Her persistence was fierce, that's for sure. Raphael didn't think that, besides Splinter, the girl could try to reason with him with wisdom. It hasn't been an easy thing to swallow, if such things came from his brothers but, perhaps out of anyone he encountered, that wasn't his father, Charlotte was able to give him a message that showed genuine care behind her reasoning. He took a few deep breaths through his nose, shortly before he felt her hand on his shoulder. It was obvious that she was being careful yet gentle in her approach, and that was what caused Raphael to reluctantly relent, and slowly loosen his fists.

"Charlie, I...", he began to say, still looking down, whilst appearing to calm down, before being able to lift his head, and take another deep breath. "...thanks."

He too was unaware of themselves being watched, even when the group of men in black jumpsuits started to approach to duo with complete silence. He heard Charlotte shout his name; the next thing he knew, they were getting thrown around, in an ambush. It was only a matter of time, before he could get back to his feet. "'Lee, get out of here!", he told her, as he started putting a number on the impeding group of ninjas. As long as their attention was on the rebellious turtle, Charlie would have a bigger chance of getting away, and telling the others.

Meanwhile, April was showing her new friends the antique show below the apartment, which only seemed to induce wonder and curiosity in the turtle brothers, while Jennifer thought about the prolonged absence of their brother and Charlie. But, at the same time, the back of her mind says, that there was some sort of spark going on between her "sister" and the red-bandannaed turtle. Not that she was worried about it, but it became quite...endearing. Her thoughts were cut off, once Mikey decided to play a prank on Leo, having to startle him with some cymbals he found laying around. Luckily, Jen and April were able to cover their ears, in time.

The ninjas were pouring in, and Raphael was starting to find himself overwhelmed. He was able to fend off a good few, but it was starting to become very hard. However, his tenacity didn't fade, despite his impeding exhaustion. "You must be studying the abridged book of ninja fighting. I mean, come on, how do you guys expect to beat me?", more and more started pouring in, making Raphael realize that numbers were on their side. "Good answer. Good answer".

"Haven't they been gone a long time?", April asked, as they were going back up to the apartment, after giving them a brief tour of some of her most-prized possessions. "Raph does this, all the time; he likes it", Donnie reassured, as if it was no big deal. Jennifer frowned, sensing something wrong, shortly before she felt something sharp get thrown at her, grazing her cheek.

"Are you sure?"

Seeing a throwing ninja knife piercing the wall, Jennifer caught a glimpse of a bald Japanese man in a robe, in one of the mirrors. "We're being watched...", she realized, whispering to herself, before wiping the cut on her face.

"...he'll probably be back any minute", before anybody could react, a shatter from above caught everyone off guard, as the body of Raphael came crashing through. "Raph!"

Charlie heard his words but didn't want to leave him alone, especially being clearly outnumbered. She hesitated for a moment before sneaking away, quickly heading downstairs to tell the others. She just hoped by the time she told them it wouldn't be too late. Tears started to sting her eyes at the thought of the brothers losing another family member, especially after the fight he had with Leo.

She pushed the thoughts away as she spotted the others, running over towards them before quickly recoiling as she saw something fly quickly through the air. She was too late to warn them; the Foot were already here. She watched in shock as Raph crashed through the sunroof, glass and wood surrounding him. He wasn't moving. "Raph!" She exclaimed, running over with April and Donnie. Tears stung her eyes once again as she silently begged him to still be alive.

"He's alive. Barely." Donnie assured them before looking at the few ninjas that had jumped in after their brother. Relief washed over Charlie before anger took over. These ninjas had the nerve to attack April, cause Splinter's disappearance, and now hurt her friend and threaten his brothers. She stood up, getting into a defensive stance.

The crash was something that Jennifer did not want to see, especially since Charlie just walked into the room to witness it. She was immediately by April's side, checking to see that Raphael's vitals were still active. In addition to Donatello's claim, she was able to find a pulse, but it was faint. Very faint. Along with being thrown through the sunroof, he must nearly have been beaten to death before then. The attackers were piling in through the windows, door, and the roof. It was clearly an ambush, set to overthrow them with numbers rather than strength alone. But how did they find them? Nobody knew where they were. If so, who?

