Chapter 27
Rifts
"Aw come on Donnie! Please! Please please! Just a small one!"
"Mikey I can't, I really can't. I'll get in trouble. WE'LL get in trouble."
"Just one time! I'll never ask you for anything ever ever again! Forever!"
"Usagi warned me that you never keep your word when you promise that."
"But-but this time I extra promise! All my heart! PLEASE-"
Already Leo was imagining the worst case scenario, standing outside Don and Raph's bedroom door hand braced for knocking. Which was worst knowing Mikey's curiosity ( which in his mind was "Show me your gauntlet so I can shoot stuff! Thanks Donnie! Hey wait, where does the dart come out? Does it come out of this hole? Here, let me see if I can see the arrow by putting my eye Immediately infront of the exit place. What does this switch do-").
Honestly Leo didn't' want to imagine the next part of that scenario. He put his hand on the door and slid it open. "little BROTHERS." he said loud enough to catch their attention.
Mikey rocked back and fell flat on his tail, his bottom lip tucking under his teeth and a bowl of water tucked to his chest. Donnie's hands had gone to cross over his chest and to stick under the pits of his robe. Both looking up at him with a 'IALMOSTGOTCAUGTH' look on their face.
Leo glanced between them, this wasn't his first experience interrupting Mikey plotting with a friend. The trick was to find the weak link. But which one to question? He reached behind him to close the door and cross his arms. Looking right in the blue eyes of his youngest brother, "Michelangelo." he said with his famous edge
"I wanted to talk to Donnie?"
"MIKEY."
"OK OK!" Mikey looked back up at him, bottom lip sticking out in a obvious attempt to soften up his big brother, "I-I thought it would be cool if he showed me some magic. Th-that's what the water is for. Ju-just something small."
Oh man, why that? Leo couldn't help but shake his head fighting the disappointment. He took a breath. Deciding to give mercy and understanding, "Mikey do you know what the Arts do to the body? Its draining. Imagine what that would do to Donnie in his condition." he tried to ignore the embarrassed look on Dons face as Mikey's' eyes widen even further, "I-I didn't know-"
"I know you didn't aka-chan. Maybe Donnie can do something for you later but remember he's not some show at the circus. He's still your big brother." he reached down and put his hands under Mikey's' arms and lifted him up to his feet. He hated to admit he had to stumble with his brothers weight. He was a growing boy after all, "Come on Aka-chan."
"Aw man-"
"You two can bond more later in a HEALTHY way. But right now Master Splinter wants to talk to us all. "
"Ok ok fine." Mikey leaned over to Don lightly without looking, whispering out of the side of his mouth, "so you'll show me later?"
"Mikey!"
"Going! I'm going!" Mikey scampered past him sticking his tongue out at him in a playful manner. Leo found himself returning the gesture (something he hadn't done in years). He was quite pleased to see Mikey's eyes widen in shock as he laughed and ducked out the door and closing it behind him.
Leo couldn't help but smile and shake his head. He loved his aka-chan, he wasn't' sure how he managed to be so 'bubbly' but it was why everyone Mikey came in contact with liked him. It was something he could envy. He didn't exactly have many 'friends' because of his 'bossy nature'. But it wasn't something he wanted. Leo looked back to Donnie , whose maskless face smiled at him innocently. Leo redirected his smile to his Otouto before kneeling down, his hand pressing against Don's forehead. The alarming heat that had plagued his little brothers flesh for days had all al but gone away. A ghost of it remained that concerned him, but Raph assured him Donnie was alright to move around a bit, "Looks like you cooled off Otouto."
"Yeah I know. How many times do I have to remind you I'm a revered I-sha in my city? Also consultant to officials and governors. I think I know my own diagnosis pretty well."
"As Mikey tells me, I'm a Kurotomesode short of being a mother."
"My mom doesn't wear a fundoshi, or a kimono."
"I would say something about that, but I think it might be best not to joke about her when she's so close to head slapping distance."
Donnie laughed lightly. Refolding his arms from their secure location under his armpits to over his blanket. Leo smiled again,
"Are you feeling alright Don?"
It was the hundredth time he had asked that question today. Just in the time it took to get from where they had reunited in Akai to the forests edge. The whole time Leo had Usagi's arm over his shoulder, half carrying him. He glanced back every once in a while, Raph had his arm wrapped tightly around Don the whole time. His amber eyes glaring down the forest behind him.
Leo had a feeling the only reason the Akai hadn't returned ws because of that alone.
But that didn't' quell his apprehension. "You feeling ok? Not too tired? WE can rest if you want."
"Yeah, don't worry Leo. I feel fine
Though Leo couldn't stop his eyes from hovering over the deep sweat on Don's brow. But he told himself that it was just from the heat of the forest.
They'd be home soon.
They'd be free
when they had finally reached the edge, a wash of relief going over him. Looking over to Usagi, the two sharing in the same smile. He had whistled loudly. Already the sound of pounding hooves caught his ear. Leo turned to the forest again. Raph had released his wrap around Donnie but his hand had slid down to hold Don's the form of their present youngest brother leaning against his arm lightly. Giving Leo a smile.
But something felt wrong
"You sure you're alright Donnie?"
"Better now Leo." that cheerful smile at him. A bright happy face. Leo had taken that as his word. Turning, his hand meeting Kaze's neck. He
"DON!"
Leo turned from the horse. The sun just turning the sky lighter. The shape of Raphael on the ground, his heart began to beat in panic. Leo put Usagi's hand on the reins of Kaze before running on over, he could just barely see the form of Don, cradled in Raph's arms deep coughs exploding from the form. Leo all but fell against Raph. Already Raph was pouring medicine down Don's throat. But Leo's hands were going over his face. Flinching at the heat. Shaking , a cold chill shooting through him. Shaking so bad that Leo feared he might fall apart. Leo all but yanked off his kimono top, wrapping it around don's small form, "Hang on Otouto." he whispered, "Please."
"Just hold on."
Looking up at him till his eyes furrowed lightly, his hand going out to Leo's, "Are you ok Leo?"
"Course I am Otouto." his fingers refolded over Donnie's smaller one. He could feel the thinness of his fingers and the bandages that covered them, Just barely feeling small bumps that marked calluses and thicker scars that laced around his fingers. All that marked a hard worker. Leo wished that they didn't cover a hand whose fingers just came up to cubicles of his fingernails. Donnie was too young to have so many scars. He pushed his thoughts away, "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Because you've been toying with my mask for a bit."
Leo blinked before looking down at his empty hand. Don's repaired purple mask. His saw his thumb rolling over the strap as though he were fiddling with his thumbs, "Sorry."
"Is it because of what Master Splinter wants to tell us?"
"A bit." there was no point in lying. He was quite sure he wouldn't of been able to get away with it anyway. Leo rose up on his knees, releasing Don's hand to wrap the mask around Don's eyes, "I thought you might want this back." before tying it off behind Don's scalp, 'there."
"Man Leo, you and Raph might as well be twins."
"I don't think that's such a bad thing right now." he offered another smile, "Can you stand?"
" I think so, either I can't or I'll try." Don put his hand on the wall behind him, bracing it before pausing. Leo tilted his head lightly , "Don?"
"Raph put my clothes in here. Can you leave? I wanna get out of this old man robe."
"Old man robe?" Leo smirked again, "That's MY old man robe-"
"Really? The BLUE robe is yours? I never would of guessed-"
Leo looked over at Don. The 14 year olds face grinning at him with a familiar glint in his eyes, which Leo returned with a fake warning tone 'You know little brother, I don't think I like the 'Raph' half of you showing up like this."
"If Raph was that influential over me, then why don't I have his temper?"
Leo reached out and poked Don right in the chin causing the younger to reach up and swipe at his hand, "I think your 'cleverness' is getting to you." he poked Don's chin a bit harder again (missing Don's hand swiping at his again) before getting up to his feet "Change fast little brother. If you need help call for me ok?"
"Trust me I wont."
