His feet were aching from all the walking. Raphael had walked a long way from the palace when he finally had spotted the edge of the forest. He was happy about it since forests often offered shelter, hiding places, food and, with a luck, a pond where he could bath. Plus no yokais – hopefully.

Entering the forest made turtle relax, his shoulders dropping. Snarling slightly, Raphael slowly moved his head from side to side. Shit. He hadn’t even realized how tense he had been. Sniffing the air Raphael hoped to catch a scent of water, but so far he hadn’t been lucky so he kept on going.

Moon was right above him, shining between trees and their tops when it could, lightning Raphael’s path. A spark between bushes halted Raphael in the middle of step. Sniffing the air Raphael smelled the water, finally, starting to head towards the spark. After getting through few thick bushes Raphael stopped, eyeing the pond.

He was out of breath. He had never seen so… pure and clean pond! It was almost like from the childhood fairy tales! The surface sparkled like finest diamond under the moon’s light while being perfectly still. Raphael could even see the bottom since the water was so clear – and the pond wasn’t all too deep either. Nonetheless it was very inviting.

Eagerly Raphael took his clothes off, landing on his knees next to the pond. He wasn’t going to go in the bond instantly since he was covered in dirt and sweat. Instead he kept staying on his knees next to the water, using his hands as scoop to wash all dirt and sweat off outside the pond.

When he was clean, Raphael stood straight, placing his palms together in front of his chest. Bowing to the pond eye closed, Raphael said small silent prayer before entering. He kept groaning and sighing as he sank in the water, silent splashes filling the air. It felt so good! It had been days when Raphael had washed himself last time. Even the fact water was slightly cold during the night didn’t bother him.

Resting his arms on the edge of the ground surrounding the pond, Raphael closed his eye, letting his head fall backward. When he opened his eye, he was facing the full round moon staring back down at him between the round opening from tree tops. It was… beautiful. And calming… And somehow captivating, perhaps even hypnotizing.

It felt like the moon was talking to him, trying to pull his mind out of his body. Raphael couldn’t help but to feel like… the moon had something important to say. Just… Something very important... But then small waves across Raphael made big turtle snap out of moon’s spellbound.

Lifting his head up, hands in fists ready to punch, Raphael froze when he came face to face with small creature who was sitting in the pond across him. It wasn’t kappa, but it was small and green. It had small yellow eyes, friendly ones, and it kept staring at him while making cute little sounds.

Sitting up straight, Raphael eyed his companion for a moment, slightly bending forward.

“Are you Kodama? One of the most high leveled spirits there is?”

This little creature made a sound which sounded like an echoing giggle before nodding few times. Sighing with a small smile Raphael relaxed while leaning backward against the ground.

“I see. I’m sorry if this is your pond. I can leave if you want to. After all you are the boss here.”

Now hearing sounds, weird ones which sounded like if they were echoing all around him, Raphael looked around. He was surrounded by small green Kodamas – and there were many of them. They all looked the same – almost, but they still had high differences and some of them were wearing some small accessories. Like cups or small bowls as their hats. Some even wore small white “aprons”.

Looking them all, Raphael turned to look the one in the pond with him. He couldn’t held back his grin.

“Am I now forced to stay here as your prisoner?”

Kodamas around him made joyful sounds which Raphael took as laughs. The biggest one, obvious leader, seemed to be laughing too as it shook its head. Giving few signs to his companions, leader Kodama watched how other Kodamas relaxed all around them, some joining Raphael and the leader in the pond, some sitting on the grass around the pond playing their own small instruments. Light laugh and weird sounds filled the night air as Raphael couldn’t help but to smile.

He felt so happy, so grateful these Kodamas were spending their time with him, sharing him amazing moment. Raphael had heard of Kodamas, but never hadn’t meet any of them so this was very special. Fully relaxing back in his original position, Raphael watched the moon once more as he listened the sounds and music of Kodamas’, smile lingering on his face.

**

After searching the near by area, Raphael was most delighted to find a small house near Kodamas’ forest and their pond. House wasn’t in as good shape as it could, but it would do. Besides Raphael could fix it – even a bit – if needed.

For few weeks Raphael’s life was finally peaceful in this house, but one day changed it all. One point at the night, Raphael woke up on the smell of smoke. Opening his eye, much for his horror, Raphael saw flames on the ceiling.

