Chapter 2: Raphael

"Me next!" Raphael pounces upon us with glee. "Come on, Sensei, we're gonna be late!"

"Late, my son?"

"Casey helped me set up a real fun father/son activity, but we gotta book! Hop onboard!"

He hands me a helmet, a jacket, and little time to comprehend anything he has said.

I find myself on the back of his motorcycle- holding on tight, eyes closed, praying to my ancestors for protection for both of us.

I find we survive the trip to another very public place, where we meet Casey Jones, who is there to help with more disguises.

My sons seem to enjoy this type of activity.

I worry we will be discovered.

"Enjoy the show, Master Splinter!" Mr. Jones enthusiastically encourages me, then I find myself sitting in a dangerously crowded public place watching something called "ice hockey".

Apparently they are suppose to try to get a little black disk into a large net in order to earn points, but they periodically interrupt this pursuit to battle each other.

It looks like stick-fighting on ice skates. I do not understand, but I must admit, some of it is enjoyable.

If only I could quit worrying that we will be discovered.

Another fight breaks out. The ninjitsu master in me suddenly comes out.

"Hold your stick higher, and then sweep with the leg as follow-through!" I shout, then remember who we are and where we are.

For some reason, no one notices. I gather this is because they, too, are busy giving advice in the noble art of stick-fighting.

Raphael seems amused at me. I sit back down, and begin again to worry about discovery.

Plus, the noise is almost unbearable to someone like myself, who prefers quiet.

"You'd make a great hockey coach," he says, as we leave the game (early, to avoid unnecessary crowds at the exits).

"I will remain a ninjitsu master," I reply. "It seems safer."

I thank him for the enjoyable entertainment. He glows with pleasure, as he does when I have praised his fighting skills.

At least I am making my sons happy.