I felt warm. It's comfortable like afternoon air breezing through your face. I opened my eyes and noticed I was lying on tall grass. The blades tickled my nose. I sat up seeing my location clearly. I was in a field on a sunny day out in the open. I stood trying to recall my last memories. I knew I was in New York on Halloween night. Me, my brothers, and friends, along with Xander split into pairs to look for the siren. I remembered the siren approaching me and Xander in mystic glamor. Raph and Lydia managed to get to us in time, but the siren let out a high shriek which resulted in my capture. I was tied in a rickety old chair in an abandoned apartment surrounded by many corpses. The siren left going for Merrill. The main corpse, Daniel, let me go while killing himself. I remembered running out of there as the building blew up. I felt angry. I wanted the siren to pay for her crimes. What she did wasn't right! All for the sake of love! It wasn't right!

I shook my head. I shouldn't get angry. As much as I wanted for that fish lady to get her just desserts, I shouldn't... shouldn't... was I going to kill her? No! No... I would never do that!

"Leonardo...?" I looked over at the voice. It belonged to a woman my height with long blue hair and dark eyes. She looked familiar... she flashed me a relieved smile. "We finally meet."

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I thought you would be able to recognize me by now from the various memories you've seen", she replied. She expected me to automatically know who she is! Hold on...

She responded with a soft smile before placing her hands on her hips. "Took you long enough. I expected to have this meeting and greeting much sooner. You're a hard person to get through... well, I have never spoken with a kappa... Or anyone after I died."

I didn't expect Roku's soulmate to be chilled. I was leaning towards a stern woman. I looked at the valley around us. "Where are we?"

"Follow me", Misa said gesturing that I follow her. I was going to protest but she added, "I'll tell you as much as I possibly can." Reluctantly, I followed her anyway. We walked down a hill, coming into view of a small cottage surrounded by many flowers. She sat on the porch and patted the seat next to her. "We are in your sanctuary. A mental reality where your subconscious or soul resides."

"So... I'm not dead?" I asked stating my concern.

Misa chuckled. "Believe me. If you were dead, you wouldn't be here talking to me."

"Great... I think... aren't you the one who talked to me during the Dark Merrill incident?"

"Ah, Dark Merrill... rolls off the tongue, huh?" I stared at the chipper woman. "Right. To answer your question, yes, I did give you the advice to purify your friend." I looked away recalling that event. I let out a fake cough to hide my flushed cheeks.

"Thanks for the advice, anyway."

"You're welcome. I could say the same for Light." I looked over to the blue-haired woman who frowned.

"Light? Who's that?"

"Well... they're a... God... the deity of Light... they're the one who controlled your body last night."

"Back up! I have a living GOD inside my body?!"

"Um... yes? I think Deity would work. Calling them a god would bring up their ego." wow. This was more overwhelming than Merrill telling me we're soulmates and past life lovers. I need a breather when I get back. How do I get back?

"Okay... where is this "Light" person?" If what Misa said is true, then Light should be around here somewhere.

"About that..." I didn't how she gave off a pause. "They... have their own residence..."

Should I be concerned? "So, where do they live?" she pointed above my head and I followed her finger and saw a large mountain that I haven't noticed until now. "Holy shit! Where did that come from?!" I yelled, standing up.

Misa stood next to me staring up at the mountain. "Yes. Light lives at the top. They... like their privacy..."

"Have they ever come down? Have you met them?"

"Once... it didn't end well..." I wanted to ask how bad was it, but I held back and kept staring at the mountain; mainly the top which had an exaggerated radiance. "Last night they... um... they controlled your body and wanted vengeance."

I refocused on the woman. "Wait, wait, wait! A god possessed my body to be Batman?"

"What does a man of bats has anything to do with this? Anyway, they wanted to kill the siren but your lover managed to stop them before they can proceed with their intention." so, Merrill stopped Light. Did Light hurt the gang? No, their target was the siren; the guys wouldn't be their priority.

