Chapter Text
Splinter was used to hiding in public areas. It had been a normal occurrence for him to hide in alleys and the shadows of buildings to keep away from the public eye, which made his time in the Mystic City always strange for him. It felt wrong to be out on public streets, even if they were filled with creatures that looked more like him than humans. But it didn’t matter that much to him now. Splinter was on a mission to get his son back, and some mild discomfort was not about to stop him.
Entering back into the Battle Nexus after all this time was something Splinter was not looking forward to. However, it was stranger still to walk into the front door like a patron. To not be rushed down to a champion's ‘quarters’ as soon as he entered was a new experience for the ninjutsu star. And he used the term quarters lightly, as for him it had been nothing more than a jail cell he sat in between his fights. The idea that Raphael was now too stuck in one of those ‘quarters’ made Splinter’s blood boil. The sooner he got his son out of there, the better.
The Nexus was just as exquisite looking as Splinter had expected. Green and yellow walls that glittered and shined like everything was made of gold. Expensive art work was hung all over the walls, but no one seemed to pay them any mind. The focus instead was placed on all the different tables and bars that had holographic screens up of all the fights currently happening in the Battle Nexus. Luckily the fight did not have Raphael participating, but judging by the ticker across the screen, Splinter didn't have much time.
Get your tickets now for the Raging Ravenous Ruby! Up Next!
With a quick look around the room to check for Big Mama or any other staff members that might know him, Splinter began making his way through the crowds of Yokai, heading directly for the employees only door on the other side of the restaurant-like space. If he was correct, that would take him to a service elevator which would go straight down to the different champions' rooms. Now he’d just have to hope Big Mama hadn’t drastically changed her hotel layout since he had been there.
As he walked past the different tables and around the open bars he noticed how many people were actually here. Why were they all so excited to watch a child fight? Even with Raphael's tall stature, he should only be a little older than Michelangelo. That would be sixteen at the most! It disgusted him to know how many people were betting on if he would make it out alive or not.
His blood boiled in outrage as he continued, roughly pushing past the other patrons as he walked. Splinter was in the middle of the room now. The center of the room had a big circular screen that was a whole one hundred and eighty degree view of the field. Splinter refused to look up as he began to walk underneath it, until a voice caught his attention.
“Get your tickets for tonight's fight!” The voice called, “It’s The Raging Ruby versus an underdog who definitely won’t match up!”
Splinter felt his whole body freeze as a chill went up his spine. The mutant with tickets in his hand was about a head or two shorter than Splinter. It was a red-eared slider in a blue sparkly suit. He was wearing the same glasses that Lou Jitsu used to wear, but his were a light blue instead of the usual orange. He was wearing navy blue harem pants that went all the way down to his knee where they were tucked inside sapphire leg guards that started at the knee and went down to his foot, with holes for his toes and heel, as well as a styled sleeveless navy blue muscle shirt with a long sapphire scarf that went out behind him like a cape. His arms were covered with navy blue bracer-like gloves that went all the way to his knuckles.
A turtle… it was a turtle… the red eared slider.. Leonardo! Right in front of him! Splinter watched as he continued to hand out fliers, beckoning people to watch his own brother fight an adult twice his size. Splinter made his way towards the turtle even as he felt his arms begin to shake. He was on a mission, he couldn't afford such distractions, but what if he could bring both of his sons home tonight? It was a chance he wasn't willing to pass up.
The crowd around the turtle was rather thick, but soon Splinter was in front of the turtle, looking down at him as the turtle grinned.
“Hello there my good sir!” He called, not a hint of recognition on his face. “Are you perchance here for the fight tonight?”
Splinter leaned down so he was eye level with his son, looking from one eye to the other, searching for any hint of a memory.
“Leonardo?”
The turtle seemed taken aback. His eyes narrowed in confusion as he looked over Splinter. Almost as if, deep down, there was a hint of something… but just as quickly as it appeared it left.
