Chapter 9: Tales of Ferita

The next few Fuoco, Rosa and Nero were up bright and early and began fixing up their new home.

"You know, if we're staying here we're gonna need a new tribe name." Mikey said one day while he and the others were bringing fresh food and supplies.

"What's on your oh so small mind baby brother?" Raph asked.

"How about the 'Atarashi Tribe'?" Mikey suggested with a goofy grin. "Hmm, I like it. It has a nice ring to it." Raph smiled. Suddenly there was a loud crash and a yelp in pain.

Everyone turned around and saw Ferita curled up on the floor in pain!

"FERITA!" Everyone cried and ran to their friend's aid.

"I thought I told you to take it easy!" Bolla scowled angrily.

"Heh, sorry about that Bolla. Just got a lot on my mind." The injured joked before doubling over in pain.

"Let's set him down." Raph ordered and they carried Ferita over to the temporary nests they were currently using.

"Ferita, there's a question I've been meanin' to ask ya for a while now." Raph said calmly. Ferita nodded, already knowing what it was. "Who are the 'Akumu Tribe'?"

Ferita sighed as everyone gathered around.

"After me and Slash escape the Aoimoku Tribe's destruction we wandered for days looking for a new place to call home. I suggested we try and track you but Slash said it would pointless and you were probably dead."

"Sounds like Slash." Nero muttered.

"After a week of endless walking we eventually arrived in the Akumu Tribe's territory. The chief was really nice and offered us a place in his tribe. But then something snapped in Slash's mind and he believed that he should be chief instead. Slash slaughtered the chief and the chief's mate and heirs. At first Slash did OK as a leader, but then things began to change."

Spike was shocked to hear that about his brother.

"He made everyone who was loyal to him a member of Owsla and those who weren't were forced to be slaves. The vegetation quickly died and the rivers went dry. When I talked to Slash about this he accused me of being a traitor and made me one of the slaves. If the slaves ever disobey an order or attempt to run away their brought before Slash for punishment."

Gio whimpered in fear and clung onto Bolla.

"I remember when they caught one trying to escape while I was still a member of Slash's new Owsla. His name was Kurban. Slash almost tore him into little pieces. There was another rebel as well. She was a female called Leona and I never would have escaped without her help. I had attempted to escape numerous times before but I was always caught and these scars I now wear are remainders of my punishment."

Rosa held back a shiver, even though she had never met Slash she already didn't like him.

Raph leaned forwarded, eager to hear more.

"So there are turtles in tha Akumu Tribe that are willin' ta leave?" He asked hopefully. Spike looked at him.

"I know that look, what are you thinking?" The Owsla Officer asked.

"I'm thinkin' we get someone inside Akumu and raid tha place. We only have two females."

Everyone gasped in shock. Raphael was right. With only two females there was a slim chance of young being produced and that meant that their tribe wouldn't grow.

"I agree but Slash knows who we are, the only one he doesn't know is Rosa." Bolla pointed out. Donnie smirked.

"I've got just the thing."...