Disclaimer: I don't own TMNT. Duh. So you can't sue me. I'm just borrowing
them for a bit. But all the original creations in this are mine, so if you
want to use them, please just ask. Thank you. :P
Chapter 5: The Other Side of the Coin
A/N: Well, hello again. Welcome to the next chapter of the little piece of work that seems to have taken over my fic writing life for the moment. I just can't seem to stop working on this for some reason, no matter what I try. But hey, I can't really complain. Means more for everyone else to read. Hope you all enjoy. :P
Though peace had settled in the kitchen, it was a far different story in the corridor beyond. Once leaving their brother and sister behind, the remaining three brothers had gone straight to the dojo down the hall. It was a quiet procession that was surrounded by a tenseness that built a steady barrier between the three brothers. Not a single one spoke and they barely looked at one another.
When they did, it was usually Mikey and Don when they glanced at Leo. The former was still in the lead and holding onto his older brother's arm. His grip wasn't as firm as it had been when this started, but he still kept it. He just wouldn't risk Leo getting away and storming back to the kitchen to argue with Raphael again.
That would just lead to more problems and Mikey wanted avoid that at all costs. The lecture from yesterday was still fresh in his mind and the warning that came with it was what kept him on such an edge. Splinter had told all of them that they were to keep out of further trouble for the time being. He was very upset with what they had done and anything like it would result in severe consequences for the troublemakers. So Mikey would go to any lengths to prevent this from occurring, either to him or his brothers.
Even if he hadn't been there however and Leonardo had tried to pull the stunt Mikey feared, Donatello would have been yet another obstacle to face. And that would have been a great one to challenge indeed. He had made his point in the kitchen and there was no way that Donnie was going to back away from it. So he would keep Leo in line this one time, even if it bothered his older brother to no end.
As for Leo, he was literally boiling with a frustration that could easily match Raphael's normal mood at any point. He couldn't believe the way that this day had gone so far. First, he had had to stay for extra practice with the one person he didn't want to be around right now. Secondly, Master Splinter was a great deal harder on them than usual and had showed no mercy for this. Now thanks to all that activity, his arms were sorer than he could remember them being in a long time.
Then there was the argument that he had almost had with Raphael in the kitchen. That hadn't gone very well either. It had only ended up with him and Raph getting into another stalemate that was put off by Donatello. All of this ran through his mind only helped to make Leonardo's mood worse and worse the closer that he got to the dojo and took it completely off the clean up they would have to do.
Of course, there was going to be at least one part of the cleanup that the boys didn't have to worry about and that was the weapons. These had already been put away by Splinter, who was not yet willing to trust his children's safety around such things. He knew that without careful observation that any one of them could be seriously hurt with the instruments of battle. So, after each time the weapons were used in a practice session, he would put them away himself. This way, Splinter knew that he could be sure that everyone would remain safe and unharmed. And so it would stay until the children were all old enough to handle these things on their own.
In the meantime, there was plenty of other things for the boys to tidy up. The mats were in disarray from sparring practice, bits of elbow and knee padding had been abandoned in one corner in a small pile, and many other small pieces that would take time to gather and sort. All a process that would take the boys a good while to finish with before moving onto the next task.
When the work began, it was in silence. Each boy had entered and gone to a separate part of the dojo, just starting with whatever was at hand. Every now and then, Mikey and Don would cast a glance over their shoulder at Leo to see how he was doing. He didn't bother paying attention to either one of them. Leo kept his attention on his work and his mind on his frustrations.
With his attention divided in such a way, it caused him to do most of his work with only half decency. First he would pick up one mat and settle into place. Then he would reach for another and see that the first was out of place, and he would realize that he had to repeat his job all over again. When he did, Leo would growl to himself, set down the second mat and try to straighten the first again.
While he worked, Leo really didn't notice anything else. So he was slightly surprised when he heard something come up from behind him. A sort of cautious sort of sound that could only be footsteps that stopped just sort of his own position. When he stopped briefly and looked over his shoulder, Leo saw that it was Mikey.
"You feelin' okay, Leo?" Mikey asked timidly.
He kept at least half a dozen steps away from his older brother, just in case. Mikey wasn't about to take the chance that Leo might slip into one of Raphael's moves and try to snap at him or hit him. That was really a stretch of the imagination, since the worst Leo ever did was lecture someone like Splinter so often did. Still, it didn't hurt to be prepared after what had been happening lately.
"No, I'm not okay, Mikey," Leo grumbled.
Leonardo then turned back to his work or at least tried to. In the back of his mind, he could still sense that Michaelangelo was still standing behind him. Probably waiting for a more descriptive answer from his older brother. Well, as far as Leo was concerned, that wasn't going to happen. He was in no mood to talk right now, so Mikey might has well have given up.
"I know that's not all, Leo," Mikey said stubbornly," So, just spill and tell me what it is."
His voice still had a not of nervousness to it, but he held firm nonetheless. Mikey already had a good idea of what was bothering his brother and knew that he probably should have just left Leo alone. But he was also empathetic enough to know that his brother needed to get out what was bothering him or he would be grouchy for the rest of the day. And he did not look forward to possibly being on the receiving end of what Leo might say if that happened.
"I don't want to talk about it, Mikey. So drop it," Leo ordered.
"No," Mikey answered.
Knowing that he would get no peace until he cooperated, Leo sighed," I'm mad with Raph, okay? Now leave me alone."
"I'm not stupid, Leo. You're always mad at Raph for something," Mikey said.
"Fine. If you really wanna be nosy about it, I'm just tired of him always acting like he can stick his beak into everything," Leo snorted," Raph thinks that he can do whatever he wants and that he can get away with it."
"He's not the only one that acts like that," Donnie muttered.
He had continued his own work while listening to his brother's conversation. For the most part, Donnie had intended to stay out of the discussion this time. If Mikey wanted to risk his neck in asking questions, that was his problem. Don had already done his duty earlier when he broke up the would-be fight between Raph and Leo. But that didn't mean he was above voicing a comment when he heard Leo's final response.
Leo's head shot up and turned with an almost audible snap when he heard Donatello. He stared at his brother with a confused and startled expression that could easily have become a norm for him in times to come. He couldn't believe what he was hearing out of Donatello, the neutral party, the quiet peacemaker. Was Don actually saying that this was all his fault?
"What did you say, Donatello?" he demanded.
Looking over at his sibling, Donnie calmly replied," I said that Raph's not the only one who's acting like he can stick his beak into everything and not get into trouble. You do it a lot too, Leo, even if you don't say you do."
Leo frowned when he heard this. He honestly could not believe what he was hearing. Donnie really was saying that this whole thing was Leo's fault, and not Raphael's. Which was just so not true. At least not in Leonardo's eyes. He knew that he had helped to cause trouble, but only because his annoying younger brother had decided to be a pain again.
I wouldn't even be in this mess if Raphael just learned to be patient, Leonardo thought rebelliously, If he had just waited for me and Mike to finish our game, then neither of us would've gotten into trouble. And Master Splinter's statue would be okay and he wouldn't be mad at us. Everything would be okay if he had just waited.
"Are you saying that I'm the one who caused all of this, Donnie?" Leo demanded angrily.
"No, I'm not. I'm saying that you caused just as much trouble as Raph did. It wasn't exactly the smartest thing for you to bother him like that, Leo. He was just washing the dishes and you were the one that bugged him," Donnie pointed out," So you started it that time, not Raph. Which means he's not the only one who isn't acting like he has a brain these days and that's all I'm trying to tell you."
Leo glanced over at his younger brother with renewed surprise. He wasn't used to Donatello taking this sort of attitude and behavior. First he had taken charge in the kitchen to keep himself and Raphael from fighting and now this. What was going on this morning? Was Donnie actually changing in personality or something?
