Of Turtles and Lizards

The Letter

Dear Michelangelo,

Enclosed is a letter for your brother. I give you full permission to read it and decide for yourself whether or not you think he should have it. I'll leave that choice up to you. I know you weren't with us when Leonardo and I quarreled. But I made him a promise. I told him I would leave when Raphael was better. Unfortunately, I will not be able to speak to Raph before I do so. For I know that if I did, I would never be able to leave. I love him that much. If I ever hurt you, or your brothers in any way I apologize. You were the best family anyone could have asked for. Especially to me, and in many ways I often believed that the four of you and your Sensei were more than I deserved.

I'm not sure how Raphael will react when he finds out I'm gone, but I hope that he will continue to stay the soft-hearted, lovable hothead I know him to be. I can honestly say that your brother, Raphael Hamato was, by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm sorry I have to say goodbye. But I will not stay where I am no longer welcome. And I wouldn't dare risk dividing the family I've come to love so well. Whether you do give him my letter or not, please tell Raph not to be too hard on Leo. He was just doing what he felt he was needed to protect the family.

I know you won't ever be able to fully understand why I've gone, and neither will he, but please don't let it become a stint in family relations. I love you all. Tell Raphael, I'll never stop loving him. I'll love him for the rest of my life. I can promise him that much at least. I hope that one day he may forgive me, but for now, I can understand if he would hate me. I know you'll help see him through this. You are his baby brother after all and he cares more deeply for you, than even you, Mikey, are aware. Take good care of him for me.

Love,

Mona Lisa

Michelangelo's hands trembled his tears staining the paper. How could she just get up and leave? Why would Leo make her go? Why?! Poor Raph...he'll be heartbroken. Mikey thought. His whole body shook with nervousness as he opened the seal of the second letter. She had asked him to read it, after all. This would be his decision and his alone.

Dearest Raphael,

I have already told you on many occasions that I love you. This time...I must admit that it is slightly different. I love you with all my heart. I always will. Please never doubt the sincerity of my love, my darling turtle. You are all I ever could have wanted in a lover, and even more. There has never been, nor will there ever be anyone I love as much as you. That being said, I'm so sorry, my love.

Please do not blame Leonardo for this, yes he is partially responsible, but he was only trying to protect you, and Karai. I apologize for my irrational behavior, not that it will do any good now. Much as I want to be with you, my love, I refuse to come between you and your family. I would die before I let that happen.

Goodbye, Green Eyes. I realize now that I haven't called you that in a while. You never did like that name...guess I just couldn't resist poking you now and again. I love you. I can't say that enough. To me, those three words will never lose their meaning. I am certain that you reciprocate my feelings.

If we ever do meet again, forgive me if I try to run. But reawakening the flame of what we had will only bring more tears. I know without a doubt that if I tried to see you again I'd end up eternally yours. Just the mere thought of never seeing you again is painful enough to me. Seeing you and knowing that I couldn't touch you couldn't hold you in my arms again...I think I'd die. I love you, Raph.

I'm sorry that this has to be goodbye.

Your Mona Lisa

By this time, Michelangelo's tears had stained the paper in several places. Much as he wanted to hide this letter, to save Raphael the pain, he knew that his hotheaded brother would never forgive that kind deception. So he re-sealed it and planted it on Raphael's pillow. Half of him dreading what would happen when the red-banded turtle found it later.