a/n

Charmy, "bwahaahaha, this chapter. I can't even tell you how close we are to the end now. But I'm getting really excited! Not cause the stories almost over, but because of how well its done! Because of how many people enjoyed it! 8D . I'll give you more on that in the next chapter though. Technically there's 3 chapters to go including this one. And I'm about 30 away from 200 reviews. I'm pretty content and grateful for what I have, but I would really love it if I reached that coveted '200' mark. Even if I got a little bit close. I'd really appreciate it.

enjoy this chapter.

Raph," No words, I just have no words."

Chapter 28

Raph knees hit the walkway floor before he knew he was collapsing, his back spasamng angrily his stomach churning with the teeth grinding pain. He heard the sound of rushing feet, on no, not ma. He didn't want her to worry.

He felt a small pair of hands pull him back into a sitting position, a hand on his shell , but the unfortunate pressure of his shell against his back, caused him to dry heave. He felt a yunomi being pressed into his hands . He could catch the familiar whiff of bitter muscle relaxer . Medicine. But he felt a hand guide it to his mouth. Ok ok he got the point. He tipped it into his mouth and allowed the liquid to run down his stomach. The taste alone made him feel warm, he could feel in the pain in his back ebbing away.

Raph sighed in relief and the bile in his throat sliding away. He looked over to his savior, his little brother.

His poor little brother.

In the month since Don stopped talking, his normally scrawny body had become even skinnier, a fever was always on his brow. His small form was clothed in a small wrap around robe. Normally Raph knew Don hated such clothes, but it wasn't like he cared anymore.

His psyche was fragile enough as it is.

Already Raph saw Don's eyes go to his shell, tears burning in his eyes. Nonononononoo, not again. He could already see his face paling eve deeper. He was going to get sick again. Raph moved up to his knees and scooped Don up into his arms, cradling him against his chest., 'Its alright Don." He soothed his sobbing brother. "ssssssshhh." but the child shook. his head. Raph could already see the horrors rolling through his memories. Donnie's whole body shaking in rejection of his words. Raph reached up and put his hand on the back of Don's neck, pressing his baby brothers face into his chest, "Its over Donnie. No one is ever going to take you away from me or Ma again, alright?"

After a few seconds he felt Don nod against him, his face going to the space between his neck and shoulder. A response. One of the first one he had seen in days He sighed and nuzzled him lightly with his beak, "Dinners going to be ready in a few minutes. It'd mean a lot to us if you ate something."

Already he could see Don flinched at the mention of food. Raph didn't blame him, his last attempts at eating ended with him hurling up the last of his meal for hours. He couldn't give up though, Raph feared what would happen if Donnie went much longer without food , "Ma's making broth for you. You have to eat something, ok? Just a bit."

Don's face turned up to him, almost pleadingly. Pleading with his Kuma-ni. But Raph kept a stern face till the younger nodded sadly. Raph almost couldn't say how relived he felt . Raph move up to his feet with his brother in his arms. Though two arms was probably overkill to support his weight. But Donnie gave him a sad glare, telling him exactly what he wanted.

Raph normally would ignore him and carry him anyway. But He found himself putting Donnie back on his feet. Almost immediately his bony legs buckled. But Raph's hands were there to catch him around the chest. Keeping the patience as Don's feet slowly moved back into position. Shaking from the effort. Raph slowly helped him into a standing position. Don's forehead against his chest, panting with exertion. But Raph fought the pride he had as a Kuma-ni. Whispering words of encouragement. Dons' hands slowly moved to his hand. Gripping it tightly in support. It was probably the one thing he was willing to compromise on. Even as his body continued to shake. That wasn't good, his body was worse off then Raph thought. But there was also something else damaged.

His soul.

The soul of a 12 year old boy

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

"What goes round and the wood but never goes into the wood?"

Even though Leo loved playing riddle game with Donnie, it could be said that loosing as often as he did (since they had met, the score was prominently 87-0 with Donnie in the lead. With 87 being the amount of times Donnie stumped him). It always seemed like Don's riddles were so much more challenging then his. He gritted his teeth as he moved away from the river, Dons arms right around his neck secure on his back. Leo gritted his teeth as his mind rolled over the stupid riddle till it hit him in the face, "bark!"

"Good job Leo!"

Despite the fact such words were normally only used for children, Leo couldn't help but smile he tightened his grip over Don's legs, bouncing him lightly to shift him up higher, "Which means its my turn, right?"

"Yup."

Leo bit his tongue lightly, his mind rolling through all his riddles till one caught his eye, "Ok then, what occurs once in a minute twice in a moment and-"

"Leonardo-san!"

