Chapter 4

When It Begins

Back when Leo was a child, first living with the Miyamoto family having Mikey clinging to him in his sleep, he used to dream of meeting their parents. But over time he had to abandoned such childish fantasies. After all he needed to be there for Mikey. He couldn't be distracted. But even with the discovery of his new father he found himself starring at the ceiling late that night. Hands behind his head. Replaying the conversation he had with his father earlier that day.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Much like how he'd spent the last 2 days, he'd be kneeling by his fathers' futon asking him questions that he'd thought would stay in his mind forever, "did you really fight alongside Dorinbo-Dono in the Rebellion?" It had been 2 days since his father had found them, and even though he wasn't rude, he was grateful for his fathers patient eyes every time he asked him a question In-fact, he was sure Master Splinter enjoyed these conversations more then he did.

"Yes it was many years ago and your grandfather had forbidden it, but I knew I had to help in the war. That's when I met Miyamoto Dorinbo, and we swore to watch each others back. A promise that allowed us both to return home alive."

"Those were the days weren't' they Yoshi?"

It was only then that Leo realized that Miyamoto and Usagi was standing right behind him, causing him to scramble to his feet and bow, "I'm sorry Dorinbo-Dono! I didn't hear you come in-"

Dorinbo smiled over at Splinter, "For the record, old friend, I have asked your son many times not to bow or kneel to me."

'I believe you Dorinbo."

Leo blushed heavily, crossing his arms. The last thing he needed was his adoptive father and his birth father comparing notes. Or his best friend laughing at him (which earned Usagi a half hearted glare). Then he noticed that something was missing," Where's Mikey-"

The sound of rushing footfalls filled the hallway behind him along with, " WAIT UP I'M COMING I'M COMING I'M COMING-"

Just from instincts alone (and from numerous similar experiences) Leo ran out into the hall grabbing Mikey's arms (which was carrying a tray a teapot and cups) just as Mikey stumbled over his own feet stopping the almost disastrous crash. Mikey blinked for a bit before it dawned on him he wasn't flat on his face then smiled at his older brother, "Thanks bro!" he was about to pull his arms away from Leos, but Leo wasn't about to let him go THAT easily and kept a grip, "Michelangelo, what have I told you about running with things in your hands? Especially breakable things?"

"Tooooo." Mikey's' blue eyes rolled around in his head to think of a answer, "Not do it?" with his big innocent smile and sad eyes. A almost lethal combination that caused Leo to sigh heavily , "Just don't do it again ok?"

Mikey nodded eagerly , but Leo knew better and simply pulled him into the room and retook his spot with his little brother at his side (ignoring the looks Miyamoto and Splinter were giving each other, which could be described as "amused"), "Sorry father." ( he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to calling Splinter that. NO matter how hard he tried.). He took the tea-pot and poured out several cups before passing them around. He had learned very early that his new father loved tea, so he wasn't surprised to see Splinter sigh in happiness upon his first sip, "Thank you, I must ask how you came up with this combination."

"That was Mikey." Leo decided to let go of his disappointment. After all, Mikey was still his baby brother and he deserved recognition, "He's always been talented at cooking and creating combinations."

"I had to!" came his little brothers mischievous voice. Why did Leo have the feeling he was about to be embarrassed again?, "Leo can't touch the kamado without setting something on fire. That's why it was outlawed in town."

"NO, no it wasn't. That's' a joke." he added quickly, looking from Splinter to Dorinbo. Unfortunately they seemed to find it quite funny. Would this never end? He scratched at a itch on his face, hoping would somehow make the blush go away. But they weren't' gathered to remind Leo that he had almost burnt down their house (5 times, big deal Mikey almost burned down the house 20 times an no one was outlawing HIM from anything besides fireworks). There was actually a reason for this meeting, he turned to his father, "Master Splinter, "(Splinter had already said he didn't mind being called that), "before you said me and Mikey had 2 more brothers."

"Yes, Raphael and Donatello, they are your younger brothers. Well, Leonardo's' at least, they are still older then Michelangelo." he gave Mikey a small smile

"And they're alive?"

