Chapter 7-
\tThey carted their fraud big brother back to the lair. The weight of the turtle finally straining his muscles. Raph refused to stop to rest. Wanting to get the bastard tied up and out of the way as soon as possible. They trudged their way through their home in the direction of the dojo when all three suddenly froze in the center of the living room. Master Splinter standing guard in their path.
\t“What has happened to Leonardo?” He demanded. His voice sharp and laced with concern. He shuffled over to them, his eyes drinking in the wounded body they lugged. The three exchanged glances before the two youngest gazes landed on him. Damn, how he missed Leo.
\t“That isn’t your son Sensei.” He blurted. Ignoring the two glares that bored in his head.
\t“Subtle.” He heard Don mutter.
\t“I didn’t see you two stepping in.” He snapped.
\tThe old rat straightened. Black fathomless eyes met emerald. Narrowing his lids till shadows hid his irises. “Explain immediately.” He commanded. Looking as noble as ever. Raph threw his shoulders back despite his tired arms. He refused to appear incapable. Even if he could agree he probably was.
\t“I’ll explain. As soon as we get him tied up.” Raph nodded to the load they still held. He didn’t bother waiting for a reply. Whether Splinter did or did not agree with his decision didn’t make a difference to him. He marched forward into the dojo. Don reluctantly following his lead.
\t“There had better be a good reason for this.”
\tRaph ignored the speculation in Splinter’s voice. He had full plans on filling him in with the complete truth of what has occurred this past week. Everything was going to hell, there was no reason to keep it a secret from their father any longer. Besides, he could use some insight.
\tHe quickly finished knotting the rope that bound the imposter to a chair. He nodded in satisfaction when he gave the restraints a look-over. Reassured that there was no way of escape. He stood back up and faced the old rat who waited patiently for him to finish. He could practically see Splinter’s mind churning through those curious, suspicious eyes.
\t“Nak’ir is back Sensei.” Splinter’s eyebrows flew up.
\t“Can you be any blunter?” Don huffed. Raph dismissed him. Continuing.
\t“He’s here on earth and he sent a spy to take Leo’s place. He has Leo right now.” He paused, allowing the old rat to take in the news. Watching Splinter’s startled eyes shift over to the immobile turtle. He turned back to him when Raph began again. He told him all that they’ve learnt this past week. Leaving a few unnecessary facts out on purpose.
\t“So you didn’t come to me when you three first suspected something was wrong, why?” Splinter’s eyes flickered across the three of them.
\t“I didn’t want to worry you until I was certain.” Raph admitted. Head hanging in guilt. In truth, he had forgotten about Splinter.
\tMaster Splinter sighed. Lids drifting closed. His shoulders slouching. “I will lecture the three of you later. Now is not the time. Leonardo is in grave danger and we must get him back. Donatello, how soon will Leonar-- er, he wake up?”
\tDon shrugged. His hand working the back of his neck. “Possibly another ten to twenty minutes?”
\tSplinter nodded. “Please treat his wounds. He is staining the mats.” He muttered the last part grimly. “Afterwards, join me in your laboratory. Raphael, I want more information on this location Nak’ir is hiding at. Michelangelo, you will watch over him until he awakes.”
\tRaph felt a weight desert his shoulders when Splinter threw out the next set of orders instead of him. He followed close on his heels when his father exited the dojo and made a bee line for the laboratory where Raph quickly repeated what Don had told him of the abandon building. By the time he was done, he ran out of breath and his mouth evaporated of saliva. His stomach turned to lead. Fear raked his body that he refused to allow show. He couldn’t afford it. Didn’t want it.
\tHis muscles unintentionally bunched under Splinter’s touch. His fur soft and gentle against the skin on his shoulder. He took comfort from it. Now that Splinter was aware; he didn’t have to worry about failing Leo . . . right?
\t“You have been doing an excellent job remaining calm Raphael. I expected a lot more antagonism from you. All considering how you feel about Leonardo. Oh yes, I know.” Raph’s mouth opened and closed as he worked for a response. In the end Splinter continued to speak for him. “I can feel the anger and fear that plagues your mind. I apologized countless of times for not being there when Nak’ir had you, Donatello, and April. I understand the suffering of those memory’s must be tormenting you.”
\tRaph shook his head. His mask tails flying over his shoulders. Whapping his cheeks. “I have more important things to think about.”
\t“Indeed, but you must remember that in order to gain bravery, you must face your fears. Shutting them out will only continue to torment you.”
