The Legacy
Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.
Author's Note: I was hoping to get this up sooner but we got a new puppy over the weekend and I ended up getting very little writing or posting done. This is a long chapter, and on top of that about half of it has never appeared on fanfiction before. Hope you all enjoy. By the way I sent a little holiday e-mail to some of my friends from fanfiction. Have a great one! Ramica
Chapter Thirty - Surprises!
Leonardo:
I had enjoyed my time on the farm even more then usual, no surprise there really, not when one considered the farm had given me a chance to really get to know Karena, on far more then just the regular chit chat level that I seemed to manage at home.
We were able to get into long in depth conversations about a great many thing, which was made possible if only, because I knew that I wouldn't be interrupted or have to abruptly leave in the midst of something important, to attend to more urgent details.
Karena had told me before, that her grandmother had raised her but it was during our break that I learned more about her childhood and upbringing.
Her father had died in a car accident and her mother had been extremely upset by his loss, had asked her mother in law to take Karena for a while, so she could get things together. In spite of the fact the elderly woman was grieving over the loss of her only son, she had taken in her grandchild, however when Karena's mom failed to call and check in on the infant, the lady became both worried and suspicious. It turned out Karena's mom had left town, all the belongings were gone, and the only thing left behind was Karena's items.
They had never heard anything from Karena's mother, but her grandmother began to teach Karena a sense of family values as well as manners.
Now that we were back home again and I was back to my regular hectic pace of practice sessions, lessons to give, helping Splinter, organizing patrols and any other task that demanded my immediate attention, I was starting to see why I had never bothered getting into a relationship before this. I had a great deal to juggle without adding more into the mix.
However I fully intended on keeping my promises to Karena, at the moment it was about all I could really give her and I knew I looked forward to those times when I could be alone with her.
Meanwhile I was doing my best to check into something and yet at the same time keep it hidden from prying minds and even sharper ears, a rather tricky business in a home full of ninja, though Mike had almost caught me out on it a few days ago, and since then I had to be extra careful.
We'd been home for a few weeks when I heard from April on a little something that I had her checking into for me. She had good news for me.
In fact April's news was far better then I had expected, now I could finally take care of some other business, knowing that plans could then be set into motion.
…
A few days later, I was able to gather the family together for a meeting, in the living room.
" What is Karena doing here? She isn't family" Raph grouched as he entered and plopped himself down in an available chair.
Don who was sitting on the sofa was quick to retort, " She is close enough to it."
"How long is this lecture going to last Leo? Can I make it short for you?" Raph demanded to know, " Let' see we aren't working hard enough in practice…"
" Not even close Raph, just give your mouth a rest for a change okay?" I replied, " Because the sooner you do, the quicker I can tell you why, I did call this meeting, and the sooner that you get out of here."
" And that will take you how long Leo?" Raph groaned rolling his eyes.
" I have just a few things I need to say but how long it takes depends on the number of interruptions I have to work around" I grinned his way, arching my eye ridges at him.
Mike arrived then, his hand holding Rama's as he brought her along, Baka following behind both of them, his tail held high. Mike sat down and pulled Rama onto his lap, while Baka went and jumped onto Splinter's lap.
I smiled as I realized the entire family was all here and ready.
" First off I want you all to know I proposed to Karena this morning and she accepted." I began.
" Aw, you didn't let us see it Leo?" Mike moaned, " What kind of brother are you, your own clan yet!"
Raph quickly interrupted Mike's light teasing " Hold on Karena, was he by chance lecturing you, or giving you a long winded speech of some sort when he popped the question?" Raph demanded to know, " Because if that was the case, there is an unwritten rule in this family, that any answer given to Leo under such circumstances doesn't count. You still have time to save yourself from a life of boredom."
Karena laughed ducking her head a bit " He wasn't lecturing or giving a speech." She said sweetly.
" Okay if you say so," Raph agreed, " You sick Leo?"
" You want me to give you a lecture just to make you feel better Raph?" I wondered.
Don and Mike instantly glared Raph's way sending a very strong message; peer pressure could be a wonderful thing.
" Now Mike, since you seem to think it is necessary I will ask Karena again, however if she says no this time I'll hold you two officially responsible" I gave a mock glare Mike's way then shot one towards Raph.
" What did I do?" Mike muttered as I went toward Karena's chair.
I went down on one knee in front of her and took her hand in mine " Will you Karena, do me the honour, of marrying me and becoming my wife?"
