Chapter 20 ~Impatient~

Hamato Leonardo was rarely impatient. He was, by nature, methodical, planning each move before he made it, considering the alternatives and consequences wrapped up in any action.

Tonight, though, he was sick and tired of waiting around, and he was ready to move. Austin and Skylar had been missing for nearly twenty-four hours, and even the knowledge that her it was most likely her own father who was holding her hostage didn't make Leo feel any better about his sister-in-law's abduction.

He ran through his third kata again, the katana slicing through the air like liquid silver. He used the faint scent of hot wax and candle smoke to orient himself as he paused, imagining his opponent's next move, the possible retaliatory moves running through his mind, before swinging his sword through the air. Leonardo felt the faintest shift in the air. He froze mid-movement, awareness rippling through him like an electric shock. Before his conscious mind could tell his hand to withdraw, he was pulling his sword back and yanking his mask around so that he could through the eye-holes.

"Miss Chesney!"

"I… I'm sorry. I… didn't mean to intrude…" She was backing away, fear etched deeply into the lines of her face. "I only saw the candle… I didn't know you were in here."

"Didn't anyone tell you to stay out of the dojo?" Leo asked, his voice made sharp by the shock of nearly cutting his sister-in-law's aunt in half.

"No. I… heard sounds from here… I was curious. I'm sorry," she said again. She stood still now, trembling, watching him warily as he sheathed his katana and stalked to the doorway to flip the switch, illuminating the room.

"It's all right," he replied a bit stiffly, giving her a brief bow. "I didn't mean to snap at you."

Lucille relaxed slightly. She shook her head. "No, I apologize. I am a guest in your home. I shouldn't go poking around uninvited."

Leonardo acknowledged her words with a brief nod, but softened it with a smile. "Would you like a cup of tea?" he asked politely. He was startled when Lucille wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"I've drunk enough tea tonight to float a battleship," she told him. "Sierra seemed to think I needed calming."

The Turtle chuckled. "She's used to making tea for Sensei and myself," he explained.

"She's a lovely young woman," said Lucille with genuine warmth. "It's obvious she cares for you all very much."

Leo cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. He met the woman's eyes. She was watching him with a knowing expression. For an instant, Leo was reminded of Splinter. A weak smile tugged at his lips in spite of himself.

"Sierra is amazing," he said softly. "I am… very lucky."

Lucille nodded. "What were you doing, before I interrupted?" she asked.

"Training."

"So you wield the katanas? I've never seen them used in a pair before," she said, sounding interested.

"They're often used as a single weapon," replied Leo, startled by her apparent knowledge. "Or with a wakizashi, a short sword, as a back up."

Lucille nodded. "Fascinating. Does Austin still prefer a han-bo?"

The Turtle stared, shocked. "How did you know?"

"Her father tried to train her to use a sword at first," answered Lucille. "But she has an affinity for wood… she always did. When she was seven, I gave her a bonsai tree. When Janey left, she took it away with her. She was afraid Rin would destroy it, simply because I'd been the one to give it to Austin, and she knew how much Austin loved that little tree." She shook her head sadly. "He's taken so much from her."

"He's not going to take anything else," said Leonardo. "We'll see to that."

"You're so certain. Rin is trained in martial arts as well," said Lucille.

"We'll get our own back," said Leonardo with certainty. "Don't worry."

"And…" the woman hesitated. "Will you… kill him?"

Leonardo met her eyes. "Not if we can help it," he said quietly. "We don't kill unless we absolutely must." His stomach twinged, the memory of eyes, the life fading from them as hot blood spilled out across the floor at his feet, swam through his mind, but he forced it away. I am forgiven, he thought firmly. The past must remain in the past. Austin is my concern now, and Skylar. We've got to get them back.

Lucille stepped closer, studying him. Leonardo met her eyes, watching her warily. The woman nodded, apparently unfazed by his steady gaze and satisfied by what she saw, and gave Leonardo a warm smile.

"It's clear that Austin has found a family to care for her," she said softly. "I am glad for her. Would you mind if I sat with you while you have a cup of tea? Perhaps you can tell me a little more about your family."