Leo felt Don's arms tighten around his neck. Almost a flinch ( he was almost sure he could feel his face in the back of his neck). HE stopped his climb and looked back towards the house he had started walking past. He saw the form of a Ferret hobbling towards him, thin form wrapped up in thick robes and his long white hair bounded but a warm smile on his face "Arata-sama Ohayo gozaimasu.!"

"I believe you mean Konbawa." his smile was friendly as ever, "I was wondering how your neck and shoulder are doing."

"They're doing much better." even now Leo could still see the lines of where the Komori had slashed him, but it was a scar he wouldn't mind. His fist real battle scar. (he didn't count the cut on his cheek from Raph)

"Very good. I was worried it might be irritating you." his eyes flittering over to his shoulder, " I was also curious about the little kame hiding behind your back was."

"You know Donnie, he's the one you helped." Leo turned slightly so Arata could see him. Though he felt Don move his head around..

"I remember him, he fell ill after his act of bravery. "We were all quite amazed by what you did little I-sha." his voice held all the warmth of cooked rice, "It still amazes me how much he looks like you Leonardo."

"Now don't insult him like that." Leo smirked lightly, before looking back to Donnie, "remember him? He's the one who helped when you were sick. You know, before father all but kicked him out." he added with a soft lightly before bouncing Don lightly, in hopes of him actually raising his head. But nothing happened, Leo turned his head lightly to try and peer at the burden on his back, "Otouto?"

"Is your brother feeling alright?"

"His legs are still weak."

"Id think so, did he walk all the way from your home?"

"Yeah-"

Arata's eyes turned up, as though a concern had filled him," That was not a wise idea, little I-sha. You're body is still very weak. Even without a fever, your lungs are VERY fragile from what I've seen. You should be more careful."

Leo tilted his head back again trying to catch Don's words, but like last time, none came out. He thought he had heard a whimper but it could of easily been in his own mind. Leo fought his own feelings to put on a smile, "I think we're going to go on home, thanks for the chat." He gave Arata a respectful tilt of his head before heading back on his way. He glanced back to make sure Arata was out of ear shot before lowering his voice, "What was that Donnie?" he asked, "That was rude, he just wanted to talk to you."

"I-I'm sorry Leo."

Leo sighed lightly, closing his eyes. He didn't want to press the subject. It was obvious that Arata's appearence had shake him. That shyness that overshadowed his clever personality.

"Aniki?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you mad at Mama?"

Leo stopped in step again, peering at the child on his back, '"Why would you ask that Otouto?"

"I heard you and her talking the other day. It sounded like you were sad. Did she say something that you didn't want to hear?"

Ah hell, he hadn't wanted anyone to hear that. He didn't particularly want to think about that conversation.

Leo remembered going up to her. After finding out that Kaede was staying in t

he village he had gone to her. He had asked her if she would train him. If she would help him become stronger.

She had rejected the offer.

If that wasn't' bad enough, She had this look in her eyes. Like she knew something he didn't again.

As if she knew his secret.

A secret he couldn't let anyone know

"All I want is to watch you and Mikey grow up. You and Raph could spend your life here with all of us together as a family. Don't you want that?" he asked softly, He lowered his head to nuzzle the arms around his neck. Arms attached to a sweet little brother he didn't even know existed for years.

"I-I do. " his voice almost off into silence. Leo smiled before nuzzling his arm again.

He didn't want a life without his brothers in it.

, "Lets get back to our game little Otouto." his voice becoming gentle. , "Here, what occurs once in a minute twice in a moment and never in a thousand years?" He moved on a bit further, almost humming. The house coming into view when he noticed something

Don hadn't responded yet.

He slowed his step tilting his head back, almost in hope. DARING to hope "Are- are you stuck?" he asked lightly. But only deep breathing caught his ears. His only response

He had done it

HE HAD STUMPED DONNIE!

He would of skipped, if he didn't think it would send Donnie flying off his back. Even if he didn't' know about that riddle till he had woken up Dorinbo in the middle of the night begging for the best riddle he knew. Sure his father gad thought he was under attack and had tossed out the door. But after Dorinbo had realized what he had done, he had nursed Leo awake and told him the best riddle he knew. (He had originally tried to help Leo figure out the answer himself, but it was late and it was almost daybreak when Dorinbo just caved and told him)

AND IT HAD PAID OFF!

"Want a hiiiinnnt?" he asked, "Its REALLY simple if you don't think so hard about it." He lifted his foot to slide the door open, hopping lightly, biting his bottom lip to keep the laugh of triumph away. The smell of cooked rice reaching his nose and voices to his ears

"Dam, what do you put in that rice?"

"He wont tell me, and I've been asking him for years."

"It's a Ryori-cho Michelangelo secret."

Leo ducked in. A bit surprised to see Raph and Dorinbo sitting at the low table, two yunomi's set out and Mikey at the kamodo. It was a image he thought he'd never see. Their smiles encouraged his own, "Hey guys."