" Yes Leo" Karena answered softly, she squeezed my hand in hers.
" Good now that you have said yes twice you are not allowed to back out on me at any moment" I told her in a teasing way as I stood up.
" Are you kidding Leo?" Karena asked, " I am not about to let you off the hook that easy." She retorted in kind with her head cocked slightly to one side and a pert smile on her face.
" Now I know that you aren't expecting much for a wedding" I began.
"I knew I wouldn't have a big wedding with you Leo, no minister or any human able to perform the ceremony would be willing to marry us." Karena gave an indifferent shrug, " It isn't what matters Leo" she assured me.
I could sense she was being brave in her sacrifice, " Well in actuality a Jonin of a clan has the right to perform the wedding ceremony to any of his genin, so Splinter could do it for us, and I am sure Don could provide the certificate for us."
" You bet I could, it will be easy Leo" Don grinned.
" It is better then nothing" Karena insisted stoically, but I still sensed her longing for something else.
" Really Karena?" I smiled, "Well you might be content with that, but I wanted something more, for both of us. So I asked April to look into something for us when we returned home from the farm." I explained, " I was hoping that I could give you a real wedding."
She glanced up at me inhaling a bit of breath as she did so, I saw hope spring to her green eyes " What are you saying Leo?"
I smiled wishing suddenly that we had checked into this before we had consummated our love, but of course at that time I didn't believe it could happen, so my promise, my vow of commitment to her and her reply at the farm had seemed sufficient.
I only realized later that I needed to find something for her, after all she was giving up her life for me. Giving her a wedding seemed a great risk and yet a very worthwhile one.
" Karena, my love, April found a blind priest in New York, his name is William Jacobs, he has agreed to perform a ceremony for us at April and Casey's home, for a donation to his church" I informed her, " April told me that Casey and she will take care of that fee for us as a wedding gift."
Karena raised a hand to her mouth " You mean we…" she gasped shaking her head, " I never thought that we could…"
" But you would like it wouldn't you?" I asked, knowing her answer.
She nodded and a tear rolled down her cheek.
" April told this poor priest, that my family suffers from a rare skin disorder, that causes our skin to be rough, scaly and rather cool to the touch" I glanced around at my family.
" Hey that is a good one!" Mike exclaimed sounding impressed, " April has really improved since she first met us."
" She also told him that due to our nature, and people, possibly not understanding our looks, that we are shy and keep to ourselves for the most part, however I have been lucky enough to find a woman who loved me for who I was." I informed them, " I guess he felt a little bad about our solitary life and hardships, that hearing someone would look past such a" I coughed a bit, " disfigurement, was wonderful and he'd be glad to do it for us."
" Oh Leo" Karena practically squealed as she jumped out of her chair, wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me.
" Yuck" Rama whispered.
" Sssh!" Mike scolded her gently, " It isn't yuck silly girl."
I held Karena in my arms smiling at her " I take it you approve and want this Karena?"
" I didn't think we…I mean…I wanted to but I knew we …oh you!" she sputtered shaking her head, " I love you Leo."
" Boku ren'ai Karena" I echoed her last statement, but in Japanese, " of course we are going have to set a wedding date"
" As soon as possible Leo April and I can work it out," Karena blurted out cheerfully.
Rama wiggled off of Mike's lap and came over to pat my leg. I glanced down at her " Sensay what a weddin?"
" A wedding Ramiela is when two people say very special words to one another, and then they stay together and live with one another as family" I explained, " Karena is going to become part of our family."
Rama scowled " Daddy say guest need to go topside" she insisted.
Karena grinned at her concern " Don't you worry about it honey. Leo and I love each other very much and we will work things out between us. You can be very sure I won't need topside that much" Karena assured her, " Not when I have all that I have found here, and soon I'm going be your Aunt."
Rama ran around me to hug Karena " I glad you stay Karena, I want ya to. I love you."
Don beamed " Welcome to the family Karena." He got in line to give her a hug.
Raph gave her an amused look " I sure hope that you know what you are getting into. I mean a lifetime with Leo?" he shook his head, " I wish ya the best of luck your gonna need it."
Splinter cleared his throat " I am happy for both of you. I know that you share enough similarities to understand and accept one another and yet enough differences to add spice things up" he gave a wise smile, " For one can not grow without hardship or troubles." Splinter turned to look me in the eye, " Care for her and respect her, and never forget that there are times placing her above all us will stand in your favour." Then he turned to face Karena, " As for you my daughter I hope you can compromise when you need to, but also be firm when it is necessary. Leonardo has good judgement however he tends to get too wrapped up in his work" Splinter took Karena's hand and placed a kiss on it.