"Yes. While I was a prisoner in Lord Hebi's castle, I passed my time by remaining in the Spirit Plane and ensuring my sons were alive. Though I didn't know which you were. All I knew was that you were all alive, and that's all that mattered to me."

Leo glanced at Miyamoto for a moment, and there it was. Despite the fact that Splinter answered most of their questions, when in direction to his time to a prisoner, their mother, or to the incident that separated their family Splinter would say it was for another time. But the longer time went was another night Leo would stay up wondering what Splinter was hiding. But he also had to assume that it was for the best. Splinter had only been free for a little bit (how he got free was another matter entirely) and such memories still had to be painful. So he'd be patient. But he glanced over at Miyamoto, hoping for some support. The old rabbit seemed to understand and looked back over to his old friend "I know we're waiting for you to get your strength back before we start looking for them, but if you were to tell me what direction they're in, I can start researching now and maybe it'll help us find them faster."

"Sadly I do not, the fact I happened to be in your village is entirely by chance. All I know is that they weren't in Lord Hebi's' castle, " he dipped his head slightly, "I thank your mother's spirit everyday that that wasn't the case."

That was another thing that concerned Leo, the fact that Splinter had not even talked about his time in Lord Hebi's castle. He wasn't sure what he expected to hear, but if Splinters wounds were anything to go by then it was probably best to leave it be. .Leo felt a hand fall on his shoulder, and glanced back to Miyamoto in confusion,

"I realize that this might not seem relevant my friend," Miyamoto glanced at Leo for a moment, even though he was speaking to Splinter, "but since Leonardo's first memory breakthrough, more memories have been coming to him. "

Splinter glanced over at Leonardo, "Is this true my son?

Leo glanced over at Usagi who gave him a small smile. He knew how close he and his father were (in fact, the only thing more similar was their appearances besides the fact Miyamoto had a short beard and his ear-ponytail sagged more then Usagi's', and there was the obvious height difference). So he was only half surprised that Usagi had told Miyamoto about his new memories. In-fact, he was somewhat grateful and nodded to his father, "Yes, its not much, but I remember being in a boat, holding someone's hand a three fingered hand I thought it might be Mikey's but it didn't feel right.

"Do you know what they look like?"

"NO, every time I try to it goes away. Do you know who it is?"

The smile growing on Splinters face verified it, "It was Donatello, Raphael never liked holding hands and was quite…rough. You were always worried about Donatello's healthy and the fact he didn't talk, so you were always holding his hand to keep him close. It was hard for Raphael to accept Donatello the way he was. But there was nothing you boys loved more was to go down out on that boat. It always put Raphael to sleep."

That was a pleasant thought, but Leo unconsciously reached over and gripped Mikey's' wrist, "So, Raphael was cruel?"

"No, he was passionate and impatient, but he could come off that way. That doesn't mean he didn't love his brothers."

This brought about a new ulcer in Leos' gut, between guilt he didn't remember a little brother he wanted to protect so badly and the fact he couldn't even remember him. Why? Why couldn't he remember either of his brothers?

"Leonardo."

Leo snapped out of his guilt trip and looked over at Splinter

"You must absolve yourself of this guilt, as I keep telling you the fact you're remembering anything at all is a miracle in itself. It will take time, and rest."

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo sighed heavily and rolled over, curling the blankest over his bare shoulders. He knew he shouldn't be worrying about this too much, but the fact was that he needed to. Even if they wouldn't start searching for them for a while, he needed to remember something. The mixture of those memories and the small child's hand gripping his caused him to grip the blankets under his fist, he needed to remember the little child who depended on him so much, and the boy who was so passionate. He wanted to see their faces.

The door to his room slid open at first Leo was about to brace himself when he recognize the sound of hard knees against the soft floor. A hand pushed at his shell gently at first, then more persistent. It paused only for a moment before he felt a pair of feet push on his back with a moan of effort. Leo knew who it was but instead let out a loud fake snore, pretending to still be asleep

"Leo, skooch over! Come on please!"

Leo smirked slightly then scooted over, he could feel Mikey crawl in under the blanket. When he was sure his brother was comfortable he rolled over, "Everything ok Mikey? Nightmares?"

Mikey shook his head, pulling out the pillow he had drug with him and put it under his head. His orange mask was probably in his room, so it was a little odd to see him without it, "Couldn't sleep."

