10: Fresh Starts
I laid in my bed just starin' up at da ceilin'. Today's da day she finally leaves. She goes back to 'er apartment. I no longer have ta worry about controlling myself around 'er. I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Upset, angry, disgusted, happy…it was all confusin'. I climbed outta bed, 'nd headed ta da dojo. Da mornin' trainin' session was about ta begin. I walked in 'nd there she was. Masta Splinta's been lettin' 'er train wit us for weeks now. She was only getting' betta.
"Look who's on time…" Mikey snickered.
I growled at him, 'nd was about to give him one good knock ta da head…but Masta Splinta walked in.
"Michelangelo! You will leave your brother alone. He maybe late to many sessions, but he is far more skilled than you at many things. I suggest you practice."
Mikey bowed. "Yes Master Splinter."
I stood there, arms crossed with my usual attitude. Mikey was goofin around…like always. Don was content, nothing but a blank expression. He obviously was up all night again. Leo…he was ready 'nd determined ta win. Win what? I don't know. Then, there was Erin. She had 'er hair down and 'er black spandex suit on wit 'er brown combat boots. She noticed I was lookin' 'nd turned ta smile at me. I gave one of my famous half grins, then turned my attention back ta our father.
"My sons, and Erin. You all have been training together very well. Miss Erin, you have improved. Your skill. Your technique, and your presentation have all greatly increased. I am proud of your work and respect."
Erin nodded 'nd bowed to Masta Splinta.
"Raphael, your anger will be your biggest enemy…"
I growled 'nd looked away.
"But, I have seen great improvement. Not only in your temper, but in everything you do."
My brothers surrounded me patting my back while I smiled. I was tryin' my hardest ta control my anger…only for everyone else's sake. Not mine.
"Michelangleo. While you are still a child in many aspects, you have grown as a ninja. I can see you've been practicing your nunchaku work."
"All day, everyday dude….I mean Master Splinter." He chuckled before returning his nunchuks to his belt.
"Donatello. Your brain only grows with more knowledge everyday. You are very smart, and surpass any scientist above these grounds. Your observational skills have helped you outsmart your opponent at many times."
"Thank you Sensei." Don humbly smiled.
"And Leoanrdo. The eldest of my sons. You have grown past any standards ever set."
Leo bowed as he we high-fived him.
"I say this to each of you because, there's no training today. Be gone." Master Splinter then turned 'nd left.
"Well, that was weird dudes." Mikey smiled.
"Can't say it wasn't…" Don agreed.
"It's whateva…but ya know…I was kinda lookin' forward ta sparin today." I took my Sai's out 'nd spun them around.
"I-I'll spar with you." Erin bashfully smiled.
I didn' reply. But the others did for me.
"I'd like to see this." Mikey laughed takin' a seat.
"It'd be a nice thing to study." Don smiled.
"Let's see what you got Raphie boy." Leo laughed, slappin' me on the shell.
I growled, 'nd got ready to fight. "Whateva, all I know is I'm gonna win."
"Oh really?" There was no way in hell I was gonna let Erin take me down in front of my brothers. "We'll see."
I went ta throw a punch, she caught it 'nd went for a kick, I grabbed 'er foot 'nd pushed 'er back.
"Ready for some complications?" I asked.
"You're a complication yourself." She shot back.
I can't lie, It kinda hurt.
I growled before hitting her wit a round house kick. She fell down, I went ta lunge at 'er but she shoved 'er feet under my lower stomach 'nd sent me flying towards da walls. I stood up 'nd ran till I slid under feet grabbing both of them, 'nd sweeping her legs out. She rolled backwards 'nd knocked my Sai's outta my hands. I was startin ta get angry 'nd she was dancing circles around me.
"What's wrong Raphael?" She asked laughing.
"Nothing." I gritted my teeth.
"Are you scared to get beaten by a girl?"
"NO!" I went ta throw a punch, but she flip ova me, grabbing my shoulders, throwin me ova 'er 'nd slammin me on da ground. She pinned me under 'er,. She thought she won, but I pushed my feet under 'er, threw 'er down 'nd pinned 'er.
"No fair! I pinned you first Raphael!" She squealed.
"And?" I asked.
"That was a good match." Leo clapped smiling. "I think Erin had that, but she got too cocky thinking she had one. Which gave you the upper hand Raphael."
