The whole palace had been cleaned, the banquet prepared and one of their finer living quarter cleared in preparation for the arrival of the council's representative.
Around midday he arrived and requested to be taken straight to Oroku Saki to make his own introduction instead of being announced by one of the servants.
Saki and Karai were in his throne room, having already been alerted of his arrival.
Neither of them had expected the representative to be a mutant, but if they were surprised then they hid it well.
The turtle was dressed mostly in black, wearing wrappings up his arms and legs to cover most of his light green skin. The twin katana strapped to his back, as well as the two shorter swords that were sheathed at the hip were plainly visible, displaying that he was more than just a lower status member, which was uncommon but not unheard of for a mutant.
He introduced himself as Leonardo.
He paused as he entered the throne room, his eyes roving over the lavage display that had been set up for him. in front of him a large silk red carpet had been laid out and led towards the thrones that sat in the middle of the room. flanked on either side of the rug were rows of servants, warriors and slaves all of them with their heads bowed so low that he couldn't see their faces. Despite this he could feel their eyes watching his every move.
Moving down the carpet leo bowed slightly at Lord Saki as he came to a stop in front of the throne. Scanning the people in front of him Leo's eyes roved over Oroku saki, his daughter and......Leo raised an eyeridge as he found a small turtle centered and standing behind them.
Taking a small breath. "Greeting Lord Saki. I hope the day finds you well."
"As well as could be expected. Leonardo." The lord stated as he studied the representative silently, taking note of his appearance, his weapons, the way he stood as though constantly alert.
Saki knew his reputation preceded him. His clan accepted nothing but the best and he ruled with a firm and strict set of rules that were sometimes seen as too harsh. He would not be surprised if he found the council had sent this mutant to test his humility.
Mikey's eyes widened as he dared to look up from where his head was bowed respectfully low. He hadn't expected to see another turtle like himself.
Since being taken from his village and family as a child he'd only ever seen one other mutant turtle like him, and he held a much higher position in the clan and never had much need to be anywhere around him.
"Do you have a message for me? Or should my daughter take you to your quarters so you may rest from your long journey. "
Karai's eyes flicked to her father, he hadn't mentioned before that he wanted her to the one to show him around and make a good impression on him, though she wasn't surprised.
Sighing softly Karai nodded and stood up. "Of course father. Master leonardo if you follow me. Sl-Michelangelo follow."
Jumping slightly at the use of his full name mikey moved, falling several steps behind karai as she moved to join their guest, Before leading him from the great hall and into a corridor.
Remaining several steps behind karai and their guest mikey felt a slightly twinge of pain with Each step he took. Last night's 'experiments' must have been rougher than he'd thought. Keeping his head bowed Mikey frowned slightly at the sound of karai's voice.
She was being polite, lightly chatting with the turtle swordsman as they slowly moved through the corridor before pausing as they came to an intersection.
"I do apologize master leonardo but I have an appointment I simply cannot miss. My sl......I mean.....servant will show you the rest of the way."
As she spoke karai smiled at leo while at the same time touching his shoulder in a manner that was friendly but at the same time slightly flirtatious.
A moment later she moved, turning away for leonardo before moving up another corridor and vanishing from sight.
Leonardo watched her leaving, following her with her eyes before turning back to the smaller turtle, who clearly seemed uncomfortable, obviously trained for following orders and not taking on responsibilities.
"Michelangelo, did she call you?" When Mikey nodded he smiled slightly. The whole time he had been talking to Karai he had been friendly but firm, he wasn't here to make friends, he was here for business after all.
"Show me to my quarters then, I'd rather get more comfortable before this feast they are laying out tonight."
Mikey shifted nervously. "I.it's down this corridor and to the left, in the west wing." When Leonardo just lifted an eyeridge and gestured for him to lead the way, he hesitated.
As a slave he was trained to always walk behind everyone of higher status, keeping out of the way and out of sight whenever possible if he wasn't needed.
