Chapter 8: The I-sha who loved the Stars

Chapter 8

The I-sha who loved the stars

Leo bowed out of the butcher, tucking the fish into the rolled up blanket that had been his pack for weeks. He could barely stop himself from crashing into a angry cursing rhino who glared at him, despite his apology. But he barely had time to move back against the wall of the building he had exited just to surpass another large group. All too wrapped up in their own lives to notice him. Then again he had literally been run over by a family of marmosets earlier today (it had taken a while for the whole family to get over him). Leo took another glance around before ensuring his meat was still there. He wasn't hungry, but he knew he had to eat.

From under his hood, he glanced up at the sky, though dark grey it was already darkening at a disheartening rate. He had spent a whole lot of time spinning in a circle that he didn't have time to ask people around about his brothers. Leo had tried to ask the butcher , but the butcher kept speaking in a strange language. He wasn't even sure if he had given him the right amount of money. But the butcher had waved at him when he left so he had obviously been happy about something.

Anyway, if Horyu City was this bad during the day he didn't want to think about what it might be like at night. Especially if he was in the ghetto like he suspected. Even though it didn't look like the sun was going to set for a while, already even more questionable characters were already appearing on the streets. He needed to find a inn. Maybe If he actually had something soft to sleep on he'd get the sleep he'd been desperately needing. Leo waited till the crowd had passed and slipped in behind a wagon.

Even though he detested this place, he couldn't help but wonder if Mikey would like it. He probably would love it and would try to see if he could climb on the back of the larger people without them noticing. The thought made his lips curl. Not the idea of Mikey risking his life just for a laugh from Leo, but because he didn't realize how long it had been since he had left. Too long, he really missed his little brother. Was he eating alright? Was he still practicing? Leo sighed, "Please let him be safe." he prayed silently. But he trusted Usagi. If anyone threatened Mikey, his adoptive brother would be there in a instant.

He snapped out of his thoughts to realize he was supposed to be looking for a inn. He glanced around to see if he had the luck to be standing right in front of one. Nope No such luck. Instead he was in a even dingier district, he'd even go so far to say it was a dump. The fading sun didn't even seem to penetrate past the 4 story buildings. All seemed to be housing units and a questionable looking business with a lot of ladies in front of it. Leo just told himself they were really friendly.

REALLY friendly

Wait, there was one more. Cramped between two four story buildings. Even though it was two story, it was cramped and tiny. The first level appeared to be some sort of store and the 2nd looked as though a giant had just placed a box on top of it. But it looked dignified, as though the owner worked hard to show it cared about its business. What was more curious was the sign that someone had written on wood and hammered to the wall. Well, there was more then one. The first read 'blacksmith' and the second read 'I-sha'. Then he saw a smaller sign at the bottom that read 'Yorozuya'. He thought about leaving and moving on ahead, but something stopped him. Maybe it was curiosity, but he turned and ducked under the short curtain that acted as a doorway.

The inside was just as small as the outside. With a counter separating the room in half and a broom propped up behind the counter. Behind it were 2 curtains that signified two rooms. In the front of the shop were 3 stools lined up against the back of the wall. Leo saw. The only actual decoration, with a sign with a rope dangling from under it that said 'pull me'.

Leo paused before taking the string and pulling on it. A ringing sound suddenly shot through the air. He glanced around to see where it was coming from, "What the-"

"Sorry! I'll be right there!" came the response from behind he curtain. Obviously male, even more obviously young , judging by that voice crack. Leo turned to where the voice had come from.
A woman marmoset came out from behind the curtain, cradling a small marmoset baby against her shoulder with one hand. But she didn't appear to see him as she turned back to the curtain, "Thank you so much Yorozuya-dono. Ki-Ki's fever has completely disappeared thanks to your medicine."

"Its no problem," there was that voice again. Man he sounded young, there was a slight scuffling sound and the curtain was parted again. A short figure came out wearing black thick robes and a heavy leather hood like bag over his head. The only indication for eyes were two glass coverings and a smell metal opening for his mouth. Leo did his best not to panic at the sight of such a strange creature, but the creature turned to look at him, "I'll be right with you, tomodachi." before turning back to the woman ( who was looking at Leo was slight suspicion), "You could probably get away with not giving her the rest of the medicine, but you can if you want."

The marmoset smiled, opening the bag to peer at the contents when her face became confused, "I think you gave me the wrong bag-" she reached out for the strange creature to take back his bag, but the creature raised his hands to revel a three fingered gloved hands, "No its yours. The medicine is for your husband. I heard he got hurt and infected from work."

