Chapter 8

Raph's POV

We all sat together, circling the fire pit in front of us. "There are seven main cities in Saurian. There have been two wars between the seven cities. Our parents took part in the second war. My mother led the first Shinobi group on a rescue mission, as I told Leo earlier, that is how my parents met. However, the rescue mission was to rescue my uncle. The Bakasura are a race that live in the city of Reptilia. Their king, Manakor, had kidnapped my fathers youngest brother, as well as any royal children from the other cities if they did not conform to Manakor becoming the King over all the land. Some joined forces with him, and followed his rule, the smaller places mostly, in fear of losing their young ones. Others, such as the bigger cities, chose to stand up and protect themselves." A war? Why am I not surprised? Everywhere we go has some kind of fighting occuring. I thought to myself, before listening to more of the story.

"The war lasted two years, in the end, Manokar retreated, not before he executed all the children he kidnapped. The King's and Queen's took an oath to protect their families and citizens safe, thus the gates were built, one around each city. Each city also has their own team of Shinobi that are trained in case of a third war. We are the Shinobi for Terraria, what was once Even though the Bakasura have not been seen, and no one has gone missing; there has been an increase of wildlife turning up dead in large groups. There is no guarantee that this is the Bakasura returning or just the wildlife feeding on one another, but history will not repeat itself. This is why we lock the gates, why we train, why we are cautious of where the children play."

I was not expecting a story like this. At least it is not a current situation, more of a precaution. As long as my brothers and I are safe. I can almost guarantee Leo will have a lecture for us later, and more training to reprimand our behaviours, or more so MY behaviour. "What do these Bakasura even look like? Do they have razor sharp claws? Do they drink your blood? DO THEY HAVE MIND CONTROL POWERS?" I shake my head. "Mikey, chill, this isn't one of your horror movies. These are real people, with real feelings and experiences. Would you like it if someone joked about the Shredder like this around you?" Of all the turtles present, it was Don who responded to Mike's ignorance. "Damn bro, I expect that out of Leo, not you" I respond chuckling.

"Enough." Leo glares at me, before turning towards Mikey. "Don is correct, this is not a laughing matter." He turns to face Gio once more. "I apologize for my brothers again. It seems as though we need to review the meaning of RESPECT." He growled that last word emphasis and frustration. I winced. I knew what training he meant.

"Thank you Leonardo. I do not know what your brother is asking, but the Bakasura are a large feral race. Dark green and brown in colour, scales down their backs and they have many sharp teeth. Katarina, could you please draw a Bakasura? You have some impressive skills and I cannot properly describe one ." Gio turned towards the yellow banded turtle near her. Katarina began to draw. The depiction of her art, showed a creature that looked much like our reptilian friend Leatherhead. However, these creatures do not look quite as kind as he. "The Bakasura are… crocodiles?" Don questions out loud. "If that is what you call them where you live, then yes." Katarina spoke up.

"We have a friend that looks like them! His name is Leatherhead! Except he's bigger, and super smart. Though he does have anger issues…" Mikey trailed off once again. "Mikey. ENOUGH! You are going to get us in trouble once AGAIN!" I yell loudly. I don't care if Leo gives me shit later, or I have to do more katas. Mikey's big mouth will get us in trouble and get us kicked out of the guest house if he keeps this up.

"Michelangelo, if you speak another word tonight you will be doing katas all night long. Your tongue will get you into some grave danger one of these days, but today will not be the day. I will not have you disrespecting the hospitality we are receiving from this city. We are in a new place and they are taking time out of their days to ensure we stay safe." Mike gulps and backs away nodding.

Leo sure sounded a lot like Master Splinter. I shouldn't be surprised, he did spend the most time with him training. I never noticed just how much Leo has changed since our fathers passing. He had some big shoes to fill, and I had been over here resenting him all these years. Even though I follow his lead in missions,and when it comes to protecting our brothers, I never once understood why he was the leader. He has been doing his best to keep us all under wrap, and we have not made it easy on him.

A knock at the door attracts our attention. A small female turtle stands in the doorway, then bows. "Princess Giovanna, supper is prepared" Gio smiles, "Thank you. Please follow us, most honored guests." We joined Giovanna and her team for supper. During which time, Giovanna spent her time chatting with Leo. The two seemed to be bonding quite well. I do not like it. I want to get this small little hiccup in our trip over so we can head to Japan. I never admitted it but I was always jealous when Leo returned from his journey to "find himself". I thought that it had meant he was exiled until he got his temper under control, which put me in charge, but when he returned he had undergone special training with the Ancient One. Training myself and our younger brothers never got to learn.

My thoughts of jealousy were interrupted as we finished eating. "It is late. We must retire for the evening, my team and I have patrol in the morning before the gates open." Gio announces. It was not too long ago that my brothers and I would run patrols. A lot has changed since Splinter passed away. My heart aches for things to return to normal. Not whatever this crap is we have now. "Makoto, please walk Leo and his team back to the guest house." Gio turns towards Leo. "Sleep well, my friend"