#what am I going to do with you young man -aflockoffeathers]

[ducknotinarow]

03/07 Splinter - All Symbol Headcanons please uwu (because dad doesn’t get any love he needs more asks u_u)

| Send me a symbol and I will write a headcanon about… 

Rat Dad :D It's ture though he don't got many asks I tend to spread them out when his muse hits. I dunno I love Splinter as a character I really feel the way Splinter is adds a lot on to who the turtles are and often why. Your really just can't not have Splinter as a part of the story because he literally took the turtles as his sons and trained them to fight because he feared what could happen to them so he wanted them to protect themselves ;3;

I could talk forever about Splinter u-u I really have such a soft sport for the rat esp the 03 version but im biased 03 off all is always just kind of top tier for me haha XD let talk about him now uwu

𝓕 : My muse’s handwriting. (Is it good, bad, difficult to decipher, do they prefer writing by hand or with the help of some form of machine, e.t.c.) 

"Well it is at least able to be read, sometimes I do struggle thanks to old age it seems to be hitting here and there such is life."

Splinter is said to practice calligraphy so thanks to this his hand writing is pretty decent even before his mutation Splinter was a very intelligent rat already and was show to be able to read and comprehend written text. Splinter dose send letters out to his friends across the universe such as the Daimyo and the ancient one. So he has a good deal of practice. Splinter dose deal with arthritis, luckily its not to serve but often dose make him struggle to write. When he needs to send an important letter out and it starts to act up he tends to turn to one of his sons or April to help him with the letter he needs to write. If its not important he will wait till the pain lessens.

✈ : My muse and  traveling. (If they do it frequently and why, if they never left their home town, e.t.c.)

"I have seen more of the world and universe than I feel any man could dream to."

Splinter started his life in a lab. I am fully convinced he is an escape lab rat. Simply, because of how intelligent he was before his mutation. He lived in Japan and would travel to New York with his owner Hamato Yoshi. Of course, as we know from there he mutated and would travel to Japan to see the Ancient one again. Travel to fight in the battle Nexus, even to other dimensions and time it's self heck even planes of existences.

As mentioned only some of these are on purpose. Even the turtles are aware every three years he seems to disappear for some time, finding out later it's because he is a returning fighter in the battle Nexus. Spliter still gose but no longer to fight more to see his friend the Daimyo. I feel he also visit Japan more often later on as well so to visit with the ancient one. Taking his sons so they can learn more of where he came from.

✿ : My muse and nature. (If they are an ‘outdoorsy type’, like the sound of bird’s singing, if they have never set foot in a forest, e.t.c.) 

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”

Splinter may have come to enjoy the luxury of modern tech but he still a simply rat at heart. Nothing beats the sound of the wind rustling the leaves and grass. Or the nice cool chill of a summer nights air. The sound of bird calls early in the morning at Casey's family's farm house. The sound of ocean waves crashing into sand. The world is a wide living and beautiful place and it's a shame how over looked its wonder can be.

☼ : My muse’s first memory. (Where it was, who was with them, how this memory makes them feel, e.t.c.) 

"hmm finding a scent so hard to ignore that lead me into a hole of a house where a vase was over me only to be great by a kind womens face."

The day he ran into the ancient one's home only to be spared death thanks to their adoptive daughter Tang Shen. Who would take him in as a pet, and because of this small act Splinter would find himself the father of four gremlins uwu This memory just reminds Splinter how funny fate can be in the end because thing would put him into the right line of events to becoming mutated years later and taking over his owners partners mission. And by extension be passed down to his own students/sons,

☙ : My muse’s favourite food. (Bonus: A memory, be it good or bad, associated with said food.)

"Chamomile tea, it has many good qualities to it after all. As for a memory I guess the many times i've made a cup for my sons to talk over with me. Ah no once when I was sick my four sons tried making me tea, the kitchen was a mess on got a small burned, the kettle drop on another foot, tea was all over the place and all over a turtle and one felt bad for breaking my cup. I was a bit out of it so I do not recall who was who."

No tea isn't a food but as A coffee lover I feel it's only fair I agree with tea lovers. Splinter just loves his tea and drinks many kinds for many reasons. Honestly if you want to impress him (hint to anyone dating one of his sons) gift him tea he is likely not to get often. But you'll get further if you give him his favorite. As Splinter stated his favorite memories tend to be when he shares tea with his sons. All his son are not the best when it comes to talking for one reason or another. So he often will try and get them to speak at least. I like to think his sons often make him tea in return when he is sick or when dealing with stressful matters tea never tastes better. Even if some of his sons should never be in the kicthen or near the stove u-u

herbal tea with a delicate floral flavor and possible health benefits, and its benfits work best if you drink it often which is another reason Splinter tends to drink it the most. He just also loves the flavor. When he was still just a pet he got pretty sick once when eatting a berry he shouldn't/ Lucky he was only ill, so Tang Shen gave him tea to help his digestive system. Its why Splinter loves the tea so much to this day.

♬ : My muse and music. (What type of music they like listening to and in what context, what music they would never listen to, e.t.c.)

"Music is fine though I can't say I always agree with the racket blast on to that dreaded boom box device Mr. Jones walks in with."

Splinter is a a classy rat he's not really looking into things like rock or pop music he more favors instrumental pieces or tranquil music. I feel the closest you will get him to something from the current point in time would be lofi or jazz music.

↺ : My muse and the past. (Do they live in the past and struggle to let go of past grievances, or move on more easily, is there anything in their past they want to forget, e.t.c.) 

"One should always know it is best to continue forward, but to never forget their past."

