Disclaimer: For now and forever more, I will never own the turtles or Master Splinter. I do, however, own any of the other characters that happen to show up in this chapter. Thank you for your understanding. (P.S. You can send all the attorneys away now.)
Author's Note: Once again, my homework got the better of me, which caused me to allow a stall in my updates. I'm sorry guys, but with high school winding down so fast, the teachers are putting more on the seniors to try and make sure that all the stuff we need to know is cramped into our brains. I don't usually mind it, but the senioritis bug is becoming more and more contagious. I don't have it yet, but if I don't continue taking my homework pills and drinking plenty of passing grades, then I won't make it past graduation; which would be a horrid event since a portion of my family is flying here for my graduation. But I think I will be ok. On a lighter note, Prom is tomorrow! I can't wait! I've got my dress, which is a beautiful blue with straps and plenty of sparkles. I'm going with a big group of couples, though my date and I are only friends. It's going to be a lot of fun; we even get Monday off! What a nice gift to all the prom attendees. If I am not too tired from the dance to update, then I will. And have no fear, I don't do any of that drinking and driving stuff, (I'm not sure if anyone would after the program that all the seniors saw today) so rest assured, your author will still be here to continue updating next week. Anyway, thank you to every one who reviewed my last chapter. I love all the comments you guys leave me:
Pi09katana: I know how you feel; I love Spring Break too! Too bad it's over for me. Anyway, I shouldn't ever be using the bold type again, unless I have a specific use for it. I'm glad you like the story so far, and thanks for the compliments on my description. I really try hard to allow all my readers to picture the action in their heads as I see it when I write it. Hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Darktiger2: Hearing you say you like my story really means a lot to me. I love reading your stories, so I feel privileged to know that you are enjoying mine. I think everyone likes my idea of colored spirit balls. As a little heads up, you'll be seeing more of them soon. And, I've added a information about them, so read on if you'd like to know more.
pacphys: I thought Leo as a floating ball was a cute idea when I wrote it too. I felt it would be cool to see him in such a vulnerable state, and it opened up a whole world of possibilities for what I could do with him. I hope you like where I have decided to go with this story. And I purposely put that Donnie line in, just to see if anyone was paying attention.
Kikiyophoenix19: Have no fear, the guys will be getting their fair share of trouble really soon. I just am having to set up the opening plot of my story so that everyone will know how the characters got into an upcoming situation. I hope this chapter will meet your expectations. If not, well I can always try again on my next update…
Ryan Phelan: It's cool to see that you used to be a MD fan like me. I used to love all the Wing/Dive stories and I still do. But with the show off the air, well, stories only provide so much satisfaction. But the turtles are brothers, so their stories help fill in the hole left behind by the ducks. I see you like my description too. It's cool that I have so many readers that are enjoying my writing. I'll try not to disappoint anyone. And you're right: things are going to get interesting very soon.
spootycup: HERE'S THE NEXT CHAPTER, HERE'S THE NEXT CHAPTER, HERE'S THE NEXT CHAPTER! THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENT!
Chibi Rose Angel: Wow, I'm finally on someone's favorite author's list. I think I'm going to cry… (wipes eyes with a tissue). I'm alright, I'm alright. Thank you for the kind words. I hate having to rush things, so I am trying to take my time with this one. I'm very happy that you enjoy my writing. And I'm glad you liked my Klunk story. I just read a brand new Mikey/Klunk story from MIRAGE PUBLISHING. It's from the new Tales of the TMNT #9. It's really sad, but it has inspired me to come up with a sequel to it. It's still in the works though, so don't expect it up too quickly. I plan to finish this story before I start another anyway. For now, enjoy this next chapter of "Away From Myself."