He didn't believe that for a moment, after all, Mikey fell asleep in midst ride one time" So you decided to come bully me?" at least he had one brother he could tease. One brother he had memories of.

"I wanted to see if you were ok. You looked really sad when we left Splinters room. And brothers take care of each other right?"

Brothers. Despite he knew Mikey was trying to help, it didn't stop the sadness from coming out again. He found himself rubbing Mikey's arms again, "Right but I'm fine."

"I know you're sad."

"OH? How's that?"

"You act like you only rub my arms when you think I'm cold, but you do it when you're worried. It makes you feel better to think you're helping me."

Was that actually intelligent? Leo almost felt guilty for thinking that way, but it was like seeing a fish using chopsticks. Yikes that was mean too.

"You just thought something really mean didn't' you?"

"What? No, no of course not aka-chan." he hugged his little brother close before puling his blanket over him just to make sure Mikey stayed warm, "Just try to get some sleep."

Mikey glared up at him slightly, bottom lip pouting before laying his head back down, "Fine, but you got to sleep too."

"I'll try." with that he rested his head back down, arm slumped over Mikey. He had to at least TRY to sleep, the 18 year old closed his eyes, listening to his little brother's breathing as he felt himself drift into sleep.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo took a deep breath in. Despite himself he found himself enjoying getting up at early hours to go throw kata's with his father. What with having to take care of 3 little brothers, he had to take on a very adult role at a very young age (he was six in this memory, somehow he knew that). But the lessons he got from his father was the only time he had actual time to himself.

That is until Raphie started with the lessons. The little guy sure loved punching things. Leo tried to be happy with him ,but it would be a lie if Leo said he didn't miss his free time. But now he had meditation. Sure he didn't know how it worked, he certainly enjoyed the idea of being alone in this thoughts (even if it was in the storeroom). Especially now that Mikey was with father and Raphie was practicing, and Don was taking a nap.

He felt a something touch his leg. Oh not now, he tried to ignore it. But it pressed his leg again before small pitiful coughs shot through the silence his eyes shooting open when he realized what was going on, "DONNIE!"

The 2 year old turtle fell backwards at Leos loud shout. Already his light brown eyes were filling with tears of fear and Leo realized what he had just done but Don dove and slid behind a sack of rice before Leo could grab him, "Donnie!" he crawled forward and looked behind it to see his little brother huddled in the corner of the room crying softly between coughs. Right now Leo couldn't imagine a worse thing, Donnie didn't go to anyone when he felt sick let alone talk (something Leo still couldn't get him to do). Before he'd just hide under something and cough until someone found him. And the day he had gone to Leo rubbing his throat was a proud day. It meant he finally saw him as a caretaker (second mom, as Raph teased about) and because of that Splinter and Leo could treat him from getting sick. And the sight of his little brother terrified of him was enough to break his heart, "I'm sorry Donnie! I didn't mean to scare you!" he tried to reach back to get him but the toddler scooted away , Leo closed his eyes breathing deeply. Telling himself to calm down, he got on his knees, even though Donnie was only two, Leo knew he understood every word he was saying, "I know you're feeling sick, will you come here if I promise not to shout. Please? I'll help you feel better"

Donnie raised his head, the tears having finally stopped, and looked at Leo as though wondering if he was telling the truth. After what seemed like forever in his five year old mind, the toddler struggled to his feet and, using the rice bag to stabilize his legs, he scuffled over and held his arms up to him. Leo quickly scooped him up into his arms, grateful to feel the toddler press his face into Leos shoulder coughing harshly ( as terrible as that was, it meant he still thought of Leo as 2nd mom), "Its ok Donnie-chan." he rested his head against Donnie's, "Lets go lay down together, you'll feel better." he carried him out of the room. All the way to his bed room. With one hand he unfurled the futon and laid down, Donnie was already asleep when Leo laid him by his side on his stomach, rubbing his shell gently, "That's my good Otouto. You'll feel better in the morning." Leo laid his head back on the pillow. A little sleep wouldn't hurt him either.

"Is he awight?"