Leo gave him another face before getting back up onto his feet and to the door. Closing it behind him. He thought for a movement, without looking behind him and slid the door open again and calling again,' Are you sure you don't' need-" something soft bounced off the back of his scalp, Leo couldn't' help but laugh, slamming the door shut before Don could get his hands on something more solid, "Just thought I'd ask, Shin'ainaru amai ototo." he called with a tune.
"LEO."
Though Leo was unused to such mischevities, he couldn't deny that had been fun. It took bit for him to realize that he wasn't alone. He had expected Mikey to be out there, but he was no where to be seen. Except he saw splinter at the low table, a yunomi resting right in front of him. Though its surface measurement indicated it had been untouched. Despite Splinter smiling at him warmly, he dropped all humor and walked on over, kneeling down on one of the cushions, "sorry I was just checking on Donnie."
"How is Donatello?"
"He's fever's almost gone, and he's doing a lot better since Kaede-sensei got here. it's a miracle really considering how bad he was." Leo thought back to that reunion. The way Kaede had held Don so tightly. It almost made him envious, but when he looked up to Splinter, he saw that his Otosan's gaze had returned to the yunomi. The angst returned to his stomach. Mentally berating himself. It had been obvious since their reunion that Splinter had been feeling the same envious nature for the relationship Kaede had with her sons. Even more so since he was their father, he reached out and took Splinters hand into his , "it'll be alright father. Donnie didn't even want to come with me when we met. Raph is just rough, and protective of him. He and Kaede sensei both. And Donnie's shy, you've seen all this. It'll take time but he will open up to you eventually."
"My Son there is a difference between waiting as a prisoner miles away, and waiting three feet away with both arms free." but even so, his lips curled up into a smile, "But patience will always be my ally." his fuzzy eyebrows went up as he looked over at Leo with soft eyes, "Can I assume you invited Dorinbo and Usagi to listen to what I have to say?"
'"Yes, and Kaede." adding quickly, "Dorinbo raised me and Usagi is as much my brother as Mikey is. And Raph and Don for that matter. Kaede raised Raph and Donnie, so they deserve to hear what happened as much as we do."
"Agreed." Splinter nodded, "Are they coming?"
"Yeah, I'll get'm." Leo was back on feet, going over to the door raising his hand to slid it open.
The sound of laughter filled the air from outside. The door flying open, Mikey slamming into his chest with wild laughter, knocking all wind out of Leo's chest, as his arms went up, "Mikey-" before noticing the bright light and panting , the corners of his mouth raised up almost to the corners of his eyes, "what did-"
"MeandRaphweretossingaroundthebagwhenUsagijoinedinthentheygangeduponmeandIwasoutnumberedbutitwasfunbutithoughtIwasdoomedbutthenthenKaedegotonmysideandsentthemflyingthroughtheairitwassomuchfuncausethenIwon!IlovewinningInormallydontwinunlessyouronmyteambutbutKaedeisfun-"
Though Leo was fluent in 'Mikey speed talk' this was harder to decipher. He looked up to the flustered Usagi and Raph. Raising his eyebrows lightly
"We were playing toss the ball and Ma came in and kicked all our asses. Officially making Mikey the "Champion"
"Oh really?" Leo could understand that.
"Yeah!" luckily Mikey's' adrenaline was down enough that his talking speed had dropped a few hundred miles, his head turning back to look at Raph, "did you know your Mom's really cool? And Awesome!? And pretty, you have a really pretty mom-"
"Hey!" a flushed embarrassment went over Raph's face ,darkening his green face, "That's my MA you're talking about."
"And I do not mind the compliment Raphael." Leo could of laughed when Raph's' eyes widen a familiar black clothed arm went around his shoulders. Despite the height difference, It was nice to see Raphael stiffen up as though a giant had stepped next to him, Kaede's face grinning, "Honestly Michel-chan you should of seen Baby bear when HE was baby. He used to get so jealous of all my male acquaintances. Though its not uncommon for boys to get that way. So Leatherhead told me."
"I was not JEALOUS Ma, and-and I was SIX. D-don't call me Baby Bear in front of these dorks!"
"What's the matter Baby Bear? I've been calling you Baby Bear since you were a baby, Baby Bear. I mean it had NOTHING to do with the fact you slammed a rock into my face when we first met Baby Bear, or because you bit Leatherheads foot with tiny Baby
Bear teeth LIKE a Baby Bear when you first met HIM Baby Bear. Or MAYBE it was because you growl in between your snores like a Baby Bear. Such cute little growls-"
"Aw shit" Raph's hands went up to his eyes, a frustrated growl going from his throat that made it very hard for Leo to not laugh at, "why did I ever want my MOTHER to come down here and embarrass the HELL out of me?"
"Because you're a big mothers boy who missed his Mama." Kaede's hand went up to push Raph's head down to her level to give it a affectionate kiss to the cheek, "I'm going to go get Don, so don't' bite anyone while I'm gone." She turned and exited into Don's room while Raph crossed his arms, shoulders hunched up, his face was such a dark color that it almost made it look like it had come from a separate body. Glaring at the ground till he noticed Leos ' stare (if not his bright smile), "What?"
Leo gently pushed Mikey towards the low table, before grinning back at him, "So….does this mean we ALL have to call you 'baby bear'-"
"Do it and I'll bite YOU. The only reason I bit Leatherhead was cause he got close to Donnie and my territory, I mean my personal space-"
Leo looked over at Usagi long enough for the two to share a satisfying smile. After dealing with Raph's' 'I'm better then you in every sense of the way' attitude they were used to.
For that reason, Leo hoped that Kaede would stay for a while
The door slid open again, Kaede had her arms wrapped in support around Don. Even though Don was smiling and talking in hushed tones. He was still paler then Leo liked. He probably would of said something had Usagi, Dorinbo, and Kaede all given the exact same 'you're lactating through your kimono' look on their face.
He blushed angrily going back over to the low table. Kneeling down, his forearm resting on the table. Choosing to keep his gaze on the table as they settled around him. He saw Usagi settle to his side, Dorinbo on the other. Mikey was already squishing himself on the very edge of their table. He glanced up again for a moment. On the other edge, Donnie was squished in between Raph's form and Kaede's. Though Kaede sat more on the corner. Raph was the closest to Splinter. It might have been mistaken for 'friendliness. Except Leo knew Raph better then that (he was actually quite proud that).He knew the only reason Raph sat so close to their birth father was so that he could be in-between Splinter and his 'baby bro'.
Leo almost felt like he should warn Splinter of Raph's overprotectiveness.
It might save Master Splinters life.
A familiar shell leaned against his arm. Leo looked down to see Mikey smiling back at him with his scalp resting on his shoulder. It was hard to deny that face a returning smile. Wrapping his arm around his youngest brothers collar bone with a rewarding stroke to his scalp.
The sound of scraping clay on the table brought silence. Leo's eyes went over to where it had previously been resting. Master Splinters hands resting around his yunomi, as though absorbing the warmth Or perhaps the heat relaxed his arthritic hands. (Or atleast Leo suspected they were arthritic. They were certainly swollen enough). A deep breath filled the room that seemed to cease the air of joviality that they had been experiencing. Even Mikey leaned a but more against Leo. His normally vibrant bouncing form still, all heads turned to the front. The Tsukino family to one side, the Miyamoto in the middle. The Hamoto to the front.
All spread out over Japan.
Reunited after ten years.
Together
"I understand that my presence after so many years has not been easy on any of you. I can not even imagine the struggles thrust upon you by the sudden adoption of new children. Perhaps you have even thought less of their parents over the years. I would not expect any other judgment, without the comfort of a father to help you, Some of you I owe explanations to more then others. The reason you were all thrust into the situation you were, torn from our home and sent running into the night." Splinters chin ducked lightly. Leo almost wanted to reach out and hold his birthfathers hand. But he felt a familiar hand to the back of his shoulders. He had no doubt the hand belonged to the hand that had adopted him. Leo reached up and put his hand over Dorinbo's'. Hoping that the contact conveyed his gratitude. Gratitude he had spent 10 years trying to show. He looked over to don, who was leaning into his mothers one armed embrace. He was surprised that Kaede had chosen to sit in between Raph and Donnie, but Leo had a feeling that Kaede was one of the few people Raph let get in between him and Don.
