Leonardo swung one leg over edge of Raph's hammock. He felt he needed to be in Raph's room. A way to memorize his brother in all his hot headed glory. Racing and motorcycle magazines lay strewn all over the floor. His blanket still on the floor where it was left from the morning before the attack. Dust collected on the exercise equipment in the corner, weights still stacked neatly against the bar. Everything was still in place minus Raphael's sais. Leonardo carefully set them on the top of the dresser. The metal still glinted in the dim light. He refused to even so much as touch anything in his brother's room. Leo had tried sleeping in his bed but felt too strange. The lair remained unusually quiet without his brother chasing Mikey or yelling at Don to get his shell into bed. He even missed his fights with the hot head. "Why, why does it have to be him that feels the need to protect this family? I am leader; it is my responsibility." Leo closed his eyes for a brief moment. Then he just remembered to take over from Don. Jumping down, a slight movement caught the corner of his eye. Hand to his katana, he braced for another illusion from his dark half. Looking again, his eyes went wide in amazement. "Hey Fearless, what'cha doin in ma room?" Raphael stood in the corner of his room with his arms crossed in front of his plastron. His usual grin plastered on his face. Leo stood stunned. He rubbed his eyes; unsure if it is another mind trick of if brother really is standing there. Even after several times, Raphael still stood against his door. "Hey bro, ya can relax now. I ain't gonna fight with ya or anything." Leo realized his hand still reached for his katana. He let out a nervous laugh. "Oh sorry bro just instinct." Leo nervously laughed. He didn't want to mention anything about Dark Leo or the nightmares. However; Raphael is already aware of what is going and that is why he doing what he can to help his brothers. He knew the moment Leonardo first passed out thinking he saw blood that wasn't there. He vowed at that moment to keep his brothers going and their hope from dying. Although, projecting himself to his brothers cost him more energy than originally thought. But he realized it the only way to keep his brothers from falling victim to their dark halves. He didn't care though, this is his family and he will protect them; even if it did mean his death. "How are you even here Raph? You're wounded and dying; speaking of, where did your wounds go?" Leo just noticed at that point that Raphael had not one trace of blood on him. Leonardo moved closer to get a better look. "I don't understand. I watched as we attacked you; as I stabbed you with my katana." Confusion splayed across the leader's face. "I failed you as a leader, as a brother." Leo hung his head. Raphael uncrossed his arms and made his way to his brother. Just as he did with Donatello and Michelangelo, he enveloped Leonardo in a full hug. Leo let his brother hug him although he knows it is not Raphael's style. "Don't worry bro; let me take care of this and everything will be alright. You'll see." Leo sobbed into Raph's shoulder. He didn't care anymore; he just wanted his brother back. "Leo ya gotta stop doing this ta yerself. It's not healthy. Quit blaming yerself for what happened to me; it's not yer fault." Leo continued to stand still. "Yes it is Raphael, everything is my fault. You're dying all because I didn't listen to you. How can you even say it's not?" Raphael hated when Leo got in these moods as usually they are hard to break him from them. Yet as his immediate younger brother, he always knew just how to get Leo out. "Listen Leo; things happen ok. We're ninja and we take risks everyday and sometimes we get hurt. Doesn't mean ya failed; only means ya know how to control the battle to come out alive. You're a good brother Leo and ya take care of us." Raph patted his brother's shell. "But how is attacking you taking care? Tell me Raphael; did we attack you?" Just as with the others; he pushed Leo away just enough to level his eyes with his. "Now listen ta me Leo; let me take care of this and everything will be alright. Just leave it ta me. I know what I'm doing. I want you to promise something though; no matter what happens; stay the great leader and brother you are and keep Donnie from staying up too late and Mikey from playing too many video games. Will ya do that for me and I'll work on not fighting with ya so much." Leo nodded. "Good bro now check on Donnie and Mikey. They need ya." With that Raphael faded.
Leo blinked several times as the room came back into focus. The spot where Raphael had been standing; now empty. "Thanks Raphael."
