Disclaimer: I do not own the turtles or Master Splinter. I do, however, own Master Mao-Shi. I did make him up after all.
Author's Note: I AM SO SORRY GUYS. Everyone has been leaving me e-mails and stuff telling me to update my story. It's not that I've been ignoring them or not checking them, because I have read them. Trust me. It's not that I don't want to finish this story, because I do. And, thankfully, I haven't been having any family problems. On the contrary, my home life has been going great. It was just that, the last month was absolutely CHAOTIC. That's really the only word to describe it. Every waking moment was spent getting ready for graduation. I was so busy with trying to wrap everything up at school, that I had no time to update. And when I did, I usually had other things on my mind. I'm really sorry guys. I did have a wonderful graduation though. Family, friends, and lots of presents, money included. What else could a high school senior have asked for? It was definitely an event I'll never forget. And I finally have my diploma. That is something to be happy about. Anyway, with summer here, and free time finally an option once more, I can update my stories all I want-which is good news for both readers and one certain writer. I am trying for a job, so you might not see updates that quickly, but you should never see another wait like the last one. I promise. Ok, with all that said, it's time for some shout-outs:
Darktiger2: Thanks for the info on how to contact. It was very useful. It's cool that your mom wants to read my story. I hope that she will like it once it's complete. Thanks for the review!
Chibi Rose Angel: It's so nice to know that you think of me as not only a good writer, but also as your friend. That really brings a happiness to me that can be hard to find over the internet. Anyway, the personal e-mail was very thoughtful. Just to let you know, I will be having my new Klunk story up soon. I've hit a little snag (namely writer's block) and am not sure exactly how I want to end it. But rest assured, I'll figure out something soon. My mom came up with some ideas that I'd like to use, so I might have it up sooner than we think. I'm glad you had a nice prom too. It's cool that I inspired you. And now, here is the update that you have been asking for.
Pi90katana: I have to admit; I'm not that imaginative. A lot of the things that are happening in my story, I have borrowed from other places. They were cool ideas, so I decided to use them in my story. But, just so no one gets mad at me, most of the story from here on end will be a product of my own imagination. Scout's honor. (Although, I haven't been a scout since the 5th grade.) I'm glad you like all the shape-shifting. There's a whole lot more in this chapter. Read on to find out!
kikiyophoenix19: I'm really sorry you missed your prom. I loved mine, and I feel bad for anyone who didn't get to go to theirs for whatever reason. On a lighter note, I really worked hard to try and give a vivid detail of the spirit world. It is important to me that my readers see the worlds as I do when I write them. That helps establish a connection between the author's words and the reader's own image of what is going on in the story. I hope I have continued that throughout this chapter as well. Thanks for the encouraging review. I'd love to see more.
pacphys: I know how difficult computers can be sometimes. But for graduation, I got a brand new laptop which works like a dream. I absolutely love it! I have a feeling that I won't be getting any problems from it. Anyway, even though Leo isn't your favorite turtle, I still hope that I'm giving you a worthwhile story to read. And, to make things more exciting, Don, Raph, and Mikey will finally be getting involved with all this mystical stuff in the next chapter. Just a little heads up. Enjoy this update and don't forget to review!
spootycup: It's awesome that you like my story! I know you're a big Leo fan like me, so I hope that this update will continue to carry the plot through and, of course, do all of the characters justice. It always ticks me off when my favorite character isn't acting quite like himself. Here is more for you to love… (Go ahead; take a big spoonful. There's plenty to go around.)
Well, that is all for the shout-outs. I think I got everybody. When you guys leave me reviews, please don't vex me for making you all wait for so long. I'm already mad at myself for doing so. I promise it won't take as long for the next update. Once again, I'm sorry. Ok, enough. Here's the long anticipated next chapter of Away From Myself!
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Chapter 5-The Training Continues…
The weeks passed slowly. Every other day at exactly eleven o'clock, Master Splinter and Leonardo would ask to be left alone by the other turtles and would enter Splinter's room. They would light some candles and settle themselves on to the soft pillows. Then, the two would fall into deep meditation as they worked to unlatch their souls from their bodies. Soon, their spirits would be free and traveling along the same path to reach the beautiful sanctuary that they had journeyed to on Leo's first day of long term astral projection training.
At first, the only ones Leo trained with were Master Mao-Shi and Splinter. And, for a time, all he practiced was shape shifting. He worked hard every day as he found it easier and easier to become all sorts of animals, from a tiny mouse to a full grown Bengal tiger. However, he could not find a way to become a human. Curious, he asked his sensei about it. But, as Master Splinter explained it, there are just some things that cannot be achieved, even in the realm of the mystic.
