A/N- Happy New Year guys! So this is a small 2 part piece that details the season 3 finale (EXODUS-will help if you have watched it. IT'S AMAZING!) and the repercussions of the event. It kind of goes into more details of Venus' magic and is actually in her point of view (never published 1st person before so EEEEEE!). Anyway, I hope you like it. Part 2 will be up soon but give me some time as I have just gone back to University to start my second semester (eww :/). So, enjoy, and I hoped you enjoyed TMNT 2012- 'Eyes of the Chimera' today. I'm going to watch it a bit later when it is online :) HAVE FUN READING, and as always, please comment, and message me with any queries xxx

Resolve and Repair Part 1

I awake in a haze of pain. I see my family standing over me, smiling. Relieved. I am in a warm room, lying on a comfy bed, the soft cushions supporting every aching limb. Every aching bone. They envelop my neck in a comfort that can only be matched by the embrace of a loved one. I smile, my skin stinging a little at the movement, and I receive smiles back.

April is near my head, Donatello the opposite side. Michelangelo stands next to him, then Casey. Leonardo stands directly opposite me, Master Splinter sat on a small stool beside him while Raph stands between him and April. They provide a ring of reassurance; I'm okay. I'm alive and am going to be fine. But there is something hidden. Their constant smiles try to penetrate happiness into the air, but it doesn't quite work. Despite the warmth and positive forefront, a chill runs in the air.

I only realise I'm dreaming when I notice my father standing amongst the group.

With a sudden jolt I am yet again swallowed by darkness, but this time I am not enveloped by the unknown. I remember. I remember the pain, the terror, the decision; to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good. And I remember being at peace with that decision.

I remember our most hated yet feared enemy stalking through the doorway. We were trying to hack into his ship's energy core with the help of professor Honeycut. We didn't get very far.

Leonardo was fighting Karai. No surprises there. And as usual, the fight seemed conflicted, both parties owing some form of allegiance to each other. Both being bound to each other's well being based on a few words of honour. I see Karai push him back as he tries to help her up. Then I see the Shredder standing directly behind Leonardo, and before I can shout out a warning he is kicked towards Karai's drawn and pointed sword. I hear the sound of steel ripping into flesh, smell the metal tang of blood filling the air, feel the thud of my friend falling lifeless to the ground. And in truth, I see the thunderstruck horror on Karai's face. That is when I taste the bitterness of anger on my tongue.

I hear Raphael howl in pain at his brother's collapse, and then roar as he pounces at Karai. Then I feel my own fury consume me. I sprint over to the Shredder, sword drawn, focus sharp. I make hits with my fists, the steel of his armour cold under my skin. It is because of this shell of ice that my blade cannot cut through. He grabs at my neck as I jump to avoid his kicking leg and he slams me to the ground before raising his gauntlet. I feel a sharp stabbing in my arm, warmth flooding my skin, the familiar smell of blood tingeing the air before the pressure on my neck is swiftly gone. The Shredder goes to protect Karai from Raph's onslaught, seemingly bending the latter over his knee, breaking who knows how many ribs before he too falls. Another friend defeated.

Michelangelo immediately jumps in but his legs are broken within seconds and he is thrown to the ground like an unloved doll, whimpering in pain. I feel the growl develop in my chest before it reaches my ears. And Shredder's.

I rise, lunging at this monster despite the electric pain in my arm. I dodge as he takes another swipe of his gauntlet, I jump as he sweeps his leg. I generate a ball of fire within my palm and engulf him, but just like before, when I first met my family, it does nothing. He catches my wrist and bends it back. I try not to cry out until he swipes his blades at my chest. Scars will mirror the one I received on that dark but saving night, if they ever get the chance to form.

I am kicked to the floor and left for dead whilst Donatello takes his turn. Another smell reaches my nose other than blood. It is sharp and acrid. I turn my head slightly to see a slight trail of smoke arising into the air from a grey and black form. It takes me a second to realise it is a very charred Master Splinter, possibly oblivious to the onslaught facing his sons. I hear loud breathing before I comprehend it is my own, now laboured and becoming painful. But I owe my friends enough to have to go and see if their father is still alive.

Bracing myself, I turn myself over onto my stomach, gritting my teeth to keep myself silent. I push my legs off the ground and pull myself over to the rat, still smoking slightly from the electricity that ricocheted through his body. But as I get closer, I hear a cry from Donatello, see him crumple to the ground after taking a hit to the lower neck. I see the Shredder try to remove Professor Honeycut from the energy core, trying to make everything we have done this night be in vain.

"Nooo!"

My shout surprises my enemy, and I am glad that his eyes are wide as I suddenly find the strength to leap up and attack him for a third time. My sword is still in my hand, my fist permanently curled around it. I swipe at his head but he leans back, so with all the force I can muster I swipe at his metal chest. I make a scratch.