Jumping up Raphael cursed. How the hell the roof was on fire?! It wasn’t raining, there was no lightning which could had hit the house and there definitely was no fire inside the house because Raphael had put it out before going to sleep. So why and how?!

Roof started to fall apart, down on the turtle, so Raphael was forced to flee. Taking his most important gears, weapons and some food Raphael came out, stopping at safe distance to look at the house burning down. Shit! Why bad luck seemed to follow him?!

And it seemed to keep him in its grasp. Many blades shined in fire’s light as they were pointed at the turtle from all directions. Raphael growled as he eyed his surrounding, being kicked on the backside of his knees which caused him to fall on the ground.

Men around him were quick as they tied the turtle with ropes and chains, forcing him up.

“So… You are the turtle who has killed some of our men, huh? Remember us? At the waterfall with the yokai? It’s been long, but I never forget the face. Yours especially since it’s the ugliest one I’ve ever seen.”

Raphael eyed the leader while wanting to spit on him. Yes… Yes, he remembered the guy! He had been leader’s right hand, but since the leader died under the tree, he had taken his place.

“What do you want from me?”

“Our boss wants to meet you. He’s been impressed by all the rumors he’s been hearing about the warrior kame over the years. We’ve been searching for you all these years.”

Raphael snorted. “Should I be honored?”

“Don’t get cocky. Now come along. Boss already has a plan for you.”

Raphael fought back as well as he could, but he was forced to go with the men and their horses. Turning to look behind over his shoulder one last time, Raphael saw burning house and line of Kodamas standing at the edge of the forest, looking after him with sadness.

**

Raphael was brought in front of new small warlord and Raphael hated him from the first second. The more this man talked, the more Raphael wanted to strangle him. Break his neck with his bear hands. Feel the bones crush between his fingers.

“Are you done?”  Because Raphael was. He just wanted this bastard to shut up. “Because if you are, I’m leaving.”

“Oh no, you are not. You see, you are my slave now. You will work for me.”

Raphael laughed hard, confusing some of the samurais beside him.

“What makes you think I will work for you?”

“Because I have something what you want. What you have been looking for.”

Raphael’s grin faded in a second, slight shock and surprise overtaking his face. It…. Couldn’t be…

The boss smirked pleased as he snapped his fingers. His eyes stayed on Raphael’s face, watching the expression change on turtle’s face once again when a turtle child was brought in the room.

Raphael gasped, his body shaking. In front of him definitely was a turtle child. However, his face was inside of a fabric bag and his body was hidden with clothes, so Raphael wasn’t sure was it Leonardo. But… Who else it could be if not him?! Eyeing the child better, Raphael realized Leonardo had grown and become early teen. He should be around 12 by now.

Sudden rage started to fill bigger turtle while he forced himself on his feet, but when he did that... The child was taken away.

“H-hey! Bring him back! Leo! Leo, I’m here! I’m coming for you!”

The turtle child turned his head towards Raphael’s voice. It stung Raphael’s heart. Leonardo heard him, knew and perhaps even hoped for him to come to him. Save him.

Boss laughed as he came in front of the turtle who was forced back on his knees. Taking a hold on Raphael’s chin the man grinned at him with his bad teeth.

“I have a deal. Work for me as long as I need you to and I give the child back. I promise he will be well taken care of. But know if you refuse… I can’t guarantee what will happen to the boy. I can get him killed or give him to my boys to play with, he he he.”

Raphael growled as his body shook violently. He was furious. Using a child against him, planning to hurt that young turtle in such horrible way…! This bastard! But… Looking after the direction where the child had been taken Raphael sighed, dropping his head down. He couldn’t let anything bad happen to him. Not more than what had already happened.

“Fine. I’m at your service. Just keep your word that he will not be harmed in anyway and we have a deal.”

“Absolutely. You have my word. Free him!”

Raphael kept his head down as he was freed, instantly having heavy regretting heart for what he just had agreed onto.

**

14 years later* (Raph now 50, Leo 26)

Standing near by the town, Raphael watched how flames, which he had brought into the town, were eating every building possible. Ground was flooding with blood which he had spilled, dead bodies decorating horrible scene. Men, women… even children. All of them innocent. It infuriated Raphael and yet, he stood there all numb.

Sounds of screams, cries and begs of mercy long gone into the night. Now there only was the sound of wind and eating flames.

A samurai came next to the turtle, poking him once.

“Come. Boss is waiting report.”