He then took my hand and placed Karena's hand in it.
" I give you my blessings children." Splinter seemed to stand straighter and I saw his tail curl with pleasure and contentment.
Karena:
I had spent the last two days before our wedding with April, of course the time before our big day had often been spent with her anyways as we finalized plans and shopped for what necessities we needed.
The day before the wedding April decided to treat us both to a complete spa and beauty package, a full day of being spoiled and pampered was a wonderful treat, then that night we watched a couple of movies and chatted.
I woke the morning of the big day feeling ill to my stomach and brushed it off as nerves, or a bit of anxiousness over the big day, not even worrying that my stomach had been like this the last four or five days now. Splinter had given me a tea to drink but I think my butterflies outnumbered the healing effects.
I felt comfortable marrying Leo and figured it was more just the very thought of the wedding and everything else that had me feeling this way.
April smiled at me as I entered the kitchen, " ready for the big day?" she asked.
" Oh, I hope so. No I know I am, but I think I'm worried about pulling this whole thing off with the priest" I confessed uneasily.
" Well Leo gave this to Casey last night, to give to you for today." April spoke coyly as she pointed to a single red rose, a white envelope and a folded blue cloth. I recognized that cloth it was one of Leo's bandannas.
I laughed, " That takes care of something borrowed and blue." I unfolded the bandanna, " But how am I going to wear this, goes as the masked bride?"
April chuckled at my joke " Ah, maybe we can pin it in your hair and braid it around in somehow" she suggested.
"That just might work," I agreed rubbing my belly, hoping the jitters would die down.
April arched an eyebrow " I also picked up something you might want to use today. I'll get it for you later" She patted her own bulging middle, as she leaned back in the chair.
I opened the card reading immersing myself in Leo's written note inside and hardly paying attention to April's last comment.
Wishing you the very best on this day. I miss you very much and I am glad that today we say our vows. I love you Karena. Leo.
" He is so sweet" I gushed, " I mean I wasn't really expecting this from him but its just, all he has managed for it is kind of overwhelming" I murmured sniffing a bit.
April patted my shoulder " I'm sure Leo feels you are more then worth it Karena."
…
I stood in the bedroom looking myself over in the full-length mirror, insuring that I did look all right. I had a dark blue dress that came down about my knees; it had spaghetti straps and a light jacket to go over top. It was a nice evening dress, and quite simple for a wedding gown, but it flattered my figure, giving more lift to the bust and followed the curve of my waist, not to mention showing off my legs a bit.
Leo's bandanna was pinned into my hair by jewelled hair clips, and April had pulled a bit of hair through the eyeholes and then wove hair and bandanna up together into something fairly nice, leaving the bandanna tails draped down my back.
I had a mixture of daisies and carnations for my bouquet.
April peeked in " You look fine Karena, everyone is ready and waiting on you now" she told me.
I turned and gave her a faint smile " Ready" I admitted, and felt my belly give a slight lurch. I gave it a gentle pat.
I knew the boys had planned to dress up a bit for the wedding, if only so when the Priest touched any of them he would feel clothes as well as the scaly skin condition he'd been warned about.
So I wasn't to surprised to see them wearing long sleeved shirts and clean blue jeans, though Leo was clothed in a suit he must have borrowed from Casey, including a tie that made him look like he was choking, either that or my sudden appearance had brought that effect upon him.
Rama was dressed up too but she was in a blouse and jeans, she saw me and crowed " Karena's got flowers!"
The priest chuckled as he heard her sing out " I take it the bride is ready now?"
I blushed slightly, " I've been ready for this day for awhile now" I admitted.
Leo arched an eye ridge as he positively beamed at me, " Timing is everything" he concurred.
The priest nodded as if he fully agreed, " Then in accordance to your wishes we shall begin." He cleared his throat a bit before he continued; " Love, honour and trust are needed in any marriage to help each partner to grow strong. These traits help cement you together in times of hardship or severe difficulty. They are the cornerstone for any relationship but extremely necessary in one that binds two beings together for life." He paused for a moment and turned his sightless eyes towards Leo. " Leonardo Turtle, do you give yourself to Karena Rae Davis for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health…"
I smiled at Leo as I listened to the gentle lifting tone the priest had, but my eyes and concentration was fully, on him.