Or maybe he's just making sense and you don't want to see it, an inner voice scolded Leo, Don's right. You haven't exactly been using your head the last couple of days. You keep getting into trouble and are arguing with Raph more than you usually do.
Having to face this truth within himself, Leonardo reluctantly had to agree with his inner voice's reasoning. He had been acting pretty stupid ever since the statuette had been broken. He had been frustrated and upset, and basically confused over having to sort through all the feelings he was going through.
Part of those feelings was what he had unleashed on Raphael earlier. He had been so wrapped up sorting out his emotions that he had taken out his frustrations on the most appropriate target. Now that he thought of that, Leo realized that this was not the person he was supposed to be.
Raphael was the one who was supposed to lose his temper all the time. That was his nature and all right for him. But for Leonardo himself to do the same thing, that was just too weird. Leo had always prided himself that he was able to keep control like his Master and could sort through his thoughts without many problems.
But no matter hard he tried to keep the same control as Splinter did, Leonardo was only a boy and still had a lot to learn before he was ready for that level. So there were those times, like now, when he lost discipline and got caught up in his emotions like Raphael did on a daily basis. This was a perfectly natural reaction for just about anyone, even if Leo didn't want to admit it when someone else realized that before he did.
"I know you're mad and stuff, Leo," Donnie continued suddenly," But ya can't let it get to you or you're really gonna be in a mess."
"That why you stopped me and Raph in the kitchen?" Leo asked.
"I already told you why I stopped you guys. It was so we wouldn't all get in trouble," Donatello answered," You know Sensei would probably nail us all if we just let you guys wreck the kitchen."
"Yeah but.," Leo started.
"Just face it, Leo. You were being a major dork and someone else had to use his common sense for a change. Just face it and leave it at that," Donnie replied.
Donatello was a frank Turtle by nature and was rarely known for saying anything but the truth. Nor did he ever say something without reason. Donnie was mostly quiet when compared to his brothers, so he always took the time to consider his words before he spoke. So Leo knew that he could trust what his brother was saying.
Still, Leo found it strange to be hearing this kind of thing straight from his brother's mouth. Normally, the only words that came out of Donnie's mouth was facts and solutions. If it was anything else, then either he was acting in the rare conversation with his siblings, playing around, or being frank about something as he was now.
The more he was hearing though, the more that Leo was starting to think that maybe his brother was right. He was acting like a dork and as hard as it was for him, to take heed of his younger brother's worrying and warnings. Which got him to thinking that maybe it wasn't so bad to have someone looking out for him for a change. It meant that he could relax and didn't have to worry as much as he usually did about everything. A strange sensation, considering that it was second nature for Leonardo to worry about everyone else. But maybe he could get used to it for now, just until he was off punishment and could get his mind back on track.
"Thanks for stopping us before we did anything really dumb, Donnie," Leo said quietly.
"You're welcome," his brother shrugged.
From where he stood behind them, Mikey watched his two brothers with silent relief. He was glad that they weren't going to start arguing about something. He'd had enough of that yesterday and this morning with Leonardo and Raphael.
Those two he was used to seeing fight. Everyone was in fact, since they did that so often. Which was why it was no big deal. But to see Donnie and Leo acting like they were about to go head to head, now that was a different story.
That was like saying that he and Maggie were about to fight. Now of course there were times when he bickered with his younger sister, that Mikey wouldn't deny. All brothers and sisters argued sometime, no matter how well they usually got along. But for the most part, he was very protective of Maggie and would do his best to make sure that she stayed happy. And for them to go head to head on anything like Leo and Donnie had looked about to was rare and far between.
With the tension settled between his older brothers though, Mikey decided to push it from his mind. There plenty of other things for him to think about without bothering with solved problems. Namely, cleaning up the dojo and then getting to the bedroom so they could get everything done before Splinter came home.
Everyone now in a calmer frame of mind, the work went by quicker than the boys would have really believed. They worked in a better harmony, working together in the same spot instead of in just one area. And in less time than it usually took them, they had managed to clear away everything and to put it all back into the proper places.
Well, almost everything was in its proper place. There were still some things that had no place at all and had to be dealt with accordingly. Which was Leonardo had in mind when he headed for the dojo door. He was just about to exit when Don saw where he was going and called to his older brother.
"Where are you going?" Donatello asked.
"I'm taking this stuff to the kitchen so I can throw it away," Leo replied.
He held up his hands to show off some cloth scraps that had been forgotten in one corner of the dojo. Knowing how insistent Splinter was about their practice area being perfectly clean and in order, Leo knew it best to get rid of what he found quickly.
Donatello though, wasn't really too sure of his brother's intentions. Taking the garbage to the kitchen would put him in almost direct contact with Raphael again. Which meant that there was certain to be another confrontation between the brothers. And if there was only Maggie there to try and stop them, then it was bound to get nasty.
"You're not gonna start arguing with Raph again, are you?" Donnie asked suspiciously. "No, I'm not," Leo insisted.
"You serious, Leo? You know I'll tell Splinter if you're lying to me," Donnie warned.
"Nothing's gonna happen, Don," Leonardo assured his brother," I told you, I'm just gonna take this stuff and throw it out. Then I'll come back and help you guys in the bedroom. I promise."
"All right. Just don't take too long. You know our room's a mess and we'll be in major trouble if it's not clean when Sensei gets back," Donatello replied.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, Donnie," Leo said, waving an unconcerned hand at his brother as he turned and left the room.
The trip back down the hall was a short one and a lot less stressful than the one that he had made earlier with his brothers. After talking to Don like that and getting their work in the dojo over with, Leo felt a bit better. He was still frustrated with all that was happening, but not so much as before. He was now in a different state of mind that allowed him to see things in a whole new light.
Leonardo could now see that there were better ways for him to take out his anger. If he concentrated on his work and let his emotions out while he did his chores, then it would release at least some of what he felt. Then he could get on with his day and take the rest of his punishment as it came without trouble.
This was an attitude that stuck with him until the moment he entered the kitchen. For as soon as he saw his brother again, the new resolution that Leo had made left him and brought back the old. It was a reaction that had occurred so often that he didn't even realize what was going on.
He had come in to find that Raphael and Magnolia were talking while they worked. The exact subject was hard for him to tell, since he just caught Raph's words as he came in and Maggie was turned so that her hands couldn't be seen. But it was obviously something serious, since neither one noticed his entrance.
Raphael he might understand, considering that this sibling usually didn't notice most of what was happening around him unless directly looking for or at it. Maggie on the other hand, now that was a different story. Her hearing was sharper than any of her brothers and so she could pick up things that they could not. So it was strange that she hadn't heard Leonardo come in.
Raph's probably yapping about so much that she doesn't know I'm here, Leo thought in annoyance, Must be something really stupid if it's got that much of her attention.
Turning his attention from his siblings, Leo looked about the rest of the kitchen. On the counter, he saw that only about half of the dishes were finished and the rest were either still on the table or in the sink waiting to be washed. Somehow, it didn't surprise him that this was so. Raphael always had a habit of making slower than they had to.
Man, why does he always have to do this? Leo thought angrily, He starts something and then takes forever to get it done. No wonder Master Splinter says he needs to lean to be more balanced. He rushes too much when we're practicing and then he does everything else slower than Mike when he wakes up in the morning.
In that instant, Maggie had turned around. In her hands, she had another plate that had just been washed and needed to be dried. Her vision turned enough that she could see that someone else had arrived and that she and Raph were no longer alone.
What are you doing here? Maggie asked when she saw Leo completely.
"I came in here to throw some stuff away," he told his sister," What are you guys doing? Aren't you done yet?"