For a sec Raph's' amber eyes went up and contact was made. Leo was about to look away when he realized that Raph hadn't. For a sec the red masked kame glanced over to Donnie (who was still watching Splinter) before looking back at Leo. His hand reaching out around his mother to wrap his fingers over Don's smaller hand. Leo nodded back, understanding the meaning
Splinter owed some of them a explanation more then others.
"20 years ago, Lord Hebi was a young eager ruler. The other lords had satisfaction in their own power and there was a much needed peace. Especially with the chaos that came with the Expulsion movement that all but took away all foreigners from our land. But Lord Hebi was also cunning, as you all know. 20 years ago he revealed his plan. A mass invasion that would reclaim him as emperor. A plan his great great Grandfather had formulated, a massive effort, a wave of terror we did not see coming. His ancestor had even gone so far as to plant agents with in other lands. Ninja of every race and capacity. Entire armies waiting for generations. All for the signal. Its tremors shaking our land to the core, wives found husband at their throats with knives, friends running from friends. Murder, massacre. IN a single night, there had been enough blood shed to feed the land for a hundred years." there was a pause, Splinter raised his muzzle to look over in the direction of the Tsukinos, "I suspect you were too young to recall the Rebellion Kaede-san."
"A bit." the badger nodded lightly, "I was 9,when the Rebellion occurred. My father hid my mother and my sisters in the mountains while he went to go fight. And to this day, he still does not talk about the experience."
"Your parents are very wise people. It did not take long afterwards for the Emperor to call up forces. Our clan was called up for our skills of ninjutsu. In hopes we would be able to rival the ninja they found themselves up against. A call I had no awareness of, for my clan had all but torn itself apart with paranoia that came with our specialty. It ravaged us like a disease, so only my father and I remained."
Father? Leo never even thought about Splinter having a father, or the true extension of their family. A family of ninjas. He fought the painful shiver in his arms, hugging Mikey a bit tighter to his side.
Even now, the word made him feel nauseas. Even knowing where he came from-
"My father had suffered the worst of the paranoia, being the very fuel behind it. He was in no physical or mental condition to help. But when Dorinbo came to our home, asking for help I could not deny it. Being so secluded, I had no idea of the true nature of the world or the war. I supposed a part of my mind had romanticized the situation. But I was young, I was a fool."
"I was called up to join the same platoon as Dorinbo, but he had to leave to go recruit others to aid in our effort. Our platoon stopped at a small village named "Gorudo Village. I met a young woman who was skilled in many of the same skills as I was. Even more so in some areas, she was living with her father, Lorenzo. I saw her tending to some horses with a skill of a master, a sill I could not help but fall in love with. I asked her to help us in our effort. It took a bit of convincing, for she was not willing to leave her village unprotected. But she eventually agreed. Her name was Tang-Shen-"
"Hey! That's Mom's name!" Mikey all but spun around to look up at Leo, blue eyes bright, almost like he had figured out a puzzle, "And-and Lorenzo is that other name you have!"
"Indeed Michelangelo, that would be the man who your mother found fit to give to Leonardo as a second name." Splinters smile was so gentle. Leo hoped his face was shocked, because he certainly wasn't'. He had heard this story before. He swallowed tightly before forcing back a wave of emotion. Not so much in the story itself, but in the memory Lorenzo telling it to him himself. His grandfather
Oji-san
Please be alright
How many times had he to talk himself out of going back to that village? To spare his brothers the horrible explanation of his deed. Leo closed his eyes lightly and took a slow breath.
Even now….
"-though we were split up by the squad head. I was reunited with Dorinbo," oh crap, Leo had forgotten he was supposed to be listening, "For us. THAT is when the war began."
"In the midst of the bloodshed."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
A knee to the ground Splinter leaning against his ground stuck sword. taking several deep breaths, it was a moment of rest. His hands gripping the hilt and his forehead resting against him. A moment of rest, the first in several days.
His hunger had long been drowned by the stench of dead bodies and spilled blood. He had long since forgotten what it was like to smell clean air. TO have your body cleansed with water.
He spared himself another breath
The rumbling of earth beneath his feet. Like the prophetic shadowing of disaster
Another sigh.
His rest was over.
He moved back up to his feet. Drawing the sword out. Slowly rising up to his feet. He reached up and unhooked the armor on his shoulder. The heavy metal falling from his chest and body. A simple relief going through his muscles that was the closest thing to bliss he had felt in a long time.
The sound of a figure next to him, rising in unison. Splinter could feel the same exhaustion wafting off his closest friend, his oldest friend.
Even in the 2 weeks they had met, they learned that war forged the deepest friendships.
"Are your sure you wish to leave your amour behind, Splinter-san?"
"My speed would sooner save me then these shackles." a glance to his side, "You do not wear your amour either."
"I supposed we were both thinking the same thing, are you sure you haven't a problem with fighting other ninja?"
Spliner could of smiled, looking up, the rising dust and collecteve shout that marked the approaching enemy. He reached up and drew up his black hood, casting his face in a shaodw from the hard heavy sun, drowing him in shadows he knew too well, "Do not level me with these amatures. If I was to share skill equality with these men, then this would be a battle of gods, rather then simpletons for the slaughter."
A step away
A breath away
Syncronized settled blades,
"Which is why I am grateful and honored to fight by your side."
Another breath.
The foolish and idiocy of the enemy raising their blade
A inch away
"And I you."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
"The Rebellion went on for more years. I lost many comrades in the struggle, many times I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night crying their names. Haunted by the faces I had killed. It was only when I was sent to another field that I was reunited with Tang-Shen. She told me that she had discovered Lord Hebi had sent many requests to my family over the years to try and sway them to his land. His end game was to have them join in the rebellion as well." the corners of Splinters lips twitched ever so lightly, "I can remember very clearly how my family took turns destroying his invitations. So often through my life it was almost habitual. It still brings me a small pride to know my family was not swayed by Lord Hebi's words."
Leo found himself nodding, that was something to take away from a family of assassins, liars and ninja.
He'd take the victories where he could.
"Despite the victories, more and more agents were popping up, even within our own army. These took more lives then we were taking. We even heard that one of the Emperors advisors had tried to kill him. It was obvious there were very little people we could trust. Suspicions had begun to run rampant in the armies. There were only two that I truly trusted, but even they had never met. I formed a plan. One that would take down Lord Hebi in a way that would not tip the rest of our allies to our plan."
"What did you do?"
Leo shushed Mikey lightly, but he coud not blame him. He did not know that his any of his fathers had been involved in the plan to take down Lord Hebi. Though the details of the plan were still unknown to this day. Some said that he was poisoned, while others said that the Emperor had siced tokage hounds on him and ate him alive. He watched Splinter raise his head, looking over past Leo. He had no doubt at that moment that both of his fathers were making eye contact. He could feel the air thickening around them. Absolute silence other then the sound of pounding blood.
"Tang-Shen turned traitor. She black listed herself and aligned herself with Lord Hebi's' army. For a year she fought amongst his ranks. Rising to grandeur and nobility. Until Lord Hebi gave her the very task I knew he would ask."
"And what was that?" OH dam it Mikey. Leo hugged him a bit tighter, swallowing heavily. But he found himself putting the pieces together, of what he would of done-
"His order, to take me prisoner and take my life."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
A blow struck Splinters jaw, if not for the grip on his bound arm he surely would of gone flying across the room. He was grateful for the grip on his arms, being so tight he all but lost sensation in them. For now, he allowed the mercy of the loss of that pain. Blood burst from cut dry lips and onto his torn robes. A familiar green 3 fingered hand going and taking the front of robe, light blue eyes glaring into his, black bangs setting over her eyes ever so lightly, "Orokana nezumi." came the bitter spat, a voice that was so gentle before. Hands that had stroked his face were now red with his blood.
