Do to some unforseen car problems, I have suddenly found myself stranded with a lot of extra time on my hands. So hey, why not be productive right? Here is the next chapter, a little earlier than normal. Thanks again for all the kind reviews.

Splinter sat next to his son's bedside, his eyes intently watching Leonardo's hands and face looking for any signs of further movement that could mean his son awakening. After seeing Leonardo's hand move earlier that night, Splinter had gone back into meditation over his son's form, hoping that the movement indicated his injured child's mind would be more easily reachable. He had once again been met with failure, however, and was forced to take a spectators role and watch over Leonardo, a role that made him feel like he was doing nothing. Splinter sighed softly. The night rolled into early morning, but there had still been no further movement or signs of awakening.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the small orange cat, which was still curled up next to Leonardo's body, stretch its front paws and give a large, long yawn. It stood and circled a few times, then curled itself back up next to his son. He hadn't had the heart to move the cat earlier, since it was the cat that had evoked the first signs of life from his son in three days. Splinter watched the cat with curiosity. What was it about this cat that had encouraged movement from his unconscious son? His family had been trying again and again with no success, and then this cat enters the basement for a few hours at most and brings about more life in his son than his family had seen in days.

Splinter stroked his whiskers as he thought on the matter. And what was the draw this cat seemed to have to his one son in particular. The small animal had not left Leonardo's side since they had found it there that night. Michelangelo, the resident animal lover of the family, on numerous occasions had tried to coax the animal away to sit with him, but the cat had just looked at him silently then laid his head back down on Leonardo's arm. It was almost as though the cat knew Leonardo needed her in some way. Splinter had heard similar things before about animals being able to help and heal injured and broken people but had never seen that power first hand.

He heard footsteps descending the stairs, and looked up to see Dr. Smith making her way down. He was shocked slightly that it was already early morning. He looked at one of the small windows and realized light was streaming through. He had been deeply caught up in his thoughts and hadn't paid attention to the passage of time.

Dr. Smith walked up to him with a greeting smile and kneeled next to Leonardo, once again checking the turtle over for any signs of change.

Donatello rushed over at seeing Dr. Smith in the basement, eager to update her on what had happened the night before. In his haste he almost knocked over a pile of boxes, causing Splinter to wince, but smile at his smartest son's enthusiasm.

"He was moving his hand last night." Donatello said excitedly, kneeling next to her and beginning to assist her with her exam.

"That's great!" She exclaimed, pulling her stethoscope from her ears and smiling. "Did he regain consciousness for any amount of time?"

Donatello's face fell slightly at the question. "No, unfortunately Raph wasn't able to get him to open his eyes." Splinter saw Raphael, who was not sitting far from the conversation, drop his head slightly at the words.

"That's still good news," Sarah said encouragingly, placing a comforting hand on Don's shoulder. "He may be making progress."

"His hand was petting the cat." Mikey said, coming up to the others, wanting to be included in the conversation. "You're a good kitty, aren't ya little guy." He cooed in a baby voice, kneeling next to the small animal and running his hands over the cat's soft head.

Dr. Smith turned and saw the small cat for the first time curled up in Leonardo's arm. "I'm so sorry!" She suddenly exclaimed. "I must have forgotten to put her back in her cage last night before I left. 'Hope', you little devil," she said affectionately as she moved to take the cat into her arms, but Splinter reached out his hand and stopped her.

"Her name is 'Hope'?" he asked with curiosity. "Is this a clinic cat?"

"No, not really." Sarah answered. "She was a stray that was picked up by a Good Samaritan. Apparently she was being abused by some teenagers not far from here. The Good Sam found her and brought her here hoping we could help her. The poor thing was close to death, but she's gotten a lot better these past few days, she'll probably be going to a shelter soon."

Splinter placed his hand softly on the small animals head and watched as she rubbed her cheek affectionately on his finger. The name of the cat had struck a chord with him. The cat's name was Hope, and she had brought just that back into his family. Maybe the small animal would be able to help bring Leonardo further back to them. She had certainly taken a liking to him.

"I can take her back upstairs and put her away," Dr. Smith said, once again reaching for the cat.