On one particular day, when Splinter was going to have a shape shifting duel with Leonardo, Mao-Shi pulled his friend aside. "Splinter, my friend, your son has grasped the art of becoming other animals quite well."
"Yes," replied Splinter, "I have noticed that myself. Leonardo has always been a very fast learner."
"Well, I must say, Leonardo has impressed me more than I ever thought possible. If you do not mind me saying so, but might this be an appropriate time to introduce him to the elemental portion of shape shifting?"
Splinter thought about his friend's proposition for a moment. "I suppose I could begin the element teachings. It is the usual next step in learning the mystic arts."
"Well, then, there you go. You know, I am a bit curious as to what his natural element is anyway."
The old rat laughed. "Ha, I remember when I first discovered my element-electricity, of all things. But, once I learned how to become and control the rest of the elements of nature, I found that they all came easily to me."
"Yes, well, I believe that that happens to all of us once we practice in the mystical arts for long enough," replied Master Shi.
Leonardo had been standing in the dirt clearing next to the forest watching his sensei and Master Shi converse with one another. Though Leo was normally the most patient of all his brothers, he couldn't help but be a little anxious to get on with the day's session. Having delve quite deep already into the mystic arts, every chance Leo got to practice his growing skills only excited him more and spurred him on to want to be taught more and more of what his father and Mao-Shi had to offer him. "Master Splinter," he called, "I'm ready for your next lesson."
"Alright, my son. I will be there in a moment," said Splinter. The old rat turned back to Mao-Shi. "If Leonardo is truly ready, then I will begin to teach him how to transform into different elements." The rat left Mao-Shi on the soft patch of grass and walked over to his oldest son. "Well, Leonardo, it seems that you have mastered animal shape shifting, and as such, I do not feel that we should spend too much time on something you have already grasped quite well. Therefore, we shall move on with the next lesson in the mystic arts-elemental shape shifting."
"'Elemental shape shifting'?" repeated Leonardo. "What is that sensei?"
"Be patient my son and I will show you."
Leo's heart began to whirl as he realized that he was getting to learn something new once again.
"Now, my son, watch closely as I demonstrate how to become one with the elements of nature around us." The rat laid his walking stick down upon the ground, closed his eyes, and put his paws together in front of his long snout. "I shall now become the purifying spirit of water…" Splinter's form began to glow as a familiar white mist surrounded his spirit body.
Leo watched as Splinter's form swirled and blurred, then dropped into a small puddle of water. Surprised, the blue-clad spirit stared down into the pool. "Master Splinter?" he asked. The puddle suddenly shifted and moved rhythmically around on the hard ground. It circled Leo, flowing with a certain ease and carelessness. It then moved toward the grass that Mao-Shi was sitting on.
The wise, old master leaned down and lightly touched the surface of the puddle. "Oh Splinter, I should have known that you would have picked water to be the first element to teach," he said.
The puddle shifted once more and then molded itself back into the form of Splinter. "Well, what did you expect old friend?" the rat asked. "Water is always the easiest element to master and is normally the first to be taught."
"I know," answered Mao-Shi. "I just thought that with Leonardo's exceptional learning capabilities, you would have begun with something a little more difficult."
"Though it is true that my son is quite capable of learning and mastering new skills much better than others, I still do not like to push him too hard when it comes to learning and discovering things that are completely foreign to the mind, especially when first encountered."
"Aw, well, yes, I suppose that might be what is best. After all, you know your son much better than I do," said Master Shi.
"Good," said Splinter. "Now, let us see if Leonardo can repeat what I have just done." The oversized rodent limped back to Leo. "So Leonardo, you have just seen me transform into a puddle of water. Now, try and see if you can do the same thing."
"Is it any harder than becoming animals?" asked Leo.
"No, my son. In fact, elemental shape shifting is quite similar to animal shape shifting. Both require an extreme control of the mind and the ability to focus one's attention on becoming a form that they are not normally accustomed to being."
"Ok, I'll give it a try," Leo said. He took a couple steps backward and closed his eyes in concentration. 'Ok,' he thought, 'this is just like turning into an animal. I just have to focus on becoming water. Wait, what does that feel like?' He scanned his brain for a minute, trying desperately to come up with some logical explanation of what it would feel like if he were a puddle of water. He finally decided on focusing on what a bath feels like. 'I guess it would be wet and soothing, sometimes warm and sometimes cold, very free, yet constricting as well, and of course, I have to be flexible and willing to go just about anywhere.' The turtle allowed these thoughts to consume his mind and began to fill his spirit body with the sensation of being a liquid. Before Leo knew what was happening, he was a puddle of water. It really wasn't the most unusual feeling he had ever experienced, it was just different. For a moment, he just lay there on the ground.
