NA HALA A KA MAKUA - SINS OF THE FATHER

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or the characters.

A/N: Here's another brand NEW chapter! Thanks to all of you for leaving reviews behind after reading and for joining me throughout this journey! I've learned so much while writing this story and The Hutchlover deserves all credit for my learning curve. You're a incredible beta reader and teacher. Thank you for your help!

All right guys, enjoy reading!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

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GENERAL WARD – TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

Lying in a more upright position Danny was able to watch his feet. Grabbing the sheets tight while pain tingled throughout his body he focused on his toes. Tensing his muscles, his feet moved. His toes curling up and down. His mind screamed out as the pain drove through his back. Every thought he just had become confused as a jolt of electricity ran up his spine like scorching fire. The pain was merciless without escape. Danny grunted and let go of the sheets. His hands were shaking, as moving his legs, even just an inch was already excruciating.

Dr. Cormier stood next to the bed watching Danny execute her orders. "This is really good, Detective," she encouraged. The doctor exposed the entire left leg from the blanket. "Can you feel this?" She pinched the leg at several points, starting at his feet, going up.

"I do." Danny answered, followed by a pained snort as he couldn't believe he felt it.

Steve sighed and a relieved grin appeared on his face. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, while he looked satisfied at his friend.

A broad smile appeared briefly on the doctor's face. "That's great. How's the pain?"

Danny breathed through the intense burning and stinging sensation that was unremitting. "Present." He remarked.

Dr. Cormier nodded firmly. "Having more sensation is a good thing; the bad news is that having more sensation will also give you the ability to feel pain and pain is rarely any fun. Let me give you a higher dose of your pain meds." She scribbled something on the chart she was holding.

"Is that really necessary?" Danny questioned as he didn't like meds that made him drowsy.

The doctor looked daring at Danny. "If you want to make it to your PT session this afternoon, I would seriously recommend it."

Danny's eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry, hold on."

"You don't want to walk out of here?" Dr. Cormier pushed.

"I do, but-" Danny couldn't finish. The doctor cut him off.

"All right, then I'll set the appointment for this afternoon. An orderly will come any minute to take you up for a scan. Try to rest until then." Dr. Cormier stated, giving Danny a comforting smile before she exited the room.

With the doctor walking away, Steve sat down in the chair next to the bed. "I like her."

Danny rolled his eyes. "Of course you do, she is you in a female form."

Steve snorted. "Explains your attitude towards her."

"She's completely nuts. I mean how does she think I'll be able to walk if it hurts too much to wiggle my toes." Danny protested, lying with his muscles frozen in place. They were filled with such a tingling pressure that staying still was the only option.

Steve shrugged. "I'm sure she wouldn't let you if she didn't think you could handle it."

Danny dropped his head back against the pillow. "We'll see."

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GENERAL WARD – TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

After the scans Danny had been returned to his room. His partner went back to work as Danny could use some alone time to rest up for the unexpected physical therapy. Danny was curious and nervous at the same time. He really wanted to get out of bed, but he didn't want to be disappointed if he failed to get back on his feet. It took a lot of strength and energy to move his toes, let alone stand and be able to keep standing. He was sure he could push through, but the pain could become overwhelming and that might be something he couldn't deal with.

As the doctor ordered, Danny was given a stronger pain medication. It was really helpful as it took the edge off his pain, but the medication made him drowsy and carried him back to sleep for most of the afternoon. Waking up Dr. Cormier came by to share the results of the scan. There was no swelling anymore around his spinal cord which matched with the result of Danny being capable of moving his legs. His spine was still processing the trauma, so that explained the severity of the pain. The doctor couldn't tell whether the pain would subside with time or if he would be in pain for the rest of his life. Maybe not this severe, but nerve pain could be expected.

Taking the blanket off his legs, Danny tried to push them to the edge of the bed. Saving him some energy the doctor grabbed his legs gently and lifted both limbs over the edge. With his feet dangling Danny started getting some doubt. "I don't mean to come off offensive or anything, but are you sure about this?"

"I am." Dr. Cormier smiled confident. She unhooked Danny from the IV before he got up.

Danny held out his arm, so the doctor could seal off the IV. "It's not like getting back up might cause the swelling to return and you know, next thing I can't walk anymore?"

"That's highly unlikely. It's not that you don't remember how to walk, instead your muscles and nerves don't cooperate with your mind. They're a bit weaker and the trauma on your spine will interfere with moving," the doctor shared while finishing disconnecting the IV line. She looked up at her patient. "Don't worry, you can do this, Detective." She encouraged.

"I have no choice, because I'm not going to sit in that thing." Danny pointed with his head at the orderly walking in pushing a wheelchair.

"It's just for transportation." Dr. Cormier stated.

"I know that, but I'll pass." Danny said pigheaded.