When the smaller turtle didn't move Leonardo felt a slight pang of annoyance flashed through him. He'd been traveling for several hours, he wanted to sit down and relax a bit.
His eyes scanned the smaller turtle trying to find out why he wasn't doing as he'd been asked. The smaller turtle wore a simple light green tunic with brown pants. Both sets of garments were cheap but not obviously so. He wore no jewellery or ornamentation except.....
Leo's eyes widened as his eyes found the thick metal collar around the turtle's neck. At first he'd assumed Michelangelo was a servant but now it made sense. Even though they had stopped themselves from using the word, this turtle was a slave.
Slavery was a very taboo subject, it was legal but the line between legal and illegal slavery was very fine and often blurred. This was something he would definitely have to explore while here, it would be something that would affect his final report back to the council greatly.
Mentally kicking himself Leo spoke again, this time in a softer less demanding and authoritative tone. "Michelangelo would you please guide me to my room? I do not know the way."
For a moment Mikey hesitated again. Even if the bigger turtle was speaking softer now he wasn't sure what to do. He'd been given an order by karai. And failing to follow that order would result in some very nasty and painful punishments. But on the other hand so could violating the protocols he had drilled into his head over the years.
Biting his lip mikey made up his mind.
"O.of course. S.sorry Master." Mikey tried to keep the shaking out of his voice but he was too nervous, bowing respectively low. He took a shaky breath before stepping forwards, slowly making his way down the corridor, staying only slightly in front of the swordsman, eyes constantly flicking to make sure he wasn't displeased with him. He didn't dare speak again unless directly spoken to.
As they moved down the corridor Leo watched his guide. The fear and nerves coming off him was obvious from the way he moved and the way his eyes kept jerking to look back at him.
But there was more it, a small limp in his gate told him that the smaller turtle had been injured lately.
In the back of his mind Leo wondered what had happened to him. Had he committed some transgression against those he served? Had he attempted to escape and been beaten as a result? Or had he been injuried in the course of his duties.
"H-here.....we are."
Arriving at the entrance the slave took a few steps back, to once again stand behind Leonardo and bow deeply, keeping his head down as he waited for his next instructions.
So far the mutant swordsman hadn't spoken to him more than he needed, but Mikey could feel his eyes on him, Leonardo seemed to be studying him and it put him even more on edge.
"I.is there something else you n.needed, Master?"
Leo considered the offer, curious about this slave and how he was treated, but he could feel that the smaller was probably too nervous of him right now to speak for any length of time.
Smiling pleasantly Leo spoke. "Would you inform lord saki that I will relax for a few hours?"
The smaller turtle nodded and bowed. "Of course Master."
Frowning at that, Leo shook his head. "Not master, just Leo."
He watched closely, noting the way the turtles eyes widened slightly while his stance shifted nervously. "I.....I......i'm sorry ma-sir."
Again Leonardo frowned. Sir was better than master but....not by much.
Once he was sure that he was being dismissed Mikey backed up, not turning his back to the other turtle until he was a few feet away. When he did turn to leave he moved a little too quickly, wincing at the pain it caused in his lower regions before heading back toward the Shredder's throne room to pass on Leonardo's message.
He watched as the smaller turtle backed up and bowed deeply before moving back down the corridor and towards the throne room, leaving him alone in the room.
Sighing deeply Leo scanned the room he was in, noting that it was lavishly decoration with a large bed, chest of drawer, a floor to ceiling mirror and a stand for his weapons and armor. Off to one side of the room a doorway led to a private bath that was easily as large as the room he was in now.
Moving towards the bed Leo reached up and began to pull of his armor, setting it on the bed along with his sword and travel pack. It felt good to remove the extra weight, he'd been carrying it for almost 12 hours.
