The doors opened, and Donatello watched his brothers tense up, Leo in particular. The blue leader was watching the door as if it were a snake about to bite him, and his swords were held in shaking hands. The brainiac held back a sigh as he watched the eldest out of the corner of his eye. Mikey put it pretty succinctly when he said that Leo's current state was freaking him out, Donatello was feeling pretty freaked out himself.

As the, somewhat reluctant, family medic, Donatello was concerned for his brother's physical health as well as mental. Especially mental. The purple ninja shuddered when the memory of his brother's emotional breakdown came back in startling technicolor. Of all the crazy things he's seen in his adventures with his brothers, Don didn't think he'd be exaggerating to say the worst was walking through the door to see his strongest brother curled up on the ground, convulsing with heaving sobs.

Donatello had never seen Leo cry. He wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing, but judging by the way his big brother was a complete emotional mess, probably a bad thing. Either way, the purple banded turtle's heart gave an uncomfortable twist when he thought back to that moment, and everything that led up to it. From the clones using their faces to say horrible things to his brother, things that he apparently believed about himself. All the way to Leonardo losing it, and screaming his pain at them, admitting things Don knew he had never told anyone before. The look of horror and disgust that Leo had, all before he ran from them, Don didn't think he'd ever forget it.

He wasn't surprised when they found Leo crying, to be honest. In that moment, Don was reminded just how young his big brother was. Which, he was shocked to realize, was something he apparently forgot. He could remember that they were teenagers, because they had the ability to act their age. But Leo, he was forced to grow up so fast. He never got to goof off they way they could. Every day their leader would train by himself, train with them as a team, put them through lessons he developed himself, and while they spent the day doing their respective hobbies, Leo would continue training in some form or fashion. However, that maturity Leonardo carried so well was stripped away as soon as the cave spirit got her claws into him. The blue ninja had never looked so young as he did when he sat sobbing into his knees on the cave floor.

If that wasn't bad enough, Donatello was worried about the strain being put on Leo's body.

Emotional melt downs were taxing, panic attacks exhausting, and Leonardo was trapped in an extended breakdown. There was massive pressure on his leader's heart, and Don was concerned about the possibility of a stroke. The shaking in his hands was getting worse, and if Don watched carefully, he could tell by the way his leader squinted his eyes, Leo was probably struggling with another one of his migraines. Leo always hid his migraines, just like he hid everything else that he struggled with. It had always irritated the purple turtle how Leo would make a fuss about the smallest injury on any of them, but never put very much importance on his own.

A chill shot through Donatello's heart when a startling question pierced his brain. What if Leo was hiding more than they thought? He certainly didn't seem to notice the trembling in his fingers, and as per usual, he didn't alert them about his headache. What if their leader was familiar with mental breakdowns to the point that he wasn't aware of what was happening? What if this has been going on longer than anyone knew? Had they all just missed the signs? Had HE, the smartest member of the family, completely neglected the health of his eldest brother?

The primary symptoms of a mental or nervous breakdowns was migraines, changes in appetite, and problems sleeping. All things Leonardo struggled with. The guy barely ate breakfast, and ate like a bird the rest of the day. The guy sometimes would stay up all night training, and as he said before, everyone in the lair knew that Leo suffered from often debilitating migraines. What if their leader had been suffering from these attacks and been hiding them from the team for years? The more that Donatello thought about it, the more it made sense.

Donatello released a shaky breath, how could he have been so blind? He was suppose to have Leo's back. However, they all had been so lost in their own world, hobbies, training, whatever pulled at their interest; everyone forgot that even the strongest family member was not a robot made of steel. How long had Leo been silently crying out for help, but ignored because the family didn't take the time to look, and ask the uncomfortable questions? Don clenched his fist, his teeth gritting in a quiet, determined promise that he would do better by his brother and leader.

They had a lot to talk about when they got out of here, primarily on making sure Leo started getting some real rest, and actually eating what was healthy for a teenage mutant ninja turtle. No more skipped meals, no more constant training, the guy was going to have to get used to at least one day off a week, and if Donatello could convince his leader, then Leo would also get some vacation time. Leo was too young to struggle with the health problems he carried from too much stress. He needed at least a week off every now and then to rest his mind and body. He wasn't sure if Leo would actually go along with it, but after the outburst he'd witnessed, Leo definitely needed it. His heart surely can't take any more strain.

That in itself was a sobering thought. Don saw the added sweat coating his brother's skin, and had felt his heart racing worryingly fast when he had been rubbing Leo's neck. Leo was already at a breaking point that would have sent most people into cardiac arrest, what if they didn't make it out in time before the inevitable? They were only one challenge down, and the scientist felt nauseas at the thought of his brother stroking out before they could escape the caves. With the amount of stress that he was under, Leo was definitely at risk. He'd have to do something, and quickly.

