April let out a heavy sigh as she closed her laptop. Everyone said that college life was hard, but she was pretty sure no one yet had to juggle the combination she did. She didn't regret it though… having her unofficial mutant family in her life was well worth it. Glancing up at the clock, she noted with some relief that she'd managed to finish up with plenty of time to make it to the underground home of her turtle brothers. Today was going to be a trying day for all of them, and April was determined to give all the support she could.

Over the past few weeks, the Hamato clan had been working with Himari, the yokai specialist that Draxum found, to develop a plan for Leo's recovery and the PT regimen for his badly broken leg. The slider had included himself in the discussions, which April supposed was a good thing, but she was also concerned by the fact that he didn't contribute much to them. Mainly, he just listened and gave either shrugs or simple yes/no answers to any questions.

In addition to those things, they'd decided that with the uncertain situation in the city, it probably wouldn't be a good idea for Leo to stay in the lair while he recovered. Of course, it went without saying that wherever he went, his brothers were going too. As expected, Donnie had been the bluntest, stating that he wasn't letting the dum-dum out of his sight just to be sure he wouldn't do anything stupid. Himari had told them that she had a family estate in the Hidden City and waved off the objections to intruding her home.

"Nonsense," she said. "It would be most convenient for everyone, and honestly, it has been a little too quiet there for some years… it's just me and my grandson now. And he would certainly be happy to have some like-minded companions about his age." The elderly rabbit then cast a gentle smile toward Leo. "And I'm sure you and he would get along quite well."

She had said that a few times before, and there was a conviction in her voice that made the others wonder how she could be so sure. When asked, she simply smiled again and said they had a lot in common.

After leaving her apartment, as she made her way to the turtles' underground subway home, April couldn't keep a frown from her face as her thoughts swirled. Even if he kept a brave face up, there was no denying that Leo was far from himself. There seemed to be a melancholy hanging on him that he just couldn't dispel, and it wasn't hard to guess he harbored serious doubts as to his chances of a full recovery.

Can't really blame him, though, April thought with a sad sigh. Whatever she'd gone through the past few years, it was nothing compared to what her honorary little brothers had. More than once, she wondered why they'd had to take so many hits in so little time and wished more than anything she could've taken them herself.

The bustle of activity could be heard even before April entered the lair, hurrying footsteps and a mix of voices. Mikey was the first to greet her, and as always she felt her lingering gloom lift at his bright smile.

"April!" he chirped, wrapping her in a hug. "You made it!"

She laughed as she returned the embrace, rubbing his head affectionately.

"Course I did! Can't let Leo go off to rehab without the whole fam, can I?"

Raph's amused voice chimed in.

"I wouldn't call it that 'round him." April looked up to see the snapper approaching, a grin on his own face. "He still thinks he's too awesome for that word."

April couldn't suppress an amused smirk; interesting to think that as much as it used to annoy his family, it was now considered a good thing that the blue-banded turtle's pride was still intact.

"Right," she said. "Though, 'extended vacation' doesn't sound exactly right either."

"We've just been calling it PT," Mikey said, then gave April's hand a tug. "C'mon, we're gonna portal there from here… Barry can take ya back."

"Gotcha," April said.

She followed the youngest turtle, her smile widening a little when she saw the rest of the mutant family gathered in the main living area with an assortment of mismatched and variously worn duffel bags. Splinter and Draxum were engaged in one of their frequent debates, which they still had to force themselves to keep civil. Donnie was typing on his digital gauntlet with a frown of concentration and spouting medical jargon clearly directed at his twin, who was listening with an expression of faint amusement. The sight of the wheelchair brought a sense of sadness, but it was lightened by Leo's eased posture. It wasn't much different than if he was lounging in a normal chair.

The slider looked up as April and his other two brothers approached, and his face lit up when he saw her.

"Hey, April, ya made it!"

The human girl grinned back as she walked up to him and held out a fist, which he immediately bumped his against.

"Wouldn't 've missed seeing ya off!" she said. "Since I won't be able to keep as close an eye on you as I'd like."

Donnie'e eyes stayed glued to his gauntlet, his tone barely changing as he addressed her.

"Don't worry, April… we'll be watching to make sure he's not an idiot."

Leo gave Donnie a look of exaggerated offense.

"Donald, sweet brother, you wound me! It almost sounds like you don't trust me."

Donnie's only response was to give his twin a dry, almost withering look. April couldn't help but chuckle; seeing Leo still able to quip made her almost as happy as it would to see him get up and walk.

"All right," Draxum spoke up. "Now if we are all here, we'd best get going. Himari is expecting us."

His voice had its usual air of annoyed indifference, but by now April knew him well enough to tell he was also amused… and a little concerned.

"Yes, yes," Splinter said. "Boys, you have everything?"

Raph nodded, moving to gather up several of the bags, save for the three that Mikey grabbed.

"Ready t' go, Dad."

Draxum nodded, then pulled out a blue stone that was apparently the teleportation device. It lit up, then there was a bright flash that made April close her eyes. When she felt the warmth of the sun on her face, along with a soft breeze, she opened them again and they widened at the sight that met her.

April had seen Japanese garden paintings, and for a moment she wondered if they'd stepped into one. A large but simple villa stood in the center of a wide, green space full of beautifully cultivated flowers and shrubs, even some trees. The buildings of the Hidden City were visible nearby, but no sounds from it could be heard from here. Just the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and bees humming as they drifted between the colorful blossoms.

"Wow," Mikey breathed, and April glanced over to see him looking around with a slack jaw and wide, bright eyes. She knew he was imagining all the drawings and art he might be able to make here. An impressed whistle came from Leo.

"I could get used to staying at a place like this."

Raph gave his shoulder a nudge, a wide smile on his face.

"See? Told ya it wasn't gonna be so bad," he said. Before anyone could say more, the door of the house opened, and Himari came out. But she wasn't alone this time; a younger rabbit was behind her who had to be her grandson. His ears were pulled back in a ponytail, like hers, but his eyes were deep brown and he moved with a more easy, relaxed gait. Something about him struck a familiar note with April, but before she could think more about it Himari bowed her head in greeting.

"Welcome," she said with a smile, then gestured to the younger rabbit. "I would like to introduce my grandson, Yuichi Usagi."

The younger rabbit gave a similar formal bow, but then looked up with a wide grin… one that made April think of a picture of Leo geeking out at that Jupiter Jim convention that her turtle brothers attended.

"Everyone in the Hidden City talks about you," he said. "I never thought we'd meet like this, but it's an honor!"

Leo returned his grin, and April thought it looked brighter than it had for a long time.

"Hey, we're heroes, and that's what heroes do!"

Usagi focused on him, and though his grin remained April saw his eyes soften.

"You're Leo, right? My grandma told me about you."

A slight shadow came to the slider's eyes, but the smile stayed on his face as he gave an easygoing shrug.

"About my stunning good looks, I hope."

Raph hefted the bags he was carrying, letting out a snicker.

"Case ya haven't guessed, he's the modest one."

Usagi glanced toward the snapper as he gave a snort of amusement.

"That's fine."

Himari stepped up with a warm smile on her own face.

"Indeed. My grandson tends toward that mindset himself."

Usagi coughed, his sheepish expression amplified by an embarrassed flush that stood out clearly under his white fur. April couldn't help but chuckle along with her turtle brothers, and her smile grew even more when Leo joined in. But for a change, there was almost no bitterness in his laugh, and the all too faint light in his eyes seemed just a little brighter.