"Jubun'na, Tang-chan."
The grip on his front slacken. The strength in Splinters back failed him as he doubled forward, only the grip on his arms were keeping him from meeting the floor. But he couldn't bring himself to thank the Komori holding on his arms. The kame he had found himself dreaming over walked over to the back of the room. Where large ornate doors separated Lord Hebi from those he found 'unworthy' to look upon. He could hear the sound of cloth sliding across the floor. Heavy with weight and muscle. Moving from behind the sliding doors he was known to hide behind doors and wasn't' seen very often.
Once again, the gratitude was lost on Splinter .
His long snake form could easily eat a full bear whole, clothed in a red robe (though how it stayed on with him sliding around Splinter had no clue). A tongue darting out past curled smirking lips. His form slipping around in a circle, moving to resting position. His head resting on his curled form, watching Splinter, the whites that would normally mark a normal creatures eyes were replaced with yellow, his pupils black hard slits. His large head turning to Tang-shen for a moment looking her up and down as she stood as a statue. Not as a act of wariness though. As though he was making sure something was just as 'pristine' as he had left it. Judging by the smile on the snakes curled lips, he was satisfied. When Lord Hebi was satisfied with his 'checking' he turned back to Master Splinter, his massive long form rolling over the ground to propel himself closer, "Hamoto Yoshi, I never suspected the rat whose been haunting my army for the past 3 years would actually be a rat. Nor did I ever suspect that you would be so stupid as to fall for my dear Tang-chan's lures. AS was once said, 'a mans bodily longings will betray his mind'"
Splinter knew a lure when he heard one. He could of killed Lord Hebi just for referring to Tang-shen as 'chan'. the way he looked at her even. Splinter fought the hard growl in his throat. His head bowed but his eyes peered right up to Lord Hebi.
All he had to do was wait
"Nor did I ever suspect that your clan would ever fight for the Emperor. Considering the very nature of you 'assassins, " Lord Hebi's' tail flicked the ground with the comparison of a whip, probably a representation of pent up aggression. Though Splinter had a feeling they would not be pent up forever, "I sent personal inventions to your clan for years on end. Ptiy it was rejected by weak minded individuals."
"I can assure you, your gifts made very good kindling and burned for quite some time. Our animals even enjoyed the perishable items." It was a great personal satisfaction to see the smile slide of Lrod Hebis'face. Even if he were to die, that would be something he'd always cherish
"You can make your jokes wile you can. But I can assure you, I have a better chance of surviving this night then you do."
Splinter fought the urge to glance over at Tang-shen. If only to provide himself with the little comfort of her eyes. His body trembled in pain and his head dipped forward lightly. Struggling to draw in breaths as his chest ached. He counted the pounds in his chest
The countdown
3
2
1
The floor suddenly bucked beneath their feet with the strength of a bucking horse. Heat overwhelming the room and lighting the room up in bright light. The wild surprised shout of Lord Hebi, flopping on the floor like the worm he was. Splinter found a smile growing across his face, even as the ground bucked once again beneath his feet
"YOU! FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON!" Lord Hebi shouted. Splinter wasn't sure who to.
But his desperation was enough, "I believe that would be my old friend setting fire to several hyakume's of kayaku."
"Kayaku!?" Splinter next suspected that Lord Hebi would be hard of hearing. Or that his face could express such a shade of red rage. Swinging around , "Tang-Shen, Kill him now!-"
Splinter could hear the guards holding him cry out in surprise. Knowing that Tang-Shen no longer stood at Lord Hebi's' side. The sound of slicing flesh and gurgling. The grip on his arms slackened as a hilt was pushed into his hand. Splinter rose to his feet, back pressing against Tang-Shens' shell for a moment, a soft assurance between them. The sound of running steps in their direction. By now Dorinbo would be out of the castle as planned.
Splinter prayed for his good fortunes.
That the two would meet again some day
Splinter all but flew forward. His knife cutting against hard reptilian flesh, carving deep and bringing about a roar of pain. He twisted around in time to avoid a snapping of teeth, "Tang-Shen! What are you doing!?" came the wild and confused shout. It would almost of made Splinter sympathetic if not for the anger boiling the words. .Splinter swung the chain around he had hidden in his robes, around over Hebi's' throat and yanking hard. The beast once again roared out, thrashing its tail frantically to free his airway,
"You have underestimated your enemy for the last time, you have looked at my WIFE for the last time. And your reign ends HERE-"
"You FOOL! What good will my death do if your wife is branded a traitor?! You've doomed you both-"
"Desperate words from a desperate worm." Splinter drew back the knife again, one foot to the back of Lord Hebi's neck (or atleast he thought it was his neck). The floor buckled again, this time there was the sound of cracking floor boards, more heat rushed up. Cooking Splinters fur in deep sweat, "I big you, Ketsubetsu." He flipped the knife around in his hands, jabbing Lord Hebi deep in his flesh. The air vibrated with his scream of pain.
Another shudder through the floorboards. Splinter leapt away in time for the boards to crack, Lord Hebi's' large form disappearing in the floorboards into the blaze below-"
(#)(#)(#)(#)
"And so with the head cut off, the Rebellion died off. Peace was restored as the traitors were all hunted down. But in becoming a double agent without the Emperors knowing, Tang-Shen, my new wife, was branded a traitor and her name was put with those to kill. So I took us back to my birth home. A place that only few knew the location of. I knew we could live there in peace, without the threats of the outside world getting to us. And we fulfilled a dream we had for all those years in the Rebellion."
"And what was that!?" Mikey probably would have been sitting on the table had Leo not been holding onto his shoulders. Mikey wasn't the greatest audience in the world, but he was always enthusiastic. But judging by the smile on Splinters face, he appreciated it
"To start a family. We had 4 beautiful sons together. Whom she all loved very dearly, choosing to name them in the style of her fathers' land. Leonardo Lorenzo Hamoto, after her father and uncle, so that he might always persevere. Raphael Ryoichi, after Tang-Shens' cousin and my Uncle and teacher, Ryoichi. Donatello, "Splinter paused for a moment, a small chuckle escaping him,
'Donatello Dorinbo. Leonardo himself chose the name' Donatello. A proud name that I had not to give at the time and Dorinbo, after my closest friend. And greatest ally so that he would always be that."
Leo glanced over to Donatello, whose face had turned bright red. He could just barely hear Dorinbo chuckle behind him. Leo couldn't help but smile.
"And," there was another pause. Leo looked back to Splinter The joy that had been on Splinters had slid away. His head bowing lightly. Leo could feel the excitement that had filled Mikey start to fade. Leo rubbed his arm lightly, his other hand still gripping the one on his shoulder
"And Michelangelo Michi. After Tang-Shens grandfather, and Michi after my mother. So that my youngest son would always be the one to smile and bring light to those who needed it. With your mothers failing breath, she used it to tell you how much she loved you. And how much, in turn, others would. That you would never be alone."
Leo could feel Mikey quiver lightly, something that almost never happened. He released Dorinbo's hand to pull Mikey more into his side, hugging him tightly. He felt Mikey turn his head to lean against Leo's chest lightly. His wrist going up to wipe at his eyes furiously with a small sniff, 'Its alright Akachan." he said lightly, not wanting to embarrass his youngest brother by speaking too loudly
"I know I know." but the emotion in his voice said otherwise, a white furred arm went across Leos' front (attached to Usagi) to grip Mikey's' free hand lightly. Leo smiled as Mikey squeezed Usagi's hand back.
It was only then that Leo realized that Splinter was smiling at Mikey, his dark eyes swimming with emotion, but a deep pride that Leo could recognize.
"B-But why did Mother die?" came with sniffing question. Light blue eyes looking back up to Splinter, "Why did she die?"
