Braving it in the New World

Raphael leaned stiffly against Splinter’s bedroom doorjamb and watched his father pack a small bag. Hamato Yoshi looked good; better than the turtles had ever seen. He was strong and healthy, and his human muscles were firm and well-defined. His hair was graying slightly around his temples, but he was still in better shape than a man half his age.

Raphael still found it a bit strange to see his father as a human and not a rat. When he’d been a little boy and Splinter had hugged him, Raphael had always enjoyed the soft warmth of the rat’s fur...

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Raphael said, folding his big arms across his plastron. He didn’t want his father to go back to Japan, even if it was just for a few weeks. What if he decided not to come back?

Yoshi smiled kindly at his fiery son. He could see so much of himself in Raphael. He sat down on the edge of his bed and patted the empty space next to him. The bed sagged as Raphael sat down; he was much heavier than his father.

“I need to know what became of our family,” Splinter said. I want to see that Shen’s grave has not been neglected, and I want to see if my village still exists. When I have done these things, I will come home.” He put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I promise.”

Raphael swallowed hard and looked away. “Just don’t forget about us,” he said, gruffly.

“Raphael,” Yoshi said, firmly. “You are my son and I will never leave you for anything.” He put his arm around the turtle’s big shoulders and squeezed him, even though he knew Raphael couldn’t feel it through his shell. “Do you remember when I was dying and I told you that I had a book for you?”

“Yeah,” Raphael nodded. He didn’t want to think about that horrible day when they’d nearly lost Splinter. If Donnie hadn’t been able to think so fast... Raphael shuddered at the thought.

“It is hidden behind the bricks in the wall behind my bookshelf,” Yoshi said. “Come and take it while I am gone, but you must promise not to show it to anyone or to talk about it; it must be kept a secret, even from your brothers.”

Raphael looked at his father in surprise. Splinter had always treated them all equally. “Why?” he asked. “What’s the book about?”

Yoshi sighed and stood up to finish his packing. It had taken him a while to get used to wearing clothes again, instead of his old robes. “When you boys were small,” he said. “I did not know if I should teach you ninjitsu or not. I did not want to take your innocence from you, but I also wanted you to be able to defend yourselves because you are... different.” He zippered the bag closed and sat on the bed again. Splinter leaned forward to that his elbows were resting on his knees. He folded his hands and looked at them like he was looking at an old photograph he’d forgotten about.

“I’m glad you taught us everything, Sensei,” Raphael said. “It brings me peace and meaning.”

Splinter chuckled quietly and stood up. He motioned for Raphael to stand opposite him and he dropped into a striking position. Raphael was confused, but adopted a defensive position. Splinter’s hands shot out like lightening and Raphael tried to block them, but couldn’t. Splinter’s fingers jabbed hard into Raphael’s upper arm and suddenly the red turtle couldn’t feel his hand anymore. Splinter’s hand shot out again and he jabbed his son in the thigh. Raphael’s knee locked up in pain. Splinter spun and landed a roundhouse kick to his son’s plastron and Raphael found himself on his back, unable to move, with Splinter’s foot on his forehead, ready to break his neck.

“I did not teach you everything, my son,” he said, sadly as he kneeled down next to the stunned turtle to rub his neck. The paralysis and numbness vanished and Splinter helped Raphael to his feet. “I wrote down the evil things I knew and decided to never let you learn them. I did not want my boys to be cruel like the Foot.”