"No, we're not. We'll get it done soon," Raphael answered gruffly.
He didn't turn around a second time after first learning that his brother was there. Raph just went back to washing the dishes, keeping his mind on that task. He knew that Leo was now watching every move that he made, so he took care in what he did and deliberately took his time in washing the dishes. In this way, he could make sure that Leo couldn't say he was doing his work poorly as he had earlier.
"Well, you need to hurry it up some. You're never gonna get that stuff done if you two just stand around talking like that," Leonardo warned as he tossed his cargo into the garbage can nearby," You'll get into big trouble if you're not finished in here when Master Splinter comes home."
"Whatever Leo," Raph snorted.
"I'm serious, Raphael. We're already done in the dojo and we've been working almost as long as you have," his brother said," Now we're gonna go clean up in the bedroom, and you better know we're not gonna do your share of it just 'cause you're slow in here."
"We'll get it done when we get it done, Leo. We're not gonna do this halfway just because you want us to hurry it up," Raph retorted.
He was desperately trying to keep control over his temper for a change while their sister was present. After sharing so much with Maggie in such a short amount of time and assuring her that everything was all right, Raphael wasn't going to risk scaring her again. That would only lead to more problems and he knew it.
So he kept his back to Leo and his hands on the dishes. That way, he didn't have to look at the one that was upsetting him so much and get his work done at the same time. It partially worked that he didn't feel a total urge to nail Leo in the beak like he usually did. But that didn't stop Leo from still berating his brother.
"I'm just saying that you need to hurry it up and finish this, Raphael. You're just gonna get yourself and Maggie in trouble if you don't," Leo warned.
"Why don't you just mind your own business for a change, Leo?" Raphael snapped, unable to stop himself glaring over his shoulder at the other boy," No one asked you what we were supposed to be doing anyway. Maggie and me are just making sure everything gets done right, not messed up."
Leo was about to respond, when Maggie asked, Please just go, Leo. We're gonna get done soon, so you don't have to worry about it. So please just go and let us finish this before you act silly again.
For a moment, Leonardo was speechless. It wasn't the first time that Raphael had told him to mind his own business. He told Leo that at least once a week, if not more during the course of daily routines. But to have Maggie, his baby sister, tell him to go before he acted dumb again, that was a different story.
Sure, she was asking him nicely to leave, but that was beside the point. The fact that she was doing it at all was just beyond him. The only time that she ever asked him to stop anything was when she was trying to rest or she wanted him to leave her toys alone. Other than that, she just ignored Leo when he went into bossy mode or was just annoying in general. So to have her ask him to go and let them work as if she were his age or older was just a little too strange for Leo at the moment.
No, she's just trying to stop us like Don did earlier, Leo thought as he kept his gaze divided between his sister and brother, Well, that's nice of you Maggie, but this is not about you.
Keeping his tone neutral since it was Maggie, Leo said," This is between me and Raph, all right, Maggie? So just keep out of it and just dry the dish."
"Don't talk to her like she's stupid, Leo, because she's not," Raph warned," And she's right. Just go away and let us get this done."
"I wasn't talking to you, Raphael. I was just telling her to keep out of this. It's none of her business," Leo retorted.
"Well, it's my business when I say that you can't talk to her like that. Maggie's not dumb like a certain dork I know," Raph snorted.
"Dork? At least I'm not some arrogant jerk with an attitude," Raph hissed.
"You know, that's your problem, Raphael. That's why I can't stand you. You just have to think you're right about everything," Leo barked
"And just what are you saying?" Raph demanded.
"I'm saying that I'm tired of your attitude and your big mouth. You think that you're better than everyone else just because you act tough and I've had enough of that," Leo snapped.
"Yeah? Well, I'm tired of you always bossing me around and thinking that you can do whatever you want just 'cause you're a Sensei's pet," Raph countered.
"I am NOT a Sensei's pet!" Leo protested.
"Yes, you are," Raph sneered, knowing that he had hit a nerve," You always have to do whatever Splinter does, always have to be the perfect student and act like you're his favorite."
Leo growled again, unable to think of a response. He knew that it was true that he wanted to be a good student to their Master and followed his examples and lessons closely. In his eyes, that was only understandable. After all, Splinter was their father and he was the one that knew what was best for them all. He knew the best ways to live in the world and how to survive to be the best warrior possible. Why wouldn't anyone want to be like him?
But to have Raphael throw these facts into his face like that, that was just something Leo couldn't stand for. To him, that was not only insulting Leonardo himself but Master Splinter as well. And that was something he couldn't let go unchallenged.
"I'd rather be more like Master Splinter than a stupid loudmouth like you, hothead," Leo retorted," At least Sensei knows how to do the right thing instead of making everyone else around him miserable like you do."
Raph growled at his brother, forgetting the dishes entirely. He now turned all the way around so that he could meet Leonardo face to face. Rivulets of soapy water ran from his hands, a reminder that he had forgotten to dry them when his hands had left the sink and its contents. A fact that he really didn't care about or paid attention to.
Standing his ground, Leonardo glared right back at his brother. There was no way he was about to back down from anyone now, let alone his upstart sibling. He was tired of backing down like he had been forced to for the last two days. Though not a forceful person by nature, Leo knew that now was the time for action and not words.
So the brothers began a war of intimidation. Glares only at first, followed by more threatening words and insults that flew continuously. First it was slow, but steadily gained strength as the brothers continued to argue. Usually throwing the same things back at each other that had begun this whole mess.
Sadly, this meant that the real truth was that the boys were only bringing up old grievances instead of new ones. They had held these feelings of jealousy and resentment toward one another for many years now. Often, Leo and Raph had acted out at least a portion of these when they fought. But thanks to what had been happening to them, everything felt was being escalated to a new level. This time, it was serious and personal and they both knew it.
"You know, Leo. You never did make any sense. You say that I've got a big mouth, well at least I'm not the one that lectures everyone and makes everything about as clear as mud," Raph said as things continued to escalate.
"You wanna get things clear, then let's do it. Let's settle things," Leo growled, his cool head finally leaving him.
"What are you getting at, Sensei's Pet?" Raphael demanded.
Part of him was still on guard against Leo. He knew that his usually stiff and uptight brother could be sneaky when he wanted to be. So it was best to be ready for anything, even when you were as mad as a starving junkyard dog.
"I'm saying that we finish this once and for all, that's what, Raphael," his brother said coldly," I'm tired of always having to fight with you on everything we do. Now, I say it's time to end it."
A brief second passed as a shadow of disbelief passed over Raphael's face. He honestly could not believe what he was hearing. Leonardo, the perfect son and student, was actually suggesting that they have a duel? As much as he wanted to take a crack at his brother, it just seemed too good to be true. It had to be some sort of trick or something.
"And how exactly do expect us to do that, Sensei's pet? We can't exactly duke it out in the dojo. Don and Mikey would hear us for sure and then we'd really be in for it when they tattled to Splinter," Raph demanded.
"Simple, wise guy. We go some place outside of the lair to settle this. When we do, we fight and see which one of us is the better ninja. Whoever wins, he's in charge from now on and the other has to do what he says," Leo snapped.
Those last words were as redundant and useless as they came. If they did what Leonardo was suggesting, it wouldn't even be a contest. They both knew that Leo was the better ninja of the two. He never lost his cool in a fight the way that Raph did, so he could easily pick someone off when they slipped up. So he would easily have a better chance at winning than his short-tempered brother.
The only advantages that Raph might ever hope to have over his brother were his strength and his height. Though being the second son, Raphael was easily the stronger of himself and Leo, and this helped to give him an edge against the latter's skill. Plus, being about the same height, neither one could tower over the other and so they remained on equal footing in that area.