Splinters eyes closed, Leo could feel a stiffness go to his chest, knowing the answer already, "You had a very normal birth Michelangelo, but Donatello's birth had been very difficult for her. Her body never quite recovered. Especially with your birth being so soon after his."
Leo fought the urge to look over to Don again, knowing that it would only make him feel worse. Instead, he relied on the fact that Raphael was a good big brother and Kaede a wonderful mother to know that Don wasn't alone. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw Raph squeeze Don's hand a little bit tighter, and Kaede reach over to give her youngest son a peck to his scalp.
Please let him be ok. Leo found himself praying lightly
"With the loss of my wife, I found myself a single father. I pushed the past behind me and all thoughts of Lord Hebi. I moved forward with my life the best I could. But the mistakes of the past are not as forgiving as time assumes. Splinters head turned to Donatello, finally giving Leo a excuse to look in his direction, "And to you, I owe the biggest apology my son."
Leo watched Don scoot closer to Kaede's side. Catching a small darkening of Raph's' eyes, slowly moving over to rest by Dons' other side. A almost territorial act.
The act of a overprotective bear
"Wh-Why?" Don asked with almost a whisper. But Leo was just grateful at all that Donnie had finally spoken to Splinter. Praying that it wouldn't' be the last time-
"Because 13 years ago, my failures as a father lead to you not being able to speak. My failure to protect you. My failure to shield you." a deep sigh, so low it almost reflecting the sound of thunder. A sorrow just as deep
(#)(#)\()/(#)(#)
Splinter looked down into Raphael's room one more time. His second oldest son was snuggled under a warm blanket, the youngest baby, Michelangelo, was snuggled in his arms like a stuffed animal. He had been quite surprised when Raphael had come running for him, just as eh was about to lay his two youngest sons to rest, with tears pouring out of his eyes and sobs in his throat. Out of all of his sons. Raphael was the least susceptible to nightmares. Or the fears of the night.
Splinter had instantly scooped up his son into his arms, cradling and rocking him till his sobs went down. He was quite surprised when Michelangelo had woken up , rubbing his big eyes to waddle over, climbing up into Splinters arms to snuggle with Raphael. So it only seemed necessary to let the two sleep snuggled together.
Of the brothers Raphael's was closest to, it was Michelangelo. Splinter was quite grateful to see such emotional tie to one of his younger brothers. After seeing Raphael's cruel treatment of Donatello, it had been a concern of his. Often bringing him to the point of tears.
Like wise, even though Leonardo took care of both of the youngest boys, he seemed especially close to Donatello. Splinter already knew his son was late in talking. But he could tell his son was very close to verbalization. A small swell of pride in his chest. Even though Splinter was quite sure that Leonardo had no memory of Donatello's birth or naming, it did him some good to see Leonardo take such good care of Donatello. Splinter found himself joking to himself how Leonardo was almost a 'mother' to his youngest sons. In He was sure that Donatello's demise in coughing was because of Leonardo's consistent care.
He only prayed that Donatello's good health streak lasted.
Splinter closed the door when a breeze caught his fur lightly, causing it to bristle in contrast to the cold. A breeze? Upon discovering Donatello's health depended on a warm environment, he had closed off most of the rooms in his home, sealing them completely in the winter. Perhaps he had left a window open? (though he could of sworn he closed them all)Splinter followed the draft up the hall, his fingers brushing against the door that he knew Leonardo and Donatello slept in.
The draft seemed to be coming from the room that had served as his fathers room. He slid the room open, the room was piled with unused furniture, cast by moonlight through the propped open window. Splinter could not remember opening that window. Perhaps it had slipped his mind. He moved forward and pulled in the piece fo propping wood. A small chill over his arms sent his hands after them, rubbing the cold out-
A forearm went around his throat, yanking hard. His airway choking off by a muscular force. His other arm going up and grabbed his other arm.
Years of latent force covered him, he stumped his force back and slammed his elbow into the attacker, his other arm forcing the arm over his head, his foot going back next to his attackers. Something jabbed into Splinters knee, warm blood burst and swarmed over their fur, a cry of pain escaping his lips. A rage that sent a growl to his throat. He twisted his body around, despite his knees protests. Yanking and sending the attacker flying to the floor , knockign over a barrel, spreading sticky oil alll over the floor. His hand yanking the knife from the attackers belt. Wide eyes between his black mask looking up at him. Splinter followed, pulling the knife over his hand and jabbing the assailant in the throat. The sound of choking filled the air and warm blood spraying out from the cut throat. The warmth spreading to his elbows and through the cloth of his robe, he watched the light fade from his wounds. Deep gasps going through his form. 10 years ago, he would of never of been caught off guard. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
Then it reached his ears.
The sound of coughing.
Small, baby coughs, mixed it with thick whimpers,
Splinter turned his head. His eyes catching brown ones, snuggled between two boxes, wide with tiny hands pressed over his eyes. The pool of blood spreading out, reaching the babies tiny toes. Donatello's eyes began to water, heartbreaking confusion sending them pouring down his chubby cheeks as he began to sob loudly, mixed with heavy coughs. Splinter reached out his hand, to hold his baby but Donatello was already on his feet, running for the door, "My son!" Splinter called, reaching out, he moved to rise up, but his broken knee gave out, sending hard to the floor. He caught is vision in time to see Donatello slip through the door where a ray of light went through, "My so-"
"Donnie?"
The word caught in Splinters throat.
Leonardo.
He watched a shadow fall over Donatello, green arms reaching down and lifting Donatello up from the trail of blood. Splinters heart hammering in his chest, "Donnie how did you get so dirty?" came a light question, "you're sticky and oily. Are you hurt?" but Splinter could barely hear Leonardo over Donatello's sobs. They became muffled, which meant Donatello was now sobbing into Leonardo's shoulder, "its ok Otouto. Lets get you cleaned up then we can go to bed. K?" But Donatello's sobs didn't soften as they normally would for Leonardo. Splinter listened to his sobs fade away as Leo carried him to get cleaned. His curled fist pounding the floor with rare exposed anger. The sound echoing in the back fo his mind
The sound of a terrified baby
The sound of terrified sobbing
The look in Donatello's' eyes."
Splinter closed his eyes and closed the door, a deep sigh going through him. His forehead going down to the floor, resting against his forearm.
The failure of a father.
(#)(#)(#)(#)
After that, Donatello changed. He became clingy, Leonardo was the only one who could get him to sleep. He became anxious around Raphael and it strained their relationship further. He had even begun to shake in my presence."
"Enough."
Leo blinked, shiver going over his skin in recognition of that gruff angry voice. One he had not heard in a very long time. He turned to look at Raphael. Who now had both arms wrapped tight around Don, almost to the point of squeezing with amber blazing eyes straight on Splinter, "Raphael-"
"That assassin worked for Hebi. Tell me I'm wrong, Lord Hebi didn't DIE that night. He swore vengeance on you and that's why , when the ninja failed he came after US himself-"
He knew that tone, Leo put his hand on the table, hoping to draw his attention, "Raph-"
The glare went to him, Leo would of flinched but they once against caught im. Telling him one thing
'WE both know how this story ends.'
Leo wish he could of said another wise, but that would have been a lie. And he had done enough of that. He drew his hand away. Raph gave him a nod before getting to his feet, hands all but lifting don to his feet dragging him to the room where they had spent the last 4 days battling a intense fever. Kaede stood up, looking over to splinter with dark eyes that could of easily belong to Raph, "I only hope for your sake you have a different strategy," with that, she followed her sons, the door all but slamming shut.
Leo wanted to go after them. But he felt Mikey shake against him. Leo wrapped his arms around Mikey tightly the shoulders. "Its been a long day, "he said simply. He pulled Mikey to his feet, he tried to look over to Splinter but his heart weighed heavier then his neck could handle, "Sleep well fathers." before guiding Mikey into their room. "Mikey why don't you wash your face?" he smiled weakly, before turning and taking his swords from his waist there a was a knock on his door, a shake right through his arms, tears at the back of his eyes. But his politeness won over and he went over to the door and slid it open. Relieved to see the face of his brother, "Usagi?"
