All that new information kept rolling in his head, so much that at times he thought of losing his mind. Raphael was walking in this long and empty hallway in the silence of the night. Since sleep refused to come to him after hours of tossing and turning he got up and went for a walk. He felt nervous of leaving sleeping Leonardo alone but at the same time Raph didn’t want to keep staying in the room since his uneasiness most surely, sooner or later, would had woke young turtle up.
Raphael’s senses suddenly started to swing red flag in his head when big black figure appeared in his sight. Someone was walking towards him. Raph wanted to stop but against this urge he kept walking. Soon figure started to have sharped shade, black shadows fading, revealing green scales. A crocodile? Raphael knew there were some of them at the area but he never hadn’t heard them to be living in the palace. Apparently this one was however.
When both males came more closer to each other, their eyes locked. Shivers instantly went through his whole body as Raphael stared into those weird wild eyes. When they finally passed each other Raphael shivered slightly, turning to look after this scarred reptile over his shoulder. He did this carefully just in case if the croc would turn to look at him in return. Luckily he didn’t.
Something about him sent Raphael off. If he ever would come to meet him again Raphael would be more on his toes and ready for everything. Suddenly Raphael gasped out loud. This crocodile had come from the direction of Leo’s room! Oh shit! Starting to run Raphael was filling with fear, regretting for leaving Leonardo alone. Why the hell it felt his door was too far!? Finally reaching the door Raphael swung it open, rushing in. He found Leonardo laying on the bed but he couldn’t tell was he breathing or not. Rushing with silent steps next to small turtle Raphael sighed in relief when he heard and saw Leo breathing. While Raphael still had his own bed in the room, spending most nights sleeping on it, for the rest of this night he decided to spend right next to Leo on his bed. Holding smaller male tight but gently in his arms earned Raphael silent churring from sleeping turtle.
**
Raphael was restless and with each passing day he became more and more restless. Leonardo knew why. He himself would had been nervous as heck as well if he would be in Raphael’s shoes. On top of that the weight of worrying about that new crocodile was, most surely, weighting Raphael’s mind and shoulders as well. Leonardo couldn’t blame him. Earlier in few nights he woke up many times, finding Raphael awake sitting somewhere in the room and staring at the door. Like he was waiting an ambush. Many times Leonardo had ordered big turtle back to bed to get some sleep but he was so damn stubborn! Those dark circles and bloodshot eyes were more than enough for everyone to see Raph hadn’t slept enough.
Watching Michelangelo coming towards him in old small library room Leonardo stopped reading.
“How it went?” He felt slightly annoyed when his little brother didn’t answer right away. Taking his time Mikey sat down and stretched, finally leaning backward with a smile.
“No problem! I managed to convince him I would be on you like a hawk, my eyes glued on you.”
Small smile rose on Leo’s lips as he smirked lowering his gaze back on the text. “And you are going to do exactly that?”
“Of course! I promised it, Leo!” Leaning forward their blue eyes met. “Besides I don’t want to piss that guy off! He would eat me as a snack… But you would like that, wouldn’t you?”
Leonardo laughed. “As tempting as that sounds; No. I wouldn’t like that. You’ve been the only one who’s been nice to me ever since I got here.” Placing his hand on Mikey’s Leo gave his little brother most sincere smile. “I own you a lot, Michelangelo.”
“All what you own me is some new snacks from Council’s land.”
“Deal.” Brothers shared soft silent laugh chatting some more while searching any new information about albino turtles but sadly there wasn’t much information. It really had started to seem like their history was wiped out… Just like them too.
After waking from his hours long nap Raphael first rushed in the library to find Leo, make sure he was okay. Young prince was in company of his brother which made Raphael sigh and smile. Michelangelo had kept his words and therefor Raphael rewarded him with big bone-crushing hug.
Waiting to get Raphael’s attention Leonardo finally ordered big turtle to go pack their bags ready. They would be leaving within an hour. It would took them about 15 minutes to walk to railway station and from there about 24 hours to reach Council’s land. Raphael’s hesitation made Mikey assure big turtle to go do his job since Mikey would stay behind, keeping his eyes on the royalty. Feeling a bit uneasy still Raphael agreed and followed his new orders.
In Leo’s room Raphael rushed packing whatever he thought to be necessary for both of them. Some new clothes, small weapons just in case, any papers what Leonardo had managed to find about albino turtles and Raphael’s identity. What else they needed was some food and water – which he went to get from the kitchen. Just to be safe Raphael tasted one of each fruits and breads before packing them. He didn’t want them to be poisoned while handing them to Leo. Water he also tested and it came clean too. Now that packing was done all he needed was Leonardo who was waiting him at the entrance of the palace. Rushing there Raphael also noticed that Splinter, Donatello and Michelangelo were there.