My satisfaction is quickly quelled by my enemy's speed. He is fast, and uses moves he never taught to me when I was a forced-follower. I duck and dodge, diving to the ground only having to leap back up straight away to avoid a stomping foot. I try to freeze them to the floor but I feel my energy slipping away. I cannot rely on my magic and I see Shredder smile when he realises this. Dread drops into my stomach.

I stand frozen, trying to catch my breath while my enemy looms confidently, his stance strong. I try to calculate my next move, instinct telling me this is the last strike I will have. I brace myself to move when Shredder leaps first, catching me off guard. I quickly try to spin out of the way but the sharp pain suddenly blossoming in my stomach causes me to freeze mid-turn. I am held in the air, practically skewered by his gauntlet. I feel blood trickling from the wound before I am spun and thrown to the ground. I land on my stomach, the word "Enough" piercing my ears. I try to curl up into the foetal position as the Professor is yanked out of the energy core and tossed aside. The Shredder's footsteps vibrate through the floor as I lay there, desperately trying to keep my eyes open. I hear a slight seethe and turn to find Leonardo being lifted into the air, Shredder's gauntlet aimed at his head.

I want to scream and cry out, run in and defend my friend, but I can't. My eyes are wide with horror when they catch Karai's as she recovers from her hit from Raphael. She frowns at my expression before turning to find the monster she calls a father about to cut off the head of my friend. I see her eyes widen a little before she leaps up and blocks his strike with her sword. He drops Leonardo, who lands with a painful 'crack' before he kicks his own 'daughter' out of the chamber for her defiance. For a moment I feel sorry for Karai, but that is quickly replaced with relief when the doors seal the pair out of the chamber.

I hear my friend's rising but their voices are blurred. I feel someone run over and turn me onto my back. It is Raphael, his hands covered in what is not his blood. Regret and sorrow flash through his eyes and I grab his arm before the anger sets in. He suddenly turns his head, shocked at something his brothers have said. The others come into view, their eyes switching between Master Splinter and me. I suddenly sense resolve pierce the atmosphere; realise the decision they have made. Have had to make. We all look at each other, each pair of eyes full of determination and acceptance. After all, death is life's only inevitability.

I hear the questions of professor Honeycut before he too accepts their fate. He allows himself to be plugged into the energy core to try and rupture it. Donatello moves off to join his brothers and I almost feel sorry for the professor having to be alone. I am desperate to keep my eyes open; to stay awake and soak in the love of my family while I can. They are all in pain, Michelangelo sat on the ground next to his father, Leonardo and Raphael clutching their plastrons while Donatello stumbles over on shaky legs. But he is not quick enough; someone takes my hand (I cannot tell who) just as a wave of tremendous energy washes through the chamber. The force of it pushes us into the air; as I am tilted upwards, I see the chamber door open, the Shredder's furious but horrified form glaring upon us whilst Karai looks upon us with both fear and…understanding? But before I can analyse her emotions, before I can accept my death, the heat ever-growing behind me, the world seems to freeze. I wonder if I am hallucinating, a side-effect of the blood-loss I must surely have suffered. I try to turn my head only I can't, but in my peripheral I can see Leo and Mikey both frozen mid-air as well, fear plastered on their faces despite our agreement and resolve to suffer this fate. But we are still young, not ready to die. Of course we would be afraid.

Suddenly, more figures appear in my vision, these ones moving; metal bodies hurry through the room, and I fear they are some creation of the Shredder's, but then I recognise the forms sat in their stomachs, similar to the Shredder but not so. I hear orders from one, recognise the name 'Mortu', and inwardly sigh in relief. I feel a strange tingling surge through my body and give in to the urge to sleep, knowing I am safe. That my family are safe, and that we will repair.

When I awaken I am in a large room, clean and white, pristine even. But not human. I can see Utroms rushing around on their hovering bases, all looking grave. I can sense anticipation in the air. I go to sit up but seethe when I find wires attached to my arms, trapping me down. I can feel several needles puncturing my skin and resist my urge to rip them out. I try to calm my panic and instead lift myself up very slowly, avoiding tugging the wires too much. Once I am upright, it is then that I notice two beds opposite me occupied by two friends, their brothers and father sat in the space between them. The one with the blue mask senses me staring and turns his head with a relieved smile.

"Venus!" Leo cries and tries to get up before being forced back down by his father.

"Leonardo, the Utroms said you must rest."

But Leo can't stay down; he pushes himself up to join Raph who has already run up to my bedside.

"You're awake!"

I nod with a smile, thankful that my family are alive. I turn to see Mikey also trying to get out of bed, Donny trying to steady him before giving him a pair of crutches. Then the pair hobble over while their leader finally joins them, Splinter providing a protective arm. Despite their pain, masked by who knows how many bandages, they are all grinning.

"How do you feel?" Donny asks, grabbing a chair for Mikey to sit on.