"I thought it might be nostalgic to share quarters with you again. If it is alright with you."
Leo felt his face turn up lightly "sure. We gave our futon to Kaede, but I'll bunk with Mikey."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"I think so, I guess I'm just a little tired. Shocked."
"Leonardo, its alright to feel scared-"
Leo looked back to Mikey, who was washing his face over wooden bowl, before looking back to Usagi,
"No, I have three little brothers to look after now. I can't afford. I can't afford to not have faith in my own Oto-san-"
"Was it his fault Leo?"
Leo looked over to Mikey. Mikey was on his feet looking at Leo. A rapid heart rate, he found himself kneeling by his youngest brother, "Mikey-"
"Was it? I-I mean. He goaded Lord Hebi. Lord Hebi wouldn't of came after us if Splinter had made sure he was dead."
"Was it? I-I mean. He goaded Lord Hebi. If he hadn't , then Lord Hebi wouldn't of sent that guy after us. Then Donnie wouldn't of been mute for all those years. Then Lord Hebi wouldn't of came after us if Splinter had made sure he was dead."
"Mikey-"
"Then Raph and Donnie would of never been stuck in Akai."
"Mikey-"
"I'm not wrong Leo, its not often but I know I'm right, Aren't I?"
Leo rested his hands on Mikey's' shoulders, gripping them lightly. He wanted to have another
answer. To say that he was wrong, that it wasn't' Splinters fault. That none of what they went
through could of been avoided.
But his tongue twisted
And his heart sank
He drew his arms around Mikey and held him close
He could not lie
Leo squeezed his eyes shut, tightening his grip
"I don't know."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
Raph squeezed his eyes shut, tucking the blankets around Don form
"Raph will you talk to me-"
"There's nothing to talk about Donnie-"
"Raphie-"
"Don," his voice came out harder the he meant for it to. He felt a small hand squeeze his. His eyes began to burn with tears. He squeezed his eyes shut, a arm going around his shoulder a hand guiding his face to a familiar shoulder. He felt the tears pour out of his eyes and his chest aching as he struggled not to fall apart. Dons hand squeezing his.
"I hate that rat." he forced out through shaking lips, he pressed his face deeper into mothers shoulder,
"I want him to die."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
"It was all his fault wasn't it?"
(#)(#)(#)(#)
Splinter bowed his face his face meeting thick arithic knuckles and deep scars. Taking in a deep breath. Chest aching in a way only a fathers could
"Is it his fault?"
"his fault his clan fell apart."
"His sons lost."
"His wife died."
"it'll be alright old friend."
"They'll never forgive him."
"They just need time."
"They'll never forgive you."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
There used to be a tradition in the Tsukino family. Kaede would get a wagon and horse and take her sons on a trip around the country. Traveling by wagon was much better for Don's health then going by horse and it always did him some good to get fresh air in his lungs. For a entire summer they would travel around. Finding places to camp or inns to sleep in. Raph would take the horse out for a bit to ride around on. He'd try to talk Donnie into riding with him, but he'd always turn down the offer. Don would claim that he wanted to read, but the way he'd cling to Kaede's arm when Raph approached with a horse. It was almost adorable to see her youngest baby, her "I-sha baby" get so shaken over a creature he treated hundreds of times.
But when time came around again for their trip, something came up. Something that sent the NightWatcher out of retirement
Kaede prayed that time would never come again.
Out here though, in the country with the world spayed in white and black of the moon. A deathly peace that almost made her bones ache in anticipation. She didn't know how anyone could stand the insane silence-
"Rough night for you too Kaede-san?"
Kaede glanced back from her position on the walkway, the light just barely reflecting Dorinbo's' dark robes. Kaede gave a small nod, "But harder for my boys. Especially for Raphael."
"I can imagine. Seeing your children suffer is not easy. Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all. You're village after all." She cast him a smile before darting her eyes back out over the land. But she could hear his bones pop lightly. Kaede only prayed she never reached that point of bodily decay. Or atleast she had at one point. Back when she had been a bounty hunter and nothing else.
But now she was a mother
She would rather be a ball of melted bones and brittle blood then not be apart of her sons lives, "Nice little place you have here Dorinbo-san. A bit too quiet for my taste. If I had resentment towards you, I would tell my sisters about this place and have it overrun with 4 families and a unfathomable amount of children." but she cast him a smile, "Luckily I have no such anger."
Despite the threat, the corners of Dorinbo's' lifted up lightly, showing a understanding of her humor. He reached to his right and drew out a clay tokkuri in one hand, holding it by its narrow neck and two square cups, "Would you like to share sake with myself, Kaede-san? I haven't had any since my fathers' deathbed. When he was congratulating me on being the Headman of our village."
"You had to be quite young."
"Old enough to hold a sword."
"In that case, I will drink to your fathers memory." Kaede took the square cup, allowing Dorinbo to pour into it. She reached over and took the tokkuri from his hand pouring into his cup. The two tapping the sides of their wooden cups together, "I used to be quite the drinker of sake, back in my early years as a bounty hunter."
"You had to be quite young. Kanpai"
"Strong enough to drag a full grown kuma behind me. Kanpai." she followed his suit, downing the dry liquid. Chilled to perfection. Careful not to let the vapors to rise too fast before lowering it back down, "Drinking with those men was the best way to find out about the best bounties. My parents were going through financial difficulty, I used it to help them out. And the job stuck. Any job where I can use my fists is a good one."
"Not to insult you Kaede-san, but most woman your age tend to be, "there was a awkward drop of sentence. Kaede couldn't' help but smile. She could see Leonardo very clearly in this man
"My decision to be unwed was mine alone. There were those who asked for my hand, but they found that they loved theirs too much to risk me cutting theirs off.
Dorinbo laughed thickly. Silence falling over them as they poured drinks for the other. The only words coming out were the occasional 'Kanpai'. all Kaede had to do was wait
"It is strange, "there you go, "I always suspected that Leonardo and Michelangelo had more family out in the world. My father warned me, despite my adopting of them, to not get too attached incase their family came by to find them. But I couldn't help but love those boys as I love my own. I never thought their story would turn out like this."
"Donatello told me in his letter that you and Splinter were friends before all this. You never suspected that they were his sons?"
"No, they apparently look like their mother ,who I had never met. I thought that their parents had been kill by bandits." his dark eyes looking over to her, "Is it true you found your sons in Akai."
"Hai. Covered in mud, cuts, bruises, Raphael was almost a animal at the time. I was lucky he was able to understand I wasn't going to hurt him. Thanks to Donatello." she sipped her cup again, "I've met magistrate, victims, samurai, soldiers. But those two are the bravest souls I have ever met. I had been there trying to get a bounty, course I was so freaking over my head I almost lost it." she set the cup back down, her arms wrapping close to her body. She could still feel that little body in her arms, "I held that tiny baby so close to me when I first found him. Donatello had been shaking so bad, then next thing I knew, I had a gash in my forehead and a grip on my neck in the form of a six year old. Even then Raphael was almost painfully protective of Donatello. That never really went away, sometimes it would even get to the point where Donatello would come to me, his poor little heart breaking." Kaede could still remember the times she'd have to intervene, those were the points when Raphael would have his hardest times as the NightWatcher. When he'd be convinced that the world was going to try and kill everyone he loved, "Donatello's' my baby boy and Raphael's my baby bear. Donatello didn't even want to come here and his letters home were the only things keeping him together. Even with his 'kuma-ni' here holding him. But the more letters he sent to me, the more I could tell he was growing more and more fond of this family he was getting to know," Kaede smiled over to Dorinbo, " In the last letter I got, I saw that he had accidentally wrote 'Aniki' instead of 'Leo' and had tried to mark it out. He even spoke of you and your son Usagi. And of Michelangelo " she raised the cup to her lips again, allowing the wooden rim to brush her mouth before lowering it back down, her elbow resting on her knee, the smile falling away, "When I didn't get a response I knew something was wrong. On my way here I saw a bird carrying something purple. I caught the cloth and it was from Donatello. Telling me what had happened to him, that he and your son had been taken. So I rained hell on those bitches for hurting my baby. My baby, and your son."
