Family Meeting [Tag: Hamato Clan]

11:00 AM
One day after 'Foot Prints'

After breakfast, Splinter called his boys to the dojo. Last nights events had worried and angered him. Michelangelo came home earlier then any of the others, yet he was by himself. That meant Michelangelo was vulnerable. He could've been hurt, or worse, taken by the Shredder. Every night the same nightmare would repeat itself: His sons, on some lab table, experimented on, or put on display like some sort of animal. Time and time again their wise sensei would warned them about the people from above ground. Not everyone is like Casey or April. There are those who will take advantage of them. Now his worst fears had been realized.

When Donatello and Raphael came home late, there was no time to talk, but immediately he can sense there was something wrong. They were hiding something from him. To add salt to the wound, Leonardo didn't return home. He was going to have a long talk with that boy. He cannot remember the last time Leonardo would disobey him. He had always been dependable. Why didn't Leonardo phoned him and let him know where he is?

Splinter paced back and forth, his whiskers twitching, the sound of the cane matching in time with his pacing, lost in thought. Clearly it was shown on his face that he's completely disappointed. He called his boys over to discuss yesterday's events and he also wanted to know why Leonardo hasn't returned home. Perhaps his sons would provide an explanation.

How can anyone sit like this? Michelangelo had been kneeling against the mat for over a few minutes. Splinter had been livid with all of them ever since Donatello and Raphael came home, without Leonardo. They were certainly not pleased that he had squealed on them, but it wasn't his fault. At least he managed to save Raph that box of pizza and even spared some pasta for the rest of them to pick at.

Breakfast was quiet. Nobody said a single word. Everyone was on edge, including Mikey. For once, Mikey hasn't done anything wrong, other then squealed. It was understandable; Splinter had been worried about them all night. Right now Splinter is trying to collect his thoughts, no doubt planning the perfect punishment for all of them. He just wanted to talk to all of them in turn. But the one who is in serious trouble the most is Leo.

All of this waiting, though, is painful. Where did Leo go? Did he spend the night over with that chick, whats her name, Lexi? Why didn't Leo called? He should be here, getting chewed out with the rest of them. He understood how the guy felt. Lexi is pretty cute. Who would've thought Mr. Stoic have such a great eye?

The orange clad turtle's mind begin to wonder. It happens every time they were sitting in this position. When they were not doing anything, his mind start drifting to who knows where. Mikey felt safe inside his imagination. It is a much better distraction then the tension that reeked the room.

The walk back home to the lair was quiet. Don was expecting more of a lecture to happen between he and Raph, but it never came up. Don had enough to keep his mind occupied. Had he made the right decision on letting that killer go free? Was she really going to keep her word about sticking with other things besides people to eat. Only time would tell.

Once back at the lair, Don hurried to take care of his wound, hearing Splinter's cane strike the cement of the lair. He knew the elderly rat would still be up and wondering where his sons were. But, what Don didn't know was that Leo wasn't home yet. Don had his theories, but he kept them to himself. Hopefully by morning, his blue-clad brother would be back.

---

Ohhhh, if only it were true. Splinter drilled all of them during practice and at the breakfast table. Don couldn't believe that Leo never even checked in. That worried him more than anything. Leo was in a strange place, with humans, no less. Anything could have happened.

When Splinter asked where Leo was for the umpteenth time, Don finally reached into his belt to pull out his phone. They were going to get an answer one way or another. Don was really fidgeting nervously while he waited for Leo to pick up.

"Come on, Leo...pick up!"

As per usual when it came to this sort of thing, Raphael was late to the 'party'. The red-clad Turtle stalled for as long as possible, not looking forward to the interrogation that was about to take place. Fighting down his annoyance, the bad-boy of the group finally entered, seeing that Donnie and Mike had already taken their place on the mats. It wasn't an unusual sight, but the thing that was really off was the fact that Leonardo wasn't the first one there. Then again, this whole meeting was because of him... and Mikey.



