Hello everyone! I'm back! And I've got awesome news! I'm working on a new series for this drabble!

I'm aiming to get Control finished up, then do the letter D, and then E will be the start of my Horror/Suspense arc. I hope that gets you excited, because I've never gone as dark as this new one will get.

Here's the latest in Control, I hope you enjoy it and I hope you all continue to read and review!

"Wow,"

The breathless wheeze broke the shocked silence making the younger brothers to cast their eyes on their leader. Leo's navy blue gaze hung heavy behind fluttering eyelids, the effort to stay conscious obvious to all. "It's like that scene of the treasure chamber from The Hobbit," the leader's voice was soft with exhaustion, its tones wavering, "I don't think I've ever seen so much gold. Are you sure we didn't fall into a fantasy movie or something?"

Leo turned to look at Don, haggard features desperately trying for something akin to levity. The genius smiled gently at his eldest brother, "You're right, it does look like that, doesn't it? I hope we don't find a dragon."

"Knowing our luck…" Raph grumbled.

"Raphie, no!" Michelangelo wailed, "I already jinxed us, don't make it worse!"

The blue ninja cocked his head in a puppyish motion, confusion wreathing his face, "Huh?"

Donatello shook his head, "Don't worry about it, aniki," he sighed, "the only thing you need to be concerned about is staying strong until the end of this test."

Leo huffed, but didn't seem to have the energy to argue, something that worried all three brothers. The mighty Leonardo rarely let anything go this easily, especially if it had to do with the safety of the team, but Leo was already drifting away. His clammy skin trembling with harsh shivers that wracked the struggling frame, and a gaze that wandered into the middle distance with little comprehension or focus. He was quiet for a moment before that same gaze sharpened, and the leader cast a worried glance at his siblings.

"The last test, what is it?" he asked, struggling to put more weight on his own two feet, but failing as he could only stumble back into his brother's support. "What do I have to do?"

"Ya don't have ta do anythin'," Raphael stated gently, squeezing the hand that he held in his grasp, "actually, it's yer turn ta disappear fer a bit while we pass the test."

"Oh," Leo appeared to ponder this for a moment, his face a mixture of fearful dissatisfaction and stark relief, "that might be for the best. After the last challenge, I'm useless, I can't even walk by myself."

"You're not useless," Mikey refuted, tone firm and more serious than the brothers had ever heard before, "don't ever say that, not to me, or anyone else, got it?"

"But…"

"No buts!" the orange ninja commanded, baby blue eyes aflame with conviction, "I'll say it as many times as I have to until it gets through your stubborn, thick head! Out of all of us, you're the least useless, you got us through three of the toughest challenges we've ever been through. And you've been in pain the entire time! You haven't complained about it either, at least not the way I would have. You've just been constantly pushing forward, focused on keeping us safe and getting us out of here. You're not useless, you're my big brother and the best leader a ninja turtle could ever ask for. End of story."

Leo swallowed convulsively, eyes growing misty. Wordlessly he nodded, ducking his head to rest on Mikey's shoulder. The youngest braced his chin on the scaly green scalp of his leader, closing his eyes and breathing in the strange weakness that they had all been forced to witness in this horrible experience. He never wanted to see Leo this vulnerable ever again, and yet, the orange ninja knew it was that fear that caused Leonardo to get to this place. If he had allowed his brother the ability to be vulnerable, he wouldn't have to feel like he was responsible for the weight of the world.

The family's wish to depend on the oldest turtle's stalwart strength. How Leo seemed invincible at times. The way they all felt relief when the blue ninja arrived on the scene of a particularly difficult battle, as if they all knew that everything would be alright because Leo was there, and Leo rarely lost a fight. He was a master swordsman, and probably the greatest ninja in the multiverse.

Michelangelo never said this out loud, but he was certain that the real winner of the Battle Nexus should have been, and will be one day, Leo. If not for the poison during that fateful round, Mikey knew it would have been his oldest brother carrying home the trophy.

That's why this whole experience was difficult for the younger siblings to manage. Leo never cried, certainly not in front of people. Leo never had tantrums or emotional breakdowns. He definitely never admitted his vulnerabilities out loud. And now, he was seeking strength from his brothers, allowing them to physically support him because he was too weak to walk. His fear and distress coming off the blue turtle in waves, while navy blue eyes begged for reassurance and comfort. It was all so foreign to the youngest.