"Very good Leonardo," said Splinter as the rat bent over. "Now, try moving your new form."
Leo tried to answer his sensei, but all he got out was a dulled murmur and a few bubbles. Concentrating, the small puddle started to wiggle, then was soon flowing around all over the ground.
"Ah, I see the young pupil has discovered yet another aspect of mystical training," remarked Mao-Shi.
Excited, the puddle danced about.
"Yes, he did," congratulated Splinter. "Now, Leonardo, see if you can change back."
Leo halted his celebration at the sound of Splinter's proposal. Concentrating his thoughts upon becoming a mutant turtle again, Leo suddenly found himself in his natural form once more. "Wow, that wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be."
"No, once you become used to it my son, shape shifting can be quite easy," said the old rodent.
"Can I become other elements of nature?" Leo asked.
"Of course Leonardo," said Splinter. "All one must do is focus their mind on becoming that element, allow those thoughts to fulfill their bodies, and then, you shall become that element."
"Ok, then let me try something else," said Leo. "Maybe a rock?" Concentrating, Leo soon found himself in the form of a rock. Feeling vulnerable and incredibly stiff, he quickly transformed back into his normal form.
"Well done Leonardo," said Mao-Shi.
"I'll think I'll try that again. But just, not as a rock," said Leo. Deciding to become something a little less stable, Leo focused on becoming fire. Hoping that he wouldn't end up accidentally burning himself, he once more focused his thoughts. Soon, he was looking at the world through a bright yellow-red flame. Leo was expecting to feel very hot and in extreme pain, but instead, all he sensed was a feeling of coolness and calm. 'Cool,' was the only thought in Leo's mind.
"So Leonardo, now that you have become fire, what do you plan on doing with yourself?" asked Splinter.
Splinter's question completely caught Leo off guard. Now realizing that he couldn't talk as an element, Leo just shrugged his fiery shoulders.
"Why not try to see if he can light something?" suggested Master Shi.
"Like what old friend?" asked Splinter.
Looking around, Mao-Shi found a stick on the ground. Picking it up, he quietly whispered, "Excuse me, I am not holding a spirit in my hand, am I?" When he received no response, he turned to Leo.
Seeing Mao-Shi's peculiar behavior left Leonardo slightly confused. He wondered why the master had just spoken to a stick. 'I'll have to ask him once I can talk again,' he thought.
Holding the thin piece of wood out in front of him, Mao-Shi said, "Now, show us that you can use your fiery body to ignite this stick. And please, try not to singe my fingers in the process."
'I'll try not to,' thought Leo. Curious if he could manage to fire a small burst of flame without scorching any unwanted mentionable, Leo formed a fist size ball of fire in his yellow-red hand. 'Here goes,' he thought. With a shout, he shot the flame into the air. The fire zipped through the air and gently lit the top of the stick. It then sprung obediently back into Leo's hand.
Mao-Shi lifted the stick to his eyelevel. After studying it for a minute, he smiled. "Impressive, most impressive," he said.
Resuming his natural form, Leo bowed to the elder spirit. "Thank you Master Shi. But...uh..."
"What is it young one?" asked Mao-Shi.
"Master Shi, I don't mean any disrespect, but why did you ask that stick a question before I flamed it?"
"What? Oh that…I was simply making sure that we were not about to burn an innocent spirit. You see, in the mystic realm, you have to be very mindful and careful of your surroundings. Everything that you see around has the potential to be another spirit. They just may not look like it because some spirits prefer to remain in elemental form over their normal state of beings."
"Oh," muttered Leo. He felt a feeling of complete stupidity beginning to consume him.
As if reading his mind, Mao-Shi responded, "Do not feel stupid young one. All beings react in similar ways when they learn something for the first time. But once they do, they are sure to remember what they have learned. Then they can pass on their knowledge to others who have not acquired such wisdom as of yet." Leo was speechless.
Meanwhile, Master Splinter was thrilled with how well his son was performing. "My son, you have done very well, very well indeed." He hugged Leo. "I am so proud of you."
Quietly returning the show of affection, Leo whispered, "I'm glad to know that I didn't disappoint you."