"Yo, egg head," Raph's brusque tones cut through the storm of Don's swirling thoughts, "you doin' ok?"

"Huh?"

Donatello snapped back into reality, and quickly blushed when he realized that he was still standing like a dummy in front of the, now open, doors. Leo and Mikey had already traversed down the stairs, their voices quiet as the orange banded turtle gave his best to try and cheer up his eldest brother. Leo still looked strained, but his navy blue eyes sparkled with unrestrained fondness as he watched his baby brother act out for his benefit. Don shook his head, and drew in a deep breath, "Yeah, Raph, at least I will be."

Raphael's features were heavy with concern and grief, the bombastic turtle looking deflated and tired. Don could relate. "Yeah, I know that look," the red ninja rumbled softly, "and I've been doin' some thinkin' too."

"Worried about Leo?"

The laugh that came from his brother rode on a short exhale, a breathless exclamation of how much of an understatement that question was, "Worried, terrified, sick," Raphael admitted softly, "plus a whole load of guilt."

Donatello nodded slowly, yeah, they were all feeling guilty for the monumental failure at taking care of their brother. "I think," the scientist started slowly, piecing the words he wanted to say together as carefully as he would one of his gadgets, "when we get out of here, we need to have a long talk."

Raph nodded enthusiastically, "I'm not one fer touchy-feely stuff, but there are some things that need ta be said," he growled, "and some new ground rules for our leader over there."

"Agreed," the scientist nodded, then shifted his tone to a whisper "Raphie, I need to talk to you about something real quick."

The red clad turtle cocked his head, confusion wreathed on his features, "Me?" He asked incredulously, "what can I do?"

"I'm concerned about Leo's health," Donatello replied somberly, "I'm sure you noticed how fast his heart was beating back there, right?"

At Raphael's nod, Don continued, "I'm sure Mikey has already noticed, which explains his impromptu comedy routine down there, no doubt to calm him down. However, I'm anxious about the effect that this prolonged stress is having on his body."

"Particularly, his heart," Raph nodded, catching where his brother was going.

The scientist heaved a sigh, leaning on his Bo staff for support, "Yeah," he chewed his bottom lip in indecision before admitting his fear, "Raphie, if we don't get him out of here soon," Don floundered, then took a deep breath "he could have a stroke, or even a heart attack from the sheer amount of stress he's under…I'm scared."

Raphael kept a steady gaze on his younger brother, his hotheaded nature currently shuttered as the older turtle paused. Don could see the gears turning in his big brother's head, could tell that Raph was considering his words carefully before he opened his mouth, "I'm not gonna let that happen," he asserted confidently, "We're goin' ta get outta here, Donny, I promise. And when we do, I'm gonna tie that stubborn idiot ta his bed, and force him to rest. That way ya don't have ta worry about him."

"I was actually considering some enforced down time," Donatello smiled, happy he and his older brother were on the same page, "maybe something like vacation time, and one day off a week?"

Raphael shook his head, worrying Don for a split second before the red turtle growled, "The guy needs a solid weekend. Two days off, like everybody else. If I get a Saturday and a Sunday ta goof off with Casey, then Leo needs those days ta do something that ain't trainin'."

Donatello laughed, his heart lifting with hope. "Sounds like a plan, my brother." He joked.

"Now ta convince Captain Stubborn, over there."

The purple turtle shrugged, "We'll make it work. After everything that has happened in these caves, hopefully Leo realizes that we mean well and only want the best."

"We can't come across like we think he's damaged though," Raph counseled, face somber "he's already scared that we're gonna think less of him when we get outta here. We have ta show it to him like a battle plan or somethin', ya know? In a way he can't argue or feel like we are lookin' down on him."

"Well, look at you!" Donatello marveled, "I think you're two for two right now. First that uplifting pep talk to Leo a few minutes ago, and now you're giving very succinct advice about how to convince Leo to take time off. I'm impressed!"

Raphael rolled his eyes, but Don didn't miss the slight blush that glowed under the red material of his mask, "Yeah, whatever," he growled, "anyway, I'll make sure our leader stays calm for you. For now, let's just get this next challenge over with."

The purple banded turtle smiled gently, eyes beaming with gratitude at his brother, before finally casting his gaze to their newest challenge ground. Donatello's jaw dropped, "Whoa," he said, echoing Michelangelo's statement from the last chamber.

"Yer tellin' me," Raphael chuckled, "this room makes the last one look tiny."

He wasn't lying. This chamber was enormous. The ceiling so high above them that Don couldn't see it beyond the gloomy darkness. However, that wasn't the most impressive thing about the area.