Putting herself in the defensive, Jennifer stayed close to April, who looked over an unconscious Raphael, the moment they found themselves surrounded. "And I thought insurance salesmen were pushy", Mikey said, amusingly, shortly before one of them started swinging their single nun-chuck. "Oh, a fellow chucker, eh?", and the contest began. It was an exchange of skill to decipher who was better. Jennifer watched, silently, looking back and forth between the competitors. 'That's really impressive', she thought, having to give a small smile. It was becoming a close call, until Mikey sealed the deal by spinning his weapon on one finger. "Keep practicing", he said.

'It's over for you', she thought amusingly, the second Donnie jumped over him, and began the assault against their brothers' aggressors. There wasn't much room for them to defend themselves, but then, it was the perfect time to improvise. Giving a sucker punch, Mikey tossed one of them to Jennifer, who swiped her leg underneath to trip him into a cabinet, shortly before grab another, and launching a knee into his stomach. "Charlie, brace!", she said, before crouching down, and giving her sister a boost, by lifting Charlotte, and launching her towards another.

"One of these guys knows where they're holding Splinter, so don't knock them all out", Leo told them, before knocking out the one he put into a choke hold. "I don't think that will be a problem, Leo", they just kept coming, one by one, and it only got worse, by the time, Donnie noticed more on the roof. "Hey guys, I'm not so sure if this is, structurally speaking, such a good time for your buddies to drop in", having to be surrounded once again, they weren't aware that the extra weight caused the floor to give out, due to them having to gall to use hatchets in the assault.

Charlie watched as the Foot surrounded them before chuckling softly at the chucker tried intimidating them but easily lost to Mikey who did have impressive skills. Once Donnie attacked, it was on as punches and kicks were thrown. Charlie nodded in reply to Jennifer, getting launched at a ninja which she kicked down. She managed to jump away just as a hatchet came close to getting her. She realized Donnie's point too late as more ninjas came from the roof, causing the ruined floor to collapse.

Charlie screamed as she fell with the others, a little bruised, but otherwise alright. She gasped softly upon seeing a bald Japanese man with more ninjas before them. Was he the leader? The answer was delayed as the door opened up to show a muscled man in a hockey mask carrying a hockey stick. "You guys mind telling me what you're doing to my little green pal over there, hm?" He asked,
lifting up his mask to show he was around April's age.

"Oh, who is the babe?" He added upon seeing her next to Raph.

"Who the heck is that?" Leo asked, just as confused as everyone else there.

"Wayne Gretzky on steroids?" Mikey guessed jokingly.

Knocking away one of their hatchets with her blade, she felt the deflation beneath her feet, giving Jennifer a pretty good idea, as to where this would be going. The destroyed floor couldn't hold all of them, and so, it collapsed right underneath them. Making a yell, she descended with everybody else, nearly hitting her head on a table, just narrowly missing it. Groaning, although she had bruises, scratches, and cuts in some places, she carefully yet slowly got to her feet, helping Charlie get up. "Are you okay?", she asked, worried for her.

"Is everybody okay?", groans and aches were heard from them. "...wipe out", Mikey piped up. Just before she could get an answer from the others, Jen caught sight of the same Japanese man she saw in the mirror; the same one who threw the knife at her, along with more of those men, standing behind him. Her question was the same as Charlie's. 'Is this guy the one pulling the strings?', she defensively put her sword in front of her; this time, standing a few inches, in front of her sister. If he could throw blades at Jen, and graze her, she didn't want to think about someone with this kind of skill to be placed in front of a beginner, like Charlie. She was lucky to have moved from the weapon's path, and avoid certain death.

Just then, before anything could happen, the door to the store opened, only to reveal a very fit man, donning a hockey mask, and armed with a hockey stick. Panting, Jen blinked at the newcomer, he had to, at least, be around 25 to 30 years old - around April's age. 'Just who is this guy?', she thought; her question nearly the same as Leonardo's. Mikey's comment seemed to break some of the tension, but it didn't stop the bald man from sending his men upon them. At this rate, it was utter chaos in the shop, shortly until it started to catch fire. They were drastically overwhelmed, both because the growing flames and their assailants. It was like a nightmare.