"I can not afford-"

"it's a gift. I didn't ask you to pay Miss Keiko. Its important that your husband get back to work right?"

Keiko's" eyes widen as though realizing what he was saying. Her free arm suddenly flew around him and hugged the I-sha tightly to her. Leo looked away, a bit embarrassed to be looking as such a emotional scene. It was several minute before Miss Keiko drew away, tears obvious in her eyes, "How can I ever thank you, I-sha-dono?"

"You can stop calling me dono. I don't deserve such a high title." the boys voice was embarrassed. His hand rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. Probably not remembering his large leather hood.

But Miss Keiko shook her head, "You have more honor then anyone in this city. WE are grateful to have you and Leatherhead." she gave him one last hug before turning to leave. Pausing when her eyes fell on Leo. He wondered why she was staring at him till he realized he still had his hood up. It had to look intimidating. But he didn't want to lower the hood and loose the precious heat he had stored up inside the hood, so he bowed slightly, "Konbanwa tomodachi." he said politely. It didn't seem to alleviate the woman's qualms because as she walked by him she upped her speed and left the store. Leo sighed sadly, he didn't like people being scared of him.

"Konbanwa tomodachi. How may I help you?"

Leo glanced up to see the I-sha looking at him just finishing a bow. Despite the fact his appearance was creepy, his voice was soft and soothing and he had a feeling the I-sha was smiling at him from behind the closed helmet. HE almost felt guilty, he decided to put on the same un-seeable smile, "I'm looking for an inn for tonight, do you know where I can find one?"

"Of course sir, there's one-" the I-sha looked towards the left as though he was about to point but then looked back at Leo. As though he had just noticed something. Leo was about to ask what but the I-sha turned away, "one moment please." and ducked behind the same curtain that he had come from. Leo was confused as several seconds passed before he heard the heavy clunking of footsteps as the I-sha reappeared. It was then he saw the I-sha was wearing heavy bulking bags on his feet. Were they a type of shoe-.

It took a bit for him to realize that the I-sha was holding out a yunomi to him. Full of steaming tea. Leo wondered if he had been misunderstood, 'I don't need-"

"Not to be rude onee-san, but I think you do.'"

Leo paused tinkling about rejecting it again. But he reached out and took the tea. Sniffing it for a moment to catch a strange sweet smell before taking a small sip. His mouth was instantly filled with a sweet warm indescribable taste. He quickly downed it before realizing that the cold and heaviness he had been feeling since entering the city was leaving his bones, the haze that had come from not eating also lifted. Leo licked his lips before glancing inside of the yunomi and setting it back down on the counter. He looked over at the I-sha again and had a feeling he had a satisfied smile on his face, "Thank you, you truly are a great I-sha."

"Th-thank you, my appearance might be unsettling but I do work hard."

Leo blushed guiltily as he realized his shock at the I-sha was more obvious then he thought, "My apologies I-sha-. Might I ask why you wear that if your 'gear' unsettles some people?"

"Not all people, just people from out of the city. I work with a lot of dangerous stuff, so my brother just wants me to be safe. I used to take it off when I got to work, but one day my big brother visited me at work and I thought he was going to blow the roof off the store. So now I wear it from the moment I start work till the moment I leave." he laughed slightly, obviously reliving the memory in his mind.

Leo smiled at the I-sha's endearing personality. Before glancing at the yunomi again. Wondering what was in that concoction to revitalize him so much, "That is quite amazing, how did you ever learn to make it?"

"Trial and error." another laugh, "And a lot of error. I created that back during my first apprenticeship. I was a lot younger then though."

What? Was he in diapers? But he decided to keep that thought to himself. What surprised him most was the young I-sha's age, "Are you the Yorozuya the sign talked about?"

"Yeah, it was my brother's idea to put it up but it's pretty embarrassing. I do a lot of stuff for the city and I'm a pretty quick learner." there was modestly but Leo had the feeling that there was a lot more to the I-sha then he knew, "so you're a 13 year old Master Yorozuya?"

"14, today's' my birthday."

"Congratulations. But why are you working on your birthday?"

"People need help, just because it's my birthday it doesn't change that. I'm going to celebrate it later though."

Leo smiled. HE wanted to continue his conversation but it was getting late. (He could tell by his shadow), "So, where is this inn?"

"Right down the street, look for the green flags. They'll take good care of you."