“Yea, um… It’s Leo, my good man.” He said, flashing the fakest smile Splinter had ever seen. “Or Sapphire if you’re referring to my wonderful announcements.”
Splinter couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You announce the fightss for the Battle Nexus..?”
“Of course I do.” Leo said with a twirl of his scarf, “I’m Big Mama’s favorite.”
He grinned up at Splinter, putting a hand over his heart as if he had just said he was the king of the world. Splinter felt his heart sink, but he wouldn’t, no, he couldn’t let go of the hope that still burned inside of him.
“And you are… happy here? You do not wish for more?” He asked, looking for any sign of discomfort on Leo’s face. “Big Mama cares for you?”
It was there, if only for a moment, but it was all Splinter needed as Leo’s face flashed in fear, then quickly the act was back on.
“Of course she does! W..why wouldn’t she? Did she say something to you?”
“Leonardo if you are unhappy here you merely say the word and I will take you to a better place.” Splinter said, one hand on his heart as the other gently sat on Leo’s shoulder. “A home, a real home.”
Leo stared at Splinter for a while, taking in the words he was saying. Then he took a few steps back, out of Splinter’s range as he shook his head.
“I think you should go.”
Splinter winced, his hand leaving Leo's shoulder as if he had been slapped. He stood back up and let out a breath as the words settled over him. Leo didn't want to come home… he was happy here. But Splinter hadn't told Leo who he was. Would that change his mind?
His eyes wandered back to the turtle to see he was talking into some sort of wrist watch. Splinter stiffened, knowing full well who Leo was contacting. That meant he was now on a time limit, and he hadn't even gotten to Raphael’s room yet.
Splinter let out a soft sad sigh as he turned and left Leonardo there, closing his eyes for only a second. Perhaps he would simply grab the turtle on his way back. But if he didn't want to go, could Splinter really force him?
He forced himself to keep walking, even though he didn’t want to. Clenching his fists, each step took every ounce of strength he had. Leo was not the only kidnapped turtle here, and it seemed now from his little stunt he had fewer time then when he had first started.
Thankfully no one stopped him as he approached the employee elevator. He stepped in without a second thought and slid up against the door so no one would see him from the outside. Then he pressed the correct floor and sighed in relief when the door shut behind him.
The elevator ride was quiet, but Splinter spent it on edge, waiting for the door to open and for someone to enter and ruin his plan. But it seemed luck was on his side as the elevator made its way to the last floor, not once stopping on the way down. As the door slid open he was greeted with a terrible smell, and an even worse sight.
There were bars instead of doors. Unwashed clothes were thrown on the floor, and Splinter wasn’t sure where there was a bathroom. Every step burned his heart, setting a new fire in his stomach as he gritted his teeth. Big Mama put Raphael, the CHILD in here? While Leo was selling tickets in brand name clothes? The rat mutant had to remind himself he had claws as they dug into his palm, threatening to break the skin.
One room was different from all the others, catching Splinter's eye. For one, it looked more like a room than a cell. There were red walls that separated it from the other cells around it, the outline a dull yellow that was chipped and peeling away. There were two windows with small shades to cover it, not that it needed them since the windows were barred. Splinter did see a dark red door with The Raging Ruby carved into the wood. He closed his eyes to calm his nerves, and knocked on the door.
There was no sign anyone was in the room, the door didn't open and there was no noise behind it. Splinter knocked a second time and was rewarded with the click of a lock being turned.
The door opened and Splinter almost walked into the hulking figure behind it. Raphael was wearing a red jumpsuit, one that had ripped holes for his spikes, then a small turtle neck that Raph was using as a mask to cover his mouth. Splinter noticed it didn’t cover a small scar on his right cheek, just below his eye. The shirt was a tank top, the sleeves had been ripped off, and he had wraps around his arms from his elbow to his wrist. It was still hard to tell if they were made red originally or if the wraps were stained. His pants were gray, almost like sweatpants that were torn right at the ankles, showing his feet that were scarred and wrapped around the heel.
