It is a chilly and rainy April afternoon in the land of nineteenth century Japan. The sky is shaded in weeping clouds, watering the fertile ground for a budding spring. The melodic drops hit the clay shingles of Kenoshi Manor, adding soothing background music for its inhabitants' lazy day. Anju is sitting quietly sewing together the pattern she had made for a baby robe. She smiles warmly as she watches Leo and Yoshi play in the nursery. Leo is amazed at how fast the little one is growing. Yoshi is sitting up on his own and squealing in delight, completely fascinated by the peek-a-boo game Leo is entertaining him with. Leo covers his eyes. Yoshi reaches out his chubby hands, feeling across the large turtle's fingers. Leo calls his name. Yoshi smiles. Leo calls him name again. Yoshi giggles. Then Leo opens his hands, revealing his grinning face and big brown eyes. "I see you!"
Yoshi screams and falls back, laughing and grabbing at his feet. He rolls and pushes himself back on his padded bottom waiting for Leo to start the next round. Leo ruffles the bubbling baby's dark tuft of hair. "Did you see that, Anju? He's getting so strong, and so big. He'll be walking before we know it."
"Yes, he will… which brings up my concern about the near future. We were fortunate to have the few baby clothes stored here in the nursery. We only have one pair of shoes but Yoshi will not be able to fit them until he is maybe three. We are running out of food, along with other needed supplies."
Running out of food? They have plenty of food in the storehouse and pantry. Leo looks up at Anju, a bit confused.
She continues. "My milk is beginning to run dry. Yoshi will have to start eating soft foods. We have enough for ourselves but not many things that can be eaten by a baby. It may be time to start planning a supplies trip."
Leo knows she's right. It would be impossible to survive within the wall indefinitely. But how would he, a mutant turtle, be able to buy and barter for the household? Leo wants to support his home in anyway he can, but he couldn't do this, not without Anju; he would never let her go without him.
"Leo? Where has your mind drifted?" Anju asks.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked you to make a list of things you would like me to purchase when I go to market."
"Now, wait." He sits up and turns to her. "How far away is the closest village?"
"By horse, it is half of a day's journey to Fong village in the west by the sea, full day's journey by horse and wagon."
Leo laughs to himself. "There is no way I'd let you go alone."
"I never thought you would." She smiles, keeping her eyes on her needle and thread.
Leo blushes. "So, it may take longer in a wagon but at least we would be able to transport all that we need in one trip. It would be wise to travel mostly during the night to avoid curious eyes as well. There is no need to draw attention to you, being seen traveling with a big turtle."
Anju looks up at him with wide eyes and a smile growing on her lips. "I think I have an idea."
Anju, carrying Yoshi, leads Leo downstairs to a locked door in the kitchen. She opens a drawer and removes a brass key, unlocking the door. Leo opens it and sees stairs leading down into darkness. He had always wondered about this door but was never curious enough to ask about it. He lights a lantern and leads them down the wooden staircase. Dripping water echoes in the room hinting to Leo how tall and wide the area actually is. They keep walking, lighting hanging lamps along the way until the entire basement is full of enough light to explore safely.
"Oh my God…" Leo looks around in awe. "It's a blacksmith shop? For weapons? In your basement?" He turns to Anju, shrugging his shoulders.
"It was what Haruto liked to do in his spare time. He loved working with metals, making horseshoes, axes, and even small jeweled knives for his personal collection." She opens one hanging case full of shining blades, decorated in jade and jasper and gems. "He also made different versions of military masks." She opens a large wooden dresser full of ornate masks ready to be worn by a royal guard.
"These are all amazing. What happened to Haruto that he became such a terrible man to you?" Leo asks as he lifts up one of the masks.
"Nothing happened to him. Yes, he was talented and artistic, but his drunkenness and rage against those weaker than he were always within." She hands Yoshi into Leo's arms. She takes the mask he is holding and, placing it over his face she, steps closer to tie it at the back of his head. "Haruto's treasures are all here. We do not have much money. All that is left is in a small trunk in the study. He used our funds to by Sake and materials for his hobby. It got so bad that everything that the farm workers harvested went toward keeping everyone fed instead of bringing in enough profit." She steps back and looks him over. "You look like a very intimidating man, rather than an intimidating turtle." She smiles. "I think we could get a lot of gold and silver if we sold these things in town so that we can buy everything that we need. Do you not agree?"
"I think that's a great idea but…"
"But what?" Anju asks.
"It will only help for so long. If we take them to the right merchant we could get enough supplies for… maybe a year. We will need more." Leo walks around the shop. It had been dormant for a long time. "Anju, you think all of this equipment is still in working order?"
"They should. Haruto was the only one who used them."
Leo inspects the area. There is a kiln in the corner with a shaft feeding into the ceiling, a pit for refuse pieces, a shelf stacked with different grades of ore, protective gear, a wall full of hanging tools, a few templates, polishing materials, and a water basin. Yes, he would teach himself to become a metal smith. He knows his first few attempts would be horrendous but he's adamant about earning his keep and providing for his family. "Anju, let's work on that list and get ready for our trip."
