• • •

Training was stopped early on this day when Splinter noticed how quickly the turtles got worn out. He ordered that they relax for the rest of the day and the next as well. He knew that they'd be no good in a fight against Shredder if they weren't able to keep their health up. But as the five left, Splinter called after them, "Akila, I would like to speak with you."

Once the turtles were gone, Akila approached Splinter. "Yes, Sensei?"

The wise master hesitated to observe Akila for a moment before finally speaking, "..you have grown into a very skilled kunoich over the past few months."

Akila couldn't hold back her proud grin as she responded gratefully, "thank you."

But Splinter did not smile. "You grow stronger everyday and continue to surprise us all," he stated, "your stamina seems to work the opposite as it should, allowing you to perform better the longer you fight."

There was a long pause. Finally, Akila answered awkwardly, "and that's a...good thing..right?"

"Of course," Master Splinter replied, "for now." He began to pace slowly as he further explained, "but what will you do when you're so powerful that you no longer need to rest or feed your body? Or perhaps, when you become so eager to expend your energy that you hurt yourself, or someone you love?"

"..You're afraid that I'll lose control over myself..?" She asked, sounding pretty shocked. When there was no reply, Akila spoke again, "I know how strong I am, and I know how to hold back when I need to. I do it all the time."

The mutant's ears twitched in curiosity. "All the time, you say," he repeated in a surprised tone, as though he hadn't realized that Akila was holding back so much. Splinter found himself wondering if he truly knew the extent of her strength anymore.

"Well, I mean, I doubt I could beat you," Akila added with a laugh, completely oblivious the Splinter's conflicting thoughts.

Finally, the rat mutant returned her smile. But he was not put at ease. Akila seemed so sure that she wouldn't lose control. Yet, when Splinter would watch her train solo, her hunger for the fight was almost alarming. Akila couldn't see this because she was not watching herself from another's eyes. But the wise master found himself in fear for her.

• • •

Akila, unable to put rest her thoughts of the odd memory she'd had, decided to visit Donnie in hopes that he may have an idea. She explained her vision to him and he thought for a moment quietly.

"The process of taking and then returning someone's memory sound incredibly tedious; that being said, I can imagine it'd be very easy to mess up," he finally explained, "if he didnt do it intentionally, it's possible that, when Malick returned your memory, he gave you some of his own by accident."

Akila blinked in shock, "but..how?"

"Well, assuming this process he used involved manipulation of the DNA,if his DNA rubbed off anywhere near your jar of memories, it could be that it somehow managed to plug into your head like some kind of mental flash drive," Donnie went on explaining, "but then again, this is a science far beyond my own comprehension, so...who knows, really. Sorry, Akila, i wish i could help you more."

Akila was at a loss for words; did she actually aquire some of Malick's memories? The way Donnie had explained it made it seem like a fair possibility. And if that was the case, would she be able to learn about Shredder's deepest secrets from her new memories? The thought was exciting, but also incredibly terrifying as something occurred to her; would Akila be able to reach information on how she was created?

Before her excitement got the best of her, Mikey interrupted with an obnoxious call, "who wants fooood?!" Donnie and Akila shared a crooked smile, then they left the lab to join the others.

Akila and the turtles enjoyed a couple boxes of pizza while making jokes and telling stories. Mikey burned his tongue on hot cheese while Raph pointed and laughed. Donnie surfed the internet intently, searching for some information on something he was calling 'memory transfusion'. Leo sat beside Akila with an arm thrown lazily around her shoulders. It was nothing too exciting at the time, just like any other evening in the lair. But if any of them knew what was about to happen, perhaps that night might've seemed a bit more special.

• • •

"Are you sure?" Mikey asked for what must've been the fifth time.

Donnie, face red in irritation, sighed, "yes, I'm sure. There's no way I could make you fly without a glider."

Mikey frowned and looked down for a moment. Akila watched, however, as he lifted his head back up with an enthusiastic grin. "No," Donnie stated dryly, before the younger turtle could even speak. Again, Mikey frowned.

"Would you guys be quiet?" Raph whisper shouted, "we don't know if there are any Foot-bots following us again."

It was well past midnight as the five scoped out the city for crime. But other than a small stand off with a couple Purple Dragons, nothing seemed to be happening. However, the battle with the gang members had Akila's adrenaline pumping hard.

Her eyes darted in every direction at Raph's mention of possible Foot-bot soldiers. For some reason, she felt as if she could see more than usual. Not only was the dark not so dark, but it was as if Akila could see through objects. Her senses felts so open and alive, like she could take in every single detail of the night. She grinned and thought, this kunoich training is really paying off.

"Akila, you okay?" Leo's gentle voice pulled her from her realization.

"Hm?" Akila hummed in confusion.

Leo wore a look of concern. "You just looked a little..out of it."

But these words only seemed to feed the small fire in Akila's soul. Annoyance and irritation sparked inside of her. Of course, she knew that she should be grateful and happy about Leo's caring for her. But lately, it had been different than usual. Akila eyed Leo's expression and found that he was not only concerned, but gaurded. Was he scared of her?

Just as quickly as the flame grew, it diminished, leaving Akila surprised at herself. "Oh, yeah I'm alright," she responded awkwardly.

Leo knew something was up, but decided it'd be best to talk in private. So he simply nodded and they continued their patrol.