DISCLAIMER: While I wish SO HARD upon the stars to have 4 beautiful turtles to be at my beck and call, they are and will never be mine. They belong to their rightful owner/s.

Chapter 1: Illuminated

Leonardo is no fool. He knew where they are going, his 3 brothers had put him up to it, involved their dear friend to use the powers of her journalism connection to gain access to the most secured location in the city. Ever since April had ran into a situation where he and his brothers had no choice but to intervene, their lives had been nothing more than normal. His brothers baited him in the guise of a robbery and as a way to take his mind off..things, he grabbed his weapons without so much of a protest. It was only that they arrived and found April and a van waiting at the so-called robbery-heist location, that the real plot had been revealed. A sense of dread fell onto him as he looked at his brothers in disbelief, accusing them of betrayal. His 3 brothers looked back at him, hurt but not repentant for their participation. For they all knew this is bigger than another night of bloody knuckles or a black eye. He begged off at first, even threatened to leave, but April was adamant, insistent. She pleaded to make things right before it's too late, that it was not just affecting him, but his brothers, father, her and Casey.

He is angry at her, he is angry at his brothers, but he knew, they are right.

And the straw that broke the camel's back:

"She needs you right now."

Without much of a word, he gave a short grunt. But Michelangelo, sensing his distress, placed a hand on his shoulder and instantly his anger cooled, grateful for the comfort and support a simple touch from his brother made.

"Go get her Leo." Raphael said, not looking at him. Donatello nodded, his eyes kind.

He can never stay angry as his brothers. Or his friends.

Consul Building, 9:00pm EST.

April's van stopped in the alleyway of a gated building just outside the city proper. It's guarded more than usual with men, clad in dark suits, patrolling in every corner. A signal from her told him to hide in the deep cresses of the van as she waved her ID to the guard, who quickly opened the gate ("Go ahead April. But this is the last time I am doin' ya any favors." He warned.), another wave to a woman who skittishly lead her to the underground parking, while hiding from the patrol guards, they both took a quick look into a smartphone revealing the blue print of the facility, a quick crawl to one of the pipes, and then finally dropping onto a hallway which is empty...

Save for 1 door at the end.

He could have abandoned April right from the moment they entered the building, but he has always talked about seeing through a situation, a ninja-code that one must see through to the end no matter what the circumstances. He would not allow cowardice of any form to destroy that code.

But that doesn't mean that his heart is beating like he had ran a million marathons and cold sweat was beginning to pop from his skin.

"What are we doing here April?" He asked quietly, his voice calm, but his eyes flickered in a millisecond state of fear.

April looked at her friend, and touched his arm, finding it a bit cold. Surprised at how fearless he is in battles, but is crumbling at the person he considers so dear to him, she can't help but smile, as if to comfort him, but she knew it was something they both need to do.

"You have to trust me Leo." She said, giving his arm a little squeeze. "It's for your own good and to the family. "

"….and her." He added quietly.

April nodded. She and the woman-child monarch had grown close and was made aware of the special fondness to her brother and close friend. While the other 3 Hamato brothers had treated her well, the monarch found more solace in her quiet protector. They each shared a bond that only kindred souls possess. She observed the silent comfort they both share, reliving tales from their respective lives. Their conversations leading them to walk around the familiar maze of their underground home, with Leonardo holding her hand to guide her..and even learning from each other. The smile her brother holds only for her as she does her reading, the fascinating dotted letters of braille that April brought down with her in confidentiality. Her delicate hands moving across the page as she read aloud to Leonardo the tales of mythologies and history lessons that she loved as a child.

Even if Leonardo had heard most of them from his Sensei, it was different having someone else retell the tale.

While April knows Karai will be in Leonardo's heart forever, she wanted to let her brother give a chance for another soul to try and make him happy, even for a moment.

And such is this, the moment.

She cleared her throat.

"We don't have much time, Leo."

Leonardo could only look at the door intently. Unsure yet determined.

And April took his silence as a sign to go through the next phase.

She knocked.

Author's Notes:

Phew. Well...that's Chapter 1.

I have to admit that I write in 'white heat'..but found it difficult to edit in 'cold blood'.

I would love for any recommendations of good/great fics from the TMNT universe. I thrive in them since the new movie is not yet open till Friday where I come from so this writing thing is enough (for now) to tide me over till I get my TMNT movie fix.

In the meantime, if you like it (or don't like it) leave a review. Would love to hear from you all.

Thanks! Stay tuned for Chapter 2!