Hearing Leo's remark, the rat pulled his head back to look in Leo's eyes. "Disappoint me?" he asked. "Leonardo, you could never disappoint me during a training session. Believe me; I know what it is like to learn something for the first time and how difficult it can be." Seeing a desperate plea in Leo's eyes, Splinter added, "And how rewarding it can feel to successfully master a long practiced lesson."
Recognizing the compliment, a single tear forced its way down Leo's face. "Thank you sensei," was all he could manage over the lump that was forming in his throat. "You don't know what it means to me to hear you say that."
A few tears poured from Splinter's eyes as the two once more hugged each other. "I believe I do Leonardo. I believe that I do."
Mao-Shi was silently watching the two on the cool grass. Seeing their embrace began to remind him of times long passed when he and his loved ones used to hug one other. He continued his gaze when an idea suddenly popped into his head. He waited until Leo and Splinter had pulled apart and walked over to him before speaking. "Well, Splinter sensei, since your son seems to have learned shape shifting so quickly, I say we put him through some practice rounds with us in order to help him sharpen his mystical skills in battle. I am also curious to see what Leonardo's natural element is."
"'Natural element'?" repeated Leo. "What is that Master Shi?"
"Well, every spirit has a natural element; it is just that most do not realize it. But once a spirit becomes aware of their element, they find that it is a most useful tool. But to answer your question, one's natural element is the elemental form that a spirit is most comfortable in. It is the element that they find they can become most quickly and the one that they can use and control the most efficiently. I was simply curious to know what yours was, though it is probably far too early in your training for you to know."
Leo stared at the dirt covered ground. "You're probably right, but of the three elements that I have tried, I liked being water the most. It felt so relaxing and I didn't have to work to keep my form as much as I had to when I was a rock or fire."
Splinter took the opportunity to join the conversation. "Then it is possible that water may be your natural element Leonardo, but more training is required to know for certain."
"I guess you're right," said Leo.
"Well, why worry about all that now?" asked Mao-Shi. "What about that practice sparring session?"
"Hmmm, that is an idea," said Splinter. "What do you think Leonardo? Would you like to test yourself against Master Shi or myself?"
Leo's first impulse was to decline, but the excitement that was still flowing within him still had him wound up. "Sure sensei," he said. "I would consider it a personal honor to practice with masters such as you and Master Shi."
"As you wish then," said Splinter. "Master Shi, perhaps you could pass along some your skillful battle techniques to Leonardo."
"That is a fine suggestion," replied Mao-Shi. "Come Leonardo; let us spar with one another."
"Yes, Master Shi," Leo said. They left Splinter sitting on the cool grass and walked over to the dirt clearing. The two took a stand and bowed to one another.
Master Shi raised his head and allowed his body to float into a defensive position. Leo also did the same. "Now young one, let us see how much you truly have learned as of now."
"I am ready when you are," Leo replied.
"Then let us begin."
Mao-Shi wasted no time in taking the first move. He ran forward and leapt into the air, quickly changing into a deadly king cobra. Reacting fast, Leo jumped out of the snake's venomous reach. He did a roll, and then whirled around. Seeing the snake making a strike to bite him, he quickly transformed into a boulder. Master Shi's fangs nearly broke on Leo's rock solid exterior. The snake pulled back and reshaped itself into Mao-Shi's familiar form.
"Good reaction time Leonardo," remarked the master.
Leo also resumed his beginning form. "Thank you," he replied.
"But let us see how good you are at performing quick changes and then using them to your advantage."
"Alright," said Leo.
"Then let us go again. Ready?"
"Ready."
"Go!" yelled Mao-Shi.
This time, it was Leo who made the first move. He did two back flips, and, on his third flip, became a blue orb. He charged forward, but, before he could touch Mao-Shi, he disappeared. Mao-Shi, expecting a full on frontal attack, had already launched himself into an offensive form. He hurled a ball of earth at the orb, but was startled when it disappeared. He quickly glanced about himself. With his visibility gone, Leo took the opportunity to pull up higher in the sky. He did a u-turn and changed into a fire ball. Picking up speed, he pointed himself directly at Mao-Shi. Sensing an incoming assault, Mao-Shi turned and jumped out of the way just as Leo hit the ground. The impact caused an explosion, which left a large hole in the ground. The hit had forced Leo to lose his concentration, and, as a result, he changed back to his regular state. Regaining his composure fast, he transformed back into an orb and flew out of the hole. But back on the ground's surface, he found nothing but emptiness.