A little bit of both I would say. Splinter feels your past is still always a part of you but you need to learn to look forward. Sometimes the you of the past is not who you always will be but they are always part of your journey as a person.

☾ : My muse and sleep. (How much they sleep, how much they wish to sleep, if there is something that never fails to put them to sleep, e.t.c.) 

"Rest is good for the body, good for the soul and good for the mind. As nice as it can be though too much can be bad as can too little. Now if only Donatello listened to the later there."

Splinters pretty good about sticking to his routines day to day outside any unforeseen events going on. Splinter wakes early in the day so he can start his day early about 3 in the morning. Give him time to get in some morning mediation and his first cup of tea before gathering his sons for morning training. Its also one of the few times in the day the lair is quite Donnie's quitely working away, Leo likely up himself doing his own thing well Mikey is asleep and Raph is either turning in himself or still out topside. Splinter always drinks a cup of tea just before bed his usual go to is great for.

✧ : My muse and art. (If they have an artistic side or not and why, favourite artist if they have one, e.t.c.) 

"Art is something very near and dear to me"

As I feel is pretty well known Splinter named his sons after four artist from the renaissance period, mostly because he happened to find a book that listed the four of them it seemed like fate. Splinter dose have appreciation for art he finds this period to be a major part of art history and often finds it makes a lot of sense to use names of that time for his own sons. But outside of this Splinter isn't too into art sure he has a creative outlet and often encourages his own sons to have them as well for different reasons. Calligraphy for Leo to help his sword skills, kitting for Raph because he feel it'll help his anger for some examples. He likes to encourage Mikey's more creative thought process as well. Donnie as well though Dons is more wanting them to just try and not outright think his idea won't work.

❃ : My muse and social media. (If the muse is/would be on social media and why/why not, their general opinion on it, e.t.c.) 

"I can barely answer a phone as is."

pft yeeeeah uh Splinter aint on no twitter dot com guys XD

✉  : My muse and others. (If they social and outgoing or more introverted, and why. If they prefer communicating with others face to face or in written form, e.t.c.). 

"I like to keep it in balanced time alone can be just as good as time together, though any moment spent with my sons I admit tends to be where most my time goes."

Splinter dose have friends his sons weren't aware of, he also doesn't have any issue speaking to someone despite being a mutant rat and such. He was pretty quick to be friendly with April, Casey took a bit but well blame that more on Casey. But he was even friendly with Usagi who he met sometime before his sons learned about the Battle Nexus themselves so far as able to ask them for help with Leo. So I would call Splinter more like an ambivert since he will often spend time by himself meditating maybe reading in his room or watching his stories alone.

▶ : My muse and level of education. (If the muse has some form of education, what education they perhaps wish they had, e.t.c.). 

"I'm afraid I have no education to speak of academically but learned all I know when it comes to the art of ninjutsu from my own master, not to mention the gaps I filled in on my own." I still stand by what I said earlier, Splinter showed a lot of intelligence for a field rat. He could read, understand emotions, showed empathy heck he was coping Yoshi from inside his cage even was smart enough to know the baby turtles that fall into the sewer needed someone well also know the bottle of chemicals that fell on them read as TRCI. Splinter is not a genius mind you but he is very very wise. Most of what he knows really just comes from experience. From his travels around the world to being a dad Splinter has just gained a lot of knowledge through life over studies. He is also very well skilled when it comes to ninjutsu nearly self taught but regarded through out the show as being a major player in the field to a point his sons are respected for the fact they learned from him alone?

◐ : My muse and animals. (If they like animals and treat them well, do not care for them at all, e.t.c.). 

"I am a rat and my sons are in fact turtles?"

Be a bit weird if he didn't like animals. He is an animal after all. Splinter dose even make sure to express to Mikey he takes good care of Klunk (Sonny and Cher in the CC verse too) He respect animals and feels they offer a lot to enrich life. Not to mention they have instinct that shouldn't be ignored.

❒ : My muse and gifts. (If they are good/bad at finding gifts, good/bad at receiving gifts, good/bad at wrapping gifts, e.t.c.) 

"Gifts can be nice but sometimes you shouldn't fill your life up with only material objects."

I argue the weapons he game his sons were gifts, I truly feel he thought it out clearly on what weapon each would best work with. And because it would helps each son to learn about themself.

Leo: Because someone with courage and keen skill could handle the weight behind them. That with them he'll know to protect lives and only take them if it's necessary. Because Leo is very compactness and considerate and often looked to as a leader. Would be able to make those choices and only choose violence in the end.

Raph: Despite Raphs being a hot head know for his temper Splinter gifts him the Sai a weapon used for defense because Raph is a ferice warrior who will protect his family not to mention the fact his weapon was made for the use of breaking kanatas. But Raphael's anger and rage comes from a different place a need to protect what little he has froma world that could or so easily take it all away.

Don: often his weapon is joked about and reduced to being nothing more than a stick. Mostly joked because Dons the tech savy one and well haha he got a lame weapon jokes. Thing is though as mentioned before Splinter tries to help chellegned donnis mind and gave him the staff so he could be creative with very little. But it also fitted well for his son who was thoughtful and holds a peaceful heart

Mikey: Of course Mikeys is known for being unfocused and having no easy to follow logic. Thats why he was given nunchucks because it takes a lot of focus to use them showing Mikey is very well skilled when he dose apply himself. Mikey can be serious when he needs to be.

Of course I say Splinter has gifted his sons when able small toys or trinkets they likely all have at least held onto one through their whole life. But coming from such humble backgrounds gifts and such are not really on the rats mind. But you know his sons have givens him a gift here and there and he will treasure them his whole life. Well also showing them off because his son got it for him.

