Chapter 9

For weeks and months we took turns to teach little Leo read, write and count and much for all of our surprise little Leo was doing amazingly well. He was fast to learn like big bro Leo. Another thing what warmed all of us was the fact little Leo had started to spend more time with Splinter – in the dojo as well. One day Splinter invited us to watch their training and my heart swell with joy and pride as I saw Leo doing basic katas. So he had found martial arts to be interesting even a little bit! At least as a small self defensive if nothing else since I knew he hated violence.

After little show Splinter smiled as he bend down and whispered something in little Leo’s ear, his eyes turning big and bright. He ran past us while Splinter ordered us in the living room and sit. We waited Leo to arrive and take his place with play piano. Glancing once at Splinter’s direction he received a nod, nodding once back. Sitting down on the floor piano in front of him, he took deep inhale turning power on. He looked nervous.

Small fingers took their place on piano’s keys, firmly with confidence starting to press them all in order, playing beautiful music to us. So this was that secret little thing what Splinter had been teaching him in his room all these months! From the corner of my eye I saw a shadow spreading on the floor as April appeared in the lair, stopping in her spot, not wanting to disturb little player.
When music finally faded away we all cheered and clapped for little embarrassed and blushing turtle who couldn’t hide his happy smile. Mikey was the first who went to pet his little head, praising him from Earth to Heaven, April soon following his lead.

“Oh my gosh, Leo, that was beautiful! How did you learn to play piano?”

Shyly he lifted his hand and pointed at Master with small smile on his face. April couldn’t help but to smile warmly at our master. “I have to admit, Splinter, I’m surprised you had such gift yourself. Never knew you could play piano.”

“I didn’t. I had to teach myself first before I could teach little Leo.” Walking behind small turtle Splinter placed his hand on Leo’s head, petting it. “I’m most happy and proud I could teach myself and then teach him. He will become great pianist some day.”

Watching father smiling all warmly down at little Leo, who smiled back at him, was wonderful. It was like if one of our biggest goals with Leo had been achieved.

“So what brings you here?”

Hearing Leonardo’s voice made me remember we indeed had visitor so I too, with curiosity, turned my eyes on April. Standing now side by side with Mikey April looked at us.

“I have some news for you guys.”

“You have found someone and are getting married? You are pregnant? Are you moving away from NY?!”

I found it hilarious how red faced April lifted her hands in front of her, swinging them furiously.

“No, no, no, no and NO! For God’s sake, Mikey, NO!”

“Then what is it?”

Typical Leonardo. Standing there all tall and firmly, arms crossed on his chest as his strict eyes kept staying on human, his expression tight and unreadable. April sighed as she took a piece of paper out of her pocket, handling it to Don.

“I received a message about unnatural signals outside of the city. Some police troops have been sent there to investigate it but they have… vanish or found dead. I’m heading there myself but I wanted to come to ask would you care to join me?”

I snorted amused. “Too scared to go there by yourself, oh fearless news reporter?”

“It’s not that, Raphael. It just… I have a feeling this might be Shredder’s doing and you guys know him better than I do.”

“It indeed does sounds like Shredder’s doing. Donnie, get everything what you think we need and let’s get ready. April, you stay here with Splinter and little Leo. Raph and Mikey, get weapons.”
“Yes, sir!” Mikey ran away like eager little boy who he still was inside. After I made my way to weapon wall, putting my sais in my belt, I felt slight pluck. Little Leo looked up at me worried so I smiled at him, tapping his head gently.

“Don’t worry, little guy, I’ll be back soon. We just go investigate, nothing more.”

He hugged my leg long and tight, slightly refusing to let go of me so I had to ask Splinter’s help. Father was so calm and caring, like always, and he managed to make Leo let go of me. Promising once more I would come back I ran in garage where bros were waiting for me already. Jumping in our garbage truck Don hit it and soon our safe home was left behind.

–

Parking our truck in shadows of trees we made our way out as quiet and fast as we could, weapons ready. Leaning us more closer Leonardo turned to look at us, giving us hand signals we should spread but stay eye sight away from each other and stay silent. We did as we were ordered and soon enough we came close to this square where Shredder were with few Foot ninjas and he also had weird portal device with him. Bending down behind the bushes we observed and listened.