As a last note, I did a little research on the spirit balls that appear in my story. Believe it or not, there is a lot to be found about these orbs. Here is just a little of what I discovered: They are most widely known as spectral orbs and are the most common form that sprits take. These orbs are believed to be the spirit energy that remains of living creatures, while others see these orbs as the forms that spirits take to travel at faster speeds. One theory is that these balls are the residual energy left behind by a spirit as it passes from one plane to the next. Residual energy is like the life energy of living creatures. As we travel through the world, we leave trails of this energy, much like how we leave behind scent trails. When we die, we release energy. In what form this energy is released, we have yet to explain. However, these orbs could be one possible explanation. More study and observation has been done on these orbs than one would think. This is most likely because people encounter these orbs far more often than actual ghosts. Usually, the naked eye can't see them, but they show up in pictures, as well as on video cameras. They can range from the size of a fist to about the size of a human head. They have been found to be intelligent and have even interacted with the living on several occasions. Some believe that an orb's color is a reflection of the orb's mood, while others report that colored orbs indicate active surroundings. The reason behind the colors of the orbs in my story will become apparent very soon. Whether or not these orbs truly exist is still up in the air. Certainly the amount of documented evidence would be enough to convince most people, but skeptics are never difficult to find in the paranormal or mystical fields. Still, they are something interesting to learn about. I really like the idea that these things might actually be real, which is one of the reasons why I decided to do a story that featured them. I am still not sure if I believe in ghosts or these orbs, and I'm not saying that anyone should or should not believe. That's all up to you. But, as the host of Animal X always says, "There are stranger things on heaven and earth. And you've just seen one of them." With that said, on with the story!
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Chapter 3-Where Are We?
Leonardo was still confused about where his master would be taking him. It was obviously a place he had never been before, and though he preferred more familiar surroundings, going to somewhere new was always exciting for him.
He followed his sensei as the two drifted slowly up to the ceiling and passed right through it. Leo was expecting to feel the effect of passing through a solid wall, but instead all he felt was a slight tingling. He watched as they sailed through the brick, going up and up and up, through other parts of the upper levels of the sewers. Soon, the two orbs had found their way to the streets above. Making a quick turn to the right, Splinter hovered past the cars and people below. Based on his direct approach to travel, Splinter seemed to know exactly where he was going.
After emerging onto the surface, Leo stopped and stared at the rest of the city. Slightly concerned, he caught up with Splinter and asked, "Sensei, why are he traveling out here? Aren't you worried that people will see us?"
"Worry is not something to be concerned with my son. People can only see us if we allow them to. As spirits we have that option."
"You mean, we're invisible?"
"To the amateur eye, perhaps, but to the trained, we are quite visible."
"What do you mean?"
The white ball stopped and turned towards its companion. "So many questions Leonardo. You are so concerned with what may happen, that you fail to observe what is occurring right in front of your eyes." The orb twisted its body downwards.
Leo followed its action and set his gaze upon the ground below. As he looked, he discovered that his master was indeed right. All about him, the people of New York City moved about their lives without a single concern for the two spirits that were hovering just about them. Leo realized that no one could actually see them. The blue orb was suddenly overcome with an enormous amount of freedom. For the first time in his life, Leo realized he could wander through the surface world without being seen, quite literally. The turtle suddenly thought, 'I could go anywhere I wanted to right now and not find myself in any danger. I could wander allover this city, going to all the places I've always wanted to go, and seeing all the things I've always dreamed of seeing, and never have to care at all.' Leo's mind soon began to fill with all the possibilities.
Splinter, however, sensed his son's sudden change in attitude. He recognized what his son was suddenly feeling and thinking at the moment. "Aw, I see that you have discovered the freedom of being a soul my son," he said.
"Yes, sensei, and if I may say so, I think I'm starting to enjoy it."
"Well, that may be so, Leonardo, but you must not forget why you are a spirit right now."
Leo's daydreaming died away instantly. He turned to his father. "Oh, yeah. I guess I did forget that for a moment there." Leo's embarrassment did little to hide his curiosity though. "But that leads me to a question that I've been meaning to ask sensei. Why exactly are you teaching me all this? Is there a greater purpose to learning the mystic arts? Did you teach me astral projection just so I could get out and be among the rest of the world, or is it something more?"