Raphael looked from Splinter to the door behind him, not saying a word. When Splinter continued to do nothing but stare, Raph’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he adjusted the wraps on his wrist.
“Raphael?”
He blinked a few times, no words escaping his still closed lips. Splinter took a breath and forced himself to focus, he couldn’t make a mistake like he had done with Leo. He had to take Raphael with him.
“Do you want to fight tonight Raph?” Splinter asked, making sure to give the turtle enough space, but not enough that he could get around him.
Raph looked at him in confusion, yet still his mouth did not open.
“I…if someone could take you out of here, to a better place. A place where you’d never have to fight here again.” Splinter asked, gently putting a hand on his massive arm. “Would you like to leave?”
That seemed to register to the snapping turtle. His eyes widened as he looked from the door back to Splinter, then down at his hands. He looked back up at Splinter, his face one of confusion and awe.
“I could get you out of here Raphael.” Splinter said, putting a hand to his heart as he nodded, “I will protect you.”
Splinter put both his hands on his son's, holding it close to his heart. He wanted to tell him why he wanted to take him, that he was Raph’s father, but that was a little too insane to believe. The mutant turtle was a son to the mutant rat?
“You will never have to fight against your will again Raphael. This I promise you.” Splinter said.
Raph’s eyes began to widen as he sniffled slightly. He was still just a boy, he was scared. It burned Splinter with a hatred he didn’t realize he had. Big Mama had better wish he didn’t find her on his way out. Mercy was becoming harder and harder to find.
“Raphael, I am so proud of how hard you have been fighting.” Splinter said, nodding to Raph as Raph moved his arms so they would cover both of his eyes. “But you do not have to anymore. I will fight for you. But we must leave, and we must leave now.”
He motioned towards the elevator and Raph stared at it for a few moments. Splinter could tell he was weighing his options.
“Leo…”
His voice was quiet and somber, a voice that had not been used often. It cracked as if his mouth was dry. Splinter was having a hard time keeping his face neutral from the rage and the slight despair he was feeling at the treatment of his son.
“He is in the lobby.” Splinter told Raph, pulling him along as they walked towards the elevator, “I intend to bring him with us as well, but we must get to him first.”
Raphael looked back towards his cage, then nodded and began to take a step towards Splinter, then the next one, and soon Splinter had gotten his son in the elevator.
“We are going to have to run Raphael, but you will not have to fight.” Splinter told him as he rubbed his arm gently, “I will protect you. I will keep you safe.”
The door to the elevator opened, and much to Splinter’s dismay, there was a welcoming party. A whole hoard of hotel employees, with not so welcoming faces.
Big Mama was there in the center, an overconfident sneer gracing her lips with Leo at her side, micking her expression. The entire hotel staff was blocking the exit, but Splinter had come too far to stop now. Raphael was coming home, Splinter would make sure of it.
“Where do you think you’re going Raph?” Leo asked, crossing his arms, giving his older brother a glare.
Splinter felt Raph tense behind him, and a realization appeared. There was a rift between the two of them. Either by their own actions or one Big Mama forced upon them. Either way it looked as if these two were oceans apart. Which meant Splinter might have to pick one over the other. A split calculation that given any normal circumstance would take him several years to decide, maybe even refusing after the time spent. But this wasn't normal and Splinter didn't have any time left. Raphael was injured and Leo was happy where he was. This was not a line drawn in the sand, as Splinter would do everything he could to come back for Leo, but at this moment…
Splinter moved himself in front of Raph, making himself the bigger target as Raph seemed to shake slightly behind him.
“Your query does not lie with him.” Splinter told Big Mama, hissing at her as he crouched into a fighting stance.
“So you intend to take my wibbly wobbly chaimpieboo.” Big Mama said, a finger on her chin as she raised an eyebrow at him.
“He is not a champion.” Splinter spat, his anger getting the best of him. “And he does not belong to you.”
“Hmm.” She replied, the sound like a hiss as she tilted her head to the side. “And he would belong to… you then?”
