Chapter 26

Blood runs deep , but Family burns deeper

(Mikey, "What kind of title is that?)

(Charmy, "SHUT UP THEY CAN'T ALL BE CLEVER!)

(Leo,' The other ones were clever?)

Humility had always been one of Leo's strong points, it was something Dorinbo had raised him with and exhibited himself. But, at this moment, standing in front of his adopted family. It had looked like they had just been chatting about something when Leo had approached. Both giving him polite and warm greetings.

Greetings he didn't' deserve.

He closed his eyes, and bent in a bow, arms at his side, he could all but FEEL their confusion. But this was something he owed them

"There's not enough time in the world to amount for the apologies I owe you, Father, brother." it was the truth. He had ignored them when they tried to tell him he didn't kill Daisuke, he had even argued with Usagi when he thought Usagi had caused Don to 'seize'. He had been pompous and rude, "what I did to you was unforgivable. Especially after all you have done for me and Mikey, even to my new brothers. And I have been nothing but ungrateful-"

"Leonardo." his words cut off by a warm voice of his father. He felt a hand go to his shoulder and push it up so he was standing straight, but he kept his gaze down. But he had no doubt Dorinbo was smiling at him, '" My son you have always been harder on yourself then you ever needed to be. And considering the stress you have been under, it is quite understandable you would feel so strained. Please do not think of it further."

But how could he not?! He had actually ARGUED with the being who raised him! He tried to raise his head, "Father I-" but a hand went to the back of his scalp and pushed his forehead against a familiar shoulder, It was almost like when he was a child and his frustrations would drive him through the roof. Other fathers might of grown hard but Dorinbo was always so patient with him, it was a gift that his adopted father also used with Mikey (who probably needed 'the patience treatment' more then anyone').

"If the people you feel you have wronged do not blame you, then what point is there in holding on to your guilt?"

Why did he have to make so much sense. With a sigh, Leo nodded lightly before pulling away. He both hated and appreciated the way his father smiled at him with such kindness, and reassurance. If there was something in the world he could never doubt in his adoptive father, it was his role in his life.

"Perhaps you would feel better if you sat with your father, he is currently on his shift watching over Donatello. And since it has been more then a heartbeat since you last checked on him, I believe you are due."

Then again, maybe Mikey got a lot of his humor from Dorinbo. Actually speaking of which, "Where are Mikey and Raph?"

"You took Michelangelo to school this morning, remember? And Raphael went to the village to pick up supplies for your 'Otouto's medicine."

Oh right, how could he have forgotten? He even reminded Mikey to empty his pockets, which lead to Leo walking back home with hands full of stink bombs, a small rubber thing that made 'fart noises' and a small thing that looked dangerously like a fire cracker.

He had to make sure he checked Mikey's pockets more often.

Leo nodded in agreement to his fathers suggestion before pulling away. He caught a glimpse of Usagi givin him a small forgiving smile. He returned it the best he could but his lips were twitching pretty hard in effort but he gave up the act entirely and walked into the house. He just hoped that Usagi got the message.

"YOU DIDIN'T KILL HIM!'

Maybe it was because he had never heard Donnie yell like that before, maybe it was because he had been crying at the time. But he never suspected Don to get so loud. Or throw him again, seriously, it was like the second time Donnie had thrown him.

But he could still feel his Otouto's arms around him, face in his chest and shaking uncontrollably. All but laying on his lap. Feeling his tear getting absorbed through his kimono. His fever almost burning his skin. He had almost thought to push his logic away. To tell him anything he wanted to hear just to get him back into his bed and calm him down.

But what Donnie said had made sense.

If he had killed Daisuke then he would have been COVERED in blood. It would still be in his sheath. But Leo sure hadn't been wanting to listen at the time. He remembered his eyes falling on Donnie, sitting up against the wall covered in sweat, his sword on his lap.

Then the anger had come.

Yelling, scolding. Scooping him up into his arms to trap him back in his futon despite his protests.

Maybe that's why Don had gotten so upset.

Leo paused just outside the bedroom door. The last time he had lost his temper that bad was when he thought Raph (dressed as the NightWatcher at the time) was going to hurt Donnie.

He couldn't afford to loose his temper like that

He couldn't afford to make his Otouto cry like that again.

He pushed on the door and slid it down slowly, his head poking in lightly. Splinter had turned his head at the

He moved away and up to the house, sliding open the door. Splinters head turned to his direction, at first alarmed but then it softened lightly. Wringing out the cloth from Don's brow over the bowl, "I was wondering when you would be back Leonardo."

"Its hard to stay away." he admitted bashfully. He moved forward to kneel on Splinters other side, right by his sleeping brothers head. Just like last time, Don hadn't moved other then his head moving to the other side in a unconscious attempt at comfort. His clothes had been traded out for a dark blue wrap around (one that was Leo's when he was younger) his and Raph's' doing, a sweat still ran down his skin. But since their little 'heart to heart' his breathing had gotten easier.

