Leo floated in the prison dimension. There wasn't anything else he could do. The Krang had left him alone to go do something, Leo didn't really care what in was as long as it didn't include another beating.

Leo had been here for Days? Weeks? Maybe even a month. Time was hard here with no sun or any light here for that matter.

Leo was just floating and wondering how he hasn't died from starvation or dehydration. From what he gathered from Krang, the dimension worked as a preserver as well as a prison. Meant to keep its captives alive so they can just be tortured longer.

Long story short, Leo hated every second.

Well, the longer he stayed here with the Krang the less time the Krang spent with his brothers, so he guessed he didn't hate every second...just... well... yeah he hated it.

After who knows how long, the Krang returned, bent on beating up its newly acquired punching bag. Great.

"TURTLE!" Krang bellowed.

Just great. Right as his body didn't feel as if it were on fire anymore, Krang had returned from whatever he was trying to accomplish in this desolate place.

"Krang," he responded as lamely as he could with the amount of fear he was feeling at the moment. He honestly didn't see why he was scared anymore, but every time he saw the Krang pure terror coursed through his veins. Weird.

"Are you MOCKING ME?!"

"Yes"

Krang's face contorted in rage. Huh, he's mocked him before, why is Krang so mad this time?

Leo said his thoughts "Why are you so mad this time? I've insulted you before and you didn't seem to care."

"NOTHING IS GOING MY WAY! THAT'S WHY!"

Krang flung himself at Leo, and with a single swing of his mechanic arm, everything went black.

Leonardo awoke and the first thing he noticed was the sound of a welder. Not the most odd thing he's experienced before, especially with a brother like Donatello. But then he remembered where he was and realized it could only be one person. He should feel panicked, but whatever he was laying on felt so comfortable he couldn't find it in himself at the moment to care.

The next thing he noticed was the pain in his head, it was agony. Definitely a concussion.

Great. On top of all his injuries he now has to deal with possible brain damage. Just great.

He then tried to pry his eyes open but found he coundn't, or they were open but he couldn't see anything, it was hard to tell.

He decided to test his throat to get Krang's attention, but all that came out was a pathetic whimper. Again, just great. His throat felt like razor blades were having a dance party when he tried to talk, or whimper, I guess.

Luck seemed to be on Leo's side this one time, because the Krang made a small sound of acknowledgement. Whether that was a good thing or not was still to be decided.

Leo heard the welder shut off and the Krang stomp over. Seriously, the Krang was so dramatic, even with his walking.

"What?" Krang said grumpily.

A pathetic "mmmm," was all that came out of Leo.

"Ugh, why did I take you here?" he seemed to ask to himself. "You are on my ship. Can't you see that?" this time he was addressing Leo.

Leo shook his head no, and then regretted it immediately after when his head started pounding harder.

"Really? You can't? Your eyes are wide open in case you didn't notice."

Leo didn't notice. He couldn't see anything. He was really starting to panic now. He was in complete darkness and the Krang was with him. What if the Krang started beating him again? What would he do? He can't go anywhere if he can't see, this place is too unfamiliar.

"Based on your panicked face, I take it you can't see anything. Okay, umm... well, lets see. Or not in your case. Uh, when I hit you, I probably damaged your brain or something. I'll have to do tests to prove that. I do not know much about Earth dwellers so I will have nothing to go by. It may take awhile, but I will figure it out."

By the end of the Krang's short ramble, Leo felt he could talk again. Advantages of a preserving dimension are you don't have to drink water. Yay... sort of.

A gravily "Why?" was what came out this time. Well, better than a whimper.

"Huh?" was Krang's confused reaction.

"Why help me?"

Krang seemed somewhat sad after that. "Believe it or not you've been unconscious for a week. During that time, I watched you and realized... you were just trying to protect your home. I shouldn't be mad at you for ruining my plans of domination over your planet. I feel... an emotion I've never felt before... described as guilt. I feel guilty for hurting you and your brothers and now... I've taken away your sight. I guess what I'm trying to say is... I'm sorry."

Leo was blown away after that confession, mostly by the fact he'd been asleep for a week.

