Well dear readers. I have managed to drag this on for two more chapters lol. I will post the last chapter tomorrow and this fic will come to a close. It's been a long journey with Splinter, one I was glad to have made. I thank you all who have stuck with me.
Disclaimer: I do not own TMNT
Chapter 29
Splinter could feel the sad stare following him. The Rat moved about the room gathering the few items that belonged to him and the turtles, and gently placed them in a duffel bag that Sato provided.
"I think...I have everything," Splinter announced, stepping back and examined the room one last time.
"Splinter-san, it saddens my heart to see you leave." Mae entered the room, her footsteps light as always. Splinter turned to face the woman and greeted her with a slight smile. Before he could respond, Mae added, "I understand why you choose to though. I know it's for the best. We will miss you greatly."
Splinter nodded. "Your hospitality...shall never be forgotten. If it were not for you and Sato-sensei...I fear to think...what may have become of us. My success...is all because of you."
Mae let her gaze drift to the huddle of green and brown in the far corner. The turtles played, lacking their usual zest for entertainment. Leonardo broke from the small group to glance back at Splinter and Mae. The woman went to them, kneeling on the floor to get to their level.
"This old house will never be the same," she continued struggling to keep the remorse out of her voice. Leonardo inched closer, examining her face as a lonely tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. Leo looked concerned as he pressed against her side. She reached down to cup her hand under his chin. Large dark eyes looked upwards, filled with curiosity and confusion. She smiled sadly. "How is our lives going to return to normal?"
"I have...regrets for leaving as well, " Splinter assured her as he zipped up the duffel bag and placed it by the door. "But...I believe it is the right choice...for us."
Mae nodded understandingly. "Of course it is, Splinter. You have to protect your family." She paused to reach out to Michelangelo who had wandered over to join his brother. The young turtle yanked on the hem of her yellow skirt in search of her gentle touch. Mae reached out with her idle hand and ran her fingers over the bridge of his nose, the way she had done plenty of times before to ease him to sleep. Michelangelo pushed into her palm, as if he understood that this could be the last time they would see each other.
"My little chef," Mae whispered. To Splinter, she said, "I have packed his favorite cookies as well as some other food for you to take."
"Thank you, Mae-san," Splinter replied.
"If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask," she told him. "You can come back whenever you wish. You are our family Splinter. Do not ever forget that."
Splinter bowed. "Doomo arigatoo. It is comforting...to know that I have...allies."\
"It is us who is blessed, Splinter. If we're not for you, I would not have gotten 'my granddaughter back."
"Family...belongs with each other," Splinter answered humbly. "That is a lesson...I have learned from you."
Approaching footsteps caught their attention. They both looked towards the door, expecting Sato.
"Splinter. I am ready to go when you are," the man told him somberly.
Splinter nodded. "My preparations...are complete, " he answered.
Mae sniffed and wiped at the corner of her eye as she rose to her feet. She approached Splinter and reached out, embracing him for the last time. Silently she let go and helped guide the turtles out of the room. Splinter watched the woman, and felt as though lead had replaced the blood in his heart. No one spoke any more words of sadness. They filed out of the room and through the basement. As they made their way through the house towards the back door, Michiko stepped nervously out of the living room.
"Splinter. May I have a word with you?" She looked up at her grandmother. "Alone?"
Splinter stopped and nodded for Mae to take the turtles to the waiting van out back. He then followed Michiko into the living room. The teen stood in the center of the area rug, her arms wrapped around her small frame. Her hair fell forwards, hiding half of her face. Her whole body language spoke to Splinter, telling him how nervous and uncertain she felt.
"So...your leaving," she stammered awkwardly. "To bad. I would have liked to get to know you better. And the turtles. They rock."
"I would have...enjoyed your company...as well," Splinter told her. "And I am certain..the turtles would have benefited...from your presence."
Splinter sighed. This was hard on him as it was for the rest. He had hoped that their last meal together at supper would have been enough for goodbyes. The Tanankas were making it very difficult for him to stick with his decision.
After a few moments of silence, Michiko went to the couch and picked up a small box.
"Here. I want you to have these," she told him, thrusting it in his direction.
Splinter accepted the gift and opened it, peering at the contents inside, instantly recognizing the toys. It wasn't until that moment he noticed the bareness of the shelf they once adorned.
"Are you certain...you would like to part...with these treasures?" he asked.
Michiko nodded. "I don't need them anymore. I would like to pass them on to the turtles." She flashed Splinter a small smile.
Splinter shifted the box and tucked it under his arm. "Thank you."
He turned to leave, but the expression on the girls face made him stop. It was clear she had more on her mind then offering him a box of toys. He paused, and waited for her to speak.
Michiko walked across the room and flopped in the recliner. She swept her glossy mane over her shoulder and tried to look nonchalant.
"I...also want to thank you for convincing me to stay, " she told him quickly, staring at her nails. "I mean...Yes my grandfather is seriously angry at me. And I do have to get a job to help pay some on the garage, but at least he isn't going to send me away to prison or anything." She bit her bottom lip. "Which really surprised me. I figured for sure he would have my head on a platter."
"Your grandfather...may be quick to react...but he is also very passionate about his beliefs. You are his family...and despite everything...he had not...given up his love for you."
Michiko looked away and shifted positions in the chair. She chuckled darkly. "It's funny to hear the words 'grandfather' and 'love' in the same sentence."
Splinter raised a furry eyebrow. "And why...is that? Mich-i-ko, you misunderstand...your grandfather. He...is an honorable man. And his love for his family...is unmatched. You...are very lucky. As he is very lucky...to have you."
Michiko pierced her lips, but didn't argue further. "Well, I still got to earn back all that and his trust. I suppose I should be grateful I'm not on the streets anymore." She blew out a frustrated sigh. "Then my parents. I would have to work a life time to fix all of this."
Splinter closed the space between them and looked her directly in the eye. "Everything will work out...in time. Be patient...That is one lesson... I have..to learn."
Michiko shrugged. "No offense, but how can you be so sure?"
Splinter's ear flicked as he sighed. "Because all parents...care for their children," he assured her.
Michiko sighed. "Well if that is true, they have an odd way of showing it. But for what it's worth. I will give it a shot."
A smile curved on Splinter's lips. "You...are a good child, my dear. Please...do not...waste your life."
Michiko rolled her eyes. "Please. I am far from good. But I will take your advice." She stood up and faltered, as if she was trying to decide whether to hug him or not. Splinter saw the pain in her eyes and leaned forward, embracing her.
"Remember, change is good. You will see...my child."
Michiko remained quiet but expressed her gratitude by squeezing back. When her grasp loosened, he removed his arms and looked up at her regretfully.
"I...must go now," he told her. "But we shall see...each other again...sometime."
Michiko smiled. "That would be awesome Splinter. Keep in touch."
Splinter turned and headed towards the back door. He slid into the back seat of the van with the turtles before Sato pulled the shifter into drive. As the van lurched forward, Splinter looked through the window and noticed Mae, looking sadly out of the glass. She pressed her hand against the pane as if she could magically stop time. Splinter heaved a heavy sigh, hoping that this was not the last time he saw the woman and her family.