\t“Leo needs me Sensei. He’s going through the exact things Don and I already did. Possibly worse. I can’t linger on my own emotions I overcame years ago. Not while Leo is experiencing them now.” And he had overcome them, damn it. Even if he assumed he would never again have to confront the likes of that psychopath. He wouldn’t allow his presence now to distract him.
\tSplinter nodded. “And no doubt understands why you would be afraid now. Stop that!” He barked. Ceasing Raph’s shaking head. “I know you well enough Raphael. You have always thought you can’t be strong and feel emotions at the same time. Even now, you think you can’t be afraid for Leonardo’s sake. I am not telling you to hunker in a corner and hide in your shell. I am telling you that the most courageous and powerful warriors face their fear and welcome it like a trusted friend. Think of fear as a sign of direction Raphael. Allow it to teach you what best actions to take and what consequences your decision will have, presenting to you the correct path.”
\tRaph switched directions. No longer shaking his head, but nodding instead. He knew Splinter’s words were wise and it was would be wise of him to heed them. Taking them to heart however, was another challenge entirely. “That goes for you to Donatello.”
\tRaph’s eyes blinked over to the turtle that hovered in the doorway of the lab behind Splinter. He hadn’t even noticed the movement. The old rat smiled as Don ambled over to them. Pulling up a chair beside Raph.
\t“I assume Raph explained everything for you?”
\tThough a very smart turtle Don was. Open minded and welcoming to the world and the knowledge it could give with widespread arms. He was probably the toughest to be convinced of their father’s wisdom. So different they all were, Raph mused. Yet, they were all like four pieces to a whole puzzle. A team that stuck like glue even in the hardest times. He was grateful for his family. He loved his family. There truly wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to keep his family safe and happy. Including trading his life for theirs. He bled for them and they bled for him. They have even killed for each other.
\t“He has.”
\t“How do we know if Nak’ir has switched locations between the time he sent the message and now?”
\t“We don’t, but if he was there he had to have left something behind. Nak’ir doesn’t yet know that we know about him. We can use that to our advantage.” Raph pointed out.
\t“True.” Don nodded.
\t“Tomorrow night we should scope out the place. Is that okay Sensei?”
\tSplinter stroked his goatee considerately. He nodded after a moment of thought. “Yes, that is okay, but no entering. We have yet to learn of Nak’ir’s plans and his grown power. We don’t want more harm to come to Leonardo if we do something foolish.”
\t“We’ll remain outdoors Sensei.”
\t“Is there anything else you wish to tell me or is that all? Has the spy given away anything useful of Nak’ir?”
\t“Nothing we haven’t already told you. There might have been more if Raph hadn’t kneed his head.” Don shot him a glare.
\t“It’s not like I killed him. Besides, I made it easier to bring him home.” He shrugged nonchalantly. Grinning despite himself as Don groaned.
\tAll three eyes zeroed in on the door when Mikey knocked. The door creaked open as Mikey peeked in his head. “Come in Michelangelo.” Their father waved him in. Mikey strode forward. Each step purposeful.
\t“He’s awake.”
\tRaphael was the first to enter the room, the rest of the group following close behind him. He watched in distaste as the imposter, slowly but surely, opened his eyes. It didn’t take long for anger to quickly replace his groggy state. His hands curled into white knuckled fists, veins popping into view along his arms as he tugged uselessly against the ropes. Hate swirled in those blue eyes. He knew he desired to hurt him without even having to speak. He was certain Fake Leo was picturing his throat slit with his dagger. Blood spurting out of the wound in a gory image.
\t“He’s a bit disoriented now so maybe we should . . .”
\tDon’s words fell on deaf ears as Raph stomped over to the restrained turtle. He landed a punch right across the mint green cheek, harder than he had intended. He smiled in satisfaction as the turtle grimaced, squeezing his eyes shut. A red mark now taking territory over the cheek that would no doubt swell and bruise fiercely.
\t“He’s not now.”
\tHis heart pounded against his ribs so hard he could hear his pulse in his ears. Why did he have to look so much like Leo? Why did it seem so real? He batted down the urge to apologize and take the turtle in his arms. Reminding himself that this was his enemy and the key to getting his Leo back.
\tDon sighed heavily, walking over to examine the injury.
\t“He’ll live.” Raph shrugged uncaringly.
\tDon stood back up after a moment of reassuring himself the jaw wasn’t broken. “I know. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t prevent him from talking.”
\t“It was tempting.” Raph admitted.