As far as the eye could see, Donatello found countless shelves full of books. Ancient tomes alongside crumbling scrolls, while a heavy fog from the humid cave system hung among the rows, making the scene eerie as if it were from a dream. Or a nightmare, Don mused quietly. If the situation weren't so dire, the brainiac would have been ecstatic. When they trained with the ninja tribunal, he loved spending time in the library. Being a mutant, he hasn't had much access to books beyond what he found in trash heaps. This was a treasure trove that Don dearly wanted to dive into, but he restrained himself. This was a test, and they still didn't know what to expect.

…..

Leo turned to see Don and Raphael making their way down the stairs, and breathed a sigh of relief. When the door opened, Donatello had just stood there, his gaze cloudy, they way it does when he's deep in thought. The blue ninja was about to tap his brother on the shoulder, but Michelangelo had quickly commandeered his attention, pulling him away and down the stairs. A quick glance stolen over his shoulder showed their resident hothead addressing Donny, his tones uncharacteristically gentle. Donatello had eventually responded, much to the leader's relief, and seeing his younger sibling in good hands, Leo allowed himself to be led away after that.

The blue ninja couldn't help but marvel at the change in his team. For one thing, no one had held it over his head that he had lost it back there. Not even Raph had given him a hard time, there had been no teasing him through remarks about his crying on the floor like a child. Instead, he had received support. The strong arms of his siblings, tenderly holding him as he dried the tears from his cheeks, and speaking words of reassurance. It was an amazing feeling.

The other change lay mostly in his immediate younger brother. Raph was always the most bombastic of the quadruplets. His passion for a good fight second only to his loyalty for his family. The guy would be the first to tell you that he didn't do feelings. And yet, here he was, choosing to step out of his comfort zone and be an emotional anchor to his brothers. It honestly amazed Leo to no end, and the leader found himself inspired by the change.

If Raphael could step up like that, why couldn't he?

The blue clad turtle gave a happy nod, asserting within himself that he would grow for the better as well. He didn't quite know what that meant yet, but he was open to suggestions. And for the first time in so many years, Leonardo felt hopeful about the future, simply because he knew his team had his back. They would stand guard over him in his weak moments, without derision or judgment, and he would do the same for them. Watching his brothers descend the stairs, Leo couldn't hold back the grin that stretched his features. He really was lucky to have them.

"Well, there's something I've missed since we got down here," Donny called, he and Raphael only a few steps away. "Definitely makes me feel a lot better."

"What?" Leonardo cocked his head in confusion.

His brothers laughed at his expression before Donny answered, "Your smile," he shrugged "this adventure has been a little stressful on all of us, but on you especially. I've been worried."

The leader deflated, his features growing slack with guilt, "I'm sorry, Donny."

"Nuh-uh!" The brainiac exploded, leaping forward to clamp his hands over his brother's lips, "I did not say that so you could fall into a funk! No need to apologize, I just wanted to say that it's nice to see you smiling, even with everything that's happened."

Leo sighed, but meekly nodded anyway. Don slowly released his brother, and then leaned back, "Very good," he grinned, "now, let's get started on this, shall we?"

Fear gripped the blue ninja's heart in an icy vise, prompting him to grab his smartest brother on the shoulder before he walked past, "Donny…?"

The brainiac clasped his Leo's hand with one of his own. "Don't worry, Leo, I'm going to be fine."

"But what if you disappear like Raph?" Strong fingers tightened on his brother's bicep, the leader's worry apparent in his features, making him appear so much younger.

"Then you'll get me back," Donatello stated with unwavering confidence. "I trust you, big brother."

Leonardo pondered his sibling's words, his shoulders drooping, then with a strong yank he pulled Don in for a tight hug.

The purple turtle smiled, melting into his brother's embrace, offering comfort to their team mother hen. However, the moment didn't last long. The scientist frowned at the the way his leader's frame trembled, one hand unconsciously cupping the blue turtles neck to feel the now racing pulse. "Leo," he said softly, "you need to calm down. Your heart is beating too fast. Just take some deep breaths with me so we can slow it down, ok?"

Leonardo nodded, a tear trickling down his face to land on Donatello's neck. Raphael and Mikey started at the statement, both looked scared. Donny gently waved them off with a flick of his fingers, his features silently asking them to stay calm. Eye ridges furrowed, but both stepped back, turning around to give the duo some privacy. The team medic began deep, exaggerated breaths; waiting until Leo joined in. The leader followed his younger brother's instructions, and Donny gave a sigh of relief when the hammering beat returned to a gentle throb.