Leo lifted his head enough to see his four year old brother, Raphael, standing with his head poking in through the sliding door, his red bandana was slightly torn and roughed up. But that's the way it always was. It matched his personality. And this was the first time Raphael had taken a interest in Donnie's health. For some reason Raphie had no problem playing with Mikey or taking care of him, but he was always so rough with Donnie. On more then one occasion Leo would find Raphie shoving Donnie down for no good reason. It wasn't his fault, but it meant he was maturing, "Yeah he'll be ok. He's just getting rid of a bug. Are you worried?"

Raph ducked his head slightly poking the soft floors with his toes, "a wittle."

That was a especially good sign, and as much as Leo wanted to stay at Donnie side he couldn't let this go by, "Do you want to take my place? I'm sure he'd be happy to be with you too."

"Nah, nah I'm…I'm going to go help Dad with Mikey."

Before Leo could stop him, Raphie ducked out of the room and the sound of his footsteps faded in frantic fury. The blue masked turtle sighed and laid back down, rubbing Donnie's shell, "don't worry about him." he told the sleeping toddler, "he loves you very much." gently he took Donnie and held him close to his chest, relieved when (instead of whining and trying to push Leo away) he snuggled even closer, yawning loudly. As Leo began to drift off, he couldn't help but think how funny it was that his Otouto was so tiny.

The sound of a child screaming zapped him awake, the paper walls were doused in orange form outside flames and already Leo was sweating from the intense heat. The first ring of panic came when it hit him that his home was on fire.

The second came from when he realized Don was no longer in his arms. He scrambled to his feet, looking around frantically hopping that his little brother had wandered around in his sleep but the 2 year old was no where to be seen, "DONNIE!?" he shouted, wait. He wasn't 2, and Leo wasn't 6. He was 8 now. Why the shell did that matter?! His house was on fire!

Leo scrambled out and ran out the door, intense heat blasting his face and burning his eyes. He put his sleeve over his mouth coughing heavily, avoiding the fire down the hall, he turned and ran to the rooms next to his, throwing the door to Raph's door open, "Raphie Don's-" but his room was empty too. Where was Mikey!? Where was his youngest brother? The fire was growing fast and he was unable to stay there so he turned and ran down the hall, desperately searching, "RAPHIE! MIKEY! DONNIE! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

The world turned black, fading and twisting around him. Next thing he knew he was standing outside, watching his home burn o the ground, the smoke rising high and twisting into the air, he could hear Mikey on his back sobbing loudly in terror and the swords he had grabbed weighed heavily at his waist. He could still hear his father yelling for him to run but he couldn't leave, even as the large fire drew in oxygen from his very lungs. His brothers were still there, somewhere. Looking around he then saw it.

A low boat floated down the river, but that wasn't' right, that was on the shore when it wasn't in use. So that it wouldn't float away- then it hit him

Don and Raph were in that boat.

They were safe.

Leo saw that the boat was floating to the rivers edge. Close to him, if he could grab it he could pull them to the shore-

Something slammed into the ground in front of Leo, dirt blinded his eyes and sent him stumbling back rubbing at them, when a low growl filled the air, inches from his face and causing his legs to shake uncontrollably.

"LEONARDO! RUN! RUN MY SON!"

That was his father, except it wasn't the usual calm loving tone he was used to, he sounded terrified twisted with rage. Whatever it was he didn't want to be there. He turned and ran in the opposite direction, unable to ignore the feeling of air being sucked out from behind his feet, as though something had just tried to bite him.

But he couldn't stop

He couldn't even stop to see.

He had to RUN. But the image of the rowboat floating in the river alone. He had to remember.

So he could find them.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo awoke gasping for air, his tongue sticking to the top of his dry throat and his sweaty arms wrapped tightly around his sleeping brother. It took a bit to realize that they were safe. They weren't running from a burning house (or rather, Leo wasn't running with Mikey on his back), they were all safe. He allowed himself to sigh in relief and lay his sleep ridden brain back down for a moment before it hit him again.

The boat. The freaking row boat.

He knew how to find his brothers.