"Tired but otherwise okay. What happened, you know, after the fight?"

"Well, the Utroms managed to beam some form of trans-mat onto the ship just as the energy core was about to implode. They brought us straight here to the infirmary where they've been patching us up these past couple of days."

"I've been out for that long?"

"'Fraid so Shinobi," Raph replied, his eyes apologetic. "You took a couple of nasty hits from the Shredder. I mean, we all did, but-"

"You suffered an extensive amount of blood loss, meaning the Utroms had to perform a transfusion." Master Splinter finished, his soft voice doing nothing to calm me down.

"Transfusion? But how? They don't exactly stock our blood type down at the local blood bank, do they?"

"Well, no, but here's where it gets fascinating," Donny began, clearly eager to explain everything. "The Utroms have developed a way of cloning blood. Actually cloning it! They take a small sample and can recreate its chemical make up. Isn't that amazing! Think of the wonders this kind of science could do!"

"I agree Donatello, but I'm afraid that we cannot allow this ability to be gifted unto the humans just yet," came a familiar voice. Mortu smiled as he approached the group. "It will have to be introduced very carefully and gradually." His eyes met mine. "How are you Venus? I am glad to see you are awake."

"I am glad to be awake," I reply. "And thank you for saving my life. I am in your debt."

"You are very welcome. The wounds to your arm, chest and stomach shall heal shortly but for now you will need to take it easy. A transfusion is no simple matter and your body will need time to accept your new blood. That means no training, for any of you." Mortu looks around at the group, his smile stern, and my family nod in sheepish agreement. A burning question is suddenly on my mind.

"Err, Mr Mortu, I was wondering when I could get these tubes out of my arms."

Mortu seems a little confused at my question before Mikey clarifies it for him.

"Venus doesn't like needles."

Mortu nods in understanding, and I am thankful for Mikey's memory.

"Well, I believe our medical team can probably remove them for you, now that you are awake and lively. Which leads us to another matter:" Mortu's face suddenly becomes grave. "Judgement is ready to be passed. The council is ready to sentence Chre'll for his crimes. You shall all be attending, but for Venus we shall set up a camera link."

Mortu gestures that the guys follow him and they do, Splinter leading them. I almost wish that one of them would stay, but I know they have earned the right to see such an oppressor punished for his villainy. They deserve to see Shredder judged for all the cruelty he has dealt them. I would like to be attendance too, though. Watching from a TV isn't quite the same.

As if sensing my thoughts, Leonardo turns round. I can see the offer to stay with me forming on his face so I simply smile.

"It's all right Leo, you go. I think you most of all deserve to see this judgement done."

Leo's mouth closes and he nods, appreciative thanks emulating off the bow he gives me. I am slightly taken aback by the mark of respect but then smile a little once all five of them are gone. I honestly can't imagine life without them.

A couple of Utroms approach me and offer apologies while they remove the needles stuck in my arms. I wince and then apologize myself, thanking them for all their help while a third Utrom sets up a small screen and camera. I then realise that my face will also appear in the courtroom, and that makes me feel a little better.

Once the last tube is removed, I am given some water before the screen comes to life. I can see the whole of the chamber, my family stood below me whilst Shredder is trapped on a podium, Karai and Dr Chapman on another behind. I am glad to see a ripple of fear flash across all their faces.

Shredder's charges are read out and I cannot help but gasp at the horrendous acts that he has committed on other worlds. The severity of his betrayal to the Utrom race is made even more devastating before his crimes on earth are read; I see Master Splinter's stance shift a little when Master Yoshi's murder is added to the list, but my breath catches when Chung I's is too. Shredder suddenly looks up at my face on the screen above him, and I stare back with a stony glare, daring him to smile, but he doesn't; he looks back down to the floor while all four guys take a glance back at me. They wear a mix of sympathy and compassion, Leo giving me a tiny smile once his brothers have turned back. My face softens and again I wish with a pang that I wasn't alone.

Shredder is charged as guilty; his punishment is to freeze alone on a hostile, icy planet, and he is suddenly transported there. I hear Karai's protests, her yells to Leo but he merely looks down, although I cannot see his face. And then they are gone, all three of them. Even Shredder. I see the guys turn towards each other, smiling in relief. I hear Master Splinter's relief that his Master is finally at peace; he has been avenged, and I realise with a start that mine too can rest in tranquillity now. As if realising this too, Master Splinter turns to the screen and smiles, one of warmth and understanding, and I realise, we are both free.

Despite protests from the Utroms, we decide to return to earth and heal in familiar surroundings. Casey and April meet us at the farmhouse, helping us indoors. I try and walk but find I need April's help in getting though the door. She sits me down on the sofa after assisting Master Splinter, the smell of his charred fur still lingering.

"Venus, are you sure you're alright? You don't look too great."