I just realized what Misa implied. "Merrill isn't my lover!" I yelled, feeling my cheeks getting hot.

"Don't you want to be?" Misa asked with her head tilted slightly. All I could muster was covering my face with a heavy groan. "To change the topic, they were defeated by your "friend". Everything else afterward was beyond me. Light is an extraordinary entity with extraordinary abilities. Hopefully, this will be the generation where they can bestow their teachings onto a new disciple."

I looked at her, confused. "Teachings? Disciple."

"Yes. As in they teach them the ways of Light and the use of their abilities and power."

I became excited. "I get to learn Light magic! Awesome!" I noticed Misa's shoulders grow stiff. "What's wrong? You said Light can teach me."

She shook her head. "I said hopefully they are willing to learn. Light has – how you say – a high bar to reach. They expect their host to be their vision of perfection. Someone they can be proud of and to be worthy of being their inheritor."

I crossed my arms. "That's stupid! No one is born perfect! They have to be godlike in birth or something. They might as well be working with their twin sibling." a thought crossed my mind. I started walking to the mountain.

"Where are you going?" I heard Misa following me. "You're not thinking of seeing Light, are you?"

"Yep, I sure am! I was considering bringing them a gift basket but there's no mall nearby. I might as well wing it!"

"Light is a hard deity to communicate. What are you trying to accomplish?"

I turned around and gave my past self a smirk. "Not trying to accomplish anything, really. Just want to get to know them." We walked up the mountain and boy, I regret it! I didn't know how long we walked but by the time we reached the top, I was crawling on my stomach while Misa looked like she took a nice casual stroll, especially a woman who wore a kimono. I was crying tears of joy seeing a golden castle in our sight. "Por fin! We finally made it! Felt like years walking on this mountain."

"I barely find it challenging. Where do you train?"

I didn't want to tell Misa of my family's "training" method. "Uh... oh, look! A giant door! Something that looks very interesting!" I rushed over to the giant golden double doors. I guess this is how Jack feels in his story before entering the giant's castle. "Should we knock? Ring a doorbell? Pretend we're a pizza delivery service. What's the plan here?"

Misa approached the doors. With an inhale, she knocked three times. After the third knock, the doors opened automatically. There was a bright light beyond the passageway. "This is how far I can take you, Leonardo. I'm sorry."

"What?! I need you! You know Light more than I do! What if I mess up?" I felt insecure about meeting Light. All confidence I had washed away leaving a petrified little turtle in my place. "Please tell me you're just pulling my leg! That this is your kind of a funny dead joke, right?"

Misa touched my shoulder and gave me a warm, motherly smile. "I'm sorry to say I am not. I entered their home once, but I was thrown out before I could reach them. They put a barrier so I wouldn't be able to enter their domain. Leonardo, listen to me, be grateful you can heal and purify. Without them, you wouldn't be able to save Merrill." I wanted to be grateful to them. I should be grateful. But... you know that nagging feeling you have that tells you otherwise? Yeah, I listened to it instead and ran into the castle. Misa's voice called my name with a long echo.

The inside was just as golden as the outside. Golden and elegant like a medieval theme. It was so bright I wanted to wear sunglasses just to not be blinded by the radiant glow. I stubbed my toe against a small circular table knocking over a vase; the vase fell and smashed into pieces. I cringed at the mess I made. Hope no one heard that. I looked around to see if anyone was nearby. Seeing no one come rushing to the noise, I bent down and tried putting the pieces together. Each piece was like putting together a 3D jigsaw puzzle; none of the pieces were coming together! Out of desperation, I lifted a rug and slid the pieces underneath.

"Is that how you solve a solution? Pretend to hide the problem and it might go away?" I quickly turned around to see where the heavy voice was coming from. Up at the top of the golden stairs was a tall, and slender golden figure with no face (maybe there was a face, but they were too bright for me to see). They walked down the step. I felt shorter as they were coming closer. This had to be Light. "I asked you a question, turtle."