I looked down 'nd realized I was still pinning 'er. I quickly got off 'nd walked out like nothin' happened. I grabbed a soda outta the fridge, drunk it, then crushed it. It was kinda boring without any training. So I figured I'd hit topside for a little…but with my watch. I clicked the settings on, and transformed into my human form. I had on a black tank, red skinny jeans, 'nd black Nikes with a red trim. I ran my fingers through my hair for a messy look,'nd before I headed out. I was caught up by Mikey.
"Where ya goin Raph?"
"No where Mikey, just topside for a bit."
"Can I come? Pleaseeee!" He begged 'nd whined.
I sighed in defeat. "Change yourself." I firmly crossed my arms over my chest.
"Where are you two going?" Erin asked coming out in one of Mikey's designs. I had to say, it reminded me of a skater girl. She had on a red dress, a jean jacket, a black beanie, and black heels. It was cute though.
"Going topside, wanna come?" Mikey asked smiling.
"Well, actually as you can see I'm about to go model one of your looks. My manager is very interested in your line Mikey..maybe you guys can come with?" She smiled. "It's around here…not in any crazy country or anything."
"We're totally there." Mikey clicked his watch, and there he was. His dirty blonde wavy hair, and his big blue eyes. He had on a pair of dark shades, a black t-shirt that said Stay Rad in white lettering, black skinny jeans, and black sneakers.
"Nice Mikey." I gave a thumbs up.
"Donnie really hooked us up." Mikey grinned.
"You look cool Mikey." Erin laughed giving him a small hug.
I have ta admit..da hug didn' annoy me..but da compliment did.
"Well come on, it's walking distance we don't need my showfer for today." Erin walked out, 'nd we followed.
"How far is dis place?" I asked tryin' not ta care.
"Stop whining…we're almost there." Erin laughed.
I could see how happy she was ta just share a simple conversation wit me. But, 'er happiness wasn't gonna last long. I couldn't get close ta 'er..not again. Not now. Not eva. Da walk was a little longer than I thought or was told, but we got there eventually. Mama Jace and everyone was there…especially that rat dog.
"My name's Michelangelo!" Mikey ran up to the crowd of people 'nd introduced himself.
"Uhm, who are you?" Mama Jace was a little taken back by Mikey's presentation.
"He's my uhhh little brother, 'nd da designer of this clothes line." I quickly stepped in. My arms firmly crossed over my chest, 'nd a sly smile.
"Oh, well hello Michelangelo. I am Mama Jace." She held 'er hand out.
Mikey shook it smiling like an idiot. I walked behind 'im 'nd smacked in da back of da head.
"What was that for?" He whined rubbin da back of his head.
"Nothin…just cause you're an idiot." I laughed, but was soon stopped by Erin.
"Raphael, apologize to Michelangelo! Right now!" She demanded tapping 'er black heel.
I rolled my eyes. "You're not my authority Miss Erin."
"No, but I am Raphael…"
I turned ta see Mama Jace 'nd her rat dog. I pushed my hands inta my pocket 'nd growled.
"Oh really?" I questioned.
"Yes…" She inched closer ta me. "Really."
I sighed, shrugged my shoulders, 'nd walked off.
"This place blows. Can ya take ya stupid pictures so we can leave?"
Mama Jace agreed. "Please let's start."
Next thing ya know Erin was bein drowned in cameras, flashes, 'nd people. It was all a headache. I walked in 'nd grabbed her after an hour 'nd they were still takin pictures.
I was becoming annoyed, angry, 'nd frusterated. I grabbed a chair, 'nd just took a seat. I couldn't let my anger show…at least not wit everyone 'ere. I started ta drift off…
"Raph…wake up."
I opened my eyes to see Mikey shakin me.
"What da fuck do ya want! Can't ya see I was sleepin!" I growled.
"I'm not blind dude. They want you in a couple shots with Erin."
"I'm ready to fuckin' go home! So, let's go!" I screamed getting outta my chair 'nd firmly grabbing 'er arm. I could see da fear in 'er eyes. But that didn't make me snap outta my hot flash. I was so angry, it blinded me. "I'M FUCKIN DONE WIT DIS!"
"Raph calm down!"