Leo took the cloth from Splinters hand and dipped it back into the water before placing it back on Don's brow. His hand hovering for a moment to run his hand down the side of his face. Despite the sweat, his fever wasn't nearly as bad as it had been. That was enough to make him sigh in relief.

"And so the grains of time continue on, repeating always."

Hm? Leo looked over to Splinter, 'What was that Otosan?"

"My apologies, it is strange to speak and have people listening." a shake of his long muzzle, almost affectionate or as though he was laughing at something, "I am simple commenting how little things change, even after 10 years. Even as a child, you would work so hard to take care of Donatello and Michelangelo on your own. Raphael was always 'too big' for such motherliness. But you took on any jobs for their sake, when I needed the help. Bathing and feeding. I would become scared you would make me obsolete."

"I-I'm sorry."

"Do not be ,had it not been for you, Donatello might not of made it passed his first day on earth."

Leo felt a cold fear going through his body, turning to look at his father, "What are you talking about?" he next to demanded. Despite his attempt to keep a hushed tone.

"You must of realize by now that your little brother was never 'healthy'. His birth was sudden and unsuspecting. We had only been mildly suspecting your mother had been pregnant when she fell into labor." his hand going over to rest on Leonardo's, "the birth was not easy, and the process of his Hatching was even more tedious. When I held him in my arms for the first time, he was as still as the dead."

Dead. Even that word sent a small shiver through him again, he turned to Don long enough to stroke his face with his free hand. A small way to remind himself that Donatello WASN'T' dead, "Wh-what happened?"

"I feared your 'Otouto' was not long for this world. So I took him outside so he may feel with warmth of the sun on his soft skin. I was prepared to hold him up until his small body gave out. I was preparing myself for his death." there was a pause, a small flicker across his lips, "then you walked outside. You must have woken up from your rest. You were so young a the time you had no idea what Donatello was, but you wanted ot see him. You thought he was a tokage puppy at first. And I had to explain he was your brother. I had to explain he was only going to be there for a bit. But your young mind couldn't comprehend what that meant. You had no perception on death, all you wanted was for the baby to stay. You asked to hold him, so I allowed it. You even asked if you could name him. Though, if you had your way, you would have named him 'stinky baby."

Leo allowed his lips to twitch lightly, but then gripped his fathers hand lightly, "What happened?"

"You asked if you could name him after your mothers deceased brother. One who she called 'Donnie' short for Donatello. I wasn't even aware that your mother had told you that story. Anyway, I remember you asking your new brother to stay there. That you promised to always be a good big brother to him. You kissed him very gently and his eyes opened for the first time and taking in a deep breath. Smiling at you with love and affection that only a baby could show. It was the first time, since his birth, that I actually believed he had a chance at life."

He named Donnie? He had never even considered the possibility of that. But it made sense. His protectiveness over Donnie would of lead to him feeling the same way for Mikey. It carried over the fire that tore their family apart and all the way to present day. It was why he was still so protective over his younger brothers. But a small tear of sadness went back into his chest, 'But I didn't keep my promise. I failed him, I let him and Raph get separated from me, Master Splinter. I forgot about them for ten years-"

"That fault's not with you. After the trauma you went through, I'm surprised you even remembered your name. And when you did see your little brother for the first time in so many years, you were able to remember enough about him to realize that the strange figure before was in fact your little brother. It even lead to you to risk your life for his when you thought he was in danger. That moment when you held him, when you showed you had faith in him, when you kissed him between his eyes you gave him the strength of knowing someone believed in him. Which was something even his own father hadn't done for him." there was a shameful shake of Splinters head. Leo had a feeling this was something he had thought about a lot, "I can not deny that I needed that help. It was hard to go on, with your mothers death so sudden. I may have never neglected you or your brothers bodily needs. I fear sometimes I may have neglected your emotional needs at first. Sometimes I would come to check on you and I would see you kissing one of Michelangelo's' hurts. Or rocking Donatello till he fell asleep in such ways that I feared your mothers spirit had come to possess you. It allowed me a small relief that I needed. Even in the form of my very young, yet very mature oldest son." Splinter was looking at him with a bit of fondness, his eyes wrinkled into a smile, his hand going up to cup the side of his face, "My brave son."

Leo couldn't deny the warm blush on his face or the pride in his chest as he closed his eyes and leaned against his birth fathers hand ever so lightly. The familiarity of it was too much to ignore, and he didn't want to. Upon realizing Raphael might never remember their time as a family, it was up to him to do it. It was up to him to tell their little brothers the tales of their childhood (what he could remember). Despite himself, he felt his lips curve up lightly.