Stretching his tense muscles he groaned softly before moving towards the bathroom. Stepping through the door he once again found the room to be lavishly decorated. Two large soaking pools one filled with naturally heated water while the other appeared to be filled with water that was room temperature; filled most of the room. Immediately to his right was a small closet for him to put his clothes or other bathing supplies.
Moving towards the warmer pool he dipped his toe into the water, smiling as he found it was of pleasant temperature.
Slowly he sank into the water, allowing himself to sink up to his neck in the softly steaming water.
While the warm water soothed his muscles he allowed his mind to wander to his mission.
Oroku Saki had appealed to join the council of elders, a title that many ask but few are ever granted.
His kingdom was one of the largest and more successful than many of the applicants that had been discussed over the years. But there was talk and speculations about how it gained that rank by force and cruel means, very rarely had rumours held any power over the council, but they had enough doubts to send Leo to find the truth of whether this man was a tyrant.
With a deep sigh he began his bathing routine, finding many different kinds of lotions and soaps displayed out for him use.
The fact that Saki supported slavery alone would sway a few of the members against him.
In truth Leo found the idea and practice of slavery revolting. The idea of removing a person's rights and treating them like property was horrible. But at the same time he had been taught to respect other cultures even if he didn't agree with their beliefs.
In the back of his mind Leo made a note to try and speak with Michelangelo. Master splinter had always said the greatest mark of a man is how he treats those who serve him, and not how he treats his equals.
For a moment Leo allowed his mind to focus on the young mutant turtle. He was young, couldn't be over 19 or 20 years of age. He was thin, thinner than was normal for their kind. But it was the way Michelangelo had acted that interested him the most.
Obviously he'd been told there was a certain way he was expected to act. But Michelangelo had seemed almost afraid of him. As though he'd expected to be struck at any moment for some transgression.
Despite himself leo felt his heart clench slightly. He was a warrior. He'd fought and killed people, but that didn't mean he liked the sight of people being afraid of him
He knew that he would have to keep an eye on how Saki and his daughter treated their slave.
Michelangelo had tried to hide his limp but it must have been hurting, judging by the way he was walking he seemed to be at least somewhat used to it. But it was no long standing injury, the brief look of pain he had seen told Leo that the pain was fresh and gained recently. He'd suffered and seen enough injuries from battle to be able to tell the difference.
The feast tonight should give him more insight. Letting him see how the Slaves and servants were treated and if others acted as scared as Michelangelo. He would do his best to appear non-threatening towards them.
xXxXxXx
The feast was like the rest of the palace, lavish and opulent. All around him Leo watched as warriors, nobles and others of importance eat and talked; while servants and slaves moved about bringing food or drink whenever it was called for.
Leo had forgone most of his armour and weapons, not wanting to give off the impression that he distrusted the Lord, or that he was trying to appear hostile.
Instead he wore a short black silken kamishimo, his legs showing the dark wrappings he always wore around his limbs since as a mutant he had no need of shoes. The only weapons he visibly wore were his favoured chisa sword and tanto, strapped in their sheaths at his hip.
Keeping his eyes open he quickly found the slave he'd met earlier. The small turtle seemed to be primarily owned by Lord Saki's daughter Karai. Throughout the meal Michelangelo stood several steps behind karai, only moving forward when he was called, otherwise remaining almost perfectly still.
He watched them closely. Noting how several time Karai paused while summoning him. It was rather obvious she was behaving out of character. No doubt she normally ordered him around with little regard for his feelings. Michelangelo on the other hand seemed to be very uncomfortable with all the people around, his eyes often jerking around nervously. A few times as a tray of food was carried in front of him Leo would see that the slave would lick his lips for a moment.
Suddenly Leo felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up he found himself looking at a new turtle.
"So. You must be this famous swordsman I've heard so much about." The other turtles voice was gruff, clearly holding some importance and a complete contrast to Michelangelo timid nature.
He had a dark emerald colour to his skin, which was littered with battle scars, the worse of which was a long and jagged scar that ran down over his left eye.
