Chapter 22
Hope in Desolation
A/n
Bwahahhahhhahahhahahahhahahaah!
Usagi: still?
Charmy: And also ,FREAKING long chapter
The Okami bandits (who had teamed up with the Komori who were currently absent) had ate and drunk themselves into a deep sleep. If Usagi had been alone, now would have been his time to attempt to escape. Sure he didn't have a plan, but it wouldn't of stopped him. Except it wasn't just him in danger.
He glanced down at the child nestled between him and the roots of the tree they were chained to. Garbed in orange though his light brown eyes said his true identity. And the bruises on his olive green face said his true identity and the price that had come from assuming their youngest brothers identity. That was the reason why Usagi had moved him to his current location, between the tree and his body out of fear one of the Okami might realize their mistake and take it out on the child.
But that was unlikely, Okami weren't' very smart.
Usagi looked around one more time before rubbing his hands over Donatello's white sleeves, to help warm up his body, " Are you alright?" he asked gently
Donatello nodded, peering out around Usagi's' chest to look at the surroundings himself, " The Komori must be meeting up with the Okami later. That's good for us. But I'd rather know what kind of Komori we're dealing with. It would help us better assess the situation."
"I did not realize there were different types of Komori."
"Yeah, 3 to be exact." Donatello moved his head back so it was resting on Usagi's' shoulder, to better give the image of the two being brothers, "Ninja Komori, Bandit Komori, and Akai Komori. Ninja Komori come from the Komori Clan and are very well organized. They work under Lord Hebi, or rather they used to. Bandit Komori are Komori that the Ninja Komori rejected. They fell from their clan or were born within the bandits. They aren't smart but they don't have the same codes as the Ninja Komori, or the same organization. Then there are Akai Komori."
"Akai." Usagi blinked, he had heard that before "As in Akai Forest?"
"And as in the disease. And its no coincidence they are called the same thing. The disease is spread by teeth contact on skin. It ravages the victims mind and makes them loose all logic or sense of being. All their reasoning and memories are faded away. It makes them cannibalistic. I doubt the Akai Komori have anything to do with this. But that doesn't mean they wont be a problem for us." Donatello's light brown eyes looked up to the trees, " Somehow, the Akai disease always find their way here. And they never leave once they do."
"Here?" Usagi looked up to the trees, densely packed around them, the roots wrapping around each other in a almost matrimony. Cold dread filling his chest, "This is Akai forest? How did we get here so fast?"
"The komori carried us here, dropped us off with the Okami waiting here. You must have been passed out when it happened."
"and you weren't?"
Donatello shook his head, "I forced myself to stay awake. So that I would know where we're at." a small shiver went through him, his hands going up to hug himself lightly. Before reached over to touch Usagi's' side. Pain flared up on the spot and Usagi pulled away reflexively, looking down to see his kimono deep with red and sending panic through his veins, but he saw Donatello smile at him gently," don't worry, I checked on it. Its not deep. But like I said, the Akai dropped us at the forest edge and took us into Akai. It was actually pretty smart." the smile faded and the child returned to hugging himself, his knees drawn in tightly to his chest, " Though I don't feel any better about it."
"Is this not the place you and Raphael lived at?"
"Yeah, I was a little more then a baby when I was here. Raph's the only one who remembers our
time here and every time I ask him he gets upset with me. "Donatello reached up and felt his shoulder through his alien orange yukata, his face winching lightly as though in phantom pain ,"I have a bit of experience with Komori."
Usagi looked back up to the trees, when he looked closer in the dim flickering light he could see the trunks were dark red, the bark running up like dark scars. He could definitely see why it was called "the red forest" the sound of rushing water caught his ears. Just how close were they to the river?
But then something else hit him, "If Akai forest really is as dangerous as you say it is, then how are we not in danger?"
"The fire, it keeps them away. Its why they don't come out in the day time. They also don't like mint leaves, it bothers their senses." he looked up at Usagi again, " As long as we don't shed any blood either. It drives them into a frenzy. No matter the time of day."
"But Leonardo was here. It was how he found your boat-"
"Like I said, the Komori don't attack the broken ones. The ones who WANT death. Remember the poem, Setsubo suro hito, ikinokoru hito-achi.'?"
" I do not believe I have."
"Leatherhead, my teacher, gave me a book of poetry. It was suck in there." Donatello took a breath, moving so he was a bit more comfortable. But Usagi guessed it was more of a mental thing, but his listend as Donatello recited from memory
"He leaves alone, the Warrior by.
His men fallen, the enemy alike
His spirit is gone, his eyes are blind.
He drags along, death his mind
The red forest welcomes him, he trudges on
But he is already dead, even to the Akai"
A deep knot twisted in Usagi's' gut, almost forewarning. Dread, "NO. There must be another
reason. My brother ,OUR brother, would NEVER accept death as a option."
Donatello looked back up at Usagi again. If Usagi hadn't' known better, he would of thought that Donatello pitied him for a moment. Like someone who didn't know better. But then Donatello
smiled gently, " He was near the water. Which is outside the forest. Not only that, but he was there in the day time. I figure he was riding so fast that the Akai decided to leave him alone."
A sigh of relief went through Usagi as he rested his head back. He didn't know why he had been holding his breath. He looked back down to Donatello who was covering his mouth in a small yawn, one he was obviously trying to hide. It was almost a Michelangelo like characteristic. His anger from earlier faded away, which hadn't been aimed at Donatello to begin with, but he rubbed Donatello's arms again, "You're exhausted, you should sleep brother."
"Brother?" Donatello smiled in confusion, though it looked more amused then anything.