All eyes went to him, "Hey Fearless, nice to see you brought Don back."

"Yeah, we were just playing our riddle game. I'm proud to note that I finally had a riddle that he," he bounced Don lightly again, " couldn't answer."

Raph's eyebrow quirked, looking over to Dorinbo. The two sharing the same expression. Even Mikey looked confused, Raph put his arm on the table, "Leo, did I ever tell ya that Don tends to sleep alot after his fevers? Seriously, if he's immobile he'll fall asleep in a blink."

Course he remembered that, "Yeah wh-" Leo blinked. Wait. He turned his head, twisting his neck to see the top of Don's scalp, face turned towards his opposite shoulder, eyes closed and soft snores escaping his lips. Despite how adorable the situation was, he couldn't' help but nearly shout , "You have GOT to be kidding me."

"sorry man, I warned you. " But the smile on his face showed his true sympathy. Raph stood up from his spot and rounding the table. Pausing only to rub Mikey's' scalp and move on to Leo's side, "What was that riddle again?"

"Um, what happens once in a minute , twice in a moment but not in a thousand years."

"Thanks," Once again, Raph had this smile on this face that had its secrets. Leo watched Raph put a hand on Donnie's shell. leaning his head down and whispering loud enough for Lei (ad the others to hear) "Donatello, little man, Um, what happens once in a minute , twice in a moment but not in a thousand years?"

Leo almost wanted to tell him to stay quiet , a low whine reached his ears followed by a yawn and the very sleepy, but clear words " the letter mmmm.'

"WHAT!?" The shout came from his lips before he could stop himself, "MASAKA!" almost immediately Raph began to laugh loudly, clapping his hands together. Almost falling against wall, "THIS is why Don's my favorite bro." his hand going forward and rubbing Don's sleeping scalp

Leo didn't know what was so funny. Maybe it was the fact that even in his sleep, Donnie could always win at riddle games. If anything was funny it was that at this point that Raph was on his shell, face almost blue and still clapping his hands together like a demented saru. Even with Dorinbo's disapproving look. Leo gritted his teeth together fighting the choice words that would get his mouth washed out by Dorinbo. He felt Don move around on his back, a hand gently pushing his hands away. Leo turned around to apologize (well, he was hoping he was going to apologize and not demand to call this particular riddle a draw) But instead what he saw was Usagi standing there with Don in his arms, giving them a amused look, "They're very cruel, aren't they Chisana ichi?" Usagi asked with a very soft voice, to the sleeping Donatello," I'm not even related to you but I'm still your kindest brother. Come along." Usagi's eyes bounced between him and Raph with a slightly reprimanding look before walking past them and right into the room that Don and Raph shared.

Usagi might have had a point there. But Leo was too busy giving Raph ( who was now breathing deeply and wiping his streaming eyes), a mock glare, "I touch Donnie and you punch my face in. Usagi touches Donnie, and he gets a applause?"

"first of all, if you keep sayin' it like that yer gonna WISH I only punched you in the face that one time."

"You punched me in the face MANY times."

"And also, Usagi had his back when they were being drug through hell. I think I can trust him to help Don. And you can help me to my feet.'

Leo sighed before reaching down, squeezing Raph's hand and all but yanking him up to his feet ( to be honest, Raph wasn't a lightweight and needed that extra 'all the muscles in my body to lift you and hope I don't' pass out' strength)the large form of brother to his feet. Raph gave him a smirk, "I guess those twiggy arms are good for something, he Leo?"

And there it was. Leo was about to say something witty and well thought out when a dark furred hand reached out and caught Raph on the side of the head all but yanking it down to a different height level and a giant kiss on the side of his head by Kaede, "His stringy arms are just fine for him baby bear."

"Ah geeze Ma-"

"Don't fuss your muscular arms do you just fine."

Leo smirked lightly, that is before a hand grabbed the side of his head and yanked it down before a kiss pressed against to cheek. A yelp escaping his lips and a deep heat going to his face and up through his scalp, "That's what you get for laughing at your little bigger brother." His hand going up in a delayed effort to protect his face. It was worse when he heard his aka-chan burst out laughing.

OH spirits

Not his aka-chan. Though, through his fingers, he saw Mikey run over to Kaede. His eyes almost the size of dinner plates. Babbling excited words and pulling on her hand with a big smile.

It was enough to make Leo feel a little sad

""I don't think I have ever seen my sons look so bashful Kaede-san." came the voice of Dorinbo his arms crossed over his chest, "My brave sons blushing."

As if he needed the reminder. Especially with his father grinning at him. Then Kaede's' voice came back ,""What if I gave you a kiss Dorinbo? Are you saying you wouldn't blush too?"