“Hurry, you fools! Krang won’t like waiting. We need to open the portal as soon as possible and let him come here. With him I can get so much power that none, especially those damn turtles, won’t stop me!”

I turned to look our leader who seemed not pleased at all, his mind creating a plan for us immediately. Giving us a sign to join him we all crawled silently around our bro who gave us orders with silent whispers.

“Here’s the plan since we are not completely sure what’s going on. Raph, you take on 6 ninjas from the left. Mikey, I will leave rest 6 ones to you. If you need help, which I doubt, Raph will aid you. I will take the Shredder. Don, your job is to take the portal and then we leave. Everyone in the truck as fast as possible after Don’s ready. Understood?”

“Awh, come on! Can’t we just have more fun with them?”

“No. We have no idea who this Krang is, how strong he is, what he’s going to bring here via portal with himself and so on. Better be safe than sorry. We will come for them later if needed. Now let’s go.”

And so we went and our ambush was success. Shredder had no idea what hit them as we attacked on them from the shadows, taking our targets. During the fight I kept taking look from the corner of my eye how my bros were doing and they seemed to be doing fine.

Hearing Don’s voice and then Leo’s we all retreaded as fast into the shadows as we could, driving away and leaving screaming Shredder behind. Back at home Don took this small round shaped portal into his lab and we gave him space and time to work on it. Leonardo, as usual, gave report to Splinter, Mikey focused on eating, April was chatting with Splinter and Leo while I was with little Leo. He was sitting in my lap on the floor coloring pictured from his new coloring book what April had brought him.

After hours and hours Donatello finally came to us pushing his glasses back on his nose better.

“What have you found, my son?”

Waiting patiently Splinter eyed our brother who finally told us what he knew.

“I found out Krang is alien brain so to say. A rare life form from different dimension so to say. Somehow he has found Earth and managed to contact Shredder, manipulating him to build that teleport so that he could arrive on Earth. Most surely to conquer it since what else bad guys do?”

Chuckling a bit to himself Don got serious again and continued. “I studied Shredder’s teleport and I have to say; It was horribly done even that it would had work. Just amateur work! It was painful to watch it! And for a some reason either Shredder or one of his scientists had add memory card in the portal and saved all files about Krang in there. What amateurs! I got all the info from it!”

“So if we have teleport Shredder won’t be able to summon this Krang here on Earth?” Leonardo said rather to himself out loud.

“Correct but there’s a chance Shredder can build new one if he have blueprints.”

“So this means we need to go beat his ass and destroy his place?

“Raphael.”

“Sorry, Sensei.”

“It seems so.” Surprised by Leonardo’s reply I watched him standing up, looking each of us. “Get ready. We go there as soon as we can. We won’t give Shredder time to build new portal.”

“Ahaha oh yeah! Right on!” Me and Mikey seemed to be the only excited ones while Splinter shook his head. After gearing up once more we were on the move.

–

We crashed into Shredder’s lab through the doors where we found him and his scientists building already a new portal.

“Stop right there, Shredder!”

“Why should I, turtles? You stole my first portal.”

“We won’t let you bring Krang here to hurt people and Earth with him.”

“You turtles are fools indeed. I wasn’t going to share Earth with him. I already had this plan in my mind before you crawlers appeared.”

“And that was?”

Turning to look Mikey Shredder sighed deeply in annoyance. “I was going to lure him on Earth, make you turtles kill him for me and steal his technology so that I could travel in space and conquer planets and dimensions!”

“And you tell us this because…?”

“It’s my farewell gift to you since you won’t leave here alive. Foot ninjas, attack!”

Suddenly we were surrounded and fight was on. I admit there were many of them but while we kept most of them busy, Leonardo went after Shredder as Don went to destroy blueprints and everything about the portal, including the beginning of new portal. I watched Mikey’s back as few scientists ran past us out of the room but I couldn’t blame them. They most surely were forced to work for Shredder so I had no any intentions to go after them and kill them.