Moving in close to Mike, Raph gave his youngest brother an 'accidental nudge' as he knelt beside him. Yeah, he was irritated that his little bro had squealed, but that was Mikey for you. He usually broke under pressure. Don was on the phone and he could only assume that he was trying to touch base with Leo...


"If he ain't dead, tell 'im I'm gonna kill 'im..." Raphael hissed in a harsh whisper...

Leonardo Hamato wrote:

When Ally spoke up he headed in the kitchen to see if he could be of help, but once he got there his phone started to ring. He knew what the call was even before he looked at the ID.

He stepped away from the others and answered the phone.

Leo here.

It seemed like an eternity before his brother finally answered his phone.  And Leo sounded so casual when he answered.  It both comforted Don that Leo was truly okay, but it also upset him that he had to take the initiative to even talk to Leo in the first place.

Wasn't Leo supposed to be the responsible one??

Don held up his hand when Raph told him he was going to kill Leo if he wasn't already dead.  "Leo, where have you been?!  Do you realize what time it is?  You didn't even let anyone know you were okay!  What were you thinking?!"

Don's frantic but relieved voice kept increasing in volume, demanding answers for where Leo has been all night.  Well, he already pretty much knew that answer, but what Leo hadn't told him was why.

Master Splinter's whiskers twitched and ears perked up as Leonardo picked up his phone, Donatello's frantic voice on the other end of the receiver. There was an edge in the sound of his purple-bandanna son's voice. Filled with the emotions of relief and anger, Splinter made a gesture to Donatello to give him the phone. He tried his best to compose himself. The old master had always been able to control his emotions during meditation. It is shown on his face that he had been worried sick.

"Donatello, do you mind if I speak with Leonardo?" He stretched out a furried hand, prompting Donatello to give him the phone, his voice strained from trying to hide his worry, although his eyes completely say it all.

Just when he was about to snore, Raphael's elbow 'accidently' made contact with his ribs. That definitely woke him up, "Hey!" Of course Raphael did that on purpose. Apparently the pizza didn't do anything to distract the hot tempered turtle from giving him the elbow. It wasn't his fault that he cracked. He always broke under pressure. He can see that his red-clad brother wasn't happy about the meeting. Well, then, he should know better then to charge at the Shredder, head first.

Much to his relief, Leo is still alive. He didn't like the look on Splinter's face. He seemed relieved, but can tell he had been worried sick about them.

Leonardo Hamato wrote:

Leo let out a deep sigh and ran his hand over the top of his head. I know I should have called but I got caught up with things. I'm fine though I spent the night at Lexi's place. I'm not going to be home for a few hours. I'm going with Laz to meet up with someone. He explained. He knew he was in trouble though, with his brothers and with his father. And honestly he was not looking forward to heading home at all.

Don just kneeled there, shaking his head. It still would have been a good idea to at least let them know what he was doing. It was shocking that Leo of all of them would be so careless and dare Don say even selfish! And then Leo said he and Laz were about to go meet...someone else. Ugh! Could he just include them in some of these things?! Even if it just was a quick explanation to what he was doing.

He was about to say something else when Splinter motioned for him to give him the phone. Instead he sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. "Alright, Leo. Glad you're okay, but...will you PLEASE tell us something in the future??"

With another huff, he handed the phone over to Splinter, curious to find out how their master would handle the situation. Maybe Don hadn't handled it that well, but he was going on raw emotion. And he still wasn't happy about the situation at all.

Splinter is a master of martial arts, and at controlling his emotions. Hours of meditation helped gain the focus he needed to control them. But now, he can sense his own sense of control slipping away. When Raphael came home, there were gashes on his arm. The cuts were familiar to him. They were definitely done by a blade. It meant...no, he is back. And what is Leonardo doing? Playing hooky with who knows whom.

Gripping the phone and with a trembling voice, "Leonardo, where are you? Why haven't you come home?" The tone is sharp and shaking. There was a strain in his voice; he was trying hard not to raise his voice.