☘ : My muse’s relation with their family. (If they speak with each other and how much, if they are close or estranged, e.t.c.). 

"Family is everything to me. My life was enriched when four baby turtles fell into my care. And from there? it has only grown and become better." Splinter is truly a family man he may be the turtles teacher but he is also their dad. he knows when its time to be a teacher and when to be their father. Sometimes the dad in him over powers the teacher he always worries and fears for their safety. His connection with his Son really can't be under sold when he was able to hear and help Donnie through a mind link all the way out in space alone.

He even extends his family welcome to those his sons befriend such as April who has always been a great person they can count on. Even standing beside them when she didn't have took well being attacked by the foot clan. Casey well he dose take time needing to warm up to them he soon is happily conning them and messing with Casey like he dose his own sons. I feel Yvoone he is a tad more careful with at first but he happily accepts her in his home even after the truth was learned she always had a home in his home.

being a father was always something he loved and being a grandpa is no different well maybe he spoils his granddaughters a lot after all. He loves them to bits and even started as their first teacher mostly just basic stuff he felt be useful like breathing techniques to help them keep clam. He always gave the girls candy uncaring what was said and whos going to tell splinter he can't? I feel like Splinter was the worst when it came to holding them. He just wanna hold the babies uwu he enters the room and you must hand them over or he simply took them uwu both at once even they are his now.

Im sure it'll be asked and wondered Bishop. Either for where he is with Don or Leo. Splinter holds a lot of thought on the matter. That is Ariel other grandfather after all but he also took advantage of her and he can't forgive that. Splinter holds grudges he doesn't seek revenge per say he'll be well polite but I feel that asking for a lot when it comes to someone that has hurt his family

[ducknotinarow]

MM Splinter - Family Meme; all that apply uwu

| Talking about family

"Going from a rat on the streets thst no one wanted around? To a mutated ray in the sewers no one also wanted around. Only find my whole world suddenly centered around four baby turtles? Really made a big change in my life. Heh of course the mutating thing mostly but even if I hadn't mutated I had still come across my boys. Suddenly it was my job to look after and protect them and then teach them how to protect themselves. Going from looking for myself to them I guess made me hover a bit. Hold them to close. The world already was scary and bad and it got worse when changed. I want a better world for them so they don't have to hide anymore and can live freely...even if that means letting go."

Send 🤛 for my muse to talk about (one of) their cousin(s)/niece(s)/nephew(s)

"Our little family has expanded a lot these days now that the mutanimals are part of out family. Though I am glad they all found their own homes as well."

I will say! I do not care for the whole Splinter and scumbug thing, like least the series committed to that so I didnt have to suffer for nothing in the movie buuuut im uh yeah just not having that be a thing XDD

ANYWAY

As in the movie showed the mutants with Superfly had move in with the turtles and splinter/ joined them to become like an extended family. After it seems most of them have moved on to their own home or doing their own thing. Though their clearly still some mutant that each member seems at least close to like Raph with Beepbop and rocksteady, Donnie with Wingnut. Mikey with mondo, and well I don’t feel Leo really has one since he bonded with April the most XD anyway Splinter I wouldn’t say dislikes any of them he offered his home after all. But he clearly isn’t all to close with them. Enough to sort of take over being in charge of them from Superfly though. Splinter is very clearly the head of the family after all. I’d say the only mutant he likely friend with is scumbug since he was best friends with a cockroach before and is one of the only mutant who can speak with each other.

That would leave the rest? For sure much more like extended family and Splinters more like thier uncle?? Grandpa maybe even XD So its more like a generation sort of split between him and the others. He still sees them as family and welcomes them to thier place if their own home isn’t suited to the weather like a rain storm after all. Splinters pretty good abut feeling kinship with others seeing how he went from feeling no one wanted him around not even his own kind? Makes sense why he’s so happy to have such a big family. Why he was so protective of his sons when it was just the five of them as well. I feel part of him has felt some relief knowing his sons wont be alone if anything ever happens to him now and why he tends to push for his sons to be good role models despite many of them being older than his sons. He’s pretty big on sticking together and solving conflicts and such truly take on the role of head of a family with that in mind after all.

Send 👶 for my muse to talk about (one of) their child(ren)

“I love my boys, like I said they became my whole world and I would give them the world if I could. I want to protect them from so much but keeping them away from things isn't the same. Letting them go to have chances I never did? Is though even if I worry and fear everyday. Though some humans have least gotten on to my good side...some begrudgingly."

Obviously Splinter is very much a dad, he loves his four turtle sons more than anything in the world. Because the universal law has stated no matter what splinter will find the turtles and adopt them as his sons ;3;. Splinter a character I truly love a lot i mean clearly since I write him lol. I can be back and forth when it comes to 12 Splinter feeling he wasn't always the best dad but clearly loves his sons anyway. 03 splinter is like my biased favorite he just such a dad and teacher.

I feel MM Splinter falls more into the Dad role/ head of family over teacher. Just on what his main drive seems to be. He seems to have the usual dynamics with his sons.

Leo is the eldest and the one Splinter tends to place most responsibility on too, because he is the oldest. Splinter clearly sees Leo as the leader of his brothers. And tends to trust a lot of family issues to him like not even speak up when Leo tries to help with Raph raging out during the storm. Or tasking Leo jobs that deal with handling family issues.

Raph of course still struggles with his anger issues but Splinter seems very hands on in trying to help Raph deal with it. Raph seems more willing to try Splinters ideas out as well. Even having his own meditation pillow he pulls out when told. He doesn't seem to like it but he listens and tries which is a pretty big step up from past iterations imo.