My throat went dry; so, I quickly cleared it. "Um... someone broke that..." I pointed to the broken vase. "I'll find the person responsible, so they'll come to apologize to you properly." judging how they were unmoved and kept looking at me, I guessed they didn't buy it. I cleared my throat again. "You must be Light. I'm Leo -"

"Spare me the formalities. I could care less." okay, rude much? "You're here for what? Power? Glory? Become the next God?"

Huh? "Um... no? Look. I came over here after hearing how you possessed my body – which would be nice for permission if you catch my drift – just want to say welcome to the neighborhood which I didn't realize this entire existence existed inside until moments ago. I wanted to bring a gift basket to show how considerate I am -"

"You're boring me. Leave." say what now? They noticed how I stopped talking. "Did I stutter? I said leave my domain." They turned away with a huff. I felt my eye twitch. What's their problem? They just met me! And they have the nerve to claim a part of my body/soul/consciousness - whatever – and call it their property! Nah-uh!

I took a deep breath. Breathe, Leon, breathe. Light might've gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. I get it. I gave them a smile. "I think we got off on the wrong foot here. Let's start over. My name is -"

"Leaving. Your name is Leaving. Lee for short. For a mortal, you're quite a dart. I wanted to leave. You're here to learn Light magic and my mystic abilities. Am I wrong?"

"Well, no..."

"Then we have nothing more to discuss. Shoo, shoo. Go play in the river like a good carapace." I was REALLY starting to hate how they can dismiss me like they were above me.

"Dude! What's your problem? You just met me a few seconds ago and you hate my guts. Bossing me around, having your nose stuck up in the air like you're a pompous spoiled brat, and claiming an area in my body-soul-mind-whatever like your name was written on it! So, what's your deal?"

The golden figure turned and stomped its way to me. They poked me in my chest. "My "problem", you say? My "deal" is you! You waltzed your way into my territory like you can do whatever you please." they poked harder. "You mortals are all the same! Snapping your fingers thinking I can be submissive to their call like an obedient pet! You all sickened me! But there are mortals like you who brimming with overconfidence, cockiness, and overall pure arrogance; those are the kind of pests I despise."

I slapped their hand away. "I barely said much and you're criticizing me?! Maybe you're the one who's arrogant! Having high standards for their pupils to be perfect! Ha! What a joke! Maybe that's why you can't teach anyone. You're too busy admiring how great you are!"

"Watch your tongue, brat or I'll cut it!"

"Whatever... this was a waste of time..." I walked away. Light was supposed to teach me their mystic Light? No wonder they didn't get far. They have such a temper. I bet their tantrum is worse. I felt a heated anger beginning to steam. "What a kid..." something grabbed my arms and was forced over my head as I was lifted. I looked above to see weird circles with symbols on them holding my arms and legs in place. I struggled to break free, but I couldn't release the hold.

I was dragged to face against Light. Their figure shifted and took shape. My eyes widened seeing a replica of myself scowling at me. His eyes were bright blue. He was within reach as he growled. "You will NEVER have my power." My copycat lifted a hand up to my forehead and flicked it with a powerful force that made my body fly out of the golden grips and burst through the doors. I watched Light turn away as the doors closed behind him...

~Lady Ai~

My eyes snapped open to see a familiar dark room. I was in Merrill's bedroom. I sat up but winced a bit. I felt like I went through a match with ten Ghostbears. I looked around the room expecting my friend to be around. My heart felt heavy seeing no sign of him. I massaged my face until I noticed I was still in costume except my wig and shoes were missing. Merrill must've taken those off to get me comfortable. He's so thoughtful.

The door opened. Mrs. Cuddles entered carrying a tray with French toast, a glass of OJ, some silverware, a flower, and a card. She saw me awake. "Oh. You're up", Cuddles said, unenthused, "Master told me to give you this before smelling his clothes." what? "Not to worry. There's no poison in your food. I don't want Master to lock me in their trunk. I was promised a satisfying punishment if I agree! Hee hee!" What a weird rabbit. She put the tray on my lap and left.

