A/N ~ Hellooooooo! I'm SO sorry for the delay, but I'd hit a huge TMNT writer's block, so as you may have noticed I started writing One Piece as a way to help me back in the writing groove :)

This was a challenging chapter for sure, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Also, as a side-note, please refrain from posting unnecessary rude comments. I apologize for my slowness, but there is no need for such comments.

I OWN NOTHING! LYRICS BELONG TO NICKLEBACK.

Enjoy!

Chapter 47

"I love you; I have loved you all along. And I forgive you, for being away for far too long…"

–Nickleback, Far Away

As it turned out, Splinter's nose was capable of more than just sniffing out food or lost turtles; the clever little thing was also able to sniff out a lost April O'Neil, even in the sewer tunnels of which the young red-head had been wandering aimlessly for the past hour or so.

When he finally found her after scouring the tunnels with his nose in the air – and exposing his sensitive nostrils to all the unholy stenches this city had to offer, and one would think after fifteen years he would've grown used to such stenches – she was clutching a large, pearl-white metal orb close to her chest, looking so lost and confused that it would've been adorable had Splinter not been nearly delirious with paranoia after her unforeseen disappearance.

The girl had the sense to apologize the second she caught sight of Splinter hurrying towards her, and after making sure that she was unharmed – and after a firm talking-to that would've quite probably made Splinter's own late father proud – the two made their way back to the lair, with Splinter politely brushing off her question as to why he looked like he was on the verge of vomiting.

Now, after getting himself a calming cup of his favorite tea, Splinter left the kitchen at noon on the dot to find April sat in the pit of their underground home, staring down at the white device on her lap as if she were trying to decipher it with her eyes alone. She'd already explained to Splinter what had happened in the tunnels, what she'd heard, what she'd felt in the pit of her chest, and the odd sensations burning her brain until she'd finally uncovered the artifact. It was as if the device, whatever it was, had been desperately calling out to her, wanting to be found, for whatever reason.

That alone had been strange – and worrying, especially if it had anything to do with the Kraang – but there was still one more thing that Splinter had yet to grasp…

"Hm, interesting," he mused, and April looked up at him. "But I am curious how you hear the sound…but I do not."

Her brows furrowing as she looked back down at the orb, April murmured Splinter's own worried thoughts aloud. "Maybe it's why the Kraang are after me."

Splinter frowned, lifting a hand to stroke his beard. There was little advice he could offer April due to his limited knowledge of the many things revolving around the Kraang, or anything that involved machines – that task was best suited to Donatello, a fact he'd learned long ago during the infamous 'Toaster Incident of 2002' that the old rat still shivered at even to this day – but even so, he was curious.

At the start of their training, Splinter had noted how April's sensitivity was a unique gift. But only now was he beginning to understand just how unique she was…

"April?"

A voice – one Splinter didn't recognize but had April lift her head so sharp that Splinter feared for her neck – broke the tense silence and interrupted Splinter's thoughts. He swiftly turned, and found all three of his sons jumping over the turnstiles – though Donatello was looking somewhat bruised, and was sending dirty looks at Raphael, who either didn't notice or chose not to. Following behind them was a red bearded man, whose clothes and aged face were worn and weary, but as he entered the lair and spotted April, his blue eyes became alive with unimaginable delight and relief.

Her eyes widened and already pooling with tears, April slowly rose from the couch, hands shaking at her sides, the Kraang device left forgotten on the bench. "Dad?" she whispered, as if she were dreaming and the slightest noise would wake her up.

But as the man – April's father – drew nearer, his own eyes shining with restrained emotion, April's freckled face broke out into a mile-wide smile.

"Dad!" she cried, and wasted not another moment as she leapt out of the pit and all but barrelled into her father, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding on tight. Her father returned her embrace, kissing her hair as he held her close. April's shoulders shook, and though her face was buried in the folds of Kirby's shirt, Splinter could smell salt in the air as she silently began to cry.