Yeah, that 'bump' was completely intentional, and when his little brother yelped out a 'hey!', Raphael fixated his murderous glare on him. Fortunately for the young Turtle, the 'gesture' only lasted a few seconds before his attention was once again shifted toward the one-sided conversations as the phone was passed between Donnie and Splinter.


"What a fiiiine leader!" Raphael snorted, loud enough for Leo to hear on the other end. Yeah, he was beyond angry that the one his Sensei had the most faith and trust in had let them all down... over a girl. A female they hardly know. Like the rest of the family, Raph had feared that something bad had happened to his oldest brother. While it was a relief that their fears had been proven wrong, it didn't alleviate the irritation over his careless actions.


Now, they were all in the dojo, no doubt awaiting a lecture and a punishment that Raphael felt he didn't deserve. He had only acted with the best intentions at heart, but few rarely saw that. It certainly didn't help matters any that the Bad-boy had such a hard time explaining himself...

Leonardo Hamato wrote:

Splinter wrote:

Splinter is a master of martial arts, and at controlling his emotions. Hours of meditation helped gain the focus he needed to control them. But now, he can sense his own sense of control slipping away. When Raphael came home, there were gashes on his arm. The cuts were familiar to him. They were definitely done by a blade. It meant...no, he is back. And what is Leonardo doing? Playing hooky with who knows whom.

Gripping the phone and with a trembling voice, "Leonardo, where are you? Why haven't you come home?" The tone is sharp and shaking. There was a strain in his voice; he was trying hard not to raise his voice.

Great now Master Splinter was on the phone and he had to explain himself. I am with some friends. there was some trouble and I had to stay over at her home. But everything is ok now. I'll be home soon, Master I promise. There's just something I have to do first.

Hopefully there wouldn't be too many questions. Didn't they trust him by now? That he knew what he was doing? Of course he had no idea that Don had been attacked. Or that Raph was injured. All he knew was he had to hope out his human friends, help Lexi.

I'll be home soon. He repeated and hope there wasn't a damned for him to come home now.

Splinter turned around, his ears twitching at the sound of Raphael's snide voice. He gave him a warning look. Raphael was already in enough trouble as it is. If he continues acting like this he would be digging himself into a pretty deep hole.

At the word 'friends', Splinter's eyes widened and for awhile, he felt confused. The only friends they had were Miss O'Neil and Mr. Jones. Leonardo didn't had any other friends. And didn't he warned his sons time and time again for trusting humans? Yes, Mr. Jones and Miss O Neil were an exception, but not all humans were like them.

Swallowing the anger that dared rise in his throat, "We will have a discussion about your new friends later, but right now, we need you home!" The tone is stern and authoritative. It wasn't like Leonardo to act this way. Why did he disobeyed him? That ominous feeling that something is wrong with his son loomed over him. Was there something Leonardo wasn't telling him?

Mikey returned the glare. Honestly, Raph is such a hot head. He couldn't blame Leo for wanting to hang out with that hot chick. Out of all the turtles, besides himself, Leo is the one who wants to desperately fit in with the humans, even though time and time again Splinter had lectured them, but it was for their own good.

The orange clad turtle shared his brother's desire to fit in. Staying cooped up in the lair without any human contact can be nerve-wracking. It maybe satisfying for red bandanna wearing brother, but definitely not for this orange clad turtle. He wants to climb out and play video games at the arcade, hang out at the local comic shop and maybe even attend a convention or two. So who can blame Leo for going against Splinter? This is something that Raph couldn't understand. Unlike Raph, Mikey is not ashamed of who he is.

The waiting, however, is killing him.

Leonardo Hamato wrote:

Splinter wrote:

plinter turned around, his ears twitching at the sound of Raphael's snide voice. He gave him a warning look. Raphael was already in enough trouble as it is. If he continues acting like this he would be digging himself into a pretty deep hole.