"Come on, we got to get out of here!", retreat seemed to be the only real option right now, and Leo was right. They had to leave, and find some other place to lay low. While the others played defense, April strove to find a way out. "Help me. There used to be a trapdoor here to the basement", she said, moving some things out of the way. The brothers, Jennifer, and the mystery man were pushing the men back, so to give April more time. It was strange, really. Who, in the human world, would come to their aid? No one, other than April, knew about their existence, unless...he bumped into one of the turtles, not too long ago? Did Raphael know him?

"Get away, I'll take care of these guys", the man said, by the time April was able to reveal their way out, and crawl through, before she and the mutants were able to get Raph's body through. "You coming?", Leo asked the newcomer, once the girls were able to go through their only means of escape. "I'll cover you!", the turtle nodded, before going through himself. It was only about some time that the man followed after him, after taking time to hold them off. "Bye, guys, got to run!", and the trap door was shut, leaving the bald man no choice but to pull back, by the time sirens were heard.

"Ninja, vanish!"

Charlie did her best to protect Raph and April as the latter tried opening a trapdoor for them to escape. It was the best course of action as they were easily overwhelmed by the numbers against them. Once it was opened, she helped Donnie get Raph through before climbing in after them. She turned to look back at Jen as they made their escape, worried about Raph and where they'd go now but also curious as to how they were found out by the enemy.

The small group piled into April's van, Charlie carefully helping them bring in Raph before gently laying his head in her lap. She just hoped he'd wake up soon. She sighed softly before looking at everyone else as the hockey man took control of driving the car as April glanced back at her home burning.

"Sorry about your place, April." She said softly, breaking the tense silence among them.

Just like April had said, there was indeed another room behind the door, and by the time they were able to reach the other side, they retreated into the human woman’s van. Carefully, and swiftly, the brothers helped Charlotte carry Raphael into the van, just as Jennifer looked around to make sure they weren't being pursued from behind. The place was going up in flames, and the cloud of smoke engulfed the air. They were lucky to have gotten out in time, and it was all because of this mysterious human man, who willingly jumped into the fray, as backup. Apparently, at this rate, extra hands were what they really needed to get out of this situation. When everybody managed to get into the vehicle, Jennifer jumped in after them, and closed the doors with a grunt.

As quick as they had piled in, the hockey man drove the van out from the side of the building, and into the streets. Luckily, the windows were tinted, so nobody would be able to take a peak on the inside. They have no choice but to find another hideout to, at least, recuperate from this near-death experience. With Raphael's head laying in her sister's lap, clearly out cold, Jennifer turned around to look out the back window, along with April to gaze at her burning apartment. The human woman didn't say anything, only looking upon her burning home with a sunken heart - her dad's antique store was gone, and probably beyond replenishing. Just as she was about to let tears fall, the Asian teen quickly engulfed her in a hug to console her. It wasn't fair. Who would rat them out like this?

They were on the road now, homeless; all of them, now emotionally and mentally-affected. These people - the Foot - wanted them dead. They had to go off the grid; they weren't safe anymore in the city...until April pointed out a place that they could all try to rest, and heal. It took them all night to get there but there was, at least, some isolation. It was an old farm that April used to spend her summer days at; not entirely up to date, but it will do for now. Judging by how Raphael wasn't waking up, it was sadly ruled out that he was in a coma - nobody knew when he will ever wake up. That very same day, April and this man, whose name was "Casey Jones", had their argumentative moments, and it didn't really spread light on their situation.

Jennifer and Charlie had to share a room, with April having to find them some new clothes, that were close in size, somewhere in the house. It occurred to Jen that her sister spent most of her time in the presence of Raphael, who laid in the bathtub. Even though she said that Leonardo took charge of watching over his brother, mainly out of guilt, Charlie insisted on being there. Meanwhile, April wrote down every account of their experiences in a journal, having to make a few sketches on the side.