Standing on top of Foot ninja pile Mikey laughed as we gave high tree to each other, looking at Leo’s direction. He was doing fine, like always and expected, but we wanted to have a piece of Shredder as well. Appearing right next to our big bro we gave him time to take a breath. Loud crack and buzz sounds came behind Shredder with sparks as Don were happily smashing computers into pieces. Usually he never had a heart do such cruel thing to computers, which all were his babies, but this time he seemed to enjoy it. Let him have his fun.

Mikey and I attacked on Shredder as Leo stood behind catching his breath but joined us soon. I must hand it to Shredder – fighting against all tree of us was impressive. Sensei hadn’t warn us about him for nothing. There were tight situations in turns but together we made it every time, almost every time. Shredder, as a bad guy, didn’t play fair.

All of the sudden something was sprayed in our eyes and we all screamed holding them. It stung and burned so much and we heard Shredder laughing hard.

“M-MY EYES! MY BEAUTIFUL EYES!!”

“Focus, my brothers, focus! Losing one ability won’t stop us! Use your other senses!”

Standing still weapons at hands we stood still despite the burning pain in our eyes while listening the sound of metal when Shredder walked towards us. Luckily he wore such armor which made so loud noise so we could hear him well. Suddenly there was sound of some sort of splash and Don’s scream soon followed it.

“Guys, get back!”

We automatically jumped as far away as we dared and Shredder’s painful scream, with the smell of burning flesh, echoed in the room with loud buzz and crack sounds. When it finally turned quiet, smoke and horrible smell still lingering in the air, Don came to gather us in one spot, wiping out eyes with water.

“What the shell?”

“Pepper spray. Dirty move from Shredder but in fights bad guys always use low tricks.”

Finally, and slowly, getting our eyes open everything was blurry and tears kept leaking out of our eyes as they tried to clean themselves. Damn, this sucked!

“The Shredder?” Leonardo asked keeping his hand on Don’s shoulder.

“No worried. He’s melted so to say.” Don chuckled but calmed down and gave a proper answer. “After smashing computers I saw water bottles on the table. Workers drinks for sure, and sparkling electricity wire on the floor and then the idea hit me. Why fight when we could fry Shredder? I know it’s horrible but hey, everything’s allowed in a fight.”

“… You know that has been dirty move, Donnie. No honor in there.”

Looking down Don felt Leo’s gaze staying on him. “I know but it was the only thing what I could think of in that situation. I needed to save you guys.”

Small smile spread on my big brother’s face as he tapped Donatello’s shoulder. “You did the right thing. Don’t worry about it. Despite the fact I like to fight with honor, sometimes some situations demands actions what are not so honorable but still will save your family. Good job, Don. Good job, everyone. I suggest we leave now. Our work here is done.”

And we all agreed. I didn’t want to admit it but I was quite exhausted after the fight… Mikey even more tho. He whined and complained so I got him on my shell and carried him down to our truck. Back at home we told what had happened and Splinter seemed so relieved, April and little Leo cheering for us.

–

Few months later it was finally Christmas and I gotta admit it, our life had become so much more relaxed and easier now that Shredder was out of the picture. And this – this was our very first Christmas without worry or stress about him. We had a good time together with April with us but our main focus was little Leo who never hadn’t experienced Christmas. At first he was confused when he got so many gifts, unsure to open them but with little encouragement he started to open them, his eyes growing and glowing more and more with each gift.

He got gifts what Leonardo had got him with April’s help all those months ago, including small bear plush from toy store which Leonardo had mentioned to me in the past. There were some warm clothes what April had got, more toys, color books, candies which seemed to be huge and exciting mystery to little turtle. But all in all he was happy and so were we. Life was good, just the way how I liked it.

5 years passed in peace and little Leo had grow a lot. He had gain some muscles but was still kind of thin compared to us. Master Splinter had kept training him until his age had stepped in a way, leaving little Leo’s training to our leader, Leonardo. Of course we couldn’t call little Leo as ‘little’ anymore so we just called him L.

Our day had been normal with our routines when suddenly something shined from Don’s lab and we all rushed there to see what was going on. Donatello went at the back of his lab and soon came in living room portal in his hands. What Don had learned about it in the past it could change its size smaller or bigger. It had stayed small and nonactive all these years so why it now, all of the sudden, activated on its own!?