"That's better." He praised leaning back, giving Leo a congratulatory pat on the shell Don separated himself from the embrace, "we need to keep an eye on that, ok? Promise me that if you get stressed and your heart starts racing like that again, you'll tell me, or at least take a moment to do those breathing exercises? Deal?"

Leonardo gave a weak smile, his answer riding on a shaky breath, "I'll try my best."

"Nuh-uh," Donny disagreed, wagging a finger in his brothers face, "what did our dear Master Yoda say about trying?"

Navy blue eyes blinked in surprise at the sudden reference before they brightened with recognition, "Do or do not, there is no try."

"Very good," Donatello grinned, then sauntered past his brother to the final step.

Pausing for a moment, Don considered the next move. Literally. If things followed in the same pattern, then he would likely be whisked away, like Raphael had. Looking over his shoulder, he assessed his oldest brother, a pang piercing his chest at how lost Leo looked. The blue ninja had his arms wrapped around his torso, as if he were trying to physically hold on to the hug they just shared. Raw fear shimmered in the navy eyes, and Donatello felt a protective surge swell under his plastron.

It wasn't a completely foreign feeling, they all felt protective of each other. They had hated when the ninja tribunal singled Leo out, spitting at him, demeaning him, as if he were barely worth acknowledging. When he was going through his massive depressive episode, they all were eaten alive with frustration and terror over how deeply their leader had spiraled. And back when Leo had gotten so hurt he had slipped into a coma, and Master Splinter had been so scared that he wouldn't survive the night, even Raphael had shed a few tears.

However, this time it felt different. It was as if the roles were reversed, and Leonardo was the youngest brother instead of Mikey, while he and Raphael were the oldest. Donatello mused that this must be what Leo felt for them. That feeling that if anyone touched him, or made him upset, they would meet a grisly and painful end. With no forensic evidence left behind. The thought made Don have to bite back a chuckle.

The purple banded ninja shook his head, there wasn't time for him to get lost in his head. They needed to get this challenge over with. So, if it meant he was taken captive, then so be it. Bracing himself for what was to come, Don squared his shoulders then took the final step off the stair.

…

Leonardo couldn't help the startled cry when Donny inevitably disappeared, he knew it was coming, but once again he couldn't keep his reactions locked down. This time though, they couldn't find the place where Donatello was being held. Unlike with Raphael, the brainiac wasn't in their line of sight. Despite the breathing exercises, Leo felt his heart start racing all over again, fear for his brother's wellbeing freezing his insides. Rubbing his arms, the leader scuffed the ground with a disconsolate foot, giving a small groan.

The blue turtle was exhausted.

The stress, the way his heart wouldn't slow down, the constant whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It was all so draining. Leo desperately wanted to find somewhere to sit down and sleep for a few moments, but he had a brother to save. Maybe he would take Donny's advice to rest after they finish this challenge. He had a feeling they could all use the rest, and those corridors were probably the safest place in this cave. He was certain he could convince his brothers. Just a short Power Nap. Preferably in a turtle pile. Yeah, that sounded awesome.

"So, what are you thinking about that's got you looking all wistful?"

Leo startled at Mikey's voice, blinking away the daydream to give his youngest brother his full attention. Whether it was because of the inability to control himself, or the cave was starting to make him be more honest with his brothers, Leo couldn't help but answer, "Power nap in a turtle pile," he stated succinctly, voice devoid of emotion, "I want one after this. I'm tired."

Mikey blinked slowly, surprised that he even got an answer at all, "Wow, dude," he said, "you must be tired if you're volunteering for a turtle pile."

"Please?"

Michelangelo's face twisted into one of the adoring looks he usually gave to his cat, klunk. Reaching up, Mikey patted his oldest brother on the head, "Well, I'm not against it. You know I'm always up for cuddling."

The two turned to look at Raph, who was about to turn down the request in his usual manner, but stopped when he got a good look at the pleading eyes. One boisterous and full of life, though certainly tainted by the fatigue of the stress of their situation. The other heavy with exhaustion, raw and strained, begging for a safe place to rest. Both needed reassurance that everything would turn out for the better. Giving a shrug, the resident hot head nodded.

"Fine, I'll join yer turtle pile." He growled, though without any heat "I'm tired too, and it'd be nice ta get some rest before finishin' the rest of these challenges."

Leo nodded his agreement, "That sounds awesome," he hummed, "let's save Donny, and then, we take a nap."

A smirk quirked Raphael's features, and the red clad terrapin threw an arm around his big brother's shoulders, "Let's do that."