Leo quickly released Mikey and rolled out of bed, causing his \brother to cry out in shock,: "Leo if you had to pee just say-"

But he didn't' t care, he was already opening up a cupboard door searching around frantically till he finally found the map he was looking for. He ran out of his house and into the Miyamoto house, not even pausing to put on his shoes (but he could hear Mikey running behind him yelling). He threw open Splinters door and knelt by Splinter's sleeping form. He knew the old rat needed his rest but this was too important, "Father! Master Splinter please I need you!"

Splinters eyes shot open, as though expecting to see someone kneeling over him with a knife, but not his seventeen year old son, "Leonardo? I am normally very patient, but this is not the hour for games-"

"What's the name of the river we lived by?"

This got his attention enough to make Splinter sit up, "You remember the river?"

"Yeah! I remember the river, I remember the boat and I remember the fire." he paused, "Kind of."

"It was the Raisuhowaito River."

Leo nodded and rolled out the map, the Raisuhowaito River was really close to Murakami village, so it would be on the region map. There! A hair line river, it wasn't very long. That would work for him , "Father do you have-" he saw Splinter holding up a dipped brush, "Thank you, can you mark where our house is?"

Splinter smiled at him slightly (much how like Leo smiled at Mikey when Mikey was attempting go solve philosophy) and leaned to look over the map, "My son, what have you remembered that has made you so frantic?"

"Donatello, and Raphael. I remember them, well, I have one memory, but ]-but I remember the fire. A little bit. I think that during the fire they somehow got into the boat you used to take us out on. It probably saved their lives." he peered closer to the map, "Chances are, they floated down the river till they ran ashore. And there are only a few villages that flow away. They could have been taken in, like me and Mikey were. This is CLOSE father-"

"Leonardo."

Leo flinched at his fathers tone, strict and sharp. He quickly put his hands in his lap. Maybe he should calm down. His heart was racing uncontrollably and he was sure the sweat he had accumulated in his dreams was now coming off him in clouds of steam. But finally glanced up him.

"Leonardo, this is good work, when I am well, the three of us can go search for them-"

"No." it was out before he could stop himself. The only thing he could do was stop himself was from vomiting immediately afterward. He could hear footsteps arriving . Then he realized he might of just awoken everyone in the entire village. Luckily it sounded like it was only the Miyamoto's and Mikey. Leo could already feel the disapproving looking he got from Splinter,

"Please explain ."

Atleast he had a chance to save his life, "Father, its been ten years. I was ok with waiting when we needed to start from scratch. But now, now we know they're close." eh looked up to look at his fathers eyes. Luckily they didn't look too angry, "Every day we wait is another day we're not together. And I promised you I would keep us a family. I don't care if I was only four. I made that promise." he knew he sounded crazy. He didn't care if his father made him do flips till he was 70 (huh? Where did that come from?) this needed to be said. Despite the promise he had made to Miyamoto, he pressed his forehead onto the floor, "I understand if you don't want me to go, and I wont go without your blessing. But please, I need to protect them, they are my brothers. So please, please. Give me your blessing." what the shell was he thinking? Was he stupid?! He had to be, who runs into the their long-lost fathers room in the middle of the night, wakes them up and then told them they wanted to disregard their orders to go on a mission like a cheesy samurai tale?! Sure he loved those stories but it was better when they were the ones making a fool of themselves. He was a complete idiot. Was he? NO! Of course not! He had to find his brother's, and he wasn't leaving without his fathers blessing.

He felt a hand fall on his forehead, gently stroking it with the users thumb. He raised his head slightly to see his father looking at him, even though his eyes were sad, his lips were in a smile, , "I wish I could of seen you become the man you are today Leonardo." there was a pause in which Splinter closed his eyes, as though simply wishing for something, and Leo knew it was the same thing he wanted, "You have my blessings my son, please, go find your brothers."

Leonardo wasn't expecting that, nor was he expecting the emotion that hit him. But he maintained his composure, he wouldn't show the emotion on his face. He simply bowed again, "I will be gone before the sun rises." simply stood up and turned. He couldn't bring himself to look at Mikey, and to his best friend Usagi., but that was hardly easier, "I have no right to ask this, but would you help me prepare?"

"Of course Leonardo-san." so the two of them turned and began to head back the way Leonardo had come.

