Word count: 670
Characters: Splinter and the turtle tots
Summary: Splinter introduces his sons to Tang Shen.
1. Introduction
"My sons, tonight is a very important night, for it is now I tell you the story of how we came to be. I understand that you know parts of our incredible story already, but I have decided that you are – yes Michelangelo?" The rat sighed as his speech was once again interrupted by the youngest of his 'sons.'
"Oh! Will you tell us about mom?" A stab of guilt shot through Splinter's heart, he knew out of all his children, Michelangelo was the one who desired a mother the most, yet as outcasts of society, Splinter knew that no other would come to help care for the young turtles. That was unless…
"Sensei?" The one Splinter had named Leonardo – most likely the eldest of the four turtles – spoke up. "Are you okay?"
"Hai, Leonardo." He looked down at his sons kneeled before him. Whenever he thought of his beloved wife, he knew he appeared sad, yet no matter how hard he attempted to mask his sorrow, this little turtle always seemed to pick up his emotions. The rat smiled as an idea struck him. He turned back to the youngest of the four, "Michelangelo – as I have told you before, you do not have what many would call a typical 'mother' but," he quickly added as he saw his son's face fall, "as you call me 'father' I suppose I should introduce you to my wife." As his sons turned their head to his room, he chuckled at their naivety. "No, my sons. She is not there." Before they could look elsewhere, Splinter rose and moved to the miniature shrine he had constructed for Shen and lifted his precious photo down for them to see.
"A human?" Raphael snorted with disgust, yet before Splinter could scold the child, Donatello chirped up,
"Remember, Raph. Sensei said he was a human." The wise chocolate brown eyes turned upwards, "Is that you, father?"
Splinter nodded.
"This woman is Tang Shen. She was my wife in my life before and was sadly taken from me. If I am your father, you may see her as your mother. Her spirit was strong and kind, just like your own." With a smile, he laid a hand on his son's head and allowed the child to hug the frame.
Yes, Michelangelo was much like his wife, both fierce in their love of all things and gentle of heart. He would make both of them proud – of that he was certain.
As his other children gathered around, asking questions about the beautiful woman in the photo, Splinter attempted to answer every question in detail – hoping he could share his memories of Shen with his new family, yet one small question caught his attention.
"Sensei? How did she die?" The voice belonged to Leonardo. The turtle was looking at the floor as if he understood how the harsh question cut into Splinter's heart, yet still, the rat attempted an answer.
"She took a blow meant for me. She died trying to stop a brutal fight – yet even her sacrifice was not enough…" He trailed off, struggling to control his emotions.
"I am sorry, father." Leonardo bowed his head down in shame and Splinter shook his head.
"No, my son. Do not be sorry. She died so I would live. Her heart defeated my opponent – yet that is a story for another day. I believe you should hear the tale in full when you are old enough." He gathered the four children in his arms and held them all close. "My Tang Shen would have loved to meet all of you, my sons. She would have been as proud as I am of my Kapa." His sons happily returned the hug and they continued sitting that way for some time, while above, Splinter was sure he could feel his wife's spirit smile at the sight.
I will protect these children, my love. Splinter silently vowed to himself, I will not fail them as I did you. That, I swear.
There you go, the introduction of Tang Shen to the turtle tots. Tell me your thoughts and I shall see you in the next chapter! If you want to request anything in relation to the prompts, let me know! :D
LL99 OUT!