“So that's it, huh Raph?” Leo asked, speaking under Big Mama to his big brother. “You're just gonna leave me? Again?”
Raph froze, his entire body on edge as Leo spoke. Splinter felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. That had a weight to it, one that could jeopardize everything Splinter had come here to do.
“Leonardo, do not use your misguided emotions to guilt your brother.” Splinter gave the smaller turtle a grimace, “Our intention from the start was to take you as well.”
Leo's eyes widened as he side eyed Big Mama with a small amount of fear. “W…what?”
Big Mama took a step in front of Leo as the sword in his hand wobbled slightly. She didn't turn her body to look at him as she took another step towards Splinter and Raph. “Is that true my shelly-welly gem?”
Splinter knew the undertone in her voice. But to threaten a teenager? What was the point? No wonder Leo was practically shaking, she treated him the same as any other champion in her Battle Nexus.
“I… Big Mama I don't even know this rat!” Leo countered, giving off a big smile as he tried to maintain his composure.
“That is true.” Big Mama said, putting a finger to her lip as her eyes narrowed at Raph, “How do you know the miscreant mutant my dear?”
Raph gulped, and opened his mouth. But before a word could come out Big Mama clicked her tongue in a condescending manner and spoke once more.
“See, you hardly know this man. Can you really trust someone you just met? And over your Big Mama? I don't think your flizzly flopping brain is thinking things through!” She told him as she shook her head, an aura of disdain seeming to radiate off her.
“You did not give him time to speak!” Splinter growled, reaching back to put a hand on Raphs arm. “You cannot claim to know him if you do not value his thoughts.”
“And somehow you know what he wants?” Big Mama snarled, “The misentitled miscreant menace running through the hallways of a hotel he was not invited to?”
Splinter grit his teeth. As infuriating as this conversation was, she had an irritating point. Raphael and Leonardo both had no reason to trust him. But would they believe the truth or would it only drive them further away? How could he know?
It didn't matter. Even if the boys didn't believe him now, he'd come back again and again until they did. He would drag Draxum kicking and screaming to explain the situation if he had to. They were his children, his responsibility.
And they were coming home.
“These turtles are my sons.” Splinter finally relented. He didn't dare look at either of them, he didn't want to see their reactions.
The rest of the hotel employees began to laugh, filling the lobby with mixed sounds of animal laughter. But three of them weren't laughing. Raph, who was looking at Splinter in somewhat awe, Leo who looked horrified, and lastly Big Mama. Who stared unbelieving as she processed the information.
Splinter wasn't about to give her time to put it all together. He turned to Raphael and put out his hand. "We must go now Raphael."
He gave Splinter a slow nod as he grabbed the outstretched hand.
“You came back for us.” Raphael whispered, his voice filled with a hope that simultaneously broke and fixed Splinter’s heart.
“Leonardo, let's go!” Splinter cried, but the red eared slider didn't move, he simply stood in place. He was shaking his head. It seemed almost too much to process.
Splinter didn't have time to wait as he pulled a small smoke bomb from his pocket and let it loose, filling the lobby with black smoke. The loud coughing covered up any noise they made as Splinter began to lead Raph to the exit as quietly as they could, Big Mama's angry force behind them.
“Don't let them escape!”
The employees put up little to no fight as they coughed their way through the smoke. They swung widely and erratically, hitting themselves before they could hit Splinter or Raph. Which meant getting outside was an easy goal, and soon the outline of the hotel's outside door was visible. The glass doors with white handles gleamed almost unnaturally bright against the black smoke in the room. Maybe Splinter was imagining things because he was so close to bringing his son home, or maybe the night sky had made the lights on the opposite side of the door shine brighter, Splinter did not know.
As his hand gripped the handle Splinter could see Raphael through the glass of the door. He was still holding on to Splinter’s hand, his other hand nervously picking at the scar on his face. The exit however, had two doors, and the second door reflection showed Leo, staring in uncertainty and betrayal.
His voice was soft, as if to not tip off the rest of the occupants in the room. “A…are you really leaving?”