" I do" I heard Leo reply with deep sincerity.
" Karena do you promise to…"
I waited holding my breath wanting so much to just jump in and say I do, I didn't have to hear it all to know what I was agreeing to.
" I do" I responded when the time came.
Leo brought out our wedding ring, it was something Splinter had given to us, saying it had once been the wedding ring of Tang Shen and he hoped it would suit us; I would have been honoured to have worn it, even if I could have afforded something else.
Leo had told me about Yoshi and Shen and how deeply the two loved each other. I felt that it was quite fitting and it was a very nice ring if not an elaborate or extravagant. It was a gold band with a small diamond and a piece of jade. It somehow suited our relationship.
" Leonardo repeat after me, with this ring I thee wed…"
I ducked my head as I felt myself blushing and at the same time felt tears start to fall, April was all ready crying but then she was pregnant and her hormones were getting the better of her.
Leo smiled at me as he gently dabbed away the tears with a soft touch of a finger, and a caress of his hand.
" What God has brought together let no man tear apart. You may now kiss the bride."
" Oh, Leo thank you" I whispered.
" No thank you Karena for giving me more then I ever hoped to have," he declared before leaning forward to kiss me.
" Yuck!" Rama said.
The Priest laughed, " Children often ail to see the beauty of such a moment. However I have a feeling both of you have a great deal to give to each other. You are a very nice couple from what I have been able to learn about you, but come there is a paper to sign," he declared.
I leaned into Leo as we walked over to the table; I whispered something to Leo " I have a surprise for you later tonight."
He held me closer and a bit tighter with his one arm.
Since the Priest couldn't actually witness our signatures he got April and Casey to sign as witness and he of course signed his own name to legalize the work.
The Priest stayed to visit for a bit after all the paperwork was done, to enjoy the tiny reception or party we had set up. The Priest made his rounds seeming to get to know the turtle family one by one.
It was late at night before we finally returned to the lair, somehow over the last few days the boys had managed to find and maneuveur a double bed down to our home, to replace Leo's old single bed.
" A bit more comfortable for two" Leo remarked.
" First you arrange a wedding…" I began.
" I did no such thing Karena," Leo denied, you arranged it once I told you it was possible" he corrected.
" I thought Don was the technical one Leo love."
He took me into his arms and pulled me onto the bed kissing me " So what sort of surprise did you have for me?" he asked his eyes glowing, ignoring my words.
I walked the fingers of one hand slowly up his plastron, while the other arm I wrapped about his neck so my fingers could massage and caress that area.
" Leo you know I haven't been feeling well the last few days?"
He nodded " You figured it was just recent events. Have you been drinking the tea Splinter gave to you?"
" Yes but I don't think my problem will be going away any time soon, at least not for a bit."
Leo pulled away looking suddenly concerned.
" Oh Leo, I never got the chance to ask you how soon you wanted a family, but I hope you want it fairly soon like in the next, eight months or so."
Leo looked shocked as he stared at me in disbelief " Your…" he stopped and rested a hand on my belly.
I laughed and felt tears welling in my eyes as I told him " According to the pregnancy test April bought for me, you're going be a father Leo."
Leo smiled wide a he pulled me closer and kissed me. I didn't have to be a ninja to know that he was extremely happy with the news.
TBC
Ted: Well this ought to tell you what Leo was up to, and one can hope that Leo will relax a bit more in the future but as a soon to be leader of the clan there are some duties Leo just can't get out of. A gratitude for your insight.
Mikaela's Spade: I think this chapter ought to clear up your questions on the marriage issue. Rama at this age has learned that tantrums get her nowhere. Expect next instalment in the next day or so. A gratitude for your insight.
Lunar Ninja: You might be wanting that toilet for more then blocking the door. Leo spilled it and so did Karena. A gratitude for your insight.
Chibi Rose Angel: Made you wait for it, HA! Well I hope it was worth it. A short transition chapter was 29, meant to tie up a few loose ends and prepare for the big finish. A gratitude for your insight.
Lenni: Of course you know, so it is a pretty safe bet my friend. Happy Canada day to you fellow Canadian! All together…the beaver is truly a proud and noble animal eh! A gratitude for your insight.
Reinbeauchaser: Rama had to get it from somewhere. I really like Splinter it just isn't always easy to use him, though I am trying to make him a more central character in my dream walker story. So I thought it was a nice little scene to have here. A gratitude for your insight.