"Apologies. I do not believe these bandits understand formal speak. I fear if I speak it too much they might get angry and accuse us of planning. And I do not want to slip can call you by your real name."
"ok. Can I call you that too? So it doesn't seem suspicious."
"Very well. But I was serious about the sleep."
"You need sleep too."
Usagi smiled lightly, it was endearing that Donatello was showing concern towards him, "I need to keep watch, I have no trust for these bandits."
"I promise you'll be safe. They're not even sober enough to do anything. And the Akai wont come close to the fire."
Despite the situation, Usagi found himself smiling at the clever child. He hugged him a bit tighter to his side, Donatello doing the same. He could already feel the smallest kame start to drift off, his breath deepening. But Usagi suspected his sleep would be anything but peaceful. He sighed lightly before looking up to the sky before resting his cheek on Donatello's scalp . Sleep slowly overcoming his tense nerves and anxious heart.
He prayed that he would be able to keep Donatello safe.
He prayed he would get them both home.
He prayed that their families would be ok.
(#)(#)(#)(#)
Leo had lost track of time a while ago. His mind working on no sleep and less blood then he was used to. Uncounted hours spent going through the valley, through every nook and cranny that he had explored as a youth. Through the small wooded areas. Samurai around him searching alongside of him along with a very determined Raph (who had on more then one occasion tossed a boulder heavier then 5 of him). It was only when the chilled night air had sent his entire body shaking that one of the older samurai had called for a withdrawal. Despite Leo's protest and Raph taking his arm to literally half carry half drag him on dead feet.
Wherever his brothers and father were, hey weren't here.
Sometime in the walk back, Leo's vision had began to blur pretty badly. He lost track of time but
before he knew it, he was being sat on a wooden walkway. His eyes sliding shut. He could hear people all around him, all busy working on their houses repairing damages and counting losses. He felt a blanket being wrapped around his shoulders, he would of yanked away in self pity but the warmth of the blanket was too tempting for his aching body.
He heard more footsteps and forced his eyelids open in time to see Daiki walk on by, he was about to call out to him but his words stayed stuck in his throat. He couldn't. If they had found anything Daiki would of told him. Even in the amongst of his own grief. It was unfair. Cruel. Shaking consumed his hands, that he tried to fight by squeezing them into fists.
His fault
All his fault-
He felt a hand move up to his neck, pulling it close so it rested against a familiar shoulder. One that he could remember sobbing into not 3 days earlier, "Father-"
"We're going to find them, son." Dorinbo's' voice was soft, soothing in a way Leo remembered from his childhood. When he would wake up, screaming about nightmares with fires and demons. His father would be there in a instant, holding him in his arms and whispering comfort to him.
Leo tried to nod. But there was no real feeling behind it. But it seemed to be enough for Dorinbo because he drew away, his hand running over Leos' scalp gently.
Aka-chan
Mikey. How many times had he seen Dorinbo run his hand over his youngest brothers scalp? It was always when Mikey had said something too cute for he old samurai to ignore. Course, it would further encourage Mikey into believing his was more funny then he really was. Usagi had picked up the same habit after a while. Leo had even caught him getting coarse into playing one of Mikey's' games. Of course, then Mikey would see Leo watching then insist he play too.
Ani
Splinter, the old rat who had battled hell and fury just to find his sons. To the point when his body didn't even want to continue. The look on his face when he first realized he had found his sons. So relieved, so happy.
Otosan
Strength in Leos' neck suddenly failed him, sending his head falling forward, his hand caching his face and rough bandages rubbing his skin. He opened his eyes to look at the wrappings on his fingers. Had it not been a day ago that Donnie had sat right by him and applied them? Had he not had his threat broken by Daisuke's actions? To turn away from his open arms to sob into the shoulder of the brother how had helped raise him? Even so, he understood. He understood why very easily.
Otouto
Liquid escaped his eye and fell onto the bandage, rolling down the outside of it and down onto his lap. Caught by sudden anger, he rubbed at his eyes furiously on his kimono sleeve. They were all ok. He was sure of it. No matter where they were, they were protecting each other. He put his hand on the walkway to push himself up when a hand pressed against his shoulder and pushed him back down, "Easy man. You've been up all night. Let someone else search for a bit. If they find them they'll tell us."
Had it been anyone else, Leo would of snapped hard at them, but if even Raph was thinking logically then he must have something wrong with his mind. He growled bit before lowering himself back down. He felt Raph pull the blanket away gently tugging on his kimono sleeve down. The cold night air striking his warm shoulder and making him jerk on it lightly, " Let me look at it. I aint much of a medicine man, but I picked up a thing or two from Donnie."
Leo sighed angrily but let Raph pull away at the bandages. A hiss coming from Raph and making
Leo smile lightly, "That bad?"
"It aint good. He got some depth on you. But it'll heal." Leo could feel him prodding at the wound lightly, "It kind of looks like when that ass Komori tried to take Don-" Raph's hands jerked away with such force Leo opened his eyes Raph was off the walkway, looking at Leos shoulder with a curious look on his face, his eyes widen to the point of near pupil less ness. As though something had hit him he didn't realize, "Raph?" Leo asked gently, he was about to raise his arm when Raph suddenly turned and shot off. Leo slid off the walkway, pulling his sleeve up and dumping the blanket on another sitting samurai (who was looking after Raph like he was insane) and ran after him" RAPH!" he shouted. But the red masked kame didn't seem to hear him. Leo lost glimpse of him between a group but ducked around them, "Raph-"
"It was the komori!"