"After all you four have been through, after all I have put you through, I do not deserve to have you boys back inot my life. I do not deserve to see Michelangelo smile, I do not deserve to see your bravery, I don't deserve to lay eyes on Raphael again and I do not deserve to hear my Donatello speak."

"don't say that father." he opened his eyes lightly, his hand going over the paw on his cheek, "What happened wasn't your fault-"

But Splinters head bowed, a deep sigh going through him, Leo could almost feel the sadness, the ache through their contact

The regret

"My son, there is a story I have not told you yet. But it is a story that you and your brothers must hear together. For I do not have the strength to tell it more then once. I am not that strong to admit such mistakes I have caused in my life. Mistakes that have cost my son grievously."

Leo opened his mouth but found no words leaving his lips. As though something was holding him back. Maybe it was seeing his father so sorrowful. But he didn't want ot cause him anymore of it.

After a bit , to Leo's disappointment, Splinter pulled his hand away, looking back down to the sleeping child. His face wrinkled up lightly as though confused. His hand going and gently lifting up Donnie's blanket to tuck it back under his body, revealing his thin arm, the bandages going up to mid bicep. Leo had almost forgotten about those, "My son, Why are these bandages on his arms?"

"he always wears them. I mean, when I first met him I accidentally burned his hands. But I honestly didn't think I had burnt him that bad. I was going to change them, but Raph told me not to. I guess it's a I-sha thing. " he actually hadn't thought about them in a while.

"They have obviously been changed, I suspect by Raphael."

That was weird, if they needed to be change then why did Raph let him do it? He trusted Leo enough to help him change Dons clothes ,even though Raph had to explain the knife wound on his side and every other freaking scar on his body (that was a different episode entirely). But what ever was under those bandages was obviously something neither Raph or Donnie wanted him to see.

A gasp filled the air, Dons body suddenly twisted his arm pulled away from Splinter and his body hit the floor on the other side of his futon, deep coughs exploding from his mouth. Leo quickly sat on Don's futon, putting his arms underneath his brother and lifting him up into his arms and all but sitting him on his lap using his legs to help Don into a sitting position, already taking the yunomi of medicine from Splinter and putting it right next to Don's mouth.

Already Don had moved his head from side to side (probably smelling the medicine) with small moans and whimpers between his . Tugging on the already aching strings of Leo's heart, "Sorry Don." he whispered, his beak nudging Don's temple gently, "You need to take your medicine." he wasn't even sure Don could hear him, but was wrong when Donnie's head twitched in a nod. Leo moved up to a more straight position and hugged Donnie to his chest so he sat up straight his support. He gently put the yunomi to his lips and gently began to pour it into his mouth. Unlike last time, when Leo had been terrified of accidentally choking his brother, he could see his brothers throat contracting and relaxing rhythmically showing he was aware he was drinking it. Though he could remember the numerous times that Raph told him that Donnie hated his medicine. Leo didn't care though, especially if the medicine did its job.

When the yunomi was empty he set to down to the side his hand going up and tapping Don's neck lightly, "You okay?" he asked lightly (incase Donnie had a headache). He watched Don nod slowly a sign of lucidity, before his maskless eyes twitched in a attempt to open up to reward Leo with watery feverish light brown eyes though they looked right at him with struggling rationality. His lips parting with the breathiest of whisperes, "An-I-ki?"

A familiar warmth filled Leo's chest, a smile to his face. That word. Mikey never even called him that. But his aka-chan never needed to, he never doubted he was Mikey's' big brother. But after a week of trying to show Donnie he could trust him, it finally showed him that his Otouto saw him as a big brother, "Yeah its me Otouto." he spoke gently. Closing his eyes lightly o enjoy the weight of his brothers small form in his arms.

Suddenly he felt Don's body jerk, tightening and pressing against him with deep shakes. At first he feared that Don was going back into a fever nightmare, but then he saw the way Don hand pulled his wrists tighter against his chest and saw where Splinters hand had been. Just like before, when Splinter touched Don's wrists, it seemed to cause a panicked affect in his brother. Leo looked to Splinter and shook his head with remorse, before holding Don even tighter. He almost wished Raph was there. He wasn't sure what to do. But he felt Don press his face into his chest with deep shaking, and found himself pursing his lips lightly, 'Sssshh." he soothed out, rocking Don's feverish form in his arms, "Its aright, its just our father. Remember? You saved him when he stopped breathing. He's awake now, and he wants to meet you." he knew Donnie had a intellect far beyond his sentence, but he didn't care at the moment. He wanted Don to understand that it was safe. He wanted him to understand.

He could barely feel Don shake his head, but he did see Splinters face fall, his head bowing lightly.