Mikey steeled his heart, flashes of memory playing before his mind's eye of all the times he'd sloughed off his responsibilities onto Leo. The times he'd selfishly ignored his oldest brother's quiet requests for help around the lair, all to play a game or read his comics. The tired sighs of his brother as he worked well into the night cleaning up his brother's messes before beginning a late training session, all for them. The youngest would have wept in remorse if he wasn't worried about setting off Leo, who was already in a fragile emotional state as it was, thanks to the cave spirit.

He was going to do better. Michelangelo promised himself. He would do better supporting his family, if these caves taught him nothing else, he would remember this much. No more being selfish, it was time he started pulling his weight.

"Alright, bro," Mikey chirped with more cheer than he felt, "let's get you down there, and you can rest while we solve the puzzle."

Leo stirred, as if waking once again from his stupor, "What is the puzzle, anyway?" he asked, voice slightly slurred.

"Well," Raphael cut in, hoisting his older brother up on his shoulder to get a better grip, "looks like yer soul is gonna get put in one of the treasures down there. Then we have ta find the right one that represents who ya really are or whatevah."

"Huh," Leo huffed, mouth twitching upwards in slight amusement, "it probably won't be anything too elaborate or fancy." He surmised, "I've always been more of a simple kind of guy."

"What, like the wooden cup in that Indiana Jones movie?" Donny chuckled.

Leo nodded, but gave a rueful glance at the reference, "Yeah, kind of, maybe?" he considered, "I'm just saying it probably wont be covered in diamonds or jewels. I don't expect my soul to-,"

The leader stopped, face shocked as his cheeks colored in a blush, and he ducked his head in shame. Raphael had quickly caught on to where Leo was heading, and gave a warning growl, "Don't tell me ya were about ta say somethin' like ya don't think yer soul is worth that much, or some garbage like that."

"Sorry," Leo muttered unhappily, shoulders hunching in reproach, "I stopped before I said it, though. I promised you, no more negative comments like that."

Raphael sighed, conceding the older turtle sibling's point, "Fine," he grumbled, "I'll give ya credit fer that at least."

"I'm sorry," Leo repeated, his heart sinking at the way he had disappointed his brother.

"Leo, it's fine," the red ninja reassured, "like ya said, ya stopped kept yer promise ta me by not finishin' the thought."

"Still…" the leader sighed.

"Still, nothing," Don stated, "we know that your soul is more valuable than all the gold and jewels in here, because you're our brother. One day I hope we can convince you of that."

Leo glanced up at his brothers, his apprehension stifled by the strong love shining in their eyes. Seeing them regard him with so much affection, devoid of judgment or disgust, it gave the blue ninja just enough strength to face this last challenge.

"We'd better get moving," Leonardo staed his voice sounding more like its original timbre, "this puzzle isn't going to solve itself. Plus, I really want to get out of here and back home for a long nap."

"And dinner," Mikey threw in forlornly, "I'm so hungry, I could eat a Triceraton."

"Why would ya want ta eat a Triceraton?" Raphael asked, face aghast.

"Exactly," Mikey whined, "which just proves how hungry I am!"

The brothers laughed at their youngest but eventually the chuckles died down and they all turned to look into the hall. No use in prolonging the inevitable. Slowly shuffling towards the top step, they began the trek down the stairs. Leo watched the bottom step as it drew closer to their procession, his heart clenching as he wondered what would happen without him to lead his brothers. Surely, with the three of them, they'd be able to figure out the answer to the riddle. However, there was still a fear that lurked in the dark places of his mind, hissing doubt and sowing anxiety.

"I'm nervous," Don's voice broke through Leo's reverie.

"Huh?" the blue turtle asked, turning to face the genius sibling.

"About your health," Donatello admitted, "I wish you weren't going to a place where I can't monitor your heart."

"Well, none of us have been actually hurt yet," Mikey hypothesized, "and if he's going into an object, then it stands to reason that he won't get any worse than he is. He'll probably just be held in a kind of limbo, you know?"

Donatello regarded the youngest with a look of awed shock. "You know what, Mikey?" he began, a smile replacing the frown, "that actually makes me feel better. Leo probably won't even register the passage of time, which means while he won't get any better, he can't get any worse from stress or worry. I have to say, I'm impressed that you came up with such an astute line of logic."

Mikey gave a careless shrug, though none could miss how he practically glowed in pleasure at the praise, "What can I say, I aim to surprise with my many skills and talents!"

"If there's certainly one thing that's fer sure," Raph snickered, "it's that no one can expect yer next move Mikey."