However, despite his misgivings at Leonardo's skills, Raphael was more than willing to take up this challenge. If it was out of the lair, then there would no restrictions on them as there usually was. No Splinter around to break them up or annoying siblings who thought they could try and do the same. He could finally give Leonardo the pounding that he had been itching to do for years.
"Are you actually serious, Leo? You wanna fight me?" Raph asked.
"Yes, I am," his brother hissed.
Raph growled," Fine. Then tell me how it's supposed to go down?"
"Huh?" Leo replied almost stupidly," What do you mean? We're just gonna finish this."
"You know what I mean, Sensei's pet," Raph grumbled, not believing how stupid his brother be, even for Leo," We take some kind weapons with us to fight with or just go as we are?"
"As we are," Leo said quickly," We're not allowed to touch the weapons and if we take anything then the others will definitely know that there's something wrong."
"Fine. That's settled, now I'm gonna choose where we go," Raph snorted.
"And who said that you could do that?" Leo demanded.
"You chose the terms of what we do, so I'm choosing the place. I ain't letting you hammer all this out, Sensei's pet," Raph snapped.
Leonardo resisted the urge to smack Raph upside the head. He knew that it was better to save that for their duel and besides, he did have a point. Even if this was all his idea and Raphael did agree with it, it was better to let another have some part in this. That way, at least something would be equal between them in this.
"Okay, have your way," he conceded," You choose where we're gonna go."
"Good," Raphael snorted.
"Then where is it gonna be?" Leo asked.
"Give me a minute to think," Raph hissed.
"The way you think, it could take all day and we don't have that kinda time. Master Splinter will be back here before you make a decision," Leo snorted.
"The Junction," Raphael blurted suddenly," We're going to the Junction."
The instant those words left him, a silence spread over the kitchen that had not been there since the night before. Leonardo stared at his brother with the same disbelief that Raph had felt when he offered the challenge. He could not honestly believe that he had heard right. A feeling which was easily mirrored in Raphael, who couldn't believe that he had just said such a thing.
"Are you serious?" Leo asked slowly.
For a moment, Raphael could not answer. He just stared almost blankly at his brother, who had a nearly identical expression on his own face. Raph hadn't meant to say that he wanted to go to the Junction. It had just come out.
Oh man, that was so STUPID! Raph groaned to himself, Why'd I say that I wanted to fight at the Junction?!
As much he wanted to take back his words, Raph already knew that it was too late. He and Leo both knew that whatever location he had named would be the place they would settle their problems. To go back on that would just prove that he was too chicken to face his own choices and that couldn't be allowed to happen. So the only choice was to go through with what he had chosen.
"Yeah," Raph nodded firmly," Yeah, I'm serious. That's where I want to go. We go to the Junction."
"Fine," Leo hissed," We'll go to the Junction. You and me. First one to chicken out or gets his tail beat loses and has to do whatever the other says from now on. Deal?"
"Fine with me," Raph growled back.
"Then let's go," Leo snorted, making for the door.
Raphael started to follow after him when he felt something grab onto the lower part of his arm and grasp it tightly. He stopped and looked back to see what, or rather who, it was. Not too much to his surprise, little Magnolia was digging her heels in the kitchen floor and trying to pull Raphael back again.
Maggie had watched her brothers from the moment that they had started to exchange words. At first, she was merely nervous that they might just start arguing like a pair of brats again. If they did that, then it meant that she would either have to stay here and listen until one of the others came to see what the problem was, Splinter came back, or she would have to break it up herself. None of these options were particularly welcome in her eyes, but those were all that were open to her.
So she waited and watched them, trying to determine just what she would have to do. It was hard to figure out at first, since all her brothers were doing were just glaring and hissing at each other. That was normal and meant that she should stay out of the way for now.
There were only two exceptions that she made to this action. One had been she tried to get Leonardo to leave, to keep him from arguing further with Raph. She had known that tactic would be a long shot at best, but she had tried it anyhow. That hadn't helped matters and so she knew to stay out of this for the moment and because she did so, was soon forgotten by the two combatants.
That changed the moment Leo blurted that it was time to settle their problems once and fall. One might have assumed that Maggie would be happy at such an opportunity. If successful, then it might mean her brothers would stop fighting and get along with one another for a change.
Maggie knew her brothers too well though and when one of them talked in the tones that Leonardo used, she knew it could only mean one thing. Trouble, plain and simple. Which equaled it was time to be more on edge than ever. And when Raph chose a place and Leo agreed, and they started to leave the room, Maggie had reacted for the second time.
She had jumped from her position by the sink and immediately latched onto her brother's arm, trying desperately to pull him back. It really didn't make much of a difference. Being older and larger than his sister, it was no question that Raphael would be stronger than her. He could easily just drag her along behind him if he wished and have no trouble doing so.
This time, he did no such thing. He only stopped and looked back at his sister, his soften expression from earlier was now replaced by its normal hardness. The look in his eyes scared Maggie more than she wanted to admit or to see. But she didn't back down, not this time. She stood her ground, looking back at her brother wit defiant but pleading eyes.
"What are you doing?" Raphael demanded.
Trying to help you from being stupid, Maggie shot back.
"It's not your business when I do something, Maggie. Now let go," Raphael ordered.
He was no longer in the mood to protect his sister's feelings from being hurt. There were other things to be handled now. If she got in the way, then that was her own fault and no concern of his.
No, Maggie answered, clutching her brother's arm more tightly.
"I said let go," Raphael said more firmly.
No, I won't. You'll just get into more trouble if Master Splinter catches you out there, Maggie protested, So please, don't go.
She could only use one hand to speak, as one remained tightly hooked and planted around Raphael's arm. So her words were a bit choppier than usual. But her meaning was still clear enough for her brother to understand.
He knew that she wanted him to stay instead of going off into the sewers with Leo. He knew that his sister was only trying to keep him out of more trouble. It was a nice thought and Raphael was grateful for his sister's concern. But now was not the time for this sort of nonsense.
A challenge had been made between himself and his brother, and Raphael was not about to back down for anything or anyone this time. Well, almost nothing would stop him. When he looked into his younger sister's defiant and pleading eyes, he almost cracked.
Maggie was one of the few people that could ever touch his heart like this. She had a way of talking to him and reaching him that only Splinter could compare with. That understanding, though it didn't always show, gave Raphael reason to sometimes follow his sister's wishes instead of acting on his usual, rash impulses.
So it was hard for him to resist the pleading gaze that Maggie shot up at him. Part of him truly wanted to just this go, if only to keep his sister from getting upset again. But another side of him absolutely refused to back down. Doing that would be the coward's way out and that was something Raphael just couldn't live with.
"Just stay here and keep out of trouble, Maggie. I'll be back later," Raphael ordered as he brushed her off.
He and Leonardo then left the kitchen, a truly bewildered Maggie staring after them. She almost tore after them, to try and stop her brothers herself before they got away. But part of her held Maggie back. That side of her knew that it wouldn't do her any good to go after them herself.
She was smaller and weaker than her brothers and Raphael had already proven that neither one was about to listen to her. Which meant that if she was going to stop them, then Maggie was going to have to find other options. And that could only mean that there was one thing left to do. In a heartbeat, she was tearing out of the room as fast as her legs could carry her to find her other brothers. Hopefully, they would have better luck than she would.
A/N: Oh boy. This certainly turned out to be longer than I first intended. But I guess that's what happens when you're bored and get too caught up in your work. And I know that Leo seems a bit out of character in suggesting the duel, but even he has sort of a bad side to him. I just thought I would bring it out in this.
Leo: I do NOT have a bad side, Streetwyse!