Taking his place right next to royal turtle Raphael stood silently as Splinter said something to Leonardo. That rat was clearly faking his good travel wishes. Don, in the other, didn’t fake anything. He just stood there looking pissed but still he nodded once to Leonardo when their eyes met. Youngest of them was suddenly hanging on Leonardo crying his eyes out. While Mikey knew why Leo was leaving with Raphael it still made him sad. Those two youngest ones most surely had the closest bond in the family. Now that Raphael thought about it, it felt utterly cruel to leave Mikey all alone here in the palace… But he would survive. Raphael knew none had anything against him so this little happy turtle was safe.
Helping Leonardo on his ride, which was weird kind of camel looking creature, Raphael walked beside it as they headed to railway station. At the station servant took their animal heading back to palace while two turtles climbed in the train taking their seats. Since travel would last at least a day they had their own small little room with beds to sleep on. Beginning of the journey was somehow awkward because of the silence and tension. Leonardo seemed relaxed tho, but Raphael… He was so nervous. This trip would reveal is he truly a member of royal albino family and clan or not. He hoped so much for yes since it would change his life. If no… He would forever be slave and bodyguard. Eyeing Leonardo who’s eyes were scanning passing landscape, Raphael smiled a bit to himself. But then again that life wouldn’t be so bad either. As long as he would have Leonardo there by his side all would be good.
**
Sun was setting behind the horizon while train pushed forward with speed, trees flashing past them. For a long time already Raphael had been re-reading all those papers of albino turtles’ history what Leonardo had managed to find in the library. No matter how many times he read them it all still felt so unreal. How someone could had been so cruel to slay and destroy whole peaceful clan? It didn’t make any sense… That was one of the things what Raphael wished to have answer to. He didn’t know why but he just wanted to know. Missing pieces of history could eat you inside a lot until you would find or get the answer.
Seeing movement in front of him Raphael’s eyes rose from old paper on Leo’s figure while short turtle was reaching for the ceiling while stretching.
“I’m heading to bed. Don’t stay awake too long, Raphael.”
“I won’t.”
Watching Leonardo undress was nothing new but still Raphael always loved to see it. How those silky clothes so smoothly and slowly fell off on that light green body. Standing up Raphael’s few big steps took him right next to Leonardo who was settling on his bed. Smiling up at his bodyguard Leonardo allowed Raphael to tuck him in bed, cover him with warm blanket.
Sharing one last eye contact Raphael withdrew back on his seat, listening light breathing of sleeping Leo. Now looking at the night sky and raising moon Raphael sighed. He was tired but he was scared to go to sleep. Too many things in his mind… All most horrible outcomes tossing and turning in his mind. What if this trip would be in vein? What if he albino turtles weren’t good and peaceful race after all? What if they had done something which caused them their demise? What if Raphael would be punished for their crimes...?
Sun rays flashed on his closed eyes between trees, waking him up. Grunting Raphael turned his head in another direction, realizing he was feeling quite warm. Eyelids still too heavy to open Raphael moved his hands slightly. Fabric. Forcing another eyelid open slightly Raphael noticed he was covered with blanket while still sitting on his place. Their car’s door opened and strong scent of tea and breakfast filled the air. Now forcing his other eye open as well Raphael silently watched how Leonardo sat down, placing tray on small table in front of the window, between their seats.
“Go back to sleep.” Leonardo gently whispered. He hadn’t looked at bigger turtle even once and yet he knew he was awake. Feeling struggling against sleep would be futile Raphael sighed deeply, relaxing under warm blanket falling quickly back in sleep. Hours later he woke up feeling quite hungry. Leonardo was sitting with a smile on his face on his seat as he eyed bigger turtle.
“I hope you are not feeling too sore for sleeping in that position. I would had moved you on the bed but you’re quite heavy.”
Stretching as much as he was able to in small space Raphael shook his head. “No worries. I have been sleeping in more worse positions and situations.” After stretching some more Raphael sat down to enjoy some food with Leo. Looking at the sun Raphael realized it was quite high in the air. It was like Leonardo read his mind.
