The lair was much like Jamie had left it the previous day. She entered the precious smell of jasmine mixed with something cooking in the kitchen. She looked around for Mikey to see if he was dancing around the kitchen, concocting another creation, but didn't see him. April put a hand on her shoulder to steer her towards the dojo where Karai had already entered.
"Well, it is good to see my students have not completely forgotten about me." Splinter said from his spot of meditation on the rug. He slowly rose with a fluid grace, like the rising of the sun. Again, Jamie felt in awe just being in the same room with such a master of life. He seemed to glow with wisdom as he glided toward the three girls.
"Do you remember when Donnie decided to pull that prank on me last year, in the waterways?" April asked, placing her backpack next to a bench that lined the wall.
Splinter closed his eyes and rubbed the arch of his long, pointed nose.
"I do. I also remember I specifically told him never to do such a thing again. From your tardiness and by the abundance of wet hair, I am going to assume that my sons have disobeyed this order?"
"And then some," Karai huffed, crossing her arms. "They scared Jamie half to death."
"I think I remember someone else being pretty scared too, Karai." Jamie said jovially.
Karai glanced over at her and snorted.
"I can't imagine what you are talking about Jamie. It must be the trauma talking." She said with a twinkle in her eye. Jamie smiled and shook her head.
"Splinter," April said, approaching him respectfully. "We were wondering if it would be ok if Jamie joined the Kunoichi lessons. I... I think she would make an excellent student."
Splinter nodded, stroking his bread methodically. The wooden floors of the dojo squeaked as he walked a few paces, thinking.
"Yes, I think that would be very well. It seems as though Jamie is very willing to accept all of the very thrilling and... damp circumstances that our clan requires. Do you have any previous experience?"
"Only the little self-defense that my brother has taught me. He's in the military." She said shyly. She shifted her weight back and forth, hoping Splinter wouldn't think too much of her limited skill set.
He again stroked his beard, thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Has it been made clear to you how difficult this task is that you seek? It will take many years of discipline, patience, and determination."
"Yes sir. Crystal."
He smiled.
"Then I see no reason you should not learn. I will be happy to take you on as my student."
He turned to Karai.
"Karai, please tell my sons to return to the dojo. I think that, even though they have had a most tiresome afternoon, they can manage a demonstration for Jamie to learn from." He said, his face straight and calm, though his eyes betrayed mischief.
Karai smirked back.
"No problem."
Jamie turned after catching April's movement in her peripheral vision. She was pulling a large bench away from the wall after decluttering it from the surrounding equipment. She then dragged it in the center of the mat, sat down and indicated for Jamie to do the same.
"Front row seats for a special sparring match. You should get a lot out of this too Jamie. It's always cool to watch them. Also, mildly entertaining to see them beat each other up." She laughed.
YOU ARE READING
"Calming His Storm" ~Book 1: Gathering Clouds~ (TMNT 2012 Fanfiction; RaphxOC )
Fanfiction"Hello?" She said, her voice steadier than she though it would be. He opened his eyes and looked at her. He looked... afraid. And also pissed off, but not at her. More like pissed off at himself. "Are you ok?" Jamie said gently. He still wasn't mo...
