Well, here it is: the epilogue! This should tie up the loose ends of the story. I know I should be upset that it's over, but it was a lot of fun. Thanks for all the favs, follows and reviews! Really, I mean it. I hope you all had as much fun reading this as I did writing!

EPILOGUE

"So, what happened?" Raph asked Splinter, "How was Leo able ta talk to me like that?"

"I am unsure, Raphael," Splinter said, hardly moving from his spot next to Leo's bed-his real bed, not Raph's hammock. "But I think," the rat continued, "I think that perhaps it was because of the deep meditations your brother has been practicing, combined with his strong desire to protect his family. And I believe that, perhaps, only you could see and speak with him because he trusts you."

"Well yeah, but he trusts you guys too." Raph pointed out.

"My son," Splinter shook his head, "Leonardo would have been expending a tremendous amount of energy, even while battered and broken. He could only have gone to one person. He subconsciously chose you, Raphael, because deep down he knew that you could help him."

"Me?" Raph asked, "Why me? You guys also woulda helped him out."

"Of course we would, and Leonardo knows this. However, it is clear that you are the pillar of strength in this house, Raphael." Splinter said, "When we thought that all was lost, you kept us going."

"But that's because I had Leo's help," Raph said, gesturing to the prone figure on the bed.

"What I mean, my son, is that perhaps he went to you because he knew you could bring this family back together." Splinter said, "And judging by your many sacrifices, I believe you have succeeded."

"We both succeeded, Master Splinter," Raph corrected.

"Indeed you have. And now that Leonardo is no longer using all of his energy to watch over his family," Splinter said, turning to face Leo, "He can begin his own healing."

"So, he's going ta be alright?" Raph asked.

"I believe so. Donatello is currently working on a way to purge the poisonous concoction entirely from his body," Splinter said, taking hold of Leo's hand, "When that is finished it should take care of this fever. Then he will need to rest. As you know, Michelangelo is preparing a list of ingredients for meals to help him on the road to recovery."

As if he heard his name, or perhaps because he did, Mikey popped his head into the room.

"Here's the list Master Splinter," Mikey said, running into the room, "Have any idea what else I should put on there?"

"It looks good to me, my son," Splinter said, looking over the list with a quick but experienced eye, "Perhaps we can ask April if she would not mind getting these for us."

"April? April! Oh, and Casey too!" Mikey said quickly, "Sensei, what are we gonna tell them about all this?" He gestured to Leo.

"Leave that to me, Michelangelo." Splinter said, "I will call them in a moment. And perhaps I shall also invite them to dinner."

"Right. Well, I think I'm going to save them the trouble and get the stuff on this list myself. A good run sounds really nice right about now," Mikey said, disappearing into the hall almost before he was done speaking.

Unlike the past few days he wasn't very quiet though; there were a few bumps and at least three wahoo!s as he went down the stairs. Within seconds the front door slammed shut, a sure signal that Mikey had left the Lair.

"Now Raphael," Splinter said, "You have done well, my son. Go and rest-"

He broke off in mid-sentence.

"Sensei?" Raph asked, instantly at his side.

"It is Leonardo," Sensei said, a few tears of joy in his eyes, "He is holding tightly to my hand. Raphael, please hand me a phone. I will call April and Casey from here."

Five days later

"Hold this," Raph said, "And go ahead and drink it."

"Raph, I don't need babying," Leo said, but he took the tea anyway.

All three of his brothers were once again gathered around his bed. For at least the fifth time since he had woken up two days ago.

This was getting a little annoying.

He was almost starting to miss being invisible. Almost.

"We don't mean to bother you, Leo." Donnie said, "It's just that, well...you're not dead."

"Actually, I mean to bother you." Mikey said mischievously, "I'm gonna make all your favorite desserts for the next month, whether you like it or not! And Donnie's gonna help."

"Fine," Donatello rolled his eyes, but the effect was ruined by his smile.

"You might not be so happy to see me when you hear about the new practice schedule I have planned," Leo said mischievously, "You guys have gotten notoriously out of shape."

"Can you blame 'em?" Raph asked.

"Hey, you didn't practice either," Leo said, pointing at his brother.

"Come on Leo, do we have to?" Mikey asked, "Splinter says it's still too soon for you to be up."

"I don't mind practicing," Raph said, pulling out his sais, "As long as we get to give the Foot a little pay-back when we're done."

"Well, we do need to retake New York," Donnie said, "The Foot have been quite busy in our absence."

"And won't they be surprised when dear old Leo comes after them!" Mikey laughed.

"That all comes later," Leo said, "Practice first."

"That's our Leo," Raph said, punching him lightly in the shoulder, "It's good ta have you back, bro."

"Speaking of being back," Donnie said, "What are we going to do about that empty grave up at the farmhouse?"

"I've been thinking about that," Leo said, taking another sip of his tea, "I've decided to ask Casey and April if it's alright to keep it there."

"Come again?" Donnie asked.

"Why?" Mikey asked.

"Well," Leo said with a smirk, "As a reminder, I guess."

"Why would ya want ta remember that?" Raph asked.

"Because," Leo explained, "I want to always remember that no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless the case may be, we always make it back out alive. And Raph," he turned to his red masked brother.

"Yeah?" Raph asked.

"Thank you."

"Anytime, bro."

THE END