Splinter looked at Raphael in the reflection. In reality he could take his son to this door all he wanted, but Raphael would have to walk through it himself. With a firm squeeze and a gentle smile, Splinter let go of Raph’s hand.
Raph turned to Leo, and even with his towering build, he had never looked more vulnerable. He reached out for Leo. His brother responded with a glare, not moving a single inch.
“Big Mama was there for us when no one else was.” Leo said, trying to reason even though his voice was dripping with rage. “And you're going to throw all that away for a rat you just met.”
Raph clenched his fist and let out a breath of air. Splinter wanted to know what had happened to make the tension in the room so thick, but now was not the time for that question.
“What has she actually done for us Leo? Yeah, she got us clothes and fed us, but… but it's not worth this.” He moved his finger between himself and Leo, back and forth. “Us always fighting, putting on a show for people we don’t know, having to train until I pass out. This isn't what a family is…. And we're still family aren't we?”
Leo's eyes narrowed further as his hands tightened on his arms. “If you walk through that door we won't be. This is your last chance Raph. Stop acting crazy and let's go home.”
Raph looked at Leo, a soft tortured look in his eyes but stayed where he was as he shook his head.
“This isn't a home Leo. We aren't her kids. We're workers just like everyone else here. You're happy cause you're getting special treatment. But you know how ugly it can get. The second I stopped winning fights we both knew what was going to happen.” He looked at the ground and sniffled slightly. “I know you know what I'm talking about.”
Leo's armor seemed to crack if only for a moment. “But we could do it together, couldn’t we? Raph you were happy here, weren't you?”
Raph looked up to meet Leo's eyes, and Splinter could see both of his children were crying. “Leo, are you happy?!”
Leo took a step back as Raphael's voice rose. It was the loudest Splinter had heard him talk. His eldest son looked desperate, reaching out for Leo with everything he had in him.
“We're family Leo. You and me. Not Big Mama.” Raph leaned towards his brother, not taking a step but still reaching out his hand.
“We can fix this Raphie!” Leo told him, wiping his eyes as he shook his head. “I know you don't like fighting, maybe we can find something else that you like doing. Something that doesn't involve throwing everything we've worked for down the drain!”
Raph looked at Leo for a long time, his shoulder sagging slightly as the reality set in. A reality that was weighing heavy on Splinter’s heart.
Leo wasn't coming with them.
“If… if you open that door Raph it's over!” Leo continued, his arms slowly uncrossing as they fell to his sides. “The royal gems. Ruby and Sapphire? It's all over. We won't be family anymore.”
“That's not how family works, Leonardo,” Splinter interrupted with a shake of his head. “Family is not a burden one may simply shed when it is inconvenient. Raph is not giving up on you, nor am I. Even if you are to toss us to the wind I will come back as many times as necessary to bring you home.”
Leo took a step back, shaking his head at the two of them. He clenched his fists at his side as he took a deep breath, then ran back into the smoke disappearing from view. Raph took a step towards his brother, but Splinter stopped him with a hand on his shoulder as he shook his head. The smoke was clearing and they would lose their opportunity to escape if they waited any longer.
“We can not force him.” Splinter said in a low voice, “But we will not leave him. In time Raphael, all in due time.”
Raph turned back to where Leo had been, then back to Splinter with a grimace. He gave one last look to his brother, silently begging for him to come back. Then, when nothing changed, he reached out and grabbed the other door handle. He gave Splinter a nervous smile. Splinter was sure this was hard for the boy, his whole life stuck in a cage. But this choice had to be his own. His whole body seemed to shudder as his grip tightened. He closed his eyes to steel his resolve then nodded softly. He opened the door and, with a shaky breath, took his first step outside of the Battle Nexus Hotel. Splinter smiled at him with a proud nod. But neither of them had time to really relish the moment as the smoke began to clear out through the door they had opened. Their next few steps were much quicker as they ran out of sight.