Dorinbo's smile slid right off his face. Now, growing up with Usagi, he was known to be bashful especially around women. Whenever a woman talked to him, his voice would get quiet and duck down. Though he always kept a respectful tone. But in all those times, Leo wasn't sure a rabbit could blush. And that was something Usagi and his father didn't have in common. But in that moment, his samurai fathers' head, normally raised and crying out for battle and fighting for his fellow man, ducked down, his hand going up to pinch his black nose lightly. His normally tall stature almost shrank and , if Leo knew better, he could of sworn that his adopted fathers white furry cheeks had a tinge of pink to them. His head turning back outside, "I believe Daiki called my name."

"Father no one called your name-"

"-He must need my help, I'm coming Daiki!" With a speed Leo did not know his adopted father was capable of, all but flying across the room and out the door with a shout for his sons to save him some dinner. Leo looked over to Kaede again who had watched Dorinbo flee with a almost devilish smirk. Her eyes turning to him for a moment to give him a wink.

But he knew her answer hadn't changed.

Kaede still wouldn't train him.

"It does my heart good to hear so much laughter and joy coming from my sons.'

It took Leo a bit to realize that that old gravely voice didn't belong to him or Raph. (definitely not Kaede or Mikey) turning his head to see Splinter closing the door after him, smiling over at them. In the days since his recovery, his bony limbs had adjusted to the nutrition she had been given and was seen walking around the village quite regularly, helping out wherever he could. Leo had even seen him with a bunch of children sitting around him as he told stories. Every time, Mikey would be there by his side beaming brightly at his tales. It was enough to warm the hardest hearts.

Except Leo was just sure he had seen Raph's smirking beaming face fall to a scowl . But Leo did his best to ignore it, he had to be the good son, "dinner's almost ready father."

"I can see that. It smells wonderful."

"Its Aka-chan's gift." he gave his father a smile. Before looking over to Mikey, "right?"

"Right." but Mikey looked over to the door that Usagi had carried Don into "Leo can I go nap with Donnie?"

"Donnie's not napping aka-chan, he's exhausted."

"he was in bed forever though. Isn't he rested yet? I like lying with him."

"If you still want to after we eat, then you can lie down with him."

That seemed to be good enough to him, even if his bottom lip almost encased his chin. He finally finished with the giant wooden bowl and moved over to the table. There, that was enough to get the stomach rumbling-

"Is Donatello alright?"

Oh crap, Splinter wasn't there when Don fell asleep, "He's fine, he's just tired Father."

"He has not eaten anything in a while. Perhaps one should wake him-"

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

"H-Hayate I don't wanna go in."

The tall ferret looked back at him, his tan limbs clothed in brown hakamas and a dark green kimono top, despite the patches all over them, Donnie knew those were his best clothes. He could barely see the long katana hanging off his waist. It was one of the lessons of his mothers dojo to always have a weapon on you.

But Don wasn't thinking about that right now. He was thinking about the expensive houses and the stone paved street his stood on. Everyone here could afford their own village and had plenty of money. It almost felt like Hayate had taken him to the biggest one of all, "I don't wanna go in." he whispered meekly, his hands rubbing his bare soft arms. Looking down on his feet with his chin making a imprint in his chest.

He could just barely hear Raph's best friend chuckle, long fingered hands going to his shoulder. It couldn't' be comfortable for him to reach that far. All Donnie had wanted for his 12th birthday was to atleast get some height on him. But the spirit of growing had looked over him again

Anyway

"What's the matter Ootoko? Are you not feeling well?"

"I wanna-I wanna go home. I-I l-like Lea=leatherheads shop."

"Don't you want to make more money? You'll make enough to buy one of these houses for all of your family members. Your family wont have to work so hard anymore."

His voice was so soft and warm. And it wasn't like he was moving in. Hayate had told him that this family had been interested in him being their family I-sha. It didn't' sound so bad. Especially if he could give back to his own family, "And-and Mama and Raphie said it was ok?"

"Yeah, you don't even have to take the job. You just have to hear them out."

That was probably the worst part. Donnie hated meeting new people. He put his hands together to twiddle them over the other. From what he had heard, this was a pretty respected family. But it didn't help his shaking form, "C-Can I hold your-your hand Hayate? Pl-please?"

A small chuckle reached his ears, "Of course you can Ootoko."

The second Hayate reached out his long fingered hand to Donnie, his shot out and grabbed it. Because of the size difference, he allowed Hayate to rewrap his hand over his, elbow bending to accommodate the height difference. Already his shaking was fading away.

"Come on, can't the bravest Tsukino son smile for me? Shite Kudasai?

Don stuck his toe in the stone rode, reminding himself that his district (his home) was a walk away. Slowly raising his head to look at the smiling face of Hayate. If there was anyone he could consider family outside of him, his mama, Kuma-ni, and Leatherhead it was him.