Leo lifted Don up and moved him to side, so Leo sat between him and Splinter before giving his brother a 'one moment' gesture. He felt Donnie nestle into his side before wrapping one arm around him, "its alright Otouto." he reassured him gently. His lips gently pressing against Don's temple, "I'm right here, and Raph will be back soon. "

It seemed to do the trick, Don slowly turned his head from Leos' chest to look over in Splinters direction. He wasn't' sure if it was just because Donnie didn't have his mask on but he felt the his heart ache deepen when Spinsters smiled gently, "My son, I am relieved to see you awake." his voice coming out gentle, probably in reaction to Don's current timidity, "It has been too long since I have seen your eyes." his paw going out and resting on Don's leg. His body tightened, legs going in to his chest and pressing tighter into Leo's side with a painful (well, it seemed painful) shiver. Leo hugged Donnie tighter before looking over to Splinter apologetically. His father nodded in understanding before Leo turned back o his brother. He was sure if his brother had been well, he wouldn't of been so clingy. But the fact that Donnie had chosen to cling HIM almost made him feel guilty with selfishness. He tightened arm around him while the other went up and stroked Don's scalp gently, "He's shy Otosan. I'm sorry-"

"I suspected he might become so, he was quite a timid baby." his face smiling with the patience that only a father could have. Leo smiled and pressed his face against Don's scalp in a nuzzling manner he had seen Raph do a few times.

He wasn't going to give up.

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

Dorinbo sighed deeping the afternoon air with closed eyes. Already there was a coldness to the air that indicated the descent of the sun. It was a simple pleasure that he used to enjoy everyday. But upon adopting 2 more boys, and having so many attacks on his village within the that time, he found he had very little time for such pleasures. But his joys of his meditatino were drawn away by the pleasures of fatherhood. To having 3 boys to run and greet him with laughs and latching onto his legs. Michelangelo would always catch him around the neck with his uncanny ability to jump heights twice his height while Usagi and Leonardo latched onto his legs with even louder laughter.

Some of the elders in the village would see such scenes and tell him he needed to get that behavior out them with harder discipline and strictness. But Dorinbo would just turn and catch his sons again. They were good boys, so he never found a real need to punish them for simply being happy or excited. That's probably why Mikey became as excitable and rambunctious as he did. But it was hard to discipline such a cheerful giggling face.

He looked up again. He remember never pushing on Leonardo or Michelangelo calling him 'father' or 'dad'. But then, he went from 'father' to 'Dorinbo=sama.'. HE would never admit the pain that came from that name. From Leonardo. The sorrow.

But no sorrow amounted to the pain of knowing ones own son was hiding something.

He had seen it upon Leonardo's arrival. The way his sons eyes had lit up, that first utter of 'father' in many years. The thinness of his son's form.

The look in his eyes, hollow, in his eyes.

He had wanted to confront his son right then and there. But the events of that night had pushed his question away. Event after event, he was pushed away from his question. And the tie he had a moment to ask, his son had been so distraught and sadden that all he could do was hold him till his sobs quieted down.

But ,for sure, this was not the same Leonardo that had left.

He would find time to talk to Leonardo about his time away later. For times right now, the pain didn't seem to overwhelm him.

Speaking of sons, it had been a while since he had watched in on the school. Especially on Michelangelo, he enjoyed to see his youngest sons eyes light up and wave at him frantically, as though afraid he might be overlooked.

He could already hear the sounds of monotone talking as he approached the school house. He was always grateful that his education had come from his own father, before the idea of 'collected schooling' came to their village. The old pig sensei had one of the worst voices Dorinbo had ever heard ( and he had been to many Headmen meetings to hear bad voices). He moved forward and pushed his hand on the door, pushing it open gently. It looked like they were in the middle of a 'numbers' lesson. His eyes going over the young students. 'A difference between their school system, was that education didn't have to stop at 14. If chosen to remain, they would be taught philosophy and more of the complex things that were thought to be 'unnecessary'.

Right now, this was for the younger students. He knew all the students by name so he mouthed them to himself as he looked over them, before stopping, noticing a absence. He pushed the door open more, "Kobayashi-san, where is Michelangelo?" he asked

The old pig looked over in his direction, obviously a bit annoyed that his latest 'life lesson' had been interrupted. He glared at him as though trying to tell him just that.

But Dorinbo was better at that.

His brows furrowing and his head dipping down in a glare he used to use to intimidate his foes when the bandits would threaten him or his village.

He watched Kobayashi's face fade back into fear before turning back to his class, " Hold a moment. It seems our headman needs me."

It was nice to know that his glare hadn't' lost its intimidaty. He gave the class a quick kinder smile before pulling door shut after Kobayashi, "Where is Michelangelo?" he asked,

"I sent him away."

"Did he do something wrong?" a feeling a tenseness going to his gut, Leonardo had told him he had taken all of the child's 'gags' before he dropped him off.

"He was holding my class up. I did not NEED his interruption."

