**This Story Contains Tcest**
Pairings: Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Donatello
Info: Alternate Universe, Clan Life, Action/Adventure, Romance
(This story takes place two years after the events of Lost Among the Bell Flowers and is a direct sequel.
It can be read and understood on its own, but of course I highly recommend reading the first one if you haven't already!)
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~*~ Chapter One - All endings lead to new beginnings⦠~*~
Her name was Lucia, and for a brief moment in time, Michelangelo loved her more than any other person in the entire world.
She was his father's mother, and she was everything that his father could never be. That wasn't her fault, maybe it wasn't even his fault, some people are just like that despite the best efforts of those around them. Somehow Michelangelo always knew that his father's cruelty was not a failing on his grandmother's part. She had done all she could to pass her grace and empathy on to her son, because she was kind and loving and encouraging and affectionate, and she was able to imbue those qualities in her grandson with hardly any effort at all. He often wondered how different things might have been if their time together hadn't been cut so tragically short.
Michelangelo was still very small when she died, too small to truly understand why his grandmother had gone away and not come back. It took a long time, but eventually he was able to accept that she would no longer be there to protect him from his father's wrath... or his mother's indifference. So, he took control of his own destiny and began to dream of a better life. A life where he wasn't always cold, where he wasn't always hungry, where he wasn't yelled at or hit for not being fast enough, smart enough, quiet enough... for not being good enough. Michelangelo quickly learned how to fend for himself, how to keep his head down, and how to make it through each day without kicking up a fuss. He did his chores and stayed out of the way... and remembered the happy days when he was held, safe and warm, in the comfort of his grandmother's arms. Those dark years after she was gone were dreadful and seemed to never end, but every time the unbearable weight of his despair threatened to overwhelm him, Michelangelo clung to the beautiful, shining light of his grandmother's memory, and for a time all was well again.
The Hamato Clan gardens were that distant memory given life again. Ethereal and otherworldly, like a dream in the evening light, mist from the warmth of the day shifted across elongating shadows, soothing the souls of those that strolled along the carefully manicured paths.
The first time Michelangelo had walked through the gardens he had felt her there among the blankets of vibrant blue morning glory and magenta carnations, he sensed her spirit drifting through the towering sunflowers and he knew she was watching and protecting him from the shadows under the Ume trees. That day, for the first time in many long years, he had felt peace.
He needed that peace now. Under the setting sun that painted the sky in warm shades of amber and toffee, scattered guests mingled amongst the blooms as gentle music drifted in the air. Mikey's quiet voice accompanied the strumming of strings, barely more than a whisper as he murmured words of celebration, of joy, of a deep and abiding love. He was lost in the rhythm of the song, hardly aware of the nobles gathered around him as he concentrated on his fingers playing across the strings and on the lyrics he was only half remembering.
The day had been long and exhausting, filled with ceremony and speeches and too much standing around. His feet were sore, and his shell ached and the only thing he wanted now was to curl up in bed and drift off to sleep wrapped in the solid comfort of Leonardo's arms. Blinking slowly, his eyes found Leo smiling patiently at him from across the flowers, communicating with silent words exactly what they both were thinking. 'Soon...' he seemed to say, soon they would be free to leave the gathered guests to their drink and conversation; but not yet. There was one last thing that needed to be done before the day could finally end.
Michelangelo finished his song and started another. This time an instrumental piece because his voice simply wasn't up to it anymore. As he plucked at the strings, he watched the visitors milling about the garden, gathered together in small groups of muted conversation. Some of them he knew, but most were nobles from provinces he had never even heard of, let alone seen.
For just over two years he had lived among them, but sometimes the reality of the turn his life had taken still surprised him. Before coming to the Hamato estate he'd been a peasant, a drifter. He'd made his living playing songs on the street for coin, though he wasn't above a little light thievery when he couldn't get what he needed to survive any other way. It was a lonely existence and not always easy, even dangerous at times, but he'd thrived in the shadows and had truly believed he was happy to stay there.