Shyly Don raised the corners of his lips to smile. Hayate returned the smile, before his face twisted up lightly. Before Donnie could ask what was wrong Hayate had licked his thumb before rubbing it against Don's chin. Don thrashed his head from side to side, "Hey! Ew! Don't"

"I thought you said you took a bath! You got dirt all over your chin-"

"You just wanna be gross! You're not my Mama-"

"If I told your Mama her 12 year old baby boy was walking around with dirt all over his chin I'm sure she'd have a thing or two to say about it."

"I'm not a baby Hayate! Only Mama can call me that!"

"But I've known you since you were a baby," finally the scrubbing of his chin ceased with another one of Hayate's smiles, "There, lets get inside. They're expecting you."

Donnie took a deep breath. Fighting the anxiety that had returned to nestle in his stomach. In truth, he wanted to turn and run as fast as he could till he was back in his home. But he squeezed Hayate's hand tightly. Letting Hayate pull him towards the tall building.

He wanted to make his family proud

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

"Yeah cause you know everything."

Kuma-ni?

Donnie moaned lightly, "Letter mm." his lips mumbling weakly. Though he didn't know why. His eyes were cold from where someone had taken his mask off. Blankets tucked around his sides like a sushi roll. He moved his arms around to loosen the grip before pushing his face in the pillow with a yawn.

"You come in here, you get Fearless on your leash and you think you know EVERYTHIGN about us?! Father of the year RIGHT?!"

Oh crap that was definitely Raph. Don rolled around a bit more, but he heard the door fly open, and he froze from the sound. The door slamming shut and a heavy pair of foot steps stomped across the room. A shell meeting a bed roll and heavy breathing. Donnie could hear the underlying growl to his breath. A sign of the anger in Raph's throat.

Donnie finally rolled over onto his stomach, raising himself up on his elbows. Raph was laying right on his own futon. Arms crossed , "Kuma-ni?" he whispered.

Raph's head jerked in his direction, a bit of surprise in his eyes "Aw dam, I didn't wake you up did I baby bro?"

"A-a bit." Donnie rolled from the blanket. His knees meeting cold floor he put his hand on his futon pushing it over. The blanket over his shoulders dragging lightly. He could feel Raph's eyes on him the whole time. But he didn't care. He pushed his futon right next to Raph's to lay down. Raph's arm went out in invitation (like Donnie predicted).Don laid his head on Raph's shoulder and let Raph wrap his arms around him. Raph's hand going up to press against his the back of his neck to pull his head so his face met Raph's broad collar bone. Don would of hugged Raph back if his arms weren't trapped (he didn't know how he ended up sushi rolled again). He could feel each of Raph's strained emotional breaths, "What's wrong Kuma-ni?" he whispered.

"Why didn't Ma just leave me in that forest Don?"

"Do you mean Akai?"

"You would of been just fine without me. Without a meat head for a brother." A shaky breath. Don could feel Raph's thumb rubbing his neck lightly. "Why am I such a screw up Don?"

"You're not-'

"I terrorized you for the first 4 years of your life. I got us stranded in a forest full of demons. You almost drowned, the one," Another deep angry breath. Donnie felt Raph's finger touch his arms. Over the bandages and what the., "The one dam person I decided to trust outside of our family. Atleast we don't have to worry about him anymore"

Donnie wanted to tell his brother that what happened with Hayate wasn't his fault. But he nuzzled Raph's shoulder instead. If it had been anyone else there too, they probably would of tried to convince him it wasn't his fault. He knew that too, but also that sometimes Raph just needed someone to talk to. Someone to listen

He had done it for Donnie enough times

"What did Splinter say that upset you so bad."

"He-"a deep sigh. A nuzzle to his forehead, "he commended me and Ma for you turned out. A great I-sha. That our 'mother', " another growl to his undertone, "would be as proud as he was. OUR mother is sitting right in that room dam it. And I-I sorta lost my temper"

Silence fell up to them. Don just let Raph stroke his scalp rhythmically. Even fi there were no words. The two Tsukino boys lay there, listening.

Don could just hear the sound of light talking coming from the eating room. Since the walls were about paper thin, he could assume there wasn't a lot of happy discussion. They could of just as easily been listening to THEIR conversation. He hoped otherwise though. Don closed his eyes, he didn't know how long he had been sleeping but he wouldn't mind drifting off again.

Except he felt a prickle in his eyes, reburying his beak into Raph's shoulder, "At-atleast w-we know who Tang-shen is now."

A small sigh of realization escaped Raph, along with a curse word that Donnie couldn't repeat. The hug his kuma-ni had wrapped him in tighter, "Yeah, I guess we do now."

"S-she didn't abandon us, n-not like th-that overgr-grown worm s-said. She gave up everything fir her home. For a family she didn't even know she had."