"You bet!" the orange ninja preened, "I'm unbelievable!"

The siblings shared a laugh, but suddenly froze as all realized they had made it to the bottom step. Leonardo gripped his brother's shoulders, lending them as much strength as he could offer, which admittedly, wasn't much. "I trust you," Leo stated, his tone conveying the conviction in his statement, "I know you'll get us the rest of the way out of this cave. I believe in our team and I believe in you."

Leaning over, the leader placed his forehead against Michelangelo's, hugging the youngest, "I love you Mikey, I don't tell you enough, but I love you, baby brother."

Michelangelo swallowed back the tears, hating that it was almost as if Leo was saying good-bye. "Don't do that," the youngest bit out, face contorting against the wave of emotion roiling between the brothers, "don't say you believe in us and then start to say good-bye like we'll never see you again. That's not fair."

Leo gave a humorless laugh, dry and brittle, as fragile as he currently was, "You know me," he breathed, "gotta make sure my bases are covered."

"I'm with Mikey on this one," Raph grumbled as Leo turned to embrace him in a one armed hug, "I'm not gonna let ya say good-bye."

"I'm not," Leo smiled patiently, "I'm just getting hugs until I see you again."

"Well, I'm taking mine." Don stated, pushing forward to wrap his arms around his oldest brother, sighing softly when the turtle responded in kind. "We're going to do this, aniki," Donatello affirmed, to himself as well as his brother, "just you wait and see."

"I believe you."

Stepping back to support their brother, Raphael and Michelangelo rejoined the genius and the strategist. Wrapping their arms about each other, the quadruplets made the final step together, the younger siblings clenching their teeth as the weight of their leader was stolen away by the green light. The brothers stood frozen, each unsure of how to proceed, each feeling horribly naked without their fearless leader to instruct them of what to do. None wanted to begin, and yet they knew they must if they ever wanted Leo back.

"Alone at last," a slithery voice stated, shocking the brothers out of their stupor, "whatever shall you do without your leader to guide you?"

Casting their gaze around, the trio searched for the voice until Raphael pointed with a shout, "Up there!"

On the head of a graceful female statue, the marble dripping in belts and bracelets of gold and jewels, sat a small blue dragon. Jade green eyes glowed from its serpentine face, it had no wings and was roughly the size of a house cat. "Welcome to the last challenge, turtles." It hissed softly, "You've made it this far, I'd hate to see you fail now, this late in the game."

"You just had to jinx us, didn't you Raphie!?" Mikey groused.

"What do ya mean jinx us?" the hothead shot back.

"That is clearly a dragon!" Michelangelo exclaimed.

Raph rolled his eyes, "Not a very big one," he scoffed, "look at 'im, I've seen sewer rats bigger than that."

"Careful, Raphie," Donatello snickered, "while you make an accurate point, one of those sewer rats is our father."

The bombastic turtle paused, then sighed, "Ok, Klunk is bigger than that thing."

Mikey turned to gauge the dragon, mentally calculating in his head the size of his beloved cat compared to the spirit, "I think Raphie is right, Klunk is bigger, but that doesn't excuse him from jinxing us."

"It isn't a jinx if it isn't a threat," Raphael growled, "what's he goin' ta do, bite our ankles and burn our toes?"

"I'm right here," the dragon snarled, clearly not amused with the conversation topic, "and unless you want to see your brother again, I'd suggest you shut up and pay attention."

"Sorry," Donatello chuckled wryly, giving his brothers a warning glare, "We're ready to take on this challenge."

"Oh, confident, are we?" The creature gave a flick of its tail, its coils writhing and winding as it assessed the challengers. "Hmm, I'm not even sure if you'll make it,"

"Hey!" Mikey squawked indignantly, "You can't say that we haven't started yet!"

"True," the dragon said, its tail lashing the air restlessly, "but you three lack something that your eldest brother has in spades. Something this challenge will require."

Raphael snarled, "And what's that?"

"Focus." The spirit answered simply, "not to mention top notch observation skills. If it were him finding any of you, he would have strode into the treasure chamber with the confidence of a leader, because if there was one thing he knows, it's his brothers. He would have found your souls too, in record time no doubt, knowing his skills. You three? You barely know your brother, so how will you find his soul?"

All three bristled at the accusation, but none could refute it. This whole experience had shown them repeatedly how little they knew Leo. To the point it made them sick. "Yer right," Raphael snarled, eyes brimming with fear and anger, "We don't know 'im. We should, but we never tried. We never asked the questions. We stayed safe under his protection, and we took his strength fer granted."