Me: Just keep telling yourself that, Leo. Anyhow, I hope that everyone enjoyed this and I promised I'll get the next chapter out sometime soon. Later. ;P
Chapter 5: The Other Side of the Coin
A/N: Well, hello again. Welcome to the next chapter of the little piece of work that seems to have taken over my fic writing life for the moment. I just can't seem to stop working on this for some reason, no matter what I try. But hey, I can't really complain. Means more for everyone else to read. Hope you all enjoy. :P
Though peace had settled in the kitchen, it was a far different story in the corridor beyond. Once leaving their brother and sister behind, the remaining three brothers had gone straight to the dojo down the hall. It was a quiet procession that was surrounded by a tenseness that built a steady barrier between the three brothers. Not a single one spoke and they barely looked at one another.
When they did, it was usually Mikey and Don when they glanced at Leo. The former was still in the lead and holding onto his older brother's arm. His grip wasn't as firm as it had been when this started, but he still kept it. He just wouldn't risk Leo getting away and storming back to the kitchen to argue with Raphael again.
That would just lead to more problems and Mikey wanted avoid that at all costs. The lecture from yesterday was still fresh in his mind and the warning that came with it was what kept him on such an edge. Splinter had told all of them that they were to keep out of further trouble for the time being. He was very upset with what they had done and anything like it would result in severe consequences for the troublemakers. So Mikey would go to any lengths to prevent this from occurring, either to him or his brothers.
Even if he hadn't been there however and Leonardo had tried to pull the stunt Mikey feared, Donatello would have been yet another obstacle to face. And that would have been a great one to challenge indeed. He had made his point in the kitchen and there was no way that Donnie was going to back away from it. So he would keep Leo in line this one time, even if it bothered his older brother to no end.
As for Leo, he was literally boiling with a frustration that could easily match Raphael's normal mood at any point. He couldn't believe the way that this day had gone so far. First, he had had to stay for extra practice with the one person he didn't want to be around right now. Secondly, Master Splinter was a great deal harder on them than usual and had showed no mercy for this. Now thanks to all that activity, his arms were sorer than he could remember them being in a long time.
Then there was the argument that he had almost had with Raphael in the kitchen. That hadn't gone very well either. It had only ended up with him and Raph getting into another stalemate that was put off by Donatello. All of this ran through his mind only helped to make Leonardo's mood worse and worse the closer that he got to the dojo and took it completely off the clean up they would have to do.
Of course, there was going to be at least one part of the cleanup that the boys didn't have to worry about and that was the weapons. These had already been put away by Splinter, who was not yet willing to trust his children's safety around such things. He knew that without careful observation that any one of them could be seriously hurt with the instruments of battle. So, after each time the weapons were used in a practice session, he would put them away himself. This way, Splinter knew that he could be sure that everyone would remain safe and unharmed. And so it would stay until the children were all old enough to handle these things on their own.
In the meantime, there was plenty of other things for the boys to tidy up. The mats were in disarray from sparring practice, bits of elbow and knee padding had been abandoned in one corner in a small pile, and many other small pieces that would take time to gather and sort. All a process that would take the boys a good while to finish with before moving onto the next task.
When the work began, it was in silence. Each boy had entered and gone to a separate part of the dojo, just starting with whatever was at hand. Every now and then, Mikey and Don would cast a glance over their shoulder at Leo to see how he was doing. He didn't bother paying attention to either one of them. Leo kept his attention on his work and his mind on his frustrations.
With his attention divided in such a way, it caused him to do most of his work with only half decency. First he would pick up one mat and settle into place. Then he would reach for another and see that the first was out of place, and he would realize that he had to repeat his job all over again. When he did, Leo would growl to himself, set down the second mat and try to straighten the first again.
While he worked, Leo really didn't notice anything else. So he was slightly surprised when he heard something come up from behind him. A sort of cautious sort of sound that could only be footsteps that stopped just sort of his own position. When he stopped briefly and looked over his shoulder, Leo saw that it was Mikey.
"You feelin' okay, Leo?" Mikey asked timidly.
He kept at least half a dozen steps away from his older brother, just in case. Mikey wasn't about to take the chance that Leo might slip into one of Raphael's moves and try to snap at him or hit him. That was really a stretch of the imagination, since the worst Leo ever did was lecture someone like Splinter so often did. Still, it didn't hurt to be prepared after what had been happening lately.
"No, I'm not okay, Mikey," Leo grumbled.
Leonardo then turned back to his work or at least tried to. In the back of his mind, he could still sense that Michaelangelo was still standing behind him. Probably waiting for a more descriptive answer from his older brother. Well, as far as Leo was concerned, that wasn't going to happen. He was in no mood to talk right now, so Mikey might has well have given up.
"I know that's not all, Leo," Mikey said stubbornly," So, just spill and tell me what it is."
His voice still had a not of nervousness to it, but he held firm nonetheless. Mikey already had a good idea of what was bothering his brother and knew that he probably should have just left Leo alone. But he was also empathetic enough to know that his brother needed to get out what was bothering him or he would be grouchy for the rest of the day. And he did not look forward to possibly being on the receiving end of what Leo might say if that happened.
"I don't want to talk about it, Mikey. So drop it," Leo ordered.
"No," Mikey answered.
Knowing that he would get no peace until he cooperated, Leo sighed," I'm mad with Raph, okay? Now leave me alone."
"I'm not stupid, Leo. You're always mad at Raph for something," Mikey said.
"Fine. If you really wanna be nosy about it, I'm just tired of him always acting like he can stick his beak into everything," Leo snorted," Raph thinks that he can do whatever he wants and that he can get away with it."
"He's not the only one that acts like that," Donnie muttered.
He had continued his own work while listening to his brother's conversation. For the most part, Donnie had intended to stay out of the discussion this time. If Mikey wanted to risk his neck in asking questions, that was his problem. Don had already done his duty earlier when he broke up the would-be fight between Raph and Leo. But that didn't mean he was above voicing a comment when he heard Leo's final response.
Leo's head shot up and turned with an almost audible snap when he heard Donatello. He stared at his brother with a confused and startled expression that could easily have become a norm for him in times to come. He couldn't believe what he was hearing out of Donatello, the neutral party, the quiet peacemaker. Was Don actually saying that this was all his fault?
"What did you say, Donatello?" he demanded.
Looking over at his sibling, Donnie calmly replied," I said that Raph's not the only one who's acting like he can stick his beak into everything and not get into trouble. You do it a lot too, Leo, even if you don't say you do."
Leo frowned when he heard this. He honestly could not believe what he was hearing. Donnie really was saying that this whole thing was Leo's fault, and not Raphael's. Which was just so not true. At least not in Leonardo's eyes. He knew that he had helped to cause trouble, but only because his annoying younger brother had decided to be a pain again.
I wouldn't even be in this mess if Raphael just learned to be patient, Leonardo thought rebelliously, If he had just waited for me and Mike to finish our game, then neither of us would've gotten into trouble. And Master Splinter's statue would be okay and he wouldn't be mad at us. Everything would be okay if he had just waited.
"Are you saying that I'm the one who caused all of this, Donnie?" Leo demanded angrily.
"No, I'm not. I'm saying that you caused just as much trouble as Raph did. It wasn't exactly the smartest thing for you to bother him like that, Leo. He was just washing the dishes and you were the one that bugged him," Donnie pointed out," So you started it that time, not Raph. Which means he's not the only one who isn't acting like he has a brain these days and that's all I'm trying to tell you."
Leo glanced over at his younger brother with renewed surprise. He wasn't used to Donatello taking this sort of attitude and behavior. First he had taken charge in the kitchen to keep himself and Raphael from fighting and now this. What was going on this morning? Was Donnie actually changing in personality or something?