…
Two days after the rain stops, Leo and Anju to decide the path is dry enough to leave on their trip. They are heading to the western sea town, Fong Village.
For those two rainy days, Leo had been checking the inventory of Haruto's fancy cutlery and ornate masks. He polishes and places the ones he deems good enough to sell in a plain wooden box. He's never sold anything to anyone in his life, so he hopes Anju will do well without any pointers from him. He sets the crate aside and continues to uncover and dust off the smithing equipment. He comes to the last object, covered by a very dusty tarp. He whips it off and thick fog fills the air. He clears the space by waving one hand, covering his mouth and nose with the other. Once the dirt clears, he is able to see what was hidden underneath.
He… he's not sure what he is seeing. He continues to blink to make sure he didn't get any debris in his eyes. He drops the tarp and steps back. "Oh my God…"
He stands in the middle of the room, spellbound by three-foot-long trunk that is the family chest. Thee Family Chest! It is definitely the one Arimi, Michelangelo's girl, inherited from her father. It's just two hundred years younger. He strides over to it and runs a hand along the surface. The leather is shiny and firm and the brass fasteners are snug, all accounted for. What makes him absolutely sure that this is the very chest that will someday grace his New York doorstep, is the golden emblem on the latch that reads the surname 'Norinaga' in ancient kanji. It must have fallen off by the time it gets to them in the twenty-first century. Norinaga is the last name Mitsu, the warrior princess that allied with the turtles in Feudal Japan, married into. Once his brother, Mikey, told Leo about the supernatural moment when the spirit of Mitsu visited him through the body of Arimi, there was no doubt in his mind that the two women were related.
Realization hangs heavily over Leo's shoulders like a large invisible chain. Could this really be why he is here… to ultimately complete the family line? How in blazes can Leonardo begin the Hamato line when he, himself, was 'born' into it? If Leo had not come here to the past and taken Haruto's place, Yoshi would have never been born, meaning neither would Arimi or Arimi's mother, who must be related to Splinter's master, Hamato Yoshi, in some way. That means, somehow in the near future, baby Yoshi will be Hamato Yoshi!? Leo is somehow going to be Yoshi's recognized father! And what about Anju? This is blowing the synapses of his brain into cinders. For the first time in his life he wishes he had never known the weight of his responsibilities. Just then Leo's skin becomes restless and tingly as an eerie feeling creeps over him like a tangible shadow. He looks up at the ceiling. He's about to open his mouth and ask, 'Are you there, God?' when Anju enters the basement. She and Yoshi are bundled and ready.
"Leo, it is time to go. The sun is setting. We want as much night-cover to travel in as we can afford."
"Yes." He says, releasing from his earth-shattering revelation. "Let's go." He carries the wooden box of wares in his hands (and the family chest in his head) and walks with Anju to the stables.
…
The next twelve hours are a blur to Leonardo. They hitch up the wagon and head to the iron gate of the wall. Leo pulls the chain and opens the gate. Anju drives the wagon out and Leo lowers the gate. He raises a ladder against the wall. He's about to climb up when he takes a moment to pay his respects. He nods to the headstone of Gado Ibuki the Brave, who watches over the entrance of the province. Reaching the top of the wall, Leo carefully lifts the ladder up and over to the other side. He climbs down and hitches the ladder to the side of the wagon. Leo puts on his gloves, ties the warrior mask over his face, and the hood over his head. He sits at the front, keeping Yoshi in between him and Anju and they set off down the road.
Leo hopes Anju does not suspect him acting strangely. He listens to her speak and he responds half-heartedly. He is afraid. He is hesitant to say or do anything that could alter the time-line. He's not even sure if anything he says or does would have an adverse affect on his future family but he can't help but be cautious. Seeing that chest in the Kenoshi basement puts him on edge.
They stop once to fed and water the horse, relieve themselves, and tend to the baby. They take care to make their stop quickly. Even though it is the middle of the night, they cannot be sure that everyone is asleep. They continue on their way. They come to the crossroads and stop to look at the sign. Leo holds up the torch and sees that they can go east, continue south, or go west. He makes a 'clicking' sound to the horse and they head west to Fong Village. A few hours later the sky begins to glow, preceding the rising sun. Leo holds the reins of the horse silently while Anju rocks Yoshi in her arms.
"Are you ok, Leo?" She says. "Leo?"
"Hmm?" He says.
"We are almost there. Once we get through these woods we should be able to smell the sea air. We go down a long hill into the village."
"Ok." Leo says. He really didn't have to wear the mask the entire time. It created distance between himself and Anju and anyone they could have met along the way. Je wants it this way.
"Leo, you have been very quiet the entire ride. Are you nervous?"