'It's strange being back on the old farm. Even after all these years, it still feels like home. My amazing new friends have suffered their first real defeat. That's bad enough, but the turtles also lost the opportunity to find out about their mentor, and I'm sure that hurts them more than anything else. Jennifer and Charlie continued to cling onto hope that they fulfill their promise on helping them get through the very battle of conquering their greatest fears. Each of them deals with this confusion in their own way: Donatello has found someone to latch onto; Leonardo, meanwhile, has kept a constant vigil with Raphael, along with Charlotte, who seemed to continue on holding onto any hope of his recovery, with Jennifer and Michelangelo attempting to pent themselves via distraction. And then there's Casey Jones, a nine-year-old trapped in a man's body. He might almost be cute if it wasn't for that pigheadedness'.

Charlie stayed close to Raph even after Leo insisted on keeping watch. She tried explaining they could take shifts so the other could get some rest, but the idea seemed to fall on deaf ears. She could tell Leo felt guilty for his brother being unconscious. If they hadn't fought, Raph wouldn't be in this predicament and would have had a better chance fighting off the Foot.

She was currently in the kitchen making some sandwiches for everyone when she looked up to see Jennifer. "Hey." She said, realizing just how tired her voice sounded. It had been a few days since she had gotten proper sleep having only around three to four hours of rest if that. There were clear circles under her eyes from the sleeplessness. "Wanna help with these? I'm making them for everyone. Well, except for..." She said before trailing off.

As much as she wanted to get Charlie to do something else, her sister stayed by Raph's side in the bathroom. At the same time, Leonardo insisted on telling her that he should be the one watching his brother; really to punish himself for the harsh words he given the rebellious turtle, before he was beaten, nearly to death.

Jennifer could tell that her sister was barely sleeping, judging by the dark circles under her eyes, while at the same time, the teenage girl barely came back to their shared bedroom to lay down. Even when found Charlie in the kitchen, one day, making what seemed to be sandwiches, the Asian girl could tell that the other was lacking proper sleep again. By the time she trailed off on her words, Jen held her hands, really to stop her from what she was doing, before bringing her into a hug. "It's okay", she said softly, after kissing her forehead, and letting her lean against her, until they heard a shout from upstairs.

"Hey! Hey, he's awake! He wants some food! Bring some food!"

It was very unexpected, and yet, at that very moment, there came hope. Was Raphael truly awake? "Come on", Jen told Charlie, leading the way upstairs. By the time, they got there, the red-bandanna turtle was standing up, and awake, just like how Leo said, making Jennifer release a breath of relief, and smiled. The elder brother was helping the other turtle get to his feet, and helping him retain his balance. With nearly blurry vision, Raph gazed at the newcomers. "Hey guys", he said, wearily.

Charlie allowed her adopted sister to comfort her as she trembled a little, trying to hold back tears. She was worried about Raph, especially since it affected the brothers. Leo moreso than the others. She had finally calmed down when she heard Leo's voice.

She looked at Jen in surprise, hopeful as well as she headed upstairs quickly. She stopped upon seeing Raph awake and standing with a bit of help from Leo who seemed to have mended things between them. "You're okay!" She exclaimed, running over to hug the turtle in relief as happy tears fell.

She pulled away, sniffing softly before smirking. "Bet you woke up because I was making sandwiches." She teased.

Making sure that Charlotte smiled, was something that Jennifer wanted to happen, the moment she met her; she was always better with one. From all of the challenges the two girls were forced to face in the outside world, all Jennifer did, was ensure that her sister was safe and happy. After meeting these four mutated turtles, there was a moment of realization for them to not only rely on each other, but rather those who were also like them. It was another part of "kin" they have yet to cross paths with, and were eventually adopted into. Beside from having each other, solace and acceptance were all that they really needed - and they may have found it. Living on the farm was not only a time to heal, but to also self-reflect, that they were in this together; that they had to stick together, for their own survival. They weren't only their friends, but also, come by it, family. It was an up-and-coming realization, once Raphael finally woke up from his nerve-wrecking slumber.