Mikey nodded, "We should have tried," he added, "we should have allowed Leo to feel safe enough that he could be weak around us, but we didn't let him. We forced him to carry burden of our family, and no one tried to help him. We just assumed he could handle it."

"We were thoughtless, and selfish," Donatello finished, "but we won't be anymore. Leo has always been there for us, and now its our turn to protect him."

The dragon's jade eyes sharpened with interest, fangs glinting in the firelight as he gave a satisfied smile, "Very good," he hummed, "there may be hope for you yet. Follow that line of thought, consider your brother's last words, both will lead you to the answer."

As with the spirits that came before it, the dragon disappeared before their eyes, its body dissolving into green mist. The siblings groaned, but each swiftly began to consider the clues that were given. "I think we should split up." Donatello suggested, eyes heavy as his sharp mind whirled with possibilities.

"What?" Raph asked.

"Here's my thoughts," the genius began, "we all go around and gather things we all think may represent Leo and then pile them in the middle. Then we can look over the options. The dragon spirit said to consider Leo's last words, I'm betting he means about Leo saying he would probably be in an object that wasn't very elaborate. So, probably nothing covered in jewels. He also said to follow our line of thought, and we all were focused on how Leo protects us. So, maybe a weapon? Something that says 'protect', I guess?"

Mikey and Raphael nodded, each seeing the sense in this. "Alright," Raph affirmed, "let's get moving."

The three split up, rushing to various ends of the room. The red ninja started on the side of the throne where the military equipment was. He found a pair of twin katana that looked just like Leo's, he grabbed those. If anything would represent Leo, it would be his weapons. Don went to the bookshelves, searching for a particular book that he knew Leo had memorized every line. Eyes widening, Don gave an exultant shout as he snatched a first edition copy of Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Michelangelo wandered at a more sedate pace, his eyes roving the shelves.

Something in his gut bothered him. He had seen what his brothers had grabbed, but while Leo's favorite book (at least the one he read the most, usually because he used it to create strategies for their missions), and his twin katana were good ideas, Michelangelo couldn't help a feeling of wrongness. Pausing, Mikey closed his eyes. Once, when they were still in the future with Cody, he had heard his father tell someone that of the four, he had the most talent in channeling chi and sensing energy. Mikey had shrugged it off then, although pleased at the praise, especially since even Leo had stated that the youngest had singular talent in the subject.

He'd never really tried using it for anything outside of training though. He was always too distracted with his hobbies. Maybe…

"Mikey! Get over here," Raph's gruff voice called.

The youngest abandoned his search, they had three tries after all, and he was certain he could ask his brothers about his idea. "Coming!"

"Where's your object?" Don questioned, keen gaze questioning, but Mikey could tell that the genius already had a suspicion about Mikey's thought process.

"I have an idea I want to try if neither of yours work," the orange ninja shrugged. "We have three tries, right? I think if Leo's katana don't work, or his book, then we should try using the spiritual realm to sense Leo's soul. Like he would."

The weight of the limited choices settled on the older turtle's shoulders, reminding them that they needed to proceed with caution. Donatello chuckled at the stark reminder, and Raph gave a proud smile. "Mikey," the red ninja said, voice uncharacteristically soft, "ya've really grown a lot down here, I'm proud of ya, bro."

"No kidding," the genius sighed, shaking his head in disbelief, "here I was approaching this like some kind of science experiment and I forgot the riddle itself. 'Soul imprisoned beneath emerald gleam', neither Raph nor my objects have green in them, we were completely off base. Not only that, but the riddle said to use wisdom and patience, these items may be associated with Leo, but they're too quick an answer."

Mikey blushed, heart soaring at the compliments. "I just want all of us to go home," he said softly, "and that means we need to find Leo. The dragon said that we lack something Leo has in spades, and he would sense for our souls before making his decision. I know it."

"Yer right, he would."

Raphael gestured to his brothers to sit, and the trio gathered in a loose circle, each folding into meditation poses. Breaths evened out, and slowly, the turtles entered the spirit realm, a place they rarely traversed without the guidance of their father or Leonardo during training. Stepping out from their physical bodies, the younger siblings ghosted over the treasure chamber, touching various objects as they searched for their brother's soul. They didn't separate this time, instead, they channeled their energies into a singular entity, using it as a sort of searchlight; knowing in their hearts that Leo's spirit would react to their presence.