His heart warm and full, Splinter smiled as he watched from the pit. Finally, after so long, a promise had been fulfilled at last. April had her father back, after many months of searching, waiting, hoping, praying…

He turned to his boys, who watched from a respectful distance as the small family – once broken and grieving, now reunited and healing – held each other, neither ready to let go. Raphael had folded his arms and was grinning wide, his green eyes softened with a fondness he would never admit to. Michelangelo was sniffling as he wiped his eyes with the back of his arm. And Donatello, patting his younger brother's shell, his warm brown eyes never left April or her father as he smiled. Splinter had seen such a smile before, when one was overcome with love…

The turtles soon caught Splinter's gaze. He bowed his head once, his whiskers twitching as his smile grew, and when they smiled back, Splinter couldn't remember a time he had been any more proud of them than he was now.

'Well done, my sons.'

"Oh, dad, I can't believe it!" April cried, her voice cracking with raw emotion as she and her father reluctantly drew away, and April wiped her tears away with the back of her hand as she turned to face the turtles, sky-blue eyes shining brighter than the sun. "You guys saved my dad! Thank you so much!"

The three turtles, humble as ever, only shook their heads and smiled in the face of her earnest gratitude…apart from Raphael, that is, who suddenly grinned like a shark.

Splinter had only a moment to wonder what his red clad son was plotting before he announced, "The guy you really should be thanking is Donnie." He wrapped an arm around his taller brother, patting his plastron with his other.

Donnie, of course, was shocked and confused as he stiffened, and Splinter watched with mild amusement as his cheeks turned a peculiar shade of pink. "W-well, I –"

"Seriously!" Raph interrupted, "You should'a seen him, he was like – hoo, HWAAH!" And then the red clad turtle proceeded to holler outrageous battle cries, executing over-the-top katas more fit for the poorly written action movies they insisted upon watching, and Splinter – as well as an amused Kirby O'Neil – stifled a chuckle at his son's antics.

Donnie, on the other hand, was mortified, and he quickly stepped in to grab Raph's shoulder. "R-Raph," he stammered with a weak smile, "I-I think that's a little –"

But for reasons unknown, Raph would have none of that, and instead he draped an arm around Donnie's neck, patting his head with his free hand – a gesture, Splinter realized, that was a silent way of telling his brother to 'shut up' – before shoving Donnie out of the way. "We kept saying, 'Careful, Donnie; it's too dangerous!'" he continued, "And Donnie was like 'Danger? Ha! Nothing will stop me –'"

Finally, Donnie managed to slap a hand over Raph's mouth, silencing him and putting an end to his little show. "Thank you! Thank you, Raphael!" He forced a chuckle, a pointed look directed at Raph that told him to 'shut up'. Raph rolled his eyes in surrender before Donnie let him go, and the purple clad turned to face April. "W-Well t-those weren't my exact words, but –"

He was interrupted yet again when April rushed towards him and hugged him.

Arms pinned to his side and his eyes wide and unseeing as they stared straight ahead, Donnie froze as April wrapped her arms around him and held him tight, her head resting against his chest. Splinter's ear twitched as he withheld another snicker, and Kirby blinked in surprise whilst Mikey gasped in delight, bouncing on his toes. Raph only nodded, grinning with smug satisfaction.

All too soon did April draw away, beaming up at Donnie with more love and gratitude than she knew what to do with. "Oh, thank you, Donnie!" she said, before turning back to Kirby, taking him by the arm to lead him to the kitchen with the promise of rest and something to drink. Splinter moved to follow and assist the former Kraang captive, but stopped when he heard the familiar sound of a shell connecting with the ground.

He turned only to find that Donnie had fallen backwards, his face as red as a rose and hotter than a furnace, staring blankly up at the pipes on the ceiling. Instead of helping him up, Mikey and Raph only gathered around him and stared, as good brothers did.

"Well…I tried," Raph shrugged.

"Dude," Mikey snickered, "I'd say you succeeded."

Giggling like an idiot, Donnie lifted an arm and gave his brothers a thumbs up.

This time Splinter did chuckle as he shook his head. 'Ah, young love' he thought to himself with a fond roll of his eyes. He recalled how he'd been when he'd met Tang Shen all those years ago, light-headed and giddy with boundless affection for the young woman, though not nearly as much as his third son was towards April.

However, despite the celebrations, despite how proud he was of their achievement – or, as Raphael had claimed, Donatello's achievement – there was still one pressing matter Splinter, as a father and teacher, could not let slide.

