Tangled Shells

Chapter One - A Big Day

It's been two years since he committed to finding his brothers. He discovered that Baron Draxum's accomplice was Big Mama, the most notorious crime lord in the Hidden Kingdom, and the biggest pain in his ass. She has become increasingly audacious with her heists over the years. She's been a looming threat over the kingdom for as long as he can remember. Too long if you ask him. It's his duty to apprehend her, regardless of her connection to his brothers' disappearance.

As for Baron Draxum, he might as well be considered a ghost.

Raph, blinded by frustration, hadn't been watching his step when he heard something crack beneath his foot. His eyes widened in horror as he saw the broken picture frame of his family. He and his brothers were nestled in their father's embrace, and their smiles radiated with pure joy. He berated himself as he picked up the frame, tears threatening to spill. The photograph was riddled with cracks, each one rubbing salt in the wound. The most striking fissure ran boldly between him and his brothers. Just then, there was a knock at the door, nearly causing Raph's heart to jump out of his chest. "My son, may I come in?"

Raph manages to keep his voice steady as he organizes himself, "Give Raph a moment please". He places the broken frame face down on his desk. There is no reason to worry his father, especially for tomorrow. He crouches down as he quickly grabs all the fallen evidence and crams it down his drawers.

Splinter saunters into the room, and a grin graces his face as he spots Raph. "Oh red, how I've missed you!" He quickly pulls Raph into a tight hug, nearly suffocating him but he manages to let out a huff of amusement, "Pops, I just saw you at breakfast like 10 minutes ago." Splinter laughs heartily as he pulls back from the hug, his hands on Raph's shoulders. "So? I can still miss you in that time".

Raph's smile falters for a second as he truly looks at his father. He wasn't questioning his father's true emotions, but his smile just didn't quite reach his eyes as always. They looked worn down by time yet were filled with so much wisdom. It was always hard for him to read his father, except now. Splinter wasn't looking at him anymore but behind him. Raph's stomach drops as the realization sinks in. Raph tries blocking his view, squeezing his hands as he attempts to redirect his attention. "Dad, I-"

Splinter's whole demeanor falls as he gently pushes Raph to the side. His father gingerly places his hand on the evidence board, his voice uncharacteristically quiet, "What is this?". Before Raph can utter an excuse, he cuts him off, his tone sharper. "No, it doesn't matter. This...this is over". Splinter yanks it off the wall, much to the horror of Raph. His arms instinctively reach for the open end. The duo starts tugging on each end.

"Let go of it, Dad! I still need this!" Using his size to his advantage, he yanks it towards him, pulling his dad along. Splinter keeps his ground strong, however, with a determined grimace on his face. "But why would you need something that's only causing you more trouble?" "Because it's not fair!", he blurts, his voice raw, "It's not fair that I'm kicking it up in a castle while my brothers are who knows where! I should have been able to protect them!"

Splinter lets go of the board as if he's been burned, his eyes wide with shock. "Raph...". Raph hugs the board to his chest, his breathing labored. "I'm supposed to be the shogun, right? The protector? How am I supposed to protect anyone if I can't save my own family?" For a moment, silence stretches between them. Splinter takes a step closer to Raph, an unreadable expression on his face. "Raphael, you were only a baby. What happened to your brothers....it's not your burden to carry." Raph tries to cut him off but the words die on his tongue. "You're my only son now" Splinter starts choking on his words, his eyes swelling up with emotions. "I can't lose you too"

Raph's resistance crumbles as he extends the board toward his father. "I'm sorry Pops". The sight of Splinter so distressed tugs at Raph's heart, a sight he hates to witness. Splinter takes the board, his expression softening, "Don't be my son". He makes his way towards the door with a somber demeanor. The words hung in the air like a fragile truce. The tension was thick and unyielding, and Raph's heart ached with the weight of it all. How was he expected to work in these conditions?