Leo caught his voice and turned to see Raph standing at the door to the 'guard house'. Leo leapt up the stairs and put a hand on Raph's shoulder, but he took no acknowledgement of his company. Leo could see the samurai huddled around a map, (probably planning out their search). Dorinbo was looking up at them as though the two had put on makeup and changed their lives to geishas "What about the komori-"
"They flew them away. They picked them up and flew away. They tried it with Leo but they must of underestimated his fat ass and almost tore his arm off. When they didn't' get him they tried togged Usagi and Mikey-"
"Why would they want my sons-"
"how the hell should I know!?" Raph demanded. Leo would of slapped him for speaking that way to his father, but eh couldn't bring his hand up, "They 're your sons, they must be after some sort of ransom. Why else didn't the Komori lunge at anyone else!? They didn't WANT anyone else-:
"How do you know this-"
"Because of the cuts on Leos shoulder, Donnie has the same scars from when the Komori tried to-"
Raph's words suddenly hitched, he shook his emerald head around angrily as though mentally punishing himself, 'The point is THAT'S' what happened. That's why we can't find them nearby."
Leo almost couldn't believe that he was hearing so smart coming from his immediate youngest brother. But it made sense to him. He looked up to his fathers face to see it in disbelief, shaking his head lightly, "What about Splinter and Donatello? Why haven't' we found them yet-'
Raph opened his mouth as though he waned to say something, but he closed his eyes and shook his head, "I-I don't know." his voice hitching slightly in the end, as though it was hard enough to admit that to himself, Leo reached out but Raph raised his head again, "Aren't' you going to do anything?!" he shouted ,
"we can send runners to the other villages and send out more search parties. If what you say is true then we have a even graver situation then I thought before. The only advantage we have is that they are probably resting comfortably in ignorance. And have someone keep an eye out for a ransom. They'll be sure to send one" already the samurai who had been planning with him were up and out of the house, shouting to others and gathering men. Dorinbo following , giving Raph a small pat on his shoulder and walking off. It was only then that Raph pressed his face back into his hand. Leo could feel the emotions rolling through him and reached out, gripping his shoulder lightly. Unlike last time, Raph didn't pull away. Which Leo took as a good sign, but a dark thought still in the back of his mind., "Did they really try to carry Donnie away before?"
"When we were in Akai forest." Raph nodded sadly, his face still in his hand, " We were living in the roots of a mint tree, I was out digging some leaves to help Don wi-with his coughs." Leo watched Raph's fingers tighten around his face, "I -I heard him screaming. He -he had tried to follow me and one of those dam flying rats had grabbed him. I-I knocked the dam ting out of the sky." there was a small hitch in his voice, "Donnie was so scared, he just started sobbing in my arms. His shoulders were bleeding bad. It-I was starting to attract other creatures, " a shaking began to consume his form, "I was soo scared-"
Leo reached out and put his arm around Raph's shoulder, his other hand reached up and began to rub Raph's neck. Leo was unsure if doing this would get his arm broken, or get him thrown through the roof like one of Mikey's' fireworks. But he felt Raph begin to relax. The tight muscles in his neck began to fade away. The shaking subsiding. Deep breath heaving out of Raph slowly, like a horse that had just run a mountain. After a bit, Raph raised his head and nodded to Leo slightly, a almost embarrassed look in his eye, but there was fear, "I"-I'm not saying I'm not worried about Mikey and Usagi. But the bandits are going to keep them alive. Especially if they want money." Raph shook his head again, Leo knew what he was getting at, "But Donnie doesn't have his medicine Leo." his voice came in a whisper ,"if he gets hit in the throat it'll just make things worse. I have to find my baby brother. Just standing here is-is-"
"I know." Leo nodded gently, he could feel tears burning behind his eyes, threatening to overflow. But he couldn't let that happen. Because for the first time since their reunion, Raph was turning to him for comfort. He was asking for reassurance, "But Splinter is with him, remember? He used to take care of Donnie when we were babies. He'll take care of him. I promise."
Raph nodded, as though in agreement. Taking in a deep shaking breath, he reached up and gripped the hand on his shoulder. A silent act of thanks.
But Leo could do the same
(#)(#)(#)(#)
Usagi jolted away to the sound of slapping wings. His neck spasaming at such a fast movement that he tried to reach up and rub it when he realized the Okami were all up, stemming and snorting with each other, some of them howling loudly to the fluttering wings overhead, not so much in challenge but in greetings. The events of last night sent traumatic chills down his spine. He immediately turned to Donatello whose eyes (though blearily) looked around Usagi's' 'form, watching the mad and animalistic scene. One of the Okami, largest and most scarred one. Pointed to one of the others with snap and a snarl. The subordinate grinned and looked back over to Usagi's location, walking in their direction. Usagi scooted closer to Donatello, holding him close and turning his body to block the child from their sight. But the Okami just snorted and walked past them, UP to the tree they were chained to. Usagi could hear the sound of chains clacking and the chains slid down from the tree. Before Usagi could assess what this meant, the Okami took a hold of the chain and walked in front of them, yanking hard. Usagi went flying to his feet, Donatello following him. The Okami took a hold of Usagi's' wrists and began to loop the chain around them, latching them together so they were set up like Donatello's bonds. The Okami grinned at him in away Usagi would of returned with a well thought punch to the face. But the fact that the Okami also held the lead to Donatello's chain was enough to make him hold his tongue.
Now that it was lit out, Usagi could easily see the river flowing just out of their little circle.
