There's an unusual lack of argument coming from Raphael's cage after that. In fact, it's quiet for so long, it's almost like he's not even there.
He understands all the words Leo's saying. He gets it, he really does, because it sounds like a combination of the shit that comes out of that stupid show Leo watches and what Splinter keeps telling them as ninja, as his students, as soldiers. And fuck, Raph gets it. He knows that their dad and their teacher are almost two separate entities, that they're not just his kids. Even just from what's on TV, Raphael understands that aside from being mutated freaks, they're not...normal. That regular family dynamics don't apply to them.
And to be perfectly honest, he doesn't fucking care. All that loving and nurturing bullshit that kids are supposed to get? Well, that just makes them weak. Coddled. Turns out sissies and cowards and wimps. How Splinter does it, how he's raised the four of them, that's the right way. Of course it's the right way; look at them now. There's nothing in this world that can beat the four of them when they work together, save maybe Shredder, but that won't hold true forever. As they get stronger, Shredder stands less of a chance. Hell, Raphael is willing to bet if they had a showdown now, they might be able to take him.
But this is something different.
He speaks up. And his voice is quiet and low, in a way he doesn't talk to Mike or even Donnie.
"You know what Splinter told me?"
Raphael. You are the most powerful, passionate and courageous of my sons. This is sometimes a weakness of yours when combined with your stubborn nature, but there is a strength in it too, when tempered with wisdom and humility.
"He gave me a job. My own responsibility."
You have difficulty following the orders of your brother, Leonardo. You must do as you are told, as ninja, but I must ask of you something a father should never ask. For this, I am sorry.
"He told me it's my job to protect you."
Leonardo will do all he can to keep you all safe. I must ask you, in return, that you keep him safe. He is your leader, but you are his guard. Do you understand me, my son?
All of you must return home.
"So I ain't leaving. Not without you." Raph hugs his knees a little tighter, tucks in close. He knows how hard it was for Splinter to ask that of him, could see it in his face. He knows they're growing up, because Splinter would've never asked him for something like that when they were younger. He's being trusted with something serious, something eternal, and by fucking God he's not going to let his master, his father, down.
no subject
He understands all the words Leo's saying. He gets it, he really does, because it sounds like a combination of the shit that comes out of that stupid show Leo watches and what Splinter keeps telling them as ninja, as his students, as soldiers. And fuck, Raph gets it. He knows that their dad and their teacher are almost two separate entities, that they're not just his kids. Even just from what's on TV, Raphael understands that aside from being mutated freaks, they're not...normal. That regular family dynamics don't apply to them.
And to be perfectly honest, he doesn't fucking care. All that loving and nurturing bullshit that kids are supposed to get? Well, that just makes them weak. Coddled. Turns out sissies and cowards and wimps. How Splinter does it, how he's raised the four of them, that's the right way. Of course it's the right way; look at them now. There's nothing in this world that can beat the four of them when they work together, save maybe Shredder, but that won't hold true forever. As they get stronger, Shredder stands less of a chance. Hell, Raphael is willing to bet if they had a showdown now, they might be able to take him.
But this is something different.
He speaks up. And his voice is quiet and low, in a way he doesn't talk to Mike or even Donnie.
"You know what Splinter told me?"
Raphael. You are the most powerful, passionate and courageous of my sons. This is sometimes a weakness of yours when combined with your stubborn nature, but there is a strength in it too, when tempered with wisdom and humility.
"He gave me a job. My own responsibility."
You have difficulty following the orders of your brother, Leonardo. You must do as you are told, as ninja, but I must ask of you something a father should never ask. For this, I am sorry.
"He told me it's my job to protect you."
Leonardo will do all he can to keep you all safe. I must ask you, in return, that you keep him safe. He is your leader, but you are his guard. Do you understand me, my son?
All of you must return home.
"So I ain't leaving. Not without you." Raph hugs his knees a little tighter, tucks in close. He knows how hard it was for Splinter to ask that of him, could see it in his face. He knows they're growing up, because Splinter would've never asked him for something like that when they were younger. He's being trusted with something serious, something eternal, and by fucking God he's not going to let his master, his father, down.