Dorinbo nodded, "Are you sure they will not come after our boys again?"
"Trust me, you'll never see those bandits again, and probably any other ones."
"How do you know?"
"People tend not to come after you when their heads are cut off. And it sends a message to the others. I made sure every single one of those bitches watered the forest in their blood." she took a sip of the sake again. Another silence falling over them. Kaede could hear a sigh go through Dorinbo. A relief of knowing his son was safe. That was a relief that Kaede could share easily.
She allowed Dorinbo to pour her another cup
"We lost our teacher, I was going to talk to him about his treatment of our students. But he was already gone when I went to his house. So now we have a empty house, and no one to teach our children. I understand you were a teacher in your city."
"A dojo master. My students are currently all on leave." She knew the question that was coming
"Can you read and write?"
"Better then most."
"Can you count?"
"If you're trying to see if I am literate, you do not have to toy with the question. I have knowledge plenty for teaching."
"Until I am able to find a new one."
"And this wouldn't be a ploy to get my sons and I to stay longer, would it Dorinbo-san?"
"Would you mind if it was?"
"No." a honest answer, "They need to be together. They've spent too long of their life being apart. Besides, apparently you're Donatello's 'Uncle' now." she tipped the tokkuri one more time to drip out the last of the sake into his
"By accident. But one I do not think I'll correct."
Kaede looked back out onto the town. Sighing lightly, "This is quite the weird family."
"Agreed."
Two wooden cups tapped against each other again
"Kanpai."
"Kanpai."
(#)(#)(#)(#)
Leo took a deep breath. A sweat rolling down his neck, despite being in the stable he was not able to escape the heat of the sun. Despite that he enjoyed the hard work that worked his muscles Leo couldn't' remember the last time that he had actually been able to work the horses. And with Mikey off at a friends house, he decided now was the time to go back. Waving to Raph who was in the front yard going through some kata's. He hadn't even gone to go see Splinter yet-
Leo pushed that thought away, turning back to his job. Rubbing his brush against the horses neck that was currently tied to the wall. Moya was the largest and was ridden by Dorinbo. There was a joke around the village was that Moya and Dorinbo had been born on the same day even.
Actually this was the same horse that Leo had learned to ride on. Dorinbo used to take him and Usagi our riding on the time. Except Mikey, expect that was because he liked it more when Dorinbo lead the horse around he was sitting on, pretending to be in a while chase.
Those were simpler times.
A hell of a lot more gentle then these-
"You look like you're enjoying yourself brother."
Leo turned, already smiling at his brother who was standing in the doorway, judging by the sweat on him, Leo could see that Usagi had been out working too. But Usagi tended to work all over the village to help out, "Just doing my job, I miss working with my old buddies here."
"Its sad that in this whole village these horses are who you are closest too."
"That's almost hurtful Usagi. You know you're my best friend."
"Indeed." Usagi' smiled gently, "You should not be working though, Arata-san only got your stitches out this morning."
"I'm tired of resting around Usagi." he turned back to the horse, rubbing the horse's neck again, "I'm tired of being useless to help our village-"
"Leonardo, your little brother was ill, the only person whose holding vendetta against you right now is yourself. Or are you saying that your sick little brother isn't as important as a few buildings?"
Ouch. Leo flinched lightly, he had him there, "Of course not, but you've been through a lot too. You were kidnapped with Donnie."
"And I was rescued, we both were. I was lucky to be as unharmed as I was." Usagi's' hand reached past Leo to brush over the horses neck, "Leonardo, you know I do not seek out strife to cause despair amongst I care about, correct?"
"Of course." Leo slipped the brush off his hand, looking back over to Usagi. There was a new tone to his voice he didn't recognize. He looked over to his brother, "Usagi? Did something happen?"
"I have a concern Ani, do you remember I told you that Hiroshi hit Donatello in the throat."
Leo nodded. He could still remember the horror that went through him when he saw that horrible bruise on Donatello's throat. The blood stains on his orange yukata that could of only come from his lungs. He fought the shiver through him by placing his hand on Moya's neck again, "You said that the Komori and the Ookami were trying to leverage over each other and were using him to do so because he was the smallest."
"There's more to it then that. I did not want to tell you at the time with Donatello's condition so dire. But I feel it is something that you, as his oldest brother, should know."
Already apprehension was making his stomach tense. Leo went over to the stable door and closed off the source of breeze. He already knew that there was no one around. But he wanted to be sure, he looked back to Usagi who kept a even gaze, "What is it?"
"Hiroshi knew nothing, Donatello's guise as Michelangelo fooled him through and through. But when Makoto got there he saw through the ruse immediately. He knew about Raphael. Even when he knew who Donatello was his excitement grew to ecstatic levels. His obsession, saying that Donatello's' presence changed EVERYTHING. The only reason Hiroshi even harmed Donatello was to spite him and to prove that I wasn't his I-sha."
No. Leo turned away, his hand going up to hang the brush up on the wall where it sat, "It must have been a mistake." he put out of his mouth. The words hitting against his head, like a board against a ball , "they must of lied, they must of thought he was someone else-"
"Ani-"
"You don't know him, you don't know Donnie-"
"And neither do you."
Leo's hands curled over the wooden wall, brushing over Splinters into a tight fist. His heart was racing, the work sweat drowned by a heavy heart rate. His fist drawing back lightly, his forehead meeting the wall, his bottom lip trembling
"Donatello is a I-sha, I was there when his patients were saying bye to him. Families coming in with their babies to wish him farewell-"
"As a I-sha of that level it has a certain attraction to those who do not operate lawfully. I'm not even saying that Donatello has done wrong. But there are organizations out there who might of reached out to him. From what I saw, Donatello has no friendly feelings for them." a hand gripped his shoulder tightly "I am only thinking of his safety."
That made sense. Safety. Leo nodded quickly, using the back of his hand to wipe at the sweat stinging his eyes. Safety, "I want him to trust me Usagi-"
"He calls you Aniki, he calls me "Brother." That reveals a strength in trust that was not there in a week ago. But also a hesitance. I only told you what I know because I want him to feel safe."
"I understand." Leo nodded heavily. His face in his hands, the fingers pressing into the skin of his face. He forced a nod, "I-I wanna talk to him."
"He's just a child Leonardo, it doesn't matter what he's been through, that' doesn't change. He's still your Otouto."
Leo nodded again, his hand going up to the one resting on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly. Closing his eyes for a moment. Deep breaths, he felt his heart start to slow, a chill below skin level going through him. Nodding for a third time, his neck almost aching, "He-he's still in bed right?"
"He's down by the river, he wanted the fresh air.'
Normally Leo would of spiraled off down a tangent, but all he could do was nod for a final time. Patting Usagi's hand, he turned and walked over to the door, pausing for just a moment, a breath to turn around to look at his brother, "Thank you Ani."
"Please help him Leonardo. Help our little brother."
I'll certainly try, Leo wasn't sure what drove him, but he found himself. Heading right out the door. His feet carrying him. He found himself stopping by the food stand, picking up a few rice balls with pickled plums.
He just hoped that Mikey wouldn't' skin him for getting a snack.
The thought made him grin lightly. The dried sweat on his face cracking. Leo moved on. Past the houses and hill, the river catching the immensity of his vision.
It wasn't' that long ago that he had seen Mikey running up this path. All but dragging the form of their adopted father with him. He could still remember the panic, thinking the ninja hung in his arms a enemy.
It felt so long ago.
It felt like years ago
"Leo?"