"Thanks."

"What?"

"For watching over me for that week. I not sorry for what I did, you know, portal chopping your ship, but I accept your apology. Now, my head feels like it's a drum so I'm going to try and sleep it off, so 'see' you later."

The Krang snorted in laughter, and at Leo's confused look he said, "I'm glad that you are feeling well enough to make a pun." And with that, he walked, not stomped, away.

If the Krang smiled after that conversation, Leo never saw.

Leo awoke and was confused at why he couldn't see anything, then the events of the past couple hours flooded back into his brain.

He groaned.

Seriously? He hoped that a little sleep would fix his eyes, that the blindness was temporary. It might still be temporary, but that wasn't likely.

He heard Krang walk over. Huh. Less dramatic this time. Also, no welder. Wonder why he stopped using it.

"Good morning, turtle. I hope you are feeling better," Krang greeted.

"Yeah, a little. I still can't see, though," Leo responded.

"Hmm, I had hoped that it was short term blindness, but looks like I hoped wrong. This dimension should have healed it already if it wasn't permanent," Krang mused.

Leo gave a small hum in understanding.

"Uh, I stopped using the welder, hoping it would ease your headache. Did it work? You feel better yet?" Krang asked, concerned.

Huh. So that's why he stopped. "Yeah, th-thanks. That's oddly considerate of you."

"Do you want to try and stand? I need to get some supplies for a project I'm working on and I don't want to leave you here by yourself. You are extra vulnerable right now. I feel I can't leave you alone."

That was unexpected.

Leo nodded as he sat up. He did want to try standing. See if he can do at least that.

He realized, after feeling it with his hands, that he was on a hospital bed. It was odd that he thought that was comfortable. He must have low standards.

Krang suddenly said, "I'm going to take you hand to help you up. Are you okay with that?"

"Y-yeah, I guess that's fine."

Krang took his hand with a tentacle and helped him against his struggle to stand up. After he didn't feel as if he would tip over, he expected Krang to let go. He didn't.

"Hey, why are you still holding my hand? I'm stable now."

"Oh, I uh, I need to lead you places now, right? I don't want you walking of a cliff, now do I." Krang seemed nervous. Wonder why.

"No. I guess you don't." Leo grinned.

Krang started leading Leo to where he wanted to explore to find new parts.

Even though he was blind and away from everyone he loved, he smiled a genuine smile after that.

The Krang and Leo were, by this time, just strolling.

Krang had found everything he needed, plus more, and suggested they continue exploring. It seemed like the Krang really wanted to continue walking, so Leo agreed. Not like he could do anything else.

Leo knew he wouldn't be the one exploring, because he couldn't see. The Krang was his only guide right now. He wouldn't be able to go anywhere if it wasn't for him.

They were walking on a large chunk of debris when Krang broke the silence.

"You know, I rather enjoy your company. It's peaceful."

Leo was so shocked by that. He didn't know what to say.

On one hand, it seemed like Krang was trying to make things more comfortable between the two.

On the other hand, it seemed like he wanted to be 'friends'.

Leo wasn't sure if he liked or disliked the latter. That scared him.

But, Krang was guiding him. Like a friend would guide another friend. Hand in hand.

He wasn't hostile. He was no longer beating him. He actually seemed to be extra gentle around him now.

It was nice.

"I could say the same for you." Why did he just say that? What was happening to him?

"Is that a compliment?"

"Uh... I guess it is."

Krang made a weird noise that was similar to choking. "I've never been complimented before. It's nice."

Leo didn't know what to say to that, so they jusy kept walking.

Eventually, they made their way back to the ship.

"If you are up to it, later I would like to show you something. It's what I've been working on the past week."

Leo was curious. What could he be working on that he wanted to show Leo? Better find out sooner rather than later.

"Yeah, sure. I would love to 'see' whatever it is."

"Oh, haha, very funny." Krang deadpanned.

Krang guided Leo over to the cot and helped him lie down.

"I will wake you when it's ready."

And with that, he left him to sleep in peace.