There was a card with my name in cursive. I opened it.

Leo,

I went to school so the dumasses wouldn't call my parents on me. I made you breakfast before going to teenage prison with shitty food. I told the simp rabbit to take it to you and not do anything to it. If she does, well, let me know if she does, k?

I'll come back as soon as school finishes. Hell, I'll travel via shadows if I must. I hope you're okay. I told the guys you're at my place. Call them when you have the chance.

~Merrill

P.S. The flower I gave you is called an alstroemeria or the Peruvian Lily. The white symbolizes love, strength, support, and purity (there's one that said pure friendship and love between two people; I like that one). 'Thought it could brighten your day.

I felt my cheeks getting hot again as I laid the card down. Why does Merrill have a way with words? I hate and love him for it.

"You think you're worthy to be next to Master?" I looked over at Cuddles who was frowning on the bed. "Worthy of being his mate, huh?"

"More worthy than you I'll tell you that", I replied not bothering to mention that my friend and I aren't mates. Wait. What kind of mates was she talking about? "Shouldn't you be sniffing your master's laundry or crossing through rush hour traffic?"

Cuddles stomped her little feet over trying to be menacing. "My master deserves someone as powerful as he is! You're nothing but a troublesome turtle getting into trouble."

"And you're a simping rabbit who admired my friend after his display of carnage", I countered, "You aren't as powerful either now that I think about it. You're not worthy to be next to him." Cuddles became mad and stomped away.

Whelp, that's two beings I pissed off. Cuddles and Light. Wow. Light was powerful enough to push me back with a flick of his finger. Got one helluva attitude, too. I don't want to think about them right now.

I looked at the flower. I smiled as I picked it up. The love between two people huh? Was this Merrill's way of saying he likes me? I want to know badly. I'm too scared to approach the subject. This little flower also means pure friendship. It suited us. We have gotten close in the past two months.

I twirled the flower with the stem. I placed the flower in my nose inhaling the aroma. Someday I'll tell Merrill how I feel. Maybe it's obvious maybe it's not, but I'll be the one to say it.

Someday I'll say those three words to him.

For now, I'll stick with friends.

For now.

~Lady Ai~

Leonardo confronted Light yet failed to break through their stubbornness. It wasn't surprising. Light is a hard entity to please for having such high standards of their host. Hoping the young kappa can break through their walls. I was in the mood for some flower gathering so I was in the fields picking some flowers here and there. I heard soft footsteps coming my way. "I never thought you would ever get out of that golden castle." I stood up and turned to Light. Their appearance became a split image of Leonardo.

"Why did you send that brat to my territory?" he asked me with frustrated confusion. "I don't want nothing to do with him."

I sighed. "Why are you stubborn, Light? You know it's a matter of time before the Shredder rises again. Leonardo is going to need all the help he can get. Put your pride aside and teach him."

Light scoffed with crossed arms. "Spare me of your holier than thou speech. You don't think I know that? We're limited on time here. There won't be any opportunity to teach the kid to harness light." I raised an intrigued eyebrow. Did Light consider teaching Leonardo? He noticed my stare before looking away with another scoff. "Besides, it will be a cold day in Hell before I let the kid even have an ounce of my power!"

I walked to my little cottage, but I stopped beside Light to say something. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you were thinking of teaching Leonardo." I nearly escaped the swing of his holy sword. I stepped back watching Light glare at me.

"Don't patronize me, brat! I can kill you with a single stab. Don't tempt me." I sighed again at their outburst. He was indeed VERY stubborn. "What's with the sigh?! You have something to say, say it! Or are you too much of a coward?!" I walked away. "Hey! Don't turn your back on me!" I heard him angrily stomping behind me.

"I'm too tired to bother arguing with you. For a God to inhabit a mortal shell, your temper gets the best of you." I made it to my cabin. I set my basket of various flowers on the porch as I sat down trying to enjoy the breeze, including the hot air looming over me. "Sit down and let's enjoy this nice weather."