Don felt Raph nod, ""She doesn't seem half bad a woman to call a mother. If we didn't lreayd have one." A hitch at the end, of his sentence. Don could hear it all his in that silence.

He turned his head to look up at him again, "What is it?"

"Dorinbo offered me a place in his guard. And he said he could hook me up with a nearby magistrate for bounties."

He really wasn't expecting that, it made his heart race, "you're considering it?"

"Ma's thinking of becoming the full time teacher, and we talked about it first. Just to see if there was anything to talk about. We didn't want to worry you incase we decided to go back to the city. But the ingredients for your medicine are cheaper here. The bounties are more rewarding. And we'd be able to stick around with Leo and Mikey. "

"And it'd get me out of the city." it was bad enough that his Mother and his brother were conspiring against him. But he didn't want them to lie to him, "Away from it forever."

"It, it mighta crossed my mind. But this is a good thing, that city has nothing for us Donnie. Leatherhead has his own family to worry about. Atleast here you can be safe."

Donnie bit his lip, if only to keep his words back. There it was again. Donnie was the weak child and Raphie was the big bad bear who wanted to protect him. Raph probably could guess that Donnie wasn't' happy, judging from the way Raph had rubbed Don's neck, he knew exactly what was going through his mind, "Just think about it Don. You might make some friends here."

"Like your buddies in the guard?"

"Maybe, just think about it Donnie. Please?"

Oh seesh, now he was actually using manners." Don closed his eyes. Resettling his head on Raph's shoulder,

"I'll think about it."

"That's all I'm asking baby bro."

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

Dons fingers fell away from the tight metal on his wrists. The dark draining his vision but he could feel warm blood ebbing at his finger tips . He closed his eyes with a whimper biting at his throat. But he put it back. Reaching for the torn edges of his kimono, he tore the edges off and tucked it under his manacle the best he could. To keep them from digging into his wrists more then they had. The cold from the cramped metal walls surrounded him. He could remember the dinner. The long table with music pouring in from beautiful instruments.

The dinner was exquisite. It was enough to make even his stomach growl, he had been too nervous to eat. He remembered Hayate rubbing his back. Whispering comforting words .

The praises the family head had given him. Stuffed into a stained silk kimono. Though he was the only representing family member, he ate enough to feed a small village

For a week.

Don couldn't help but notice the men that had lined the walls. Body guards. At the time he had thought that their eyes were on him But he had told himself that it was all in his mind. Till that word had reached his ears.

Mayaku no bainin

That's when he knew the truth

He had grabbed Hayate's arm ,trying to tell the family head they had to go. Running for the door. But they had been surrounded, chained, Hayate had been taken away. Donnie could still hear Hayate yelling for him
then darkness followed. Shoved over to a wall, a tapestry pulled open, shoved inside, his body cramped up and the door slammed shut. The sound of a creaking chain and small prison being lowered.

Then this cold hell.

Donnie leaned his head against the wall. A huge shiver going his feverish skin. A pull in his throat would of sent him into another coughing spell. But he shoved it back. He could still feel the bruises on his jaw from when they forced his jaw open and the medicine down his throat. He didn't even know where Hayate was. A grief going to his throat as the poorly bandaged wound on his head ached. More emotional pain then anything. For his foolishness

Mama

Kuma-ni

They were going to come for him.

Donnie rewrapped his bloody arms over himself. Trying to imagine the warmth of his fever as the warmth of his mother.

He wanted to go home.

His eyelids closing, a deep vibration going through him as the memory of a voice hissed through him again

"Where. IS. TANG-SHEN?"

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

Don gasped quietly, a hand to face to stop the tear that had escaped. A shaky breath going through him. It didn't take him long to realize that Raph was no longer there holding him. But it was no doubted morning, and he was kind enough to pull him to the center of the futon.

A shaky breath escaped his lips. Feeling the warmth of the blanket he pressed his face into his pillow for a few moments. Allowing the tears to flow, if only for a bit. If only to remind himself he wasn't dreaming. Reminding himself of his reality.

He was free.

He was FREE.

A small sob from his lips. He could allow himself that. Till his breathing cooled and regulated. Don moved to a sitting position, wiping his eyes frantically before smoothing out his clothes. He couldn't ignore the ache in his stomach.

For the first time in a long time he was hungry.

He heard a settle knocking, the door sliding open slowly, "You're' awake!"

Aw Leo, ever the enthusiastic. Donnie couldn't' help but smile, tilting his head back to look up at Leo, "What was your first hint?"

Leo smiled before his smile faded lightly. Going down to one knee right next to him, "A-are you ok?" his hand immediately going up to Don's scalp. His eyse peering into Dons worriedly as though searching for something. "Were you crying? You have streaks down your face"

Oh dam, he thought he had wiped it all away, but he kept his smile, putting his hand up to his cheeks to wipe them, he had the perfect plan "I sweat in my sleep sometimes," putting his head up to sniff lightly, though he did catch a whiff, "Something smells good."

