Chapter 22
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I put my head in my hands, watching lazily as Ithiell and Donnie worked away, saying things I couldn't even understand half the time.
"No no, that program won't work on this system"
"And how do you know, you haven't-"
"The algorithms are all wrong!"
"How do you know if you don't try!"
"They've been at this for hours" Kristiana was suddenly there, yawning a little and sitting beside me with a little difficulty. It had been almost a week now, and she was slowly recovering. She she was up and walking around, with Rtaia's permission of course.
"Yeah, those two need to give it a rest" Mikey muttered, sitting on the side of the couch, shaking his head. Surprisingly, Mikey had been very attentive to Kristiana, helping her around when she needed, and going and getting drinks or food or even some of his favorite snacks for her. I had barely seen him leave her side, besides when Rtaia shooed him, or Splinter or Leo asked for him.
"I don't even know what they're going on about" I sighed "I thought they had a good security system"
"Who knows" Rachel walked by, bag in her hand. It woke me up a little.
"Are you leaving?" I asked, and she nodded, seeing Raph coming up behind her slowly. The look on his face said it all.
"Only for a little. Gotta go back home and check on my family and Cassie" She turned back as Raphael reached her, a hand on his cheek as he leaned down a little. He looked almost heartbroken.
"Let us know how they are. And call us if there's any trouble" He said, and they shared a sweet kiss.
I heard Mikey make a sound of disgust, then a surprised cry as Raph shoved his brother, knocking him off his perch. I heard him hit the floor with a thud.
Instantly I saw Donnie and Ithiell turned to the rest of us, frowning, then back to one another.
"Mihra is going with me, so I should be all right"
"What, she is?" That got Ithiell's attention.
"Uh yeah, I need some kick ass back up... no offense Jade" She turned to me, winking. I shook my head, smiling at her.
"I will not be gone for long Ithiell. And I am trusting my daughter will be safe with you" The two came into the room, Serah winking at me.
"Of course" He nodded, looking at Serah. It was strange, knowing Ithiell was now oddly related to Serah. I wasn't sure I could really ever look at those two the same again.
Especially Serah. Her mother was a Changeling, who had given birth to her...somehow...in her natural form. Which made her an oddity...
"Let us go" Mihra suddenly turned back to her daughter, hugging her a little awkwardly.
"Don't do anything silly while I'm gone Serah. And listen to Ithiell"
"Yes mom" She answered, pulling away from Mihra, then we all watched as they headed out the door, seeing Rachel hand her bag over before they left.
"I hope she'll be okay" Serah was now on the other arm of the chair, as Mikey had righted himself, and was sitting there looking up and smiling at his brother, who was nudging him gently.
Instantly, Ithiell and Donnie were arguing again, and I rolled my eyes.
"She'll probably be safer than here right now. Those two look about to head into the ring"
"I'll take them both on and win" Raph growled. He was already starting to get restless. I heard Mikey laugh, and Raph shoved him gently this time, with Mikey shoving him back a little, Raph starting to get harder before Mikey caved.
"Whoa whoa bro, we might hurt the beautiful lady here" Mikey suddenly took Kristiana's hand, kissing it gently. I heard her giggle a little, unable to stop a smile from my face.
April had also gone back home during the week, telling us she would be back a little later on. I just hoped she would be okay, and it wouldn't take her too long to come back, as Ithiell had found out through Erik that Visser One was, surprisingly, still alive. And she was planning something new. Sadly, Erik couldn't find out what, as it was all being kept in the higher ranks. Which meant we still had to be on our guard.
I considered asking Donnie to come with me up to see how my family was doing. I had missed them horribly, and since I didn't have anything else to do during this time, I thought it was a good idea to go while things had settled. But looking at him now... there was no way I'd get those two apart.
They had been almost constantly arguing, and working, for three days now. On what... I had no idea. All I knew was that they weren't agreeing on much at all. And I think the rest of us were starting to get a headache from it all.
"So... I'm really related to..." Serah pointed to Ithiell, both of us trying to ignore Mikey and Kristiana flirting, and Raph pacing.
"Apparently so" I smiled up at her.