Light didn't want to take the invitation. "No! I want to hear what you have to say! I'm not going to teach that kid anything! You hear me! Not a damn thing!"

"And yet here you are the spitting image of the turtle you refuse to teach." he pulled back with a heavy blush. Point one to Misa. "I don't see how you couldn't teach him. The point of having an inheritor is so they can reteach your skills to the next generation. Your teachings can go down in history." He sat next to me with a huff.

"Ha! I don't need students or heirs or anything you want to call them! Dark and I can take down anyone and anything standing in our way! Which also includes the Great Evil Shredder!"

"Light, you know you can't get involved unless the vessel you inhabit is near its death. Even I know the rules and you barely say a word to me. Also, the mortal body has its limitations. Going all out damages the body and strains the core. Even if you can heal the body you possessed, that requires you to use your core as well."

"Damn, you're such a chatterbox. I already know that..." do you? I wanted to say it, but I bit my tongue from opening my mouth. Light looked beyond the horizon. "Why did you lie?"

"What?" I looked over at the deity who continued to stare forward. How did Light hear our conversation?

"You lied to Leo. You told him you entered my home, but I threw you out immediately before reaching me. My little palace wasn't up even after you died. I created it to keep you at bay. You blamed me for your misfortunate fate; blamed me for not teaching you more than you should have; for not preparing the Shredder's first uprise. You never set foot near my territory since. What changed?"

I looked down at my clenched fist grasping hold of my kimono. It was true. After I died, I blamed and accused Light of everything. I was going to live a happy life with Roku. Away from the family feuds and battles growing to war. Roku and I wanted to get away from it all. I remembered my death vividly. Roku's brother... embracing the armor... stabbed me in my chest... we never finish the ritual... I cursed the Heavens for this unfortunate event. Maybe that's why Roku and I were cursed to continue hopping from body to body, but I wanted to blame it on someone else. Light was in the way so why not?

"I wanted to put the past behind me. All I wanted was to be reunited with my husband", I said, "I knew I hurt you despite not revealing your emotions. Your actions spoke volumes. I know this was long overdue, but I humbly apologize. I know it won't be enough. I was hoping Leonardo would be someone to bring you out so we can finally speak once again."

"What? You wanted the kid to be a peacemaker? How pathetic." He stood up. "This was a waste of my time."

I watched Light slowly making his way back to his golden castle. An architect that shines as the sun but felt cold within reach. He's just as lonely as I am. "Something happened between you two. Didn't it? Otherwise, you wouldn't hold his image for this long and you never came to me. You would still be up there doing nothing."

Light angrily turned to me. "Sweet holy fire! Would you shut up? Do you love to hear yourself talk? Every time you open your mouth, it's all about you! Why me this and why me that! What about what I want? Huh? Did you miss your lover? I barely get to talk to Dark! Last night was the one chance we had until the next golden opportunity! It's a rarity for our rendezvous. I had to wait for the next few centuries for our next encounter." I watched his shoulders quiver and shake. "It's not fair... I miss my puppy... I miss those cold nights where I sleep in his wolf form... how, despite being opposites, we complete each other..." Light shrinks with his arms covering himself; golden tears streamed his cheeks. "I hate it! Thinking of others is a hassle! No one ever asks what I want!" I walked to the crying entity. He tried to dry his tears but more fell.

I hugged him tightly. I rubbed his back. "Perhaps... Leonardo is different."

Light scoffed. "You give that kid too much credit."

"It wouldn't hurt to ask. I learned communication is vital in a partnership." Light grew silent, yet his sniffles kept going. I decided to sing a lullaby my mother used to sing to me whenever I felt upset. I guessed it worked since Light's sobs ceased. "Can we call a truce? I know you don't have to like me, but can we cooperate for Leonardo's sake?"

"Fine... can you sing to me again?" I smiled and sang the lullaby over.

Light and I found standing ground.

It's a start.