I thought it would be nice to keep all my prequel oneshots/drabbles in one place (and in order). Many of these come with illustrations, which can be found on my blog on tumblr.
17 April, 1897
Raphael Hamato pulled up the collar of his jacket higher, rearranging his red scarf so that it covered most of his face. It was cold tonight; he probably should have thought of leaving at a better time of the year, but pride prevented him from returning back into the depths of the city, where hopefully, his brothers were still sound asleep.
The young turtle looked out across the rail yard, searching for the safest way through. He had heard stories about the freighthoppers; many people snuck onto trains to head out West and to other places around the country. It was dangerous, he had heard, but he personally found it exciting. Everything that happened outside of the city interested Raphael, even more so since their father had left.
He sneaked across, keeping close to the shadows and away from the dim lamplight. His bag jostled against his shell as he back up against the rough wood of the boxcars, his heart pounding as he saw the lights of lanterns swinging about in the dark. If he was caught by the rail police…
But they didn't see him; he barely allowed himself to breathe as the uniformed humans passed over to the other side of a different train. He was safe, for now.
A whistle sounded, alerting Raph to a line of freights several tracks over. He had no idea where this train was headed, but it was going to be his new destination. Securing his bag across his shoulders, he darted as fast and silently as he could towards it.
This was stupid, so stupid! He thought to himself as clung to a handle outside of the car, bracing himself as the train gradually picked up speed. The wind began to whip past his face, chilling his hands and making his eyes water, but still he held on; it was too late to let go now.
It didn't matter to him though. Now that he was on his way, he felt a strange reassurance. He was going to do it; he was going to find their father, and either bring him back to New York, or convince him to bring the rest of their brothers over to the West with him. He didn't know how he was going to do it, but he wasn't going to come back until he did.