"I was actually wondering if she could stay down here with us for awhile." Splinter voiced. All three of his boys looked up, surprised at their sensei's words. Splinter smiled at all of them with mild amusement. "It was the cat who seemed to bring the improvement to Leonardo, and I hope that she may be able to do it again."

Sarah thought on it, then smiled and nodded. "Of course she can stay here. I'll just tell the employees upstairs that I took her home for awhile."

Splinter nodded his thanks, then smiled. Maybe 'Hope' would once again reach out to his son and help him where his family was thus far unable.

A lone figure in red knelt comfortably in a far off corner of the clinic basement, trying to tune out the activity that was becoming suffocating in this small area. Ever since last night when Leo had moved his hand, there was no finding peace. Donny had taken up his nursing activity with a renewed vigor and Mikey had seemed to gain back some of his lighthearted nature and energy. Already two pranks had been played in the past hours, one involving Raph's sais becoming an unmanly shade of pink. Raph had feigned anger to humor Mikey, but in truth Raph loved seeing the renewed hope in his brothers. But all the activity was beginning to become overwhelming to him.

He retreated to a quiet corner at the far side of the basement, hoping to find some peace. He had picked this corner strategically because it had a good view of Leo, but he was also able to keep a good distance from the rest of his family. His renewed hope at his brother's improvement brought with it a great desire to read farther into his brother's journal. He still felt slightly guilty about delving into his brother's private thoughts without his permission, and he knew without a doubt that Splinter would not approve, but he felt this nagging urge to know what went through his brother's head. Raph had a strong inkling that this diary could be a key to understanding a side of his brother that until now he had never known existed. He had always thought of Leo as one-dimensional, a bossy perfectionist that only cared about training and ninjitsu. But even just reading the first two entries, Raph was beginning to see there was a whole other side of his brother that he had kept hidden from his family.

He once again cracked open the book and flipped to where he had left off, and was surprised not to find another written entry, but a drawing. 'A very good drawing,' Raph thought eyeing it closer. It was a pencil drawing of the skyline of the city. Leo must have drawn it from a rooftop during some night in the past. There was no date indicating when this drawing had been done, but Raph knew it must have been done at some point after the last two entries. Raph carefully slid a finger across the page, outlining one of the drawn buildings, amazed at the amount of detail and skill put into it.

He had never known Leo could draw. Mikey had always been thought of as the artist of the family, constantly drawing and sketching comic book figures and super heroes. There was no doubt that Mikey was good, but looking at this hidden drawing that Leo had composed quietly sometime before, Raph thought Leo's skills could give Mikey's a run for their money. His mouth drew into a tight line. What else didn't he know about his older brother?

Raph reluctantly turned the page from the beautiful picture, and found another one. This one was of him Mikey, and Donny. They were all sitting on the couch in the lair, and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Raph was slightly shocked when he realized he could place this moment in time. His brothers and him and been watching a wrestling match on pay-per-view. Leo had gotten every detail of the night perfect, from Mikey's excited expression as his fighter was winning, to Raph's scowl at realizing he owed Mikey ten bucks for picking the losing side. Raph found himself smiling slightly at the memory, but the smile turned into a frown. For Leo to have drawn this picture, he would have had to have been sitting on the outside, maybe in the kitchen, or in the chair in the corner. Had they invited him to watch the fight with them? Raph honestly couldn't remember, but the thought troubled him slightly as he turned the page once more. He was met with another flowing entry.

6/15/06

Master Splinter has told me he is sending me away for leadership training. I am to leave in two nights and travel to the jungles of Central America. He did not tell me for how long I would have to stay, or what I would be expected to do. I do not know what to make of this. I feel that I have disappointed him in some way. I have been trying very hard to hone my skills and become a better fighter for my family. I don't think I am succeeding, and I fear that Master Splinter sees this as well. If Master Splinter feels that this is the course I must take in order to become a better leader, then of course I will go, but I can't help but harbor doubts as to what it is I am to do, and if I will succeed. I fear greatly that I will be unable to meet sensei's hopes for me, and I will fail him once again. He also told me I would not be able to tell my brothers that I must leave, because they wouldn't understand. This pains me greatly. I will miss them dearly while I am gone, and to be unable to say goodbye seems wrong, but Master Splinter is very wise, and if he feels this is the appropriate course, I will follow it. I would never admit this out loud, and I am even shocked that I am about to write it, but I am scared. I don't know what to expect in a country far away from what I am used to. I hear my brother's carefree shouts in the next room and wish deeply that I could join them in whatever they are doing, but I can't bring myself to feel happy tonight. I think I will go to bed and think about this further, and hopefully I will be successful and make Master Splinter proud.