Or maybe he's just making sense and you don't want to see it, an inner voice scolded Leo, Don's right. You haven't exactly been using your head the last couple of days. You keep getting into trouble and are arguing with Raph more than you usually do.
Having to face this truth within himself, Leonardo reluctantly had to agree with his inner voice's reasoning. He had been acting pretty stupid ever since the statuette had been broken. He had been frustrated and upset, and basically confused over having to sort through all the feelings he was going through.
Part of those feelings was what he had unleashed on Raphael earlier. He had been so wrapped up sorting out his emotions that he had taken out his frustrations on the most appropriate target. Now that he thought of that, Leo realized that this was not the person he was supposed to be.
Raphael was the one who was supposed to lose his temper all the time. That was his nature and all right for him. But for Leonardo himself to do the same thing, that was just too weird. Leo had always prided himself that he was able to keep control like his Master and could sort through his thoughts without many problems.
But no matter hard he tried to keep the same control as Splinter did, Leonardo was only a boy and still had a lot to learn before he was ready for that level. So there were those times, like now, when he lost discipline and got caught up in his emotions like Raphael did on a daily basis. This was a perfectly natural reaction for just about anyone, even if Leo didn't want to admit it when someone else realized that before he did.
"I know you're mad and stuff, Leo," Donnie continued suddenly," But ya can't let it get to you or you're really gonna be in a mess."
"That why you stopped me and Raph in the kitchen?" Leo asked.
"I already told you why I stopped you guys. It was so we wouldn't all get in trouble," Donatello answered," You know Sensei would probably nail us all if we just let you guys wreck the kitchen."
"Yeah but.," Leo started.
"Just face it, Leo. You were being a major dork and someone else had to use his common sense for a change. Just face it and leave it at that," Donnie replied.
Donatello was a frank Turtle by nature and was rarely known for saying anything but the truth. Nor did he ever say something without reason. Donnie was mostly quiet when compared to his brothers, so he always took the time to consider his words before he spoke. So Leo knew that he could trust what his brother was saying.
Still, Leo found it strange to be hearing this kind of thing straight from his brother's mouth. Normally, the only words that came out of Donnie's mouth was facts and solutions. If it was anything else, then either he was acting in the rare conversation with his siblings, playing around, or being frank about something as he was now.
The more he was hearing though, the more that Leo was starting to think that maybe his brother was right. He was acting like a dork and as hard as it was for him, to take heed of his younger brother's worrying and warnings. Which got him to thinking that maybe it wasn't so bad to have someone looking out for him for a change. It meant that he could relax and didn't have to worry as much as he usually did about everything. A strange sensation, considering that it was second nature for Leonardo to worry about everyone else. But maybe he could get used to it for now, just until he was off punishment and could get his mind back on track.
"Thanks for stopping us before we did anything really dumb, Donnie," Leo said quietly.
"You're welcome," his brother shrugged.
From where he stood behind them, Mikey watched his two brothers with silent relief. He was glad that they weren't going to start arguing about something. He'd had enough of that yesterday and this morning with Leonardo and Raphael.
Those two he was used to seeing fight. Everyone was in fact, since they did that so often. Which was why it was no big deal. But to see Donnie and Leo acting like they were about to go head to head, now that was a different story.
That was like saying that he and Maggie were about to fight. Now of course there were times when he bickered with his younger sister, that Mikey wouldn't deny. All brothers and sisters argued sometime, no matter how well they usually got along. But for the most part, he was very protective of Maggie and would do his best to make sure that she stayed happy. And for them to go head to head on anything like Leo and Donnie had looked about to was rare and far between.
With the tension settled between his older brothers though, Mikey decided to push it from his mind. There plenty of other things for him to think about without bothering with solved problems. Namely, cleaning up the dojo and then getting to the bedroom so they could get everything done before Splinter came home.
Everyone now in a calmer frame of mind, the work went by quicker than the boys would have really believed. They worked in a better harmony, working together in the same spot instead of in just one area. And in less time than it usually took them, they had managed to clear away everything and to put it all back into the proper places.
Well, almost everything was in its proper place. There were still some things that had no place at all and had to be dealt with accordingly. Which was Leonardo had in mind when he headed for the dojo door. He was just about to exit when Don saw where he was going and called to his older brother.
"Where are you going?" Donatello asked.
"I'm taking this stuff to the kitchen so I can throw it away," Leo replied.
He held up his hands to show off some cloth scraps that had been forgotten in one corner of the dojo. Knowing how insistent Splinter was about their practice area being perfectly clean and in order, Leo knew it best to get rid of what he found quickly.
Donatello though, wasn't really too sure of his brother's intentions. Taking the garbage to the kitchen would put him in almost direct contact with Raphael again. Which meant that there was certain to be another confrontation between the brothers. And if there was only Maggie there to try and stop them, then it was bound to get nasty.
"You're not gonna start arguing with Raph again, are you?" Donnie asked suspiciously. "No, I'm not," Leo insisted.
"You serious, Leo? You know I'll tell Splinter if you're lying to me," Donnie warned.
"Nothing's gonna happen, Don," Leonardo assured his brother," I told you, I'm just gonna take this stuff and throw it out. Then I'll come back and help you guys in the bedroom. I promise."
"All right. Just don't take too long. You know our room's a mess and we'll be in major trouble if it's not clean when Sensei gets back," Donatello replied.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, Donnie," Leo said, waving an unconcerned hand at his brother as he turned and left the room.
The trip back down the hall was a short one and a lot less stressful than the one that he had made earlier with his brothers. After talking to Don like that and getting their work in the dojo over with, Leo felt a bit better. He was still frustrated with all that was happening, but not so much as before. He was now in a different state of mind that allowed him to see things in a whole new light.
Leonardo could now see that there were better ways for him to take out his anger. If he concentrated on his work and let his emotions out while he did his chores, then it would release at least some of what he felt. Then he could get on with his day and take the rest of his punishment as it came without trouble.
This was an attitude that stuck with him until the moment he entered the kitchen. For as soon as he saw his brother again, the new resolution that Leo had made left him and brought back the old. It was a reaction that had occurred so often that he didn't even realize what was going on.
He had come in to find that Raphael and Magnolia were talking while they worked. The exact subject was hard for him to tell, since he just caught Raph's words as he came in and Maggie was turned so that her hands couldn't be seen. But it was obviously something serious, since neither one noticed his entrance.
Raphael he might understand, considering that this sibling usually didn't notice most of what was happening around him unless directly looking for or at it. Maggie on the other hand, now that was a different story. Her hearing was sharper than any of her brothers and so she could pick up things that they could not. So it was strange that she hadn't heard Leonardo come in.
Raph's probably yapping about so much that she doesn't know I'm here, Leo thought in annoyance, Must be something really stupid if it's got that much of her attention.
Turning his attention from his siblings, Leo looked about the rest of the kitchen. On the counter, he saw that only about half of the dishes were finished and the rest were either still on the table or in the sink waiting to be washed. Somehow, it didn't surprise him that this was so. Raphael always had a habit of making slower than they had to.
Man, why does he always have to do this? Leo thought angrily, He starts something and then takes forever to get it done. No wonder Master Splinter says he needs to lean to be more balanced. He rushes too much when we're practicing and then he does everything else slower than Mike when he wakes up in the morning.
In that instant, Maggie had turned around. In her hands, she had another plate that had just been washed and needed to be dried. Her vision turned enough that she could see that someone else had arrived and that she and Raph were no longer alone.
What are you doing here? Maggie asked when she saw Leo completely.
"I came in here to throw some stuff away," he told his sister," What are you guys doing? Aren't you done yet?"
"No, we're not. We'll get it done soon," Raphael answered gruffly.