"I gotta say, Hun forget to mention the fact you were a mutant turtle." The emerald warrior smirked, his yellow green eyes sparked with curiosity, clearly impressed by what he'd apparently been told about Leo.
"Raphael in one of the commanders in charge of our army. He trains our troops and works with a small team on battle strategies." Karai explained. He was loud and crude but got the job done, having a friendly rivalry with Karai when they trained together. The only time she had seen him put into place and behave was for her father, who she noticed him looking at from the corner of his eye, making sure he wasn't overstepping his mark.
Leo smiled and nodded politely. "I must say that I'm glad to see Lord Saki has mutants on the payroll, and not just as slaves." Leo's voice was light and almost joking, carefully watching for their reactions.
There were quite a few mutants around the table and wondered how many of them were for show, no doubt influenced by the fact that he was not human himself.
Raphael's eyes narrowed slightly at the swordsman's remark. "Lord saki employees those who have uses to him."
Leo nodded. "So you help manage lord saki's armies?"
Raph nodded a wide grin covering his face. "Yeah. Its tough but it's an honor. Plus it gives me a chance to practice my fighting."
Leo chuckled. "Yes...fighting people who take orders from you....thats practice."
Again raph frowned, a slight spark of anger bubbling up in his stomach. "Maybe you and I should fight."
Leo looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Perhaps. I'm sure we'll have a chance to do so before I have to leave."
Raph opened his mouth to respond but was cut off as someone called to him. Watching as raph moved away Leo's eyes flickered towards Michelangelo, curious how the small turtle had reacted to the larger turtles presence.
The little slave was watching the other turtle closely. Even though he was nervous he seemed curious as well, enough that Leonardo guessed that they knew each other but not very well at all. The warrior had barely spared Michelangelo a glance, and when he had it had been brief.
Karai was watching Leo very carefully, seeing how he kept looking at her slave. She looked back at Michelangelo, and almost immediately he looked down at the floor, shifting awkwardly with the same wince that Leo had noticed before.
"Master Leonardo, has Michelangelo done something to offend you? You keep looking at him."
"No. In fact he was very polite." Leo didn't want to get him in trouble, so he pulled his eyes away to focus on Karai instead.
"In fact I'm curious as to how you acquired him. As you may know, the council has no slaves of their own." He couldn't completely hide the bite from his voice, but he tried to stay civil and polite, giving them an opportunity to explain to him and convince him that Michelangelo was obtained legally.
Shredder nodded. "I have heard that yes. Although I do not understand why they choose to live so, it is their choice to make."
A Thoughtful look spread across saki's face. "As for how I acquired him. He was originally a gift for karai when she was a child. Sadly running my kingdom means I have precious little time to spend with my family. I purchased Michelangelo so that he might play with her when I could not."
Despite his attempts to remain calm leo felt his grip on his water glass tighten slightly. The way saki was talking....you'd think the smaller turtle was a dog or a teddy bear. If Saki noticed his reaction he ignored it, continue to speak. "If you wish I can have Michelangelo temporarily assigned to you. If karai doesn't mind of course. From what I hear she's still very attached to him."
Karai's eyes narrowed slightly, knowing as well as her father that Leonardo wouldn't approve of how Michelangelo was treated if he found out. But "I could have him sent to your room in the morning." She'd trusted her father knew what he was doing.
Leo nodded, once again turning to address Mikey directly. "Would you object to serving me instead of Karai?" His voice softened, not wanting to scare the poor turtle anymore.
Michelangelo took a sharp breath, his eyes darting first to Saki and then to Karai, clearly uncomfortable to speak for himself.
He wanted to say yes. Leo seemed kind, but the smaller had always belonged to Karai, learned how he was meant to act and come to expect certain punishments for acting out of turn.
When no one spoke, apparently waiting for his answer, he bit his lip, trying to work out what to say. He decided to play it safe, scared of saying the wrong thing.