Raph's heart leapt with excitement. Had Leo taken this journal with him when he left for that year to go to Central America? Raph had always wanted to know what Leo had done in those jungles for so long, but every time he or his brother's had asked, Leo had blown it off, giving a quick answer that had something to do with training, then changed the subject. None of them had ever been able to get a decent answer from him. But if Leo had taken this book with him, there may be entries that could explain what he had been up to in his absence. Raph felt his hand shaking slightly with anticipation. He licked the top of his finger, and slowly leafed the page over excited to read the next entry.

6/20/06

I have finally arrived in Central America after a long journey that was anything but easy. Master Splinter had given me no instruction on how I was to get there, so I chose to fly. Trying to sneak onto a plane this day in age is no easy task, and after being thrown around in a cargo hold for hours on end, I can honestly say that I was relieved to be on solid ground again. Master Splinter's only instructions were that I was to go into the jungle to learn more of myself and become a stronger leader. It took me a long while and a lot of hidden waiting before I finally found a bus that was heading in the direction of the deep jungle. It was hard to hitch the ride, but I managed. Days later from my departure I now find myself right where Master Splinter wanted, deep in the jungle. The bus had stopped near a small village located in a clearing among the thick forest. I began trekking through the thick trees, trying to use my katanas as a machete, periodically marking my path with symbols in the trees so I would be able to make my way back to the village if necessary. It took me hours to get through the thick branches and vegetation. The heat was more intense than I had ever felt before, and I felt as though I'd never find a safe place to make my home. I had stopped at a large fast moving stream to get a drink of water when I heard the sound of loud rushing water. I began to make my way further up the stream and quickly found the source. A tall waterfall was making its way over a large rocky ledge. I watched the water fall over the rocks as I took rest, and as I watched, I noticed a black hole that seemed to be behind it. I made my way over and was excited to find a cave within the rocky wall. It was difficult to make my way across the slippery rocks behind the falling water, but when I finally did I was greatly rewarded. The cave was vast and roomy. It stretched deep within the ground and seemed to be unoccupied. I decided to make this my new home for however long I would need to stay. It was next to water and was within a decent distance to the village if supplies were ever needed. It is where I am now, writing this entry, sitting upon a mossy rock and thinking back on my journey to get here. The emptiness I feel over leaving my family is still overwhelming, and there hasn't been a moment that has gone by where I haven't thought about them. I hope they will fair ok and they will forgive me for leaving them so secretively. I already miss them and I am unsure how I am going to make it very long without them. I can barely keep my eyes open. It's time to find some sleep, and maybe tomorrow I can begin my training and soon be on my way home.

Raph read the entry with growing excitement. Leo had brought the diary and he had written in it while he was away. Raph finally had the chance to learn more about his brother's trip to Central America. He smiled and lifted his head to glance at his brother on the couch. Another small pang of guilt was felt as Raph looked at his helpless brother, but excitement won and he turned the page, eager to continue reading.

A beautiful charcoal picture of a waterfall and stream met his eyes. The picture was in deep black and bright white, but Raph could almost imagine the vivid colors his brother had experienced while drawing this picture and could almost feel the spray of the mist depicted in the drawing as the falling water hit the stream below. The detail in the picture was so beautiful and deep. Raph realized this picture must be of the waterfall that Leo had talked about in his last entry. He was once again amazed at the artsy skill his brother had that he had never known about. He sighed softly and turned the page.

The next few pages were full of drawings of different parts of the forest, sections of trees and vines, portraits of different species of animals that even Donny may not even know of. Raph was excited to be able to actually see some of the things his brother had experienced.

He kept flipping through the pages, enjoying the pictures, until he came to more writing. Raph took a deep breath, ready to keep reading about Leo's training adventures.