"I still can't believe I'm half alien" She shook her head "You'd think I'd be smarter"
"You are smart" Kristiana scoffed, tuning into our conversation while Mikey and Raph play fought a little further away.
"Pfft compared to what! A...a... fish?" Serah looked almost upset. Kristiana and I just stared at her.
"You are much too hard on yourself" Rtaia suddenly appeared on the other side of Kristiana now, sitting gently on the edge. Mikey and Raph were now on the floor... typical boys. I heard Mikey shout "Okay, I give, I give"
"So... why don't I look like you? Why is it I'm like..." She indicated to herself.
"I do not know. But just because you do not look like a female Chanaiben, and believe you are not...smart... as you humans say, does not mean you are not special in your own right"
"Awww, thank you Rtaia!" Serah practically jumped over us, giving Rtaia a big hug. Rtaia herself seemed a little confused by the notion, patting Serah's back gently.
"Now, I must... "She moved Serah away, looking down at Kristiana and finding the boys were now back and were standing behind us.
"I must bathe and redress your wounds Kristiana"
"Can I come?"
"Mikey" We all groaned, and he looked down, frowning and making a sulking sound.
"Okay. But Mikey does not come" Kristiana gave him a look, and he returned it with an apologetic one.
"I may need some assistance" She said finally, looking at Kristiana, then Serah.
"I'll help" Serah went over, helping Kristiana up, and they all went towards the bathroom.
"Don't worry babe" Mikey plopped beside me, taking my hand "I still think you're way hot"
"Mikey, would you back off already!" Donnie suddenly snapped, and we both looked at him. He looked angry...
"Okay, okay, chill bro" He let go of me, putting his hands up in defense.
"He was just joking" I told him, a hand on Mikey's arm "You should be used to that by now"
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly and seeming to calm "You're right, I'm sorry Mikey"
"No offense taken" Mikey was back to his playful self.
"Let's go outside for a little" Ithiell stood up, stretching "We need a break for a little, and I wanted your opinion about a new device I've been working on back home"
"All right" Donnie got up, giving me an apologetic smile, before leaving with Ithiell.
"Brianiacs" Was all Raph said, shaking his head a little as Leo came into the room.
"What did they go off about now?" He wondered, sitting on the edge of the couch on my side. Raph sat on the other.
"Can't believe Donnie told Mikey off" I muttered, head in my hands now. What was his problem lately?
He seemed more on edge than usual, and we we now barely spending any time together. I'd usually wake up halfway through the night to find he had come to bed, sleeping with his back to me. It just wasn't like him at all...
"Hey" A hand went on my arm, and I looked up, surprised when I felt a tear slide down my cheek. Leo looked concerned.
"We're here for you, just know that"
"Don't worry, Donnie just needs a Raph kicking" Mikey giggled, then pointed to his older brother, who shook his head.
"You need a good Raph kicking Mikey" Was his response.
"I'll do it if I have to" Leo made me look up at him, and he squeezed my shoulder gently. I put a hand over his, returning the pressure.
"Thanks Leo"
"Don't worry, he'll come around eventually" Raph said, suddenly in front of me and trying to smile. I reached out for him with my other hand, and he took my hand in his, squeezing gently. For such a big guy, he was so incredibly gentle.
It was no wonder Rach fell for him.
"I think you just need something to do" Leo again.
"Yeah, like come play awesome games with me" Mikey perked up, looking happily. But I shook my head.
"No, you're right. I'm going to go see my family, and Donnie can stay here and work out his problems" I took a deep breath. Maybe some time apart would help.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Raph asked, smiling. I knew he needed something to do as well, to take his mind off Rachel.
"That's a good idea"
"Uh, guys?" Mikey looked sheepish "I might just stay here and...you know, help out"
"You just want to stay with Kristiana" I chided, nudging him a little. His response was a giggle.
"All right, Mikey stays with his girlfriend, and we'll come" Raph corrected, looking at Leo.
"Sounds like a plan. And you might need the backup"
I heard Raph let out a husky laugh, and I pulled myself away from the trio, moving and stretching.
"So it's decided. You're coming up to the valley with me"
"Perfect, so when do we leave" Leo smiled a little. I shrugged.