Leo watched the two of them as Raph opened the door, the last bit of hope he had for his brother slowly fading as they disappeared. The smoke cleared out soon after that, leaving the lobby in a disarray of employees and a very perturbed Big Mama. She began to pace back and forth, and that was when Leo knew they were really in trouble. Big Mama only paced like that when someone was about to get fired… or worse. Leo had to do a sweep of the room and make sure a flamethrower wasn’t being brought over. He turned to the side of the room where he had placed his sword when the smoke bomb had been set off and picked it back up. Flipping it over in his hands a few times, he stuck it into the ground and leaned on the handle absent mindedly, watching as the employees scrambled to make sense of what had just happened.
“And not a single wizzy wonking one of you saw which way they went?” Big Mama screamed to an Owl she had picked up by the shirt and was holding over her head, who was giving her a nervous shrug.
“The.. Big Mama the Mystic City is very big, covering all of it is going to take a while.” He told her, trembling slightly as gritted her teeth at him.
It took a few seconds but she slowly put him down, turning her attention to the other employees who were all hiding in a group back by the hotel desk. Some were peeking over the counter, but most were hidden from sight, the only thing giving them away being their quick and terrified gasps of air.
“Oh please, all of you calm down. The last thing I want is to pick up another crackadoo this afternoon.” She told them with a roll of her eyes as she dusted off the shoulders of the Owl employee and sent him on his way. The rest of them gave her a salute as they stood at attention, even if they didn’t leave the safety of the desk. Big Mama began shaking her head as she picked at her fingernails, still angry at the situation. Leo really wanted to leave and sulk in his room for an hour or two, but leaving would draw attention to himself, and he didn’t want that to happen. So instead he stayed where he was, waiting for her to find something else to focus on so he could make a hasty retreat.
However it seemed fate was not on his side as Big Mama turned her attention directly on him. Her eyes moved from his unkempt posterior to the sword sticking directly into her rug and he realized his mistake far too late. He quickly stood up straight and put the sword behind his back, using his foot to cover the small hole he had made.
Big Mama tilted her head as she looked over at him, and he tried not to show any fear as she grew closer and closer.
“My precious little Sapphire,” Her voice was sing-songy, but her eyes held nothing but malic and rage, “Did you happen to see which wizzy way the two had gone?”
Leo didn’t answer, shaking his head as he looked away, “It’s not like it matters now. If he wants to leave that bad shouldn’t we let him?”
He didn’t want to admit it, not to himself or Big Mama, or especially Raph, but he knew the big guy wasn’t happy here. Leo had always thought he would be enough, but maybe he wasn’t… maybe Raph needed something else. Maybe… maybe Raph needed to be away from him after all that had happened.
Big Mama snapped him back into reality when her foot slammed on the floor with a loud thud.
“I know you’re upset my dove, but we have a fight tonight, or did you forget? The headline was for the Raging Ruby, and unfortunately he is no longer here.” She put a hand on his shoulder, her grip tightening ever so slightly as she continued.
It tightened to the point Leo winced as it tore through the fabric of his shirt, “Which means, we will need a new contender to take his place.” Big Mama said, her voice laced with venom as she continued to stare at him.
Leo gulped, understanding what she was implying as he tried to think of a reason that he could not fight in the Battle Nexus, but it was hard to think of anything that would be enough for Big Mama. He was going to have to fight in Raph’s stead wasn’t he? Did Raph leave knowing he’d put Leo in danger? Did he even care?
“I have a few candidates we can look through.”
And just like that, Big Mama released her hold on Leo and wiped off her hands with the fabric. She hadn’t managed to cut the skin on his shoulder so all Leo did was let out a small breath of relief as he nodded.
“O…of course Big Mama.”
He took one last look out the door, to the darkened city covered in lights. As he continued to look he caught a glimpse of the reflection, and saw Big Mama giving him a wide grin as she patted his other shoulder. As she beckoned him back into the actual hotel Leo's mind was split into two different thoughts. The first one was a heavy stone in his heart, telling him that now the only family he had was Big Mama, but the other one unsettled him even more.