"I must agree with Michelangelo," he said, approaching the boys just as Donnie regained the will to roll onto his front and sit up, and they all looked up at him to find him frowning. "However, I am still disappointed that you left the lair to rescue Mr. O'Neil alone, Donatello, without informing your team of your whereabouts, or even your intentions, which could have led to disaster had your brothers not followed you."

Donnie seemed to visibly deflate at all of this as the realization – or rather the guilt – hit him full force, his smile fading into an ashamed frown as he turned away from his father. Raph and Mikey both bit their lips as they exchanged a look, possibly having forgotten about what Donnie had done in light of the reunion.

Splinter sighed. "However," he said again, prompting all three of them to look up expectantly, "had you not done so, April would not have been reunited with her father. Whilst I am still vexed with your foolishness and reckless decision, Donatello, you have fulfilled the promise that you and your brothers had made to April many nights ago. And for that, I am proud." He offered his young leader a soft smile, belying his earlier tone.

And Donnie, after a moment of staring up at his master, tentatively smiled back as he stood up, bowing his head. "Thank you, Sensei. And I promise, I won't do it again; I realize now that having a team at your back is way better than a solo-mission," he said, lifting his head and casting a grin at Raph and Mikey standing behind him.

Raph smirked. "Damn straight," he said.

"Raphael."

Raph stiffened at his father's warning tone. "Right, language, sorry."

Mikey giggled beside him, and Raph only had to lift his clenched fist to silence his youngest brother completely.

Shaking his head again, Splinter cleared his throat sharply, recapturing his children's attention. "Now, my sons, I believe it would be wise to leave Mr. O'Neil and April alone for now; he has been through much in these months past, and they certainly have more to catch up on. So, why don't we go to the dojo, and you all tell me what really happened?" He sent a knowing smile at Raphael, and said turtle averted his emerald eyes elsewhere as he blushed, grumbling under his breath.

At this, Mikey suddenly gasped loudly, beaming from ear to ear as he took both of Splinter's hands in his own, bouncing on his toes. "Oh, Sensei, I totally almost forgot!" he cried, positively glowing with delight under Splinter's amused gaze.

"Master Splinter, you won't believe who we saw when Raph and I were looking for Donnie!"

It didn't take long for Tiger Claw to seek Leonardo out. Knowing his son, knowing what it was he did when he was under stress, when he was hurt, when he desperately needed to relieve himself of his frustrations before he hurt someone, there was only one place the young turtle would think to go.

And when the old tiger stepped into the dojo late in the afternoon, the room lit only by several flickering wax candles dotted across the floor, he frowned.

In the center of the dojo, the black and blue clad turtle moved through several katas with deadly precision, kicking and slashing and stabbing at his invisible opponent, ocean blue eyes dark and burning with a hatred that Tiger Claw had only seen directed at one man. Sweat dripped down his forehead, exhausted yet heated breaths escaped him as his attacks intensified, growing more violent, rapid, livid, and to others it would have appeared as though he were dancing, a beautiful and breath-taking performance. To the eyes of his master, it was anything but.

It was a sign that the boy was still in pain. His mind was in still in a haze, his emotions running wild, his rage seeping through his blade with every slash, every stab, and from the way his arms began to tremble, the low beastly growls that escaped his clenched teeth –

Tiger Claw continued to watch, his mind drifting back to earlier that morning when he found Leonardo in the circle of Karai's arms, his shoulders trembling as he hid his face in the crook of his sister's shoulder. The young woman had wordlessly looked up at Tiger Claw over the top of Leo's head; no words were needed for the old cat to understand.

Leonardo's mission had been successful. And it was destroying him from the inside out.

Tiger Claw was the closest to Shredder, not just in his rank as second in command over the Foot, but as an old friend of his from long ago; he knew how that man thought, how he got what he wanted and when through means that were questionable, sometimes downright horrific – Leonardo had been forced to learn this at the tender age of eight – Tiger Claw could often see what his master was planning to do before he said so aloud.