"N.No sir. I.if that's what my Mistress wishes." He hoped he'd said the right thing, casting his eyes to the floor once more.
Saki felt a small amount of anger flare at his slave's response. He never permitted slaves to address their superiors as anything other than Master. How dare this slave forget protocol with such an important guest.
Keeping his anger under control Saki spoke. "It's settled then. I shall have him sent to you tonight, once i'm done....educating him on his position."
At the word 'educating' Mikey felt his blood run cold. He knew that word, it meant he'd angered his master. It meant....he was in A LOT of trouble.
But he did his best to remain calm, bowing to the other turtle. "I-i...look forward to it....sir."
Again Saki felt his anger grow. Everything had to be perfect. He had to show the council his strength and the strength of those who followed him, and this slave was making him look bad.
Leo raised an eye ridge, at Saki's wording, feeling the tension suddenly in the air.
Karai had a slight smirk in her smile, knowing that Mikey would be punished for his misconduct. Though she wondered what had brought it along. Her slave knew very well how to address his superiors, apparently he had forgotton his place around his own kind.
Said slave didn't dare move or speak anymore then necessary, knowing that Saki's punishments were always worse than Karai's and not wanting to add to his anger.
"I can escort you back to your room tonight if you wish." Karai added, a slightly flirtatious edge to her voice. "My room is right down the hall after all."
Leo shifted, looking at karai for a moment before nodding slowly. He’d not missed the tone in karais voice, and no doubt she would try to seduce him once they were alone. But perhaps while he was ducking her advances he could subtly question her about her father's kingdom.
The rest of the party happened without disturbance. Entertainers came and went, some singing others dancing or performing acrobatics for their amusement. In truth Leo paid little attention to them; instead focusing his attention on the others at the table. The human nobility obviously knew each other, probably having met several times before. But when it came time for them to interact with the mutants at the table their facade dropped slightly. Their wording became different, less formal and polite and a little more rude.
The mutants on the other hand seemed uncomfortable. As though they were expecting to be yelled at, at any moment. In addition Leo noted many of their clothes didn't seem to fit them; the fancy silks and cottons sitting a little too big and loose on their bodies. A sign that saki had probably called them here and then made them wear these finer outfits.
It was not the first kingdom he had visited that favoured humans. Human run settlements often looked down on mutants, with only a few raising enough to be even remotely seen as equals.
The council of elders was made up of many different nations and customs; human, mutants and other races. Apart from a few very outspoken members that firmly argued their customs, no single person was treated differently based on their race.
Leonardo saw through the obvious charade that Lord Saki presented to him to make his kingdom seem more diverse. No doubt had Leo been human the evening would have proceeded very differently. The council had made a wise decision by sending him and not one of their human members.
As the night drew closer he could feel the way other people were studying him, sure that some had assumed he was a servant of the council and not a member himself.
The party was starting to die down now. Guests were starting to move, standing and milling around the great room while others stepped out onto the large adjacent patio to enjoy the fresh evening air.
Leo watched as Saki moved, standing up and stretching before addressing his guests.
“Lords, ladies, I hope none of you think me rude. But I have been awake for quite some time planning this party and the fatigue has started to catch up with me. I bid you all a fair night. And just know that we have room available should any of you had to much to drink."
A moment later saki bowed before he moved, passing by michelangelo who quickly followed the Lord out of the great room. In the back of his mind Leo wanted to follow them, curious as to what Saki wanted with the small turtle. But he resisted the urge. It was not his place to say how saki treated his.....property. And so he remained silent, watching as Saki and Michelangelo vanished from the room.
Oehh Leo is definitely getting suspicious. But poor Mikey. He tried to do what he thought was right and now Saki is so mad at him. Looking forwards to the next chapters
Oehh Leo is definitely getting suspicious. But poor Mikey. He tried to do what he thought was right