Reminding him of Donatello's little' lesson' on Akai last night. The bandits must of chosen to sleep so close to the river as to keep the Akai away. He saw the shape of Komori swing over the river before turning and heading back toward them. Usagi could count at least 3 komori. With a slap, the Komori slammed down onto the shore. Their wings closed up to their sides. The subordinate Okami yanked on Usagi and Donatello's lead forcing them forward, past the fire pit so they stood closer to the edge of the forest. Now Usagi could see the 2 Okami were garbed in black clothes, old and torn and reswen. Patches covering more then actual solid material. 2 of the Komori were black furred with no present hair. They looked more like goons to Usagi then anything. Which when the brown furred one, the one who stood in the middle, was the one in charge of that little group. His fur was dark, short and well kept. His black hair was unclean though neatly drawn back into a ponytail. His dark eyes looking to the large scarred Okami who now stood in front of him. By this , Usagi could also deduce that the largest Okami was the bandits leader. He felt a presence at his side and looked down to see Donatello close to him. Almost as though something had just spooked him, "What is it brother?" he whispered concerned
"something bad." he whispered back. "really bad."
Before Usagi could ask him what he meant, he felt hand shove him in the back. Apparently the Okami didn't want them coasrsing. But it didn't' stop him from raising his elbow and hooking it over Donatello, hugging him close to his side again. It was the only way he could assure the child without risking them both.
"You held on to the Miyamoto boys., Hiroshi?" asked the black haired komori
"Your so called, 'high flying boys' didn't get the blue kame. But he's probably bled out by now." the leader named Hiroshi snorted, as though it was amusing to imagine his death, " But we did get the rabbit and the orange one."
Bled out!? It took all of Usagi's considerable self control not to scream at them. But reason and logic proved the victor. He had seen Raphael carry Leo away. Which meant he had gotten him help. He was ok. He was safe. So was Michelangelo.
The black haired Komori looked amused, as though he a bit surprised, "Very good. And you have
the ransom ready to send?"
"We've been ready for that for 10 years."
"Very good." the lead komori looked over to Usagi. A bit of amusement flashing in his eyes. Usagi felt a frown settle deeper on his forehead. A representation of his anger. The komori's eyes lazily fell down to Donatello, about to glance over him, but the looked back to him as though realizing something. His eyes widening. Usagi growled lightly and held Donatello a bit tighter to him. But the Komori looked right to Hiroshi, "You said you got Dorinbo's youngest son?"
"WE got the orange one. Why?"
The komori smirked before looking right back over, addressing the Okami surrounding them,
"Bring the kame to me."
"NO!" Usagi shouted, his arms tightening around Donatello in a way he knew would surely make it harder for him to breath. But he felt hands hook between him and Donatello, yanking him back, while another Okami grabbed the link, separating Donatello's from Usagi's. Yanking him away. Usagi shouting in anger and yanked again against his captor. Another Okami stepped in front of him, blocking his vision of Donatello. Before Usagi could spat at him, he felt something slam into his stomach. The wound in his side shooting through him, his knees buckling and sent him down to the dirt. The mud sheering against his face. A pair hands grabbed him again and yanked him back up in time for him to see Donatello standing right in front of the black haired komori, "Leave him alone!" Usagi shouted. Hoping to draw attention back to him
But the Komori didn't so much as look in his direction, the komori peered down at the kame, reaching up he took his face in his hand, moving it side to side as though inspecting him. His free hand going up and pulled on his mask. The knot loosening. When it was free, the Komori tossed it lazily behind him. Usagi could hear it get sucked up in the current and down the river. His heart hammering in his chest as the komori reached up and took the shoulder of Donatello's yukata and undershirt, lifting up the fabrics away, looking at his shoulders. Usagi's' instincts were to yell to Donnie, to tell him to stay calm. But the child stood calm. Still like a stone. Relaxed. Even when the Komori's face fell into a smirk and sent Usagi's' heart beating with the consistency of a bee's wings, his hand releasing the child's collar, "Well, I expected there to be surprises. But non such as this." the komori's tone was almost amused, like a child finding a treat, "I always thought you preferred purple, Tsukino Hideaki. Or perhaps you prefer your birth name, Donatello?"
Usagi quickly pulled on his lead, trying to move forward, "His name is Michelanglo! He's not-"
"Who the hell is Donatello!?" Hiroshi demanded, his lips curling in confusion," We got the orange one like you said-'
"And you did get the 'orange one' but you got the wrong kame." But instead of anger, the komori grinned wider in a way that Usagi didn't trust ( not that Usagi trusted him anyway). The komori bent over again, his forehead almost pressed against Donatello's but not in the comforting gesture that Usagi had seen Raphael do, or the affectionate one he had seen Leonardo do for Michelangelo. But rather so that his black eyes peered entirely into Donatello's. If Donatello's body was like a tree, then his eyes were like stone, "Who could forget such bright young eyes? I'm sure they do your big brother proud. But the question is, do you remember me?"
"Akiyama Makoto." Donatello didn't sound like someone who had just been found out. His voice was calm and steady, as though he was answering a question in class rather then to ruthless bandit,
"The spawn of dishonored komori ninja, leader of the Komori bandits in the Kita region."
"Very good Hideaki. I'm impressed you managed to remember me. It was such a long time ago I
saw you. How long was it now?"
"18 months. Its easier to forget a pleasant memory then a horrid nightmare." there was a bit a resentment in the child's tone
"Very well put." there was a small laugh, "Obito was right to hold you to such high standards? He described you with near comparison to a man ,rather CHILD, of legend." His hand going up to grip
Donatello's collar again, his thumb running over Donatello's shoulder. Usagi saw Donatello's socked toe flinch lightly at the contact, but otherwise stayed firm, " The 'Yorozuya' I-sha. The one who the priests of the mountains trusted. The one who exorcized 4 demons out of a child by summoning spirits of his own. The one who cured the Red River Virus. And, most importantly," he face pressed deeper against Donatello's , "The only apprentice of Takayama Obito."