Leo sighed, allowing his head to drop to his brother's shoulder. The leader couldn't deny that he actually was enjoying the ability to be open with his team. He'd never been so honest in front of them, and after the outburst in the previous chamber, Leo found that now that the dam had been breached he couldn't reestablish his old walls. The emotions he felt were so much more powerful now. He couldn't hide how he felt behind a mask, he couldn't pretend that he was fine and box away his insecurities and prioritize the mission.

But he wasn't being rejected the way he expected, that being the prime reason why he'd hidden his true feelings away. He'd rationalized it that a leader wasn't supposed to be emotional. At least, that was what Master Splinter always told him. A leader was always in control, of his team, of his mind, and especially his emotions. Lack of control would create instability, and thereby create chaos that could endanger the team. Leonardo had memorized that lesson, and so many others, word for word. Determined to become the leader and warrior his family deserved.

However, that person felt far away. Almost as if he were another being entirely. The Leo he was right now, this Leo was emotional; he was weak and depended on the support of his brothers. He cried, threw tantrums, and acted his age (if not younger). He was nothing like the Leonardo that Master Splinter had chiseled out of a young child, preparing him to be the next clan leader. That Leonardo was strong, stoic, reliable and capable of getting his family through anything. They were so different. Leo furrowed his brows, uncomfortable with that last line of thought.

It was a tad too close to saying he had a split personality, and that wasn't the case. Shaking his head, Leo left the stairs, and approached the maze of books. It was time to get this completed. The turtle hadn't taken more than five steps into the fog shrouding the books, when a crackly voice, aged and fiery, screeched from the darkness; making the turtle pull up short in surprise.

"Took you long enough!"

The three turtles gaped as the mist parted, and a dark chestnut desk appeared, as if melting out of the gloom. A single lamp lit the area, it's light resting on the fog, making the scene even more eerie than it was. Sitting behind the desk, features barely discernible, was an old woman.

Leo cocked his head, amusement bubbling in his gut, coming out as a soft breathy laugh.

To say she was odd, would be an understatement. She was wrinkled as a prune, with a severe underbite that caused her chin to jut out. Curly gray hair was piled on her head, and perched on the bridge of a bird like nose, were bright pink glasses bedazzled with glitter and a chain hanging from the ends to connect behind her neck. She wore the ugliest, rattiest sweater in the history of mankind. And although he couldn't see, Leo was certain she would be wearing women's penny loafers on her feet. It just seemed to fit.

"Are…are you talking about us?" Leo asked hesitantly, still smiling a little at the woman's odd appearance, "Were you waiting for us?"

"Yes, I am," the woman nodded, "and you certainly lived up to your lineage."

"Our what?" Mikey asked.

"You're turtles, are you not?"

The three blinked slowly as comprehension slowly dawned, "Are you calling us slow?!" Leo exclaimed, eyes wide and indignant.

The old woman rolled her eyes with a huff, "Glad to see your brain finally caught up to your body, you're going to need it for the upcoming challenges."

"Huh?" Raphael asked.

"Very eloquent, I can tell you're the brains of the group," the old woman cackled, before exclaiming "oh wait, that's right! He's not here! Looks like you'll have to get through this all on your lonesome!"

Leo's features twisted in anger, and he stepped protectively in front of his younger brother, "We didn't come here to get insulted!"

"No, no, you didn't. You are here because this is the cave of trials, and a rite of passage for leaders and their teams to grow into the destinies placed upon their shoulders. Quite the solemn and heavy task, indeed." The woman cocked her head, sharp jade green eyes shining behind her glasses, glowing the way a cat's would. She assessed Leo, looking him over as if he were a particularly challenging puzzle. "You are quite the contradiction, aren't you young man?"

Leo pouted, "Contradiction?" He questioned "What do you mean?"

"You are a leader," the woman answered, her face suddenly becoming soft, almost grandmotherly as she addressed the young blue ninja, "and a good one. A very good one; but you doubt yourself, my duck. You want so much to have traits that your brothers enjoy, convincing yourself you don't measure up. But, my dear boy, you hold more gifts than you think. You are as strong as Raphael, as you saw in the last chamber, and have just as strong emotions as he does. You're not hollow, dear one."

Raphael glanced at Leo, watching his older brother fidget, eyes cast down to the floor as a blush blossomed on his face, "Leo?"

The blue ninja gave a one shouldered shrug, "I always envied how you could yell and scream what you felt," he mumbled, "I wished I could be that strong. To be that honest, with the family, and myself. Sometimes I got scared that I didn't have the capacity to feel emotions. Not like you guys do."

"Dude," Mikey breathed, shock riding on the soft exhale, "you have emotions, same as everybody."

"I know that, now," Leo answered miserably.

Michelangelo opened his mouth, then shut it, but when Leo cast curious eyes on his brother, he decided to speak his mind, "This is my fault."