I could hear Mikey screaming for me ta calm down. But, I couldn't hear him. I pulled 'er closer noticing the pain she felt. I didn't care.
"Raph, you're hurting me." She begged.
"DOES IT LOOK LIKE I CARE!?" I shouted back.
Mikey was able ta push me away from 'er 'nd then I realized everyone staring at me. I realized I was like Derick.
"I-I gotta go." I turned 'nd ran. Neva looked back, I couldn't. The day she had ta leave 'nd I ruined it. I showed 'er nothing but the demons that laid within me.
I ran ta da seaport 'nd stared out inta da ocean. I needed a fresh new start. I needed ta get outta here, outta town, outta New York. I looked around 'nd saw a boat going to South America. I hoped on 'nd fell asleep. I knew that in da morning I'd be starting fresh.
(Mikey's POV)
"Raph…Raph….Oh Raphael!" I screamed looking up and down every alleyway. I can't believe he just ran off like that.
I remembered my phone in my pocket, and I quickly called up Leo…he'd know what to do.
"Leo!? Raph's gone! He ran off, and I can't find him anywhere! Alright, hurry. Bye." I sighed and hung up the phone.
"Raphael, where are you?" I asked the endless sky as it turned from light to darkness.
I fear for my brother, and his safety. Even though he can handle himself.
(Erin's POV)
He was doing so good, and then this one little thing set him off. All the anger that built up inside of him finally was released. Now I see why he had wanted me to stay away form him…he didn't want me to see him with his monsters. I stood behind Mikey shooken.
"M-Mikey, do you think he's ok?"
"I don't know Erin."
I could hear the anger in his voice. I reached my hand out but he swatted it away.
"Just leave me alone Erin. Ohkay? If it wasn't for you Raphael wouldn't have been gone!" He screamed as tears filled his blue eyes.
"Mikey I didn't purposely mean to…"
"FORGET IT ERIN!"
He pushed me away, and made no further contact with me until Leo and Don arrived.
"Mikey, what's the last thing that happened?" Donnie asked trying to get a tracking signal of Raphael on his phone.
"He got mad, he just grabbed Erin, then he ran off. I-I don't know after that…" Mikey glared at me. "It was all her fault! Raph couldn't control his anger let alone his feelings!"
"Don't point fingers Michelangelo. Raphael has his own problems…" Leo calmly replied.
"I'm not trying to say she complicated everything…but Mikey is right. If Raph can't control his own feelings, what made anyone think he'd be able to control a love." Don scientifically stated.
I put my head down not wanting to be seen or heard. I guess everything was my fault.
"I think I'll just go home now...to my apartment." I walked away and never looked back. I made it in safely and locked the door behind me.
I grabbed the blankets from my bed and climbed underneath. I really wanted to just waste away. Everything I caused was tearing they're family apart.
"Please find Raphael guys…"
(RAPH"S POV)
I woke up 'nd there I was in South America. Da beauty of it all was a lot ta take in. It was amazing! I quickly got off da boat 'nd looked around for somewhere ta live. I finally was able ta get a small jungle house away from everyone 'nd everything. I walked into da livingroom 'nd sat there. There wasn't much ta do. Within a week of being there I was able ta find something ta do…I helped children learn self defense. Nice huh? Don't get me wrong..I'm still da same guy…just though kids should know.
"Alright kids, ya guys did great." I firmly smiled at my five students.
I noticed one of da kid's moms approached me. She had long chestnut brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, and a fair tan. She was wearing a yellow bodycon dress that had one black stripe on each side and black heels.
"Hello, Raphael isn't it?" She asked smiling up at me.
"Uhm, yes 'nd you are?"
"Melanie…Jackson's mother." She gave a small laugh. "I've noticed how well you are with the kids."
"Oh, well I try my best. I mean I understand da younger ones, I got a little brother back home…" I could feel da sorrow starting ta kick in.
"You must miss him…"
"All da time." I pulled out my shell cell 'nd showed 'er a picture of me 'nd my brothers, while transformed wit Don's watches.
"Who are the other two boys?" She questioned.
"These are my brothers." I pointed ta each of 'em 'nd stated they're names. "See the oldest is Leonardo, followed by me, then Donatello, 'nd last Michelangelo."
"Your father must be proud to have such handsome boys."