"What you NEED to remember is that you are there to TEACH our children. To make sure what you're telling them STICKS."

"I do not understand your 'irritation. This is not the first time I sent your son away-"

"My irritation is that not 4 days ago our village was attacked. I remember telling you SPECIFICALLLY not to send anymore children home incase they wonder off. Incase some of those bandits decided to return-"

"My job Is to TEACH, Dorinbo-sama. Is it a birds fault when one of its hatchlings fails to learn to fly? Some things are the way they are for a reason-"

"He made Mikey cry."

Dorinbo looked over to the class room door, the little girl known as Hinata had poked her head out. Her bottom lip firm even as Dorinbo saw Kobayashi glare at her. He put a hand to his chest and shoved him back lightly before moving over to the door and crouching down lightly, "is this true Hinata-chan?"

"Yeah, he said Mikey had the intelligence of a slow brained tokage and he didn't want waste time on him anymore-"

"She's simply exaggerating-"

But Dorinbo ignored the words of the fat pig. Maybe it came from raising three boys ,but he had grown to have to ability to tell lies from the truth. He watched Hinata's face carefully. But her eyes remained firm. Almost pleading

"Did he say where he was going?"

"I saw him go off to the woods. Th-tha's the last time I saw him."

"Thank you Kodomo." he reached out and ruffled her hair lightly ,giving her a rewarding child, "Will you please tell your other classmates to go on home? Their lesson is done for today."

The child's eyes lit up and ducked back behind the door. Already Dorinbo could hear a collected cheer before looking over to a shocked Kobayashi, "After I find my son, you and I are going to have a LONG talk. " his finger poked the middle of the pigs chest before he turned and walked off, he could hear children running away form the building giggling and talking loudly.

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

"Michelangelo!" Dorinbo pushed up on the branch that lingered over his ears. Stepping through the dense leaves. He wasn't sure how long he had been looking, but the air had chilled considerably and the sun was almost halfway down its descent.

He could remember telling Michelangelo many times as a child to never go deep within the woods. He always told him to never be out late. And perhaps it was the events of the bandits attack but upon discovering their true purpose and intent, he had imaginings of his children disappearing. Even though Usagi and Leonardo weren't 'children' and Mikey strove to be mature.. Even the fact that Leonardo and Michelangelo weren't his sired children didn't change how he felt It wasn't' going to change anything. They were still his sons. Still his children.

Nothing was ever going to change that.

Dorinbo looked around a tree, a deep sigh going through him as he cupped his hand around his mouth, 'Michelangel-"

"Dad?"

With the characteristics of his own kind He saw his youngest son poke up , his face smeered with mud and a root sticking out of his mouth. The relief that went through his chest was probably a bit more intense then the situation called for, but he couldn't help it. He moved over a fallen log to get closer, "Child, please get out of there."

"I-I'm sorry Dad." the child moved out of the bush the best he could, jumping on one foot before getting free, his arms full of berries and roots. Probably for some meal concoction he had thought of, but already Dorinbo could see the apprehensiveness on his face, "I-I didn't' want to upset you-"

"Why did you not tell me that Kobayashi-san was making you upset son?" he asked gently. He raised his hands to place on his sons shoulders, "I understand that Splinter has awoken, but that doesn't' mean you can't come to me-"

"I-I didn't want to worry you. K-Kobayashi sensei makes everyone upset. It-its just wh=what he d-does."

Dorinbo couldn't help but sigh again. His eyes closing heavily, had he known this had been going on he would of done something sooner. There was no point in their children suffering under that fool. He took a deep breath to quell his steaming heart before realizing that Michelangelo looked concerned not as though for his own health but as though apprehensive, "Am-Am I in trouble?"

Maybe he had considered it before he found him. But upon seeing his cheeks streaked with tears and the worry on his face, he found himself smiling softly, "no my child. And I promise that when we get back you wont have to deal with him anymore."

"R-really?"

"yes, anyone that considers my bright youngest, though absent minded, " he added a tone with it that made Mikey smile a bit sheepishly, "son slowly minded is obviously not fit to teach children."

Mikey bit his bottom lip and nodded, with his eyes squeezed shut. Dorinbo reached forward and wrapped his arms around Mikey, feeling his son shake lightly at his touch before pressing his face into his kimono, "never forget how much I love you child, it doesn't matter if you were to gain a hundred new fathers. It wouldn't change my love for you, my son."

"I-I love you too Dad."

Dorinbo smiled lightly, the senses that had been on him upon realizing his son had been missing finally sliding away. He wondered if he would ever see Mikey as anything other then his child. A martial artist? A craftsman?

NO.

It would never change.

The sound of sliding earth reached Dorinbo's acute ears. His eyes opening, the sound seemed to echo, with no following steps. Except for the sound of tearing roots and crunching branches.

