97Authoress' Rant: To all mother's currently reading this – Happy Mother's Day!
So who honestly thought I wasn't going to update today? Don't lie…
This is a treat to myself since I'm a Mommy myself; since last year I wanted to post something motherly related yet was too busy to. This year is different! So hooray for story updates! XD
~*Happy Mother's Day*~
Disclaimer: I think we've all reached a certain point within story relationship as of current to officially come to the understand – I don't own anything cannon; merely my own created characters for the use of this twisted plot.
…..Let's never speak of this again - ever..
Review Acknowledgements:
BubblyShell22: Thank you so much for the kind praise Shellie-chan! It means the world to me to see such kind words from you. You're constant reviews of friendly advice and praise really makes me smile! And although currently within this story Hun isn't working for the Shredder (if you want to call that a spoiler), that doesn't mean that he isn't involved in something; you'll see. I hope you enjoy this chapter. ;)
WildfireDreams: Perhaps… I guess we'll just have to wait and see. :D
ericaphoenix16: 'Hunny-Buns' was always in the background! Besides, my twisted mind couldn't keep Hun out of the picture for long. XD
Amy Hamato: Ta-da; I present an update! I hope you enjoy it Amy-chan!
Yuki101: Really, Sorella-chan (Sister)? Did you honestly expect any less from me? XD
Trina Hearts: Thank you! Although, I'm pleased knowing that you're enjoying this story so far.
Jess Marylin: I know right? My twisted muse deemed it so. We'll have to wait and see what develops from this sudden twist. XD
Jisko2jisko: Aww, thank you so much for the praise for chapter 6! I can see something like that happening – oh, the possibilities. Lol! }:D
A special 'Thank you' to all those that have reviewed this story thus far; and to those that have silently supported this story by adding it to their favorite listings and alert notifications. You guys are all awesome!
Chapter Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to the talented and totally awesome NavyBlueBookWorm for the beautiful art work she created for this story (that's currently the story's cover)! Thank you so much Navy-chan! I'm still giddy at your creations! XD
Divided
By: Gaia Kame
Chapter 11: Stranger In a Strange Land
It was strange the things she got herself into – all by a spontaneous decision that she indulged in. During those sporadic moments in time does she only then realize the true potential of consequence's from each choice made only after she'd chosen her path. Sometimes those paths led her to memorable happy times, others' cherished, and one's that still haunted her within some manner of regret at some time. Right now she couldn't help but wonder if the man she sat across from currently was a poor choice on her part.
She was a mother of four humanoid children – so she had to think of her family first before her own personal pleasures; although it was simply so nice to converse with someone around her own age that was outside of her family for once. Lately she had found herself within the same repeated topics of conversation: her kids, Splinter, her family, and something work related.
Raising an inquisitive silverwhite-blonde colored eyebrow she smiled in amusement, "So you're into wrestling and boxing, huh?"
Nodding within conformation Hun flashed her a smile. "That's what I said. Although, what about you; for what's your hobbies?"
Glancing down briefly in thought into her half empty cup of coffee Ileen pondered over the simple question. In all honesty – what were her hobbies now? Yes, she enjoyed doing things; yet outside of family oriented subjects – what did she enjoy doing?
Locking her gaze with Hun's finally she gave a mere casual shrug. "I'm personally more into 'martial arts' as a hobby. Been doing it for years now."
Interest grew within his eyes then as he smugly leaned forward slightly. "Ya don't say? You know – I actually know some martial art moves myself."
Flashing a teasing smile, she couldn't help the good natured humor escape her. "Oh really now; you don't say?"
His eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing her teasing note, "Are you making fun of me?"
"Possibly."
His eyes narrowed just the slightest bit more before smirking towards her in humor. "I like you – you got spunk."
"Why thank you." Glancing at her wrist watch she couldn't help the slight frown appearing on her face when she noticed the actual current time. It had already been an hour since running into Hun upon the street and agreeing to a cup of joe'; although she was enjoying herself it was apparent she needed to return home to her little ones now. Glancing up at Hun with an apologetic smile she finished the last of her coffee quickly before placing the empty container upon the table with a sigh. "Thanks Hun for the coffee – I appreciate it; although it's late for me so I need to get heading home." With that she offered her hand within a friendly means of departure as she began to stand, never acknowledging the disappointed look within the man's eyes.
Grasping her hand with his right his left reached up to rub the back of his neck. "Aw, really; so soon?"
Nodding she gave a rueful smile of regret. " 'fraid so. I have obligations I must attend to elsewhere now." Releasing his hand then she shot the tall man one last fleeting smile than turned to go.
"Wait!"
This man seemed to have a habit of waiting until the very last second to make a personal decision it seemed like – she couldn't help but mentally note it to herself silently as she turned to raise an inquiring eyebrow once again towards the tall muscled man. "Yes?"
"..How do you feel about pool?..."
Entering her condo home a half hour later she wasn't all too surprised at the lack of light within her currently quiet home due to the current time of night it was only natural to assume everyone within was sleeping.
So imagine her curiosity upon the sounds of small nasally sniffles coming from a dark corner of the living room. The sounds were soft and muffled, yet with the surrounding silence it was easy for her to detect. Frowning Ileen moved silently through the entrance way into the living room – eyes instantly locating the source of the noise, Leonardo.
Moving right in front of the blue masked boy she stared with concern at his averted gaze while he was physically curled into a protect ball; her tone becoming slightly alarmed upon the slight before her yet spoke only within a harsh loud whisper. "Leonardo? Are you alright?!" She crouched down to be eye level with him, while scanning him for any signs of physical pain or injury.
Roughly wiping his eyes quickly Leo merely stared ahead and avoided eye contact as he mumbled softly, "I dunno.."