Leo awoke to the sound of a welder. Again. Seriously, he was getting tired of it. But it let him know Krang was nearby. He didn't want to be left alone right now, with him being blind. He honestly was terrified of not being able to see anything. It was scary, not knowing what was out there.

"Oh, you're awake. Good. I just finished the prototype for one of the projects. Come here." Krang said.

"Oh, I would, if I knew where you were." Jokes were how he coped.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't think about that." Krang walked over to him and led the way to wherever it was he was working.

"So, I feel really bad for stranding you here with me. Somehow, you have changed me more than anyone else ever has. For that, I am incredibly grateful."

"Is this a presentation, or an apology?" Leo couldn't help but say.

"I'm getting there. I am building an interdimensional portal, theoretically."

There was a pause.

"You've got to be joking."

"I'm not. It is not perfected yet, and I'll have to run a lot of tests, but I'm indeed working on it-" Krang was quickly cut off by Leo hugging him. Krang was so shocked, he didn't know what to do in return.

"Thank you..." Leo whispered. "I never thought you could be this considerate after what you did. I guess you could say 'I was 'blinded' by you're evilness not to 'see' it coming."

"That was, without a doubt, the worst one. I'm trying to be vulnerable, and you're making it really hard," Krang grumbled.

"Happy to help!" Leo grinned.

Krang sighed. "It may take months or even years for me to finish, so don't grow impatient."

"However long it takes, I don't care. I'm just happy to have hope again," Leo smiled.

"A ninja's greatest weapon..." Krang muttered.

"What?" Leo asked.

"That's what you said. A ninja's greatest weapon is hope." Krang was surprised with himself for remembering that.

"Yeah... it is..." Leo seemed to have a far away look after that, if you could call it that.

"I'm glad you can still live by that moto," Krang admitted.

"Me too." Leo thought for a second. "Hey, you said 'prototypes', as in plural. What else are you working on?"

"Oh... that... I'm working on something to help with your seeing problem. I'll have to take some readings from your brain to make sure I can get it right. It's, like I said, a prototype, and completely theoretical. It has never been done before, but I'm sure we can be the first." Krang seemed to be trying to convince himself.

"Hey, whatever it is, I'm sure you can build it," Leo said reassuringly. "And even if you can't build it fast, we are pretty much immortal here, so time isn't an issue."

"I guess not," Krang mused.

"Well, do you want to get started with reading my brain? The sooner the better, right?" Leo suggested.

"When you say it that way it makes it sound weird, like I'm a mind reader. I'll be reading your brain 'waves', okay? There is a difference" Krang stated.

"Whatever it is you're going to be doing, let's get started!" Leo said enthusiastically.

Leo and Krang had finished the device that would help him see. Sure it had taken half a year, but that didn't matter. They had done the impossible.

The device was an implant that was going to go into Leo's brain. He didn't really like the idea of that, but he trusted Krang now. They had done this together and not a single time did Krang lose his temper.

He trusted him enough to let him do surgery on him. Hopefully nothing went wrong.

The device would transmit the vibrations in the air and the ground into sight. If you could call it that. It would give Leo the ability to depict shapes using, basically, echolocation.

Krang and Leo were ready to begin the procedure. Leo just had to be given a setidive and they would continue.

"So... I guess we did it," Leo smiled.

"Yes, we did."

"I can't believe it. I'll be able to see again!" Leo said anxiously.

"You better belive it. We didn't work on this for months only for it to not work." Leo could tell he was smiling. "I really am happy I can do this for you."

Krang handed him the pills that would knock him out for half a day. Leo swallowed them without hesitation. He felt like he was going to throw up he was so nervous.

"Those should start working in about two minutes," Krang stated.

They sat in silence for a few moments. With every second it getting harder for Leo to stay awake.

Leo broke the silence. "I really am happy you are doing this. Thank you."

"Sure thing... that's what friends do for each other, right?"

Leo's eyes closed. "Yeah... friends..."

And with that, Leo let exhaustion pull him into the world of unconsciousness.

Leo awoke a couple hours later. Other than having a slight headache, he felt fine. That was good.

"Hey," Leo said, hoping Krang was nearby.