\t“My son, control yourself. We need answers first.” Master Splinter walked between the two. Presenting himself to their prisoner. Both hands clenched the walking stick as he stared down at the replica of his eldest. His eyes boring into him. The fraud pressed his lips together, meeting the stare without a flinch. Impressive.
\t“I don’t think he’s going to talk.” And not just because Raph wanted to beat the guy into submission.
\tSplinter ignored him. Leaning down till they were nose to nose. “I assure you, this will go very smoothly if you cooperate with us. Do you know where Leonardo is?”
\tSpitefulness gleamed across the battered features. Not even trying to fake a single hint of compassion. Hatred wafting from him like heat waves on the desert plane. Reminding him of his day’s with Oroku Saki. “Fuck you.”
\tRaph’s eyes widened, startled. He heard a couple gasps behind him from his youngest brothers. He would admit, fierceness was hot on Leo but such profound language coming from Leo’s body, just didn’t fit. Leo hardly ever cursed so it was surprising to hear it from his voice. Especially when addressing their father. Not him, remember? Still. He was an illusion of him. Close enough to have an effect.
\tLeo had managed to slip an obscenity or two, mostly in the middle of battle or when he was angry at something, or someone. Anything other than that they could probably thank Raph’s sensational influence that, to this day, he was still eating a bar of soap for.
\tMaster Splinter, however, did not appear fazed in the least. Instead he straightened his back. Squaring his shoulders. The perfect picture of stoic.
\tHe wanted to tell him I told you so, but chose to keep his mouth shut. He watched as a corner of Splinter’s lips quirked upwards into a smirk. Something he wasn’t familiar with seeing. Watching as he bent back down, one paw resting on the imposter’s shoulder, whispering something into his ear. The turtle jolted away. Eyes wide. His adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.
\tAll three brothers stared curiously. What did he say?
\t“Shall we try again?” Splinter straightened again. Smiling.
\t“I . . . I just know where ever Nak’ir is. Leo will be.”
\t“That’s helpful.” Raph glowered. Shutting his mouth when a paw was raised in the air to silence him.
\t“He keeps him in his reach at all times.” Fake Leo continued. Eyes locked with Splinter’s. “I don’t know where, I only visited Leo twice.”
\t“No doubt in a cell.” Raph muttered.
\t“Raphael, please!”
\t“Sorry Sensei.”
\t“Do you know if he’s harmed?”
\t“If you know Nak’ir you would know he is indeed harmed.” The turtle growled low. Tugging against the binds again. Raph’s body clenched, swept away with an overwhelming urge to tear the bastard into itty bitty pieces. It was a miracle that he managed to shove the thought away to the dark corridors of his mind. He wanted to demand what he did to him, but thought better of it.
\tHe could see worry lines form along Splinter’s eyes and mouth. “Do you know how Nak’ir came here?”
\tThe turtle looked hesitant to answer. Pursing his lips as his mind churned with decisions. Finally, after a tortured minute, he conceded. “I don’t know much. He refused to tell me in detail. I just heard that he had been captured and brought to their planet. I don’t know who “their” is so don’t ask.”
\t“I see.” Splinter nodded. “What is his plan for us?”
\tThe fraud scoffed. Chin raising in the air stubbornly. Reminding Raph so much of Leo. “I would be an idiot if I told you that. Whatever you do to me won’t be nearly as bad as what Nak’ir will do.”
\tThe old rat sighed. One hand stroking his goatee in a concentrated habit. “True. Anything we can do wouldn’t be nearly as horrible as a psychopath’s work. I have not raised my sons in the way of violence, but if you should prove us your lack of worth, then perhaps we should send you back to you employer so you can explain to him your failure yourself.”
\tAn animalistic snarl escaped passed his clenched teeth. Oh yes, he was scared. “You wouldn’t.”
\t“I don’t see why not. Your only reason here is wasting valuable space. I have my son to rescue and I don’t have time to sit here and converse with you. If you do not have anything important to tell me, I shall have my sons deliver you back to Nak’ir and--”
\t“Stop!” Their prisoner squeezed his eyes shut. Looking torn between his options. Either way, Raph was certain this wouldn’t end well for him. He wouldn’t allow it any other way. “Isn’t it obvious? He’s here to destroy you!”
\t“Like we don’t already know that.” Mikey muttered dryly.