"Mortu said that she would be pretty lethargic for a couple of days at least whilst she recovers from the transfusion." Donny explains before resting on the stairs. Mikey sits next to me while Casey helps Raph. Leo stands by the door, taking in the scene, noting all our injuries. I feel the tension rise in the room before I clutch my stomach in pain. Leo is there in an instant.

"Venus, what is it?" He asks, his voice deadly severe.

"My stomach, the wound, it feels like it's burning." My hand suddenly reaches for his shoulders as I curl over in pain. I just need something to grip onto to.

"We'll get you upstairs, Venus," April orders. "You can sleep on the bed after taking a couple of painkillers. You still need to rest."

I nod into Leo's shoulder, who wraps one arm around my shell while the other goes for behind my knees. He attempts to lift me up but instantly seethes when trying to support my weight. I let go of his shoulder instantly and drop to the floor as he grabs his stomach. I forget that he too was stabbed.

"Leonardo," Splinter begins. "Let Casey and April assist Venus. None of you are able to take any extra weight."

A humorous comment about calling me fat dies on my tongue when another jolt of pain hits me but I manage to hide it. My arms are pulled over my friends' shoulders and they slowly lift me up and lead me to the stairs. I turn and smile softly at the guys to try and ease their worry, and it works for three of them. Leo turns away from his father and when he catches my look, he merely sighs and goes to the window.

April and Casey have fun trying to get me up the stairs, but thankfully my legs are still working and can take at least some of my weight. The attic bedroom is a little dusty due to lack of occupancy but warm, which is a comfort on my chilled skin. The pair gently lead me to one of the very vintage-looking beds before Casey switches a lamp on. A wardrobe looms in one corner and a desk in another, while five other beds are dotted around the room.

"Do you want to sleep?" April asks me, seeing the bags that are undoubtedly under my eyes.

"I have been sleeping a lot recently. Do you have a book I could read?" I ask, trying to stifle a yawn that threatens to break my act. April isn't fooled.

"You can barely talk to me. Here," she reaches behind me to plump the pillows and helps me shift down a little so they are supporting my head. "Just rest, okay? No one minds Venus. I'm gonna make the guys get some shut-eye too in a bit. You've all been through so much."

"Yeah Venus, I don't think I've seen you guys beat up so badly." Casey smiles, attempting to joke but immediately regretting it. "Err, maybe you could not tell the guys I said that."

"I won't, Casey," I promise, smiling a little. "I know you are only trying to lighten the situation but I'm afraid our pride was just as wounded as our bodies."

Casey nods before turning away to return downstairs. April tucks the covers around me before dimming the lamp to just leave a faint glow in the room.

"Get some sleep. You'll feel better tomorrow."

I nod my thanks as she also descends below and immediately relinquish my consciousness to sleep, enjoying its warm embrace. But I am not comforted for long. I soon here the groans and winces of my family also retiring to this room.

"Guys, I'm still hungry. Do you reckon we could order pizza?"

I can't help but smile.

"Hush Mikey, you'll wake Venus." Donny mutters, the creaking of the bed to my right signalling his sitting down.

"She's already awake." Leo's voice, severe and unyielding, reaches my ears and my eyes snap open. I am surprised he managed to realize before Splinter but slightly annoyed that he chooses to reveal my state rather than just letting me listen and relax.

"Well I am now."

I slowly sit up to find Leo's face stern before he turns to look out of the window. I can feel tension bubbling around him but his other emotions are too much in disarray for me to decipher anything clear.

"Oh jeesh, sorry Venus." Mikey apologises, taking the bed to my right while Casey drops Raph onto the one opposite us.

"You and your big mouth, Mikey." Raph scolds, but I can see his pain in the slight squinting of his eyes.

"Guys, it's okay. I couldn't really sleep anyway."

"Well, if you guys are okay up here, I'm gonna sort out the living room downstairs. Just shout if you need me okay?" Casey offers, setting off downstairs while April returns to us with bags of potato chips.

"I'm sorry Mikey but this is all we have if you guys want breakfast in the morning. I'm gonna head out tomorrow to try and get some groceries."

"Hey, thanks April. We really appreciate this," Raph utters, earning slightly shocked glances from myself and Don and Mikey at his suddenly polite manner.

"It's okay Raph. And Mikey, stop scratching your leg."

Requests for comic books and laptops run muffled through my brain as my eyes close again, allowing me to rest both my eyes and thoughts.

"I'll rest when…I'll rest later."

The statement, rough and short causes me to open one eye, to see Leo still at the window and his father looking none too happy when the rat's ears suddenly prick up. April goes downstairs to investigate while Donny and Leo make their way to the stairs, being the only two that seem to able to walk on their own. I don't hear the whole conversation, sleep again tugging at my eyes, scraps of 'train robbery', 'Casey's grandfather' and 'bonehead' floating in my mind. I wave in and out of consciousness until I hear the rumble of an approaching vehicle outside.

"Uh oh."