7/1/06

Is this going to have to be my new home? Is this dark cave where I'm supposed to be happy for who knows how long? I remember a time years before after we lost our first home. My brothers and I were in very poor spirits. Everything we had held dear was ruined and the home we had lived in for most of our lives was in shambles. I couldn't imagine how we could ever recover from such a loss. Master Splinter told us that home was not where our possessions lay, but where the heart is. I have never understood those words as much as I do now. My heart is far away, back in New York with my family, and home is too. If only I could return home to my family who I miss more every day that I'm here. But Master Splinter felt that I needed to train and to become better. I will never solve my problems going back now. I must stay, though every day gets harder and harder. Hopelessness is seeping into my soul. I am here, lost, and I have no idea what I must accomplish to finish the task Master Splinter has assigned me and make him proud. I look at the beauty around me but find no peace. I miss them so much it hurts. I miss Mikey's jokes, I miss Don's inventions, I miss Splinter's wisdom, I even miss Raph's sarcasm. What I wouldn't give to have them here with me. How am I supposed to become a better leader without the family around me that inspire me to lead? I guess I will just have to keep trying. I can only hope that soon I will be able to see them again.

Raph read the words again, shocked at the depth of feeling he knew was put into each line. It was hard to believe that his eldest brother, who was usually the most quiet and reserved about his feelings to the point where his brothers joked of whether he had any at all, had written such a heart felt and pained passage. He swallowed hard, disturbed at how depressed his brother sounded. He didn't realize how hard being away from all of them had been for Leo.

He did remembered how hard it had been for him, sitting at the breakfast table the morning after he left, noticing they were one turtle short.

Flashback

Raph yawned as he poured a large bowl of Fruity Pebbles. He groped blearily for the milk that Mikey was hogging at the end of the table. His younger brother gave a small, sleepy grunt and pushed the milk toward his outstretched hand. Raph yawned again and poured the milk, staring intently at the swirling colors in his cereal bowl.

Don's shuffling feet were heard as he wandered into the kitchen, reaching blindly for the coffee maker, desperately searching for his morning caffeine. As the machine began to work, Don walked over and sat heavily in one of the kitchen chairs. Raph pushed the cereal box his way without a word and took another bite of his own.

The three turtles sat in hazy morning silence, the only sound coming from the T.V. as it quietly reported the morning news. Raph took another slow bite of cereal, and as he chewed his morning breakfast he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. This morning wasn't like every other.

Mikey, who was first to finish his cereal, pushed back in his chair and stretched, letting out a loud yawn and letting his arms stretch firmly behind him.

"What time is it?" he asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

"Time for you to get a watch." Raph said smirking.

"Hardee har." Mikey said in feigned humor. "But seriously, it seems late. Why didn't Leo wake us up earlier?"

"I dunno, go ask him." Raph muttered, spitting bits of cereal from his mouth.

Mikey moved to rise from the chair and locate their older brother, but a soft voice from behind him caused him to stop in mid stand. "He's not here."

Raph's spoon froze half way to his mouth and turned his head to look at the old rat who had silently entered the room.

"What do you mean?" Mikey asked. "Is he out running or something?"

"I'm afraid not Michelangelo." Splinter said softly, moving over to the table and taking a seat in one of the empty chairs. He looked exhausted, as if he had been up all night without a wink of sleep.

"Where is he then?" Mikey asked, apprehension entering his voice.

"Leonardo has left for a training exercise." Splinter calmly explained, looking from one shocked young face to another. "I have sent him away to learn more about himself and to further his training."

Raph stared at his sensei, a sinking feeling beginning to form in his stomach. Raphael had known this morning was different. He had slept later than normal, and as he had walked down the hall to the breakfast table there were no sounds of morning katas coming from the dojo, and there was no tinkling of spoon on china around the breakfast table as a cup of morning tea was prepared. Leo wasn't here. He realized that he was still holding a spoon full of Fruity Pebbles and slowly lowered it back to his bowl, suddenly not feeling very hungry. He looked over at Don who seemed just as shocked and unsure.

"For how long?" Don asked, his voice soft as he stared down the box of cereal.

"I don't know." Splinter said. "For as long as it takes."