At least, until the day Leonardo walked into his life, and everything changed.
That unexpected morning, hungover and half asleep, Michelangelo had accepted a strange invitation to the Hamato Estate. To this day he still wasn't entirely sure why he'd agreed to go, other than a general eagerness to see what would happen. If nothing else, he thought he might find an opportunity to slip something shiny and valuable into his pocket before taking off again. It was just another day of trying his best to make it through without ending up in a jail cell... or with a knife buried in his ribs. Never in his wildest dreams could he have ever imagined what would actually happen on that simple day, and even though he fought against his own instincts every step of the way, in the end there was no denying that he had fallen desperately in love with Leonardo the moment their eyes had met.
Looking down, Mikey stared at where his fingers gripped the last gift his grandmother had ever given him, his precious guitar, and watched as the fading sunlight played across the magical filigree that twirled and twisted around his hands and arms. The swirling ribbons of blue and orange shimmered on his skin, perfectly matching the same markings on Leonardo's arms. They had received the filigree during their bonding ceremony where their souls were joined together for all eternity. It was the most beautiful and exciting moment of his life and Mikey knew he would never get tired of looking at the visual proof of their devotion to each other, forever on display for all the world to see. For most of his life he had been destitute and alone, but now he lived in a fairytale, filled to the brim with acceptance and love...
His smile faded a little at the thought. He wished the magic that bonded them was enough to shield his beloved from the inevitability of heartache and sadness. He knew the true depth of loss, and on this night, Michelangelo wished he had the power to banish forever the despair that now darkened Leonardo's eyes.
Turning his gaze directly ahead, Mikey lifted his eyes to take in the serene, sculpted face of Tang-Shen looming above him. The gleaming marble statue that marked her final resting place dominated the garden and was tenderly cared for in the years since her passing. Eternally young, she stood graceful in an elegant, intricately detailed kimono, with a delicate parasol resting against her polished shoulder.
She was a nobleman's daughter and had shared a deep and all-encompassing love with Leonardo's father, Lord Hamato. Their souls were meant for each other, had entered this world searching for each other, and for a time they were truly happy. Sadly, an unavoidable tragedy ripped them apart barely a year after their bonding ceremony and Hamato Yoshi was never quite the same again.
Now, looking up at Tang-Shen as he continued to play, Mikey's sigh was hopeful, but also melancholy. She had been carved with her head turned to gaze over her right shoulder, and today she finally had a reason for the soft smile chiseled onto her beautiful face.
Beside her, nestled in the flowers, a second column of marble had only recently been placed and the pure white stone glimmered in the dying light. There hadn't been enough time to fully finish the likeness before the day's events, so the carving was still incomplete, but even in its unfinished state there could be no mistaking the wise face and imposing stature.
He had waited a lifetime to be with her again, and now, at long last, Lord Hamato Yoshi would stand through eternity at the side of his beloved Tang-Shen.
It began with a headache, a minor discomfort that lingered in a way that was more inconvenience than anything else. But the ache was only the beginning, and the illness had been swift. Only three months had passed between Lord Hamato's first feinting spell and the moment of his death, and the entire estate was still in shock. Everyone was grieving, but none more so than his sons.
Raphael was close by, Michelangelo could hear his breathing, but he wasn't engaged with those gathered. He was sitting on a marble bench, straight-backed and stoic, staring sightlessly forward, with Donatello glued to his side.
Even in the face of his own sorrow, Leonardo had slipped into the role of clan leader with an air of collected calm that offered confidence and encouragement to everyone he spoke to. Raphael had tried to do the same, and mostly he'd succeeded, but there were threads fraying at his edges. Mikey hated to admit it, but he doubted the second son would have been able to hold it together at all, if he didn't have Don there to keep him steady.
