A/N: Thanks to all those who have reviewed :) A special thanks to Katielgk who suggested Cassi meeting with Splinter. You rock, Katie!

After Cassi had said farewell to the four boys, she left the recording studio. The brothers had wanted to practice more, so she left them with a few songs she had written and her necklace with Leo. Now, she wanted to return to her apartment to finish setting up her things.

"It is about time, Cassiopeia," A voice from behind her caused her to stop.

"Hello Master Splinter," Cassi replied curtly, not turning around, "how did you know?"

"I have my ways, daughter."

"'Sweet Pea', right?"

"Yes." At this Cassi let out a short, angry sigh. Why did that contest have to be televised?

"You didn't come after me," Cassi said shortly.

"You did not want to be found. Cassiopeia, how long must we fight?" He asked with a more gentle tone. Cassi turned her head to look at him. This was the first time they'd spoken in over two years, but she still hadn't completely forgiven her 'father'. Looking into his eyes, she could tell that he was tired and just wanted peace. She, however, wasn't ready for that yet.

"I don't know Sensei, I don't know." She replied, turning back away. "Good day."

"It will not be a good day until we have reconciled." He told her as she walked away. Cassi pretended not to hear, but his words began to nip at her conscience.

---

"I think that went well." Cassi said cheerfully as the five left the BAM Record Label's building. They had given a performance, and, just as Cassi had hoped, were signed. Mike shuddered.

"I never knew how much work would be involved!" He groaned as he opened the car door and got in the back. Raph and Don got in the other side. The former couple, Cassi and Leo, sat in the front.

"We're recording in your studio later today, right?" Leo asked her as he put on his seatbelt.

"Right. Well, we're practising anyways." She replied, starting the car. Everyone was silent for most of the ride home.

Finally, Don broke the silence, "You never told us how you escaped. How did you?"

"I had a small, but powerful laser with me. Once I was sure I was far enough out into the lake, I turned to a human. I moved around enough to cut a circle with the laser, and then slid into the lake. I swam to the other side, where a friend was waiting for me." Once he heard the last part, Leo looked at Cassi in shock.

"That was you I saw?" he asked in disbelief. There was no verbal answer, but the sly smile resting on her face did and quite loudly. Leo shook his head and stared out the window. The three in the back seat were silent; there seemed to be a new tension between Cassi and Leo.

"Why Cassi?" Raph demanded after a few minutes.

Cassi thought for a moment. "I don't know, Raph," She replied at last. "I think I did it mainly because I needed time to myself, and space."

Before they could ask any more questions, Cassi changed the subject, "I'm just going to drop you guys off right now. I'll be back a little later. I still have some unpacking to do at my apartment." She said as they pulled up at the home. The boys said good bye and got out. As she drove away, Raph shook his head.

"She's pushin' us out'f 'er life." He said, watching her drive away.

"No," Leo disagreed, "She's trying to work us back in."

"She has a car and an apartment?" Mike said in disbelief, "When did Cassi win the lottery?"

---

It was hard for Cassi to contain her excitement as she pulled up in front of April's antique store. She couldn't wait to see the look on her old friend's face. Cassi walked up to the store and gently pushed the door opened. The bells above the door still chimed, and April looked up from a book she was reading.

"Cassi?"

"Hi Aunt April," Cassi grinned. April ran over to her friend and hugged her.

"So your roommate wasn't crazy after all!"

"No, but she thinks you are." Cassi laughed.

"It's defenitly you." April said, smiling. "How did you manage to set up your death?"

As she recalled that week, Cassi's hand flew to the back of her head. "I didn't set anything up. Everything was really an accident, and it was real until just after I woke up."

April seemed surprised. "Even the coma? So you could've really…"

Cassi nodded, "Unfortunately, yes, I nearly did die. While I was in a coma, I planned out how I was going to 'die', if I woke up."

"I don't know why you did it, but I know you well enough to know that you're not going to tell me.

"You know me too well."

"It's good to have you back, Cassi."

"It's good to be back. By the way, did I mention that the boys and I might possibly become famous?" April's response was a groan.