A/N: Aren't you all lucky? 2 updates in one day! Read and Review folks!
Chapter 9 – Fading Light
The Sensei sat on the mat – in deep meditation. He knew that his sons and allies were slowly losing the battle and the will to fight. Although he had made peace with it; he knew that the blame fell squarely on his rebellious son's shoulders. If he had not done what he had – then they would be living in peace. There would be no bone-crushing monsters roaming the streets and the Vigilante would not be as withdrawn. The Ninja would be more upbeat and the Scientist would still have his original leg. The Heiress would be attacking them – but they could always handle her.
And…and the Leader would not be dead.
As the Sensei deepened his meditative trance, his spirit detached from his body and floated freely around the Astral Plane. Coloured swirls of energy dotted his field of vision and images of the past five years floated up in front of him.
Flashback
He gathered his family around the freshly dug grave. They were all there to honour the memory of their fallen Leader. Everyone – except the Exile. He had been continually yelled at and had left in the middle of the night. The sensei knew that he shouldn't care, but he was still his son. The assembled people sniffled as they stared at the place where they had buried the only remnants of the Leader – his broken swords. He felt an overwhelming sorrow at the thought of never seeing his eldest son again.
A figure on top of a building caught his attention. He slowly moved his eyes in the direction of the figure and squinted slightly. It was the Exile in the garb of the Nightwatcher. His helmet was off and the way his face glinted in the moonlight – was he crying? Why would he be here anyway? The Sensei was about to notify his sons when the Nightwatcher turned his head and stared at the Sensei. Even from the distance, the eyes shone with an unspeakable grief and wanting to be forgiven. The Sensei swallowed and imperceptibly shook his head no.
It was too soon for him to give forgiveness.
End Flashback
The Sensei's eyes misted as he saw that scene. The funeral had been a week or so after the confession. They had to be very careful as the monsters were still establishing their territory and there were reports of stone monsters attacking people as well. On the way back, they had helped the Heiress in a fight – but she had her tongue ripped out. The Scientist had worked hard into the night making sure that she didn't die. Eventually he succeeded in his task and the Heiress left.
He blinked as another memory swarmed up from the depths. As the image cleared, he wallowed hard. He didn't want to relive this memory – but whoever was calling the shots was showing it anyway.
Flashback
The Sensei ran hard. He could still fight his pursuers – but he just wanted to get away as soon as possible. Spying a fire escape ladder, he swung up and scurried to the top. Below him, he could hear the grunts of the Ogres as they ran on ahead. The good thing about some Ogres was that they were strong, but somewhat dim. The Sensei reached into his robe and pulled out a small device called a "mobile communicator" and flicked a switch on the side.
He sunk down to the floor and breathed heavily. A small recon mission with the Vigilante had gone over well; but on the way back, he had been surprised by the Ogres coming out of the shadows. A chase saw him run in the direction opposite from the lair – trying to evade the Ogres' fists. He closed his eyes and sighed in relief…before picking up a strangely metallic – yet familiar – scent. He stood up and looked around him – attempting to determine where the scent was coming from. His nose led him to an area that was lit only by a neon red sign – and illuminated what seemed to be a deceased person. He shut his eyes, but opened them again to look at the body closer.
Thunder rumbled overhead as he crept closer to the body. He outstretched an arm, but withdrew it quickly. He steeled himself and reached out again – touching the rotten flesh. Upon feeling he skin, the heavens opened up; drenching the surrounding area. He drew in a shuddering breath as he realized who the body was. Even if the red light flickered off, he could still make out the muscle tone of the upper arms, the slightly scarred and cracked plastron, the chipped shell…and the blue bandanna mask that was wrapped around its head. The Sensei broke down crying in despair.
His son would not be returning.
End Flashback
His sons had found him clinging to the body of the Leader – reigniting a brief surge of anger and hatred toward the Exile. That soon died down as they realized that the Leader wouldn't want them to act that way. The Sensei sighed and tried to will his spirit back to his body. As he settled back in – one last memory assaulted his consciousness. It came unbidden and unwanted – as he had soothed his soul of the emotions of that day. It was a moment he would never forget in a hurry.
Flashback
"I killed Leo"
The Sensei blinked – not believing his own ears. His son – the one most controlled by his emotions had taken the life of his eldest. He swallowed down a rising anger and sighed. He could afford to be angry later, but there were some things to be said first. He spoke to his son in a quiet tone that hid the anger and shock he was feeling.
"My son, you have dishonoured the family greatly. This is not an act that cannot go by unpunished. Do you know the scope and repercussions of your actions?"
His son sighed deeply and nodded. Deep down, the Sensei was impressed. He had not thought his brash son to be capable of such deep thought. Obviously he had been wrong, but he had to push down fatherly pride and focus on the task at hand.
"Raphael, tell me. What are you prepared to do to atone for your sin? The family will not easily accept your actions. In time they may, but not immediately. What are you going to do?"
He saw his son swallow hard. His eyes clouded with resignation and an unending grief. His voice was wracked with barely stifled sobs.
"I'm prepared to…to go into an exile from the family. No matter how long it takes, I'll leave. I…I'm sorry Sensei. That word isn't enough…but it's what I have now. I…I want to explain in front of the others. All of them."
The Sensei was surprised. To explain in front of everyone – to be raked over hot coals and be publicly humiliated. Wanting to do that took a lot of inner strength, guts and determination. That; or the person wanted to start absolving for his sins right then and there. The Sensei felt a surge of immense pride at his son, but pushed it behind a façade of stoic anger.
"Very well. I will call everyone here."
End Flashback
He was immensely proud of his wayward son that day. Even though he had murdered his eldest son in old blood, he had stepped up to take whatever punishment was handed to him. He felt himself being woken up and he opened his eyes to see the Scientist staring at him.
"Sensei – are you all right? I heard you crying out."
The Sensei smiled and nodded.
"I am well Donatello, I am well."
Getting up off the meditation mat, Splinter strode out into the lair disturbed by his past.
.