Leo nodded and turned to leave the store before pausing. He reached into his pocket and drew out several ryo's before turning back to the I-sha and holding them out. But the I-sha quickly raised his hands as though Leo had drawn a sword on him rather then a gift, "N-NO sir its ok, the tea is for free-" there was embarrassment in his voice. He probably didn't think his services didn't deserve payment. But Leo could already tell otherwise. Especially remembering the gratitude the mother marmoset had,

"Then give it to your big brother. And tell him he should be grateful to have such a talented little brother."

The I-sha seemed to be stumped. But Leo kept his hand out till the I-sha seemed to realize he wasn't leaving until he accepted the ryos. With a small sigh the I-sha reached out and took the money, maybe it was the fact the I-sha was so short, (or maybe because eye looked so close to Mikey's age) or the tininess of his hands but it made him smile. Satisfied Leo bowed and made his way out the door, just barely catching the I-sha's words. Which seemed to be to himself, "Looks too cloudy for stars tonight."

Leo followed his directions, so it wasn't long before he caught glimpse of the green flags. He smiled again to himself as he thought about the I-sha. He couldn't' remember the last time he had met someone so kind and polite. It seemed almost ironic that such a person lived in a city that was bent on shoving him down.

He entered the inn and looked back out the window. The sun had officially set with thick clouds covering the sky. Looks like the I-sha had been right; it was too cloudy for stars. He had sounded so disappointed to as though he had been waiting his whole day just to see the stars. Leo smiled to himself as he approached the counter, about to ask for a room for the night. The only person he had known who loved the stars that much had been Donatello.

Leo froze as he set his hand on the counter.

Donatello

Was it possible?

NO, it couldn't be. Too much of a coincidence. He shook his head. The clerk looked at him impatiently. But Leo didn't care; he walked away from the counter and back at the window. Back at the stars.

That was true, Donatello did love the stars. But a lot people loved the stars.

Three fingers. The I-sha had three fingers. Leo quickly looked at his hands again, yup. Three fingers. Big deal a lot of species had three fingers. But he was 14. Donatello had been 4 when the fire happened. And he had a big brother. Could it be Raphael? Then again, a lot of people had brothers. He couldn't even count how many brothers the Neko's' had. But what if it was him? What if it was them? What if it was his little brother? Leo leaned over at the window; hand over his face in a mild attempt to stop the heavy sweat now running down his face. His hands shaking. He had to be sure, had to be.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo wrung out the towel in his hands before wiping off his three year old brothers face. Donnie face scrunched up and tried to pull away. But that only made his big brother laugh slightly, "Behave Otouto, I got to clean you up."

The young boy stuck his tongue out at him but let Leo take a gentle hold of his face and wipe the mud out of the corner of his eyes. It was nice to see Donnie acting his own age. Especially since he had been shoved into the mud by Raph again. Leo sighed slightly at the memory and wiped off his hands. When his little brother was clean again with clean clothes he reached out and tickled his brothers sensitive side. Donnie smiled as he squirmed.

As long as he was happy, that was all that mattered to Leo. His little brothers happiness. He took Donnie's hand into his own and lead his little brother out of the bathhouse. Because Don's health had been improving, he had spent less time carrying him around. Which the little turtle didn't seem to mind so much as he kept in stride with a smile on his face. Leo see the lights in the main room were lit and could see his two there brothers and his father in there. Probably playing a game. Leo lead Donnie up the stairs and was about to open the door when Raphie's young laughter rang through the air.

Donnie froze up in mid-step his arms quickly wrapping around Leo's leg and almost causing him to trip. Leo was about to scold him when he saw Donnie look up at him with fear in his eyes. He pulled his leg free and knelt down. Barely on his knees before Donnie's arms wrap around his neck with a death like grip, shaking uncontrollably. Leo wrapped his arms around him and began to stroke the back of his little brothers head, "Donnie." he said softly. But what could he tell him? He kept promising Don that Raph wouldn't hurt him, but Raph kept proving him wrong. Kept yelling at him, kept shoving him no matter what they did.

It was a wonder why Donnie wasn't more afraid of Raphie.

But it shouldn't be this way, his little brother shouldn't be so afraid of Raph that he couldn't enter the same room as him. Leo let Donnie bury his face into his shoulder for a few minute before puling away gently. Don's head was ducked down slightly. Even though Don hadn't said a single word still, Leo had a handle on what was going on through his little brothers head. For instance, right now he could see Donnie felt guilty, stupid, sad, and scared. He was too young to have such feelings, but Leo knew they were there. And he wasn't going to force his little brother to do anything if it scared him so bad. Leo glanced over at the night sky before looking back at his shaking brother, "Do you want to watch the stars for a bit? Before we join them?"