Donnie still seems to be the son Splinter doesn't full always understand due to his interest and smarts. Personlly I feel he still tries he would be the parent that calls pokemon pokeyman XD he knows Donnie watches 'them animes' he dosen't get them but I feel like it can easily be blamed that Splinter found an old anime movie maybe a ghibli one? and likely what stated Donnie on this dark path XD it's kind of funny cause he also is clearly the parent that thinks his son can fix all tech issues. if he used a computer you know Donnie would be standing behind him the whole time explaining opening a window isn't a real window XD It's funny that he will both scold Donnie about driving but also see him as being dramtic about things. You can see he really tries but hes not above some snide hits even on the weeb son

Mikey ofc his youngest as of now i cant say they have done anything for Mikey having raw talent least being stated by Splinter atm. In truth Splinter seems to feel Mikeys the best about keeping the peace between his brothers and extend family even and seems to be the one picked as errand boy most on top of it. But I say its cause Mikey just good with people.

April is the firsty good human on Splinter list since she tried to help save his sons he seems pretty close to her later in the series as well. He treats her pretty much on par with his own sons even. Not above acting the dad way he does to his boys. But also seems to take what she has to say seriously and not brushing it off. He can even have serious talks he never dose with his own sons.

Yvoone after everything with Donnie and his bullies, yes im calling them that uwu, Splinter just so excited that this girl seems to really actually like donnie and isn't using him. She even was fine following along his conditions for Splinter allowing Donnie having an extended stay at her place. He always goes all out for her visit to the lair as well pulls out all the chris' uwu. Splinter can't help but go a bit extra there because he is just so grateful to Von. Splinter wasn't all to happy when he heard about the kids taking advantage of one of his sons. Didn't really help Splinter's stance when it comes to his mistrust of humans still. So in truth it was partly so he could see if Von was good like April. And he was happy to see she was. As mean as it may sound he hoped Donnie would make more friends as well, not for any bad reason he just feels Donnie is the one who can benefit most from connecting with others. He sees the friendship Donnie has with wingnut. Even if he don't understand what they are saying XD and he just wants Donnie to have more of that so he isn't so alone in what he likes.

Casey of course has been in a up hill battle when it comes to being on Splinters good side but well to be fair all splinter knew of the guy from first mention was the fact he beat up his son Raph. So that protective side came out full swing he just didn't understand how Raph could like someone who hurt him like that? Then again when he had a chance to really reflect on the fact. HE could see how someone Raph could fight with and not be like someone that is a threat or even one of his brothers is in fact someone Raph could befriend and get close too. First time he saw Casey though Splinter was pretty sure they were in a gang or something though XD He over heard Raph mention the purle dragons and some guy nambed Hun even so for like a month Splinter thought Casey was this Hun and in the purple dragons and would get Raph to join his gang! Seeing that Casey fainted when they first met? He felt confident he could handle them XD Splinter dose start to change how he feel and thinks about casey later on. When Raph had to explain once why he was home late was to be there for Casey hearing they had lost thier Dad. Splinter isn't sure what would happen to his own Sons if they lost him at such a young age so his heart felt for the poor kid. So when he found Casey looking through his vinyl collection. Splinter decided to use it as a chance to really speak to this kid he judge to harshly, in truth being no different from humans towards mutants. He starting to see what Casey really is. A lost kid and well how can Splinter turn away from a lost child?

[ducknotinarow]

[MM Splinter Casey]

Casey was quiet as he looked around the lair; it was surprisingly quiet. Raph was busy getting ready or whatever, leaving Casey to his own devices. A bad idea.

He soon found himself drawn to an old record player, with a box of vinyl's next to it. He made himself at home, casually looking through them - not that there were many. He soon found one he recognised - De La Soul's 'Eye Know'. He casually slid the disc out, and popped it into the player, nodding his head along to the music as it began to play.

Turning, Casey went to find a seat, only to jump back upon seeing Splinter behind him. He hadn't even heard the rat approach. He stumbled back slightly, clearly still terrified of them. But there was no Raph to protect him, so he had to try and not faint this time,

"U-uh...hey mister Hamato..."

Wait was Hamato even their last name? Was that the right thing to say? Did they even have last names?? Where the Hell did he get 'Hamato' from him they didn't?!

"Uh, good song, Eye Soul... De La Soul, my uh, ma used to play it all the time before my dad..."

He made a few gestures with his hands, never actually finishing the sentence, but, enough was implied for Splinter to understand.

"Yeah, whatever, uhm, sorry probably shouldn't have uh gone through ya stuff, or fainted when we first met but uh... never got over the whole fear..." Casey found himself over explaining, unsure what to say in the presence of his partners father, "Soooo...uh, Raph mentioned you taught him and the other's Ninjitsu...that's pretty cool, how'd you uh do that?"

Casey was never good at talking, especially to giant rats. He just hoped Splinter didn't judge him more than he probably already did.

| muse interaction

During the day home could be very very quite, with the mutananimals having moved out and found their own homes each in the city. Only coming by to visit or like the flood in need of shelter. And of course the boys being off at school also made things far more quite so it was really only Splinter and the rats in the sewers that would stop by for the occasional visits. Splinter knew his family was all just happy to get a chance to life a real life, where they didn’t have to hide away from the humans. Splinter? Wasn’t still too fully convinced humans were all good. Seeing it more like a few rare exceptions at best. Course he couldn’t say he liked every one of those exceptions for humans that his sons had decided to grow close to. Maybe he shouldn’t be all that surprised that Raphael was the one to decided to befriend a trouble maker though. Seeing that he himself could be one. Than again this Casey Jones hadn’t done nothing like what Donatello went through with their own so called ‘friends’.