But despite all that, this was the umpteenth occasion in which the mutant tiger had been taken by surprise. And had he known any sooner, Leonardo would not have been the one to suffer as he was now.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when metal clattered noisily against the ground, and he looked up to find that Leo had fallen to his knees, having finally exhausted himself, his Katanas lying beside him. His head bowed, fists clenched, Leo panted heavily, beads of sweat dripping from his face and onto the floor mats. His body shook with each breath, and even in the orange glow of the candles surrounding him, he looked pale, sick, on the verge of collapsing.

And Tiger Claw saw his chance to approach the turtle.

Much like his father – prone to losing himself in frustration and anger – Leonardo was unpredictable when he was in a state of rage; step into his field of vision, and there was no telling what would happen. Not that Tiger Claw couldn't easily restrain his student should he suddenly attack, but it would save the boy any more grief when he gathered his thoughts afterward.

He stopped only meters behind Leonardo. He said not a word, for he knew the turtle had become aware of his presence even in his heated haze. It took a moment, and Tiger Claw feared that Leo would give in to his exhaustion and keel over instead of responding, but soon enough…

"I'm a monster."

"You are not a monster," Tiger Claw said immediately, folding his arms. "You were only following your master's orders –"

"In that case I'm a demon," Leo snarled. At his sides, his clenched fists shook, and Tiger Claw could see his anger flowing off him in waves of red as he slowly rose to his feet, stumbling slightly. "I'm a puppet dancing for the devil, following his orders, hurting people, people I care about, people who don't deserve it –"

"Leonardo –"

"This is my fault, Sensei!" Leo shouted, whipping around to glare up at the tiger, blue eyes ablaze. "I put that chip on Kirby! I led them to the base, I let them believe that I was helping them…I'm the reason April's in danger from her own father! H-How could I, Sensei?! How could I do that to her?! To Kirby? To any of them?!"

Though every part of him was screaming at him to go over and calm his son, to hold him and appease his fears, Tiger Claw didn't move. Instead he watched as Leo began to pace the floor, one hand grasping the side of his head as though he were in pain, eyes squeezed shut. Leo needed to get this out, now more than ever, and Tiger Claw knew that matters would not get any better should he intervene.

He couldn't always be there to comfort his son, who was growing into a man.

"It's because of me that so many people are going to get hurt," he said, his voice trembling, cracking, "It's because I'm too much of a coward to stand up to Shredder, to tell him that this is wrong even though he doesn't care, vengeance is all he cares about, and he'll do anything to kill Hamato Yoshi no matter how many people have to die along the way or who he has to ally himself with –"

Tiger Claw stared, eyes growing wide as Leo became more frantic, his breaths too fast, his voice growing higher in volume and hysteria. "Leonardo –"

"– but I should've done something, I should've just told them, I should've told Kirby, I – I should've – Sensei, I can't let this happen –

"Leonardo, you must calm yourself –"

"I can't let them hurt April, not after everything, not after I promised them I'd keep her safe, I have to do something –"

"Leonardo!"

"I WON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS! I WON'T LET ANY OF THEM HURT MY BROTHERS!"

Silence befell the room. Time slowed to a crawl. Nothing stirred, not even the flames that danced upon the candles.

Leo had stopped dead in his pacing, his eyes wide and unseeing. The hand on his head slowly slipped down to cover his mouth instead, the other hand left to tremble at his side.

Tiger Claw said nothing more. But nothing could withhold the immeasurable warmth that blossomed within his chest when Leonardo turned to face him, his eyes clear of the hatred and rage, instead filled with dawning understanding and brimming tears.

"…I…I can't…" Leo whispered, removing his hand from his face. "I can't let the Kraang have their way. Not this time…not ever again."

Then his eyes hardened with resolve, even as the tears poured down his cheeks, his expression firm as though he were going into battle. And with an assurance and steadfastness Tiger Claw had not seen in many months, Leo looked his father in the eye and said,

"Raphael…Donatello…and Michelangelo…they're my brothers. My brothers. And April is my friend. And anyone who hurts them, no matter who they are, will have hell to pay. I don't care what happens to me; they can beat me all they want, kill me…but I won't let this go on any longer. I will protect them."

For what felt like an eternity, the two warriors stared each other down in silence. Through the blur of tears, Leo's deep blue eyes seemed to glow brighter than the candlelight, as if the turtle were daring the tiger to tell him otherwise, to deny his claims.