At the word 'friends', Splinter's eyes widened and for awhile, he felt confused. The only friends they had were Miss O'Neil and Mr. Jones. Leonardo didn't had any other friends. And didn't he warned his sons time and time again for trusting humans? Yes, Mr. Jones and Miss O Neil were an exception, but not all humans were like them.

Swallowing the anger that dared rise in his throat, "We will have a discussion about your new friends later, but right now, we need you home!" The tone is stern and authoritative. It wasn't like Leonardo to act this way. Why did he disobeyed him? That ominous feeling that something is wrong with his son loomed over him. Was there something Leonardo wasn't telling him?

Leo knew the moment he answered the phone that they would want him to come home. But he had talked to Laz last night about Mikko and he promised to go with him to talk to her. Now his father was telling him to come home now. He was stuck. On one hand he knew he needed to listen to his father on the other hand he did make a promise.

Would he be able to leave the lair once he went back? Maybe he could touch base with his family then go back out and meet up with Laz.

Mater Splinter...There is this woman. and...I need to help her out. But...I'll come home.

He felt defeated. But it was the burden that he had to carry. He was suppose to be the leader, the responsible one. He heard Raph's comment and rolled his eyes. So what if he made new friends? shouldn't they be happy for him, maybe even want to meet his new friends? This was probably the one time in Leo's whole life he felt his father and his brothers were being unfair. But there was nothing he could do.

Woman? That caught his attention. Oh, so it was a girl that he is involved with? Is that what its all about? The wise rat would've found the situation funny if he didn't feel so worried. Leonardo seems concerned about this woman. Did he had a crush? Something tells him that they were going to have a long talk about this.

He can finally relax now.

"Come home as soon as you can." And with those final words, he handed the phone back to Donatello, and lightly chuckled to himself. The tension is muscles is slowly starting to ebb away. That doesn't mean he won't let his son off the hook. While a part of him felt misty eyed, the other half wants to lecture him about the futility of love and the tragic consequences that comes with it.

His son is really growing up.

Donatello had remained quiet and just listened to what he could from Leo and Splinter's conversation. Their sensei had really taken it better than Don thought he would. Better than he did, for sure. Don was just worried that Leo had gotten in over his head (not unlike Raph) and had no backup.

Part of his worry had to be from Raph's situation yesterday and Don had to 'clean it up'. That little part still hadn't been properly addressed, but Don knew it was coming. All he knew was he was going to keep his beak shut while Raph explained himself.

Don glanced at Raph and Mikey, seeing both of their 'storms' in their eyes. He knew why Raph was upset, but Donnie didn't think Mike did anything wrong. He was just concerned for his brothers. Don didn't blame him for telling Splinter what was up. And Don was prepared to face whatever consequences Master Splinter saw fit.

After the brief but apparently calming conversation between Leo and Splinter, Don took the phone back, seeing if his brother was still on the line. "Leo? Are you still there?"

It seems as though everything turned out okay. Splinter seems to understand that Leonardo was not under some mind control. Now he can relax a bit. The tension in the room seemed to have lifted, too, unless Raph makes another snide comment, which no doubt will be coming, knowing his brother.

Klunk, the orange tabby, sauntered inside the dojo, found a spot, and sat, watching the meeting. No doubt Klunk had sense the tension which is why she kept her distance from all of them. Cats were naturally sensitive animals. How in the world Klunk could live harmoniously with his jerk of a brother is beyond Mikey. Klunk seemed tempted to play with Splinter's tail. It was twitching moments ago and it caught her attention.

Everything seems to be okay now. Leo would come back any moment. It looks like they might have to start the meeting without him, or they will wait until he gets home. He didn't know. At least Leo is okay and is safe at Lexi's. He knew can trust her to take care of his brother.

Leonardo Hamato wrote:

Leo was happy Splinter seemed to understand, but he knew he couldn't be too late in going home so him and Laz would have to meet Mikko very soon. When Don got back on the phone he was ready for another speech.

Yeah I'm still here. I'm really sorry I didn't check in with you guys, things just got away from me. But I'm ok. and I'll be home soon.