The only other thought in his head was what Raph had asked him before he left.
Was he happy here?
He didn’t let himself dwell on it for too much longer as he turned around and followed Big Mama back into the Battle Nexus.
Splinter was thrilled he had found ways in and out of the Mystic City without the stamp. It made getting back home a lot easier, and with Raph having never taken a step out of the Nexus Arena it was all a little overwhelming for him. But with a few twists and turns the duo had made it back to the lair in record time. Raph had not muttered a word since Leo had left, and while Splinter wanted to ask him about it, he could tell it had been a rough day for the boy and wanted to give him some time to calm down.
As they entered into the small abandoned sewer tunnel, Raph looked around the small area in awe. However, he wasn’t able to take it all in as Jasmine approached the two with a wide grin.
“Splinter!” She called as she pulled him into a huge hug. He let out a small chuckle as he patted her back and gave her a quick squeeze. “Glad you got back safe!”
“As am I!” Splinter said with a grin, “Were the other two found safe and sound?”
Jasmine nodded with a sigh of relief, “Yes, yes I found them both. But I feel like you should talk to them, they have a lot of explaining to do.”
Splinter raised an eyebrow at Jasmine in confusion, but Jasmine didn’t explain anything further as she turned her attention to Raphael.
“And look at this big guy!” She said with a wide grin.
Raphael gave a confused look as he turned from Splinter back to Jasmine. Almost like he was afraid to talk to her. Splinter gave him a nod as Raph slowly played with the bandages on his arms.
“You’re Raphael right?” Jasmine asked, her voice softer as she gave him a sincere smile. “My name is Jasmine.”
She stuck her hand out for him to shake. Wordlessly he looked back to Splinter for permission. Splinter gave him a smile and a nod.
“In this household Raphael you do not follow orders. Unless they come from Jasmine.” He said, winking at Jasmine who nodded.
“That’s true, I am the boss around here.” Jasmine told him with a chuckle. “But for now let’s get you checked out, okay Hon?”
Jasmine nudged Splinter towards the room to their left, probably where Mikey and April were stationed. He nodded to her and gave Raph another pat on the shoulder. He gave him a reassuring smile, then turned and walked to the other room.
“Your arm is so strong Raph!” Jasmine’s voice carried, causing Splinter to chuckle, “I’m not going to need a step ladder for the top shelf anymore!”
Walking into the next room he saw April and Mikey were both looking over Mikey’s sketch book, Mikey on the couch while April looked over the back of it. When they saw Splinter they both stood up and Mikey put the sketchbook back on the couch. Mikey waved as they approached him.
“Welcome back, Dad!” Mikey said, grinning at him.
April gave a nervous smile as Mikey seemed more oblivious as he pulled his father into a hug. Splinter hugged him back closely, letting out a breath of relief knowing he and April were okay. He looked over at April and motioned for her to join the hug. She nodded with a chuckle as she joined the hug, Mikey immediately making room for her.
“So what were you two rebels up to?” He asked as he ruffled April’s hair.
“We uh, we went to the Mystic City.” April said quietly, pulling further from the hug as Splinter’s grip tightened on their shoulders.
“And why did you do that?” Splinter asked, pulling April back as she tried to get away.
“Because we thought it would be fun.” Mikey said nervously, now also trying to step back.
Splinter began to shake both April and Mikey back and forth as they cried in alarm.
“What were you thinking?” He cried as continued to shake the two of them. It wasn’t enough to actually hurt the kids, just enough to rattle their brains for the insane notion of going to the Mystic City WITHOUT him!
“Tha-a-a-at we-e-e-e-e coul-l-l-l-ld fin-n-n-n-d.” Mikey tried to say as he continued to wobble back and forth.
“Find what?” Splinter asked as he shook a little harder, then stopped.
April put a hand to her head as Mikey walked around in a semi circle trying to stay up right.
