Chapter 7: Sensei of the Year
A/N: It's been a while since I updated this story, but I felt that now's the time to get this story done. After this chapter, there will be one left, and that's it for this story. I want to thank everyone who has read and reviewed thus far. Your kind words have meant the world to me, and I have had a lot fun with this story even if it may seem so sad. Hope you enjoy this chapter, too.
Disclaimer: TMNT and all related characters are property of Nickelodeon. I only own the plot and nothing more.
Splinter was the type who never put anything off. He always was a stickler for doing things on time no matter what they were, and it was why he was so strict with his sons when it came to arriving on time for practice. Being late showed a lack of consideration, and Splinter wasn't one to tolerate something like that. But for April's letter, it was different. He knew he should open it as soon as the date dictated, but each time he looked at it, his stomach clenched up. Why was April writing to him? What exactly did she have to say to him?
Releasing a sigh, he took out the envelope and looked at the date again. It was the day that Splinter had declared he was going to train April as a kunoichi, a female ninja. He remembered how honored April had been, and how she had been enthusiastic about, as she put it, "kicking butt" with her new skills, even though Splinter had told her that they didn't use their skills in that way. But given all the enemies they had acquired, that belief had changed, and his sons were in battle more than Splinter wanted them to be. He thought about April and what she would have been like had she lived. She probably would have progressed further, though nowhere near to his sons' level of perfection yet. With a smile, Splinter opened the letter and studied what April had written to him.
Master Splinter,
I know it seems weird that I'm writing this to you, but I have my reasons. If you're reading this, I'm dead, and I want you to know something that I couldn't tell you before my death. I know how you feel about keeping secrets and how you've always told me that doing so is deceitful and wrong, but please know that I had my reasons for not telling you or your sons the truth. I wanted to, but my dad wouldn't let me, and I had to honor his wishes. As a father yourself, you know how important it is for children to obey their parents and do exactly as they're told. That's what I was doing this whole time, so I know you'll understand.
I guess this isn't easy for me to say, but I have a twin sister named Robyn. She was sent away when we were eleven after our mom died and she tried to kill me. I'm not sure if she'll ever get out, but if she does, I ask that you and your sons give her a chance. She's my sister, and though we've had our differences in the past, I still love her and always will. I hope that with treatment she'll get better and live a normal life. So if I'm not here to take care of her, I want you guys to look after her and support her. I know she'll need it after all she's been through and I know it'll be hard for her to adjust. I've left Robyn a letter explaining about you guys and who you really are because I never told her that. I think once she gets to know you, she'll love you just as much as I do. Just take care of her and be there for her. Maybe you could teach her to be a kunoichi like you did for me.
I can never thank you enough for all you did for me, Master Splinter. You and the Turtles have been a blessing in my life, and I can never repay you for all you've done. You were there for me at a time when I really thought I had lost everything. You brought my dad back to me, and when he was taken, you were determined to rescue him and did just that. You also provided comfort to me during that time, and I am truly grateful for that. I know that you never wanted to replace Dad, but you did fill that brief hole that I had in my life. I hope that Robyn can fill that hole for me even though I know no one can replace me. Also, I want you to take care of Dad because I know he'll be taking my death hard and will be sad about it. Just be there for him and help him to keep on living for me.
If there was an award for Sensei of the Year, you would get that award, Master Splinter. You've taught me not only how to fight but also how to be strong and brave. I never thought I could be a fighter, but after learning from you, I know now that all things are possible. I regret that I won't be able to continue my training, but I'm glad that you took a chance on me and saw potential in me. You were a great teacher, and I know that the Turtles will be great warriors one day with your guidance. Please don't be sad about my passing and don't blame yourself for it. It wasn't your fault, and I just know that I will always love you and your sons and that I will always be with you.
Well, I have to go now, Master Splinter. Thanks again for teaching me to fight and always being there for me.
With all my love,
April
Tears filled Splinter's eyes as he read April's letter. It was so touching and very heartfelt. He knew exactly why she had kept the secret and wasn't hurt by it at all, but some part of him felt that if April had told them sooner, none of the horror that had filled his sons' lives would have happened in the first place. Perhaps they could have been able to prevent it. But there was no sense in dwelling on the past for it was done now. He knew that he couldn't fulfill April's wishes now, but he would continue to help his sons and make sure that if Robyn was alive that she would pay for what she had done to his sons.
"I am sorry I could not help you, April," he whispered. "I will do all I can to help my sons. I miss you and love you." He kissed the letter and put it back in the envelope.
"Sensei, are you okay?" a voice asked. Splinter looked up to see Leonardo looking at him with a concerned look on his face.
"Yes, I am fine," he replied. "I was just looking at the letter April wrote for me."
"Yeah, we all looked at ours, too," Leo said. "I just keep thinking back to that day, Sensei. I just wish there was something we could have done."
"There was nothing you could have done, Leonardo," Splinter told him. "But what do you think of what April told you? Are you hurt that she did not tell you sooner?"
"I wish she would have, but I understand why she didn't," Leo answered. "She had to obey her father's wishes, and I can see why she did that. I don't hold it against her, but I do think that if she had told us, all of this could have been prevented."
"I agree, my son," said Splinter. "But there is nothing we can do now but move forward."
"Do you think Robyn's still alive?"
"I do not know, but if she is, she will have to face justice for what she did sooner or later," replied Splinter. "For now, we must not dwell on that. Call your brothers for it is time for practice."
"Hai, Sensei," said Leo. He bowed and went to do as Splinter had asked.
Splinter waited for his sons to begin practice and thought about what Leonardo had said. If Robyn was alive, that wasn't a good thing, but maybe she would get justice one day. Little did he know that the horror his sons had experienced would indeed return and that they would continue to suffer and worry.
A/N: And that's the end of another chapter. Just one more to go and this story will be completed. I hope you liked it. Feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.