They were passing by the military section when Raphael pulled his brothers to a stop, feeling their confusion at his action. The red turtle shook his head, knowing that they thought he was on the wrong track but instead pointed a ghostly finger in the direction of a large wall. Its marble stone was bare, with the exception on one solitary object. The item was plain when placed next to the bejeweled scabbards and helmets scattered around it, however, in its simplicity it held a sense of nobility. Although covered in nicks and scars from many past battles, nothing could take away from the polished metal that gleamed a bright emerald in the lamplight.

It was a shield.

The brothers felt their breath catch in their throats. It was perfect. Leo wasn't his swords, he wasn't a book of war strategy, he was a shield. He was the guardian angel of their family, who would do anything to put himself between his family and harm, even if it meant getting hurt himself.

Approaching the shield, the three placed the flat of their palms on the object, and each gave a soundless gasp. The metal was warm under their hands, and if they focused, they could almost feel the throb of a soft heartbeat. In no time the brothers returned to their bodies, and turned to face the wall. It was just as Leo had said, the object his soul was in wasn't elaborate or fancy, but it was most certainly him.

"Ya want ta do the honors?" Raphael asked Mikey, one hand gesturing towards the shield.

Michelangelo shook his head, "Let's all do it together."

Three hands touched the object, and in complete unison, the siblings called out, "Leo!"

Nothing.

"Did…did we choose wrong?" Don asked, eyes wide in panic.

"We couldn't have," Mikey refused, "this is the right choice, I know it!"

"So why ain't Leo showin' up?" Raphael growled.

Michelangelo groaned, throwing his arms into the air, "Do I look like I know? All I know is that this is it, so it should have worked!"

Suddenly the ceiling gave an earsplitting crack, and before the turtles could say a word, a torrent of water spilled into the cavern. In a blink the water was over their heads, washing away the glittering display, and filling the chamber. Michelangelo screamed, his hands scrambling to grab his brothers, but was ripped away by the current. Desperate fingers clung to the rocky wall, scratching and tearing at anything that could be a hand hold.

"Mikey!" Don screamed, clinging to a stalactite near the ceiling as the water swirled under him, "Raph!"

"Donny!" Raphael called, struggling to swim in the swirling waters, one arm splashing as he swung in an effort to grab the purple bo user.

"I got you!" Donatello dug in the spelunking bag he had brought, then triumphantly brought out a grapple.

Twirling it over head, the genius whipped the grapple to his brother, the red ninja catching it in the water and using it to pull himself towards his brother. Michelangelo watched with wide eyes as his hotheaded brother slowly made his way to the stalactite, but like a punch to the gut, the orange ninja gave a strangled cry when the added weight made the stone crumble, dropping both brothers back into the swirling current.

The torrent of water filled the chamber to the brim, covering their heads. Kicking off the wall, Mikey swan for his siblings, grabbing them both by their shells and holding tight. The three brothers clung to each other, eyes somber and grief stricken. This could very well be how it all ends, and they couldn't save Leo. All could see the same question swirling in their eyes, on why this happened. They didn't even use up their last two chances, so why the death sentence? It didn't make sense. Was the cave spirit angry that they passed the tests? Was this retribution for doing something few were capable of?

The current carried them, until a swirling vortex was created in the center. The liquid became something of an underwater tornado, pulling them down and sucking them in. Mikey felt his grip slipping, but Raph saved him, his strong fingers pulling him back into their huddle. Don clung to his brothers, unable to do anything besides hold on for dear life. Within a matter of seconds the ball of terrapins were sucked down into the hole and carried through a winding tunnel before they were unceremoniously dumped into a corridor.

All three lay groaning on the floor, water rushing around them and down the hall. "Did…. Did we…. make it?" Raphael gasped, coughing up water in harsh wheezing gasps.

Donatello slowly stood to his feet, his bo staff serving as a support, "I think we did,"

Mikey jerked upright, mouth agape as he searched the corridor, "Yeah, but where's Leo?"

Silence fell, each consumed with fear over the outcome of their brother.

"I don't know," Raph finally said, breaking the quiet, "but we ain't dead, and I guess that us getting' spit out of that chamber and inta the hall means that we passed the test. I know this isn't the way I do things, but I'm goin' ta just have faith that Leo is ok."

Don sighed, "I guess faith is all we have at this point," he murmured, Mikey merely nodding in sullen agreement.