Instead, Tiger Claw reached out, laying a paw on Leo's shoulder, holding it fast.

"Leonardo," he began slowly. "…Do you truly care about them? Have you finally allowed yourself to let go of your hatred for them, forgive what had occurred all those years ago?"

Though the tears continued to flow, Leo didn't move to wipe them away. "I will not forgive Hamato Yoshi," he said. "He left me behind, and murdered Karai's mother; I have no sympathy for that creature. But my brothers…they did nothing wrong. I have – and I never had – any reason to hate them. Perhaps…perhaps, deep down, I never did."

He lowered his head, closing his eyes. "…They've proven time and time again that they never, ever hated me, that they cared. All they wanted was to have me back, even when I said I wanted nothing to do with them, that I hated them. They care about me…"

Then, to Tiger Claw's further surprise and joy, when Leo looked up once more, he was smiling.

"…and I care about them, too."

At this, Tiger Claw smiled back, filled with so much pride and love for the boy – no, the young man – that stood before him now that it was near overwhelming.

Grasping Leo's other shoulder, Tiger Claw tipped their foreheads together. "Well done, Leonardo," he said softly, not quite trusting his voice not to crack. "There are no words capable of telling you how proud I am of you, my son."

Leo's lip bottom trembled, but his smile never wavered as he closed his eyes again, leaning into the contact. "…thank you, father."

A low purr rumbling from his chest, Tiger Claw felt his heart cry out with joy. Finally, after so long, despite the contempt he still held towards the man he had once called father, Leonardo, within the four walls of the Foot Clan dojo, he'd had rekindled his love for his brothers. He'd forgiven them – better yet, he'd found that there had been nothing to forgive. And now, with the flame of love and determination burning strong and bright in his heart, Leo was willing to fight to keep it alive, to keep them alive, no matter the cost.

And Tiger Claw was more than willing to help his cub reach his newfound goal.

All too soon they drew away, and Tiger Claw put his hands on his hips, regarding his son seriously. "Now that I know this, your will to protect, your drive to fight, I have a new mission for you, Leonardo," he said. Leo nodded and wiped the tears from his face with a sniffle, and then he stood to attention in a manner that almost made Tiger Claw smirk. "When the invasion begins…do everything in your power to help your brothers."

Leo's face dropped faster than a rock in the ocean. "…eh?" he muttered dumbly.

Fighting back the urge to grin, Tiger Claw continued, "You know as well as I that the other turtles will do whatever it takes to put a stop to the invasion, no matter how grand the scale or how high the risk. And once they realize that the girl is in danger, their efforts will grow tenfold. You know of the Kraang's plan, and you are the only one the turtles will listen to, the only one they will trust. If you have truly come to care for your brothers, you will help them defeat the Kraang, and stop the invasion."

His mouth hung open, Leo blinked once, twice, three times.

"Baka janai no?!"

Tiger Claw raised a brow. "No, I'm not crazy, and watch your tongue."

Sighing, Leo covered his face with both hands. "Sorry, sorry Sensei," he said, shaking his head. "I'm just…" He let his hands fall back to his sides after taking a deep breath, calming himself. "It's just…I understand what I have to do. I meant every word I said, I want to help them. But…but what about Shredder? This is a deliberate act of betray against the Foot, and though I've sort of got away with it in the past, he'll execute me if he finds out about this. And what about Karai? What about you? You'll suffer too if he –"

"Leonardo," Tiger Claw interrupted, a somnolent sigh escaping his lips. "I know you are afraid of the consequences. I know you fear for our safety as much as your own, and for that, I commend you. However, as a warrior, there is something you must understand."

He paused. Leo leaned forwards expectantly, listening intently, and as Tiger Claw drew in a ready breath, the old cat knew that his son would not like what he was going to hear.

"With the world at stake," he said, "the only thing of importance is that you complete your mission, no matter what you have to sacrifice…or who."

As expected, Leo instantly reeled backwards, eyes wide and shocked but comprehending, and Tiger Claw felt his heart clench with a painful vengeance.