"what is it Dad?" asked Michelangelo, trying to turn his head to see the noise. Dorinbo wrapped his arms tighter around him shushing lightly. His old eyes struggling against the darkening light.

There

A large form appeared, almost invisible in the dark shades. Moving on all fours like a tokage, its paws dragging through the fallen and dying leaves. A small light reflection revealing dark red covered fur. Its form stumbling lightly and stopping, as though its leg was caught on something but a tug filed the air was snapping roots, Dorinbo's' ears twitching the best they could in their samurai knot. It was obviously slow minded, sluggish. AS its muzzle drug close to the ground, its head waving to the side lightly. As though sniffing the air. For some reason Dorinbo could feel his fur prickle up lightly. A instinct from years of fighting and danger. Slowly he moved one hand to the hilt on his hip. The other pushing Michelangelo gently behind him. His other leg going out gently marking the dirt, "Listen carefully my son," he all but whispered, "Stay behind me, alright?"

"B-But what is it-"

"I am not sure. But I do not want to take that chance. It is best you stay there."

"O-ok."

Dorinbo moved forward a step, glancing back for a moment, like he had told him, Mikey was staying close to his back. He could feel Michelangelo's hand gripping his kimono gently, shaking. Dorinbo shushed lightly, putting his other arm out. Hoping the dark color of his kimono would cover his sons bright yukata. He looked back over to where he was heading, if he could get his son over to where those trees were thicker, he would be able to get the two of them to the village without the creature following them, then he could round up the other samurai-

He suddenly felt Mikey pull on his kimono lightly as a hiss of pain filled the air, the smell of blood hitting his nose-

Then it happened

The lulled gate suddenly quickened, the fat over its body into muscle and the fur covered muzzle tearing and revealing sharp yellow teeth. Dorinbo reached and shoved his son back "RUN MICHELANGLO!' before swinging and catching the beat in the mouth by his blade. Despite the strength he had been known for, the creature slammed him hard, his back and head slamming against the bark of a large tree. Thick decayed filled breathing a inch from his face, one hand gripping his hilt and the other on the dull side of his blade. He felt the force him up, his back grating against the bark till his feet no longer touched the ground. The smell of blood thickening in the air and the creature scream like roar growing louder, its jaws snapping around the blade, trying to get passed despite how deep the blade dug into his mouth. Through blurring eyes he could see Mikey laying in the dirt, blue eyes wide and his whole form shaking, "I told you to run-"

"b-But what bout you-"

"I'll be fine, go back ot the village and alert the guard, NOW."

Despite the confliction in his eyes, he saw his youngest son get back on his feet and run back in the direction of village. He could vaguely see the blood on the ground where he had stepped on a stick.

The beast suddenly turned his head. Dorinbo sword going free and its large muzzle sniffing the air. Dorinbo suddenly realized what the creature was following

Blood.

And he knew who he wanted to go after next

"NO!" he shouted, his arm wrapping around the creatures neck, his sword stabbing into its back, ' YOU SHALLL NOT HAVE HIM!'

The creature screamed in pain, throwing its body from side to side, its muzzle snapping a inch from his face, he could see its bangs flickering out of his face and deep empty eye sockets glaring at him. Each bit sent a spray of spit at his face.

The creature suddenly threw its face to the ground, Dorinbo flying down into the hard dirt, barely ale to grab a hold of his sword again and holding it over his face before jaws slammed on him against, desperately trying to get past the blade. Dorinbo could feel his arms began to throb. He could survive days on the battle field, only to be taken down by a large blind stupid beast!? In his midst of self flogging he could hear something in the edges of his range. At first he thought it was the bells of the afterlife calling him. But then he realized it was something else entirely.

Whistling.

Something must of hit the creature, because its face suddenly twisted, a unearthly scream filling the air, all but numbing his sensitive ears. A face popping over the creatures back, the face of badger, "Konban wa."

"K-Kon wa-" was this happening? Or had the screaming messed with his mind so bad that he could no longer trust his senses .

The female badger suddenly disappeared over the beasts shoulders again. The creature crying out again. Slowly rising up onto hind legs, Dorinbo moved back onto his knees, watching the creature scream in agony.

"KILL IT YOU FREAKING IDIOT!"

Nice ot know he hadn't imagined the woman, though where she was at the moment , Dorinbo jabbed his sword forward, sinking deep into the creatures belly.

The screaming began to intensity. Its paws scratching at the air frantically before its movements began to slow down. Slowly its massive weigh began to tip forward with the same gracefulness of a tree, Dorinbo his hilt and out of the way of its shadow yanking his sword after. The ground shaking as body met ground. He could hear the birds cry out in protest, flapping their wigns like the fools they were. Dorinbo looked over at the beast for a moment to ensure it was really dead before taking a deep breath,

"You alright?"