He thought about what the pair had gone through to be able to be together. In one happenstance moment, a few years before Mikey had come to the Hamato Estate, Raphael and Donatello had fallen deeply in love. But that was the only thing about the beginning of their relationship that had been easy.
There were misunderstandings and miscommunications about what Lord Hamato expected from his sons, and for a while only Leonardo knew how they truly felt about each other. Believing they needed to hide their relationship from his father, but absolutely unwilling to be separated, Raphael brought Donatello to the estate, and Don served as steward for the clan in order to remain close to Raph. It was a well-respected position on the staff, but at the end of the day he was still little more than a servant, and that was difficult for both of them to live with. For a time, they existed in that limbo, stealing the small amounts of happiness they felt they could risk along the way, and Lord Hamato had been none the wiser, but soon enough Raph and Don were forced to reveal their love for one another when a rival clan leader tried to take Donatello for his own.
Maybe it was fate that had conspired to make sure Mikey was brought to the estate at the perfect moment to be suddenly and inexplicably thrust directly into the center of that mess. He was a stranger in a strange place, it wasn't his problem to fix, but he found himself wanting to help with a conviction that had surprised him. He'd never really had any friends in his life before then, but he never doubted for an instant that his new friend Donatello deserved every happiness in the world. In the end the chaos of those events brought Mikey the family he'd never had... the family he'd always so desperately wanted.
It was a tale meant for storybooks, where true love won the day, and a great evil was vanquished. ...If only all stories ended like they did in fairytales.
Michelangelo's eyes filled with tears again, but he quickly blinked them away, his distracted strumming fingers stumbling over a few notes before he finally gave up. In this moment not even the sanctuary of his music could ease the ache in his heart.
Lost in his thoughts, Mikey almost didn't notice the shadow that fell across his knees until the sharp tang of tannins and mulberry filled his nostrils.
"You look like you could use some of this."
Allowing himself a small smile, Mikey looked up into the warm green eyes of April O'Neil. How was she always in just the right place at just the right time? Carefully, he returned his guitar to its case and accepted the offered drink.
Tall, with a fluffy mop of dark mahogany hair, April had served as the steward for the Hamato clan for barely over a year, but at this point Mikey was sure she was as essential to the fluid functioning of the estate as Lord Hamato himself had been. She fit in like she had been born there, like she was always meant to be there, and now she took care of the four of them like the mother none of them had ever had.
"How are you holding up?" She asked gently, giving Mikey's arm a rub as he sipped at the warm wine.
"I'm okay..." His eyes sought out Leo once more, drawing courage from the strength of his profile. "I'm more worried about him, if I'm honest."
April smiled softly. "He's going to be just fine. Lord Hamato trained him well. He's ready."
"I know..." Mikey replied with a sigh. "It's just... you don't usually get to see who he is behind that brave face... I do. He's hurting, and I'm not sure I know what to do to help him."
Leonardo was moving slowly through the crowd, making his way toward the northern edge of the garden where a small dais was perched on a terrace overlooking rows and rows of squat buildings used to house members of the Hamato Clan army. That same army, joined by peasants from the village and most of the Hamato serving staff, were gathered below, looking up in anticipation.
"Love him, Michelangelo." April said softly, taking back his now empty cup and giving him a nudge. "The only thing he needs right now is you."
Mikey knew she was right, she was always right, and he smiled gratefully.
Torches had been lit near the cliff's edge and the firelight danced across Leo's skin as Mikey joined him there. He was standing tall, with his shoulders back and his head held high, but Mikey could see the exhaustion behind his eyes. He took Leo's hand in his, squeezing gently, and Leo blinked like he was only just noticing that Mikey was there. Their skin tingled where the filigree touched, a tickle that reached all the way into the depths of their souls. Unable to resist the pull, Leo drew Mikey closer, pressing their foreheads together, and stood very still, breathing each other's breath for just a moment before Leonardo straightened. Mikey knew it wasn't much, but he hoped it was enough to give his mate the boost of strength he needed for what was to come next.