Raph clenched his teeth, not at all satisfied with the answer. So Leo just thought he could run out on them, without even saying goodbye? Anger and hurt began to boil within him and his eyes narrowed as he stared at the table, unable to meet his father's eyes. Emotions raged and Raph suddenly found the air thickening around him. He looked up for reassurance, but only found more lost faces from his two other brothers, each seemed just as confused and hurt as he.

"Do not be hurt." Splinter said, seeing his son's reactions. "Leonardo has gone to do what he must, and he will return."

Raph's anger boiled to a new level at Splinter's words and he felt he could no longer contain it. He quickly pushed the chair back with such force it screeched loudly against the concrete floor, making the two turtles beside him flinch at the sudden noise. He stood just as swiftly and strode out of the lair, leaving his family behind.

He exited the sewers into the day lit city, quietly sneaking to the roof of a tall building, avoiding the eyesight of the passersby. When he reached the top he realized his head was practically swimming and his anger at his oldest brother hadn't lessened.

Raph began to pace up and down the middle of the roof, a million thoughts racing through his head. Leo was gone. He didn't know for how long. He didn't know where. He didn't understand why.

'I know why.' Raph thought to himself with anger. 'Because he's a coward. He left his family without even saying goodbye.' Raph stopped his pacing and punched madly at the empty air, his hand moving with such force it almost knocked him off balance.

'But isn't this what I wanted?' Raph thought, his teeth clenched. 'A break from Leo. To have the fearless leader back off and disappear for awhile and cut me some slack. Well now I have my wish. I'm free of Mr. Perfect for who knows how long.' But feelings of satisfaction were not what Raph felt at these thoughts.

He slid to the cold concrete of the building roof and drew his knees up to his body, laying his head down on top. The anger began to leak from his body slowly and left him nothing but feelings of hurt and abandonment. Why would Leo leave them? Were they not good enough for him? Was his training finally more important than his own family? Had he outgrown them? Raph let these thoughts flood his mind as he sat quietly on the roof. He lost track of time as seconds passed into minutes and minutes passed into hours. As the sun began to set around him Raph realized he needed to get back to his family. Leo may have left them, but he wouldn't.

Raph stood stiffly from his sitting position, his muscles protesting from the long hours of idleness. He took a deep breath and looked at the sky and wondered where his oldest brother was right now, whether he was O.K. He was met with a sky full of black nothingness. His hurt feelings had not lessened in the long hours on the roof and Raph cursed at himself. He finally turned and made his way back to the lair where the rest of his family waited for him.

He had lied to himself for months that he didn't miss Leo and that their family would be better off without him. He had even convinced himself of that toward the end, as his hurt feelings turned more and more toward anger and resentment directed at his brother. And when Leo had returned, Raph had shown him the same courtesy that he felt Leo showed them when he left. Leo was met with nothing but anger and resentment, and Raph had felt it was justified.

He had never taken the time to think of how leaving had affected Leo, or whether Leo had even had a choice in the matter.

Raph felt the familiar feeling of guilt swell up in the pit of his stomach. This feeling was becoming a regular occurrence as the realizations of how much he had misunderstood his oldest brother and had probably mistreated him in turn were being brought to light.

He was almost afraid to turn the page and continue to read, worried of what else he would find. He took a deep breath and flipped the page, and was met with more of Leo's flowing script.

7/5/06

I feel like I have finally found a purpose in this jungle. There are disturbing wrongs going on in the small villages near my dwelling. There is a gang that resides in the area, they call themselves El Diablos Negros, or The Black Devils. I had seen them pass by in small SUVs through the paths of the jungle on many occasions, but have only just realized who they are and what they are doing. These "Black Devils" are terrorizing the people of the villages scattered throughout the jungle. They come and steal their things to sell in larger cities, they use them as their slaves, they grow and sell drugs to young kids and smuggle them to the U.S., and they evoke terror in the innocent people. I cannot allow this to continue. Someone needs to protect these people, and I have now realized that I have found a task worth doing here. This gang will regret bothering these innocent towns, of that I will make sure. I can't help but wonder if this is what Splinter would want for me to do, but I can't let these injustices go on any longer. I hope that he will be proud of me for the work I am going to do. I still miss all of them and hope that they are well.

Raph smiled slightly. So his brother had taken on some vigilante action of his own in the jungles. So he and Leo weren't so different after all. He flipped the page over and found the next entry.