There was the sound of something hitting the floor, luckily, it didn't sound like Krang. "Leo, don't scare me like that. You made me drop my welder, luckily it wasn't on."

"Well, good morning to you too," Leo said sarcastically.

"Anyway, how are you feeling? Do you want to test the chip out?" Krang asked eagerly. Working on something for six months will do that to you.

Leo nodded.

"You sure? It may be a bit overwhelming at first. I don't want you to freak out."

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Okay, you can turn it on using this." Krang handed him something that felt like a bracelet. Leo remembered Krang talking about it. It was conected to the implant, and it had a nob on it to adjust the strength of the receptors in the implant. Thus, adjusting how much he could see.

"Okay, it can go to twenty different levels. We'll slowly work our way up to that. If I were to suddenly amp it up all the way at once, you would be way too overwhelmed, so we'll go slowly," Krang stated.

Leo put the bracelet on

"Okay, level one... now."

Leo clicked the nob one place to the right.

Leo was instantly awestruck. He could very faintly see the outline of everything within ten feet of him. After going so long without seeing, this was incredible!

Leo covered his mouth and laughed.

"I can see! I can see! I can really see!" Leo yelled. "We did it! We really did it!" He was ecstatic.

Krang smiled, and Leo could see that. He started laughing like mad.

Krang let out a breathless laugh. "We actually did it?!"

"Yeah! I can see! It's incredible!" Leo was so happy. He could see. After six months of complete darkness, he could finally see!

Leo quickly realized they were only at the beginning of his new 'sight'.

After the first day, they had turned it up to level two. And now Leo could see more clearly and farther, about thirty feet away from him. They had decided to turn it up one notch per day depending on his reaction of the previous day, until they hit an average level of sight.

It was amazing!

They had continued building the portal, of course. They were now halfway done with it, meaning it would be ready in six more months.

On Leo's third day of seeing, Krang was working on the portal, while Leo sat nearby and observed, now that he could.

Leo broke the silence. "You know I never noticed, you never wear your suit around me. Why is that?"

Krang seemed to think about that. "I don't know. I guess I did it on a subconscious level."

"But you wear it everywhere, as long as I'm not there. There has to be a reason."

Krang hesitated. "I guess... I did it because I didn't want to hurt you with it. You were, or are, blind. I didn't want you to be afraid of me just because of what I wore. You didn't need to be scared of me any more than you already were."

"Krang, I swear, you get more soft by the day," Leo chuckled.

"I hope that's a good thing?"

Leo thought for a moment. "It definitely is better than where you were six months ago. You know, beating me to a pulp."

Krang looked sad. "I hope you know I'm sorry for doing that. You changed me. Everyday, I see something that is different with my habits. And they're good habits. I'm incredibly grateful for what you have done to me."

Leo smiled. "You know, I forgave you for that a long time ago. You and I both know we're practically inseparable now. I would never leave you alone. You don't have to worry."

One thing Leo noticed during his time with Krang is, Krang had a crippling fear of abandonment, just like Leo. Krang had lost both of his siblings in one day, and Leo had caught him on multiple occasions crying in grief. Leo could, sadly, relate. Since they both came clean to what their greatest fear was, they took comfort in just being in each other's presence, knowing they were not alone in their grief and fears.

"I'm glad you changed," Leo said.

Krang smiled. "Me too."

Leo was on his forth day of 'sight', so today they would turn it up to level four. Leo was excited, to say the least.

Leo sat on the edge of his bed and waited for Krang to give him the 'okay' to turn it up another notch. If he said he was waiting patiently, he would be lying.

Krabg examined the control bracelet and, after a minute of doing so, nodded to Leo, giving him the okay.

Leo was so excited he went to turn the notch one more to the right immediately.

He must have done it too hard.

Leo screamed and clutched his head in his hands.

"AHH! Make it stop! Make it stop! Please!" Leo begged. Everything was amplified like crazy. It was like going from watching something on an old fashioned box TV, to watching something on a 4K 3D movie theater screen. He was way too overwhelmed.

Krang grabbed Leo's wrist and fumbled with the bracelet, trying to turn it down. "Stop moving! I can't get it if you keep squirming!"