He didn't turn around a second time after first learning that his brother was there. Raph just went back to washing the dishes, keeping his mind on that task. He knew that Leo was now watching every move that he made, so he took care in what he did and deliberately took his time in washing the dishes. In this way, he could make sure that Leo couldn't say he was doing his work poorly as he had earlier.
"Well, you need to hurry it up some. You're never gonna get that stuff done if you two just stand around talking like that," Leonardo warned as he tossed his cargo into the garbage can nearby," You'll get into big trouble if you're not finished in here when Master Splinter comes home."
"Whatever Leo," Raph snorted.
"I'm serious, Raphael. We're already done in the dojo and we've been working almost as long as you have," his brother said," Now we're gonna go clean up in the bedroom, and you better know we're not gonna do your share of it just 'cause you're slow in here."
"We'll get it done when we get it done, Leo. We're not gonna do this halfway just because you want us to hurry it up," Raph retorted.
He was desperately trying to keep control over his temper for a change while their sister was present. After sharing so much with Maggie in such a short amount of time and assuring her that everything was all right, Raphael wasn't going to risk scaring her again. That would only lead to more problems and he knew it.
So he kept his back to Leo and his hands on the dishes. That way, he didn't have to look at the one that was upsetting him so much and get his work done at the same time. It partially worked that he didn't feel a total urge to nail Leo in the beak like he usually did. But that didn't stop Leo from still berating his brother.
"I'm just saying that you need to hurry it up and finish this, Raphael. You're just gonna get yourself and Maggie in trouble if you don't," Leo warned.
"Why don't you just mind your own business for a change, Leo?" Raphael snapped, unable to stop himself glaring over his shoulder at the other boy," No one asked you what we were supposed to be doing anyway. Maggie and me are just making sure everything gets done right, not messed up."
Leo was about to respond, when Maggie asked, Please just go, Leo. We're gonna get done soon, so you don't have to worry about it. So please just go and let us finish this before you act silly again.
For a moment, Leonardo was speechless. It wasn't the first time that Raphael had told him to mind his own business. He told Leo that at least once a week, if not more during the course of daily routines. But to have Maggie, his baby sister, tell him to go before he acted dumb again, that was a different story.
Sure, she was asking him nicely to leave, but that was beside the point. The fact that she was doing it at all was just beyond him. The only time that she ever asked him to stop anything was when she was trying to rest or she wanted him to leave her toys alone. Other than that, she just ignored Leo when he went into bossy mode or was just annoying in general. So to have her ask him to go and let them work as if she were his age or older was just a little too strange for Leo at the moment.
No, she's just trying to stop us like Don did earlier, Leo thought as he kept his gaze divided between his sister and brother, Well, that's nice of you Maggie, but this is not about you.
Keeping his tone neutral since it was Maggie, Leo said," This is between me and Raph, all right, Maggie? So just keep out of it and just dry the dish."
"Don't talk to her like she's stupid, Leo, because she's not," Raph warned," And she's right. Just go away and let us get this done."
"I wasn't talking to you, Raphael. I was just telling her to keep out of this. It's none of her business," Leo retorted.
"Well, it's my business when I say that you can't talk to her like that. Maggie's not dumb like a certain dork I know," Raph snorted.
"Dork? At least I'm not some arrogant jerk with an attitude," Raph hissed.
"You know, that's your problem, Raphael. That's why I can't stand you. You just have to think you're right about everything," Leo barked
"And just what are you saying?" Raph demanded.
"I'm saying that I'm tired of your attitude and your big mouth. You think that you're better than everyone else just because you act tough and I've had enough of that," Leo snapped.
"Yeah? Well, I'm tired of you always bossing me around and thinking that you can do whatever you want just 'cause you're a Sensei's pet," Raph countered.
"I am NOT a Sensei's pet!" Leo protested.
"Yes, you are," Raph sneered, knowing that he had hit a nerve," You always have to do whatever Splinter does, always have to be the perfect student and act like you're his favorite."
Leo growled again, unable to think of a response. He knew that it was true that he wanted to be a good student to their Master and followed his examples and lessons closely. In his eyes, that was only understandable. After all, Splinter was their father and he was the one that knew what was best for them all. He knew the best ways to live in the world and how to survive to be the best warrior possible. Why wouldn't anyone want to be like him?
But to have Raphael throw these facts into his face like that, that was just something Leo couldn't stand for. To him, that was not only insulting Leonardo himself but Master Splinter as well. And that was something he couldn't let go unchallenged.
"I'd rather be more like Master Splinter than a stupid loudmouth like you, hothead," Leo retorted," At least Sensei knows how to do the right thing instead of making everyone else around him miserable like you do."
Raph growled at his brother, forgetting the dishes entirely. He now turned all the way around so that he could meet Leonardo face to face. Rivulets of soapy water ran from his hands, a reminder that he had forgotten to dry them when his hands had left the sink and its contents. A fact that he really didn't care about or paid attention to.
Standing his ground, Leonardo glared right back at his brother. There was no way he was about to back down from anyone now, let alone his upstart sibling. He was tired of backing down like he had been forced to for the last two days. Though not a forceful person by nature, Leo knew that now was the time for action and not words.
So the brothers began a war of intimidation. Glares only at first, followed by more threatening words and insults that flew continuously. First it was slow, but steadily gained strength as the brothers continued to argue. Usually throwing the same things back at each other that had begun this whole mess.
Sadly, this meant that the real truth was that the boys were only bringing up old grievances instead of new ones. They had held these feelings of jealousy and resentment toward one another for many years now. Often, Leo and Raph had acted out at least a portion of these when they fought. But thanks to what had been happening to them, everything felt was being escalated to a new level. This time, it was serious and personal and they both knew it.
"You know, Leo. You never did make any sense. You say that I've got a big mouth, well at least I'm not the one that lectures everyone and makes everything about as clear as mud," Raph said as things continued to escalate.
"You wanna get things clear, then let's do it. Let's settle things," Leo growled, his cool head finally leaving him.
"What are you getting at, Sensei's Pet?" Raphael demanded.
Part of him was still on guard against Leo. He knew that his usually stiff and uptight brother could be sneaky when he wanted to be. So it was best to be ready for anything, even when you were as mad as a starving junkyard dog.
"I'm saying that we finish this once and for all, that's what, Raphael," his brother said coldly," I'm tired of always having to fight with you on everything we do. Now, I say it's time to end it."
A brief second passed as a shadow of disbelief passed over Raphael's face. He honestly could not believe what he was hearing. Leonardo, the perfect son and student, was actually suggesting that they have a duel? As much as he wanted to take a crack at his brother, it just seemed too good to be true. It had to be some sort of trick or something.
"And how exactly do expect us to do that, Sensei's pet? We can't exactly duke it out in the dojo. Don and Mikey would hear us for sure and then we'd really be in for it when they tattled to Splinter," Raph demanded.
"Simple, wise guy. We go some place outside of the lair to settle this. When we do, we fight and see which one of us is the better ninja. Whoever wins, he's in charge from now on and the other has to do what he says," Leo snapped.
Those last words were as redundant and useless as they came. If they did what Leonardo was suggesting, it wouldn't even be a contest. They both knew that Leo was the better ninja of the two. He never lost his cool in a fight the way that Raph did, so he could easily pick someone off when they slipped up. So he would easily have a better chance at winning than his short-tempered brother.
The only advantages that Raph might ever hope to have over his brother were his strength and his height. Though being the second son, Raphael was easily the stronger of himself and Leo, and this helped to give him an edge against the latter's skill. Plus, being about the same height, neither one could tower over the other and so they remained on equal footing in that area.
