After a while his breathing slowed, filling his lungs up and shakily releasing the used-up oxygen. Unless he moved, Leonardo found that the pain muffled itself, giving him a sort of relief. Black dots danced in front of his eyes, the creeping darkness becoming imminent. He began to let himself drift into the back of his mind. Memories of his life swept in front of him. His mind found its way to his brothers; more specifically; to the last time he saw them.

Master Splinter had invited the eldest turtle into his room and told him of the task that the old rat had planned out. A year in the jungle would undoubtedly hone his senses. Excitement and fear clawed at Leo's heart when his father told him he would be gone for so long. It would be an adventure, but one that the rest of his family would not partake in.

Immediately Leonardo reported the news to the others. Mikey and Don were obviously hurt, though they tried to hide it. Raph didn't show any sign of emotion; he just glared back without a word. His lack of reaction hurt his older brother, but Leo hid his feelings as well.

Time moved too quickly, and Leo wanted to spend every minute with his brothers. He would play video games with Mikey, Don was teaching him about the Aztecs and some of the culture the blue-clad turtle would encounter, and Raph insisted on sparring. Or arguing. Or both.

Three days later, it was time to leave. The boys all gathered in the living room to say goodbye. Casey and April were waiting topside to see Leo off to the airport.

Splinter had already said his farewells and gave his words of caution to his son, he felt it was important that the brothers got to say goodbye by themselves.

Donnie stood as straight as he could, as if tied to a plank. His eyes were moist with tears.

"Take care of 'em while I'm gone," Leo said, trying to mask the sadness in his voice, as he reached for his little brother and gave him a tight hug.

"Don't get malaria, k?" the genius replied, letting a tear slip. Leo put on a half-hearted smile and gave a little laugh.

"I'll try"

He hadn't even thought about the diseases that awaited him down there, it was just one more thing to add to the list.

Their arms drifted apart and Leo moved to Mikey. His baby brother already had tears streaming down his face. It broke Leo's heart.

Without warning, Mike shot forward and clung to Leo's middle, almost crushing him.

"Don't go!" he yelled, choking back sobs. The mood got even darker then. Leo awkwardly returned the hug, squeezing tightly, but gently, being as loving as he could to comfort the youngest. After a long while, Leo tugged on Mike's arms and hoisted him up so that their eyes met. Mikey's everything was trembling. His mask was soaked from the tears that continued to rain down his cheeks. Leo couldn't do it anymore, at the sight of his baby brother in such misery, his eyes teared up and he let out a choked sob. With that, the two embraced again, - this time like normal people - trying to comfort one another.

Finally Mikey loosened his grip, allowing Leo to pull away.

"Try to behave, ok?" Leo asked, again, feigning a smile. The younger turtle sniffed and nodded, then looked down at his feet.

Now it was just Raph that remained. He stood away from the others, with his arms crossed against his chest, a look of disgust on his face.

Leo took a second to wipe away the tears that had accumulated in his eyes. Once he felt they were dry, he continued over to his immediate younger brother. It hurt him to see the red-clad turtle look at him with such disdain. Leo could only hope that Raphael felt some sort of brotherly bond between them, but the look in his eyes spat otherwise. The leader in blue didn't care how his hot-headed sibling felt. He would miss his sarcasm and mindless quarreling as much as he would the others. He held out his arms in a welcoming gesture, but Raph just huffed. Leo instead reached one hand out and grabbed one of Raph's meaty shoulders and squeezed it.

"Love ya bro" he said in a sad, hollow tone. That glare. It shot daggers into Leo's body and soul.

Leo walked over and picked up the small pouch of necessities he chose to bring with him. He stood and smiled at his brothers. It took all of his effort to not burst out in tears, and beg Splinter to reconsider. But he knew this would be a great learning experience. He knew that he would see his brothers again - or so he hoped.

Now unable to speak past the lump in his throat, the oldest of the four waved his hand goodbye. As he turned and walked out of the lair, his face contorted in pain and grief.

Kind of like it did now, but with less grief, and tenfold the pain.

The memory brought about new strength. Leo managed to pull himself up and was limping onward. The bleeding was slowing down, but he couldn't tell if it was clotting or running on empty.

Despite this, he paused to tie some bandages around the wounds. His mask covered the hole in his leg nicely, staunching the blood altogether. Using his teeth and uninjured arm, he undid his wrist bindings and retied them around his forearm. Tightening the strips stung horribly, but through gritted teeth the ninja was able to put up with the pain.

He had to keep moving.

Every step was more unbearable than the last. The constant nagging at the back of his mind was reminding him of the peace that a short nap would bring. Leo fought the urge to lay down and instead faced the pain.

Finally he was able to pick out a sign that he had carved into a tree. Had he not fallen to it for support, his blurred vision would surely have missed it. His heart sank as he gathered in his surroundings. With the bright moonlight he could tell; the cave was still far off.

He cursed under his breath, but kept on walking.

It didn't occur to the broken turtle that the cave would offer very little support. It had food and shelter, yes, but it could do no more to help. It was merely a light at the end of a dark tunnel, it promised nothing.

His strides were pathetic now. Right leg would move half a foot, then the other would drag behind. Doubt began to claw at Leonardo's mind again. It hurt so much. He would be crying now had he not been completely dehydrated.

Suddenly his mind began to focus on water and the craving that his body had for the life sustaining liquid. His mouth and throat were dry from panting so heavily. Water. Oh how he wanted a drink.

His subconscious took control of his legs and he changed course to find a nearby cenote. With his mind so concentrated on one thing, the pain blurred a bit, allowing for a slightly better pace.

Soon he found himself at the mouth of the cenote. It was probably only four feet down, but descending it would be the equivalent to climbing Everest.

Leo stopped and dropped to his knees. He was too tired to continue. Once more he looked up to the sky, which was now pink from the morning sun, and let out a shuddering breath. He thought of how careless and foolish he had been; about how this all could have been so easily avoided.

His body tipped forward, limp, as he fell down into the water. Then there was darkness.