"I am fine." he had almost forgotten bout the woman. He opened his eyes to see her standing there, a black cloak over her form, sticking something back into her cloak,

"Did it bite you?"

"No, its blade got in the way."

"Good, I'd hate to have to kill someone so skilled."

That caught his attention, he looked back over to her as she pulled her hood down. Her fur was brown with white speckled , her hair pulled back into a brown pony tail, "You've never seen a Akai before have you?" before he could answer, the woman pulled out a water tube, "Sword out, now."

Even though Dorinbo didn't particularly like having someone boss him around, he pulled his sword and held it out blade first. She ran the water over the tube, allowing the blood to start running off it. Dorinbo tipped his sword over to it got all the blood

"Akai dangerous. One bite and you'll become just like them, even ingesting its blood by accident will make you crazy. They're bodies start to swell and expand uncontrollably. They gain sensitivity to light and smell. They go crazy at the scent of blood and loose their minds. This one," she waved her hand to the beast, "this one was on its way to Akai forest, but it was probably looking for a place to cross the water. Another thing they're sensitive too."

"My father mentioned them to me when I was a boy-"

"Mentioning them isn't good enough. Knowing how to kill them is everything. It's the difference in everything."

"It took you long enough, Imoto-san." he gruffed out. Putting his sword into its sheath. He watched the woman grin lightly before gesturing to the slain creature. Dorinbo only glanced for a moment, before realizing the creatures back was torn up, as though something had been hacking at it with vigorous hatred then noticing a stick poking out of it at a weird angle. Obviously well carved handle of a weapon, "Is that yours, Imoto-san?"

"oh right, don't want to forget that." She grinned at him again before going over and grabbing the long shaft, yanking it out. A large scythe sticking out o f the end. Much like one farmers used ot help with their tending of crops. She pulled it close to her before running the water over the blade, she tucked the flask on her belt long enough to put the weapon under her cloak, just how many weapons was she hiding under there? And how much water did that tube hold? He didn't realize she was holding it out to him before it twitched a inch from his nose, startling him slightly in his still aching state, "No thank you."

"Alright then." before stepping away and close to the slain creature. She pulled the top off the tube again and began to tip the water out so it ran on the ground, moving in a circle around the creature, "What are-"

"Waste management." before finishing her circle, "The red on their fur comes from a sap that can only be found in Akai forest. It stains them, covers their smell and makes them harder to track. But one good thing about it." she pulled out a small metal box her other hand pulling out a stick. Flicking it , there was a small spark before the stick set aflame. The heat not so much as making the woman flinch, "That its makes them more 'flammable' before tossing the stick out onto the corpse, 'Unless you want to have Akai Tokage running around. You're going to want this." Dorinbo hadn't realized his face had frozen till she said that, ""Have some of your men come by later and burry it, Dorinbo-san IT was sane at one point. Its family would probably appreciate it-"

Dorinbo watched the large mass consume in flames, a nauseating burning smell hitting his nose, 'It will be done.' he nodded in agreement, before something occurred to him and he looked back to the woman, "I did not tell you my name."

"Your son told me all about you Dorinbo-san. Leonardo was quite fond of you when we spoke.\, and Donatello speaks highly of you in his letters. But I suspect you know my name too."

Maybe it was from the fact his heart was still racing, or his head was still aching, but it took him a bit longer then it should for the realization to wash over him, "you are Kaede-san. Donatello and Raphael's mother."

"Indeed. And since I met you, I can assume we are close to Murakami village?"

"Quite close-"he wasn't quite sure what he had pictured when Leonardo told him of Raphael and Donatello's mother. But the truth was she was a lot younger then he had expected, and her black clothes worn, but her hair stayed back in its pony tail. The sound of hurrying footsteps filling the air as several samurai suddenly appeared, the hand of Daiki gripping his arm with franticness, "Dorinbo-san, are you alright?"

"I am fine, the danger has passed thanks to my friend here." he nodded over to Kaede , "but please see to the creature being buried. Make sure to bathe afterwards. don't let it touch your bare flesh."

"Hai, Socho." Daiki turned and shouted to the other samurai. Already setting to work. One thing about the samurai in his village he could always depend on, it was them following his orders quite easily.

"FATHER!

Dorinbo barely had time to look in their direction before the form of Michelangelo slammed into his gut and his birth son at his side. The air all but blowing out of his lungs with almost pain, his hand going up to Michelangelo's scalp before his other going to Usagi's shoulder, "What are you two doing here-"

"Michelangelo came and told us you were in danger-"

"As you can see I am just fine, "he assured gently with a smile grimacing lightly as Michelangelo's' hug tightened, his back aching lightly. He felt a hand go to his shoulder, "Socho, your back-"

"it's a flesh wound." he had no double his back was bleeding. But he didn't feel like alerting his sons and causing them to panic. So instead he smiled lightly, "I'm perfectly fine-"

"MA?!"