We all stepped back as Don threw it away out of his hands, portal mysteriously standing tall on its spot getting wider and rounder. Finally it stopped and we waited weapons ready to see what it would show but much for our surprise it showed sunny summer sky with sun and blue sky. It was weird and seemed harmless but we stayed ready for anything as Leonardo ordered us with hand signs.

Soon we heard something moving, silent whispers and it shocked us when 3 turtles started us back with older rat. I-it couldn’t be! Shock in their faces reflected the same shock what we were feeling.

Stepping forward Leonardo put his swords away and bowed deeply. It felt a bit awkward but he stood tall and introduced himself.

“I’m Leonardo Hamato. Clan leader of Hamato clan in New York city. May I ask who you are? So far what we know we should be the only mutant turtles.”

Second Splinter stepped forward and he had very similar energy to our Master, but this Splinter was younger than our father. He too bowed and introduced himself.

“Forgive us for all the trouble what we might have cause with this sudden action. My sons and I were out of enjoying lovely summer day at the lake when we found this old device in the dirt. My son, Raphael, touched it and it activated. Somehow it created connection between our worlds.”

“Fascinating… So there’s another world where… we exist as well.” Donatello murmured louder to himself, younger Don nodding eagerly on the other side. I listened the chat what seemed to become more easy and friendly while eyeing younger versions of us but something bothered me.

“Where’s Leonardo of yours?”

All they suddenly froze and turned to look their master in sadness. There also was great sadness in other Splinter’s eyes. I instantly regretted asking that stupid question.

“With all respect, Splinter, tell us since I too am curious to know this.” Leonardo said as we all agreed with him with nods.

Sighing deeply he started talking. “We just didn’t came to enjoy beautiful summer day at the lake. We came to visit my oldest son’s grave as well which lies near the lake under a wild cherry tree… It was his favorite tree...” Sighing one more Splinter lowered his ears and head. “He died today 5 years ago.”

It turned all silent since none of us really didn’t know what to say until L came in front of the portal, smiling at his other brothers. Seeing our younger versions wide and surprised expressions with Splinter’s surprised eyes, he turned to look at us, pointing slowly at himself and then them.

Splinter moved his ears a bit as he made his way to L, placing his hand on young man’s shoulder who was now taller than he was. “So you wish to go there to live with them? Be their Leonardo?”

I should have felt happy, I guess, but seeing Leonardo smiling and nodding once in firm way… It broke my heart into pieces, sinking all the remains into my toes. My father turned to look at us and I noticed he noticed my teary eyes even that I fought against those little bastards.

“Are you all alright with it if our little Leonardo, who’s grown up now, will go live with another turtle family? That is if you all accept Leonardo in your family.”

Other Splinter nodded. “Of course we will. It would be a great honor.”

Mikey was crying already but he nodded wiping his eyes. “Yeah. S-sure. I just… I hate saying goodbye. It has been so much fun to have you here, L.” Seeing slightly moist but happy eyes staying on Mikey, closing only for the moment of hug what he received from my little brother.

Don sniffed a bit but he too hugged our little guy wishing him all the luck. Leonardo was more formal, like always, bowing deep sharing warm smile to his younger self.

“You have grown up to be a fine turtle, L. It was an honor to know you and have you with us. Know that you always have home and a family here for you if you need us. We will miss you greatly.” Taking one bigger step forward Leonardo sealed L in his arms, hugging him ever so firmly and gently.

Splinter was next as he too hugged his fifth son, leaving his arms rest on those shoulders. “Never forget who you are. Never forget what we have taught to you and just like Leonardo said, you always have home here with us and we are always here if you need us. It was great pleasure to meet you and raise you, my son. Be strong and honorable in your new world and home.”

L smiled lovingly nodding slowly once, hugging Splinter once more. It was painful and beautiful at the same time. His own Splinter had been a total evil and my father had been totally wonderful and loving father who had have big influence in L’s life. My father had managed to show him love, support and guidance what L never hadn’t had before. Finally those blue eyes turned on me and I couldn’t handle it. Not the way how those eyes looked at me. They were full of gratitude, love and sorrow.

With shaky feet I walked to him and knelt down, looking up in those bright blue eyes.