Even if Splinter did feel this Casey wasn't still a good influence on Raphael. Considering the calls and reports about Raph being tardy to classes or skipping out and often because he was tangled up with Mr. Jones.

But at the same time? Splinter had noticed a change in Raphael since Casey came into his sons life. As his ears flickered in thought watching the same human he was currently fixing his gaze on to. Raphael must be home was his first thought he did see a text from him mentioning he had to drop by to grab something before he headed back out so not to worry about him for dinner that night. Seems he caught them on their quick stop back home. Eyeing the human he noticed they were snooping around his record player. Flipping through the few vinyls he had gotten over the years. Tilting his head a bit as he just sort of watched them. Not really in a 'I got my eyes on you cause your clearly up to something' type way.

More curious on the fact Casey seemed to be interested in the vinyls, his sons always seemed more bored by them something about them being old which meant they just worth the interest. He slightly tried to look around to get a better look at what Casey seemed to find the most eye catching when they finally stood up with their find. Looking for a closer look at it when they turned nearly right into the old rat.

"U-uh...hey mister Hamato..."

Splinter was still getting used to the whole last name thing. April had been the one to explain they would need a last name for the school when he went to enroll them and such after all. After some searching around the name Hamato had come up. But Splinter didn't really use it outside of that but he guesses he would be Mr. Hamato by all rights? Glancing down to the vinyl he got a look at which one seemed to catch Casey's attention so much.

"Uh, good song, Eye Soul... De La Soul, my uh, ma used to play it all the time before my dad..."

Whiskers twitched as he watched Casey nervously fumble with their hands as they tried to say it without saying it. Raphael had already mentioned to Splinter before that Casey's father had passed away a long time ago. It was when Raphael had to explain not getting back to anyone after school one day because 'Casey needed me'. And well even Splinter could argue when Raph told him why, Casey was still mourning that loss after all.

And that was the other influence this human held over Raphael. His second oldest truly fit the bright fiery red mask that had just seemed to becomes so much apart of who he is. Raphael temper ran hot always in such a need to vent out that building rage. Years Spent helping find ways for his son to handle it. But sometimes he still reach his limit and broke. But then? Something changed he met someone who seemed able to understand. Not that Splinter hadn't tried he truly tried and tried his best to be there for his poor son. Not that Raphael ever seemed to say he wasn't but Splinter felt he wasn't doing enough.

But then? Raphael came home covered in bruises and cuts, but he wasn't upset at all he was smiling. Brightly a gleam in his green eyes as he proudly claimed that the kid who he got into that fight with was his 'friend'? And of course that had changed over time, Splinter couldn't fully deny the way Raphael mood seems to lighten the closer he grew to this human after all. Soon coming to tell Splinter he was gay and at that dating Casey.

Splinter shouldn't be but he still very much did hold his resent towards humans. maybe more with the few bad run ins his sons were having. Sure they weren't chasing them down like before but knowing humans could still hurt his sons? And when he looked at Casey? All he saw was the pricing unaware only one was real. The color in their hair. Casey just looked like a gang member to the rat.Well based of old movies but he felt it still stood.

But watching the boy now? Fumbling with their words making it known what he meant without wishing to say those words. It reminded Splinter of his days as a normal rat. All the friends he had and lost and wished could be like him now.

"Yeah, whatever, uhm, sorry probably shouldn't have uh gone through ya stuff, or fainted when we first met but uh... never got over the whole fear..."

In truth, watching this so called gang member sweat by just being near him? Was always a bit on the funny side. This tough looking human reduced to squirming over the sight of a rat. Though Splinter had to wonder if it was only due to him being a rat?

"Soooo...uh, Raph mentioned you taught him and the other's Ninjitsu...that's pretty cool, how'd you uh do that?"

"I learned from movies and tapes on it and taught my sons." Splinter answered as he stepped over to take a better look at the vinyl Casey was still holding. It was a way to protect his sons and for them to protect themselves the surface wasn't safe for them. Maybe in a way he was still trying to protect his sons. "I got lucky on finding tapes and such that we could learn from. Many of those older movies had actors who were actually trained so learning from them was a good way to go about it." Splinter expressed "I found this on one of my lucky finds even."

Splinter stated smiling up at Casey trying to show he didn't mind them looking "My boys find this stuff boring and old" Like himself, "I'm surprised you even know it. Guess you learned good taste. I find these discs just sound best when it comes to music. Donatello tries to get me to 'update' but it just doesn't sound right, besides his music choice sounds like a fork trapped in a garage disposal." he chuckles slightly. "I actually got this from a box labeled free to take. Was really all I had for music for a long time. Might be why my own boys are sick of this one" He chuckles again fondness in his tone as he did. Gesturing to the player with a hand "Why don't you pop it in, least Raphael found some one with good music taste, the only thing he seems to lack taste in." He smiled enough to make his brows lift up as he playing teased his own son.

[ducknotinarow]

[2k3 follow up from the RaphFatal Blow meme ;3; literally from everyone for everyone ;3; Don's there, Casey's there, Von's there, Master Splinter, and I imagine Mikey too so everyone suffers]

Donatello frowned as he looked to his phone, a hand rubbing his throat, feeling a weird lump forming,

"I'm sorry Master Splinter, but I still can't track Raph's Shell-Cell," Don murmured, soon coughing in an attempt to shift whatever was stuck in his throat.

"Well I say we jus' go out there an' fin' him!" Casey spoke up, worry in his voice, "I know Raph's got his moments but this still aint like 'im, I've seen 'im mad he wouldn't jus' ghost us all this bad!"