"What is it Mikey?" I ask but am cut off by more shouting downstairs. "Who is that?"

"Casey's cousin Sid. And he isn't happy." Donny answers before a crash comes from downstairs. He and Leo venture down a little, the words 'Purple Dragons' reaching all our ears prior to more crashing.

"They're trashing the place!" Mikey whispered. "I picked a really bad day to have two broken legs."

A mutual agreement to help flows through the group, but Leonardo's sudden anger makes the atmosphere even more tense. I am taken aback by his growling at Raphael , which also seems to stun his brothers. But the next thing I know, Raph is being carried into the large cupboard by Don and Leo. I can't help but chuckle until they turn to me.

"Err guys, what-?"

"Sorry Venus," Donny begins, his face full of sympathy. "I don't think Mortu would be very happy if we let you fight in this one. You're still recovering."

"I doubt he'd be happy to let any of us fight. I can help."

"No you can't Venus. You're too weak. You can barely stand. Just let us handle it."

I blink a couple of times before I realise that it was Leo that just said that to me. His tone is commanding and forceful but also sharp. Leo is never sharp to me, let alone spiteful. The word 'weak' is avoided at all times when describing someone's condition, mainly because of its harsh truth and effect on the victim's pride.

"Leonardo-"

"No, it's okay Master Splinter." I grab onto Don's arm as he helps me up. "Leo's got a point. I wouldn't call myself weak but I know that any use of my magic would do more harm than good right now." I see a glimmer of regret flash across Leo's face as he moves forward to grab my other arm and the pair lead me to the closet. "Does this mean I have to hide with Raph?"

"'Fraid so Venus. But don't worry, you can entertain yourself by poking him." Mikey adds as his brothers gently set me down on the floor. "Now you two place nice. Venus, we shouldn't be too long. And Raph, we'll come back for you…Maybe."

A growl of 'Mikey' makes me chuckle as the small box of space is flooded with darkness, a tiny window behind us providing a stark lunar light.

"Laugh all you like Shinobi, but we're stuck in here while they're having all the fun."

"Raph, do honestly think a confrontation with these kind of injuries would be fun? Besides, they've got 'Leo-in-bad-mood' leading them. And you know how…interesting that can be."

"Yeah I s'pose," Raph sighs, shuffling a little to get into a comfier position. "I just hate missing out on the action."

"You're recovering from broken ribs and I'm still aching from a blood transfusion. I think we both need to miss out."

I hear a small chuckle from Raph as I yawn deeply, making my jaw almost lock. My body suddenly feels incredibly heavy, my eyelids sinking shut every few seconds until I force them open again. I frown in confusion when I see Raph suddenly by the door, reaching for the handle while on his hands and knees. He catches my look and smiles.

"Well I can't exactly walk so crawling will have to do for now. I'll settle for being stuck up here but I ain't spending the evening in a damn closet. No offence Shinobi."

"None taken," I reply as another yawn seizes my face. Raph clearly catches on as his expression, though unclear in the small stem of moonlight, seems to soften.

"You get some sleep Venus. I can't carry you to a bed I'm afraid but I can at least give you a little peace and privacy."

"It's fine Raph, honestly. I can help you with the door-" I begin but another yawn, violent this time, cuts me off, causing a slight chuckle from my friend.

"Go on Shinobi. No one's gonna mind. I'll wake you up before I beat Mikey if you like, so you don't miss out on the fun."

I smile in response, accepting the offer of sleep. I feel myself falling instantly, landing softly on the grass surrounding my old home. The glade is quiet, the stone temple still a mass of ruins but the monument I crafted for my father still remains. I wonder about the old woman when I cannot see her small wooden hut, but decide to settle down on the grass to absorb everything around me; to allow the peace to melt into my bones. I do not want to close my eyes and miss out on the beauty, but simply want to observe and enjoy. And I do for a few moments or a few hours, I cannot tell; the sky suddenly wears a band of darkness, which begins to spread like a wave down the mountains until it is touching the ground. The horizon is going black, but when I try to move, to run away from its emptiness, I find I can't. My limbs again feel heavy, but there is something more; I can feel my very strength draining away from me, fading as the darkness increases. I begin to feel colder, more vacant as the wave approaches, its eventual touch like ice on my skin. And I am frozen, still and silent as darkness not only fills my vision, but my mind.

I do not see my family returning from their mission. I do not see Raphael trip Michelangelo up as he clambers through the window before crying out in pain.

"You crawled out of the cupboard just to do that?" Mikey whines, earning a smirk from his brother.

"You deserved it bro."

"And Venus?" Donatello wonders.

"Asleep in the closet. She went out like a light when you guys left."

"Well I better just check on her. Leo, you think you could give me a hand getting her to the bed?"