"I will have to leave soon," he said. "We're going as soon as it's dark."

"You're going after her tonight?"

"Yes."

"Good." Lucille drew a deep, shaky breath. "I don't know how much more of this waiting I can bear."

Leonardo inclined his head in agreement and allowed the woman to precede him into the kitchen. Splinter was already there, pouring from the cracked pot.

"Hello, Sensei."

The Rat acknowledged the greeting with a nod as Leonardo fetched a second cup from the cupboard.

"Good evening, Splinter." Lucille spoke almost timidly.

Splinter turned as if startled, his whiskers twitching slightly. Leo's eyes widened. Splinter had always seemed unmovable to him, unshakable.

He must be more concerned than he's letting on, to be so distracted, thought Leo. Don't worry, Father. We'll get them back.

"Good evening, Lucille-san," said Splinter. Leonardo decided he must've imagined his father's reaction to the woman.

He moved to pull out a chair for Lucille, before taking his own seat. To his surprise, Splinter joined them at the table instead of retreating to his room as was often his habit.

"Are you prepared for this evening's mission, my son?"

"Yes, Sensei."

Leonardo knew, even as the words left his mouth, that his slight hesitation had betrayed him. He knew without looking up that Splinter's ears had swiveled forward and he could feel his father's black eyes on him.

"Something troubles you?"

Leo sighed. I can handle this, Father. He looked up, knowing it was a mistake, but compelled by years of training. Splinter's gaze was steady and calm.

"It's Michelangelo." The words came forth of their own accord, but it was a relief to share the burden. "I'm concerned, Father. When we were…" He glanced at Lucille, considering his words. "Interrogating Hun, he…" The woman's eyes were locked on his face. Leonardo kept his gaze carefully on his father. "He was a little… zealous. We… stopped him from doing anything unfortunate, Father, but… Well, to be honest I've never seen Mikey like that. He's very worried for Austin."

Splinter nodded, taking a calm, slow sip of his tea.

"I will accompany you tonight."

Leonardo shifted in the chair, uncertain how to respond. He focused his gaze on the wall behind Lucille, watching a drop of water make its way down the surface.

Looks like that pipe might be leaking again. I'll have to ask Don to take a look. The thought strayed absently through his mind as he worked to formulate an answer.

"You're going with them?" Lucille's question shattered the silence, startling Leo. He'd nearly forgotten the woman was in the room.

"Yes."

Splinter's answer was so firm, Leonardo knew there was no arguing with the Rat. He stifled a sigh.

Great. Now I need to keep an eye on Sensei as well as Michelangelo, he thought.

"Are you sure, Master?" he asked quietly. "Your recent injury…"

"I am strong enough for this, my son," replied Splinter, giving him a knowing look. "Do not worry. I will not get in the way."

"I didn't mean…"

"Please, excuse me. You will let me know when you are ready to leave, Leonardo?"

"Hai, Sensei."

Splinter nodded to their guest, and tapped quietly out of the room.

"He really is a remarkable person," said Lucille quietly.

"He is," Leo agreed, taking a sip of his tea.

"You don't think he should go, do you?" She was watching him now, her brown eyes inscrutable.

"I didn't say that," answered Leo a bit stiffly.

Lucille's laugh startled him. It was a clear, gentle sound, so much like Austin's own that Leo's heart twisted.

"I may seem like a foolish old woman to you," she said, smiling, "But I can see as well as I ever could. Don't worry so much, Leonardo. I have the feeling your father knows what he's about."

The Turtle gaped for a moment, uncertain how to answer.

Lucille just smiled. "I think I'll just get out of your way," she said gently. "Perhaps I might keep Beverly and Kouki company while you boys go after Austin."

Leonardo nodded. He was thrown slightly offbalance by the speed of the woman's perception. She's learned a lot about us in a very short time. I can see where Austin gets it, he thought.

She stood up, pushing in the chair. "Leonardo?"

"Yes, Ms. Chesney?"

"Good luck."