“We should arrive to our destination shortly. After an hour at max.” Locking his eyes on Raphael’s face Leonardo kept his own expression firm. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
**
With shaky legs Raphael stepped out of the train, standing still on the platform looking around. There was so many people here! All coming and going with rush. There also were lots of mutants among them and everyone seemed to be perfectly fine with them. No signs of slavery of any kind as he followed Leonardo who lead the way. After the stairs pair came above ground which was filled with sky high buildings, lots of people filling the streets, blooming trees filling air with lovely scent. Many different plants brought much needed colors in this city all around busy streets. Despite the fact there was lots of movements and sound this city was full of peaceful and calm energy – which Raphael welcomed. Looking at big fountain with statues and water Raphael waited while Leonardo stopped few people to ask direction. When he received needed information the pair moved on through one of many city’s squares.
Huge white building with statues, golden decorations and the sound of beautiful bells stood in front of two travelers. Changing looks turtles walked behind the door, Leonardo knocking it few times. He was nervous but not as badly as Raphael who had difficulties of staying still. Small door’s window opened, brown eye looking at the turtles.
“Yes?”
“My name is Leonardo. I’m the prince of Hamato clan. I’m here to meet the Council.”
“… And him?”
“He’s my bodyguard. May we enter?”
“You have booked a time to come to meet the Council now?”
“No. I didn’t had time since the reason for my meeting is urgent.” Silence lasted too long and Leonardo couldn’t help but to snap a bit. “Well? You going to stand there staring us or go ask if the Council could meet us?”
Snorting mutant closed small window and left, leaving turtles wait. And they waited which felt like eternity but finally door opened and this dog mutant let them in. “You may enter. I will escort you to main meeting room.” Without another word turtles followed this big Rottweiler who lead the way, opening huge brown doors for them. Entering in the hall, which looked much like a court room, door slammed shut behind them. Their eyes rose up to meet 5 persons who sat behind high leveled court table. They all wore white dresses or robes, eyes locked on them, expressions unreadable.
Leonardo bowed slightly, Raphael right next to him doing exactly the same. They stood still and tall when first Council member talked. He was old human male.
“Greetings, travelers. I heard you wished to meet us since you have something urgent on your shoulders.”
“That’s right, sir. We are here because of albino turtles clan.”
All Council members’ expressions turned surprised, room filling with whispers and mumbling. Old man calmed everyone down, now eyeing suspiciously young males.
“Why?”
“My bodyguard here is the son of albino turtle queen, Miranda, and her King.”
Now room filled quicker and louder than before, old man turning angry all of the sudden. “Silence!” His voice was loud and commanding, not leaving any room for anyone to argue with him. “Why you think your bodyguard would be royalty? Bodyguards, what I have seen and known in my life, are nothing more than promoted slaves.”
“Because he’s been having dreams of a time when his kingdom was destroyed, burned, and how his mother, queen Miranda, saved him. And here’s some pages from a book of albino turtles’ history what I found.” Reaching up Leonardo handed over a folder which held all the pages.
Standing still quietly was painful but they needed to give Council members time to see the pages in peace. After minutes they were finally done.
“These pages are valuable when it comes to albino turtles’ history and kingdom but they prove nothing.” Small gasps escaped from the turtles. “Therefor I announce that you are not a son of queen Miranda. You have no rights to claim albino turtles’ land and I must ask you to leave.”
“B-but… Please, let me explain my dre--”
“You can’t do that!” Leonardo growled interrupting Raphael as he stepped forward, snatching folder back from old man. “You know more than you tell for sure! You all are old enough to know the truth! I’m sure Raphael is the son of queen Miranda! What you’re not telling!?”
“Keep your voice low, young turtle. Remember you are standing in front of the Council.”
“I know where I stand and I know we came a long way here to find out the truth and we won’t leave until you give it to us!”
“You insolent fool!”
“My, my… What old ears of mine are hearing? That’s not a language or attitude what a member of Council is suppose to have, George.” Whole room turned silent as steps from the shadows approached them with the stick hitting hard floor gently between steps.
Raphael’s eyes were nailed on the shadow and slowly white figure came out, red old eyes locking with his. Feeling his eyes tear up and knees giving in Raphael fell on his knees, bowing deep down to old male albino turtle who kept his gentle eyes on him. Looking at Raphael and then older turtle Leonardo simply bowed deep to him, stepping out of the way when older turtle approached Raphael.
“Rise, young turtle. You have come to seek answers and answers you shall get.” Looking at his fellow members of the Council old turtle shook his head. “I must apologize their behavior and hesitation. They have wisdom and manners, but this is such topic who none likes to talk about.”
“Not even you?” Leonardo asked carefully. Kind eyes turned on him, soft laugh coming out deep from turtle’s throat.
