.

Master Splinter nodded in approval, his eyes twinkling with delight at his insightful student. "That is right Leonardo. The border is a pathway to another place - another realm." Splinter had paused after that, as all three of the brothers on the other-side looked at each other in confusion.

"Okay!" Mikey chipped in, "so you're saying there is this imaginary wall, and another place is beyond it. So, why the shell is Raphie and you on that side Master Splinter?"

"Because, we belong in this realm Michelangelo," Mikey gave a confused look to Donnie, but it seemed even the residential genius was at a loss for words. "You see my sons. This realm exists amongst our own, but those who are not gifted cannot see the creatures within the realm."

"You mean like ghosts and spirits?" Donatello jumped in, his mind trying to comprehend what was happening. How is any of this making sense? How is Raph able to be part of this realm?

Leo however had suddenly gotten very quiet. His golden browns studying his brother as their Master talked. Raphael had begun fidgeting in the spot, as if he was uncomfortable, his golden orbs downcast finding the ground much more interesting than his own brothers.

"That is something Raphael shall explain," Master Splinter answered Donatello, his fatherly browns turning towards his strangely quiet son.

"They are sort of like ghosts or spirits," Raph muttered his voice a fading whisper in the background, "but they are more than that, they are creatures that won't hesitate to rip you to shreds, I guess I consider them demons."

"Raphael is right my sons, these beings from another realm can hurt and kill the unknowing. They are powerful, they are strong and they are extremely dangerous," Master Splinter blew one of the candles out, "when even the piece of this border is weak or damage, sometimes a human will catch a glimpse of these creatures – "

Donatello eyes widen, "you mean when people claim they saw a spirit it was a glimpse of those creatures?"

"If the human mind cannot make sense of what they are seeing then the mind itself will create a familiar image – you are right Donatello. Ghosts and spirits are things that are not meant to be seen so most likely what humans claim they saw are those demons."

"Okay so evil things that are invisible exist, what does this have to do with Raphie?" Mikey said his voice now an octave higher. He was now looking around him as if expecting the creatures to suddenly attack him.

Master Splinter remained quiet. A sigh came from Raphael's lips as he looked up at his brothers, the candles flames dancing along in those golden orbs, "I have been able to see these creatures since I was a little turtle."

"What?!" Mikey said eyes now widening at that, "can you see them now?! Are they here?! Where?!"

"Calm down Michelangelo, I don't think that is all Raphael has been hiding from us," Leo said dryly now, eyes giving an expression to Raph that seemed to state we will be talking later.

Raphael looked away eyes looking at the corners of the room, knowing they were safe but looking anyways.

"No Michelangelo, they are not here at this moment. Thanks to your older brother Raphael. You see these creatures are only attracted to those of high spiritual energy – which is your chi. But that also means that they can only be hurt by those able to control their chi," Master Splinter explain gently as he put his hand on Raphael's shoulder encouraging him to continue.

"When I was almost killed as a child, it was Master Splinter that saved me – able to drive one of these creatures away with a strange bright light he summoned out of thin air. After that Master Splinter was able to realize that I had always been able to see these creatures – he also realized another thing – " Raphael paused at that his face reddening as he couldn't help but feel embarrassed about all this, "I have a lot of spiritual energy."

Splinter sighed, "it is not just Raphael, I soon realized each of you had a lot of potential. But at such a young age none of you could face the other realm without surviving. So I took you all to the Ancient One where he took you four to have a spell cast on you. This spell would help your energy to remain dormant until the day it is broken."

There was a pause as Donatello looked annoyed and spoke up, "yes if that is true though then Raphael wouldn't be able to see them."

"His growth was already too far advance for any sort of spell to work on him…do you all remember the time I sent Raphael away on some special training," Splinter asked.

"Oh hell yeah! The quietest time of my life!" Mikey got hit in the back of the head by Don for that, "ow! Didn't you say it was to teach Raphie some self-control?"

"Yes, in a way it was. The Ancient One quickly taught him how to control his abilities."

"Wait," Leo said eyes still neutral which made Raphael feel very unsettled. He fidget where he sat as he kept his eyes downcast. "What abilities?"

Master Splinter smirked at that, with a wave of his stick all the candles flames went out and they were in complete darkness. "Raphael my son, kindly show your brothers what you can do…." Raph nodded and stood closing his eyes. Leo blinked as he'd notice that light surrounding his brother again –

"This is so boring…" Mikey whined, "what can he do just stand there with eyes close. I can do that too…"

Leo looked towards Mikey; did he not see the light? Turning to Donnie he noticed his younger brother was looking just as unimpressed as Mikey. Eyes then travelled to Splinter who smiled at Leo giving a simple nod of his head – well that answered his question – Master Splinter was seeing the same thing also.