Anything to keep from looking at the tears in Michelangelo's eyes.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo looked over the items that he had had laid out on the floor of his room. It seemed to be enough, but he was grateful Usagi was there to look over his supplies. After all, Usagi was the only one who had actually left the boundaries of the village, "What do you think? I have two of everything and three of medical supplies, that's' enough right?"

"I would think so."

Uh oh, there was something he hadn't thought of. He knew Mikey was definitely not going to be happy. He atleast had experience with that, what with him being Mikey's' only actual guardian (well, Miyamoto counted too) he had to do a lot of things that were best for him. But right now it didn't seem to be best. Maybe it was selfish., "Usagi?" In the past he normally called up on old tales and experiences. But he had a feeling that wouldn't work here

"yes?"

"AM I doing the right thing?"

"Are you asking me if going out to search for your two long lost brothers to help reunite your family is the right thing to do? Of course it is Leonardo."

"Buuut" there was something he wasn't adding

"But," there we go, "this is not going to be easy on our little brother, I hope you deal with that situation with carefulness."

"Me too Usagi." the truth was he didn't know how to handle it All he needed to know was one thing, "Usagi, can I ask you a favor?"

"Yes?"

'I don't know how long I'm going to be gone, and we both now that Mikey gets into his fair share of trouble-"

:"I have no problem looking after Michelangelo while you're gone."

And that's why that was his best friend. He could always rely on him,. He packed away the items laid out before hearing the front door slide open. Turning he saw Mikey standing in the doorway, a wrapped up blanket full of items that Mikey probably thought was important and his nun chucks tucked into his belt. Usagi must of sensed a conflict because he took his swords and walked by Mikey, patting him on the shoulder before leaving. Mikey couldn't' even look at him his eyes were glaring at Leo with determined look on his face. Leo already knew what he wanted, "Sorry you're not coming with me."

"Y-yes I am." and there was Mikey's 'adult voice', "Because if I can't go with you then you're not going."

"Mikey-"

'No, don't- don't talk to me like I'm a stupid kid Leonardo!" yikes, when Mikey tried using full names (he once called Usagi "Usaginoardo") he was about to blow a fuse, "You-you said that what I say matters to you. So-so either take me with you or we stay here."

Leo sighed, he placed the items he had gathered and placed them all onto a blanket and carefully rolled it up. He had just tied it off when suddenly it was snatched away, looking over he saw Mikey standing against the wall holding it tightly to his chest. "Let it go Mikey."

'NO, you heard me! Either all or none!"

"NO, what's going to happen is that YOU are staying here with Usagi and Master Splinter and I am leaving." his tone was hard. As though being just as stubborn would help Mikey see his way

"NO!" Mikey couldn't even look at Leo now, he hugged the bag tightly to this chest and his chin to his chest. Leo knew that he was imagining that that alone could keep Leo here. Mikey being this stubborn would normally send Leo into lecturing mode. But he knew that would only cause Mikey to rebel, so he set into 'older brother mode', "Mikey?" he spoke softly

Mikey winced slightly, "D-don't say it0"

"Mikey I NEED you to stay here. To connect with our father."

"NO I need to help you"

"This is helping, and you're the one that always says I treat you like a child."

"I never meant it!" Mikey's' grip on Leo's bag tightened even more. First attempt failed, best to try again. He needed his little brother to understand, " you know that! I- don't' want you to leave Leo! You're my big brother and I-I" already the emotion was building in his voice.

Ok first attempt failed. But he couldn't' give up, he had to get Mikey to understand. He took a few steps forward and closed the gap between him and his little brother, "Mikey?" he said quietly. Judging by the young turtles flinch he had gotten his attention," remember when we first lived in the Miyamoto house? We used to share a room. And all those storms would pound our village in the dead of night? You used sneak into my bed and it would calm you down to make up stories about our family. And to keep me up all night, You said that our father was the greatest samurai in the land, but I know you only said that to make me feel better." he looked for reaction but Mikey's' chin stayed plastered to his plastron, "And you said that our mother could turn entire countries to her favor, "he placed his hands onto Mikey's' shoulders, " You said that it would be awesome to have a house full of family. To have a house full of brothers and sisters. A million at minimum, if I remember correctly. Now, it might not be a million, but we do have two more brothers out there, and I have a chance to help them. I have a chance to give US a family. don't you want to meet them?"