Confused, he scanned the area madly, fully aware that he was now at a serious disadvantage and vulnerable to an attack. "Master Shi?" he called. Just as he about to change into a puddle of water to protect himself, a shadow fell upon him. Before Leo could react, a surge of electricity ripped through his orb body. The shock completely overwhelmed him and he dropped to the ground exhausted and sizzling. Looking up, the orb found Master Shi, now with a pair of large bat wings flapping on his back, hovering in the air. The master's hands had wisps of smoke trailing off them.
"Are you okay young one? I did not hurt you too much did I?"
"No, it's alright," moaned Leonardo. He floated a foot or two back up into the air and shook himself off. "I was expecting an attack, just not one to be delivered like that. I didn't know you could use elements without having to fully become them or add animal parts to yourself."
Master Shi landed softly on the ground. "Oh yes. That is one of the more useful tools of mastering the mystical arts. Learning how to not only shape shift, but be able to control and use only certain aspects of them is something that most only discover after many years of practice."
"I'll guess I'll have to remember that one next time," said Leo.
"Unfortunately, that 'next time' will have to wait Leonardo," said Master Splinter. "I am afraid that today's lesson has come to an end. It is time for us to go home."
"Ok, Master Splinter," sighed Leo. He was beginning to hate it when the time to return home had come. The turtle turned to Mao-Shi.
"I will be here when you two come back," said Mao-Shi.
"Thank you for the sparring match and the lessons Master Shi," said Leo. He and Mao-Shi bowed in respect.
"I'll see you tomorrow," said Leo. He turned away from the master and changed into an orb.
Splinter also transformed into his white spherical form. He hovered over to Master Shi.
"Farewell for now my comrade," said Mao-Shi.
"And the same to you old friend," replied the rodent.
"Perhaps you could bring your other sons by sometime?" asked Mao-Shi. "After seeing what Leonardo can do, I would love to get to observe his brothers."
"I am afraid that they have a long way to go before they will be ready to travel into the mystical realm," said Splinter.
"Well, when you believe they are ready, you bring them by. Then I can meet them and begin to teach them just as I have their elder brother."
"I have a feeling that they would like that very much."
"Until then," said Mao-Shi.
"Until then," replied Master Splinter. With a nod, he took off into the sky. Meeting up with Leonardo, the two headed back to the lair with Mao-Shi waving good-bye.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Intense sparring sessions followed over the next two weeks. Every day, Leo practiced his animal and elemental shape shifting with Master Splinter and Mao-Shi. He also practiced combining the two and sparring in his natural state, but using the different elements as weapons and various animal appendages as helpers in the battles. With each lesson, Leonardo grew more and more skilled. Mao-Shi and Splinter could not help but be amazed at how quickly Leo was picking up the mystic arts.
"He seems to be a natural at this," Master Shi once remarked.
"Yes, it is as if he was literally born to do all this," agreed Splinter.
One day, a landmark anniversary came. As Splinter drew Leo into his room in the lair as he usually did at eleven o'clock, he paused.
"What is it sensei?" Leo asked.
"My son, I have just recalled something. Today marks the six-month anniversary of when you first began your astral projection training."
"Really? It's been that long? I thought that we've only been practicing for a month or two. Wow…six-months…" he mused.
"Yes, I too am surprised that it has been that long."
Leo was silent for a moment.
Seeing his pupil's silence, Splinter asked, "Something troubles you my son?"
"Well, it's just that…"
"Yes?"
"Well, as you said, it's been six months now, and I was just thinking…why don't we let Raph, Mikey, and Don in on what we've been doing? I know we've talked about this before, but I really don't think that they would react badly to astral projection. In fact, I have a feeling that they would be really excited to learn it. The opportunity might even convince them to practice meditation more."
Splinter let a paw rub his chin. "Perhaps…"
"Besides, if they learned astral projection, you might get a few more quiet hours to yourself. If they were in the spirit world, then the chances of something happening to them would be pretty slim, right?"
'Oh, you would be surprised, my son," thought Splinter, but he didn't say that out loud.
"And Master Shi and I would be there to keep an eye on them, just in case."
"I suppose so..." said Splinter.
"Please Master Splinter?" Leo asked. "The guys have been questioning me a lot lately and I'm running out of excuses. And I really don't want to have to lie to them nor do I want to have to go against your word."
Taking a deep breath, Splinter sighed. "Oh…alright Leonardo. We shall allow your brothers to become a part of our training sessions."
"Yes!" cried Leo.
