Of Turtles and Lizards

Father Understands

I was in the dojo meditating, in a deep and peaceful trance, when the air current changed for a brief moment, making my ear twitch. I closed my eyes tighter as my face drew upward into a frown of displeasure. The current returned to normal, but the atmosphere did not. The moment was gone, and I knew it was because I was no longer alone in the room. I took a deep breath before slowly opening my eyes, expecting to see my eldest son across from me asking for guidance. Imagine my surprise as I gradually registered the stocky, muscular frame of my second child, Raphael. My eyes widened a bit, before returning to normal, accepting the fact that Raphael was here and probably had not come without a reason.

His fetching green eyes stared blankly at me, as though he was contemplating what he was about to say. Raphael was still standing, so I gestured for him to take a seat across from me. My son obliged with a brief nod and then the contemplative stare was back. I closed my eyes and decided to continue with my meditation. Raphael will always tell me when he's ready. Besides, pushing him will only lead to bigger problems.

If I had been surprised by my son's intrusion on my meditation, I was flabbergasted by what happened next. I heard a slight movement and cracked open my eyes. My jaw dropped. Raphael had crossed his legs, closed his eyes and began to meditate. I opened my eyes all the way and gave him a careful once-over, as though I didn't completely believe that my second son was sitting in the dojo meditating with me. Honestly, he was the last of my four sons that I would ever have expected to join me in meditation.

I stood silently and Raphael, whose eyes remained closed, took no notice. He had a look of absolute concentration on his face that I had only seen once or twice before. There was a glimmer of triumph and distinction in his posture as he sat with a straight back and relaxed shoulders. I had to admit I was impressed. Perhaps I should begin the second phase of his training...No; Raphael came in here for a reason. I must wait patiently. Though it certainly isn't a bad idea. I walked around him in a circle before returning to my place on the tatami mat across from him.

Raphael's breath slowed as he took a deep breath and blew it out unhurriedly. I stared at him in quiet contemplation, wondering whether or not I should question him. "Raphael." I said quietly. My son's bright green eyes snapped open, their intense stare making me come up short, unable to continue. But it would seem as though I didn't need to say anything more than that, Raphael's eyes told me what he was expecting, so I changed tactics. "What are you doing in here? You know that it is time for my daily meditation." I stated, my tone slightly reprimanding.
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Raph's POV
I had come into the dojo intending to ask my father a very important question. A question only he would know the answer to. So here I was. Sitting on the floor meditating. Yeah, that's right. Meditating. I can't believe I'm doing this. But after I got inside the question just...died on the tip of my tongue, I guess. I just can't bring myself to ask it. But I really need to know the answer! Ugh! What am I supposed to do?! Well first things first I need to-

"Raphael."

My eyes flicked open rather suddenly and Sensei was momentarily stunned by my intense gaze. We stared at each other for brief moment before he spoke again.

"What are you doing in here? You know it is time for my daily meditation." He chided harshly and I flinched.

I lowered my head slightly, shifting into a kneeling position, as though preparing for punishment. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I just wanted to-aw forget it!" I jumped to my feet, throwing my hands up in frustration.

Splinter's POV
I watched as the look of concentration on my son's face quickly melted away, replaced by one of anger, confusion and exhaustion. Raphael threw up his hands and turned to leave, but I reached out grabbing his shoulder. "What is it that you wanted my son?" I said slowly as he sighed, his muscular emerald green shoulders drooping dejectedly for a moment before he turned around slowly. The red-banded turtle glanced down, nervously before neon green eyes moved upwards to stare into mine.