Leonardo merely nods and follows his brother into the closet. A sharp metallic scent suddenly reaches the pair's nostrils and they hiss slightly in response; it is a scent they know well, the smell of blood, and this space is flooded with it. Donatello takes a step inside, lifting his foot up instantly as it hits something damp on the carpet.

"What the shell?"

The pair open the door wider to let more light in when a horrifying sight meets their eyes; a trail of blood has soaked the carpet, creating a red path that leads from the door to a very pale, crumpled looking figure sat opposite underneath the window. In an instant the pair have rushed up to her, knelt either side, one checking her pulse while the other shakes her slightly.

"Venus! Venus, wake up! Don, what's wrong with her?"

"Her pulse is dangerously low," Donatello mutters in response before noticing the stain of red on his friend's stomach, cruel reality striking him in the chest. "Oh shell, it didn't work."

"What didn't work?" Leo asks, following his brother's lead by grabbing Venus' shoulder and taking her to her bed. The others gasp, Casey and April too having just climbed upstairs, but do not speak to allow their genius brother to vent his theory.

"Venus' body has rejected the blood the Utroms provided during her transfusion, and for some reason it is now just leaking out of the worst wound she received, her heart not being able to pump it round her body."

"Don, she's freezing."

"I know Leo. It's because she has barely any circulation."

"Then what do we do?" Mikey asked, the fear piercing in his voice.

Suddenly a load crack and a beam of bright light echoed through the room, causing everyone to shield their eyes. The guys instantly drew their weapons, ready to defend an attack when their gaze fell upon three figures walking out of the ball of light.

"My friends, please lower your weapons. We are here to help."

"Daimyo!" Master Splinter cried, rushing up to his old friend while the Daimyo's healer and Usagi stepped forward also.

"Usagi?" Leo whispered, surprise catching his throat.

"Greetings my friend. I am sorry our visit is not under better circumstances."

"Wait, are you here about Venus?" Mikey asked, earning a solemn nod.

"Do you know what's wrong with her?" Raph questioned, the desperation in his voice heard clearly by all. The healer made his way to Venus and began to merge with her spirit while April stood aside, absolutely entranced.

"I felt an imbalance of spiritual energy in the world and after trying to find its source, we tracked it here," the Daimyo explained. "I am afraid Venus has lost some of her Shinobi spirit."

"But how?" Casey asked, now wanting to be a part of the conversation.

"As you know, Venus' Shinobi magic comes from the lunar stone fragments dissolved in her blood. And I can see by your injuries that you have recently been in vicious combat. Did Venus lose a lot of blood?"

"Well yes," Donny began. "But some friends of ours performed a transfusion using blood they cloned from her own. But clearly it didn't work."

"I'm afraid not. Venus' blood is unique; the stones fragments cannot be cloned, they must be re-energised in order to multiply."

"And how will you do that?"

The Daimyo looked to the healer who had stopped his diagnosis. He nodded and answered: "By exposing her body and spirit to another magical source, only the opposite one that she has within her veins."

The group looked at each other questioningly, causing the Daimyo to sigh. "Venus shall be constantly exposed to moonlight to refuel the lunar stone fragments within her, but the Sun stone shall also be in presence, to give her magical energy a boost."

"The Sun stone?"

"I am afraid Raphael there is not much time to explain," Usagi began, throwing one of Venus' arms over his shoulder. "Venus is fading fast and we need to get her back to the Battle Nexus if she is to heal."

"Then go my friend, do all you can," Splinter replied, moving towards the Daimyo. "Thank you for this."

"We haven't done anything yet, my old friend. Only time and Venus' strength will heal her." The Daimyo replied sorrowfully.

"How much time exactly?" Mikey asked, Raph placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It depends on her durability and how strong she is-"

"She's strong." Leo cut in, not taking his eyes off Venus though his tone was slightly angry. "She'll heal and be back on her feet in no time."

Silence swirled through the room as the healer made his way through the portal. Usagi gestured for Leo to step forward.

"I promise you Leonardo," he said quietly, "that I shall make it my sole duty to make sure Venus is safe. The Battle Nexus is a safe place now, believe me."

Leonardo was slightly taken about; he hadn't expected Usagi to sense his fears. The leader hadn't exactly had great experiences in the Nexus after all. Usagi smiled at the group before leading Venus into the portal, their surroundings suddenly changing to the Daimyo's throne room. The corridors were dimly lit with candles as the group moved through towards the healing chamber. There, Venus was laid on a soft mat below a cloudy sky due to a sky-light in the roof. The healer immediately began cleaning and binding her wounds.

"Master Paku, I suggest that Mariko assists you with this particular casualty. She would learn much from it." The Daimyo proposed, taking a large golden stone out of a small box hidden within his robes.

"Of course Daimyo. Usagi, perhaps you could-"

"Of course. I shall be back momentarily." The rabbit sped off a little too eagerly, earning a chuckle from the Daimyo. A white light suddenly filled the chamber as the clouds above parted to reveal a strong half moon, its beam focused directly upon Venus who flinched at the exposure.

