"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

-Gandhi

Growing up, we are taught that there is always a brighter side of things, that if we wait and look at the best of things, everything will fall into place. Like, if we are stuck in the dark, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. Not for me though, not what I went through.

I was raised to have faith in life that it will always show me the way to go and that everything happens for a reasons.

I've been in the dark, I have seen the demons that live in the corners of the room and the boogyman that hides under our beds every night. I've seen the dark. And for the longest time I didn't see any light, I didn't believe I was good enough or strong enough to see it. It took me a while to finally figure out that sometimes, there just isnt a light that is given out like candy. As much as I would have liked that, it just doesn't happen.

Instinct. Instinct told me how to survive through the darkness and to make me realize that sometimes there is no light, you just need to adjust and find your way out yourself. I found that out the hard way. For the past year my life was filled with nightmares and painful reminders of what I went through in life. From being kidnapped to being abused to no end. It was darkness all around. And for a while, I believed that maybe, if I just stuck it out then there would be some light to this nightmare. But there wasn't. Not even after my family saved me, there was still the dark. I couldn't seem to find my way. I felt like I kept running into walls, banging my head against the ceiling and tripping over rocks that weren't visible.

I was in a rut, for the longest time I felt like I could never get out, left in this swirling blackness, taunted by the reminders of my failure. And it took the pressure of my family, and the strength of my own will to push back these obstacles that I created for myself. I felt my way through, gained bruises and scars but alive. Alive.

I look down in my hands the orange bandana I have avoided for so long, fearing of my own identity. I looked down at the old me, the one who was able to skip around the lair as cheerful as can be. I'm not that same turtle I was before. But, I am an alternative. I've gained some of my hopes, some of my own light back. I still struggle and I still feel the pain. But I can at least push myself a little farther to gain more.

I look in the mirror, staring at this face that seemed to have been hiding behind the shadows for so long.

"Who are you trying to be?" A shiver ran down my spine. That man's spirit still haunting me, reminding me of the weakness I held. Who did I want to be when I was in there? When I really thought about it I guess I really didn't care. I just wanted to live. I lost who I was in that place and it has taken me some time to find myself once more.

I took a breath, relaxing my racing heart. I brought my head band up and wrapped it around my head, feeling the soft fabric against my eyes. It was so familiar and yet so strange. When I looked up, I thought I was about choke. I saw me, I was looking at a mirrored version of who I was. I was ninja. I was strong. It took me a long while to remember this but I finally remember. I stood up tall, I announced myself to the mirror.

"I am strong." I repeated to myself over and over again to the mirror. Every time the words felt like a boost of energy, a sting of confidence. And after so much, after so long, I smiled.

I left my room, making sure to grab my scarf. Although my wounds have healed, my health was destroyed in that prison. My immune system was weakened because of the circumstances I was living in. Because of that I am now prone to getting sick more often than not. I was lucky to have my brother and my father though, them able to give me antibiotics and such so the sickness never spread too far. But tonight I wasn't worry about that because this is the first time in a year that I will be out on patrol.

I was excited and yet terrified at the same time. I almost forgot what the outside world looked like. I missed my world. I walk out to the living room to see my brothers. All smiling at me and happy to see me tag along with them. They reminded me over and over again about the precautions I needed to take and to make sure I tell them if I started to feel tired or sick. With all reassurances done, the door opened and the sewers were once again my playground.

The night, cool and clear. The sounds of the city that I have grown so attached to, so invested in the lively festivities they offered. It's been so long, longer then I have ever imagined It would be. I stood there, looking over this beautiful city, looking down at the passing people and loving the fact that they were people and not some outside terrestrial. Thinking of the outsiders, Miles came to mind. Leonardo told me that they never found him or where he went but had the feeling that it wouldn't be the last time they see that dog. Iwill be ready for that day. Although some of me had returned, my morals back in place, Miles was the exception. Next time I would see that dog, it will be his last breath.

The dark thoughts soon faded when I looked down to see the child looking back up at me with glimmer in his eyes.

"Bye-bye." He waved, "It's time to go home now." He giggled and hopped across the building towards the full moon that settle across the city. I smiled as he watched this version of himself disappear with the night. I heard my brother's call for me and my heart glowed.

It was time to go home.

A/N: Well guys I finally finished this story. Thank you to all my reviewers for this story it was interesting to write. I was one of my first real stories on fanfiction and I like to think I have gotten better at writing after this story but I do hope you all enjoyed. Check out my other stuff if you haven't already. Faceless Fear is a horror story and The Perfect Student is a Angst story with adult theme and child abuse. So if interested check them out if not not to worry as long as I can make you happy with this story life is good :) Till next time kiddies! Love you all!- F