A brief fleeting feeling of relief washed through her knowing that whatever was ailing the boy it wasn't physical, before worry consumed her once again. Whatever it was that bothered the small child, it was an internal issue instead of physical. Shifting her position to be more next to Leonardo she calmly sat down. "Want to talk about it?" He remained silent and she gave a soft smile of encouragement. "I won't say a word to anyone – it will be our secrete.-" with that she made an 'X' motion above her heart, "-With my honor, I promise."
He didn't even spare a glance of acknowledgement towards her and she couldn't help but wonder with silent distance if he was simply going to ignore her until she decided to leave (which he sadly would have been disappointed if that were the case). A moment later the feeling was instantly disproved when he finally spoke softly. "I'm scared.."
Instantly her heart lurched at the small boy's fearful self-shamed words, and she scooted closer to the boy to wrap a tender arm around him. "Oh Leo – it's okay to be afraid."
Curling within himself tighter his steel blue eyes only lowered further. "No it's not. Father is never afraid; and from what Raph told me, -" instantly her face twisted for the briefest of moments into a wince before returning to a combined look of concerned worry; although he never noticed the fleeting change within her features,"-neither are you, Ileen-sama.-"
"Madre."
Tensing at the gentle echo of correction within her tone Leo stared completely into his folded arms then. "Sumimasen (Excuse me/I'm sorry/Pardon Me) Ileen-same – what does that mean?"
Resisting the urge to sigh Ileen only pressed the small boy closer into her side. "It means 'Mother'."
"But you're my Sensei-"
"Upon the dojo floor I am 'Sensei' – outside I am 'Mother' - 'Madre', 'Mamma' or 'Mom'. Never am I 'Master'-"
"But your my teacher!-"
"Yes, but that does not make me superior to you as a being in whole – simply more knowledgeable within certain skills as of current; yet one day that could easily change. That doesn't make me any better then you."
Silently Leo seemed to ponder those words for a moment before timidly asking, "Than what does?.."
"My son; one is measured by their heart, mind, and soul – nothing more. To assert judgment against someone based off one's physical features, family ties, and cultural background merely reflects poorly upon the person themselves; for how you live within life with the choices you make determines wither you are good or bad."
"So-" his eyes shot towards hers' quickly before glancing down at the floor, "-which one of us is the most valued?"
Squeezing the boy within a reassuring hug Ileen smiled softly at the child. "You are, of course."
His body instantly went slightly slack within surprise as he fully locked gazes with hers' now, "Really?"
Gently, slowly she pulled the boy upon her lap. "Of course, Leonardo; for I have seen your soul. You are truly the more valued amongst the two of us. I may be 'Sensei' and 'Mother' to you, yet I am no better than you are within soul – just wiser; just remember – one must always respect those who are not only wiser but willing to share their knowledge. As Sensei, I am merely 'teacher' within the dojo - as 'Mother', I am merely a 'teacher' of loving support within your journey known as life." With that final statement upon the matter did she wrap both her arms lovingly around his small frame. "As your Mother right now – perhaps I can be of some help towards this problem of yours; and together, maybe we can fix it."
Steel blue clashed with corn-flower blue then as Leonardo stared almost judgingly at her. The look made her feel incompetent compared to Splinter then resulting in an awkward bitter sad smile of accepted understanding to appear on her face towards the small boy. "I may not be as good as your Father, yet I will try my best to help you."
The look remained for a few heart beats longer; and then an embarrassed, small smile grew across his lips – making her heart sore higher at the sight. "Okay."
Flashing the boy a kind smile she readjusted their positions so that they both sat more comfortably upon the floor – him upon her lap sideways, while she sat upon the floor Indian style with both arms wrapped reassuringly around him. Once settled did she give an encouraging smile, "Tell me Leo, what troubles you to a point that you're afraid?"
An embarrassed smile appeared upon his lips than as an unsure crease appeared between his eyeridges. "Promise you won't laugh?"
"Of course not."
"Promise you won't be upset or mad at me?"
"I would never think of such a thing."
"Okay… To be honest - living here scares me.."
Smiling within reassurance towards him showing that she wasn't upset she hugged him closer, "How so?"
"It's just so – different. There's no sounds of water here, noises come from below my feet and not above my head, and it's really high up.." His voice trailed off upon that last detail, and merely by his tone it was obvious the thought severely disturbed him.
She had a pretty good idea as to what his troubles possibly were then, yet simply waited for him to express it personally. "You're right there – those are different in comparison."
Finally it seemed as if he could no longer contain this secrete fear of his from her any longer; yet even so he spoke within a hushed whisper as if afraid others' might over hear his confession, "I'm scared of being in high places.."
Understanding appeared within her eyes. "Ah, I see."
"I'm a coward."
"No, you're not."
"Yes I am! Here it is I'm living in a high place, above ground even, yet I'm such a scaredy-turtle."
"It is because you are currently living within a high place now is what proves that you're not a coward."
"How come?"
"Because those who refuse to face their fears are cowards – those that choose to face whatever it is they fear is actually very brave. So although you may be scared – you show just how brave you really are by facing your fears."
"Really?"
Smiling gently Ileen nodded reassuringly. "Yes, for it is during times of fear do we prove if we are truly brave or cowardly."
His face twisted into that of childish ponder as he considered her words. "I never thought of it that way."
"It's alright, for sometimes we have a hard time seeing things within certain ways without the help of others. Just remember this – for what you have done, you are brave Leonardo."
He locked gazes with her own again as if trying to find any hint of misguidance within her until deemed satisfied. Throwing his arms around her neck in gratitude then he stated for the first time within childish love. "Domo arigatou Okaasan. (Thank you very much Mother)"
Her throat tightened slightly upon the words while her heart fluttered with pure joy. "You're very welcome Leonardo, il mio bambino (my baby boy)."
End Chapter 11