Raphael looked over his brothers, suddenly feeling another wave of empathy for Leonardo. Is this what it felt like when plans went wrong, everyone was down, and the only person left to stay positive and keep the team going was you? He didn't like it. Guilt for all the times he'd yelled at Leo for being an emotionless robot cut through the bombastic turtle. Raphael quickly shook the feeling away, though. He'd already apologized to his eldest brother, and he believed deep down that everything would work out, they just needed to keep moving. Then, once they found Leo, he'd spend the rest of their lives showing his leader how much he appreciated the sacrifices made for their team.

"Let's go, guys."

Don and Mikey shuffled to their feet at Raphael's command, their moods somber. The red ninja approached his younger siblings, checking them over and ensuring they could walk, and with a satisfied nod, the trio began the trek down the corridor.

It was dark, and the silence was almost consuming, the only sound being the clop of the bo staff as the purple turtle used it as a walking stick. However, as Don continued their tired shuffle, he realized this corridor was different from the others. For one thing, while the previous halls they had traversed were sparse and stony, this one was starting to be littered with moss and flowers. They grew from the walls, thick green carpet of grass and lichen giving a delicious cushion to their exhausted feet. Not only that, but the air was growing sweeter, and a breeze could be felt blowing through the tunnel.

"Is that…" Mikey started, baby blue eyes brightening with new life.

"Thank God," Raphael groaned.

Don could only grin.

Straight ahead they could see an opening, covered in flowering vines and ivy, with blessed sunlight peeking through. It was literally light at the end of a long, and arduous tunnel. The best part, though, was just behind the ivy they could see a very familiar shadow laying on the grass.

Their aches and pains forgotten; the brothers burst forward in a sudden second wind of energy. Ivy and vines exploded to the side as three mutant turtles barged through the curtain only to collapse on the ground next to their brother. Beyond the green veil was a wide cliff edge, covered in flowering bushes and thick green grass. A beautiful azure sky soared overhead, not a cloud in sight, and the distant calls of birds wheeling over the ocean sailed on the breeze. Leo lay on his side in the fetal position on a soft bed of moss, his chest moving up and down in gentle even breaths. His face was devoid of any lines or stress, it was utterly relaxed and at peace. Don choked on a sob at the sight. His brother, his leader, was safe and better yet his heartbeat was healthy and strong.

"Leo," Donatello whispered, gently nudging the blue turtle, "come on, aniki, wake up."

Familiar navy eyes fluttered open, accompanied by a soft groan when they squinched shut due to the sunlight. "Ow…'s bright,"

The brothers chuckled at the reaction, huddling together so to allow their shadows to fall over the sleepy face. Leo tried once again, blinking the sunspots out of his vision, before he cast a clear gaze onto his brothers. A slow smile lit the blue masked face, "Hey," he breathed softly, "I know you,"

None of the quadruplets mentioned the tears streaming freely from all three of the younger brothers. Neither did anyone talk about how even Raphael was choked up at the sight of their eldest brother safe and sound. Or how all of them felt a massive weight fall off their shoulders when they met that familiar gaze, full of wisdom and patience. Gone were the haggard looks, raw with fear and anxiety. His vision was clear, his control returned, and with it the sense of security they always felt when Leo entered the room. Their leader was back.

Mikey fell across the eldest turtle's chest, nuzzling the plastron in a blatant display of familial affection, "I'm so glad you're back, Leo."

Leonardo hummed a short agreement, bringing his hand up to rest on Mikey's carapace, thumb caressing the scutes gently, "Me too, little brother, me too."

"We honestly worried about whether we'd be able to find you," Don admitted, one hand sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah, but who'd expect Mikey ta come up with the winnin' play?" Raph threw in, giving the youngest a fond noogie.

"I'm proud of all of you," Leo said, eyes brimming with love for his family, "not only did we get out of those caves, but our bonds have gotten that much stronger."

"Yeah," Mikey sighed happily, before abruptly sitting up, "but while I'm glad that we survived and all, can we go? After all that, I'm starving, and to be honest I think we all could use a good soak in the hot springs near the Ancient one's house. Please?"

The oldest brothers burst into laughter at Mikey's request. Leo hauled himself up, allowing his brothers to assist him to his feet, "Yeah, I'm ready to put that cave behind us, and I'm tired."

"I bet ya are," Raph affirmed with a rueful shake of his head, then took his leader's arm and pulled it over his shoulders, "when we get back, yer not doin' anythin' fer the rest of the night, got it? Yer only jobs are ta eat a full meal, and go ta bed."