That was enough to satisfy Don's curiosity for now. Of course, he really wanted to know more, but he could get that information once Leo got home and when they didn't have everyone in the same room. Don would do the same and tell Leo of his own 'adventure' from last night.

"Alright, Leo. See you soon. Bye."

Then he hung up and looked at the others. Don couldn't tell by Splinter's face if they all would be spilling their 'secrets' now or waiting until Leo got home. Don was figuring on the first one, because this could certainly take a while. He put his phone away and resumed his first kneeling position.

Son of a ... this was dragging on ridiculously long! Couldn't they just end this little phone convo so that whatever was about to happen could get underway? Not that Raph wasn't enjoying being on his knees.. but..he wasn't! And he certainly wasn't looking forward to the lecture that was about to happen, so it was both a blessing and a curse when the phone was finally put away, freeing up his brother, and his father for phase two of this little shindig...


The largest of the Turtles sighed deeply, trying hard to smooth down his frustration. But just knowing that his brother was out there, free from this only made things worse! This was all Leo's fault! And Donnie's...

It looked like they were going to start the meeting without Leonardo. After that phone call, Splinter decided it was time to have a heart to heart talk with his son, but it has to be between the two of them. The first thing he want to discuss is that gash.

"We will begin this meeting without Leonardo. Raphael, can you explain how you got wounded in the first place?" The voice is stern and hard. He had been looking at that wound with dread. He just hoped it didn't come from the one person that he feared is still alive. The person who stolen his daughter and murdered his wife.

Any second now, he will have his answer. He might as well prepare himself for the shock. Gathering his composure, he waited for Raphael's answer.

Of course Raphael was the first to be place in the hot seat! Sure, the Hot-head was angry but he tried to avert his father's gaze, knowing he was disappointed, and for good reason. The wound meant failure. It signified that he had went up against a force that he was not yet ready for. Though, Raphael often felt invincible and unbreakable.. factors that would some day land him in deep trouble.


The question caused the wound to sting, as if it demanded to bring even more attention to itself. Raph was silent for a moment, knowing that his father wouldn't like the answer. Raphael himself wasn't 100% sure who he had gone up against, but all the signs pointed to one person....


"I think...it was Oroku Saki..." The dejected son told him, finally looking up to meet the aged rat's gaze. Man, how he hated speaking that name, knowing how it pained him. But he was almost certain the man behind the mask was the one responsible for his father's torment. "He was wearin' a bunch of metal with clawed gauntlets. He's leadin' the Foot..."

Time stopped. Those words were the last thing he wanted to hear. Time seem to go backwards. On that day he came home, the first thing he saw is the bloodied, lifeless body of Tang Shen...hovering over the body menacingly is her killer, a man covered head to toe in metal, clawed gauntlets gleaming, hands soaked in Tang Shen's blood. The sound of his infant daughter crying in the next room. His eyes turned on him. The moment they locked eyes on each other, the young man knew right away what it could mean...death.

It is the year 2014. That young man had survived the attack. No longer young or human. The age reflected on his furry features. The aged master had always dreaded this moment, but he knew sooner or later that he will confront the man whom the city dared called a 'philanthropist'. A self described humanitarian despite he slaughtered hundreds, thousands, with little or no remorse. Yet the city treat him as though he were some sort of saint. It disgusted him.

There is a reason why the aged master trained his sons. As they grew older with each passing day, he knew that someday they were going to face their ultimate enemy. He hoped his training would've been enough, yet they were overwhelmed by the Shredder's invincibility. And to his horror Raphael went alone. The Shredder managed to nick him. The next time, though, it would be more then just a mere flesh wound.

Splinter placed a shaking hand on his shoulder, reassuring his son that no harm was done. It was, after all, his fault. "Don't blame yourself, Raphael. If there is anyone to blame is myself. You were not prepared to face the Shredder. It was foolish of you to challenge him by yourself. You should've waited for your brothers." His tone was scolding, but at the same it was scared. He didn't want to loose his son.