8/5/06

A long time has passed since I have found time to write in these pages. I have been busy in my new task I have set for myself as protector of the villages from the Black Devils. I would like to think I have begun to make a difference. The members of the gang have been making trips to the village less frequently due to the new fear they have of the ghost of the forest. That is what they are calling me. I suppose that is what I am, an unseen figure that works in mysterious ways to those around them. No one has figured out that it is a giant mutant turtle that has been returning their stolen goods and delivering justice to the scum that tormented them for years. It is kind of fun being a legend. I am something to be respected and admired, something that I didn't get a lot of at home. Though they can not see me, I can hear them speak of me and whisper their thanks. But most importantly I feel as if I'm finally doing real good since I have arrived here. I am helping people who had no one else to turn to, and that brings me great satisfaction. I still miss my family every day that I am here. There is never a time that I don't think of them and wonder how they are doing. I have written to them a couple of times, but seeing as how I don't have an address, they are unable to write me back, so I am left to wonder how they fair. I hope that Mikey isn't causing too much trouble. I hope Donny is not spending too much time in his lab and getting plenty of sleep. I hope that Raph is keeping his anger under control and helping keep the family together. And I hope that Master Splinter is well and I hope that when I return he will be proud of the work I am doing.

"Whacha reading?" A voice from above asked. Raph quickly snapped the diary shut and looked up annoyed at his youngest brother who was eyeing him questioningly.

"Nuthin Mikey, why don't you go back to your video games?" Raph said, trying to keep the bite out of his voice at this unwanted intrusion.

"I've already beaten it." Mikey said, "So I thought I'd come over here and bother you. You've barely said two words all day. Come on, let's play something."

"I'm really not in the mood." Raph said, "Why don't you go ask Donny."

"Donny's busy with Leo." Mikey answered quickly, never taking his expectant gaze off Raph.

"Ok, then why don't you start trying to get my sais back to a normal color." Raph said tersly, trying to keep an amused smile off his face. The last thing he needed to do was encourage Mikey in the prank department.

Mikey grinned widely. "But bro, they match your eyes!" he laughed. Raph swiped out at his brother, and Mikey dodged it quickly, putting himself just out of arms reach of his brother. "So you never answered my question. Whacha reading?"

"Seriously Mikey, it's nothing. Just something I found at the lair." Raph said, trying to push the book behind him to avoid further questions. "Go find something to do. I'm sure Master Splinter would like company with Leo."

Mikey's features sombered quickly at this statement. He looked over at their father, once again lost in meditation over their brother. "Splinter's meditating." He said, turning back to Raph. "And, I just can't. I can't bring myself to see Leo like that anymore." Mikey sighed and sat down next to Raph. "Leo's always been the one that takes care of us, you know? I just can't stand to see him like that, and when I look at him, I can't see how he is ever going to recover."

Raph looked at his brother and placed a strong hand on his shoulder. "Leo's going to be fine, Mikey." He said with more conviction than he felt. "He needs our support to get through this. You need to be strong for him, like he has been for you, and all of us."

Mikey sighed. "Yeah, I know." He said. "I just miss him…" Raph swallowed hard and nodded tightening his grip on Mikey's shoulder in agreement. They sat there together silently for a few moments, both taking comfort in the others company. Finally Mikey couldn't take the quiet anymore. "Come on bro, just one game. I'll even let you win this time."

Raph rolled his eyes. "Let me win. If I remember last time I kicked your sorry shell back to the stone age." He said with a growl.

Mikey let out a bark of laughter. "Yeah right, dude. You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. And with my super quick video game moves, you'd never stand a chance."

"I'll show you what I can hit," Raph said, swiping Mikey upside the head.

"Ow, what was that for?" Mikey scoffed, rubbing the back of his head.

"For being you." Raph answered. "Now are we going to play a round or what?"

Mikey let a large grin cross his face. "Yeah! You're on!"

Raph watched as Mikey leapt up and ran off to the T.V. to pick up his controllers. He stood and walked over to join him. As he did he felt a strong hand grip his arm and looked up to see Don looking at him. "Thanks Raph." He said simply. No more words were needed. Raph just smiled hollowly, then crossed the rest of the distance to Mikey, where the video game he really didn't feel like playing was waiting.