“I… should be happy since a whole new world and life is ahead of you with your new family… But I’m not.” This seemed to shock and surprise him and my brothers. Pulling L in my arms I hid my face against his shoulder.

“I don’t want you to go. I want you to stay. I… I raised you like my own son and letting you go… It hurts and scares me. I no longer wouldn’t be there for you. Protect you. Watch your back. I would lose you for good if I let you go through that portal. I love you too much to let you go.”

L rubbed his cheek gently against mine, petting the backside of my head and neck. His hands were small and gentle, moves full of care and comfort. He was comforting me. I knew, somehow, deep inside he was feeling sad and bad too for leaving but he was excited and wanted to go to his new family.

Feeling hand on my shoulder I knew it was Leonardo. He spoke with such gentleness.

“This is painful and hard for all of us since we all love him dearly, Raphael. But this is his decision and he’s old enough to make them. We may never see him again, true, but we have give him good training and base for life.” I felt his gaze moving from me on L’s eyes. “I’m sure he will do just fine.”

Feeling Leo’s eyes turning back on me, he continued once more. “So let go. He will be safe and sound with his family.”

Sniffing loud I kept my face hidden even that I felt hands on my cheeks, wiping rolling tears away. “Is… Is your world safe to live in?”
I didn’t dare to look but I heard Splinter’s voice behind the portal. “Oh yes, most safe. This planet has hold humans and mutants on herself for thousands of years, they all living in perfect harmony with each other and it has keep on going all the way to this day.”

“Then, may I ask, how your Leonardo died?” Donatello needed to know.

“Illness. Something what we didn’t had a cure back then but since then scientists from mankind and mutants have work together and they managed to create medicine to it. Sadly it came too late to save my son.”

“I see.” Feeling once more all of their gazes on me I lifted my head just a bit to see L’s face right in front of mine. His eyes were moist, few tears had escaped on his cheeks but he was smiling. Pressing his forehead against mine I closed my eyes once more just holding him there, memorizing everything about his as good as I could. I would never want to forget him even that we had photos about him.

Mikey came next to us and handed one photo to L who took it inside of his belt. Turning to look at me once more and making sure he had my attention, he moved his lips. “I will be okay.” I could read his lips loud and clear and I knew he would be okay but losing him for good… 

I stood up wiping my eyes keeping them locked with L’s as he too stood up. Reaching for my sai I pulled it out of my belt, flipped it around and handed it to confused L who took it.

“My gift to you. Keep it with you, always. Never lose it or go anywhere without it. I hope it will help you to remember me.”

Lifting sai in front of his face L pressed gently kiss on it, placing it on his own belt looking at me happily. I knew he would treasure my sai. Turning around he gave a hand sign to other turtles behind portal to wait and he ran to his own corner starting to dig stuff.

“I have been wanting to ask, fellow turtles, why does he not talk?”

We all stayed quiet as we allowed our father to reply. “He had an accident when he was a child and he lost his voice because of it.” It seemed Splinter didn’t think it was important for them to knew about L’s past. He could ‘tell’ about it to them himself if he so wanted.

Hearing steps made our heads turn as L walked to us, his arms full of stuff. Stopping in front Mikey L gave him some drawings what they had done together and few arts what L had done about Mikey when he had been younger. Then he turned towards Leonardo handling him his own favorite book. Taking it with smile Leonardo bowed with L at the same time, thanking for the gift. Don got some of L’s toys and things what they had build together while Splinter got some poets what L had written after learning to write. When it was my turn he hesitated but reached to give me his most precious item – his diary.

“N-no, L. I can’t take this. You should keep it yourself.”

But he smiled while shaking his head. Pulling another diary out of his bag what he had on his back he wrote on one page. “I have a ‘copy’ of it.” and pointed current diary in his hands. In this moment it seemed like… if he had known he would leave us one day.

Sighing deeply I pressed his diary hard against my chest, forcing a smile on my face. “I will treasure this. It will be my most beloved item.”

“L, it’s time. Portal is showing signs it won’t stay open too long anymore.”

Don’s words squeezed my throat so I pulled L in one last hug, kissed his head and whispered; “I love you. I always have loved you and always will, no matter how far apart we are. Never forget that. You are always my little treasure.”