"What?!" Leo was aghast, shaking his head vehemently in denial, "What would make you say that Mikey?"

"I'm always calling you boring," the orange turtle admitted, "even to your face, I say you're like a ninjutsu robot that can't do anything except train."

Leo once again shook his head, refusing to agree with Michelangelo, "But you're also the one that defends me. You understand why I do what I do, and you don't hold against me."

"But I do," Mikey stated, features heavy with guilt, "there were times when I was angry that you wouldn't play video games with me, and I would yell at you in my head. It may not be out loud, but thinking it is just as bad as if I actually said it. I'm sorry, Leo."

The leader paused, absorbing the sincere apology from the last person he'd had ever expected to give one. Michelangelo had been one of his staunchest defenders, never intentionally giving his oldest brother any problems. Except for when he wouldn't take directions during patrol, and would dash ahead. Other than that though, Mikey was pretty easy going. Even though Leo disagree that Mikey had any reason to apologize, not believing the orange clad turtle to be guilty of this offense, he still wanted to honor the courage it took to admit what he'd just said.

"I'm sorry too, Mikey." Leo spoke softly, "I'm sorry I wasn't more honest with you guys from the beginning, if I was, I would have been a better brother, and not just a leader,"

"You are a good brother," Mikey defended, proving Leonardo right about the youngest's nature.

"Im glad you think so," Leo said, tenderly ruffling Mikey's mask, then the blue ninja sighed and turned his attention back to the old librarian, "So, just to clarify, what you're saying is this test is about what I envy about Donny?"

"Indeed," she nodded, "deep in your heart, there is something you feel you don't have, something you wish you did. So, my duck, if you were being honest, which in your current state is inevitable, what do you envy about Donatello?"

"You already said it," the blue turtle admitted, "his intellect."

"Then let me first ask you a question; there is a house in which one enters in blind and comes out seeing. What is it?" The old woman leaned back, crossing her arms with a curious smile, green eyes twinkling in the dim light.

Leo pursed his lips, considering the riddle. He was silent for several moments, until his features brightened, "A schoolhouse!"

"Well done!" She gave him a wide grin, "Remember, my duck, a true leader never stops learning. Many of the greatest generals and rulers in history were shoved into circumstances beyond their understanding. It was only through adapting, and their openness to learning that they were able to make the best of a bad situation. Even though you feel blind, learn to open your eyes to new experiences, the best lessons in life are learned by living!"

Leo gaped, then nodded, bowing in respect to the old librarian, "Thank you for the lesson."

The woman cackled in glee at Leonardo's good manners, "Keep that attitude, you'll need it!" She laughed, giving her knee a slap, "And that starts you on your journey, dear one, and a quite the journey you have ahead."

"What do we have to do?"

The old librarian pointed a bony finger down the center aisle of bookshelves, her aged face somber as she gave instructions, "Go down this path," she stated, "along your way, you will meet three others. They will present you with riddles that you must solve. Each riddle will have a lesson attached that concerns you, and the leader you are meant to be."

"But be warned!" The woman's voice turned cold, tone as threatening as the edge of a knife, "If you do not answer each riddle correctly, not only will your brother be lost, but your soul will be captured as well, and both will haunt these ancient shelves until the end of time."

The three brothers shivered, a chill settling over them as fear grew in their hearts. Leo felt his heart begin to pound even harder, the weight of the challenge hanging over his head like a death toll from a church bell, making his vision distort and pulse in time to the beat. His breaths grew ragged, and he wasn't even aware that he had run out of air until Raphael roughly slapped him on the shell. Leonardo pulled air into his fluttering lungs with all the urgency of a drowning man, his eyes wild and disoriented.

"I lost it again, didn't I?" He asked breathlessly.

"Only a little bit," Raph reassured, "but I don't blame ya, it's pretty heavy news."

"But we got this," Mikey asserted, gripping his nunchucks to force his hands to stop shaking, "we may not have Donny, but we can totally do this. Riddles aren't that hard, right?"

Raphael rolled his eyes, "Says the guy still puzzlin' over the one he read on the back of a captain crunch cereal box."

"Hey!" Mikey yelped, "It's not my fault it's a hard one, they should make them more age appropriate!"

"They're meant fer little kids, ya dimwit!"

"Dimwit?! I'll show you, Raphie!"

"Guys! Focus, please," Leo stepped in before the argument turned into a brawl, then drew in a deep breath, steadying his nerves and heartbeat before continuing, "we're going to get through this as a team, just like last time."

Calling an unspoken truce, Mikey and Raphael parted, and surrounded Leo. Michelangelo pointed a finger down the aisle, comically impersonating the librarian, "Follow the path, until you meet three others," he intoned in a ghostly voice, "there you will be tested."

