Chapter 2: The Shire

60 years later...

Out in the woods of the Shire, a young humanoid turtle lay against a tree, his three fingered hands clasped on a small leather bound book as he read comfortably. It was a hot summer day, and the tree he leaned against provided some much needed shade. He had forrest green scales, a brown leather belt around his waist, and a blue mask over his dark blue eyes.

His name was Leonardo Hamato, but his brothers and friends called him Leo.

In the distance, Leonardo heard the gentle clip clop of an approaching cart and horse. He paid no mind to it until he heard the sound of a deep and wise voice humming and growing louder with each passing second, he sat up and listened before confirming his suspicions. Excited, Leo stood up and careened down the hill, jumping over logs, and dodging tree branches before finally reaching a small bank above the road.

Coming his way was small green cart, pulled by large brown horse. In the back of the cart were many different kinds of firecrackers and fireworks as well as a long emerald staff. In the front of the cart sat a large humanoid rat, covered in dark brown fur and dressed in a grey robe that stretched down to his feet. His long pink tail twitched unconsciously underneath his robe as he held the reins to the horse pulling the cart as he continued to hum.

Leonardo stopped just beside the cart on top of the bank, "Your late." He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

The cart slowly came to a stop as the rat looked right back at him, "A Wizard his never early nor late, Leonardo Hamato," The rat told him, "He arrives precisely when he means to."

The two continued to glare at each other before Leo gave out a small snort as his face broke out into a smile, which in turn triggered his suppressed laughter as he leapt off his perch on the bank and into the front seat of the cart, strongly embracing the rat.

"It's great to see you, Splinter!" Leonardo said joyfully.

Splinter chuckled along with him, returning the embrace just as strongly.

"You did not think I would miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday now did you?" He asked.

"Of coarse not!" Leo replied.

The cart rattled past a field of yellow lupin being tended to by a few turtles and other reptilian people. Leo turned to Splinter, "So what news of the outside world? Tell me everything!"

"Everything?" Splinter repeated, a small twinkle in his eye as he chuckled, "Far to eager and curious for a young turtle such as yourself. Most unnatural."

Leo rolled his eyes but his smile didn't waver as the cart passed over a stone bridge and towards the busy market place.

"What can I tell you?" Splinter began, "Life in the world goes on much as it has in the past age. Full of its own comings and goings, scarcely even aware of the existence of turtles and other reptiles," He paused for a moment, seeming to survey the peaceful surroundings, "...for which I am very thankful."

Around them, the busy bustle of the market continued, a few people looked up in excitement and a few exclamations of, "Look! It's Splinter!" To which Splinter regarded with a kind smile and nod.

As they rolled past the Green Dragon Inn and towards a small hill, at the top, they could see below them a small grassy clearing with several turtles, salamanders, tortoises, and other creatures pulling up tents. Splinter let out a "Hmm" as he peered over Leonardo, just as a small banner saying 'Happy Birthday Blbo Hamato!' was hung up.

"The long expected party," Splinter spoke, "And how is your uncle, Leonardo? I hear it is going to be Party of Special Magnificence."

"You know Bilbo," Leo said, rolling his eyes but smiling nonetheless, "He's got the whole place in an uproar."

"Well, that should please him." Splinter said in an equally amused tone, "And what of you brothers?"

Leo turned to Splinter, "Raph's helping to set up the party, Donnie's at the library, and Mikey's probably up to his usual craziness."

"Well, good to know they are doing well." Splinter replied.

"Half the Shire's been invited, and the rest are coming anyway." Leo said.

Splinter chuckled hearing this.

Then Leonardo's face turned slightly solemn, "To tell you the truth," he spoke, "Bilbo's been acting weird lately."

Splinter glanced at the young turtle, "More weird than usual." Leo quickly added.

"How so?" Splinter asked.

"Well, he's been locking himself in his study. He spends all day looking over old maps when he thinks we're not looking. He's up to something. I just know it."

Leo looked up to see Splinter quickly glance back at the road as pursed his lips. "Alright then, keep your secrets." Leo said with a knowing smile, "But I know you have something to do with it."

"What makes you believe that?" Splinter asked.

"Well before you came along, my family was well thought of. Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected."

"If you are referring to the incident with the dragon, I was hardly involved." Splinter stated, "All I did was give him a little push out the door."

Leonardo chuckled, "Yeah, well, whatever you did, you've been officially labeled as a disturber of the peace."

"Is that so?" Splinter asked in amusement.

"See for yourself." Leo stated, pointing to of a couple tortoises, no doubt a part of the Proudfoot family, who were eyeing them suspiciously.

As the cart rolled further into the shire, a small crowd children ran down from the hills and onto the road, chasing after the cart and cheering all the way.

"It's Splinter!" One child squealed as the other children giggled joyously.

Splinter seemed to ignored the children's cries as he held a straight face, keeping his eyes forward. The children soon noticed this and stopped, watching sadly as the cart rolled up the lane.

Suddenly, spinning balls of bright color seemed to leap out of the back of the cart, causing a series of small fireworks, fizzling over the heads of the delighted children.

Splinter couldn't suppress that chuckle that came out of his throat as Leo smiled, quite pleased with the joke.

As they passed by the pathway leading to the meadow, Leonardo stood up from the cart.

"I'm glad your back, Splinter." Leo smiled.

"As am I, my friend." Splinter replied

With that, Leo jumped off the cart and headed off as the cart rolled away.

So that's it! See you guys next time. Peace out!