"Nervous about what?"
"Being around so many people." She did not get an answer, so he let her assume she is right. "Leo, do not worry. We have worked all of this out. Fong Village is a port town. People come in and out all of the time. No one will be interested in us. They will be too busy buying, bargaining and bartering to give us a second look. All you have to do is escort me as my personal guard." She smiles. "No one will try to swindle me as long as I have a strong, silent protector with me."
She is trying to be nice. She is trying to talk to me. "Thank you, Anju. I… feel better. I am sure you will do fine."
"Of course I will." She smiles. "Would you like me to teach you a song to pass the time? It is one I used to hear the maids sing while they did the laundry."
Anything to keep his mind off of other things. "Sure." He says.
'Look up at the stars in the dark night sky.
Hear the little brilliant stars sing their happy songs,
Singing a little happy song high in the heavens.
Look up at the stars in the dark night sky.
Hear the nameless stars pray like us for happiness,
Praying for a tiny happy life high in the heavens.
My sweetheart, join hands with me.
Let's chase our dreams together.
I'm never worried as long as I'm with you.'
…
They ride into Fong Village a little after seven in the morning and the town is wide-awake with commerce. Anju was right. There are so many people. Those coming into town have sacks of rice and vegetables to sell and exchange with fishermen looking to sell and exchange their fresh catch. Anju reminds Leo that there are two different jewelers and three weapons dealers in town and that they should visit these places first to see how much money they can get for the decorated blades and ornate masks. They park their wagon on the side of the road. Anju promises two silver coins to a young man, requesting that he watch their cart until they return. The young man swiftly agrees. Anju gives him one coin now and will give the other to him once they are done. Leo holds the box of items for sale under one arm and Yoshi's basket in his other hand. He gives the young man a look and he is immediately daunted. He follows Anju into each shop. He plays his part well. Not only is he the tallest man in town but his dark and silent demeanor guarantees that none will try to do Anju any harm or ill-business. Not so surprisingly, her beauty and charm mixed with Leo's overbearing presence in closed-in shops do well for their pocketbook. They manage to sell everything and get more than what they anticipate. Anju goes to the fishing port, the importers, the fresh market, the fabric shops, the butcher and baker and the candlestick maker and places all of her orders. All the vendors promise that her orders will be done by dawn the next day.
It is already late afternoon when they finish their rounds. Making sure her change purse is tightly fastened about her and well-hidden, Anju and Leo stroll through the streets. He is taking in the wonder of advancing city-life. As Leo passes by the citizens and visitors most don't pay him any mind. Anju looks like an aristocrat, properly adorned in a black and red kimono, her hair done up on a bun, a shimmery comb sitting on top like a crown. She carries Yoshi in his basket. He lies peacefully. All of the new sounds and smells must be enough for him to be amused. And Leo looks like their body-guard. They come to the village square. Performers are singing and dancing and juggling. It's a colorful wonder. People seem to be having fun. Some even drop coins in the entertainer's hats. Anju wraps her arm around Leo's. She looks up at him and smiles. He smiles back although she cannot see him. They sit on a nearby bench and watch the rest of the day go by. They don't speak. They sometimes laugh or applaud or point. But words don't seem to be needed. Leo is glad. His previous thoughts pertaining to his possibly delicate future stand aside. He now takes in the feeling of sitting among humans. He watches them interact with one another. They hold hands, eat, drink, walk, hug, yell at and smile at each other. He is one of many. He feels like he belongs somehow. He sees little boys play in the grass kicking around a small ball. One of them kicks it too hard and it rolls away hitting Leo in the foot. He turns to Anju then picks up the ball. The boy runs over then slows when he the dark towering man holds the ball in his massive hands. The two stand there and look at each other. Leo bends down and hands the dense rubber ball back to its owner. The boy blinks and smiles a half-toothless smile. "Arigato!" He squeaks and runs back over to his comrades.
Leo sits back beside Anju and is even more taken by the moment. He had never done this before, never thought he ever would. If only his brothers could see him now… He hangs his head and Anju once again wraps her arm around his. He looks at her and her smile, when she smiles at him that way is old world seems to erase. They look over at the boys playing kickball until their mothers gather them home fore supper and the night watchman goes around and starts to light the lanterns and the shops close their shutters and the performers exit to the outskirts of town to their caravans.
Leo Anju and Yoshi make their way back to their horse and wagon. They give their trusty young man the other promised silver coin and a small tub of udon and miso soup. They lead their wagon to Kyujitsu inn and rent a room for the evening. The Keeper assures them that his stable is secure and their horse and cart would be locked up for the night. The three travelers take their baggage and head to their room.
…
…
…
AN: Song Title: Miagete goran yoru no hoshi wo was actually popular in Japan 1963, written by Rokuske Ei and performed by Kyu Sakamoto. It was the oldest and most fitting song could find. I think it compliments the scene nicely. Leo, all I can say is, let it ride!