The doctor smiled. "Okay, let's start with getting you back on your feet."

Pushing himself off the bed, Danny put his feet on the floor. Dr. Cormier locked her arm, pressing her upper arm firmly against Danny's upper arm, supporting him by his shoulder. Even with the support Danny swayed on his feet. Pain flared up in his back. Not just a little twinge, no with the slightest movement or with even just a pinch, a tingling pain surged through his body. The orderly had placed the wheelchair with some distance from the bed, so Danny needed to take a few steps to get there.

It was like punching through a lead-lined concrete wall, but eventually he broke through and took a step. He let out his breath, noisily from the effort of a simple movement. Clenching his jaw he dragged one foot in front of the other and he managed to take a second step. With a third he would reach the wheelchair. Despite his previous words, he really wanted to sit. Taking the next step too quickly, his legs weakened and he sagged. The orderly jumped in as Dr. Cormier couldn't hold Danny entirely.

"It's all right, we've got you." Dr. Cormier comforted, and with their grips tight around Danny's arms they turned him around and lowered him in the wheelchair. Sitting down Danny let out a groan; his facial expression darkened and sadness clouded his features.

"Don't be disappointed. It's good progress,"Dr. Cormier placed her hand briefly on Danny's shoulder before pointing at the orderly. "Mike, here will bring you to your appointment. I'll see you afterwards."

"Fine," Danny mumbled inaudibly.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY – TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

With his hands wrapped tight around the parallel bars Danny shuffled back and forth a few times. Not that he didn't know how to walk, but regaining balance, strength and mobility was an essential exercise in his rehabilitation therapy. Some patients may need to develop or improve the range of motion of their joints as well as developing any lost muscle strength. In Danny's case, he hadn't lost much muscle strength in those past few days and his joints were is good shape. However the pain was making it hard to walk and to put one foot in front of the other.

Now that Danny could fully feel again, the pain of the surgical incision on his abdomen was sickening. Honestly his chest still bothered him, even though that was two months ago. Except for the recent chest tube placement, which was not completely healed. He wished the world to end rather then this sea of endless currents, some strong, some weak, but the waves of pain kept crashing over him. His entire body in agony. From his back to his abdomen and last his chest. If one would ease another pain would pop up and take over his mind.

Between Steve and him, Danny was definitely the one with the most patience. But being in this frustrating situation, he had no patience at all. He hated not being able to do something correctly right away. Not that he did mind making a mistake, but he'd rather do it right the first time. Which was not something he could do during this exercise. If it were up to him, he'd walked out of here after the first PT session, but there was no chance that was going to happen. Despite the pain he could try though.

Loosening his grip Danny took a few steps without any support. His muscles burned and protested, but he gritted his teeth and continued. He constantly needed to steady himself as he was swaying on his feet; his legs trembling with every step, but he kept going. Putting one foot in front of the other, he had to keep going, even though his body was telling him it was enough. He couldn't give up, not yet at least. His hands were close above the bars, ready to grasp them if needed.

"You're doing great, Danny," Elliot, the personal therapist coached. "Just go back one more time."

Turning around Danny walked a few more feet. Willing to take another step his legs gave out as pain shot through his back. Crashing, Danny grabbed the bar, leaning on it using his arms to hold himself up entirely. Without the strength in his arms he would be flat on the floor. Elliot was instantly near him, but Danny didn't notice until he opened his eyes after the pain faded. He was disappointed in himself. Why couldn't he make it? Just a few more steps. Anger transformed his face, which was noticeable from a mile away.

"All right. Let's try again tomorrow." Elliot patted Danny on the shoulder, waving to an orderly to bring the wheelchair toward them.

"I've got it."

Recognizing the voice, Danny jerked his head to the entrance. Steve was leaning with his shoulder against the doorway before he walked over to the orderly.

Danny sighed and rolled his eyes, feeling uncomfortable that his friend had probably been watching him for a few minutes, including his failure to walk. "Shouldn't you be doing something useful? Work maybe?"

Steve took the wheelchair from the orderly. "I did. We just wrapped up a case, so I thought I'd swing by."

"You mean swing by, again." Danny snapped.

"Again, yes," Steve stopped in the middle of the room. "You want me to turn around and take this chair with me or what?"

Danny's arms started trembling and Elliot jumped in for support, holding Danny tight underneath his shoulder. He couldn't hold himself up much longer, so he gave in. "No, you putz. Get over here."

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GENERAL WARD - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

Steve pushed his partner by Julian Lynch's room as Danny looked aside. The door of the hospital room was open, so there was a clear sight of the criminal. Rolling past he put his hands on the wheels, slowing down the pace. "Back up. Back up." Danny ordered.

Bringing the wheelchair to a stop, Steve shrugged. "What? Why?" He questioned, not backing up until he was given an answer.