“Do not worry, young one. Like I said you have come to seek answers and answers you shall get.” Turning to look back down on snapping turtle who still remained on his kneed, bowing deeply, old turtle gently tapped Raphael’s shoulder with his walking stick. “Rise, young one and follow me with your friend. We must go talk somewhere else.”
Lifting his head carefully moist eyes were greeted with warm smile. Old turtle slowly turned around leading the way while Leonardo helped Raphael up, asking if his companion was alright. Raphael was okay but he still couldn’t explain this feeling in his heart. It’s like someone was squeezing his chest while his soul was expanding with joy. It was like finally meeting someone dear who you thought to be lost forever. That was the best way Raphael could describe his feelings to Leonardo who walked closely by his side.
“Aaah, I can explain that feeling of yours to you, young one. But first, please sit down.” Old turtle sat on his chair which was hanging from the ceiling. Raphael sat on the floor across old turtle while Leonardo seated himself next to Raph. Between them was two leveled table full of fruits, cookies, juices and water to drink and eat. “Please, enjoy yourselves.”
Both boys looked at each other, clearly hesitating. “Come now, young ones. You are insulting me and my offerings by refusing.”
Nodding after few seconds Raphael reached for fruits, grabbing few of them, starting to eat while Leo followed his example. Old turtle sat calmly eyes closed with smile on his lips, waiting his quests to eat first. When they were done, perhaps even stopping too early to get the answers, old turtle opened his eyes becoming slightly more serious.
“You claim your bodyguard is the son of queen Miranda, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Elder. If you know anything, please, tell us. I… I need to know.”
Both Leonardo and old turtle looked at Raphael who’s eyes shined bright, hungry for knowledge and answers. Leaning closer Leonardo whispered to Raphael’s ear. “In case you haven’t noticed he’s pretty old. How we can be sure he’s not senile?”
Raphael gave Leonardo surprised but angry look while old turtle laughed loud. “Worry not, young prince. I may be old indeed but my memory hasn’t fail me to this day.” Changing his position a bit with young turtles, Gaya sighed.
“My name is Gaya. I’m old servant of the king and queen of albino clan.” Raphael’s silent gasp and fast small leaning forward were signs of his eagerness but Gaya stopped him with hand signal. “Patience, my dear turtle. Let me speak.”
“Without going too much back in my past I will let you know I was quite old already when I arrived to the kingdom of albino turtles. I was taken in the palace when I asked for a job. King himself hired me to assist him with my wisdom. I was happy to serve him. Sadly our journey didn’t last long because king fell ill, passing away after few months. Queen was broken and my new job was to be by her side. It was a promise I made to king in his last moments. For years she rejected proposers who approached her but then, one day, snapping turtle appeared. He too came to ask a job from the palace. He was in very good shape, very suitable for a bodyguard for example. However queen knew right away what and who he would become. Soon after their meeting wedding bells rang for them.”
Silently watching young turtles witnessed small happy smile spreading on Gaya’s face as he lost himself in those happy times memories. Soon he continued.
“And not too long from that they announced there was going to be heir. Whole kingdom was excited since previous king never had a child with queen Miranda. Sadly not everyone were happy about this news. The enemy decided to attack on whole kingdom, destroying everything and killing everyone.”
Looking at Raphael Gaya eyed him in silence before he continued his story.
“It took almost a year when that happened however. Albino kingdom was suddenly attacked. We had no chances of defending ourselves since we were peaceful race.” Sighing sadly Gaya lowered his head. “Only few of us were able to escape but they all have passed away already.”
“So you are the only one left?”
“Yes. But there’s still more so listen, children. I’m aware of the history saying all albino babies where killed, their remains found in the ashes but one baby was never found. Green snapping turtle.” Looking at Raphael Gaya smiled. “The prince of albino clan.”
Raphael felt his heart starting to beat faster while Gaya’s eyes turned more bright with joy. “You already know and feel it, don’t you? You are the prince, or now a king, of albino turtles. Their heir. Their land rightfully belongs to you, young one.”
Trembling slightly Raphael lowered his gaze looking at his hands. “A--- are you sure I’m the prince? I – I mean the king?”
“I was there, your majesty. I saw how your mother gave birth to you, nurtured you, loved and protected you. During our escape I saw how she placed you in a barrel before luring the enemy after her during the attack. She gave her life to save yours.” Raphael sat still, his hands slowly turning into fists. Despite his old age his eyesight was most sharp and Gaya could easily see few drops fall on Raphael’s fists. Leonardo right next to him kept his eyes on Raphael but he remained quiet. It was best to let Raphael thinking this all in silence. In peace. However, after short silent moment Gaya continued. He still had lots to tell.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you and take you with me from that barrel. But I came to search you in the next morning. Everything had turned into ruins and ashes, but by the miracles your barrel and the house next to it were untouched by flames. As I approached the house I noticed old human couple. They were holding you in their arms clearly concerned about you and your well being.” Looking slightly sad Gaya’s eyes met Raphael’s.