"I guess I can agree to that," Leo laughed.

"You will," Don stated, taking Leo's other side, "and tomorrow? You're not doing any training whatsoever,"

"What?!" The leader squawked, "We're on a training pilgrimage, that's the whole point of our coming here!"

"Too bad," the genius denied, "because tomorrow you're sleeping in and you're getting breakfast in bed. Then you'll spend the rest of the day either napping or basking in the sun, in between complete meals of course."

"Jeez," Leonardo scoffed, his brothers beginning to lead him down the path they had taken up to the cave, "what about morning training?"

"Nuh-uh," came the unified reply.

"Afternoon training?"

"Nope."

"Will I be allowed to do any kind of training while we're here?!"

Mikey giggled, "Don't worry, we'll let you get back to training, eventually."

"But for now, yer restin', end of story." Raph stated, tone firm and unyielding.

The turtles walked in silence, the leader pondering his brother's demands. While he understood where they were coming from he didn't get the sudden need for him to rest. He felt fine, way better than he had in the caves. Something about the sleep while being shoved into an inanimate object was oddly refreshing. Besides, now that he had his control back, he didn't feel that them babying him was necessary anymore. Right?

"Not even a little training?" Leo wheedled.

"NO!"

…..

"Splinter, you are wearing a groove into my floor,"

The rat sighed, struggling to calm himself by sitting down. However, it didn't last long and all too soon the mutated rodent was on his feet again, pacing the floor waiting for his boys to return. "It's been several hours, night will fall soon."

The Ancient One gave a barely tolerant sigh, sipping his tea and stirring the soup he had been working on for dinner, "I told you, the cave of trials was the last stage of their mystical training. It could take hours, or even days."

"They may not even return at all!" the rat growled low in his throat, glaring reproachfully at the human, "I cannot understand why you would send them there, especially without informing me of it? I was told they were going exploring, not to a possible death in a mystical cave!"

The guru shrugged, "If I had told you, you would not have let them go. You are quite overprotective."

Splinter snarled, "I am their father, and I remember a time when you were just as overprotective as I am with your sons."

"Yes," the old man nodded, "and look where that got me? They are dead because I did not adequately prepare them for the realities of both worlds. Perhaps, if I had trusted them more, and been more honest I may still have all my children with me today."

Splinter's ire deflated, his own grief at the death of his Master Yoshi still raw despite the years, "True, old friend, we both have made many mistakes in raising our sons. While I don't want to admit it, you are right, I would not have let them leave. And if I'd had my way, none of my boys would have had even one of their many adventures." The rat came back to the fire, watching the soup simmer with weary eyes, "But why would you not tell them? Didn't they deserve to know what to expect? Their very survival could depend on the knowledge that they were about to be tested."

"You're right, it did," the Ancient One nodded, "many men who knew exactly what the caves were entered in, full of confidence that they would pass any test thrown at them by the spirits. All failed, and all died. Their hubris was their arrogance, because they assumed they knew what to expect."

Splinter felt his brow furrow at the hidden message in the Ancient One's reply, "So, you are saying that in order for them to survive, they had to enter in humbly and ignorant of the trials ahead?"

"Precisely, Splinter-San." The human nodded, a pleased smile on his face, "Leonardo still has many hidden demons lurking in his heart, and his younger brothers have bad habits that they are unwilling to face. These caves would not only help all face their flaws, but help them grow as a team and as brothers. In order to be the great leader he is destined to be, Leonardo must be broken and rebuilt with the love and support of his brothers. In order for them to reach their destinies, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo must face their flaws and overcome them."

Splinter groaned quietly, "I just wish I could sense them, the mystical energy of the cave blocks my vision. I have no way to see how they are faring."

The Ancient One opened his mouth to reply, but paused, then stood to his feet with a delighted grin. "Well, then, old friend," he chuckled, "your vision must be very poor if it cannot even see the garden."

Splinter whirled around, eyes wide only to feel his body exhale in a massive sigh of relief. For there, walking through the back garden, were his boys. Leonardo in the middle, supported on either side by Raphael and Donatello, with Michelangelo following close behind. They were missing their cave spelunking gear, and all looked exhausted to the point of falling over. However, in their eyes gleamed a sense of triumph, a burning fire of victory that gave them the strength to walk the last few steps home.

"My sons!" Splinter ran to embrace his children, pressing his forehead to each, breathing in their scent, "Welcome home."