The orange banded turtle giggled at his joke before jumping and giving a shriek. Pointing to the side, he exclaimed, "The old lady, and the desk, they're gone!"

Leo and Raphael sucked in surprised gasps, but shook their heads, not surprised by the disappearing truck, "Maybe she's a ghost too," Leo mused softly.

"Bro, I don't even wanna think about that," Raphael grumbled, turning his brothers to face the center aisle, "let's just get goin' already!"

As one, the three began to wander down the hall, footsteps as silent as the mist that quickly engulfed them. As they disappeared, Mikey's voice echoed from the fog, "Still getting crazy Christmas carol vibes here,"

Leo chuckled, "I guess that makes me Scrooge?"

"Aw, dude," Mikey giggled, "if we find a top hat, I'm totally giving it to you."

The yip of pain from the youngest echoed among the shelves when Raphael's hand connected with the back of his head, "Shut yer trap," he growled.

They walked for several minutes, or maybe even hours. The fog made Leo lose any sense of time. It seemed to stretch on forever, and the darkness so suffocating, the blue clad ninja yearned for the open sky above. He wished he had never brought his brothers on this crazy adventure. He wished that they had chosen to go to the river for a swim instead. However, even with these thoughts, Leo couldn't completely regret coming to the cave. Especially, with how his relationship with his brothers has grown for the better. Maybe that was what the Ancient One intended from the beginning?

"Look,"

Leo snapped from his thoughts to see the dim glow of a lamp illuminating the fog ahead of them. A small circular area, paved with white marble, and a pool of jade green water sat in the middle. Within the pool floated a large lily pad, on top of it sat a young woman. She was stunningly beautiful, with ebony hair, green eyes, and creamy olive skin. She wore a simple white kimono, embroidered green ivy creeping along the hem and up the side. Before her were three boxes, caskets made of gold, silver and what appeared to be lead. Leo frowned, the set up itself seeming familiar, as if he'd seen it before.

"Welcome" the water woman greeted in a voice as lovely as tinkling bells, "I have been waiting for you."

"Uh," Leo shook his head to free himself from the shock of the lovely sight, "right, sorry for keeping you waiting,"

"It is no matter," she smiled, "here in the cave, you will find that time is relative. It is no longer or shorter, regardless of how much may have passed."

The three brothers exchanged glances of mutual confusion before Leo addressed the young spirit, "I was told I would have to answer three riddles?"

"Indeed," she confirmed with a delicate dip of her head, "the first lays with me, are you prepared?"

Leonardo took a deep breath, then quickly grabbed his brothers hands, squeezing them in a silent plea for their strength. The answering grip gave him the courage to nod, " Go ahead,"

"You wish to save your brother, within one of these boxes lays the answer to the first of three riddles." The young woman gave a mischievous smile, her green eyes flashing, "choose correctly, and you may proceed to the next riddle. Choose poorly, and the doom of the box will swallow you whole."

The girl swirled a hand with fluid grace, gesturing to the boxes in front of her, "Whomever chooses the gold box shall gain what many desire. To whoever chooses the silver box, shall receive as much as they deserve. And to whoever chooses the lead box, they will give and in the end, hazard all they have.

"Now," she said, her soft smile looking almost feral, "which box holds the solution that will aid in your brother's salvation?"

Leo looked between the three boxes, his teeth worrying at his bottom lip as he thought about the riddle. Mikey and Raphael winced on either side of him, both looking more than a little intimidated at the challenge. "Well, at least it's multiple choice?" Mikey asked weakly.

Raphael rolled his eyes, shooting Mikey an angry glare, "Let the turtle think," he grumbled, "because I got a good feelin' that we ain't gonna be much help."

"Speak for yourself, Raphie!" Mikey squawked, "I'm more than just a pretty face."

"Trust me, ya ain't the pretty one of the family," Raphael chuckled darkly.

Michelangelo's jaw dropped, "That," he deadpanned, "was cold, bro."

Leo listened to the bickering, but the words sounded far away. Because in his mind, a puzzle piece clicked into place, making the eldest turtle give a silent gasp of revelation, "The Merchant of Venice," he murmured.

"Huh?" The duo stopped fighting, each casting their eyes to their leader.

"The merchant of Venice!" Leo repeated, his features bright, "it's a play by Shakespeare! This riddle was in it!"

"So, you know the answer?"

Leo nodded happily, "In the play, the merchant had a beautiful daughter named Portia, and she was pursued by so many suitors he didn't know who should marry her."

"So, he made this riddle?" Raphael asked, one eyebrow ridge raised.