"I'll have to sit the search out," Don murmured, "Sorry, I think I may be coming down with the flu; I've just felt really tired for once, and had a headache I just can't get rid of, the sore throat isn't helping..." He forced a smile, "Don't worry, I'll do what I can from my lab..."

The soft sound of boots clicking touched the air, as a familiar stranger slowly approached them. Yvonne. She had her head bowed, a solemn look on her face. She had avoided all of them for so long, ever since the blow up from Raphael. The event that led to him disappearing.

Yvonne didn't speak, as she walked passed Casey, Mikey, Don, not saying a word as she approached Master Splinter. It was what she was carrying that revealed why she was here, without a word said. Her voice shook as she did find something to say,

"...I'm sorry sir..."

Her hands trembled, as she held the two Sai, and red mask, out to him; they rested gently in her palms. The usual stone face she wore cracked, she did not hide her tears. Death was an inevitable in life, but it still twisted like a knife. Even when their last moments were an argument, it didn't make it any better.

"I tried to bring him home...I swear I tried..." Yvonne promised Splinter through tears, "I'm so sorry..."

| Continued from [here]

No one was sure what was going on, Casey came to the lair trying to find Raphael which already seemed to settle in worry among the mutants. They had all assumed Raphael had been with Casey this whole time. That was often always the answer, or in the slightest someone would have known about him leaving. He hadn't had any major blow up least from what they could think of. Soon they were all recounting the last time they may had seen Raphael trying to map out the time table and maybe narrow down when exactly the last sighting of Raphael had been. Try and understand if he might be in trouble or not. Everyone seemed to pause and think over the past few days.

Donatello spoke up first, taking a moment because he seemed to be dealing with a headache but was able to recall that Raph and him had spent time together looking at making some upgrades to what they named the shellcycles. Mentioning that they were going to work on them together even. Leo offered if maybe Raph was out scooping for the parts they might need then. Splinter shared in the thought, it was often how Raphael tried to assist Donatello when it came to trying ti lighten the load Donatello bared on to his shoulders so often. Michelangelo spoke up next pointing out he didn't think so because Michelangelo had managed to rope Raphael in to playing a game with him. Even recalled he intercepted Raph when he had left Donatello's lab, literally hooking them by the arm and dragged them to the living room. Splinter did recall the same event playing out though. Raph was grumbling about it but still went along with getting 'forced' into playing with his brother. Michelangelo didn't shy away from even making a mention that he won and beat Raph. And of course mentioned that Raph beat him physically after all his gloating. Leonardo piped in from there because he had pulled them apart.

Leonardo said Raphael seemed upset about something and felt it wasn't just cause of Michelangelo being well Michelangelo . Having offered to help Raph work it out with a sparing session even. Raphael agreed but during the fight Leonardo could just tell it wasn't a usual temper issue. It seemed like Raphael was miles away from everything going on. It was one of the rare times where Raphael seemed to seek Leonardo out for advice. Though it was hard to give with how vague Raphael was being. Just admitting his mind had to much going on in it so Leonardo suggested maybe Raph needed a breather away from the lair. Seemed funny now because Leonardo was often always having to be on their case about going topside. Maybe spend time with Casey even and Raphael seemed to take the suggestion said he would text Casey but wait till it got later.

There Splinter spoke up next. Splinter had mentioned Raphael being in the kitchen he seemed troubled. Not too willing to speak about what exactly had happened. So Splinter offered his son some tea. Hoping it would clam whatever was working through his son’s troubled mind at the time. Raphael did seemed to open up a bit more to confirm that something had been on his mind at the time. They seemed to be more at ease after the one on one time. Raphael had smiled and offered Splinter a word of thanks. Before he told them he was heading out to see Casey. Which is the last anyone could say they had saw him. Casey said they had played around in the snow together.

Something felt off. Splinter couldn't explain it. They all seemed to notice something off with Raphael was it connected? His son was troubled looking for distractions at best. Till they weren't working so he took advice? Which wasn't very much like his son to do in the first place. Splinter was the last of the mutants to speak to him he knew his son looked troubled. What had they talked about Raphael said he felt guilty about a fight he had. But Splinter knew it could been between him and Michelangelo that was a far more usual sibling spat. Didn't seem like it was with Casey either though, they didn't show any sign of that having happened.

"I'm sorry Master Splinter, but I still can't track Raph's Shell-Cell,"

Splinter didn't like the sound of that, something was truly off about this all. Where are you my son, was all he could really think over and over.

"Well I say we jus' go out there an' fin' him!"

And it wasn't just him alone, as his ear flickered to the sound of worry in Casey's voice. Something very rarely heard from the human. But looking at his other son's their faces each reflected that same feeling.

"I know Raph's got his moments but this still aint like 'im, I've seen 'im mad he wouldn't jus' ghost us all this bad!"

It's ture. Splinter may hardly understand his own phone but as he slipped it out for a quick look even he lacked anything from Raphael. They always texted him no matter what. The last message he had was he made it to his meeting spot with Casey. But nothing since. That wasn't like him, it was their deal. Why Splinter never worried much when Raphael took off he always texted Splinter so they would know at least that he was okay.

"I'll have to sit the search out," Don murmured, "Sorry, I think I may be coming down with the flu; I've just felt really tired for once, and had a headache I just can't get rid of, the sore throat isn't helping..."

"I think that be for the best Donatello, we don't need you out there in the snow like that." Splinter spoke up showing he was still part of the conversation at least. Hand extending to rest on to Donatello's arm a moment. "No need to push yourself when sick again." Raph may be missing but he still had three others son's to look after.

"Don't worry, I'll do what I can from my lab..."

