Chapter 5 Part 2

Chapter 5 Part 2

Leo and April just sat there.

In the pounding silence of the post school hours in Eastman High.

‘Their back. Somehow they did it again.’

Leo could only think, could only live in those long hours of having to hear his brothers screaming. He screamed too. The sharp zaps of the electrocuting cuffs that pinned him onto the awful machine meant to only cause pain and suffering suddenly became more and more reminiscent. He had always hated that feeling. Being held like that. Against your will. When the people in him and his brother’s favorite tv shows got captured or a criminal was arrested, he couldn’t help but feel the phantom pain that his thoughts created. None of that prepared Leo for the tight cuffs that made his hands go numb and so pale that they almost turned white.

She knew. That horrible old witch knew what pained she caused them. With her polished yellow suit and her horrifying eyes that looked like they could cut through men ten times easier than Leo’s katana. She had the power to control what they went through and instead of using it for good she made sure that night was a night none of the brothers would soon forget. And what was even worse, she could do all over again. TCRI had Mikey. And he was alone. That jar that made the ceiling look like it touched the sky was way too much for Mikey to live the rest of his life filling let alone with his brothers combined.

He needed to tell Raph and Donnie. Leo had to at least let them know. Even if they couldn’t help him, Leo had tell someone in is family. This was something he could never tell his dad. He was absolutely furious when he freed the turtle brothers from that building. And they’re pretty sure it was over them disobeying him. Mostly. Leo watched that katana blade as it sliced through the guards, causing blood to stain the blades.

“I have to go.”

Leo swiftly slung his backpack onto his shoulder and dashed to the door. Every second counts. April could barely stop him before he went too far.

“Wait!”

Leo paused and turned around. April was grabbing his arm. His look of determination and shear desperation made April realize he needed to do this. And his brothers needed the help. Her gaze softened as she moved to his hand loosening her grip.

“Tell your brothers I said Hi. A-And sorry for this whole situation.”

Leo calmed at her voice and put on his best performance as gentle strong leader/big brother. He couldn’t be scared. He wouldn’t. “Thanks.” He said calmly.

Then he dashed through the door and out of Aprils sight. She stood there at the door before starting her new research project on TCRI.

Moments later her news apps all seemed to ping at the same time.

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When Leo made it to the entrance of the lair, he needed a quick second before embracing the chaos or rather lack there of in his home. ‘Just focus on helping them and finding Mikey before dad asks anything. At all.’

They loved their dad and he loved them but sometimes missions were better done when the turtles kept it to themselves. Especially if it was dangerous and involved them.

He stepped into the cool damp sewer room. Everything was exactly the way he left it. The living room empty. After the mutants were excepted into the world, all of their cousins had moved out and started their lives. They still visited but now they just had a chance to explore the world. And if the turtles knew anything it was the urge to finally see the world after being shunned by the race that ruled it; Humans.

The curtain to the boys room shut and for once not trying to hide their activity in attempts of creating a private area. And his dad was luckily in the kitchen. Not around to notice his return or ask any questions. Leo summoned all of his ninja stealth and reflexes as he quickly made his way to his room. Find his brothers, fill them in on the plan, figure out how to save Mikey.

He was almost there before he heard the soothing voice. “Going somewhere?”

And there he was behind the blue turtle. The father behind their upbringing. Leo stood completely still as he tried to cover his nerves as best as physically possible.

“Hiiiii Dad. What’s up?” Leo said in the most awkward and guilty voice he had unintentionally backed his words up with.

‘What. Was. THAT!?’

Splinter slowly walked over to his son, staring straight into his soul. Toe to toe. Leo was about a foot taller but that didn’t come into play under the amount of stress he felt.

‘Shit shit shit shit SHIT! I am so dead.’

Leo nearly flinched as his dad raised his hand. But instead of turning into an accusatory point, it cupped Leo’s cheek. Leo opened his eyes. When had he closed them? His father looked at him in complete sympathy and compassion. He sighed before looking back at his son.

“It’s hard. Isn’t it.” Splinter continued that look that screamed Open up. I’m here and I know you’re not ok. Tears formed in Leo’s eyes. Hadn’t he done enough crying for one lifetime? He slowly leaned deeper into his father’s hand clutching it with his own ensuring that the soft touch of the rat fur coated hand didn’t leave him.

“I’m so sorry you are going through this. None of you should be. But I need you to be a bit strong.” Splinters free hand was holding Leo’s other one now. “Raph is not listening to me. And you’re the only other person he might listen. He respects you.”

‘He what? Raph does what? He listens to me more than you?’

“N-no no it’s not your fault.” Leo could only whisper this out. Tears slid down more rapidly now.

“I know and it’s not yours either my son.”

Leo looked up into his dad’s eyes. He was practically beaming. How did he know Leo was thinking about that? How did his dad know that in the back of his mind Leo felt responsible for it? He didn’t even say anything like that. But for some reason that was some of the best news Leo had heard in what felt like forever. For once happy tears rolled down and graced Leo’s face. He felt so much better in the comfort and sincerity of those weirds. He weakly let out a small hiccup and a laugh of relief as he finally felt that weight being lifted of his chest.

“Thanks dad.” Leo rubbed his eyes as he nestled against his dad’s hand. He felt so safe. All of his brothers had a special connection to their dad in their own way. But Leo and Mikey had always been the most open. They had the most obvious signs. Listening to their dad and being the most openly worried as well as being the oldest and youngest. According to Donnie( who relied this info solely on physiological websites and studies online) the oldest children have always been the most trusted and the youngest were the most babied. But that didn’t matter all they knew was caring about the first person to love the turtle boys for who they were. Unconditionally.

“Just don’t forget that no matter what hurts you or our family.” Splinter moved his hands so that they were both holding his sons. “Because it is not. But the fact that you take your role as leader this seriously is admirable. And I am very proud.”

They stood there like that for a few moments in the bliss of their happiness. That was until Leo remembered why he had come back.

“Well I . . . I guess better check on Raph and D.” Leo rubbed his neck as he turned to the doorway of the brothers room.

“Yes yes. Just tell April I said hello.”

Leo whipped his head around only to see his father stroll back to the kitchen. His confusion shown on his face as his father only waved his tail teasingly behind him. Leo rolled his eyes as he let out a slight chuckle. He stepped into the four room as he gently pulled the curtain shut in an attempt of absolute privacy.

“What are you doing?”

Sorry for the long wait but as you could see from my last few posts I had a bit of difficulty with the last part. Cowabunga turtle fans!

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