Don's face lit up slightly as he nodded. Leo smiled gently as he sat down on the edge of the walkway, pulling his little brother onto his lap so he could see the stars. After a few minutes, the little turtles shaking finally appeased. And it took all of Leo's energy not to laugh at the look of awe on Don's face.

"Otouto?"

The little turtle looked up at him, showing he had his attention.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop Raph from pushing you. And I'm sorry he's always mean to you, but you do know he loves you right?"

Don shrugged sadly, resting his head against Leo's chest.

"Do you know that we all love you? Very much?"

Don nodded, though he looked up at Leo as though wondering why he would ask such a thing. Leo wrapped his arms tighter around Donnie, "I promise that if anything were to happen to me-" at this Donnie looked up at him with horror on his face, he quickly pressed Donnie's head back against him, "IF, anything to me. And if I wasn't around and you were in danger. Raphael would protect you. Ok? Its as much as his job as it is mine. But that's a worst case scenario. I'm not going anywhere." he watched Donnie look back up at him again. Wondering if he would have the same reaction as Raph and punch him in the face. (after all, Donnie had been starting on training recently). But Donnie nodded. He got up on his own knees and hugged Leo around the neck again, nuzzling his face against Leo's shoulder to show Leo he understood. Leo smiled and hugged him back

And when Leo finally felt comfortable enough he took Donnie's hand to take him into the living room with the rest of their family. This time Donnie didn't freeze up. And he was able to play comfortably with Mikey.

After all, no one loved the stars more then Donatello.

(#)(#)(#)(#)

Leo was already running out inn before he could stop himself, almost plowing over a hippo who had just come in. But he didn't care. His gut was screaming at him. The facts didn't matter. He knew the truth.

The I-sha was Donatello.

He just knew it!

The facts didn't matter, that the odds of accidentally running into Donatello were astronomical but he knew it was the truth.

Not really caring about the crowd, he plowed his way back the way he came. But the wave of people slammed against him like the great River he used to swim in.

But it wouldn't stop him

Nothing would

Looking over the buildings. He had to be getting close. He had to be. It wasn't this far away. It would be his luck to have the entire store disappear off of the face of the earth.

Finally he saw the small strange building and ran for it, bursting in.

The I-sha jumped heavily, holding a broom in his hands in front of the counter as though he had just been sweeping. Obviously startled and confused at his presence, "tomodachi, is everything alright?"

But Leo couldn't talk. He was shaking and his throat was stuck together. Trying desperately to form the words he had been practicing for weeks. Great, just great. The longer he stood there, the more apprehensive the I-sha became. He could just see it in the way the I-sha had slowly begun to edge towards the counter,

Finally his thick tongue formed words, "Ar-Are- y-yo-you D-d-on-Donatell-Donatello are you Donatello?"

The I-sha froze , "Y-yeah. How do you know my name?" his tone was suspicious, fearful, his grip on the broom twisting lightly as though ready to defend himself

"And your brother's name is Raphael, right?"

"Yes." there was fear. Of course he was scared, there was a hooded shaking stranger in front of him who knew his name and his brothers name. But that was the last then Leo wanted, he never wanted his Otouto (hopefully it was him) to be afraid of him. With shaking hands he reached up and pulled his hood down for the first time in 4 days. Cold immediately striking his head but he didn't care. He could practically see the I-sha's eyes widening behind the glass places over his eyes. Hopefully Light brown. His tongue stopped swelling and the words finally came out. He drew in a shaky emotional breath. A million rehearsals and he was still shaking like crazy,

"I'm your big brother."

The I-sha froze. Leo wished that he could see beyond that heavy hood. He wanted to see his face. To see if his thoughts were real, if this was the truth. Waiting for long minutes. The I-sha reached for his heavy bag-hood and began to pull on it frantically. Trying to get it off. Leo was about to reach forward to help him but froze in spot. Waiting painfully.

Finally the hood began to lift away, first he saw a green neck, then came the green chin, and the familiar kame face. When the hood was finally off a long purple cloth a skew covering his eyes he could see the childs eyelids bouncing behind the cloth in a desperate attempt to free themselves. Impatience finally won over as Leo walked over slowly, reaching up with shakey hands to hold on to the edges of his mask. Though the younger turtle froze up he didn't' pull away. He pulled it right back into place so the eye holes lined up and Leo saw him open his light brown eyes. Familiar light brown eyes.