"But..." began the rat. This got Leo's attention. "Let it wait until after today's lesson."
"Okay, thank you sensei," replied Leo. He bowed to Splinter.
"Good. Now, shall we be off? I was hoping to run you through a more difficult test today."
"Sounds good to me," answered Leo.
The two settled themselves on the pillows as accents from the candles filled the air. They drifted into silence as they once more unleashed their souls and departed for the mystic realm.
But, just as the two orbs had left the room, Splinter's door opened and Raphael came storming in.
"Alright, that's it; that is it!" he yelled. "It's been like six months now! What on the island of Manhattan have you two been doing all this time!"
"Raph!" yelled Don, "you know you can't just go barging in on one of Leo and Master Splinter's meditation sessions!"
"I don't care anymore!" Raph cried. "These two have been going off and doing the same routine for too long now! And, in case you guys haven't noticed, every time we try to ask them to find out what they've been doing, they just make up some excuse to get us off their backs! Well, I've had enough of all this bullcrap! I want some answers and I want them NOW!" The infuriated turtle paused as his chest rose up and down. He stared at his brother and sensei. "Hey! Haven't you two been listenin' to a word I've been saying?"
Mikey poked his head in. "I don't think so Raph. Man, it's like they haven't even heard you."
"Or, they're just really good at ignoring Raph," said Don.
"Aw, shut it Donnie!" yelled Raph. "Ok, I don't care how far asleep you guys are!" He stomped over to Leo's body and began to shake his older brother. "Leo, you had better wake up and answer me or I'm gonna' get really mad!"
He shook Leo harder and harder until he finally let him go. Leo's body swayed for a moment and then flopped lifelessly on the floor.
"That's strange," said Don as he and Mikey came fully into the room.
"He didn't even wake up," squeaked Mike. "Leo isn't…" He gulped, "dead, is he?"
"No way," said Raph. "He's probably just playin' to get us to go away."
"Well still, we should at least check to make sure they're alright," insisted Donatello. The techno turtle walked over and put his fingers on Leo's neck, searching for a heartbeat. "Hmmm…he's got a pulse, but it's awfully dim. I can barely feel it."
"Is he breathing?" Raph asked.
Don put his ear to Leo's face. "Yes, but his breath is quite shallow."
Mike moved over to Splinter and checked the rat's pulse and breathing. "Master Splinter's the same," he said.
"I don't get it," said Raph. "I knew in meditation that you can lower your heartbeat and breathing, but doesn't this seem like a bit too much? I mean, what is going on here?"
"They appear to be in a state of hibernation or something," Don stated.
"'Hibernation'?" repeated Raph.
"You mean, like what a bear does in winter?" asked Mike.
"No. It's more like torpor," said Don.
"'Torpor'? What's that?" Raph wondered.
"Well, torpor is what some animals go through when they get too cold or when they prepare their bodies to shut down for the winter. The technical definition is a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility. It's sort of like when our bodily functions slow way down. You could think of it as the state one goes through when they fall into a deep sleep. You know, like when we practice chi-gong."
"Oh yeah," said Raph. "I guess I can imagine that."
"But why would they want to do something like that?" asked Mike.
"I'm not sure Mikey," said Don. "But I think we ask them once they wake up again."
"You mean, if they wake up again," said Raph.
"IF? What you do mean by that?" yelled Mike.
"Calm down, Mikey, I was just kiddin'," replied Raph.
"Yeah right," huffed Mike as he sulked out of the room.
"There he goes again," snorted Raphael.
"Maybe you ought to go apologize to him Raph," Don said.
"Apologize? What for?"
"Come on Raph. Even I know you're not that dense. You know how Mikey gets around subjects like that."
Raph sighed. "Yeah, I know. But with all the stuff we go through nearly every day, he shouldn't be like that."
"Well, changing what bothers Mikey is like trying to change a light bulb from forty feet up. You can do it, but you have to be very careful. And you might end up doing more damage than good."
"Sure Donnie. You just keep that metaphor to yourself."
"I still think you should go apologize to him."
Sighing once more, Raph realized that unless he said "I'm sorry" to Mikey, Donatello probably wasn't going to let the subject drop. Rolling his eyes, Raph headed out of the room shouting, "Mikey! Mikey come back! I gotta' talk to you!"
