81A/N: Thanks to your kind reviews and PM's, I'm happy to announce that the sequel to Nature Versus Nurture is here. If you have not read Nature Versus Nurture, I recommend that you do before reading this one.
Please note: Character thoughts are in italics.
Disclaimer: I do not own the turtles, those rights belong with the respective owners, I am merely borrowing them for this tale.
And now without further delay.
Nature Versus Nurture: Part Two; Past Meets Present
Chapter 1-I'm Never Alone
Moving at a comfortable pace, Leonardo jogged across the rooftops, enjoying a rare moment of solitude. He stopped at his favorite old spot. Leo breathed in deeply, enjoying the cool night air. Living among three siblings and a new father, after 10 years apart from everyone, was proving to be a difficult adjustment for the blue clad turtle. Back at Foot Headquarters, Leonardo was surrounded by over 300 Foot Ninja, yet he was often left alone. Leo could spend hours by himself as he practiced his Ninjitsu or embarked on a peaceful session of meditation.
Ever since he rejoined with his long lost brothers, and father, things had changed considerably for the sword wielder. Now Leo was rarely ever left alone. Even when his brothers were not in the room with him, Leo could still hear them. Mikey's laughs and taunts as he pranked their hot headed brother yet again. Raph's curses and punches, aimed at his favorite punching bag in the dojo, or sometimes, at their mischievous youngest brother. Even Donnie, although introspective and thoughtful, was a rather noisy turtle. The sounds of Donnie's work on, well, who besides Donnie ever really knew what it was anyway, emerged from the walls of his laboratory and carried throughout the lair. For the eldest turtle, it wasn't easy going from being an only child to one of four. And while Leo cared deeply for the members of his reacquainted family, he was finding the presence of three additional siblings a little, well, suffocating.
Leonardo shifted his weight as he gazed at the city below, continuing to reflect on all of the recent changes in his life. In addition to learning to live with three brothers, there was the adjustment of Leo's individual role among his new clan. The role of leader. For years, his old master, the Shredder, had tried to encourage Leonardo into taking the position of leader of the Foot Ninja. Leo easily sidestepped the advances every time. More pressing matters often pulled his old Master's attention away from Leo's stubborn and reclusive nature.
Within the short time spent under Master Splinter's tutelage, the blue masked teen picked up the role and subsequent responsibilities determined from his youth. Leo let out a sigh as his eyes looked up at the night sky. It was a clear night and he could see a handful of stars. As leader, he carried the responsibility of the safety and well-being of his clan. The burden of this newly acquired accountability left Leonardo once again, never alone.
And finally, there was adjusting to the rules and teachings from a new father and sensei, Master Splinter. The old rat was wise and strong. He commanded respect from his sons instead of demanding it. Discipline, came in the form of backflips and disapproving glares. Praise, accompanied by a kind word or a nod of approval. Leonardo marveled at the differences between his new and old sensei's. Leo's eyes fell towards the general direction of Foot Headquarters, his old home. Ten years under the mantle of the Foot Clan as the Shredder's son. A decade away from his brothers and true family. Letting out a deep breath, Leonardo stood and turned his back on his old home. Ten years of a lifetime, best left in the past.
Leonardo took a couple steps forward, ready to return to the lair. Suddenly he felt the air shift behind him. In one smooth motion he pulled a sword from the sheath on his back and spun on his heel. Bringing the sword upward as he completed the turn, he sliced the shaft of the oncoming arrow in half. Pausing for a moment, Leonardo searched the shadows, looking for the source of the projectile. Detecting no one nearby, Leo returned the sword to the resting spot on his back, and picked up the arrow.
Suspicious, his eyes narrowed as he pulled the note from the arrow's shaft. As he ran over the words written in Japanese, his eyes hardened.
'You are still the Shredder's son.'
Leo clenched his jaw tightly, his teeth grinding against each other, as he folded the paper in half. With one more look to the surrounding shadows, Leo stuffed the note into his belt, and continued his trek home.
A pair of eyes watched the blue clad turtle from the shadows. Now I wonder what that was all about?
A/N: This was a short first chapter to get the ball rolling on this tale. Any guesses on who was watching Leo from the shadows? And in Chapter 2, we'll find out what Donnie, Mikey and Raph have been doing. How important is your review to me? Well, your reviews are the reason why this sequel exists. I bribe with virtual treats for reviews, vanilla ice cream cones with chocolate sprinkles (or rainbow sprinkles if you prefer) to those who review!