Donatello

There was silence, one observing the other. Leo took in the sight of him, the little brother who used to depend on him so much. Clinging to him and sleeping curled up in his lap. He had grown up, he had grown up so much but was still so young. Finally speaking words, holy crap his brother had been speaking this whole time! The little brother he had forgotten for so long, but now couldn't bear living without. But now Donatello had frozen up. As though he had forgotten how to speak.

Finally a small voice, so small it made a whisper sound like a shout. Insecurity plaguing the smallers form uncertainty, "You're-you're what?"

Leo took a step forward unable to stop himself, "I'm your big brother. I'm your big brother." he couldn't stop. He kept repeating the words over and over again, faster. Trying to help them make sense. As though saying it a million times would help. With each word he grew confident, his tounge ran across his lips for a moment, "I-I" he found himself stepping forward. The younger stumbled back he could see Donatello's eyes widening. AS though he was formulating his own reasoning in his head. Was he trying to verify Leo's words? To disprove them, or trying to make him a liar?

He was scared

Anyone could see that

"I'm not here to hurt you." Leo whispered,He slowly drew his foot back, "If- if you ask me to, I'll leave right now. You'll never have to see me again. " though his mind screamed at him,telling him not to make such horrible promise's, "B-but please, I'm not here to hurt you. I had to find you, I had to know you were ok. I-I had-had to know you were safe..." he let the words drift off, fighting the urge to go forward and the other to leave. But Don's eyes stayed on him.

The fear unleaving

Seconds passes, then minutes. Out of the corner of his eye, he coudl see the sun begin to set, the darkness fillnig the streets.

Maybe this was his answer.

A ache began to grow in his chest. A burning in his throat that wanted him to plead, to beg ot stay

But he could'nt.

He had promised.

Leo's foot slid back, his body heavy. As though shouldering a thousand burdens. Forcing his eyes to break eye contact, turning back the way to the exit.

He had his answer

His hand went up slowly, gripping the edge of the entryway, squeezing his burning eyes shut.

Something grabbed his hand, dragging it back lightly. Drawing his attention back behind him to the smaller kame standing there.

"D-Don't go."

His voice was so quiet again,Leo wasn't even sure he had actually spoken. But he couldn't ignore the small hands gripping his so tightly, shaking. With Fear? With Anxiety?

But they had still stopped him.

Leo had his chance, slowly turning back to face Donatello, fighting every urge in his body, he rose his 'unclung' slowly, he watched Donatello's eyes glance at his rising hand and flinch lightly, but other then that there was no other reaction but his hand was slow, went it rested on the child's shoulder he didn't even put his full weight on it, To give Donatello the chance to pull away if he wanted hand to rest on the child's shoulder. Unable to ignore the fragility of the moment

"Wh-whats your name?"

Name, eh could do that, what was his name again? Oh Spirits Fury, in all the moments to forget ones own name. He forced himself to swallow "My name is Miyamoto Leonardo. I've been looking for you guys for a really long time."

Donatello's eyes remained on his. It took Leo a bit to realize they were searching his, as though his eyes would hodl the truth. If he was lying or if he was tellign the truth. Or if he was a complete loon. His mouth began to dry at a alarming rate adn almost made him cough. His body was desperate to do something to break the stare.

"B-brother-"

That was enough Leo needed. Enough for the hand on Donatello's around to hook around and cup the back of his head to pull as close as possible, hugging him with both arms to the chest as though shielding his body from a rain of burning arrows. The younger kame immediately tensed up at the contact but Leo didn't care. He hugged Donatello as tight as he could to his chest, resting his hand on the back of Donatello's head like when he was a child in a act of muscle memory that made his body ache. Telling Leo he knew this child, every memory he didn't have, his body knew. Tear burning uncontrollably in his eyes, "Otouto." he whispered. He knew Donatello probably didn't remember ever being his little brother. But it didn't change that's what he was It took a bit, but finally he felt Donatello relax against him. He was even sure he felt Donatello press his face against his chest. But he could just be trying to breath. Didn't matter none of it did.

Because he had his little brother back

a/n

Ok truth be told, this chapter should have been up sooner. But I was free-writing when the story of how Dorinbo and Usagi came up and I finished that first. Two updates in one week!

Terms!

Konbanwa tomodachi/ good evening friend

And in feudal japan more butchers were located in the ghetto. Just fyi