"Oh brother," said Don. When Raph had left, the purple-clad turtle took one last look back at Splinter and Leo. "Please be ok," he whispered. Hearing more shouting coming from the main room, Don shook his head and left the two soulless bodies in peace.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Far away in the mystic realm, the souls of Leonardo and Master Splinter were just arriving at their usual training grounds when Leo suddenly stopped. Turning his orb body around, Leo looked back towards the way they had just come.
Seeing his son's sudden behavior, Splinter also halted and turned. "My son, why have you stopped?"
"I'm…not sure," said Leo. "I just suddenly got this really strange feeling. It was like someone was shaking me or something, but I could barely feel it. I don't know; I've never felt anything like it before."
"Hmmm, do you still feel this sensation Leonardo?" asked Splinter.
"No and that's what so strange about it. It disappeared just as suddenly as it came up. I'm not really sure what is what in the first place. Do you think this could mean something sensei?"
"I am not sure my son. Your description of the feeling you felt is not foreign to me, but it is one that is normally quite uncommon."
"Should we go back then?"
Splinter thought for a moment. "No. I do not believe that is any cause for concern. For now, let us practice and if there are any more distractions, then we shall go back."
"Yes sensei," said Leo. Following his father, Leo flew over the familiar field of sunflowers. 'I'm curious if Master Shi is hiding in there,' he thought. But as the two drifted closer to the ground, no wayward flower chose to make an appearance. Approaching the dirt clearing, Leo saw no sign of Mao-Shi. "That's odd," he said. "I wonder where Master Shi is."
"I am not sure my son," said Master Splinter.
"Should we go and look for him?" asked Leo.
Splinter calmly turned to Leo. "No my son. If Master Shi wishes to not be present today, then we must respect his wishes." Seeing Leo's slightly disappointed look, he added, "Perhaps he shall come by later."
"Yeah, I guess so," muttered Leo.
"Come; let us begin our training lesson. That should take your mind off worrying."
Leo sighed. "Ok Master Splinter."
The two orbs floated over to the dirt. In tandem, they morphed from spheres to their normal forms. They bowed to each other and took up defensive positions.
"Now my son; let us begin."
"I'm ready sensei." Taking a great leap forward, the turtle changed into a lion in an attempt to swat the rat. But Splinter was quick to react. Quickly sprouting bird wings, the sensei flew into the air. Doing a flip, he launched himself back towards the ground and headed straight for Leonardo. Seeing the move, Leo changed into a puddle of water just in time. He left a hole in his liquidly center, he managed to dodge Splinter's foot. Swirling around on the ground, he avoided attack after attack from Splinter. He moved to the far side of the clearing and transformed back into his natural state.
"What is the matter Leonardo?" taunted Splinter. "You have not attacked me much at all."
"I'm just buying my time," replied Leo.
"Ah, but sometimes, wasting too much time in planning an attack can force you to miss an opportunity to strike. Come; attack me again."
Shouting, Leo rushed Splinter. Kicking and punching, he attempted to lay strike after strike on Splinter. However, the rodent was playing defensive and swiftly dodged each one of Leo's swipes and kicks. Catching Leo's foot, Splinter drew back to lay his own kick to Leonardo. But Leo was expecting this and was able to twist out of his father's grasp before Splinter could connect. Doing a couple back flips, he sprang forth wings of his own and flew into the sky. Flapping his own wings, Splinter followed his pupil and soared into the air. The two rose higher and higher off the ground. Splinter formed balls of electricity and began firing them at Leo. The younger spirit also began firing balls, but his were made of fire. For a time, the souls whirled round and round one another, shooting balls and dodging the other's projectiles. Like ballet dancers, they glided through the atmosphere, twirling and twisting in an inspiring duet, complete with its own special effects.
"Are you getting tired yet my son!" called Master Splinter.
"Not yet sensei! How about you!"
"Oh, I could keep going for some time Leonardo! I just needed to know that you were not ready to quit!"
"I'll quit when you do!" shouted Leo as he dodged another electric ball.
"Very well my son! But let us return closer to the ground!"
Confused, Leo stopped his attack. "What do you mean Master Splinter?"
Splinter halted his assault as well. The rat nodded towards the ground and replied, "See for yourself."
Looking down, Leo was startled to find that they had flown a good mile or two from the ground. "Wow; I didn't realize we had gone so far up."
"Yes Leonardo-which is why I suggested we sustain our match until we have lowered ourselves in altitude."
Glancing from Splinter, then to the ground, then back to Splinter again, Leo laughed. "Good idea."
In unison, Splinter and Leo dove through the clouds until they had regained an eight foot gap between them and the dirt below.
"Ah, much better," said Splinter.