"Exactly!" Leo grinned, "The gold box was the wrong choice, because inside of it is a skull with a note that said 'All that glitters is not gold', showing that what you desire isn't always what's best for you. Also, just because it's attractive and feels good, doesn't mean it isn't a death trap."

"Ok," Mikey shrugged, "so what's with the silver box? Wouldn't that be a good one? You're only asking for what you deserve, right?"

Leo shook his head vehemently, "No, in the play that one is wrong as well. There was a picture of a fool inside, because only a fool would think they deserved the hand of Portia. For our purposes, only a fool would think they deserve the right to be friend, brother and leader to his family. Being loved, being respected, both must be earned. To go around expecting to be treated well without putting in the work, that's true foolishness."

"Which leaves the last box," the young woman smiled, eyes shining with happy satisfaction.

"But why that one?" Mikey asked softly.

"It's just as she said," Leo answered, heart warm as he remembered once again the prime reason he loved being the leader of his family, "whoever chooses the lead box will give, and hazard all he has. In the play, the merchant wanted the person who understood that family means giving of yourself and working hard to never lose what you've gained. It means that love is a risk, and choosing to be loyal to family requires commitment and the ability to endure hardship."

Walking forward, Leo knelt before the pool, "I choose the lead box."

The young woman nodded, "Congratulations, young one, you have chosen well."

One delicate hand as graceful as a lily reached down and opened the lead box, revealing a picture of their family, even including Casey and April. The item was given to Leonardo, the turtle taking it reverently, softly stroking the faces of the ones he loved best. As soon as Leo held the picture safely in his hands, a green mist began billowing from the pool, engulfing the water, and the lily pad.

As the green fog crept over her shoulder and began to cover her head, the young woman continued to smile serenely at the boys, " Continue on your journey, young one. Trust your brothers, and most importantly, have confidence in yourself. You hold more gifts than you know."

The green mist disappeared, leaving a simple marble floor, the pool completely gone. Any evidence of it having ever existed utterly erased. Raphael pursed his lips thoughtfully then nudged his older brother with an elbow, "She's right, ya know."

"Huh?"

"She's right," the hothead repeated, "you said you aren't as smart as Donny, but listen ta ya. Ya just solved a riddle because ya read Shakespeare, stupid people don't read that stuff. Ya sounded just like Donny explainin' one of his gadgets when ya were talkin' about that play."

"Raphie is right, bro," Mikey grinned, "I mean it would be one thing if it was a play made into a movie, but I'm pretty sure that one wasn't. Which mean, my dear big brother, I regret to inform you that you are indeed, a nerd."

Leo's eyes widened to a comical size before the turtle burst into gales of laughter, "A nerd?!" He asked incredulously.

"Yep," Mikey nodded, his grin stretching even wider as he dropped more wisdom, "which tells us something else about you, not only are you a nerd, but you're a book nerd! That's what I call a hobby, bro, looks like there are things you know how to do outside of training!"

A weight that had long smothered Leo in its gloom lifted off his shoulders. He had a hobby? Of course, why didn't he realize it sooner? He always enjoyed reading, but he never had time. The only reason he knew about that play was by happenstance, when he discovered that the farm house had a surprising collection of books in the attic, probably left over from previous generations. Heaven knows Casey never read them, but Leo had fond memories of a brief moment in time where they were at the farmhouse and Master Splinter had been away, he stated it was for a personal training pilgrimage. The old rat had left his sons at the farm house in the Hamptons, asking they behave while he was away, and then he was gone for a solid week.

That was the first time in years that Leo had not had orders to train, or even a list of expected duties. His brothers were exhausted, as they were all overcoming a slight cold, and so they spent much of their time sleeping. After completing his morning training, Leonardo had very little to occupy his time, save the books. He devoured every single one that week. It was a memory that he liked to reflect on, as it was one that never failed to make him smile.

"You're right," Leo said, a happy smile brightening his face, "I do enjoy reading,"

Raph nodded, a satisfied smirk quirking his mouth, "Good, and don't ya forget it either. That won't be yer only hobby, when we get home, we're gonna make ya try out a bunch of stuff, got it? We'll make sure ya find somethin' that you can do that ain't trainin' all the time."

"Aw, yeah!" Mikey crowed, "We're gonna have a party! We can try all kinds of things! It's gonna be a blast!"

The blue turtle chuckled, releasing the grip he had on his brother's hands so he could wrap his arms around their shoulders, "That sounds awesome,"

I'm sorry it took me so long to update. My mother has a homemade candy business, and I was roped into helping her make and fill all the christmas gift box orders. It was exhausting, and between that and my job, I had no time to write.

Please leave a review, as I adore reading your thoughts and opinions!