Believe it or not, this chapter was four pages when I wrote it out (scratches head) I can't for the life of me figure out why this is so short. Hmmm...
Anyway, they don't belong to me (duh) All OC's are mine, but not the normal TMNT characters.
Enjoy!
Leo supported Mikey as they made their way into the kitchen. Don was already seated as the wooden table, his eyes swollen and red from crying. His purple mask had several tear stains marking the fabric.
As Leo surveyed the purple clad turtle before him, he wondered if he was a reflection in a blue mask. Mikey was no doubt the worst off, not eating or sleeping since the deadly and fateful hour two days ago.
They'd only seen Splinter at meal times. Practice had been canceled for awhile and only Leo had gone into the dojo. But even for him, it was strange, spending only and hour or two in the early morning before anyone got up, then leaving the second one of his brother's got up.
For two days he'd been their source of comfort, spending endless hours with them. He'd been their shoulder to cry on; they're welcoming arms for a much needed hug; their source of love.
He'd been all of that… but it still wasn't enough.
Only Raphael could fill that gapping hole in their hearts.
"Mew?"
Leo glanced down from his position over Mikey. Wide golden orbs blinked up while whiskers twitched in annoyance from being ignored. Before Leo could say anything, Mikey had scooped up Klunk and was hugging him to his plastron. Klunk quickly settled down in Mikey's arms, nuzzling his owner's hand in a soft of comforting manner.
"Do you think he knows?" Mikey asked quietly.
"I'm not sure Mike." Leo squeezed his shoulders.
Mikey only nodded, his blue gaze lowering to his cat's silky orange fur. "I miss him."
Leo said nothing. Don abruptly stood up, chair toppling, and left the room. Only Leo watched in growing sadness as he saw Don shut the door to his lab, sealing himself inside until Leo forced him out in an attempt to eat some dinner.
"Me too."
"My sons."
Leo turned his head, tilting it slightly to acknowledge his sensei's presence. Splinter has never looked young, but he appeared to have aged overnight. His bright eyes no longer gleamed in wisdom. His gray fur was un-kept and his pink tail drug behind him.
"My sons, I have come to a decision." He went on tiredly. "It seems that you are unable to heal here. Raphael's presence still lingers here."
Leo couldn't help but glance at the empty fifth seat that Raphael always used to sit at.
"Leonardo." Leo fixed his attention back on his father. "You are to take your brothers and head to the farmhouse for a month."
"A month!" Leo sputtered. "But master…"
"Healing takes time Leonardo," Splinter said firmly. "And obviously it can not be done here. Go – take your brother."
"What of you sensei?" Leo knew healing couldn't be done alone, but in the presence of loved ones.
"I have made my peace." Splinter said. "From the first ninja lesson I gave you, I knew at least one of you wouldn't die from old age. You are three powerful, deadly, and unique ninjas, not meant to be caged down here. You are almost adults and I count myself lucky and honored, as should you, that we had Raphael for as long as we did." He lowered his head. "I have made my peace." He repeated firmly. "It is time you found yours."
Leo bowed his head.
Peace…it seemed so far away and yet…so close.
He knew what it was. It was the feeling that washed over him every night he laid in bed, knowing his brothers were safe for another day.
It was the feeling he rarely got on a rooftop night where not a siren or a scream could be heard.
It was the feeling he had every time his brothers sought out his comfort and love he was so eager to give, yet rarely gave.
"We will go father." Leo bowed.
Peace.
Well here's chapter 2! I got loads of great reviews so I thank all of thee. Review and tell me how I did and how soon chapter 3 should be up. I promise it'll be a lot longer.
~raphfreak
