Chapter 9

A blinding light engulfed my vision and I felt a strange sense of peace settle over me. I felt the soft grass under my hands and opened my eyes. I lay on my plastron with my arms laying in front of me – my small normal arms. I abruptly sat up not daring to believe it. It was too good to be true, but there I was on the forest floor back to my old self. I looked around to show Leo and froze to see my brother laying unmoving a few meters from me. I ran over to him, "Leo! Leo, bro wake up!"

I pushed him onto his back and knew he wasn't breathing, all too aware of the ring of bruising around his neck. I didn't have time to think. I checked his airway, determined it was clear, and began CPR. The minutes dragged on and as I was beginning to think this was the end Leo let out a haggard cough and sharply inhaled. When my elder brother opened his eyes they were brimming with pride. I could only look away in embarrassment. He whispered, "Raph… You… You came back."

I mumbled, "Didn' go anywhere."

But we both knew I had. I couldn't remember all the details but I did remember the darkness and the anger. The anger whispering to me. Showing me things that I had long forgotten. I had believed them to be the whole truth. That is until Leo's voice penetrated the void. What he showed me… Well… It… He changed things.

I glanced a look in his direction to see his eyes closed, "You ok?"

"Yeah. Just… I don't know… Tired? Shocked? Relieved? You?"

I nodded, "Same here."

We lay side by side on the cool green grass and basked in the morning sun. Leo seemed to be dozing, but I stayed awake watching soft clouds scuttle across the bright blue sky. A light breeze rustled the leaves above. I lifted up my hand and admired it in the light. Is that it? Am I really back to normal just like that?

Suddenly, Leo bolted up. "Raph! We need to get back to the lair! I just remembered my conversation with Mikey. Based on what he said I think those robots somehow managed to find the lair! Don and Mikey could be in trouble!"

"What! Really? Why didn't you tell…"

I trailed off. There was a pretty good reason why Leo hadn't told me until now. "Shit. Sorry Leo."

He shook his head. "Not your fault bro." He looked me up and down and quirked an eye ridge, "Besides on the bright side, it looks like you're going to save Don one hell of headache."

I couldn't help but smile at that. Leo picked up his katana from the ground and I now saw the deep bruises that were blossoming around his wrists. My eyes then led me to his ankles were similar marks had appeared. "Leo…"

Leo looked up from his katana and followed the line of my gaze. He sheathed his blades and fidgeted briefly with his belt, "Like I said. It's not your fault."

"But if you had-"

"Enough Raphael! It wasn't your choice to make! It was MY choice and I don't regret it for an instant. After what we just went through how can you still not understand?"

He was right. He had been right all along and after what he showed me I would never doubt it again. I shook my head and clasped him on the shoulder, "You're right Leo."

He huffed but it was more for show than actual anger. I could tell he saw the gratitude and honesty in my eyes. He unbelted my sai and handed it to me, "Here. You might need this."

I wrapped my hand around the familiar leather-wrapped handle. "Thanks. Guess I'm gonna have to get a new one. I lost track of the other at the warehouse. It's probably long gone by now."

We headed towards the river, "Leo?"

"Yeah?"

"Did Don ever take that note outta that astronomy book?"

A small knowing smile crossed Leo's lips, "Nope."

"Huh? Maybe I should hit the books again."

He glanced over mischievously, "What'd the books ever do to you?"

I lightly smacked him on the shell, "Haha. What a funny turtle."

Leo was silent. I knew he was waiting, "And uh… Did uh Mikey's inspiration ever change?"

He flashed that little smile again, "Nope."

We walked in silence for a few minutes and finally came to the riverbank. "Hey Leo?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

He nodded as a genuine smile crossed his face and we dove into the river together.

A/N And with that we are now officially done part 2! Huzzah! There will be a part 3 I just need to think a bit about how I'm going to proceed. I'm not yet sure if I'm going to write it so that it seamlessly flows back into the canon (that was the original plan). I have thought about adding some new developments first (so I guess prolonging the return to canon) but I don't want to overdo it either. I would love to hear any feedback as to what you have thought of the story so far. If you have enjoyed where this has been going it may potentially influence how I continue with events in part 3. Thank-you so much for reading and hopefully I'll see you all in part 3!