Raphael said nothing, life’s joy vanished from his old face. He was numb, feeling empty. He had become like an empty doll. Raphael hated this new side of himself. If his mind still wouldn’t remind him of Leonardo… Raphael was sure he would had lost his mind long time ago. Maybe that would had been the best in the end.

At the castle Raphael insisted on seeing Leonardo first before meeting with the boss. That’s what Raphael always wanted to do first. To see the other turtle even if he was always covered from head to toes… Even if he never hadn’t said a word.

Raphael, in the first times he’d been allowed to be with the child, had been shocked when Leonardo hadn’t said a thing. Maybe the turtle had lost his voice when falling down from the waterfall. But when Raphael had asked did Leonardo recognized his voice, remembered him, young turtle had shook his head. It had... hurt. A lot.

But none of that hadn’t changed big turtle’s mind. He still was going to keep his word and save Leonardo, be there for him.

Sitting in small room Raphael waited for Leonardo to be brought to him. Door slid open, one of the guards escorting now young adult inside the room. He was placed to sit across Raphael, leaving the two in silence as guard left them alone, reminding he would be back soon.

Raphael watched this fine young man who now was around 26 years old. Raphael couldn’t help but to smile. He had been a bit older back in the days when he’d met Leonardo. Gosh, how much Leonardo had grown.

“Hey.”

A nod was given back to him.

“I hope you are doing fine today, Leonardo. I mean you look good. It’s been almost two weeks when I saw you last time. How have you been?”

Another nod. Raphael sighed. It was nice to be able to be with Leo, but it was also annoying for not being able to speak with him properly.

“I know I’ve asked this too many times, but you really don’t remember me, Leo? Not my voice, our adventure, nothing?”

Young man obviously tensed, shaking his head. Raphael sat silently a moment, before starting to ask more – and those same old questions – again. The more he used name ‘Leo’ or ‘Leonardo’, the more uneasy this turtle in front of him became.

“Please, Leonardo, I -”

“Stop calling me that!”

In shock Raphael watched how younger turtle straightened himself, pulling bag off on his head. There were blue eyes which met his green eye, but… They weren’t the same eyes. Not Leonardo’s. The face was also different shaped and scales different in color. This wasn’t Leonardo!

“I’m not Leonardo! Stop calling me that!”

Young male almost sobbed as he looked down.

“I’m not the one who you think I am. I don’t even know anyone named Leonardo so, please, just stop. I’m not him.”

“T-then... who... are you?”

“My name is Michelangelo. I was brought here just before you came here 14 years ago. I don’t know what those samurais originally wanted to do with me, but when they heard and remembered you, and this Leonardo, they decided to use me.”

Everything slowly started to click in place in Raphael’s head, but he wanted to hear other turtle to spell out his thoughts.

“They hid my appearance to fool you to believe I’m the one you seek. To blackmail you to work for them, wipe out the enemy. You have been fooled, fellow kame. I’m sorry for that. I wanted to tell you about this sooner, but I was too afraid.”

Raphael was blown away. He was shocked, surprised and so fucking furious! Raphael growled, not knowing what he should do. Just beat the young turtle for hiding the truth from him for 14 years or go kill the boss for fooling him with the wrong turtle!?

Room shook when massive turtle jumped up on his feet, rushing out of the room. He was so freaking pissed! Pushing his way through in boss’ room, Raphael stopped while panting heavily, his eye burning with rage as it locked on its target.

Inside the room soon came sounds of yelling, followed by repeated stabbing sounds and a dying man’s last curse.

**

Gasps escaped from anyone who dared to look at his direction. Raphael was hell pissed still, covered in fresh blood as he walked on the hallways while carrying boss’ head by the hair.

Seeing their leader being killed, and betrayed, by Raphael made samurais step back, allowing big turtle his space as he approached the room where he knew he’d left the other turtle. Pushing the door open Raphael didn’t bother to enter as he looked surprised young male.

“Come.”

Michelangelo looked horrified and confused, but seeing the state bigger turtle was in he stood and followed without a word.

Samurais from the palace followed turtle duo to the gates where Raphael spun around, tossing their ex-boss’ head at their feet.

“If you won’t stop killing, destroying and robbing people, mark my words, I come back to you all and have your heads rolling on the ground. You got it?”

Raphael didn’t care did his words scare the samurais or not. He had had enough. Nudging Michelangelo gently on the shoulder Raphael asked him to come with him, starting new journey with the other turtle.