This time Donatello didn't respond, Usagi could see his eyes shaking though from anger or fear he couldn't tell. Makoto suddenly released Donatello's shirt and stood up straight, "Change of plans Hiroshi. Tear up your ransom, we're heading for the city."
"WHAT!?" Hiroshi was apparently not happy about this change, his lips drawing back and a growl going from his throat, "What about Dorinbo's' land!? I lost 14 men to him in one night alone-"
"And I assure you, you will be compensated far past the worth of Dorinbo's' land. With him, 'His hand reaching back and yanking on Donatello's lead the child stumbled after him, despite the weigh Usagi saw him shift to his feet, " With the Koun Meka, we no longer need Dorinbo's' land."
Hiroshi glared hard at Makoto, as though wondering whether to listen to him, or tear him limb from limb. But he glanced back to his men with a growl. Okami began to move back, dousing out the dying embers of the fire and gathering up food scraps that had been missed in the night.
"What about Dorinbo's' son?"
Usagi had almost forgotten about the Okami holding his lead. Hiroshi looked over to Makoto annoyed, but the komori simply waved his hand as though the answer was obvious
"Slit his stomach and tie him to a tree. Either he'll bleed out or the Akai will feed on his flesh. Either way, I don't care"
Usagi felt another pair of hands grab him. But all qualms against getting physical were behind him, "NO!" he shouted for what felt like the hundredth time the struggling form of Donatello once again pulled from his vision. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" he shouted, his elbow coming up and catching one of his captors in the snout with a painful yelp. He felt hands grab his wrists and force them over his head, sending him tripping back against a firm tree, hands holding his hands in place as Hiroshi came through the crowd, pulling out poorly kept blade, his eyes gleaming at Usagi with almost hunger, pressed the side of his blade against Usagi's aching stomach-
"NO don't!"
Usagi was unused to hearing Donatello shout so loudly. All movement stopped and Hiroshi looked back towards him. Usagi could see Donatello dragging hard on his lead that the one known as Makoto had taken a hold of, Donatello looked over to Makoto his face concerned and frantic. A stalemate of his cold glares. This was the face Usagi was used to seeing, "You can't kill him!"
"And why not? We have no further use for him-"
"Because he's my I-Sha Bodigado!"
Usagi blinked, unsure of where Donatello was going with this.
"I-sha Bodyguard?" even Makoto sounded unconvinced, "Yayu, YOUR'E a I-sha, why would you need a I-sha? Nonetheless for it to be the son of a headman-"
Donatelos eyes looked to Usagi before looking back to Makoto. Though it seemed to be a excuse to pause as he wet his lips"B-because my health is bad. You know that. But it's gotten a lot worse. I can barely breath anymore and my airway keeps closing up. His father owes my mother so he swore his son to protect me. Its why I was living in his village. He's the only one who knows how to keep me alive."
"Even I know your brother is the one who protects you."
"My brothers dead. "Donatello snapped, "he didn't survive his injuries from saving me." the child shook his head. Grief on his face, Usagi was a bit surprised to see him lie so easily. Donatello wiped his eye and glared right at Makoto, "if you kill him then you'll be killing me too."
Makoto watched Donatello hard, as though searching through his obvious (well, obvious to Usagi') lies. Then he turned, "the rabbit comes with us."
" You can't be serious-"came the angry response from Hiroshi, "He's LYING-"
"the boy is in poor health. I remember that much from Hayate. I'm told it was hard enough to keep him alive when they held him. And that was WITH the medicine he uses. He's' not good to me dead."
Hiroshi shook slightly. Usagi had feeling the leader Okami had issues with being bossed around so much. He yanked his blade away, giving Usagi a hateful glare that Usagi gladly gave back. After a second the scarred Okami's eyes turned upward into a smirk that Usagi didn't trust. Suddenly Hiroshi bent down and scooped mud into his hand, spinning around and chucking it hard. The sound of impact filled the air followed by loud hacking, the sound of a body collapsing to the ground. "DONATELLO!" Usagi yanked hard on his wrists, he could just see the form of Donatello curled on the ground, his hands tight around his throat, Makoto at his side glaring hatred at Hiroshi, "What are you doing you fool!?"
"it's a simple test, old friend." in a tone that indicated otherwise. Hiroshi pointed right in Usagi's
direction. He could feel the Okami's press harder around him, his wrists tight to his chest. the chains being lifted off his wrists, the Okami moving out of the way.
Usagi didn't care , he ran forward and slid up to the child, gathering him up into his arms. Donatello's throat was covered in thick mud, lips were red with obvious blood. Donatello was literally risking his life to help keep him alive. But Usagi wasn't a I-sha-
Neither was Raphael. Yet Usagi had DISTINCTLY seen Raphael take care of Donatello's coughs many times. There was that one time, when he had to shout to Leo to get it. What had he done?
Usagi carefully lowered Donatello down onto his lap in a sitting position, , one arm around his chest to support him and the other around his shoulder, rubbing them with his fists. He could feel thick scars, located on each shoulder. Slowly he felt his coughing grow less harsh till they stopped altogether. He switched arms, one arm around his shell to support him his other hand going up to massage Donatello's throat gently, despite being a complete brute Usagi could guess that Hirohsi had more control over his muscles then Usagi gave him credit for. He could feel Donatello's airway slowly loosening up. His breathing becoming less tense. His breathing loosing their wheeze till they were to a point Usagi could accept. He pressed his ear to Donatello's chest. At least his lungs weren't' hurt, he sighed in relief, before drawing him in close again. "Are you aright brother?" he asked gently. Donatello's eyes fluttered lightly, but his head twitched in a nod, his lips twitching lightly, "I-I'm sorry Usagi." he whispered, "I'm so sorry-" barely coherent half awake.