"Its some of Mikey's left over rice balls, do you want some?"

"Yes please." Don looked up at the kame who had once scared the life out of him. As Leo started to pull up to his feet. Don moved up and wrapped his arms around Leo's chest, hugging him tightly, resting his cheek against Leos chest and closing his eyes. He felt Leo stiffen lightly, though Donnie suspected it was more shock then anything. And it might seem so weird to hug so much but in all honesty he loved it. He felt Leo return the hugs. But he could imagine the look of concern on his face, a hand running over the back of his scalp, "You sure you're alright?"

Don nodded , sighing slightly, "Yeah, yeah I'm alright."

Life was different now.

He had more brothers.

Brothers,

Maybe Raph was right. He'd find a place here to work. He'd get closer to his brothers. Donnie finally drew away, wiping his eyes again before Leo could see . The arm returned to his shoulders, all but carrying him out of the room. The other hand still rubbing his scalp, "you're going to love it Don, and we can all chat."

All? We, Donnie looked up to Leo, his free hand sliding the door open. And with it Dons smile

Splinters eyes gong over to them from the yunomi from his hands, lighting up slightly, "it is good to see you awake my son. I was concerned after I witnessed Leonardo carrying you on his back."

Don wanted to open his mouth to tell Splinter he was fine. But his lips refused to work right. His eyes falling right back to his feet.

Here we go again.

The arm around him all but supporting him forward. His knees meeting the ground on the other side. His eyes to the table. Donnie could just barely notice Leo pushing a plate in front of him. The intoxicating plum rich balls stacked. His hand twitched, wanting to reach and take the rice ball from the plate. But instead laced his fingers together under the table before lowering his head down. He knew his knuckles were already white frm the pressure-

"Donnie, I thought you were hungry."

Don shook his head lightly, trying ot push the signals that told him otherwise away. Hoping Leo would just drop it. A arm returned around him. Creating a warmth that he could appreciate. He closed his eyes, pretending for a moment that it was just him and Leo, his hand going out to pick up a rice ball, he didn't care how hyperactive Mikey was, he made good food. He was done with the first one and was on a third before he knew it.

"Leonardo has told me so much of your accomplishments, but I have not heard a word from you."

"S-Sorry sir. I-I have d-difficulty with new people." Wow, his first words directed to his birthfather was an apology. Donnie felt Leos fingers dig into his shoulders in a settle massage. Offering courage to his normally crippling shyness, "Y-yeah I'm a I-sha. I'-I've been one for years. "

"so I've heard. I wish to hear it from you though. If you do not mind."

Donnie honestly just wanted to ejoy the rice balls. But Leos' words from yesterday still got to him, he wanted to make the effort, "I-I-'ve delivered 3,038 babies. All successful I remember each of their names. I-I've done a lot."

"I imagine." A chuckle went through the old rat 'Did you have the same teacher throughout that time?"

"Leatherhead Sensei and Mother. Raphs' a pretty good teacher too. He-he taught me things Mama and Leatherhead couldn't. H-" Donnie realized that he had spoken quite a bit. His head ducked down. He could just hear Leo chuckling lightly, oh forget you Leo. Don bit his lip a bit, "He-'s my best friend. Many times it felt like he was my bodyguard."

"Kyodai wa yoi te no yona monodesu. Karera wa yoi toki mo warui naka de otagai o tasukeru hitsuyo ga arimasu."

Don felt the corners of his mouth lift slightly repeating the words, " 'Brothers are like good hands. They should help each other in good times and bad.'"

"Your formal speak is impeccable for someone your age. When you were but a child, bouncing on my hip, you spoke no words. Which just shows your improvement over the time we were separated." his lifted the yunomi back to his lips, "more often then none, you were in Leonardo's' arms though. He was, " dark eyes glanced over to the oldest son, who Donnie noticed was blushing a bit, "Quite the mother for all of his brothers. But he was especially motherly to you. You heard the story of your birth yes?"

Don nodded, "I-it was hard, and-and she ," he paused he had thought this many times over. "My umi no haha never had the appropriate time to heal. I-If she could of even. With Mikey's birth so close to mine, her b-b-body couldn't handle it. If my del-delivery had not been so difficult she wouldn't of-"

"No," a sharp voice, almost desperate. Splinter had rounded the table kneeling down. His appearance made Don jump back slightly, his shell meeting Leos chest. He was sure he would have been running for the hills if Leo hadn't been there. Splinters hands taking his, "My clever musuko, your mothers death was nor your fault. Her body had endured many extrusions during the war. It was deteriorating. My child even if that were true, she would give her life again to bring her children into this world. For her precious sons she loved so much."