He was able to stand, by the time, he noticed Charlie approaching him with a range of emotions in her eyes. He wasn't good with feelings, but he could tell that she was truly relieved, like everyone else. It felt fulfilling; he mended his relationship with his brother, and was able to see that 'Lee and the others were okay. All of this returned as a relief to him. Raph was rather surprised by the close contact that the girl gave him, but he soon relented, and willingly appreciated her attempt to show him her happiness. Strangely enough, at the very same time, something rose within him, having to possibly be generated after learning that she got away, when he told her to. "It's a Kodak moment", Donatello pointed out from the doorway, as their hug seemed to get longer than it should.

When the girl pulled away, and teased him, the rebellious teen looked down at the ground, once more - a childhood habit when attempting to hide his emotions - causing a strange uproar in his chest. It was tingly; something he had never quite felt before, aside from familial love. "Bet you'll need this tub more than me", he said, in an attempt to tease her back. Jennifer looked between them, thinking about that "spark" again. Or, was it? She could be assuming, but it was clear that Raphael's reaction said otherwise. At this rate, she knew that Charlie was in good hands, and the realization made the Asian teen smile. In the meantime, they could all celebrate with some sandwiches.

'The Turtles are four, once again, and yet, still not whole. A lingering doubt remains; an unknown which they can't bear to face their greatest fear'

More days went by, and everybody took that time to repair the broken and develop bonds. The only thing missing, was the parental figure that the brothers greatly missed. They seemed more lost, the longer they were away from the city, and Jennifer, as observant and perspective as she was, could sense their frustration - like small children trying to find the path that would lead them back home. In spite of this, they always attempted to distract themselves, by searching openings to rebuild their fighting spirits. At the same time, as Charlie seemed to be catching up on sleep, Jen proceeded to continue training her. After she managed to nail down the basics, Jennifer eventually moved her down the road in getting more physical. Of course, they got help from the brothers, who willingly gave them tips - mainly Raphael, who seemed to be finding opportunities in training Charlie further, whenever Jennifer couldn't...perhaps more often than not. Not that the Asian girl minded, since she herself took time of learning the bond between the mind and body from Leonardo.

When Charlie was able to nail down the kicks and punches, full-body maneuvers came next. It wasn't necessarily advanced, nor was it for beginners, but more like in-between. Of course, as it was normal for something so complicated, mistakes were made, but it all came down with practice, and all six teens took it with stride, while April and Casey watched from the sidelines. Aside from training alone, Jennifer also noticed that Charlie hasn't left Raph's side once, and/or perhaps vice-versa. It could just be Jen’s protective instincts alone, but then, she knew better than to observe, since the turtle always seemed to be around her sister.

Charlie chuckled as he teased her back, just glad he was awake and alright if a little weak. She couldn't ignore the strange feeling growing inside her, making her feel warm, bubbly, happy. She only felt it around Raph. Was it because of their strange connection to each other? Possibly.

As the days passed, the bonds between everyone seemed to grow, even the discord between April and Casey seemed to somewhat disappear but there were a few spats. Especially when he called her Toots one day which soon ended up with April leaving in a huff after telling him what she thought about him. But there was an unspoken emptiness everyone felt. Splinter was still missing.

However, the brothers tried keeping their spirits up by perfecting their skills and helping Charlie with hers. Raphael seemed to be more interested in teaching her, giving her lessons whenever Jennifer couldn't or just because. There was no rhyme or reason why, but Charlie was thankful nonetheless. She was now moving onto more intermidenent moves. While nowhere near the brothers or Jen, she could at least put up a good fight.

She was currently out with Raph training again when she managed to flip him over her shoulder. She smiled widely at the downed turtle. "I did it!" She exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah, 'Lee. Take five", the turtle groaned, as he managed to get on one knee. Taking a moment to crack his neck, and rolling his shoulder, Raphael sat down in the grass.

Even though Charlie was nowhere near as muscular as him, it was all thanks to her newfound workout routine with Jennifer that she was able to gain some upper body strength. As humble as Jennifer was, her sister was making an improvement, beneficial to Charlie's ever-growing athleticism. These routines took hours, from an early morning, all the way to an early evening, along with a few breaks in between. Although it seemed easy, but it was a rather rough journey, but the girls were able to pull it off together, along with a bit of help.