He jumped a bit harder then he should of, looking off to the side. Don was sitting right on the slant of the hill, His knees drawn in to his chest. Hands in his lap, light brown eyes looking at him with confusion. Leo had almost forgotten why they were there, he put on a smile, "there you are Don."
"Are you alright? You looked upset."
"Nah I'm fine, just came to look for you. Mind if I sit with you?"
"Its alright."
Leo moved on over, sitting down to his side, he walked on over to Dons side. Sitting down on the ground, his arm instinctively going to wrap around Don's shoulders. Hugging him so hard that he felt Don tilt lightly, his arms shooting out to balance himself, Don letting out a surprised light laugh, "hey!" his voice going right up to smack Leo's face, not enough to hurt him but enough to make him laugh a bit, "geeze Leo, trying to flip me?"
"I think I'll leave the 'flipping' to you. Since you seem to be so fond of flipping me."
"its not like I like doing it, but you always put yourself in situations that call being flipped.'
Leo let out a small laugh, It almost surprised him how easily they had fallen into conversation. It was as if someone had released a knot in his chest. He gently pushed on Don's shoulders so he sat right back up. He returned the smile before looking to Don's brow, one hand gripping his shoulder, the other pressing against his forehead. Almost immediately he felt Don try to pull away, a small whine as the patient tried to pull away, "Leo I'm fine-"
"You just got your strength back." but he was satisfied with temperature on his brothers brow. His hands going down to rub Don's bicep, "You might as well get used to it. I know Raph does the same thing, and your mother has told me legends of his protectiveness."
"Hey! I begged ma not to -"
"Oh I LOVED the stories about my little Otouto-"
"little Otouto is redundant-"
"Not at all." Leo couldn't help but tip his chin up lightly, "Otouto, is your role as my little brother and 'little' refers to your size."
Don stuck his tongue out at Leo lightly. Another laugh going through him. Leo couldn't help but take in the moment. Allowing the laugh to roll through him. Enjoying the image of his Otouto laughing. A face happy, bright.
A face covered in sweat
He felt his small laugher begin to fade
Struggling to breath
His eyes fell on the fading bruise that still covered his throat.
Shaking form, bodily heat escaping.
Light brown eyes turned lightly, concern filling them
A chest ceased rising, lungs slowing in motion. A body turning still
"Leo?"
"When I held him in my arms for the first time, he was as still as the dead"
Leo forced a deep breath. The rate in his chest increasing. His hands going up and down Dons arms again, "You're a bit cold Donnie."
"That's a good thing, seeing as two days ago I was boiling at the skin-"
Leo shook his head lightly. He couldn't stop himself.
The memory was still too close for comfort
"Don I understand you know more about medicine and the body more then I do. But you have to tell someone when you're not feeling well. We don't have the luxury of you 'bending the truth'-"
Already Dons face was twisting up, almost in disbelief and irritance, "Leo that's stupid-"
"Stupid? Yes it is. But its necessary." he wasn't' sure when he had put his strict tone on again. But it was almost burning in his throat, "You pushed yourself till you COLLASPED out of Akai. What if that happened around Mikey? And what if he was the only one around? What if, in the middle of his panic, you stopped breathing? How would you think he felt if you then stopped breathing?" Leo hated seeing Don's head curl down lightly. He could feel the guilt coming off his Otouto.
This wasn't Mikey.
If this was Mikey he would of already been holding him in his arms,.
But this wasn't Mikey
He reached forward and put his finger under Dons chin, raising his head up lightly to look him right in the eyes , "When you stopped breathing I was terrified. I was panicked, I cut my thumb starting those candles and when you started breathing again, I held you in my arms. I CRIED I was so scared. I COULDN'T let you go. I held you for a entire day, I counted each and every breath . 20,245 breaths. The only reason I even let go was because my arms were shaking so bad that it was starting to wake you up. "
"I'm sorry, I-It just makes me feel so useless-"
"don't apologize and you're not useless." he put a softness to his voice. He relented to the big brother voice in his head. Releasing his chin, Leo wrapped his Otouto, his little Otouto, and drew him into a tight hug, his cheek resting onto of Don's scalp ,"You cant help what your body does. But don't," he paused tightening his hug, "don't push yourself that far. don't push yourself till you collapse, telling me that 'everything's fine'. don't tell me you're feeling alright when you can barely breath. I don't have to be the first to know. But-" he sighed "But you have to tell someone alright? If you ever need help, or to talk and Raph and Kaede aren't near, you can always come to me or Usagi. Or even Dorinbo. I don't want to loose you Otouto. I'm still your big brother right?
Slowly, Don's head nodded ever so lightly. Leo couldn't stop the sigh of relief from going through him, his arms tightening around Don even more so, before slowly drawing them away. The arms around his chest, ones he hand' even realized been there, tightened, face in his chest. He could feel a small tremor went through Don, wether from emotion or sadness, he didn't know. But he heard the smallest whispers reach his ears,
"I love you Aniki."
Leo closed his eyes, his arms rewrapping around Don and squeezing him tightly again, "I love you too Otouto. Never forget that."
"I-I-I wont."
"thank you." that was all he could say. He was tired of lecturing. Leo just wanted to enjoy his victory. A mercy. He tightened his hug a inch before drawing away, this time Don finally let him go, his hand going up to rub his eyes tiredly. Leo couldn't help but smile, "Do you want to head back to the house?"
"Yeah, I'm a bit sick of fresh air."
"agreed." though he didn't really. Leo moved up to a standing position. By instinct alone, he reached down and took Dons'. He pulled on his little brothers hands. Lifting him up to his feet.
Suddenly Don's weight flew to the ground, Leo's arm shot out and grabbed Don around the chest, "HEY!" he shouted, his knee slamming to the ground to keep from Donnie hitting the ground. The panic right back into over drive , his hand going up to Don's forehead, looking his little brother over, "Don-"
"I'-I'm alright-:" Don's eyes were squeezed shut. Not in the 'I just collapsed sort of way' but in the 'I'm a dumb ass' kind of way His arm draped around Leos' shoulder , "I-I must of over estimated my strength, I'm sorry." the tremor of his bottom lip, a break in character. Exhuming frustration.
Leo couldn't suffering that way, he offered a smile, "Hey its alright Don,-'
"Have you not been able to stand before?" Don accused lightly
"Well, no-"
"Then don't' talk about things you don't understand Leo." a bit of anger to his voice. But Leo knew it wasn't at him, Don's head tipped lightly, rubbing his eyes, "Its embarrassing."
Ok, he had him there. Usagi was right, there were so many things he still didn't understand about Donnie. Including the things he'd been through
"His obsession, saying that Donatello's' presence changed EVERYTHING-"
Knowing there were things Don might never tell him
But that doesn't mean he was going to give up
Leo took Dons hands lightly, ignoring Don's queries as he turned his back to Donnie. Pulling him up onto his back, his hands sliding down to hold him under his knees, despite the surprised squawk that burst from Donnie, Leo looked back at him the best he could, "I give Mikey piggy back rides all the time. And don't' even think of using your "I-sha thing as a excuse. People give I-sha's piggy back rides all the time when the I-sha happens to be their Otouto. Besides Mikey said we're having onigiri for dinner today, with pickled plum."
"Pickled plum?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I love pickled plums."
Leo looked back to him. Unsure if Donnie had just admitted he actually LIKED some food. But judging by that shy smile on Don's face, he wasn't imagining it, "Hey Don?"
"Yeah?"
"What gets wetter while it dries?"
" A towel."
a/n
Fundoshi: kimono worn by unmarried women
Kurotomesode: a formal kimono worn by married women
Shin'ainaru amai ototo: Dear sweet little brother
Orokana nezumi: Stupid Rat
Jubun'na: Enough
Hyakume: weight, I'm not sure what. I'm so tired
Kayaku: gunpowder
Ketsubetsu: farewell, or adieu
Tokkuri: what holds sake
Kanpai: bottoms up
Sake: it is tradition to pour the cup for eachother, if they are guests
Ohayou gozaimasu: good morning