Raphael could almost hear the wheels in his Sensei's mind going in reverse, taking him to a time that had yet to be touched by the existence of his brothers and himself. A time that still knew Hamato Yoshi as a man. A father. A husband. The red-clad turtle felt guilty for being the one responsible for sending his father's thoughts back to that dreadful night, but that was the never ending tragedy about painful pasts, they always had a way of revisiting you.


It seemed that their father thought that he wasn't ready, but Raphael had thought he had done a pretty decent job back at that building. Still, the fact that he had sustained such a wound was indication that he wasn't where he needed to be training wise, or physically speaking....


"I... the Foot were killin' innocent people, Sensei.. I had to do somethin'...and  then Saki made his appearance..." And there was no way in shell Raphael would back down from a challenge! "Leo showed up towards the end, but I already had 'im on the ropes.." Okay, so maybe the red-clad reptile was a little too confident, but there was no denying that out of all of them, he was most blessed with strength and determination...

Splinter sighed and shook his head. His son, Raphael, had always been the most brash and impulsive. How many times had he disciplined his son for rushing in, head first? Time and time again, the wise rodent had lectured him about the consequences his actions has on the team. It was luck that Raphael escaped with a mere scratch. The next time they would face Shredder it would be with a blade to his back.

Splinter raised his cane and whacked the top of his head, "You think that I don't know that? You are strong, Raphael, but you are foolish. You are always reacting when you should be thinking. Your actions could've gotten you killed. It is a miracle that Leonardo was able to get you out of there. Next time you won't be so lucky. I taught you better then this. Strength doesn't always win in battle, how many times do I have to tell you?"

The baby-faced turtle couldn't believe what he was hearing. Oroku Saki, the CEO, the same guy who prided himself as a philanthropist and ruthless businessman, the self proclaimed 'nice guy', is actually the Shredder? Of course, he should've known. The way Splinter's face twisted in disgust every time his face would show itself on television. From the look of it, Saki seems like he hasn't aged. He looks as though he is still in his prime. Shouldn't he be pushing 40 or something? The guy looked as though he was still in his 20s. How are they supposed to beat that?

Mikey turned to his sensei. "Master Splinter?" The voice sounded timid, small. For a second, Master Splinter looked as though he would pass out. Mikey stretched a little, getting ready to catch him in case if he fell, but as soon as he saw Splinter gripped tightly onto his cane, he breathed a sigh of relief. No doubt Oroku Saki's name brought back terrible, traumatic memories. Shredder is the reason why they were trained in martial arts and after what happened to Raphael, he wasn't sure they were ready, either.

Splinter heard Mikey's timid whisper and nodded his head, assuring him everything is alright. No harm done. He still wasn't done lecturing Raphael, though. Heh. He deserved it, the hot head.

Raphael was not expecting the whack upside his head. Everything had seemed fine, and then...'smack!' The large Turtle winced and rubbed the aching spot where the cane had collided with his skull, trying his best to sooth the throbbing there. "What was that for?!" Because couldn't a lecture be enough? Man, how he hated that cane!


Then to add insult to injury, his father went on about how he was lucky Leo had pulled him out! Was he for real? Why did everything have to be about Leo! Leo, Leo, Leo!! "He didn't pull me out, Master Splinter...he...jus' showed up.." Okay, so maybe it was Leo's voice of reason that ultimately got them out of there, but it wasn't some heroics!

Don remained there silent but listened as his father questioned Raph about his encounter with the Shredder. Don was still upset that Raph hadn't called for backup. Things could have been so much worse than a mere scratch like the one he treated.

Don also noticed how Splinter looked after Raph told his story. It was a reasonable reaction. The man Raph encountered and the elderly rat were bitter enemies in the past. And apparently, they still were if Raph fought against the deadly ninja master just yesterday.

The turtle in purple kept glancing at the room to see how the rest of his family was reacting to the news. Unfortunately, there was only Michelangelo there besides himself. He really wished Leo was there right now. Don was sure he could shed some light on the subject.