With a determined nod, Leonardo faced the clan gathered below and Mikey fell into place beside him. Raphael came to stand at Leo's other shoulder, his face still a closed off mask, with Don right beside him offering a sad, but warm smile. The dull rumble of conversation tapered off as all attention turned to where they stood.
"My father once told me that a leader is only as strong as the men who believe in him. The weight of those words are now heavy in my heart."
Leo's voice echoed across the open field below, strong and clear. The moon was shining now, low in the sky but rapidly rising, its silver light shimmering with the warm glow from the torches, lighting Leonardo for all to see. The periwinkle blue bell flowers embroidered across the shoulders of his haori gleamed like the stars above.
"Lord Hamato Yoshi loved this clan and all who believed so strongly in him. He devoted his life to your prosperity and happiness even as he endured his own tragedy and loss, and through it all the Hamato Clan thrived under his leadership."
The silence was almost deafening, as if every single soul in attendance had stopped breathing when Leonardo began to speak.
"The course of my life has always been leading to this moment, and I stand before you now as more than just his son. I am Lord Hamato Leonardo, and today I pledge my devotion and dedication to each and every one of you... to your families... to your children. My father's legacy will live on through me and from this day forward I will fight for you until my final breath. This I swear."
An eruption of cheers rose from below, the drumming of feet and banging of sword hilts against shields drowning out the more polite applause of the nobles gathered close behind them.
A wave of pride filled Michelangelo with warmth, and as his mate's words washed over him the underlying uncertainty and fear he'd felt for nearly a fortnight seemed to melt away. He had always known their lives would change when this day finally came and had worried about what that might mean for them, but as Leo turned and their eyes met Mikey knew that together they would weather any storm, and this was just the next big adventure.
The end of Leonardo's speech seemed to bring Raphael back into the present. The second son stepped in close to his brother and Leo nodded at him, reaching forward to clasp their arms together hand to elbow, and just like that a sense of peace seemed to settle over the garden. The foundation of their family had been damaged when Lord Hamato took his final breath, but now the whisper of a song drifted on the wind, bringing comfort and reassurance and Mikey could feel the bond they all shared growing stronger with every passing second.
"It is with my full confidence that I now pass command of the Hamato army to you, Raphael." Leo stated clearly for all the nobles to hear. "Guide them with honor."
Raph bowed his head with solemn respect, glancing out over the cliffs edge at the army that was now his responsibility.
Finally, Leo addressed the attentive crowd, still quietly sipping their drinks as they waited. The noble's contributions to the day had already been completed, having spent the entirety of the afternoon swearing fealty to Leonardo one after the other. The only thing left for Leo to do now, was show his appreciation.
"I want to thank you all for being here today. I know my father would be honored by your support and understanding during this difficult transition. The dawn will bring a new beginning for the Hamato Clan, but for now I welcome you all to stay and enjoy our hospitality for as long as you like."
Without looking, Leo reached back and took hold of Mikey's waiting hand, leading them both away with determined steps. "Let's get out of here." He whispered low.
"Please..." Mikey whispered back, his exhaustion seeping into that single word with a desperate sigh. Warm blankets, soft pillows, and a long sleep was exactly what they both needed to be able to move forward into this future filled with the unknown.
As they walked Leo leaned into his shoulder, not in a way that anyone who came upon them would notice, but enough to make clear that even a great and powerful clan leader needed the support of his mate every now and again. Mikey basked in his scent, so grateful that Leo had chosen him, despite his low birth and questionable past.
On the way out of the gardens they passed close to the marble statues and Michelangelo looked up one last time. One last goodbye. He'd never really had anyone he could consider a father figure in his life... but over the last few years Hamato Yoshi had come very close to fulfilling that role. Mikey knew that there were many things about Lord Hamato he would miss... but most of all, Mikey thought he would miss the old man's hearty laugh and the stories he told with passion and zeal.