Leo gave a nod and turned to Michelangelo and Casey seeming ready to start forming his plan. When again Splinters ear's twitched to the sound of foot steps echoing in the tunnels. Turning to the entrance just moments before Yvoone of all people walked through. And for a small second Splinter wonder if Raphael would show up behind her but there was no other sound to accompany Von's own steps. Having wondered if the fight was with her, she hadn't been around after all. But something seemed wrong the moment she came into the lair. Something that cause his fur to stand on end, turning face ever as he tempered the rising fear in himself. He felt this dread before when his master Yoshi was taken from him. She paid no attention to anyone else. Not even Mikey who spoke up to her. Or Donatello who was involved with her.

No she was here with purpose. Only stopping by Splinter, the rat took a moment to look up at her. She been through something fur sure. Shaken so badly a mess in the shape of Yvoone stood before him. The poor women.

"Yvoone what is?" Splinter began to speak clearly she went to him for a reason. And he already knew it had to do with his missing son. The twist in his gut the way his heart seemed to quicken. The sense of fear triggering all around him.

"...I'm sorry sir..."

Splinter had his answer. She didn't even have to say it her just knew. From the way the words trembled out from her mouth. "no" and yet he still couldn't believe it. Looking down to find Raphael's red mask and sai held in her hands. "..Raphael." Splinter spoke the name so soft and so sadly. Reaching out he let his can fall to the floor he hardly noted how the wooden can sounded as it dropped on to the bricks.

"I tried to bring him home...I swear I tried..."

Splinter looked at the weapons, he had given to Raphael they were meant for him specifically. Splinter waved the red mask between his fingers. Tattered fabric. Splinter closed his eyes as he let his hands curl around both the sai and mask. Ears flooded back as he worked to control his breathing in that moment. He could feel the remaining traces of Raphael's soul lingering on them. Such important parts of Raphael's identity. His son who put all the worlds problems on his shoulders. It was a trait to admire because all Raphael wanted to do was to protect. Protect his brothers, his family. His temper always seemed at risk of that want. Never himself. Never allowing himself to be protected either.

"I'm so sorry..."

Those three words were all the confirmation any of them might have needed. "it-it's okay Von you that just means you know where he is right?" Michelangelo spoke up, his voice shook as he seem to try and keep his usual tone. "we'll just go and get him right?" He looked around to everyone else around him who all seemed to be coming to the same harsh truth. Splinter opened his eyes and lifted his head looking over everyone one before locking eyes with his youngest.

"it's fine Splinter we can go get him back." they insisted, and Splinter heart ached for his son. As they walked over seeming ready to ask Yvoone more about his brother's whereabouts. So Splinter spoke up again.

"Raphael was strong, passionate and loyal to fault. His greatest merits"

"He is you mean is those are his merits!" Michelangelo shouted on shakey ground. "We'll go get him back! he's fine he's" "Raphael was more stunboorn than anyone" Splinter continued.

"He is you know he is!"

Splinter reached out his hand holding the mask out to his youngest son. Watching them step back as if touching it would make it real. He shook his head hard unsure where he could even go. "Raphael carried the worlds problems on his shoulders, and though he may have acted other wise. His family his loved ones were his whole world to him. There was nothing he wouldn't" Splinter reached over to place his other hand on to Yvoone feeling she needed to hear this part most. "Have done for those few in his life that made up his world" "....he can't be though." Michelangelo took hold of Raphael's mask vision blurred by the tears that soon filled his eyes. Trying to swallow back his cries but he couldn't as he lowered his head into his hands. Letting his tears drop on to the fabric and soak into it. He turned towards Leonardo and Donatello. Not wanting to keep it to himself huddling in with his last remaining brothers. As Splinter Lowered his head once more looking down to the sai. Recalling the moment in the kitchen. Wishing he had just noticed a little more that night.

[ducknotinarow]

[CC and Master Splinter - it's really dumb]

"Uh, hope yer don't mind all the cats runnin' roun' sir," Casey mutters, watching as one scampered away, "They keep the rats an' mice from eatin' all the grain an' makin' 'em sick, uh, no offense."

Casey then pauses, narrowing his eyes slightly as he looks directly at Splinter,

"'Less yer plan on eatin' my grain, in which case, full offense."

| Muse Interaction

"Please make sure every bit is return Donatello, I'm sure our guest would like to not replace their toaster." Donatello seemed to turn attention to him and offered that look only a child could to a parent. As if they were caught and in trouble, Splinter simply set his thin bony paw to their forearm. To show he wasn't being scolded and that seemed enough to earn Splinter an explanation on how Don was planning to improve the toaster. He is sure their gracious host wouldn't mind a toaster fixed up like new. Before he decided to venture outside himself now.

It wasn't exactly something any of them could take advantage of, able to walk out and about in the open like this. Sun bright and warm against his fur, a rare feeling he had only felt a number of times through his years of sneaking up to the surface with his sons. Night life was more what they knew easier to hid when in the dark and out of sight. So getting to openly stroll around the world they did call home was a nice rare luxury they all seemed to be taking advantage of all thanks to the kindness of a stranger they happened across. Donatello, the busy bee they were seemed occupied with a toaster. Splinter eyed them a moment as they had ripped the appliance apart and set all the pieces to the table. Splinter smiled a little no different than when he was a kid always needed something to keep his hands busy it seemed.

Though it seemed all his sons needed something to keep their minds off the situation. As he found his path crossed with his youngest happily sat in the dirt among some chickens as he was setting down their food for them. Though he noted how the birds stared at his youngest only for more to be thrown out. Well at least Michelangelo was helping out around the farm even if it was far more play to them. A slight whack of his cane to the back of the shell. Not enough to hurt but get their attention as Mikey tipped back his head and smiled brightly as he always did. Splinter looked their face over and smiled he could see worry there but seemed getting to distract himself with the chickens was doing good for him. A gentle pat to their head was given. Mikey scrunching up his face trying to nuzzle in against the palm of Splinters hand in turn soaking in the affection. "Be nice to Mr. Jones' chicken my son." is all he tell them before he continued on his walk. Where he finds the last two of his boys.