Danny turned around in his seat and pointed at the room. "He's awake."

"I know, let's go." Steve informed, willing to push further, but Danny held his hands firmly on the wheels.

Danny looked over his shoulder at his partner. "If you knew, then how come I didn't?"

Steve held up one hand, to stop Danny from interfering. "Listen, before you say anything judgmental and I know you will. I had a good reason, all right? The doctor told me this morning, but then better things happened, so it didn't seem the appropriate time to tell you."

Danny turned back around. "Fine, did that punk say anything?"

"He can't. Not yet at least." Steve remarked, still standing in the corridor.

"Stop, I know you have this, tough nut to crack kind of glow, but for once speak like a normal human being and use full sentences." Danny quipped, talking wildly with his hands.

Steve sighed. "He can't say anything because he's hooked up to a ventilator. The doc said you beat the crap out of this guy. Swelling in the brain, broken nose, major blood loss due the stab wounds and that's not even the worst. Both his lungs collapsed during surgery and they still don't have it under control, so they won't be able to take him off the machine any time soon.

Danny pouted and nodded. "Good, what about the gunshot wound?"

Steve continued. "A piece of the fragment was stuck in his shoulder for days, so on top of it he has lead poisoning."

"Karma is a bitch, ain't it?" Danny gloated, leaning back in the wheelchair.

"Well I won't be sleeping any less because of it, so I guess you're right." Steve admitted.

"Me neither," Danny let go of the wheels and his friend started pushing forward again. "Has Parrish been transported to the mainland yet?" He inquired.

"Yeah, few days ago." Steve answered, but his friend didn't say anything.

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GENERAL WARD - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

Steve could tell by Danny's features that he was exhausted, not that he would acknowledge it though. On top of his exhaustion he was a bit grumpy as well. Even more than usual. Steve couldn't blame his partner, the PT session was hard and with not reaching the result he was hoping for, Steve could imagine the frustration. Entering the room he placed the wheelchair as close to the bed as possible, but Danny still needed to get up and take a step or two.

Normally Steve wouldn't hesitate to help his friend, but this time he didn't want to put him in more pain by getting him up on his feet. "Let me go get a nurse." He stated already making his way back to the door.

"No, I can do it myself." Danny said, pushing himself up. Only standing up didn't go that well as he needed to grab the nightstand tightly to keep his balance.

Steve was directly next to him. "Of course you do." He took Danny by his arm and supported him back to onto the bed.

Collapsing onto the bed Danny grasped the edge while pain visibly radiated through his body. Falling tiredly against the raised back he leaning his head on the pillow. His legs were still dangling over the edge, so Steve lifted them up and gently placed both legs underneath the blanket.

With Danny having his eyes closed, Steve pulled the blanket up. "Now I'm really getting that nurse."

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GENERAL WARD - TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER – MOANALUA - OAHU

After asking for a nurse, Steve went downstairs to get a coffee. The nurse needed to connect Danny back up on the IV and she would give him something for the pain, so Steve figured it would be awhile before his friend would be amongst the living. While at the cafeteria Catherine called him. They talked for a bit, and made dinner plans while heading back upstairs again.

Walking past a closed door with the HPD officer standing next to it, Steve disconnected the call and put his phone back into his pocket. Clumsily, while he held a coffee cup in one hand, he managed to open the door. Going into Danny's room Steve froze. Inspecting the room the bed was empty, the sheets tossed aside and the IV stand was missing. Danny was gone, but the wheelchair was still standing in the room. Several thoughts ran through Steve's mind. There was no way Danny would've been able to go far, at least not on his own.

Steve put his coffee aside and went back onto the hallway. While scanning the corridor looking around for his friend, an alarm sounded over the P.A. "Code blue, code blue. Room 312, code blue." Steve pivoted and stared at the sign of Danny's room number. 313. Glancing to the left he spotted the number 312. It was Julian Lynch's room.

Without thinking Steve stormed into the room. The HPD officer followed and bumped against Steve as he suddenly stopped. His eyes went automatically to the lifeless body in the bed. Julian was lying with his eyes wide open, his pupils enlarged. A green line going straight on the heart monitor and a constant piercing sound penetrated his ears.

"Room 312, code blue."

The full face mask was pulled off and lying on Julian's chest. The ventilator making an hissing sound meant it was working, Steve was clueless on what happened. The blue tube connecting the mask with the machine was weirdly kinked to the other side of the bed like there was a weight hanging on it. Steve went around the bed and his own heart almost flatlined. Next to the bed, Danny lay on the floor.

-H50-

A/N: I know I know... another cliffhanger, how could I not? I've said it before I believe, but chapter 35 will be the last one, so how could I not put in a little cliffy before bringing this story to an end.

Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! Always love hearing what you think of it!

MAHALO! Chapter 35 will be uploaded next Sunday!