Dorinbo hadn't seen the red masked kame come. But he must of followed them. It was nice to know he could rely on the kame's help if he needed it. He turned to see Raphael looking right at Kaede, eyes wide with disbelief. Her face smiling lightly before hugging around her son. It was humorous to see the large kame bend over lightly to allow his mother to hug him around the neck. His arms tight around her, "Ma I cant- I can't believe yer here-"

"I find that hard to believe since I just saw you a few days ago." she teased him lightly, "I told you I'd find you baby bear didn't I?"

Raph nodded a bit rapidly before hugging her tighter, with a expression that Dorinbo wasn't' used to seeing on his face.

Happiness

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

Leo took the bowl of rice Splinter handed him with a nod of thanks before turning back to Don. "Here Otouto." he said gently, holding the bowl out to him with one hand. Since that morning Leo hadn't moved from Dons side. He spent the time talking to Splinter, hoping that it would draw Don out of his shy little bubble.

No such luck.

Actually, at this point, Leo wasn't sure he had luck anymore. Don's face looked to Splinter with a bit of unease before looking back to him, "Its alright." he assured him lightly " You need tokeep your strength up. I don't' want you getting weak again-"

Despite his words, Donnie's hands went up shyly to push the bowl away, giving him a apologetic face, "Donatello." he put a edge to his voice that he normally used with Mikey. Who would immediately do as he demanded,, but Don just looked as though to ask 'what?'. Leo couldn't help but sigh lightly, putting the bowl on Don's other side. Hoping his younger brother might eat it later before leaning his back against the wall, his arm rubbing Dons lightly. He couldn't imagine what Raph went through all these years. Getting Don to eat was like getting a bird to switch to chicken based diet.

The only reward he really got was Donnie resting his head back against Leo's shoulder. Most of the day, day Leo would look down on him to realize he had dozed off. He would take advantage of these times to talk to Splinter and share small stories.

But instead of going to sleep, he watched Don turn to look back to Splinter, as though unsure of what to do. Splinter smiled at him and leaned his hand lightly and put it on Dons leg, "its alright my son, if you are not hungry do not force yourself."

It surprised Leo a bit to see Don nod lightly. The first actually communication Don had made with him. Splinter's smiled broadened, his grip tightening lightly and warmly as though rewarding Don for his response.

Leo was too busy smiling and feeling proud to hear the door to the room slide open slowly. Atleast not till he saw Don turn his head in the doors direction and his eyes widening with shock before a huge smile went across his face,

'MOM!'

Before Leo could react, Donnie all but flew in his vision, caught by familiar black clothed covered arms, hugging him tightly, Don all but laying over Leo and his knee on his lap. He wasn't quite sure Donnie had the strength to move that fast

Wait

Mom!?

"Kaede-sensei?" he asked lightly, trying to look around Don's shell but his wraparound blocked his visoin

"Its me, gakusei-" came the muffled response, "Been a while eh?"

" a bit." he couldn't help but give a small laugh, he rolled from under Dons legs and moved out.

It was Kaede alright, her arms wrapped tightly around Don and holding him in her arms. His face pressed into her shoulder and shivers going through him. The strength that had helped him lunge at her was probably leaving him, a muffled emotional voice going from her shoulder, "I-I missed you so much Mama, I-I th-thought y-you d-d-ecided to g-go back to the ci-city-"

"And not see my baby boy?" she smiled down on her child in a way that Leo almost envied, her lips going down and kissing his forehead lightly, rocking his small form back and forth.

"geeze." Leo couldn't help but smirk lightly, "I wish my reunion with my family had been that nice." he smiled over at Master Splinter before his face fell. The old ran looking down at his hands the hands that had been resting on Don's leg curling over lightly, as though trying to grasp what it had been laying on, his ears pressing against his scalp and his head bowing low.

The sign of a broken heart

A/n

Mikey Raph Leo *GLARE*

Donnie, "wh-what?"

Mikey,' You made Master Splinter sad! First you wouldn't talk to him, and first thing you DO say is to your freaking MOM.

Donnie, "I-I'm nervous around new people. I- thought I might puke on him-"

Mikey, "HE'S YORU FREAKING FATHER YOU MAMA'S BOY-" a kama suddenly imbedded into the wall by his head and makinig his squak

Kaede, 'What's wrong with being a Mama's boy Michelangelo?"

Mikey, "Nothing! Also, please review! WE like that here!"

Konban wa!/evening! ( this version is used for inerjection)

Imoto-san/younger sister (in Japanese, if one does not know the other, they were refer to them as' brother' or 'sister' depending on their age to them. Since Kaede is younger then Dorinbo, she was 'Imoto-san')

Socho/ sir boss