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 [i]had[/i] 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. "[i]Hey! Splinter's alive! He's alive![/i]", 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, [i]Leo[/i] 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. 

[hr]
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]"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, [i]and[/i] 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".[/i]

...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. [i]Everyone[/i] was affected by this, and the words of the master gave way to a wave of determination.