After a bit of struggling, Krang finally got it. "There you go. It's okay now," Krang murmured.

Leo's shoulders slumped and his hands shook. He started to cry. Big fat tears.

Krang didn't even hesitate to embrace and comfort him.

"Hey it's okay now. You're alright. It's going to be fine." That just made Leo cry harder.

"That w-was way t-too much," Leo managed to get out in between sobs.

"Yeah, I can see why. You turned it up to level nine. That must have been crazy," Krang sympathized.

"I-it w-was."

Leo's sobbing quieted down after a few moments. "Let's never make that mistake again. That was pure torture."

They sat in silence for a few moments, Leo slowly calming down.

After some time, Leo furrowed his brow. "Hey, you turned it all the way back down. I can't see anything right now."

"Oh, I must have done that on accident. I can turn it back up, if you'd rather-"

Leo was quick to interrupt. "No. This is fine." He paused. "It's peaceful. I like it."

They sat in each others embrace for a few hours, just taking comfort in each others presence.

Krang and Leo had been a lot more careful after that when it came to turning the notches. Leo had learned his lesson the hard way, and he wasn't about to forget it.

Finally, after one full year in the prison dimension, the implant in Leo's brain was turned up to ten, as twenty would be too powerful, and the interdimensional portal was ready to use.

Leo and Krang stood before their masterpiece with the world's biggest grins on their faces.

"We did it." Krang took Leo's hand with a tentacle, reasurring himself that this was real.

"Yeah, we did." Leo squeezed Krang's tentacle, answering his question.

There was a pause.

"I guess it's time to turn this thing on. You ready?" Krang asked.

"As I'll ever be. I didn't wait a whole year only to not go back." Leo was more nervous than he had ever felt before in his life.

Krang pressed a button on a remote he made. The portal made a whirring sound.

"Is it on? I can't see if it is."

"Yeah... yeah, it's on..." Krang seemed to be close to tears.

Leo already had tears streaming down his face. "Is it stable?" he questioned.

"Yes, it is."

"Are our coordinates set to Staten Island?"

"Affirmative."

Leo turmed to Krang. "I can't believe we've come this far. Just last year, you had tried to take over New York. Now, I've helped you build a portal right back to there. It's unbelievable."

"Let's go back to your home."

"Home... I miss it..."

After a full year of being away, Leo and Krang were finally able to step into the portal, and go home.

Leo and Krang stepped out of the portal and onto Staten Island, with tears streaming down their faces. Leo, because he was finally home. And Krang, because he was happy for Leo. They observed their surroundings and were instantly confused.

After a tense silence, Krang asked, "Leo?"

"Yeah?"

"Does something seem off to you?"

Leo could see very well here because of the water lapping against the island. Lots of vibrations. "You mean how everything still seems to be in complete ruin even though it's been a year? Yeah." Leo paused in thought. "Do you see a date or calendar anywhere?"

Krang looked around, only to find a billboard showing today's date. It was a mystery at how it was still standing when everything around it was in ruins.

"Oh, no..." Krang muttered.

"What? Dude, there's no way I'm going to figure out what you're talking about," Leo complained.

"It's only been a week here," Krang stated in horror.

"Oh... well...uh, that's a surprise. Let's find my bros. I need to make sure they are okay."

"After what I did," Krang muttered.

"Hey, you've changed! So stop that self brooding. I do not care about what you did, I just need to make sure my brothers are okay, okay?" Leo wished Krang would understand that Leo would not leave him after what he did. There were worse people, or aliens, out there.

"Okay."

"Great! Now that we got that out of the way, let's go!"

So that's how they found themselves wandering the sewers, Leo insisting he knew the way.

"You're sure you know where you're going?"

"Yeah, totally. I just usually can actually see the signs pointing to the lair. So excuse me if it's taking too long," Leo sassed.

Krang groaned, but he was smiling.

"Hey, I can feel that. I know you find me funny. You can't deny it." Leo loved that Krang liked his jokes, it was nice.

Leo suddenly stopped walking. "We're here," He gulped.