"Her spirit senses the power of the moon." He then placed the Sun stone on the floor next to her, glimmering in the light. Venus winced again. "She can sense the Sun stone too. These shall be the instruments of healing."

"What if they hadn't been recognised, Daimyo?"

The war-lord remained silent for a moment as his healer continued his work before sighing. "Then I believe we may have lost some very good friends this night, one to death and five to betrayal."

Usagi suddenly bounded in with a flustered Mariko who bowed towards the Daimyo.

"Honourable Daimyo, I am honoured that you would seek my presence here-"

"It is alright Mariko, I am in much more need of your skills than your words. I am placing Venus into the care of yourself and Master Paku. You are her best hope now."

"Err, lord Daimyo, I personally promised that I would not let any harm come to Venus-"

"I am well aware of the vow you made, Usagi-san, which is why you shall act as Miss Venus' protector. No doubt her family will want to visit her soon."

"Of course Daimyo," Usagi bowed, taking post by the door of the chamber.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I shall be checking on my son before making sure the war-staff is in balance to maximise Venus' healing."

Several weeks passed with no sound from the shinobi. Her colour had gradually returned to her skin as her circulation system got back on track. But she still wasn't awake for when she had an unexpected visit.

"Usagi!"

"Good evening Michelangelo. I have just heard about your rematch concerning your Battle Nexus triumph. I hope you succeed with your combat."

"Err thanks dude. So, erm, any chance we can visit Venus?"

"Of course, but I am afraid she is still unconscious." Usagi felt immediate sympathy for the group in front of him as all their shoulders slumped in disappointment. He could sense their hope dissolving instantly. "This is not something to be worried about, my friends. The toll of having your, I suppose, 'blood cells' recreated is great indeed." The rabbit added, earning a nod from Donatello.

"I didn't realise that her blood was directly connected to her magical spirit," the purple banded turtle muttered, guilt flowing through him.

"It is an unusual case, Donatello. Shinobi's are really 'formed' in manners such as Venus'. The stone makes her both powerful and vulnerable at the same time, for if she had been born to another shinobi, then their blood could have been used for the transfusion."

"Can we quit with the science talk and go see our friend? This is making my brain ache." Usagi chuckled at Raphael's impatience before leading the group down towards the healing chamber. They were surprised to find the Daimyo's son knelt at Venus' side drawing a picture whilst Mariko was checking the turtle's vitals.

"I presume you have met the Daimyo's son," Usagi gestured, keeping a careful eye on Leonardo. He had felt the tension surrounding his friend the moment he stepped into the room.

"Yes, earlier." Leonardo added, his eyes wide as they found Venus' limp figure. A person he didn't know was checking her pulse when the small child suddenly ran up to him.

"Hey, Leonardo, do you like my drawing?"

Leo knelt down in front of the boy to take the piece of paper in his hands. It was a small sketch of Venus and the child holding hands underneath a yellow sun.

"Yeah, it's really good."

"I draw her lots of pictures. Usagi and my father say that Venus is really nice and can use magic and stuff. I can't wait for her to wake up so I can meet her." The child grinned up at Leonardo who couldn't help but give a small smile back as the former ran back to Venus' side. Master Splinter looked fondly upon his son; this was the first smile he'd gotten out of him in weeks. It was soon gone though when his eyes fell upon sleeping Venus again. The young woman at Venus' side stepped towards the group.

"His Highness visits Venus every day, always drawing a picture for her. He has pinned them around her future room to surprise her when she wakes up."

"My friends, this is Mariko, one of Master Paku's apprentices and a very close friend of mine." Usagi introduced the turtles to her, all of them smiling whilst Leonardo bowed.

"We greatly appreciate you looking after our friend for us."

"Do not worry. It may not look it, but she is getting stronger every day. Her circulation is almost back to normal, now it is just a case of her waking up."

"Do you know when that'll be?" Mikey asked as he gently crouched down next to his friend. She looked so small to him all of a sudden.

"When she is ready. There is a full moon in a couple of days, which always seems to make her a little restless, so we'll see."

"Yeah well that's all well and good but did I hear you say she has a 'future bedroom'?" Raph suddenly growled, earning a raised brow from Mariko.

"Well of course. Once she is conscious she will most definitely want her own space."

"She's got her own space at home with us!"

"Raphael, please calm yourself," Master Splinter implored his son, but Leo too took a step forward until Donny blocked his path.

"When Venus wakes up, she is going to need some form of physiotherapy and possibly some therapy to combat the trauma she endured."

"But we can do that for her." Mikey whispered.

"Yes Mikey, we can. But Venus is probably going to need some kind of magical therapy too; if her power was depleted that much, then she will need to ease back into using it again. That is something though that none of us can help her with."