"We're back," Leonardo stated wearily, "and I'm pretty sure Mikey's stomach is about to start digesting his spine at the rate it's growling."

"Dinner is almost ready," the rat replied, drinking in the sight of his sons as if he had not seen them in years, "why don't you get cleaned up. You have time for a hot bath, and then we can relax and eat while you tell us about your adventure."

"That sounds good 'n all," Raphael broke in before Leo could reply obediently, "but we have an announcement before we go any further."

Splinter cocked his ahead, confusion replacing the jubilant features, "Oh? And what might that be, Raphael?"

"Raph, what are you-?"

"From here on out, things are gonna be different," the red turtle continued, shushing his big brother with a warning glare when Leo tried to interrupt, "we talked about it as a team, and we voted that from now on, Leo is goin' ta get every weekend off. No leadership trainin', or extra trainin', none of that. He needs ta have the weekend ta just be a kid. Of course if somethin' big comes up, we'll understand if he has ta be on duty, but if there ain't any emergencies, then he's only gonna focus on restin' or havin' fun doin' teenager stuff."

"And Leo needs a vacation every once in a while," Donatello broke in, backing Raphael up, "he's under too much stress and its having adverse effects on his heart, not to mention his overall health. I'm going to be monitoring him closely, and we voted that I have the right to put him on emergency vacation if I feel he's overworking himself."

"Uh-huh," Mikey nodded, biting back a snicker at their leader's wide eyes at the sudden team meeting he apparently wasn't privy of. Not that there was any such vote, but it had been agreed upon in small snatches of conversation down in the cave that they would make Leo's health a priority.

"I see," Splinter stroked his short beard, eyes twinkling happily at the change he could already see in his boys, "and you all voted for this?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure it was three to one," Michelangelo shrugged, "you know Leo, sensei, he's a workaholic."

"However, it was still majority vote in favor of Leo being allowed more time to rest." Donatello stated, tone lofty and final.

"Wait, I don't remember any vote, Sensei-!" Leo's voice cut out as Don subtly reached down to use a pressure point that knocked his oldest brother out.

"Oh no," the genius deadpanned, face completely unrepentant, "see, sensei? He's exhausted."

Splinter bit his lip, struggling with all his might not to break into gales of laughter. Leonardo would not be pleased when he awoke, but at this point it certainly seemed that his younger brothers were resolute in their decision. The rat couldn't have been prouder. Not that he condoned mutiny, however, Leonardo had been pushing himself far beyond what Splinter required for years. The mutant rodent had been extremely concerned about his oldest son's health, and no matter how he tried to broach the subject with Leonardo, the child refused to listen. No, it was better to allow his brothers to handle it their way.

"I can see that," the rat nodded solemnly, knowing full well that his sons saw through his charade, "why don't you take him upstairs and let him sleep then wash up for dinner? When he wakes we can discuss your ideas more fully, and I will inform your brother that the vote is now four to one, in favor of him taking time off."

The younger brothers grinned, each exclaiming at their victory. In moments Leo was comfortably lying on his futon, tucked in and resting. Albeit against his will. His brothers rushed to wash up and by the time they had soaked in their bath, Leo had woken up in time for dinner. The leader cleansed himself enough for the dinner table and rejoined his family, sending a mischievous glare at Don who pretended perfect innocence.

As the evening passed, tales were told as the turtles regaled their masters with their adventure in the cave. Many items were left out, mainly Leo's breakdowns, and the secrets he admitted to them in the gloom. These were kept as precious treasures, something shared only between the brothers. However, Splinter and the Ancient One were fascinated with the many spirits they met, and how each test strengthened their bonds as a team. Eventually, though, the story came to an end and the rat found himself basking in the company of his children, the Ancient One having gone to bed.

The turtles were curled up on the porch, each ensuring contact with at least one sibling as they stargazed. Leonardo wasn't long for this world, as the turtle was happily full and found himself warmed by the presence of his brothers. Navy eyes slid shut, and the young leader's breaths evened out. One by one, each teen ninja surrendered to their exhaustion, and as the moon rose, Splinter gave a prayer of thanks that his boys were safely home again.

ITS COMPLETE!

I hope the ending wasn't too rushed. I had fun writing this story, but I am going to have just as much fun with the new arc! As I said, it's going to be a Horror/Suspense type of story, and I'm having so much fun torturing our favorite turtle LOL!

Please send in a REVIEW, I love reading them and I'd like to see your thoughts on this arc.