Disclaimer: I only own The Cat – I really do…honest! In fact, he's just like the one depicted in this story, too! I have the scars to prove it! See…oops…forgot to engage the PC camera. Oh well. Just enjoy!
CHAPTER 3 – VICTIM
Splinter had to chuckle at the anguished scream coming from Raphael's room. A moment later a streak of black and white raced out from the hallway and into the living area as if the devil were behind him. Actually, it was a close analogy as another form shot into the room soon after, only this one was green and much larger.
Not to mention quite upset.
"I'm gonna skin that FREAK'N cat, so help me!" Raph bellowed. With sais in hand, he scanned the area quickly. He soon spotted his target – safe and content on Splinter's lap.
"What is the problem, my son?" the old master asked as he looked up from his chair. He was petting the animal as it settled down with him in the rocker.
Trying his best to keep a measure of respect in his voice, Raphael replied, "No offense, Sensei, but your cat attacked me – AGAIN!"
Under Splinter's caressing ministrations the cat began to purr, his squinting golden eyes never leaving the green form that stood seething from across the room. It was almost as if the cat were mocking him.
"No offense taken, but what did you do to the cat?" Splinter asked evenly. He knew that for reasons that defied explanation, the Cat seemed to take great enjoyment out of terrorizing his most temperamental son.
"What did I do to the CAT? I didn't do ANYTHING to that stink'n … ah … your … cat!" Raph protested, losing steam when he quickly remembered his master's affection for the offensive animal. However, he still glared menacingly at the furry beast, explaining, "I was trying to do as you suggested, Master, and make friends with him." the red-bandanna turtle said exasperatedly, his hot gaze glued to the fuzzy black form on the rat's lap.
"And?" Splinter asked inquisitively as the Cat rubbed his face affectionately into the rat's paw.
"He didn't WANT to be friends!" Raph seethed grumpily. It was quite plain he was exercising tremendous self-control to keeping a lid on his temper.
"He didn't want to? How, Raphael, did he tell you this?" Splinter asked.
It was the umpteenth time that week Raph and the Cat had tangled. Their 'sparring' was starting to become a regular occurrence.
Holding up his arm, he showed several bleeding rips along the length of it with a finer set of denture marks in between. "He ATTACKED me! That freak'n cat bit and latched on to my arm and wouldn't let go - until I picked up my sais!"
"Raphael, I have told you before not to threaten the cat with your weapons!" Splinter admonished.
"It was after the fact, Master Splinter! What was I gonna do? Let him maul me?" Raph protested.
"You could have gently pulled him off of you." The rat offered.
"Sensei, no disrespect, but have you ever been attacked by a cat?" Raph asked in exasperation. It was then when he realized the absurd nature of his question. He gulped as he saw an immediate shift in his sensei's mood.
Splinter's ears folded back slightly and he narrowed his eyes at Raphael, "I have – a long time ago. Things were different back then!" He remembered all too well the feral cats in New York City how before his transformation they would chase him. Now, however, he had a different perspective on his once-feared predator. As he stroked the cat on his lap, Splinter smiled down at him. He never thought that he'd enjoy the company of such a creature. That fact alone was the only reason why he allowed the Cat to stay in the lair in the first place.
Looking up at his son, he said, "The poor creature might have had some unfortunate experiences. It is quite possible, Raphael, that you remind him of those experiences."
Raph growled under his breath, "I'd like to give him a few new experiences, myself!"
"Hai!" Splinter admonished sharply, "An improvement in your attitude would be a start!" He whipped his tail for emphasis and then almost immediately saw the Cat's renewed interest in it. The black and white ball of fur raised his head sharply, his golden eyes going to black as he caught sight of the tempting target. However, the rat swiftly curled his tail under the chair and out of sight as he held his breath. Fortunately, the Cat lost interest as the caressing hand along the nape of his neck increased its massage earnestly, generating more purrs from the animal.
Raph had to smirk just a little at his master's own limitations with the beast.
Splinter didn't miss the expression. Regaining his composure, he looked up at his son, "Go, now, wash your wounds and make sure to use peroxide. Clean as we try to make our lair, we still live in the sewer and so does the cat!"
Raph half begged, his voice nearly pleading, "Just do me a favor, Sensei, pleased keep him out of my room!" Raph then stormed back into the hallway towards the bathroom, grumbling a few choice words under his breath.
"I will, my son….so long as you keep your door closed!" Splinter chuckled as he leaned back in his chair again, rocking and stroking the now sleeping form on his lap.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments - To all who read and reviewed, my heartfelt thanks! MELIKA – PHOENIX RISING – PRETENDER FANATIC – RAMICA – Be blessed!