I just laughed, as I locked up shop 'nd continued our conversation outside.
"Ya know Jackson, you're a natural." I gave da boy a high-five.
His big brown eyes gleamed wit joy. "Really?"
I patted him on da head. "Of course pal. No one has style like you. Ya know..ya remind me of my brother Leonardo. He'd always practice 'nd he wouldn't stop until he was da best." I laughed looking up at da sky. I noticed da time on my watch...it was getting' late. "I gotta hit da road, but I'll see ya next week."
Jackson bowed towards me 'nd left wit his mom. He was a lucky boy ta have someone who cared so much about 'im. I changed ta my normal mutant form.
"MAN I LOVE BEING A TURTLE!" I screamed runnin' through da jungle, jumpin' form trees 'nd on occasions roughin scums up. My red mask flew through da winds behind me, as I felt free again. Sure living amongst normal people was cool 'nd all but, I'd rather be a freak than anything else. Me being me always made me feel like I was home. Damn, I missed that place. But I couldn't go back. I'd just hurt everyone. I had to protect them…from me. From my monsters. I finally made it home 'nd sighed. I looked around ta see no one there but me, myself, 'nd I. Like it always was. Lonely. I put my watch 'nd mask on the kitchen counter, 'nd made my way ta da showers.
"I wonder what the others are doin? Bet, they don' even care about me or where I am…" The warm waters washed ova me as I spoke out loud.
Curiosity always killed me.
(LEO"S POV)
When Raphael doesn't want to be found, he makes sure he leaves no trace. He did everything imaginable to wipe his existence from us. Don has tried on multiple occasions to look for any kind of cell phone activity. But there was none. He was smarter than we all thought. Then what I thought.
"Father." I entered the dojo to see him meditating.
"Yes, my son."
"We've been searching for Raphael like no one would believe. Mikey can't sleep and Donnie won't sleep. I-I don't know what to do at this point father…please, help…"
"Leonardo. I know you all care greatly for your lost brother. But, he has fled New York for a reason. He will come home on his own, for now you must continue to train and better yourselves."
I nodded my head before walking out. I understood what he had meant. But I couldn't just sit around knowing Raphael was out there somewhere alone and depressed. It tore at my insides, and on top of that no one has seen Erin since that day. Mikey isn't really on speaking terms with her, so I guess I'll go cause Don won't leave the lab. I walked out of the lair, and climbed to the surface. I ran through the alley ways, jumped onto the rooftops and began running through the endless night sky.
"Why do you have to be such a hot head!" I was irritated with the whole situation. I finally reached her apartment where I knocked on her window. "Erin?"
"Leo?" She questioned swiping the curtains away to reveal my face. "What're you doing here?" She quickly lifted the window.
I crawled in, and headed to the livingroom. "Quick visit." I replied before taking a seat on the couch. "I really needed to talk to you…"
Erin tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "It's about him, isn't it? Leo, Mikey told you everything that happened that day."
I took in a deep breath. "I know this. I just thought out of all the people he knew, he would've had some kind of contact with you."
"No. I've gotten nothing from him."
"This is just stressing everyone in the family out." I stated bluntly.
"Be patient Leo. He'll come around."
"Yeah?" I asked causing my mask to arch like an eyebrow. "Master Splinter said the same thing."
We both sighed in unsion. Our eyes met, and I could see she shared the same feelings as I did. We were both hurt and worried.
I stood up firmly crossing my arms across my plastron. "Well thanks for talking to me."
She gave me a small but caring hug. "Anytime Leo. Uhm, how's Mikey? Is he still mad at me?"
I rubbed the back of my neck not wanting to answer the question…but she deserved to know. "He's still mad. But, he'll come around Erin. It's Mikey we're talking about." I let out a nervous laugh.
She slightly grinned before showing me back to the window. I swiftly slid out. "See ya Erin." I turned back and disappeared into the night.
(ERIN"S POV)
I've tried everything to get the thought of Raphael out of my mind…then, Leonardo comes over talking about him. Could my night get any worse? On top of all this Mikey is still mad and in two months…I got to go to South America for a photo shoot. I'll be there for a whole week without any of the guys. It'll be lonely…especially without Raphael. I was hoping to take him, but he left before I could bring it up to him.