\t“I was sent here to get information from him. He ordered me to blend in and learn everything I can about you. Learn each of your weaknesses. Your skills. Your fears. Your most vulnerable times. Anything that could be an advantage for him. This weekend I was supposed to be sent back home if I succeeded. Afterwards, I just assumed he would attack with his small army. That’s all of his plan I know.”
\t“Do you perhaps know when he is planning on striking us?”
\tFake Leo shook his head.
\t“Does he have a force? A weapon?”
\tHe stared down at his feet. “He was working on something, yes. He didn’t allow me to see it. He just said it was big and it was powerful that not even an entire army of soldiers could conquer it.”
\t“Like a disintegrator? Or some sort of power blast?” Don mused.
\t“I don’t know.”
\t“You don’t know a lot of things.” Raph glared.
\t“He wasn’t specific! He just paid me to do a simple job! That’s all! I’m not that useful to him.”
\t“You said he had a small army. Do you know the amount?” Splinter interjected.
\t“No. He had some but they’re not that many. A good bulk of them were either killed by him or when they entered the atmosphere.”
\t“Is there anything else?” Splinter waited till the spy shook his head. He grunted, turning to leave the dojo. The youngest following. Raph remain where he was, waiting for the others to exit. Startled when Splinter nodded to him on his way out. Was that permission to take over?
\tNot wasting time to ponder on it, he turned back to the bound reptile. He snarled at him. Leo-look-a-like returned the snarl with one of his own. With no more eye witnesses, Raphael gave in to his urges. Landing another punch to the non-swollen cheek. He calculated his speed and strength to prevent him from breaking anything important. Just cause a great amount of pain. A smile claiming his lips when he spotted the droplets of blood that dribbled from his nose and the corners of his lips. Red spreading throughout his cheekbone and around his left eye. He spat blood on the tatami mats at Raph’s feet.
\t“You mad?” He somehow managed to smirk passed the throbbing pain and engorged face.
\tRaph cursed something vile, clutching on the mint shoulders and kneeing him in his unprotected side. The turtle gasped, hacked, and groaned. Suddenly looking like he was going to vomit. He didn’t. However, he did spit up a mouthful of blood onto the floor with a wet slap.
\tRaph stepped out of the way and crinkled his nose in disgust as he noticed a piece of his tongue lying midst the puddle of crimson liquid he must have bitten off. “Incredibly.” He answered. Readjusting his crooked belt. “Now. Who are you?” He asked. Leaning into Fake Leo’s space. Wondering what on earth could Splinter have said to shaken the turtle so much not even a few deathly blows could do.
\tTheir prisoner remained silent. “Who. Are. You?” He repeated.
\tLeo-look-a-like growled in the back of his throat. “I’m not from here.” He gurgled.
\t“I gathered as much.” Raph straightened, crossing his arms over his chest.
\t“I do this for a living.”
\t“What? Impersonation and manipulation? Fitting.” Raph answered dryly.
\t“In a way, yes. I do what people don’t have the guts to do themselves.”
\t“Ah so we’re not the first family you tried to destroy.”
\t“No. You wanted to know.” Leo shrugged. Wincing at the pain that speared through him. He blinked multiple times, struggling to stay conscious.
\t“I meant your name.”
\t“I don’t know it.”
\t“What’s that supposed to mean?”
\t“I can’t remember what my original name used to be.”
\t“Well then, I can always get Mikey to name you. I’m sure he would have fun with that. I’m starting to get tired of referring to you as Fake Leo and Leo-look-a-like.”
\t“Oh god, no!” Leo cringed. Raph didn’t know if it was for the idea or if he was feeling sick again. Maybe both.
\t“What was the last name you had then?”
\tLeo frowned. A moment of silence that seemed to have last eternity before he finally recalled. “Ax’ honatain.”
\t“Some weird alien name.” Raph nodded in approval.
\t“I don’t know what it means. I wasn’t too familiar with the race.”
\t“It’s a bit of a mouthful.”
\t“Can’t help that.”
\t“Ax.” Raph decided with another nod. It was certainly better than anything that involved Leo’s name when referring to him. Heck, he would take Egbert over that. “How did you do that anyway?” He asked. Wondering how exactly he disguised himself so well. When he didn’t get an answer right away, he turned to Ax and frowned when his head was slumped till his chin pressed against his chest. His eyes closed. Raph shook him. His head lolled to the side. Jaw hanging slack and blood oozing out of his mouth. Unconscious.
\tRaph huffed in frustration. Sending a heated look in his direction that should have fried the being to a crisp. Deciding not to kill him for now, he stomped out of the dojo.
\t
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