Starlight sparkled on the stone as they moved around the two plinths. It reflected off every delicately carved edge and crevice, and Mikey slowed his steps to better appreciate the stunning craftsmanship. They were so lifelike he was almost expecting the statues to step away from the flowers and start waltzing around the garden. The hair curling at the back of Lord Hamato's neck seemed to flutter in a non-existent breeze, the fold of his haori looked warm and soft and... Mikey stopped mid-step, a puzzled frown creasing his brow. Confused, Leo pulled up short and looked back at him.
"Mikey? What is it?"
"I don't..." Michelangelo shook his head. "I'm not... wait... what is that?"
Leo followed Mikey's gaze. "What is what?"
"That. That circle... thing." Mikey pointed up at a sculpted circle of stone resting on Hamato Yoshi's chest.
Hung from a delicate chain around the late lord's neck, it looked like some type of grand amulet. It was flat, the size of his palm, and the center was filled with smaller circles that swirled inward in a pattern not unlike the filigree that graced both their arms. Positioned at the very middle of the circle was a faceted knob of stone that looked like it was supposed to be a large jewel. Mikey stared at it, wondering why it had only now caught his attention.
"The Amulet of Antilla." Leo said, finally understanding Mikey's confusion. "A mystic artifact that was entrusted to the care of the Hamato Clan centuries ago by the council."
An unidentifiable emotion bubbled somewhere deep in Mikey's gut, swirling like wisps of memory or the tendrils of a forgotten dream. "But... I don't remember ever seeing your father wear it."
"You wouldn't have." Leo replied, a flicker of embarrassment passing across his face. "It was stolen, taken from the estate when my father's father was clan leader. Despite exhaustive searches and effort, there has been no sign of the amulet since it vanished over fifty years ago. The clan has never discovered who took it, or why. My father rarely spoke of it, and though he was still a small child when it was lost, he carried the family's shame of failing to protect it all the same. ...I suppose... that shame is my burden to bear now."
Startled by the confession, Mikey thread his arm through Leo's and squeezed gently. "Why would they carve it on his statue then? If it's been lost for so long?"
"I believe the priests felt it would benefit the clan to show our continued commitment to finding the amulet by placing it prominently on the statue. As proof to the other clans that we haven't given up the search."
That seemed like a reasonable explanation, but something about the stone replica still made Mikey uneasy. He had no idea why, but it made him feel scared and a little bit sad, all at the same time.
Following Leonardo's gentle pull, they began walking again, passing out of the gardens and onto a maple lined path. Still trying to understand the strange feelings now swirling inside him, Mikey pressed for more information.
"Why was the amulet so important? What was it for?"
"I only know what I've read in the family histories and heard from my father's stories. From what I understand, it was a dangerous magical artifact imbued with the power to... control... or perhaps deceive, the translation is incomplete. They say that three hundred years ago, the great Norinaga Clan fell because of the amulets' power, though the records are vague on the specifics of how the magic actually worked." Leo paused, placing a hand on Mikey's cheek and turning his face so they could look deeply into each other's eyes. "This has upset you. Why? Mikey talk to me..."
"No, I'm not really upset... it's just... something..."
Mikey almost said 'familiar', but he couldn't for the life of him think why that would be. If the amulet truly had gone missing over half a century ago, the way Leo had said, then there was no way he ever would have come across it, and he knew he'd never seen anything like it before looking up at the statue. He just knew it...
Finally, Mikey shook his head and threw a crooked smile at his mate. "I don't know... it's nothing. It's been a long day and I guess I'm just really tired... ...take me to bed?"
He could tell Leo wasn't completely mollified by the way his lips pursed down into the adorable little frown he used when he knew Mikey was trying to change the subject. But thankfully his own exhaustion seemed to win out over the need to question it further.
With an exasperated sigh and an amused smile, Leo leaned in to brush a soft kiss across Mikey's lips. "I think that sounds like the best idea I've heard all day."
~*~ tmnt ~*~