There was a bright flash of light from Raphael or at least that is what Leonardo saw. "Oh wow!" Leo heard Donnie say suddenly amazed for some reason – Leo had to blink his eyes a few times before he realized what had happen the candles were lit with the same strange coloured flame from before.

But there was more, not only were the candles in front of them were lit but every other candle in the room was lit also.

"Well that is a fast way to brighten up a room!" Mikey exclaimed jumping up, "wow Raphie you have super powers!"

Blushing Raph shook his head, "I don't Mikey now stop it!" He grumbled, hating being put on show like this. He hated his abilities; he always had when he was younger. It was only recent he had been able to control the flames - ever since he had collapsed from that damn fever.

"Master, what about you? How do you know about all this?" Leonardo asked.

Master Splinter smiled, and Raphael knew why. When he was younger he had asked the same question and he was sure they would get the same half-ass answer as before, "I am afraid that is for another time my sons."

Leo opened his mouth to say something but the expression in his Master's eyes seemed to say do not pry. So Leo did exactly that.

"Oh! If Raph has super powers what abilities do we have Master? Can we fly? I want to be able to fly!" Mikey said excitably.

Donatello shook his head, "Mikey this is no joking matter – I don't think having abilities is going to make our lives any easier."

"Donatello is right Michelangelo; this is something you must learn to take seriously. And I am afraid your own personal abilities will have to be discovered over time," Master Splinter smiled at them, "now my sons I will be taking the television as my soaps are on in five minutes. Please take the time to think over this new information. And Raphael do not forget what you have to do." With that Master Splinter left the room. Leaving Raphael with three pairs of curious eyes settling on him.

Thanks a lot Master….Raph thought to himself.

Before one of them could open their mouths Raphael stood up, "I have to go," with that he left the room in haste. Leo however quickly followed.

"So Donnie," Mikey said eyes looking at his older brother, "what do you think about all of this?"

Donatello was silent for a bit and shook his head, "I feel a little angry and upset Mikey, how could they have kept this secret for so long."

"Yeah, I know," Mikey whispered blue eyes now staring at the strange coloured burning candles. The flames somehow appeared faint and weak he wondered if anyone noticed, "to think how Raphael has been fighting a whole other battle and ours at the same time."

Donnie nodded as he shook his head, "what else could we have done Mikey, remember we are the ones who haven't awoken our true potential yet. Whatever that may be."

"Yeah…but still…I think we could have helped Raphael emotionally at least. I always hate feeling so useless."

"Me too," Donnie sighed as he shook his head, "want to play a game to get your mind off of it?"

"DO I!" Mikey exclaimed, "let's play some Left 4 Dead! I want to see how many of those zombies we can kill!"

Chuckling Don smiled at his younger brother, "alright Mikey let's go." However, despite the smile deep down Donatello was much more troubled than ever. There was a reason why Raphael had told them now about all of this and not later. And he had a strange inkling feeling that Master Splinter knows much more then even Raphael. When did their family start becoming so secretive? It was very unsettling.

At least he knew he could always count on Mikey on being honest. His dear sweet little brother…

Leonardo had caught up with Raphael easily, who had taken to the pipes in the sewers to escape. Diving on Raph he pinned his brother to the ground, quickly grabbing both wrists and placing them above his head and using his thighs to pin Raphael's legs under him.

"Let me the fuck go Leo!" Raphael yelled, struggling as much as possible to get Leo off of him. But in his current state that was a lost battle. "What the hell do you want?"

"I want answers Raphael and no more lying to my face, I want the truth, the straight truth. Or is that so hard to ask of you?" Leo sneered, his voice harsh and sharp.

"Maybe it is! I told you everything Leo, now let me the fuck up or else!" Raph growled wishing he could just smack that look off of Leo's face at this moment. Leo just looked down at him and shook his head. "Yeah, you sure did Raph." Leo replied sarcastically.

Raphael looked away, trying to not look Leo in the eyes, knowing what expression would be sitting there. It would be Leonardo's concern look, the kind of look that he wished he could help Raphael but Leo knew he couldn't. Raphael always hated that look; he did not ever want to be the burden of Leo. He just wanted Leo to congratulate him to praise him. Of course Raph would never say that out-loud.

"Look at you. You can barely lift me off you. What if I was Karai again, or Hun, or even Bishop. Raphael please tell me what is weakening you, what is going on, what is it that you or Master Splinter is not telling me. Please." He could feel Raph shaking under him, struggling with anger again. Leonardo just wanted to help Raph, but his damn younger brother was being as stubborn as usual.

"It is none of your damn fuckin business Leo! Now would you just fuck off!" Well, Raphael was never considered the most proper of the turtles.