Mikey nodded sadly, Leo raised his hand to gently pat him on the head

"L-Leo?"

"Yes Mikey?"

"C-can I stay with you tonight?

"Of course you can,"

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo ran his hand over the horses coat, It was fair to say that the horse was quite beautiful dark brown horse. He remembered taking care of it many times. specially picked out by Dorinbo-Dono himself. It was another reason that Leo would always be grateful to the old rabbit, but it would never truly be repaid. Wow that was a dark thought, then again that's what happens when you get up before the sun rises. Leo had already said his good byes to his father and the headmen, it was short and formal (with advice from Dorinbo-Dono to ALWAYS drink upstream from a heard of animals). After all the sooner the better. In response to the cold misty air, he picked up the white horo he had gotten as a gift and pulled it on. There, for some reason he and Mikey always got sluggish when it was cold out, he tied his wrapped bag onto the back of the horses kura, everything was in place he gave one last tug to see fi the horses were secure to the post, "Alright then, I'm off." he said mostly to himself then to Usagi and Mikey, who stood right behind him.

Now came the hard part.

He reached out and laid a hand on Usagi's shoulders. His best friend, his surrogate brother, "Please, PLEASE make sure that Mikey doesn't destroy the village while I'm gone, ok?"

"That is no mere task, but I will do my best." there was a small chuckle behind Usagi's voice. Which was no small task itself.

But this one was. In the whole time that they had been standing outside Mikey had his eyes plastered to his feet. That was Mikey for you, trying so hard to be a adult when all he wanted was to go and throw a smoke bomb in the school. Or rather, in this case, be with his brother. But Leo had to be strong. He couldn't be swayed. He had never told anyone this, but , even before al this started he was grateful to have been in THIS village ,where his brother could be himself.

Leo walked up to Mikey, he didn't want to force his brother to react or say bye if he didn't want to, so he simply smiled sadly touched Mikey's arm to show where he stood, "Are you really that mad at me that you can't look at me?"

Mikey shook his head furiously, obviously still upset with him. Leo sighed sadly, accepting the fact that was the probably the best the was going to get from him. But as he began to pull his arm away Mikey threw his arms around Leo's chest and buried his face in it, shaking uncontrollably, squeezing him as tightly as he could, "I-I love you big brother." his voice muffled by the sheer force of his hug

Leo fought the emotions that were rising in his throat, he raised his arms and hugged his brother back, placing a hand on the back of his head, "I love you too aka-chan" he gently nuzzled the top of Mikey's' head. All of his emotions, selfish and brotherly were telling him to stay there. That his brother needed him there. But the voice of reason was much stronger, he knew he had to leave. He lessened his hug slightly to show Mikey it was time to let go, but the younger turtle obviously wasn't ready because he clung to Leo even tighter. With a small glance at Usagi, the rabbit reached forward and took Mikey by the shoulders, "Come on Orenji-chan, its time to let him go."

Slowly Mikey released his hold, till his was gripping Leo's wrist with both hands, "You-you can't take too long ok?"

"I wont take any longer then I have to aka-chan."

"G-g-ood." almost painfully Mikey finally allowed Usagi to pull him away. The second he did Leo undid the knot in the reins and began to walk away. He wanted to look back so badly, to see his little brother again. But he knew that by now Mikey would already be crying, and the sight of that would break Leo's resolve altogether. He focused his concentration on holding onto his reins, his head down. When he thought we was far away enough he swung onto the kura and began to gallop away.

He couldn't let Mikey see the tears running down his face

Leo; What?! I'm crying?! why am i crying?

Charmy: OH you know why, its hard to leave your only family behind. Its very masculine.

Leo: Oh please, this is embarrassing

Charmy: You'll be fine. its all about you becoming a man and a leader. There's nothing sad about

Raph: What's SAD is that you have nothing better to do on a night with no school!

Charmy: oh you are SO inspirational Raphie boy. *goes into cave*

Leo: dang it Raph, you better not get me killed off!

Charmy: *from cave* Oh you're all going to WISH you were killed off!

Mikey: thanks alot Raph!

Raph; Worth it.

Mikey: Was it? Was it?