He knows he shouldn't but he slips inside the barn and finds the wall nearest to where he saw them standing, not paying mind to the cats that seemed to be lounging around inside. A few stalking about smaller rats but seemed aware to stay clear of himself. Leonardo was still healing and getting back on his feet, trying to get back on his feet at least. Well aware of his oldest son's issue but didn't seem he needed to be the one to talk to them. As he made his way closer to the outside of the barn, an ear lifted up. He should have more faith in his son Raphael but when he hears that sharpness to their tone as they speak to Leo he worries that anger is about to spark. It lacks any bite though. As Leo goes one about what happened Raphael doesn't seem to allow them to dwell on making it out to be his fault. They seem to be handling this fine between them even if a punch is thrown he is assured it won't lead to anything more. Though Splinter was invested in Raphael's tone something different about it? not that the rat has much time to linger on that thought when the door opens once again he is quick to move from the wall. As if he hadn't been engaging in an admittedly bad behaviors of ease dropping on his oldest sons. Sat in some of the hay even with the cats near by him he simply watched as Mr.Jones walked in seeming to take note they weren't alone in the barn themself.

Eyes fixed on the man as he simply smiles and gives a slightly bow of his head moving to stand as if he just been sitting there this whole time. "apologizes Mr.Jones I was simply taking a moment to myself to mediate." the rat lied without any trace of it in his tone "but seems I found company?" he points out drawing attention to one of the other cats that had found their way in the barn.

"Uh, hope yer don't mind all the cats runnin' roun' sir,"

They joined Splinter as they seemed to watch the same creature take off to contuine it's hut in the barn or to simply find a place to rest.

"They keep the rats an' mice from eatin' all the grain an' makin' 'em sick, uh, no offense."

Splinter noted as much, they seemed interested in him due to his scent but when they saw he was far large than their usual finds they seemed to distinct him from his fellow kind, Splinter didn't pay much mind to the rest of what they mentioned it wasn't exactly like he could deny any of that. besides he hadn't exactly been a normal rat for many years now, so he can't fault humans methods for trying to handle his kind. Least Jones let the cats do the work and didn't go about it in a more cruel manner. That didn't seem to be the mans way. That did seem to stand out to him a moment as he thought back to his sons. Attention shifting to the human watching as they narrowed their eyes at him.

"'Less yer plan on eatin' my grain, in which case, full offense."

"if you find any grain going missing, I assure you it won't be my doing. You might need to double check how much Michelangelo is giving your hens Mr.Jones." Splinter expresses. He was still a rat but also a father who rather his sons be respectful of their hosts kindness. "But no offense is taken after all you have done for my family I am nothing but grateful to you and in your debt." He offers another bow this time lowering his shoulders as he shifts his weight forward on his cane. "if not for you my Son never would have had a chance to heal. None of my sons in fact, you are very kind to allow them to enjoy the fresh air here and put up with them. I know they are handfuls but they mean well." Splinter says to express his own gratitude their way. "Letting Donatello fidget with your things seems to help keep him busy from dwelling and worrying to much, Michelangelo may be spoiling your chickens but he seems to enjoy the company they give and it's kept his sprites high, Leonardo was able to rest and is still able to recover in peace as well." he just glad they are together most of all though he seemed to leave one son out.

"I also thank you for what you seem to do for my son Raphael, he is at best overly emotional one at times. I know hes been worried about things going on. Your company seems to be calming to his spirits." Finally lifting uo his head and he tilts it back right properly face the man.

"You have done a lot for my family over all your kindness I hope you know we're all grateful for but my hotheaded son the most seems to have taken a lot of relief from it." Splinter states offering the thanks on all thier behalf needed or not they were lucky Casey was as he is or who knows what thier current state would be. "I promise are stay won't be long once we can well return home but I do hope you'll contuine your friendship with Raphael he seems to have made a great companion in you and I'd like him to have better influence for himself." The father in the rat coming out then and there as his ear flicks noting his sons seemed to have left he offers a nod of his head.

"I'll get out of your way for now, also thought the grain looks tempting I'm far mkre favored towards tea myself." It was a playful remark but he still felt the need to defend himself.

[ducknotinarow]

Tag drop for splinter

Donatello-> aflockoffeathers (I wanted a King triton line but now of them fit so I picked this from sensation uwu)

Casey -> aflockoffeathers (okau so this is technically a king triton line but it fits for the just vibe cause casey u_u but also showing he has adopted casey by choice or begrudginglyxD)

[Children have to be free to lead their own lives -aflockoffeathers]

[ what am I going to do with you young man -aflockoffeathers]

Rise casey -> aflockoffeathers (different enough to warrant a different tag) (this cause Casey is lokely going to experience thing splinter has and splinter is only now more accepting of his own lofe changes so he can relate to his grandson on the matter uwu)

[ this to shall pass -aflockoffeathers]

Yvonne -> aflockoffeathers (fits for both because of her ties with bishop and then for rise it's him more projecting let's be honest u_u buy both come to accept her as family uwu)

[ there's ways to trust an emeny you can't a friend -aflockoffeathers]

Leonardo -> forthehonorandtheglory (eventually I'll do your other turtle mutals but this one I knew right away uwu)

[ the greatest honor is having you for a son - forthehonorandtheglory]