From The Shadows || TMNT 2012 FanFiction (BOOK 1)

Chapter 4. Brainwashed

     The turtles had reluctantly left Noah behind in Shredder's dungeon. All they had gained from the failed rescue mission was information and even that wasn't remotely enough to answer all the questions the brothers now had. All they could do was ask their father, but, even then, all their questions could only be answered by Noah. They didn't have enough time to ask him everything and soon, he would be well on his way to Japan.

     April and Carrie had fallen asleep on the couch (although it was more of a step lined with pillows and blankets). The brothers snuck past them to the dojo. Leo was glad they had been asleep. The last thing they needed were questions; they had plenty of their own. Besides, he figured it best to keep Carrie out of knowing exactly what was going on.

     The turtles kneel before their meditating father and bow their heads.

     "Master Splinter," Leo says.

     "Yes, my sons?"

      Hesitantly, Donnie begins with the questions. "Did you know a man named Noah Colonley?"

     Splinter lowers his head, squinting his eyes closed as if remembering awful memories. "Why would you ask such a question?"

     Donnie leans forward. "That is Carrie's dad," he whispers.

     Master Splinter slowly opens his eyes. The brothers notice a hint of despair in them. It's a look they don't see often. Slowly, he stands and walks towards the back of the room, peeking his head out the door, watching Carrie. The turtles continue to sit, only following their father with their eyes.

     "Where is he now?" Splinter asks, turning back to his sons.

     "Shredder's dungeon," Leo answers.

     "And you left him there?" The Master's voice raises ever-so-slightly.

     "He's being sent back to Japan," Leo says. "He told us he trusted you, that he trusted us, to protect her. We tried to get him to come with us, but he refused. Told us he could stall in Japan, that he could find help there."

     Master Splinter strokes his beard. "The Adachi Clan."

     "The what?" Mikey questions.

     "I thought you told us The Hamato Clan was the last of its kind?" Donnie taps his chin.

     "The Adachi Clan is a reformation of the Hamato Clan in Japan," Splinter says. "That is the help Noah will be going after."

     "But why?" Raph asks. "We can help plenty here."

     The rat lowers his head once again, shaking it. It was not his story to tell. He couldn't allow himself to tell it. Eventually, in time, he would have to. But the less his sons knew, the less they could get themselves into serious trouble. They need to focus on the task at hand.

     "You four must stop Shredder's plans here. Noah will do all he can in Japan."

     "But we don't even know what his plan is," Leo says.

     "His plan is as it always has been: revenge. Noah's work is dangerous and Shredder wants it. The girl must stay here. You all need to remain focused on your mission."

     "She'll have to stay for how long?" Raph asks.

     Master Splinter walks to his room, looking back at his sons. "Until however long it takes to destroy Oroku Saki," he says before shutting the door.

     Leonardo stood, eyes narrowed. He walked out of the dojo, stiff. He glanced at Carrie on the way to his room. He was determined to figure everything out, no matter how unclear the situation was.