"I'll say," chuckled Leo.
"Alright, now that we have greatly decreased our possible falling distance, shall we continue with our match?" asked the rat.
'Falling distance?' thought Leo. Shaking his head, he answered, "Yes. Once again, I'm ready sensei."
The two were soon dueling it out with one another once more. They were so consumed in their sparring match that both failed to notice the dark clouds beginning to slowly cover the sky. Like a plague descending upon the land, the clouds swirled and swarmed together, forming one huge ugly mass. The enormous cloud hovered over the pair as if it was pausing to watch the combatants before it unleashed the full torment of its watery load.
Below, Splinter was winning the match. Though this was to be expected, the old rodent was actually surprised that his son had managed to fight for so long, without showing any signs of exhaustion until just now. 'I should have known,' he thought. 'Leonardo was always the one to push himself harder than any of his brothers.' But now, Leo's fatigue was slowing him up and making it difficult for him to concentrate. He wasn't holding his forms for very long and was avoiding most of Splinter's attacks, rather than trying to perform any of his own. Splinter realized that if they didn't stop the match soon, Leo might not have enough energy left to make it back home.
Halting his attack in midair, he said, "My son, I believe that we have had enough for today. I think that it is time we stopped. We need to rest anyway before we head for home."
Avoiding Splinter's last kick, Leo said, "Alright sensei." As understood, Leo knew he couldn't breathe as a soul. But, if he was presently in his body, Leo was sure that he would be inhaling and exhaling harder than a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby.
Slowly, they hovered to the ground. To let himself begin to fully recover, Leo withdrew his wings and extinguished the fire that was still burning in his hands. Splinter, having been used to long fights in the mystic realm, still had plenty of energy, and therefore left his wings on. However, he did release the electricity that he had been using. The two sat in silence, quietly relaxing and enjoying the stillness of the area.
Leo lay back and closed his eyes. He was about to fall asleep, when a raindrop hit his head. "Huh?" He opened his eyes to a gray sky. "Looks like it's going to rain."
"It would seem that way," said Splinter.
"I didn't know it could rain in the mystic realm."
"Oh yes. There is weather here, although it can sometimes be a bit more unusual than what we are accustomed to back on earth."
"Like how sensei?"
"Well it-" Splinter was just about to answer, when a large, cloudy hand shot out of the gray sky and grabbed Splinter. Without wasting a second, it retracted, pulling the rat higher and higher, as it began to draw him away.
"Master Splinter!" Leo shot up from the ground and attempted to sprout wings once more. Unfortunately, his energy was still greatly depleted from the sparring match and he was unable to draw forth anything. Thinking fast, Leo was about to transform into his orb form, when another cloudy hand shot forth and slammed him into the ground. The impact left his dazed. A sheet of rain burst forth after a crack of lightning and a blast of thunder filled the air. Catching the full brunt of the tempest, Leo's vision became fuzzy as he watched his father being dragged away into the storm. Before anything more could occur, Leo's consciousness slowly faded away.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Author's Note: Well, there you have it-straight from my new laptop and on to the site. I hope everyone enjoyed his long awaited chapter. Once again, I do apologize for the rather way too long and inconvenienced wait. Never fear, I have already begun typing the next chapter, so I should have it up within the next week or two, providing I'm not too busy with a job or other summer tasks. (Thinks for a moment.) No, I'll make time. Thank you to everybody who stuck with me. You guys must have the greatest patience of any group of people on the planet. You all should receive an award. (Quickly runs off. Comes back a few hours later.) Ok, it took me awhile, but I finally finished it. I would now like to present the award for the most patience to all of my readers. (You guys can imagine what the award looks like.) Don't worry; I made copies so no one has to fight over whose self it's going to go on. And would it really matter? It's only going to collect dust anyway. Still, I appreciate your willingness to put up with me and to see this story through. And as for all the Don, Mike, and Raph fans out there, I promise that Leo's brothers will be getting their own spotlights beginning next chapter. Don't forget to leave me some reviews as you exit. (And make sure that you tilted your seats all the way back up and that you didn't leave your tray table sticking out for others to gut themselves on. Thank you for choosing Fanfiction Airways. We hope you enjoyed your flight.) Oh, and if anyone is curious, both torpor and chi-gong are real. If any of you remember from the current TV show, the turtles actually practiced chi-gong and explained it when they were stowing away on a Triceraton ship. But, if you still don't believe me, then you can go and do a search online for torpor and chi-gong. Take care mis compadres and, as always, GOD BLESS. :)