"Yeah but-"

"Donny's right guys," Leo suddenly cut in, kneeling down beside Venus' head. "It is better if Venus stays here. It's clean and she will be with experts. We can't help her at the moment."

A hush fell upon the group at their leader's words. In the rare cases when he had spoken, Leonardo had been short and snappy, especially during their training sessions. But all of a sudden, he was gentle, his now usual vicious tone being replaced with something much more placid. His brothers didn't understand it as he seemed to take up a temporary vigil at Venus' side, but Usagi recognised the aura around his body as fear. The rabbit knelt the other side of Venus' head whilst the Daimyo's son began to talk to the others.

"Leonardo, please do not fear. Venus shall wake up and once she is training again, she shall be stronger than ever."

"You sound so sure Usagi. I only wish I had your confidence."

Tense silence fell between the pair as Usagi realised that as a Leader, Leonardo was used to proclaiming comfort when in reality he was not sure of what the outcome would be. The turtle's reply had been eye opening as well as sarcastic.

"Well, let me assure you that I know what you are going through." Leo went to scoff when Usagi held up a hand to silence him. "Around two years ago, Mariko was grievously wounded when a hospital she was assisting in was attacked. The assailants tried to steal the heavy donation a war lord had contributed to help the local towns medically. Mariko was shot by an arrow when trying to defend her patients. I found her lying on the floor, covered in blood whilst the war lord's soldiers took care of the assailants. She slipped in and out of a coma for a week before she finally recognised me, an experience I am not going to forget very soon." Usagi shifted slightly to turn his gaze upon the person in question. "She is a remarkable woman. Rather than put her off, the experience made Mariko even more determined to help the weak and injured, finishing her stint at the hospital before approaching Master Paku. He was wary at employing her at first due to her experience, but soon realised that it is what makes her stronger."

"You seem to admire her greatly," Leonardo stated, catching the wondrous look on the rabbit's face as he gazed upon his friend.

"I do, I suppose in more ways than one." The rabbit smiled before turning his eyes to Leo. "She used a deep underlying strength to recover from that incident, and the times I didn't know if she would wake up were the most fearful I have experienced. I can see that same fear in your eyes, and have seen that same admiration." Usagi smiled as his friend's eyes widened. "Venus has survived much, both physically and mentally, and she is improving every day. You shall soon see her up and walking about, and you shall be proud of what she has achieved. That Leonardo, I promise you."

Brown eyes met blue for a moment as resolute conviction passed between the pair before Leonardo nodded. The leader rose to his feet, not seeing the smile developing on Usagi's face.

"And then, who knows, the pair of you can finally-"

"Come on Mikey, you need some training before the fight!" Leo suddenly hollered, a nervousness marring his shout as he quickly walked away from Usagi. The latter just shook his head as his friends began to exit the healing chamber, Michelangelo handing the Daimyo's son a small note before leaving. Usagi noticed Leo lag a little, taking a moment to look at Venus, making a small bow towards her before joining his brothers. Usagi turned towards Mariko when someone who was not expecting caught him by surprise.

"Master Splinter!"

"I apologise for startling you Usagi-san but I have come to ask you a favour."

"Anything my friend, if it is within my power."

"I noticed you speaking with Leonardo and have no doubt that you sensed the tension surrounding him during this visit. I was wondering if perhaps in a fortnight or so you would so kindly visit him; come to our home through the portal-ritual. His brothers have tried to reach him but failed. Perhaps you could try before I have to resort to more…drastic measures."

"Of course I shall, Master Splinter. I will do all I can to help Leonardo with his burden. I believe the wound he carries to his shell is just a small token of the damage he sustained during your perilous fight with your enemy. Besides, I have always wanted to visit your home since he described it to me so avidly the last time we met."

"Thank you Usagi. With this and you keeping guard over Venus I fear I shall never be able to repay you."

"Leonardo has saved my life several times, now it is my turn to help him."

The pair bowed to one another before the old rat went to join his sons. Usagi looked on fondly before Mariko's voice caused him to turn around.

"They really miss her, don't they?"

Usagi went to stand next to her as she swept sad eyes over the still Venus.

"Yes, but there is something else there too; I believe they never forget the circumstances through which she became part of their family. Her life has certainly not been easy."

"They have suffered such traumas for such a small clan." Mariko raised her head to face Usagi. "Are her and Leonardo…?"

"I have no idea," Usagi chuckled. "His shock when I tried to bring the subject up suggests otherwise. But perhaps in time. They seem like a well matched pair."

"How can she choose, being the only female? How can she make a decision without hurting the other three?"

"I'm not sure Mariko, and it is a burden that I suspect she doesn't take lightly, even if the subject itself is never discussed. I am sure she loves them all, each for a different reason."

"And they love her, each in different ways." Her head dropped again as she sighed. "It must be terrible to be faced with losing someone you love."

"Yes," Usagi answered softly, gently taking Mariko's hand. "It is."