By Kali Gargoyle
Note: I don’t own the turtles.
***
A young Leonardo wandered through the sewers. In his hands he held a small knife, although it was almost as long as his forearm. About five minutes ago he’d been looking at the pictures in one of Splinter’s art books. He’d heard a squeak, and then the sounds of something moving just outside. He looked around but no one else was in the room.
Should he get Splinter? No. He was being trained as a ninja, he should use those skills. He needed to protect his family. He grabbed a knife from the weapons rack and stepped outside the lair.
Now, as he trudged through the dirty water, he wished he had told Master Splinter.
A movement behind him made him jump and turn. His keen eyes searched the darkness. Something passed over his toes and Leonardo jumped clear out of the water. He fell backwards and splashed down in the water.
His breath quickened and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes darted back and forth in the darkness. Something was here with him.
It slid over his hand and Leo raised the knife and plunged it down.
He missed. Then he saw it. Long and winding, as thick as his leg. The head turned around and looked him straight in the eyes. The forked tongue shot out, tasting the air. It slithered closer to the young turtle.
Leonardo got to his feet. He held the knife in both hands out in front of him. He stared it straight in the eyes. It flicked its tongue out at him again.
Suddenly, it struck. Leo brought the blade down but he was too slow. The snake's jaws clamped down on his knee. He could feel small teeth sink into his skin and he cried out in pain. He fell back down in the water.
In less than a second it had coiled around his legs and moved up his body. Leonardo tried to swipe at it, but it bit his hand and he dropped the knife.
The coils continued over his arms and chest. He fought the snake but it was too strong. He felt a coil tighten around his neck. He gasped for breath but none came. He couldn't even call out for Splinter or his brothers.
His last thoughts were of his family.
***
"Leonardo."
The sound of his sensei's soft voice brought Leo from his sleep. He slowly opened his eyes and squinted until his master's furry face came into focus.
"Thank goodness you are alive, my son."
Leonardo tried to sit up, but found he was too weak. "What happened?" he squeaked.
"You had a dangerous encounter, my son. Your brothers led me to you. What have I told you about leaving our home?" Splinter's voice rose as he chastened his pupil.
Leonardo frowned in shame. "I'm sorry sensei. I only wanted to protect you."
Splinter softly kissed his forehead. "We will discuss it when you are well."
When Splinter left, the other turtles came over. They all said how worried they'd been but assured him that he would be alright. Mike sat down in front of the TV, Raph sat against the arm of the couch near Leo's head and Don sat by his feet. The news was on.
"And the escaped boa constrictor is still on the loose. It escaped from its tank in its owner's home last Monday. It is over fifteen feet long and should be considered dangerous."
Don and Raph exchanged glances. Leo stared wide-eyed at the screen. Mike turned around and saw Leo's terrified expression.
"Don't worry Leo. We got him. There's no reason to be scared."
***
Mike's words came back to him as Leonardo froze and watched a small garter snake crawl through the grass ten feet in front of him. He repeated Michaelangelo's words over and over again in his head, then aloud as the snake came closer.
Still, he could not get off the fence until the snake crawled beneath it. Then he jumped off and sprinted. When he was far enough away, he stopped and tried to catch his breath. His entire body was shaking.
Like hell there's no reason.