Weapons were a whole 'nother matter. While Charlie was prepared for hand-to-hand situations, learning how to defend yourself from a certain weapons were something that didn't quite fit in with the styles that they were currently teaching her...at least, not yet. As a result, Raphael didn't, at all, use his sais in any of his sessions with her. Learning how to defend yourself from such a weapon wasn't easy to come by, it was just as hard as wielding them; anything in the Kobudo category wasn't for beginners, unlike other martial art styles.

Charlie was a fast-learner. He and the others figured that out, a long time ago. While not exactly experienced, she clearly had great tenacity, as she wanted to take in as much as she could from her sister and the brothers. So far, she proved to be a very capable student. These thoughts circled in the red turtle's mind, putting them to high regard.

Charlie sighed softly as she sat beside him, glancing up at the sky and watching the clouds pass by. It was so peaceful. Calming. She wondered if he felt it too, even with his temper. Surprisingly it hadn't shown up as much, probably since he and Leo made up. Or maybe it was because she calmed him. He always seemed to change around her.

She looked over at him, contemplating her words before speaking. "Raph? Do...Do you ever think about going back? Ya know, to the city? Find out where Splinter is?" She asked, hoping she wouldn't anger him or cause a silent treatment from him.

Raphael took the next few seconds of rolling his shoulder from his workout hours from this morning, as well as his training workout with Charlie. The girl was making great progress for the past week and, to the best of their ability, her mentors made sure that they made it easy for her to adapt in such situations. In the real world, nothing about it, is simple. They knew that they can't stay on the farm for long, especially since they should be out looking for Splinter and, hopefully, find him alive.

They had to leave soon, so, about two days ago, they took their sessions up to an eleven, simply by putting Charlie in situations that would act as practice test runs, so they could see how much knowledge she had managed to gain from them. Sometimes, there would be a surprise strike, even if they seemed to be minding their own business. They weren't harsh, but the strikes were light enough to ensure that they don't accidentally knock her unconscious, or outright hurt her.

Even if they weren't successful, Jen reminded her, from time-to-time, that such maneuvers will come unexpected, and that she had to be on alert. Well, maybe not too alert. Being prepared was necessary, at this very time.

He had to admit that the current feeling was very peaceful, especially since he and his brothers were drastically missing the presence of a certain father-figure. Somehow, for the past few days, Raphael found nature to be quite calming. For having to live in a city, he hasn't really stepped forth in its very boundaries. But, for someone as hotheaded and impulsive, it has really given him some sense of serenity. Lightly running his hand in the grass, he picked at a strand, either finding a way to distract himself, while being alone with 'Lee.

Ever since Raph developed that strange feeling for the past two weeks, it initially confused him, but then, there was lingering fondness that he had never felt before. She was always so nice, and so caring, always asking if he was okay, while recovering from his coma. He may not have realized it, but he was staring at her. What snapped him out of it, was when 'Lee turned to look at him. Blinking at her, the rebel looked away quickly.

Surprisingly, when she asked him that question, instead of staying quiet, he answered her, after taking a deep breath, and giving himself a moment of thought. "I always have. If they have Splinter, I would want to go back. Aside from having brothers, he is home. I'd feel a lot better if we found him...alive", he said, a bit of sadness lingering in his voice on that last word. Raphael was putting hope on the fact that his father was alive; that he was stronger than even them. He looked at the ground, holding in that emotion. "You promised, didn't you, 'Lee? That you would help us?", he asked.

Charlie listened to him, understanding wanting to go back. It wasn't just their home but Splinter they were missing greatly. No one could blame them for that. Charlie herself missed her own father especially after just leaving him a few days after the mutation. She just wished she could have explained to him.

She was brought out of her thoughts upon hearing him question about her promise. "Of course I did. I never go back on a promise." She replied before gently placing a hand on top of his. "I can't explain it, but I feel like he's still alive. He's out there, probably with the Foot. All we have to do is get one of those goons to tell us where he's located."

She gave him a little smile. "The last thing we all need to lose is hope. Without it, what else is going to bring us back to the city?"