Leo used one hand to hold both of Raph's wrists which prove to be a challenge as he used the other to force Raph's head to move so they were staring at each other. "It is my damn business Raph, especially since my younger brother is fading and I don't even know why!"

He had calmed. Eyes softening as he saw that concern expression of Leo's, and something else. He had not realize how extremely seductive the position they were in was. Raphael shook his head quickly, no bad! No thinking that way!

"Look Leo it is better if you don't know."

"Says you Raph! Tell me please."

More silence had followed and Leo was being extremely patient. Another thing Raphael did not like. After all this was annoying the hell out of him.

"Fine," Raph muttered, "just get the hell off of me please."

Nodding Leon had climbed off taking a seat beside Raph, ready to dive on him if he tried running. But Raphael seemed to know that Leo would just catch him again and took a seat beside his brother. "What Master Splinter said about me having a lot of Spiritual Energy is true…" Raph grumbled. "But what he didn't say is that I been using it to protect all of us. I learned how to create a protective shield; it helps prevent anything of getting in without my notice and prevents anything from the outside to sense the energy inside – if that made any sense…." Raphael muttered eyes downcast a bit.

"Let me guess – this shield – takes a hell of a lot of spirit energy to maintain?"

"Yeah and since you have been awakening your powers lately –"

"What?!" Leo exclaimed now eyes widen.

Raphael chuckled a bit, "wow I realized it even before you. What do you think your sensing abilities come from? Thin air?"

Leo blushed a bit, "no I thought it was normal."

"The way you sense is not normal Leo," Raph said a smirk on his face as he shoved his brother playfully beside him. Only to get a playful punch in the arm from Leo.

"Well okay whatever," Leo said sounding annoyed at Raph. "So Raphael, you been seeing creatures since you were young?"

Raph was silent as he stared straight ahead without answering. Yeah, Leo was right he had. And a lot of them were not pretty. A lot of them gave him nightmares. A lot of them still do.

"You remember when you used to crawl into my bed at night and sneak out before I apparently wake up?" Leo said quickly changing the subject. He didn't want Raph to freeze up on him just yet. He did not want to give Raph any excuse to draw away from him.

"Oh god you knew? Fuck." Raph grumbled sounding embarrassed.

"It's perfectly normal for a brother to seek comfort from an older Raph, you never had to be ashamed of it," Leo said gently.

Raphael shook his head, "like hell I don't Leo. I work hard at building at being the toughest turtle around, the last thing I need is Mikey teasing me because I wanted some comfort."

"You dreamt of the creatures didn't you?"

Raphael grew silent again, why the hell does Leo know him so damn well? Why is he even bringing this crap up?

Before Raph could say anything strong arms had pulled him into a hug, pulling Raphael so that their bodies were mended together. "I'm sorry Raph."

Those three words. Simple. Short. It did not even make sense why Leo was saying them none of it was his fault. But somehow they were words Raphael needed.

He was not sure how long they sat their but eventually Leo pulled away, "will you be alright?"

"Yeah, thanks Leo."

Leo paused looking at Raphael, "you know I have a question. What exactly are your abilities?"

"You know the same old. Can see the creatures and light small flames and modified a shield that is all," Raphael said quickly eyes now looking towards a corner. "Anyways Leo you don't need to stick around, I need to focus on strengthening the shield."

Blinking Leo looked at Raph, knowing there was much more he was probably hiding. But for now he would not push Raph further – he was afraid if he pushed his brother to hard he would break. It was a silly fear considering Raphael had always been the toughest out of them all. But it was his fear none the less.

"Alright see you in a bit," Leo said, knowing it was best if he left he did not want to get blinded by Raph's abilities again.

Raphael watch Leo disappear down the pipe then Raphael turned around eyes narrowing as he was face to face with a demon dog before him. "I don't think so mutt – there is no way in hell that you are getting near Leo," with that he pulled his sais out and rushed towards the creature.

Leo made his way down the pipe he paused as his shell cell begun ringing saying it was Donnie, lifting it to answer he sighed. "What is it Donnie?"

"Is Raphael alright? Mikey and I are worried."

"Yeah he is fine, emotional as always but fine, he should be not too far behind me, see you in a bit Don." Closing his shell cell Leo sighed as he turned around to see if Raph was really following. But instead of seeing Raphael…

A grinning face stared back at him, eyes shimmering pale silver – "hello Leonardo."

"Who the hell…" but before he could say anything something hit him in the back of the head. Leo felt himself falling into the dark abyss the last words of his attacker echoing in his head, "night Leonardo – my pets kill the red one."

Raphael no!….but it was too late as Leo was swallowed up by the dark abyss.