However, despite his misgivings at Leonardo's skills, Raphael was more than willing to take up this challenge. If it was out of the lair, then there would no restrictions on them as there usually was. No Splinter around to break them up or annoying siblings who thought they could try and do the same. He could finally give Leonardo the pounding that he had been itching to do for years.
"Are you actually serious, Leo? You wanna fight me?" Raph asked.
"Yes, I am," his brother hissed.
Raph growled," Fine. Then tell me how it's supposed to go down?"
"Huh?" Leo replied almost stupidly," What do you mean? We're just gonna finish this."
"You know what I mean, Sensei's pet," Raph grumbled, not believing how stupid his brother be, even for Leo," We take some kind weapons with us to fight with or just go as we are?"
"As we are," Leo said quickly," We're not allowed to touch the weapons and if we take anything then the others will definitely know that there's something wrong."
"Fine. That's settled, now I'm gonna choose where we go," Raph snorted.
"And who said that you could do that?" Leo demanded.
"You chose the terms of what we do, so I'm choosing the place. I ain't letting you hammer all this out, Sensei's pet," Raph snapped.
Leonardo resisted the urge to smack Raph upside the head. He knew that it was better to save that for their duel and besides, he did have a point. Even if this was all his idea and Raphael did agree with it, it was better to let another have some part in this. That way, at least something would be equal between them in this.
"Okay, have your way," he conceded," You choose where we're gonna go."
"Good," Raphael snorted.
"Then where is it gonna be?" Leo asked.
"Give me a minute to think," Raph hissed.
"The way you think, it could take all day and we don't have that kinda time. Master Splinter will be back here before you make a decision," Leo snorted.
"The Junction," Raphael blurted suddenly," We're going to the Junction."
The instant those words left him, a silence spread over the kitchen that had not been there since the night before. Leonardo stared at his brother with the same disbelief that Raph had felt when he offered the challenge. He could not honestly believe that he had heard right. A feeling which was easily mirrored in Raphael, who couldn't believe that he had just said such a thing.
"Are you serious?" Leo asked slowly.
For a moment, Raphael could not answer. He just stared almost blankly at his brother, who had a nearly identical expression on his own face. Raph hadn't meant to say that he wanted to go to the Junction. It had just come out.
Oh man, that was so STUPID! Raph groaned to himself, Why'd I say that I wanted to fight at the Junction?!
As much he wanted to take back his words, Raph already knew that it was too late. He and Leo both knew that whatever location he had named would be the place they would settle their problems. To go back on that would just prove that he was too chicken to face his own choices and that couldn't be allowed to happen. So the only choice was to go through with what he had chosen.
"Yeah," Raph nodded firmly," Yeah, I'm serious. That's where I want to go. We go to the Junction."
"Fine," Leo hissed," We'll go to the Junction. You and me. First one to chicken out or gets his tail beat loses and has to do whatever the other says from now on. Deal?"
"Fine with me," Raph growled back.
"Then let's go," Leo snorted, making for the door.
Raphael started to follow after him when he felt something grab onto the lower part of his arm and grasp it tightly. He stopped and looked back to see what, or rather who, it was. Not too much to his surprise, little Magnolia was digging her heels in the kitchen floor and trying to pull Raphael back again.
Maggie had watched her brothers from the moment that they had started to exchange words. At first, she was merely nervous that they might just start arguing like a pair of brats again. If they did that, then it meant that she would either have to stay here and listen until one of the others came to see what the problem was, Splinter came back, or she would have to break it up herself. None of these options were particularly welcome in her eyes, but those were all that were open to her.
So she waited and watched them, trying to determine just what she would have to do. It was hard to figure out at first, since all her brothers were doing were just glaring and hissing at each other. That was normal and meant that she should stay out of the way for now.
There were only two exceptions that she made to this action. One had been she tried to get Leonardo to leave, to keep him from arguing further with Raph. She had known that tactic would be a long shot at best, but she had tried it anyhow. That hadn't helped matters and so she knew to stay out of this for the moment and because she did so, was soon forgotten by the two combatants.
That changed the moment Leo blurted that it was time to settle their problems once and fall. One might have assumed that Maggie would be happy at such an opportunity. If successful, then it might mean her brothers would stop fighting and get along with one another for a change.
Maggie knew her brothers too well though and when one of them talked in the tones that Leonardo used, she knew it could only mean one thing. Trouble, plain and simple. Which equaled it was time to be more on edge than ever. And when Raph chose a place and Leo agreed, and they started to leave the room, Maggie had reacted for the second time.
She had jumped from her position by the sink and immediately latched onto her brother's arm, trying desperately to pull him back. It really didn't make much of a difference. Being older and larger than his sister, it was no question that Raphael would be stronger than her. He could easily just drag her along behind him if he wished and have no trouble doing so.
This time, he did no such thing. He only stopped and looked back at his sister, his soften expression from earlier was now replaced by its normal hardness. The look in his eyes scared Maggie more than she wanted to admit or to see. But she didn't back down, not this time. She stood her ground, looking back at her brother wit defiant but pleading eyes.
"What are you doing?" Raphael demanded.
Trying to help you from being stupid, Maggie shot back.
"It's not your business when I do something, Maggie. Now let go," Raphael ordered.
He was no longer in the mood to protect his sister's feelings from being hurt. There were other things to be handled now. If she got in the way, then that was her own fault and no concern of his.
No, Maggie answered, clutching her brother's arm more tightly.
"I said let go," Raphael said more firmly.
No, I won't. You'll just get into more trouble if Master Splinter catches you out there, Maggie protested, So please, don't go.
She could only use one hand to speak, as one remained tightly hooked and planted around Raphael's arm. So her words were a bit choppier than usual. But her meaning was still clear enough for her brother to understand.
He knew that she wanted him to stay instead of going off into the sewers with Leo. He knew that his sister was only trying to keep him out of more trouble. It was a nice thought and Raphael was grateful for his sister's concern. But now was not the time for this sort of nonsense.
A challenge had been made between himself and his brother, and Raphael was not about to back down for anything or anyone this time. Well, almost nothing would stop him. When he looked into his younger sister's defiant and pleading eyes, he almost cracked.
Maggie was one of the few people that could ever touch his heart like this. She had a way of talking to him and reaching him that only Splinter could compare with. That understanding, though it didn't always show, gave Raphael reason to sometimes follow his sister's wishes instead of acting on his usual, rash impulses.
So it was hard for him to resist the pleading gaze that Maggie shot up at him. Part of him truly wanted to just this go, if only to keep his sister from getting upset again. But another side of him absolutely refused to back down. Doing that would be the coward's way out and that was something Raphael just couldn't live with.
"Just stay here and keep out of trouble, Maggie. I'll be back later," Raphael ordered as he brushed her off.
He and Leonardo then left the kitchen, a truly bewildered Maggie staring after them. She almost tore after them, to try and stop her brothers herself before they got away. But part of her held Maggie back. That side of her knew that it wouldn't do her any good to go after them herself.
She was smaller and weaker than her brothers and Raphael had already proven that neither one was about to listen to her. Which meant that if she was going to stop them, then Maggie was going to have to find other options. And that could only mean that there was one thing left to do. In a heartbeat, she was tearing out of the room as fast as her legs could carry her to find her other brothers. Hopefully, they would have better luck than she would.
A/N: Oh boy. This certainly turned out to be longer than I first intended. But I guess that's what happens when you're bored and get too caught up in your work. And I know that Leo seems a bit out of character in suggesting the duel, but even he has sort of a bad side to him. I just thought I would bring it out in this.
Leo: I do NOT have a bad side, Streetwyse!
Me: Just keep telling yourself that, Leo. Anyhow, I hope that everyone enjoyed this and I promised I'll get the next chapter out sometime soon. Later. ;P