Splinter couldn't help but be proud of his pupil. Leonardo was a very quick learner and could catch even the most subtle hints of a lesson. "You are beginning to learn, Leonardo. Yes, you are correct in assuming my intentions. I did not teach you how to free your soul for entertainment purposes alone. No, you are here to be taught lessons that I myself, cannot teach. As I stated earlier, you will learn from others who have more to teach than I ever could, as well as more practice in the mystic arts themselves."
"That's right; you did mention that I'd be getting to meet other teachers. But, where are they sensei? Are they here in the city somewhere?"
"No, my son. They are present in another world-one we have to journey to."
"Journey to? How far are we going to have to go sensei?"
"For those who have never made the trip before, the path always seems long. The way is also filled with things I normally do not wish to see. But unfortunately, it is the only way I know to reach the place where we are to go." The blue orb's hover did a slight twitch at the rat's last comment. "But you need not fear, my son. I shall not allow any harm to come to you, I promise. You only need to follow me. Now, shall we going?"
Knowing that there really was no choice in the matter, Leo answered, "I suppose so."
"Good, then come."
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The two began to slowly float up through the sky, going higher and higher, as the sun seemed to get closer and closer. From listening to Don on more occasions that Leo could remember, the blue orb knew that sooner or later they would reach the upper atmosphere. The soul began to wonder if being a spirit meant that he could travel in space as well. However, as Leo looked ahead, he realized that they weren't heading for outer space at all. Instead, the sun began to melt into a white light. Leo looked down and saw the light beginning to consume the air around them. For a second, he felt a shimmer of terror run through him, but he calmed himself by gazing back up the white orb that he was following. 'Just follow Master Splinter,' he thought. 'He knows where he is going. And he promised he wouldn't let anything bad happen.' With these comforting thoughts, Leo soared onward.
The world, Leo watched, was suddenly becoming darker. "Sensei, where are we now?" asked the turtle. The light from the sun was starting to dissolve into blackness.
"We are passing through dimensions my son. I must warn you, the images of the worlds ahead are not the most pleasant to be viewed. But you must keep your wits. But above all else, Leonardo, we must not lose one another. It would only put more difficulties on our journey if you were to get lost. So please, stay close to me."
Leo had heard warnings from Master Splinter before, but none as serious as this one came out to be. He couldn't help but give a small gulp. 'Somehow, I don't think I'm going to like what I may end up seeing,' he thought.
As the darkness began to consume them, shadowy figures slowly emerged. These monstrous, hopeless souls howled in horrid pain and suffering, as the two orbs flew past them. They reached their shaded elongated fingers to extended limits as they groped and grabbed for Leo and Splinter. Leo gave off a whispered yelp and moved closer to his master.
"Do not look at them, my son. These are the spirits of those with no hope. They play about in endless agony, dancing and screeching with songs of loss. They try to draw all who dare travel through this dimension to join them in their bleak sensations. But we are stronger than they are. Just keep moving and do not look back."
Leonardo listened with care to Splinter's words, feeling a sense of calm returning to him once more. He realized that he was letting his emotions take over, so he tried to gain control of them once more as the two left the souls of the anguished behind.
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The world began to change again. Suddenly, the darkness pulled away, and the orbs were immersed in a watery sort of fluid. Leo tried to take a deep breath and was startled when he couldn't. He looked around madly, but jerked up when Splinter suddenly chuckled. He chocked his spherical body in confusion.
"You do not have to hold your breath my son. As a spirit, breath no longer enters, nor escapes your body. Remember, souls are eternal and therefore, do not require such necessities are breathing."
Interested, Leo decided to experiment with Splinter's explanation. As best as he could, he tried to take a deep breath, but was amazed when air refused to enter his mouth. He tried to breathe out, but once more, no breath came. Sure enough, he could not exhale or inhale. "Wow, sensei. You were right," he said. "This is kinda cool. It's like I'm dead, but I don't feel dead."