“Well um… we originally went in there for this little bundle of joy.” April held out her hands as a small creature jumped into them, “We’re calling him Mayhem. B..but we also actually saw um..” She turned to Mikey who turned to a specific room.
Donnie’s room.
“Someone else.”
Splinter’s eyes turned from the two to the closed curtain. He also noticed the lights under the curtain, a purple glow, seeming to turn on and off. He looked back to April and Mikey, Mikey who picked up his sketchbook and April who nodded. Splinter looked back to the room and held his breath as he made his way over. He put his hand on the side of the curtain and pulled it open.
Inside the room was much different than when he first made it. He had put everything in an orderly pile, with Donnie’s old inventions all stacked in boxes on the desk and another shelf. Now they were all thrown about the place, none broken but in a disarray, a purple glow from the invention he had on a desk in front of him. The turtle in front of him had his shell wrapped, parts of it stained dark red, hunched over his desk mumbling to himself. His poor Donatello.
Splinter cleared his throat as he approached, and the turtle straightened his posture, but didn’t turn around.
“If this is to convince me to eat I’ll take no part in it.” He said in a hiss.
“Y…you sure have grown my little turtle.” Splinter said with a sad smile, “I am glad to see you again.”
Donnie turned slowly as he looked over Splinter. He wasn’t sure how much he had changed in the past couple of years, but Donnie seemed to recognize him all the same. He turned all the way around, to fully face Splinter, even though he didn’t stand, still looking in disbelief. He had his goggles over his eyes, both lenses a tinted black and the left lens cracked, which made Splinter unsure how he was able to see anything. Donnie pulled them off of his face to show a dark black bandana he had around his forehead covering his eyes.
“You?” He asked in bewilderment, “T..the rat from before. Y… you’re the orange one’s father?”
Splinter nodded, taking a step closer to gauge his reaction. He didn’t move aggressively away, but he seemed to be eyeing him cautiously.
“Did you bring all of my things here?” He asked, looking over at the stuff on his desk, “It’s a little… unsettling to see all my failed inventions. As if you’ve been stalking me this whole time.”
Splinter looked at the tech and shrugged his shoulders, “It was not my intention to alarm you. I merely saw things that had been discarded that you had put a lot of effort into.” He picked up a small prototype of a robot. It had been damaged beyond repair when Splinter had found it, but he couldn’t bring himself to throw it away. He gave it a fond smile as he gently placed it back down.
“You had made it, and that was enough for me to keep it.”
“It serves no real purpose. It has no end game, there is no point in it existing.” Donnie said with a shake of his head, “It is worthless.”
“I find joy in looking at it. Pride in knowing you made something that looks as incredible as this.” Splinter said softly, looking over Donnie’s inventions with excitement. “Nothing you have made could ever be worthless.”
Donnie slowly closed his eyes putting a hand over them as he took a deep breath.
“And neither are you Donnie. I… I am glad you h…have found your way back to us.” Splinter said as he put a hand on Donnie’s shoulder.
Donnie slapped his hand off of Splinter’s shoulder, “My name is Daedalus. And these are all junk! Worthless unnecessary junk. The second I am able to leave, I will. And I will not be returning.”
“That’s a lot of anger, Daedalus.” Splinter said, trying not to take his words to heart. He knew just like the rest of them Donnie had been through quite a lot. To expect him to come out of this with no scars. “But when that leaves, it is nothing but a cold emptiness that will never be enough. Draxum knows that emptiness all too well.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Daedalus said with a growl, “You’re trying to reason with me, but you don’t even know me.”
“On that part… you are right.” He said with a long sigh, “I do not know near enough about any of my sons.”
He leaned down, kneeling to be eye level with the softshell in the chair. “But I do intend to get to know each of you. If you’d let me.”
Daedalus slowly looked up to meet his eyes, and Splinter saw a lot of his little boy in there, the one who would snap and hiss every time Splinter went to feed him. But he also saw a weapon Draxum was crafting. But Donnie’s/Daedalus’s future was entirely his own, and the only thing Splinter could do was give him advice. He just hoped it would be enough.