Leo understood what this meant. If anything were to happen to Tiger Claw should the Shredder learn of Leo's betrayal…if he had to let his master – his father – take the fall, and live the rest of his life without him, knowing that he had paid the price for the actions of his son…then Leo would have to shoulder it, regardless of the loss, in order to ensure the safety of the rest of the world. The safety of the rest of his family.

He would mourn, yes, and the pain would be unimaginable, crippling. The road to recovery would be a long one, but Tiger Claw knew that Leo would carry on. He was strong, in body, mind and spirit, despite his many trials. After all, Tiger Claw had raised him.

After a moment, Leo took a breath through his nose, and with a great amount of hesitation, he nodded. "Hai, Sensei," he said, and bowed his head. "Wakarimasu."

But when he looked up again, his eyes were wide, almost pleading, and the tiger mutant was brought back to twelve years ago, when a small turtle no older than three years old had looked up to him the same way, lost in the dark, begging for help, for companionship, for love. "…but if I lose you…?"

Tiger Claw shook his head, patting Leo's shoulder. "You will not. That, I promise," he said, and was rewarded with a light smile from the young turtle.

They both knew that was a lie. With the invasion drawing ever nearer, there was no telling what would become of them, who would succeed in the end, who would live or die.

But even so, it made them both feel better just to hear him say it out loud.

Both mutants were unaware of the presence lingering in the shadows of the doorway, watching everything play out, drinking in every word spoken between the two in the dim-lit dojo. Without a sound, they slipped away, unnoticed, and unhurriedly made their way back down the hallway. At their sides, their fists were clenched tight.

But their lips held a smile.

"I have to say, April, you and the turtles have certainly been busy these past few months while I was gone."

Supporting her father by the arm as they left the kitchen and walked up the stairs to the dojo – despite being well fed and rested, the man was still a little weak in the knees after the day's events, and as a side-effect from months of inactivity – April grinned. "Yeah, now that I think about it, we really have, haven't we?" She shrugged one shoulder. "Especially me, I suppose. I mean, meeting the turtles, becoming part of an alien conspiracy, fighting mutants and ninjas –"

"–And training to be a ninja yourself. A kuno – a kunoeechee, was it?"

"It's pronounced kunoichi, but yeah, that too." Her smile dwindled somewhat, brows furrowing. "I guess…a lot's happened. So many things have changed since…"

April trailed off, looking down at her boots as they entered the dojo. The turtles had regaled Kirby with the stories of what they had all been through since his capture by the Kraang, all of which were told over tea and cold pizza served from the fridge. Needless to say the man was shocked by what he learned, but also amazed by the feats they'd accomplished, and deeply touched by the amount effort and time the family of mutants, as well as April herself, had put into finding him, all the leads they'd followed to no avail, the dangers they'd faced.

It made April realize just how much things had changed – how much she'd changed – and how much of her life her father had been forced to miss out on during his imprisonment, and only now did it strike her as to how unfair all of it was. The Kraang had taken so much away from her already; to have taken this as well…

"April?"

Jarred out of her thoughts, April looked up to find Kirby watching her with concern. Squeezing his arm, April smiled assuredly. True, her father had missed much, that he'd lost time he – or any of them – could never get back…but it didn't mean he couldn't catch up, or at least try to. They could make up for the lost time, rebuild their family, rebuild their lives and heal together…

"…it's good to have you back," April said, beaming when Kirby smiled back and pulled her into another embrace.

"It's good to be back," he said, rubbing her back in soothing motions, and as April closed her eyes, listing to his heartbeat, she finally felt for the first time in god knows how long, things were going to be alright. Her three amazing brothers had brought back a piece of her life, brought him somewhere safe, where no one could touch him or hurt him or take him away from her again…

Everything was going to be okay.

Yet, had she looked up, had she noticed the way her father's grip had tightened almost uncomfortably, she would have seen that she hadn't been the only one who had changed…

A/N ~ WAAAAAH! Leo's finally accepted his brothers, but April is in danger!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and more are on the way!

Next Chapter: The Invasion begins, and things just keep going from bad to worse. And now that Leonardo has accepted his brothers as family once again after so long, will he be able to complete his father's mission in secret, or will something - or someone - get in his way to stop him?