Hey guys! This idea has been bouncing around in my head for several months, so I finally gave in and decided to write it! Hope you guys like it!
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I faced off with my brother, eyes searching for weak spots. His larger stature rushed at me, and I swiftly danced to the side to avoid his attack. He turned and swung at my jaw, but I ducked and tried to throw some of my own advances. He batted them aside, and pressed forward. I backed up, allowing myself to lose ground in order to keep a safe distance away from my physically stronger opponent.
Raph tried to close the space, so I gave up a little more ground.
I knew I couldn't keep doing this, or the battle would end with me being cornered and out of room to move or defend myself.
So I swiftly changed tactics, and charged him.
I landed a few blows, having taken him by surprise by my sudden change of strategy.
He was about to retaliate with a volley of his own strikes when Sensei interrupted.
"Leonardo?" He called my name slowly, as if I was in trouble.
My brother and I immediately stopped the short sparring match and both stood to attention to our respectable master.
"Hai?" I responded hesitantly.
"Please, my son, follow me. I would like for you to accompany me on a short walk. " he looked at me with an almost sad look that made him look even more aged.
We all knew that our Sensei was getting older. His frame was starting to shrink, and his old body was needing more and more assistance with everyday life. His fur had dulled considerably during the past several months, and he had to use his walking stick to actually assist him in walking, instead of just his choice weapon.
"Of course master. " I replied before offering Raph an apologetic smile for ditching our sparring match.
"I woulda won anyways, Fearless." Raph remarked before I gave him a small laugh. Splinter had already started to walk away, so I did a light jog to catch up.
"Thank you, my son. " he said with a sigh.
"No problem, Father. " I replied with a grin. Life had been so peaceful lately. It was as if the Shredder had just given up on finding us. Our patrols went without a hitch, and we finally got to regroup and relax.
We walked through one of the larger tunnels, and Splinter led me to a ladder that led to the city. He climbed up first, and I went behind him to ensure he wouldn't slip or fall.
Once we were topside, I assisted him in scaling a building to get the the roof.
"May I ask where it is you would like to go?" I questioned innocently, curious about why my Master wanted to come up here.
Maybe he just wanted some fresh air, or just to stretch his old muscles. I wouldn't like being cooped up inside all day either…
"No. You may not ask. " he replied coldly.
His response caught me off guard, but I just nodded. The fact that he couldn't he tell me where we going made me very suspicious, but I trusted my Sensei full-heartedly.
There was a tense silence in the air, so I tried to ease the moment.
"Sensei, I was wondering how you're new meditation technique was working-"
"Silence! I do not wish to speak. " he snapped at me. I stole a glance at him, before dragging my gaze away and straight ahead. His behavior was really starting to worry me. It usually took more then him being upset or in a bad mood to make his patience wear so then.
He cleared his throat before continuing on.
We walked on in an uncomfortable silence for some time, before I sensed a strong presence.
Sensei stopped walking, and that's all the confirmation that I needed to know that he sensed it too.
I drew both of my katana and turned to face the threat.
Karai and Shredder himself were standing a few yards away, but neither one of them had drawn their weapons.
Karai had a smug expression, and even the Shredder seemed to have an almost relaxed posture.
I stood in a strong defensive stance, determined to protect my master.
"Kneel, Leonardo. " he commanded in a small voice.
I just glanced at him, keeping my stance.
"Kneel! " he commanded hoarsely.
"But Sensei!?" I questioned.
"Do you doubt and disrespect me?! Kneel, my son, before you shame me even more!" he responded harshly.
I wordlessly sheathed my katana, and silently kneeled down on both knees, fists touching the ground while I glared at the Shredder. I was lost in utter confusion, and didn't understand why my Sensei made me kneel to this monster.
"He seems to be more rebellious then what you insisted. " the Shredder said in a growl. "I shall break him of that…"
Splinter sighed. "Leonardo, my son, I am sorry for what is about to happen. I would wish that you would honor me by serving Oroku Saki to the best of your ability."
"Wha-? Sensei…?!" I turned my head to look at him.
He responded by pulling out a tanto and slicing the leather that held my sword's sheaths in place. The sheaths clanked to the ground, and I shivered, feeling defenseless against the threats before me.