“I hope you can forgive me, my lord, but I did what I thought to be the best for you. I talked with the humans who were just passing by. I asked them to take you with them, raise you as their own. I was afraid the enemy would come after me and if you were with me it would had been your end as well. They took you and left, promising never to mention anything of this to you. And that’s where your own story started and how it leaded you here now today.”
Swallowing Raphael rolled all information in his head, feeling Leonardo’s hand landing softly on his. Looking another turtle who wore supporting smile eased all this. Young bright eyes meeting old red ones, Raphael took deep inhale straightening his pose. “So what happens now? What I need to do?”
Getting out of his chair Gaya walked to old bureau, pulling one drawer open. He took something in his hands, slowly returning. Stopping in front of Raphael Gaya smiled as he threaded white amulet on Raphael’s neck. “This, young king, is the symbol of albino clan. Carry it since it belongs to you. Carry it since it shows others the heir lives.” Looking down at the amulet Raphael kept fingering it. It was kind of big and round, fully white jade which had carved turtle with red eyes on it. It soothed him, made him feel relaxed, safe and protected.
“It’s your mother’s. I was able to find it in the ashes and kept it safe. I always knew this day would come.”
“… Thank you. Truly. I… All this information is so important yet confusing. I’ve been peasant and slave my whole life and now I’m suddenly a king.”
“It takes time to get used of your new title but you will do wonders. Remember, you are perfect combination of your father and mother, the king and queen, their spirits always being part of you.”
“Um… I don’t mean to interrupt but there’s still one more big question. Who attacked them? Who wiped all albinos out and why?”
Raphael watched Leonardo silently, noticing also how Gaya eyed Leonardo in a weird way. “Those are good questions, young one, but it’s weird you do not know the answer.”
“What do you mean?”
“He never told you?”
“Who? Told me what?”
“The one who you call ‘father’. The one who’s your king.”
Shockwave went through Leonardo and Raphael. Leonardo sat still frozen as his mind exploded. S-Splinter?! Had Splinter been the one to attack albino turtles?! But why?! Turning to look Raphael made Leonardo wish he hadn’t. Raphael’s eyes were wide, sparking with anger what Leo had never seen before.
“Your father killed my clan? And you didn’t know?!”
“I didn’t, I swear! He never told me any of it! He kept telling me a story of albino turtles and their destruction but he never told me who attacked them! I never guessed it was him!”
Obviously sensing anger and tension from Raphael’s part Gaya placed his wrinkled hand on wide shoulder. “My king, do not take your hate and anger on another innocent victim of Splinter. He too was a young turtle child without any knowledge of the truth. All this comes to him as a big surprise just like it comes to you. He has been by your side after all, has he not, my king?”
Looking up at old turtle Raphael’s anger faded slowly. Those red eyes reminded him of his mother’s eyes in his dreams. Sighing Raphael lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Leo. It’s just… All this… So unfair. So confusing.”
“It’s okay. I kinda understand. But why Splinter wiped all albinos out?”
“Splinter has always been trying to become only ruler to this land but since it was, and still isn’t, possible, he simply wanted to conquer most fertile area of the land. This way he could control other lands but as you know, this plan didn’t work either. Your ‘father’ is bad and greedy man, young one. I must confess I’m actually surprised to see you alive. He never hasn’t like turtles all that much.”
“...S-should I be worried about my brothers? And myself?”
“Watch your back. And you too, my king.” Sighing louder and deeper than before Gaya sat better on his chair. “Do not take my request as a bad thing but I must ask you to leave. As you can see I’m not young and I get tired fast. I need my rest.”
Standing up Raphael nodded. “Of course, master. Thank you for your information and all the help. But what about the Council?”
“Do not worry about them. They will see your amulet. It will speak for you.”
“Thank you. I really don’t know what else to say.”
Gaya smiled. “Do not worry, young king. Go now. Council will give you some papers how to proceed in your life now if you wish to have your clan’s land to yourself. Also, they will show you a place to stay. You may stay here in our land as long as you need and want. I actually would like to talk with you later some more, my lord.”
“That would be great. Thank you.” Looking at troubled and sad Leo beside him Raphael gently placed his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Come on, Leo. Let’s go.”