"Looks like the brat was telling the truth." Usagi could of very easily killed the laughing Hiroshi had he been given the opportunity. Him and his horrible bandits who forced them into this situation. Who easily choked Donatello without so much as remorse. He held Donatello a bit tighter, running a hand over his already warm forehead. How long had it been like that?! "Get the rabbit back up and get them on their feet. We leave as soon as their up-"
"You can't be serious, " Usagi snapped. He was sick of playing helpless hostage. He was sick of having a child lying, risking his LIFE to save his life, "He's not even AWAKE-"
"Shut it rabbit." the laughter gone from Hiroshi, "this isn't your fathers village. I can do what ever the HELL I want. If I say he walks then HE walks."
No, that wasn't completely true. Usagi had seen that. He turned to the one creature he hated more then Hiroshi, "Makoto!" he called, luckily the komori turned to look at him, "He has a fever, I don't know how long he's had it, but he can barely breath. He wont LIVE if you make him walk.'
"Then what do you propose, Rabbit?"
"Let me carry him. Please, I implore you."
Makoto looked at him, as though studying him the same way he had studied Donatello. His eyes falling on the struggling child in his arms then back up to Usagi, "Very well, I will allow this. But know this. If Donatello dies, then I'll ensure you don't live long past him
(#)(#)(#)(#)
"Anything?" Leo asked, though he feared the answer
Raph shook his head, the dirt on his face indicating his return from the latest search party. His limbs , normally carried in a almost swag in a stance that could easily fall into fighting at any moment, were almost drug at his side. He hadn't even bothered to change out of his NightWatcher gear. Leo couldn't blame him, he had spent the better part of yesterday in bed with a aching back. Which Leo could only assume wasn't doing him any favors now., his eyes falling on the water flask at Raph's waist, "Maybe you should take some of those painkillers Donnie made you."
"this isn't painkiller."
"Then what is-" he stopped his sentence as it dawned on him slowly, like a knife dull knife into the flesh. What other medicine would Raph carry with him? He reached out and took Raph's shoulder tightly, "some of the mothers are making food for everyone. You should go eat-"
"I'm not hungry." came the grumbling response,
"Raph-"
"Dorinbo-sama!"
Leo turned from Dorinbo who had been talking to the latest returning search party. A Inu girl (one Leo recognized as one of Mikey's' friends) was running in his direction waving madly at him. Leo turned to the samurai and excused himself. He had no been sent in a search for nearly a hour, but it was already making him twitchy. Raphael was out right now doing that. The two had made a agreement that one would go out while one stayed behind it was only way to ensure one of them would be home incase their family were found and retuned. Quite honestly though, it was a hard compromise. But he put on a tired smile for the child , "Yes Hinata-chan?"
"I was by the river getting water when I found this!" the child reached into her pocket and drew out something orange. It took Leo only a second to recognize the bright, though muddy material of Mikey's mask. He snatched it out of her hands. Holding it up to the rising sun. Eyes, he could see where he had sewn Mikey's' name into the folds (just for Mikey's' sake), "It came from up the river?"
"Yeah, Kichiro jumped in after it-""
Leo could of hugged the girl. He could see that Dorinbo had the same smile on his face, as he turned to the search party and began to give out commands. Leo turned and beamed at Raphael, who simply smiled weakly back. It wasn't much of a lead, but -'
'WE FOUND THEM!"
The words hit Leo's head with the same ferocity of Raph's fists, sending him spinning searching around, for the source of the voice. Just between Dorinbo's' house and his he could see a mass of samurai, one of them , Daiki, was holding up a boy by the sides, who was waving wildly, wearing a short samue and white pants.
"DON!" he shouted. He set off into a run. He could hear Raph's monstrous feet clumping at his heels. His eyes burning with relief as his heart beat wildly in his chest. He watched the child wiggle down and set off into a run, instead of heading for Raph , like Leo expected. ' Donnie' headed right for Leo. It was then that he saw the arms waving at him weren't thin, his skin darker shade of green. And the mask less face, (the purple mask hanging around his neck) gleamed with light blue eyes.
He knew those eyes
"MIKEY!" his arms shooting out and hugging his youngest brother right off his feet. Mikey's arms squeezing him around the neck with bone breaking strength. His face already in Leos' shoulder as he shook uncontrollably. Though to be fair, that could of very easily of been Leo, "thank the spirits." he whispered with a voice thick with unwanted, though not unwelcome, tears. He could feel people crowd around them. Villagers sharing in his joy. He nuzzled side of Mikey's' face in a way he hadn't done since Mikey was a baby. "thank the spirits." he repeated in a thick breath.
Though he could of easily of held Mikey till the day he died, he felt his brother begin to squirm in his arms. So sadly he set the child back down. He could see the tears streak on Mikey's' face, but the smile on his face out shone it. Leo took a moment to wipe his own streaming face before taking Mikey by the shoulders, "Wh-where have you been aka-chan!? We've been searching for hours-"
"Th-the caves. Dad took me there after he saved me. I-I didn't wake up till Dad woke me up a bit ago with Daiki."
"Dad?" that wasn't right, Dorinbo had been with them all night, not only that but he would of told leo-
A form stepped out from the mass of search samurai. A familiar short form clothed in patchy brown robe, a old walking stick in his hand and gray from covering him. A kind , tired, familiar smile
"Master Splinter!" he grabbed his old fathers shoulder, his eyes shooting back from Mikey to the old rat, "what-but-you were-then he was-you were out for WEEKS-and and you were GONE-I-I-I don't'-what?!"