Raph's thoughts were flying about, like leaves in the wind, just circling around. Could he truly be alive? How could they be certain that their father even survived? He shouldn't be thinking of such things, especially since they have gotten so close into believing that Splinter was out there, waiting for them. The longer they sit here, the longer he could continue to suffer. Alone. Closing his eyes, he had to hold onto the hope that his mentor was a trained martial artist, in the way of the ninja. He's alive...he had to be alive.

The turtle's troublesome thoughts immediately dissipated, the moment he felt her hand make physical contact with his own. Encounters like this were new, and it gave Raphael some sort of reluctance to lean into it. He didn't know what to do, although his instincts told him that this was Charlie's way of showing him that she was sticking to her oath. However, there was a hunch when he looked down at their hands. Carefully, and slowly, he turned his three-fingered appendage over, so her hand would be sitting on his palm. It was awkward, shortly before he felt his heart strangely skip a beat, after just performing this one move. What is this? What is going on here? Could he...like her?

Listening to her, Raphael almost pulled his hand away, but allowed it to remain there, intertwined, once he felt the calmness and comfort resonating from her touch. It was the same sensation that washed over him, when they were on that rooftop. Charlie was adding another layer to that peacefulness, that the nature around them brought. "'Lee, I...thanks", it was the same response he gave her back at the city, but..."Aside from April and Jen, thanks for looking out for us. Me, especially", he added, taking the risk to glance at her.

Then, there was a shout behind them, back in the house, ruining the heartfelt moment. "Hey! Splinter's alive! He's alive!", Leo's voice was full of happiness and alarm. Jen was running towards her sister and the rebellious turtle, who seemed to be growing closer to Charlie, making the Asian teen internally smile. "Okay, before you say anything, something happened. During our meditation session, we had a vision...more like, Leo had a vision. He's certain that he saw Splinter; weak but alive, locked up, somewhere in the city. This evening, he wants all of us to meet", she notified, having to tell them that there was reason behind this.

---

If what Leo said, was true, then they could know about Splinter's whereabouts together, and that was happening tonight. By the time the sun went down, and after April and Casey went to bed, the six teens gathered around a fire, somewhere in the forest. Leo and Raph took up one side; Don and Mikey taking another, and the girls took up the third.

"Leo, if you dragged us out here for nothing...", Raph said, having to somewhat skepticism, but at least held onto hope that what his brother saw, was real. "Don't worry, guys. I came prepared", Mikey said, offering marshmallows to anyone who might want one. Jennifer chuckled, and raised her hand, willingly accepting one, before taking another to give to Charlie. The Asian girl's acceptance seemed to bring color to the youngest's turtle's face, which didn't go unnoticed by the female teen, in question. "Put those away", the seriousness was back, and the youngest reluctantly followed through with his order.

"Everyone, close your eyes, and concentrate. Concentrate hard", and then, Leo put himself in a meditative state, with his brothers following suite. Jen wondered, if this was a particular technique used among the ninja. By the look of it, there was nothing 'typical' about it. Holding her sister's hand, the seventeen year-old too closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. It was a strange feeling, combined with calmness, peace, and nearly trance-like, and the next thing she knew, the face of their mentor appeared in her mind.

"I am proud of you all. My sons, tonight, you have learned the final, and greatest truth of the ninja. The allies of whom you endorse with that of your strength, completes the ultimate mastery of not only the body, but of the mind. Together, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. Tread carefully, and share your energy with those you've brought in, with trust, as a bond is your sword, and your shield. Help each other; draw upon one another, and always remember the true force that binds you; the same as that which brought me here tonight that which I gladly return with my final words. I love you all, my children".

...and he was gone. Opening her eyes with a gasp, Jen felt the breath leave her chest, by the time she came to. It left nothing, but sweeping emotion, touching their hearts in the most unexpected way. Splinter accepted the newcomers; entrusted them to aid his disciples, in the battles that come. Mikey was shedding tears from the experience, and Jen stood up to place a hand on his shoulder, with the youngest returning the gesture by placing his hand on top of her own, accepting her comfort. Everyone was affected by this, and the words of the master gave way to a wave of determination.