Splinter chuckled again. "Yes, it is an exhilarating feeling. But come, let us continue onward. We have yet to reach our destination."
Leo had been so occupied with his newfound ability, or rather loss of ability, that he had nearly forgotten about their journey. Splinter was already hovering away. Remembering his father's earlier warning about staying close, he quickly rushed to catch up with him.
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They were certainly in a new dimension now. This mysterious setting was filled with the most mind-boggling living things that could ever have been created. It was filled with creatures that challenged the very definition of life itself. These abominations were like nothing Leo had ever witnessed. They floated past brains that walked and eyes that bled. Past demonic things that defied belief. As they drifted, they passed worlds so small, they could fit in the palm of your hand, and mountains so large, they had no end.
Leo started to drift as his eyes rolled over his unfamiliar environment. Seeing his son beginning to stall, he called, "Leonardo, focus now!"
Leo snapped out of his gaze. "Huh? What?"
"Leonardo, you must not get distracted. These worlds may be fascinating, but you must not let your attention be controlled by the sights before you."
Leo sighed. "I'm sorry Master Splinter. It's just, I'm a bit tired and all these…" He motioned about him. "These…things, are so…so astounding. It's like they literally capture your attention and hold it prisoner or something."
Now it was the white orb's time to sigh. "Huh, my son. I feared that this may occur."
"Feared what, sensei?"
"My son, you cannot let fear and exhaustion defeat you. If you allow that to happen, dire consequences could result. Such a drastic change could force the physical body you left behind to go into shock. If that occurs, you might never wake up. Your soul would be stuck here, forced to wander in unknown territories for longer than any soul should have to endure."
Leo gasped. "Sensei, I never knew something like that could happen."
"I'm afraid it is true my son. But, as I have taught you before, if you focus your mind, you can clear it of all distractions, even ones as vile as those that lie around us."
Leo didn't know what to say. Fear once more tried to devour him, yet he had listened to Splinter's speech and was now well aware of the consequences of letting his emotions drive his actions. (He was always the most willing to follow Splinter's orders anyway.) Normally, he would have taken a deep breath and calmed himself with a nice long session of meditation. But circumstances were different this time. For once, he was unsure of what he should do. "What can I do Master Splinter? How do you combat your own feelings? How do you hide them so they won't control you?"
"Practice my son," was all the white ball said. It turned and continued on. Leo watched as the orb started to float away once more. He wanted to look back. Something inside him was urging him to. But his newfound knowledge of the unexpected allowed him to resist the urge. The blue orb gathered up what strength it had left and once more chased after the white ball that was wandering away.
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Author's Note: I'll bet you guys are really getting anxious about where our spirit heroes are going. Don't worry, I promise to reveal their final destination in the next chapter. Please no one scorn me. I've heard that good suspense can really lighten up a story. Review and let me know what you guys think. If you're unhappy, don't chastise me too bad. But if you like what you're reading, tell me. That way, I can continue writing with some pride in my work. Oh and for all the fans of Mikey, Don, and Raph out there, please do not get mad at me. Leo's brothers will be coming back into the picture in my future chapters. Trust me, I am far from the completion of this story. I don't even a true ending thought up yet. I'm kinda playing this by ear, letting the story grow and evolve as I write it from chapter to chapter. However, I am not completely in the dark with this. I do have a basic plan for the action laid out in my head, but we'll just have to see exactly where it leads. I have a strong feeling that the final product will be somewhat different from what had I originally thought of. Anyway, I'd like to write the next chapter soon. I have another new character that I'd like to try out. But you guys will just have to wait until I can get the next chapter posted. Ok, that's enough commentary for now. I'm keeping my fans from their reviews. Just ignore these last lines and push the "submit a review" button. I don't have anything interesting left to type anyway. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm off to have fun and enjoy prom. Take care, and as always, GOD BLESS:)