"I am sorry my son." came a familiar old voice, though a bit strained from lack of use, "I awoke to a bandit standing over Michelangelo and I simply reacted. But my youngest son was passed out so I took him out of the house to find a place I could take care of him. I did not mean to scare you or put you through such franticness-"
"N-No its alright." Oh shell, why couldn't he eyes stop crying?! He reached up to wipe his eyes again, thoroughly embarrassed but the relief masking it all, "Thank you, spirits, THANK YOU.' he felt Splinters hand go up to his shoulder in a comforting motion. He reached to his side and stroked Mikey's scalp again. Whose face was currently smashed into Dorinbo's chest. His fingers brushing his bandana lightly till a thought hit him, sending dread to his gut when he looked back to Mikey. He was wearing DON'S mask and DON'S shirt, "Mikey, wh-why are you wearing Donnie's clothes?" Mikey drew his head from Dorinbo's chest. His eyes falling to sadness, tears overflowing them in a way Leo didn't like. Leo reached over and took Mikey's' shoulder gently, getting eye to eye contact, " Mikey where is your brother?" he asked again
A small sob escaped Mikey's' lips, "Th-the band-bandits took him. Th-they were looking for me and Donnie didn't tell me. He said we-we were going to hide with Dad in the basement. He-he made us change shirts and bandanas when we got Splinter in the basement. I made him tell me. I-" another sob, his face going back to Dorinbo's chest, "I tried to stop him b-but he pressure pointed me and closed the opening after me."
All the exhilaration, all of the adrenaline that Leo had felt upon holding his youngest brother suddenly left him. Cold realization replacing it with horrible images.
"Wh-where's Usagi?" came the small childlike voice
But Leo couldn't answer, he could only listen to Mikey succumb to tears. His own world falling through his feet,
DONNEI had taken Mikeys' palce
He let himself become kidnapped
He did that for Mikey.
His hand went up to his mouth. Before he remember , he spun around , "Raph?" to see Raphael standing away from him, his back to him, his hand pressed tightly over his face. All the promises Leo had given him, that he was ok as long as he was with Splinter were now mute. He had fa-
"Raphael?"
Leo looked over to Splinter. Whose dark eyes had fallen on the large kame. Shocked and wide, Leo watched Splinter walk over slowly. A father towards his hurting son, one who had not seen the other in a very long time, his old knobby hand reaching up, gently resting on Raph's garb-
The red masked kame suddenly spun around and grabbed the orange mask from Leo belt, "You found this in the river right?!"
"What-"
"IN THE RIVER. This MASK was found in the river, RIGHT!?"
"yeah but we don't know where it came from-'
"It came from DON. That means there has to be a message in here somewhere. It HAS to-"
"How do you-'
'BECAUSE MY little BROTHER SENT IT. MY STUPID SELFLESS little BROTHER"
Leo had almost forgotten how quickly Raph could go from talking tone to screaming in less time then a blink. And he was sure he wasn't mad at anyone as mad as he was over the situation Raph spread the mask in his hands, looking over it every little detail
"Raph I already looked at-'
"Me , Ma and Don have this system set up. So we can find each other if we need to. SHIT why didn't I realize it sooner?!" he shouted again. With another loud curse in a word that Leo would of washed Mikey's mouth out for if he had said it he turned and burst down the path. Leo looked over to Mikey, who nodded with a firm bottom lip. Leo ran after him. "RAPH!" he shouted-'
He could already hear the sound of horseshoes on the bridge, he put his fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. Not a second later, he saw the roan color of Kaze running up from in-between the houses, Leo slid to a stop and yanked up a familiar water flask from the walkway, he put his hand on the horses bare neck and leapt up. Though it was hard to believe, he was a better bare-back rider then saddled. He took up the horses mane in his hand and clipped Kaze's sides with a shout.
(#)(#)(#)(#)
The cold of the moon hung ahead and Usagi's' joints were heavy. Each of them with the same weight as a ton of lead. The chains digging into his wrists went far past skin, staining his fur with blood. Every time his foot caught on a root, it would send him and his ward to the ground. The Okami pulling his lead having no mercy and only shouting and yanking on his chain till he reset Donatello on his back and set on his feet. He could feel Donatello's forehead against the back of the neck. It seemed like with every step he took the hotter Donatello's forehead would grow. Every once in a while, he would feel him stir awake, and mutter a slurred apology. Every time he did, Usagi would double his steps.
Donatello wasn't the one who had failed, after all.
But when they had turned inland, it was a few hours after that when the large group had stopped and he and Donatello were chained to a new tree that he fell down to his knees. Slowly reaching around him and drawing Donatello out and holding him close as he checked his forehead again. The heat was almost too much for his hand to take and sent a rarely used curse word through his lips glaring over to Makoto, " I don't supposed you're going to give us water?"
A sneer said his answer, "YOU must think I'm stupid. Either that or you're quite so. You do realize that Donatello was trained by Mountain Sohei. The main source of their power IS water. One drop could doom us all. We'll give you water when your lips turn to dust." before walking away
As Usagi was quite used to stories about villains and heroes, he could easily say that Makoto was one of the most cliché ones he had ever met.
"'m sorry."
Usagi's' ears perked lightly at the weak voice, He gently moved Donatello up to the roots so he was nestled there he could feel Donatello's' hands moving to his wrists gently. The kames hand shaking lightly bringing a tightness to Usagi's' throat, "no-no, its alright brother. None of this is your fault." he forced his lips to a weak smile. He pressed a hand to Don's cheeks again, though he wasn't' sure what he expected. He reached down to the mud and pressed the cold substance to Donatello's face. The young kame flinching lightly at the coldness," I should be the one who should be apologizing.