Feeling a kiss on my forehead made tears trying to escape my eyes once more but I held them back pulling away sniffing. L gave one fast last hugs to everyone turning to face the portal. Slowly he reached for it with his hand, then feet and then portal just sucked him in. It felt like eternity but took only a few seconds before he appeared on another side of the portal where his new brothers greeted him with laughs and welcome wished, instantly hugging him. It seemed like if he had belong there all along, went missing and was now reunited with his real family.

Portal started to close as we all, and they too, wished farewells with promises to keep L safe. I suddenly took fast steps forward reaching for L. “Leonardo!” His eyes locked with mine and his eyes shined full of love as he placed his fingers on his lips and turned them towards me; “I love you.”

“Le--!” And the portal shut down. I froze on my place as reality hit me, filling me with coldness. Little Leo… My little Leo was now forever gone. Feeling my body starting to shake I felt warm hand on my shoulder and I met blue gentle eyes.

“I can see how hard this is for you, but we did the right choice. He was happy with us but I believe he’s even more happy there with them. He is their new Leonardo. He’s now giving them something and someone who they have been missing for 5 years. Their family is now whole, just like ours.”

“Raphael, we all loved him deeply and will always love. Saying goodbyes is never easy but in the name of love we must learn to let go of those who we love the most in order to bring them happiness. We can’t own another person and make them live their life in a way how we want them to.”

“I know, Master, I know. I just… feel like I lost a piece of myself.”

“We all feel like that, dude. It’s normal, but hey – we still have each other like L now have too.” Pulling all of us in a group hug Mikey was right. I knew with time I would get over this, sooner or later, but I would get over this.

Later in the same night I laid on L’s bed reading his diary having his teddy in my armpit. Seeing a figure approach me from the corner of my eye made me close the diary since it was only for my eyes. Leonardo stopped next to bed and sat down looking at me.

“How are you doing?”

“A bit better.”

Small smile appeared on his lips as he sighed silently, slow and deep. “I’m revealed to hear that. Raphael… I just wanted to let you know that… I’m here for you. I’m always here for you. No matter what. You are my brother and I love you dearly. Never hesitate to come to me if you need anything.”

Leonardo’s words hit me hard and I appreciated it what he said and I knew he meant it. Putting diary away I sighed and laid on my back still, staring at the ceiling before turning my head a bit, meeting waiting eyes.

“Could you… stay with me tonight? I feel I can’t sleep alone.”

“Of course.” Moving a bit I made some room for Leonardo to lay on his side in my armpit, holding him close. “Leonardo… Thank you.”

Closing his eyes smile remained on my brother’s lips. “You’re welcome, Raphael. This is only one of my jobs as a big brother.”

Hugging him tight I rubbed my cheek against the top of his head. “And you are doing a damn good job with it.”

Chuckling Leonardo pressed more closer and soon yawned. He wished me good night and I returned his wishes, staying awake a while. I still worried and felt sad about L but at the same time I felt happy and warm for having another Leo, my own Leo, in my arms. I knew my Leo was capable of surviving anything and this brought faith on L surviving anything as well, no matter what. Eyelids of mine finally started to close and soon I was sleeping peacefully.

–

* 5 years later in another dimensions *

He stood all tall on top of the building watching sunrise as colors of the night faded away, bright red, orange and yellow sneaking more higher up on the sky behind horizon, sky slowly turning from dark to light and bright blue.

Wind blew gently past him, playing with the tails of his blue bandanna. His blue eyes calmly scanned awaking city and nature as his brothers landed behind him.

“Come now, Leo, or we will be late from breakfast and Splinter will eat everything on his own!” Raphael playfully slapped Leo’s arm with a playful smirk, challenging his brother into a race.

Smiling and shaking his head Leonardo turned to take one more look at the beautiful colors on the sky, deep inhale filling his lungs with fresh morning air. His mind wondered back to his other turtle family, wondering what they were doing and wishing they were well.

“Come on, Leo, hurry up!”

Now his other brothers finally got his attention and smiling he rushed after them, jumping from roof to roof chasing them. There were times when he missed his old family but he loved his new family and life in this calm and beautiful world and city. Raphael’s sai swung on his belt with the movements of his body and it had stayed there with him, and always would, just like he had promised.

The end