"Is this why you didn't' want to talk to Splinter after he told us the truth?" Leo's voice was soft and gentle. Oh spirits when did this become a emotional moment? But even then, he felt his eyes begin to burn. His head bowing lightly, "I-I just-. I've de-deli-delivered so many children. S-some of th-there m-mothers didn't make it." He fought the hitch in his voice, "Later on , their fathers would bring these children by. I'd always tell them it wasn't their-their fault. It-Its what O-Obito tau-taught me-''

"Obito?"

It took Don a bit to realize the name that Leo had told him. The confusion. It took him a bit longer to realize the name he had said. His breathing becoming quick-

"It was you, I thought he had been lying. Trying to shake my character. "

Don looked back to Splinter, his eyes widening. Recognition filling them, horror. Dons heart began to hammer in his chest, "It was you he took. Obito's apprentice. You were the one he took hostage."

Nonononoononoo.

Hands gong to his hands, before he could yank them away, eyes looking him over again, "That is why you wear these bandages. That is why You have so many nightmares. You were his prisoner as I was."

Stop talking. Stop Talking. Donnie begged, his eyes squeezing shut, his head was becoming light as panic ricocheted through it like a wild arrow, stop talking. A hand going to his face. Claws stroking over his face lightly, sympathy. But Donnie could hear the words. The horrifying words. The stigma that had haunted him since he was 5

Yakubutsu-ko

Drug Child.

Dons hands slapped the clawed hands away. Jumping up to his feet

Run

RUN-

Dons shell hit the ground hard, his heart pounding heavily in his chest. The sounds of aching men groaning around him. His vision dizy from blood hsooting through his viens. Running out over gashed arms. But that was nothing

Nothing compared to the scream filled the air.

He could see it. The form of a green form clothed in leather. Screaming, a ferret standing over him, sticking something into his back. Already he could smell the blood, "RAPH!" he screamed, "KUMA-NI!"

"Your 'Kuma-ni' can't help you right now Ootoko." his voice, that used to bring as much comfort as Raph's, came out rough and sharp. Hayate's eyes looking back to him, "WE offered you EVERYTHIGN to help us Donatello. EVERYTHING." his voice ricocheting off the ordained walls, "I spent YEARS gaining your trust. And you couldn't just say YES?" a swift jerk, as the sword came out of Raph. Tears pouring free, his gangly form walking over, 'You're going to PAY."

"get away from him!" even in agony, Raph's voice held every inch of malice that he had as the NightWatcher. But even so, his form came closer. His normally kind eyes burning, the sword at his side dripping blood on the crisp wooden floor

Before he could move, a sharp kick hit him in the chest, pain shooting out from a already aching body. Another kick hit him, his legs curling up into his chest and into a fetal position. His hand reaching out past the blows. Past Raph's roars, death threats. His hand meeting pole. Another kick , meeting the back of his head, his vision all but blurring over. Don squeezed his eyes shut and his aching body flipping over jabbing the weapon up. Bracing himself for the sound of wood against flesh.

But in never came

A cry of pain, a blade striking flesh. Don opened his eyes.

The weapon he had grabbed had been a naginata, the blade deep within Hayate's chest. His eyes widening as they looked at him with disbelief.

Blood ran down the staff, meeting his hands, running over them like sin. Hayate's eyes began to fade, receding till his head dropped. His body following. Don tried to scoot back but his legs refused to work. Heavy body meeting eyes. Warm blood spreading over. He could feel it through his clothes. Tears filling his eyes, staring at the lifeless ones looking right back at him

"DONNIE!' came Raph's shout

'Murderer.

"DON!"

Yakubutsu-ko

"OUTOUTO!"

MURDERER!

"Leonardo!'

Dons' shell met wall. The sound of a body hitting the ground, Leo sprawled out, hands over his face as blood poured out from between his fingers. Splinter at the oldest side, shaking him. Words Donnie couldn't' hear, all he could feel was the warm blood on his own fist. And the tears burning down his face

MURDERER

Don was out the door before his feet could hit the ground

"DONATELLO!"

His eyes clothes, sobs fighting in his throat. His feet carrying him far from the house. Anywhere. Anywhere but their.

Escape

With Leos' voice yelling for him

"OTOUTO!"

a/n

Heehehehehe!

Translation

Ohayo gozaimasu/ formal for good morning

Konbanwa/ good evening

Ryori-cho/ Master chef

Saru/ Monkey

Masaka!/No kidding!=Masaka sonna koto ga aruhazu nai yo! /That can't be!

Chisana ichi/ little one'

Ootoko/ Big man

Shite kudasai?/ please?

Umi no haha/ Birth mother

Musuko/ son'

Yakubutsu-ko/ Drug child