You risked your life and suffered to keep me alive. Even-" his voice hitched lightly, he quickly shook his head from side to side to shake out the stupid helplessness that threatened him, "Even though I have been able to do nothing to ease your suffering. I couldn't protect your from Makoto or Hiroshi." He shook his head tiredly before pressing his forehead against Dons shoulder lightly, the way his father used to when he was Donatello's age, "I swear to get you out of this mess. I'll get you home to our brothers to our family." he reached up lightly to press more mud to Donatello's burning skin-
There was a small clicking sound, the bonds that had been digging into his skin for hours suddenly fell away into Donatello's hands.
Usagi wasn't sure what happened at first. All he knew was that the pain that had plagued him for hours had all but disappeared, his body stiff with a mixture of horror and shock, looking up to feverish light brown eyes, "wh-"
Donatello shook his head lightly, before looking down to his own wrists. Usagi's' eyes falling down to see free wrists. His whole body stiff. His eyes bearing into Donatello's in almost anger, 'what are you doing!? ' he demanded with his eyes, ' if they see this-'
But Don closed his eyes lightly shaking his head. A clear image not to react. His hands reaching down into the mud lightly, trying to keep up the image of taking care of his fever. Though his eyes followed Don's who had reached into his yukata and drew out a bundle of leaves from the edges torn and small. "Th-they kept getting stuck in your ears." there was another painful wheeze mixed with a breathless laugh. Tears in his eyes. Usagi was sure the child was in more pain then he gave him showed. Donatello jerked with his head, indicating for him to come closer. Usagi looked around before leaning in, Donatello's finger ran down Usagi's' cheek, doing the same with the other one. "we-we wont have much time. I wont b-b-eable to kee-keep it up-p fo-ffor long-"
"what are you two doing?!" shouted a Okami. Usagi could feel his fur bristle in anger, turning his head
"Hes' telling me what ails him. That's my job REMEMBER?"
The Okami breathed in anger and went back to tearing into the meat. For the first time since the whole mess started he found himself feeling grateful that the Okami and Komori were such meat crazy creatures. He turned back in time to have Donatello rub the leaves against his neck, the smell of mint overcoming his sense and stinging his eyes, but he squeezed his eyes shut in displeasure. A small cough escaping his mouth. HE saw that Donatello had ran mud up his own arms and over his bandages, "That all?"
"M-make a cir-circle around us."
Usagi reached and pressed his hand into the mud, moving his hand around them, glancing around to making sure the beasts were too busy in their feast to see him. "Like that?" he asked quietly
Don's lips twitched lightly and his chip dipped in a weak nod. "we-we have to work fast. I- I can't stand on my own for long. I-I'm sorry but you have to get me to my f-f-eet."
"They wont stop talking."
Usagi turned his head to see the Okami who had harassed him was now with Hiroshi, who was also looking in his direction in suspicion. Usagi's heart began to race, the large Okami began to take strides with a loud bark, "what are you two planning over there?" he demanded
"Hurry!" Donatello whispered. Usagi could see Donatello placing his hands on the tree , his arms shaking with exertion. Usagi scooped him up into his arms and stood on shaky legs. Setting Donnie down, the child used his arm as support and moved in front of him, while staying in the circle, "St-stay behi-behind me."
"GET''M!"
"THEY GOT FREE!"
Donatello put his hands together, two fingers up, his second hand wrapped around the two fingers in the same shape, "K-koro no junsuina kokoro junsuina to. Watashi wa kono okurimono, kono 1-jikan o tazuneru. Muryo watashitachiha watashi wa ima anata o kongan.-"
The Okami were all scrambling to his feet, their eyes blazing in anger howling and biting to eachother, "
'BREAK THEIR LEGS!"
"TEAR DER ARMS OFF-"
The only one not swarming was Makoto, his dark eyes glaring at them hard, 'How did you get
water?!" he demanded, "We didn't get you any-"
Usagi watched Donatello open his eyes, his lips twitching lightly, "You're really sm=smart Makoto. But you're also rea-really stupid." a cough escaping his mouth, for forced his eyes shut again,
"Watashi no ani to watashi o kaiho Ima. Watashi o kaiho suru! Watashi wa ima anata o kou!" he spread his hands away
,"Arashi!" and slapped his hands together.
A monstrous crack filled the air. Rain began to pour down hard wind tearing in with the density of knives. Usagi put his arms around Donatello and, turning his hip and throwing the two of them to the tree, a blazing heat filled the air, following back numbing thunder. Okami cried out in shock, struggling amongst themselves. Usagi squeezed his eyes shut till a hand tapped his face weakly, he opened them to see Donatello looking up at him, eyes weak and tired , a simple word leaving his lips
"Jikko."
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Translations
Setsubo suro hito, ikinokoru hito-achi /Those who crave, those who survive
Bodigado/ bodyguard
Yayu/ridicules!
(long as- spell)/With pure of heart, pure of mind.
I ask this gift, this one time.
Free us, I implore you now.
Free my brother and i
Free us now!
i beg you now
Arashi/ Storm
Jikko/ run
a/n
Charmy, "Now wasn't that fun! I had fun!The best part about having a genius in Usagiis' world is that he can REALLY show how smart he is! And how brave everyone else is! Seriously, sometimes
I think Leo belongs in a western, am I right guys? Guys guys?"
Usagi and Donnie: *sitting in corner*
Charmy, "Oh come on! It wasn't that bad! Leo! Mikey?"
Leo and Mikey: *sitting in other corner*
Charmy, "what are you ALL super depre-"
Raph, "Oh I'm just peachy" * pulls out sai*
Charmy, "O.o um, maybe you want to go be depressed in a corner too?"
Raph, "Nope."