"Do not ask questions, my son. The Shredder has guaranteed our families safety in exchange for the eldest son. You are making a sacrifice that will, in turn, save your family. You will now belong to Oroku Saki, and it is my wish that you would serve his as you have served me. "
My mind reeled at the horrible image painted in my head. How could I serve someone so evil? "Sensei…" I started to plead.
"He is yours. " my Sensei offered to the evil figure walking towards me.
"Stay down, Leonardo. " my own Father said as he turned to walk away, abandoning me.
I cast my face to the ground, and I felt chills cover my whole body. I had just been sold by my own father to the man that haunted my nightmares. I couldn't make myself look up to meet his eyes as I listened to the small sound of my fathers feet as he walked away.
The betrayal bit at my heart, and my mind instantly flashed back to the dojo. What would become of Mikey and Donnie? And Raph? I wouldn't be able to protect them… Shell, would I ever even see them again? Ever hear Mikey's laugh, and cheesy jokes… or ever laugh with Donnie when one of his projects would epically fail, or to look on in awe when one of his projects would work…?
And what of Raph? Would I never get to see the fire that sparked in his green eyes again? Would I never get to stand next to him in battle, and feel proud to fight alongside him?
I took a shaky breath as I felt the Shredder's cold hand touch my shoulder.
"Stand. "
I heard the command, but I didn't react. My mind started to wander back to Mikey and his innocent smile, when I felt a sharp pain.
I refused to cry out, as he jerked me to my feet by my mask.
I glared at him, but kept my mouth shut.
He kept his hold on the back of my mask tight, and it pinched my face painfully.
"You will learn to abide by my orders, and you will learn to fear me. " he threatened me.
"Why should I fear you?!" I challenged bravely.
"Do not worry, Leonardo, I will show you exactly why you should fear me. But all in due time. Now come. " he released his grip on my mask, and I instantly dropped down with perfect form before sweeping his legs. He crashed down with the sound of metal scraping against concrete, and I instantly seized the opportunity for escape.
"Leo!" I heard Karai's voice calling for me, but I didn't stop.
I was frantically pushing my feet faster and faster, and jumping over the gaps between the roofs with a speed I hadn't used since I was being chased by dozens of foot ninja in the thunderstorm several years ago.
I started to push my legs and lungs to the limit at the horrid memory of Shredder's elite guard, and of me being thrown through April's apartment window.
I picked up on the sound of several feet padding after me, but I kept my steady, yet fierce pace.
I was preparing to jump to the next roof, when suddenly, Hun and a dozen foot ninja climbed over the edge of the building to reveal themselves to me. I cursed and painfully skidded to a stop, before turning to face another dozen foot soldiers, Karai, and the Shredder himself who was picking himself up. I was quickly surrounded, and I instinctively reached for my katana before realizing that they were gone. The foot ninja made a circle around me, while Karai, Hun, and Shredder stayed within the circle.
I didn't look at Hun, who was standing directly behind me, nor did I look at Karai who stood beside her father. No, I kept my eyes trained on Oroku Saki as he stalked his way closer and closer to me.
I felt my bandana being tugged, and Hun's muscle bound arm wrapped around me, holding me still as Shredder came closer.
I watched in horror as the man that has been the center of my fears for so long reached out and stroked my face.
I flinched away, and Hun's grip only tightened.
"Release him. " Shredder ordered, and I was instantly dropped to the ground; Hun backing away as the Shredder kicked me ruthlessly in my side.
I grunted, and instinctively curled around the foot that kicked me again and again. After the very first kick, I refused to make a sound or to show my pain. So I took it. Kick after relentless kick, I sucked up the physical pain. I was comfortable with physical pain, after all.
It was the pain of knowing my own father had abandoned me that drove me over the edge. But I still bit it down, and waited until the Shredder stopped the abuse and I swallowed the blood that had accumulated in my mouth. I pulled myself up into the all too familiar kneeling position.
"Let us try this again, freak. Stand. "
My mind raced, trying to debate on whether or not if I should give in to this man's orders.
My bruised stomach begged for me to just suck up my pride and obey, but everything else within me screamed to fight… everything that is, except my loyalty to my Father. He had told me to obey this cruel man. My head was spinning with options, but I couldn't get one thing outta my head. Why should I honor my Father's wishes when he was so quick to disown me?
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Hope you liked it! I'm going to continue this story, and majority of my attention will be focused on it. Review what you think!
Im going to wait until 10 reviews until I post the next chapter! So review any ideas or your opinions!
~Midnightdam56 ;)