A faint blush appeared on Charlie's cheeks upon feeling his hand move to where he was holding hers. A small gesture for sure, but one that brought emotions to the surface. Did he...like her? More importantly did she like him? All of these questions disappeared as he thanked her, causing her to give him a little smile. "No problem." She said before jumping a little upon hearing Leo's shout. She looked at Raph, her brown eyes wide. It couldn't be, could it? She listened to Jen as she explained what happened, hope rising inside her. Splinter was alive.

Sitting beside Raph beside the fire, she was a little nervous. What if they didn't share the same vision? Would the boys tell her and Jen what happened? Too many what if questions buzzed about her mind before she was brought back, seeing Jen offering her a marshmallow. She smiled in thanks before taking it. She listened to Leo before doing what he said, holding Jen's hand in one while the other gently sat beside Raph's. She did notice how calm he seemed whenever she touched him so she hoped it would help with concentrating.

Charlie gasped softly as the vision ended, tears blurring everything around her. Splinter was alive and had considered both Jen and her as family. She sniffed softly, drying her eyes before looking over at Raph, knowing how this news would affect him. He was right all this time.

The next morning Leo had told April and Casey what happened, telling them they had to go back. They arrived in the city just as it was getting dark, just enough cover to hide them as they snuck back into the sewers and towards what was once their home. The place was still a mess but could be cleaned up for sleeping spots. Charlie noticed something a little off, there were pizza boxes here that she didn't remember where there the last time she and Jen had seen them.

Her attention was drawn away as a noise came from a closet, all turtles alert and heading towards it before quickly opening the door. A boy around their age coward, holding up his hands. "Don't shoot!" He exclaimed in fear. Wait, she knew this boy, he was the son of April's boss.

All from that very night, everybody was overwhelmed by the realization that Master Splinter was alive. Even when morning came, they immediately packed up early, eager to get back and reunite with him. It was a rather abrupt and hasty departure from the farmhouse, but they couldn't sit around any longer. They were going to get him back. Whatever it takes.

That very same evening gave them the best luck; the night covered them, like the favored ally, it always was. Casey didn't favor their hideout, but did they really have anywhere else in the city to lay low? Jennifer was about to suggest their apartment, but she didn't want the place to suffer the same fate as to what happened to April's own. The Foot could set the place ablaze again, and put everybody else inside the building at risk. They had to be away from prying human eyes.

So, here they were, below the streets, with Casey preferring to spend the night in the truck above. However, some things in their former home seemed out of place: Pizza boxes were all over the floor. They certainly weren't there the last time Jen and Charlie visited. Someone's been creeping around in here, the Asian teen thought aloud.

"I still don't see why we don't get started right away", Raphael pointed out, hoping they could make a strike early, and take them out by surprise. "It's been a long drive, Raph, and before we go out advertising to The Foot that we're back, we could all use a few hours' sleep", his older brother reasoned, just as Jen looked around a bit more, before a noise had them all drawing their weapons. Raphael instinctively stood in front of Charlie, single sai in-hand, as he and the brothers approached the closet, opening it to see the same teenage boy that was at April's apartment, during her boss' unexpected visit. "I don't think it's loaded, kid", Raph grumbled, a little annoyed by such unseasonable logic, just as they pulled back. "Where'd he come from?" "Beats me".

"Danny, what are you doing here?", April was in alarm, by the time he managed to get out of the closet. "I ran away from home".
"Your father's going to have kittens. Does this thing work?", she reached for a phone, until he stopped her, pleading. "Please don't call".

Just as Jen was putting her sword away, something occurred to her. He wasn't afraid of them; at least, in the physical sense. ’Wait a minute’, she thought, ’if only my hunch was right’. She would have to keep an eye on him. It was strange to see him here of all places.

Charlie sighed softly as the tension died down, the brothers lowering their guard at the nonthreatening kid. He was adamant about not contacting his father, telling Charlie there had to be a rift between the two. She sighed softly as she remembered how an unintentional rift came between her and her own father.

She was brought out of her thoughts as Danny mentioned pizza but much to the disappointment of the brothers turned out to be moldy. She chuckled a little as Donnie and Mikey hummed TAPS as they paid respects to their beloved pizza. She glanced at Raph,making sure he was alright and not too agitated. "You alright?" She asked him.