"Tomorrow maybe. We'll need to find transport for you guys though"
"Sorted" Leo rubbed the back of his head, looking a little shy.
"We uh... borrowed...another truck"
"No, it's a van" Leo corrected, and I shrugged.
"All right, tomorrow it is then" I smiled, and for the first time in a long time, I felt excited in taking a trip somewhere.
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"You be good Mikey" I told him, giving him a big hug. He returned it, squishing me a little before letting me go. It was now the next evening, as we thought it would be easier to drive at night, plus it would mean I could ride with one of the boys in the front with me, without fear of exposing them.
I'd already said goodbye to the girls, who had all converged in one room. Rtaia was trying to explain to Serah about her heritage, which also fascinated Kristiana, so they were being kept busy.
"He will, I'll be here to keep him in check" Donnie said, and I turned to him. He smiled gently at me, before coming and wrapping his arms around me, holding me close and kissing me sweetly. For a moment, I thought I had my Donnie back.
Then he was gone, and I inwardly sighed as I turned to Ithiell.
"Drive safe" He warned "Not like I saw you last-"
"I am not going to go swerving through traffic, I promise. Where we're going, most of the roads are empty by now anyway"
"Still doesnt-"
"Ithiell, trust me at least a little, yeah?"
He nodded, coming to hug me. He knew it would be along trip, and I would probably want to be there for a few days. He had already told me if there was any trouble, and he needed us right away, he'd come pick us up.
"Donnie, you be good too" I pointed to him, seeing him frown at me and sort of regretting it. Then he sighed.
"Just take care Jade, all right?"
"I can't promise anything" I joked, moving to give him another peck and one last hug, before moving to get into the cab of the truck, Leo getting in on the other side. Raph jumped in the back, closing the doors behind him. We'd actually fixed a few seats, and added a little hole in the front so we could all talk, so it would be a much easier ride for Raph than last time.
"See you in a week or so" Leo waved, then added "Keep them in line Ithiell"
Ithiell did a strange sort of salute, smiling back as we pulled away from them, moving to go onto the road.
After about ten minutes, I heard Leo sigh.
"What's wrong?" I asked as we drove, me going much slower this time. I was almost enjoying it.
"I don't think I've ever been away from Mikey or Donnie for a long time. I hope they'll be all right without me"
"They'll be fine" Raph grunted "Donnie has Ithiell to fight with, and Mikey is all gaga over Jade's friend"
"Just like you're all gaga over Rachel" Leo shot back, and I couldn't help but laugh a little. He was right, after all...
"Don't start that one brother" Raph muttered, and I could see him shaking his head from just behind me.
"Come on you two. You gotta play nice for this trip, all right?"
They both mumbled something, and then fell silent.
After about ten minutes I put some music on, singing a little as I drove and trying to ignore the silence between the two brothers.
An hour later I was already sick of it.
"Come on guys, you said you'd be here for me" I finally said "And this silence isn't working for me"
"Sorry Jade" Leo started "It's just weird for us. I mean... we've never really been on a road trip before"
"Yeah, it's weird. Sitting here, looking outside..." Raph seemed a little tense.
"All right boys, I'm going to teach you a few games"
They both looked at me like I was nuts.
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"Uh... tree?"
Raph shook his head "You're an idiot Leo"
Leo grumbled, looking around more. He looked almost annoyed.
"Turtle" I offered, grinning madly. He shook his head again.
We tried for several minutes to try and work out what Raph had "spied", without any luck.
"All right, I give, what is it?"
Raph suddenly tugged at my shirt "T-Shirt!"
I laughed "That wasn't really an easy one Raph"
It had been about seven hours, and we'd stopped here and there, mostly for me to take a break. Raph and Leo took turns driving, but then I was back at the wheel. Leo was now in the back, and Raph was beside me. We'd spent the hours playing eye spy, listening and singing to music, and partly talking about Donnie and Mikey. The older boys had alot of stories to tell about their younger brothers.
"Yes it was!" He insisted, and I put a hand on his arm. He tensed a little.
"I'm sorry, you were right"
All I got was a humph from him.
"We should be there soon enough, shouldn't we?" Leo spoke up, and the argument was soon forgotten.
"Yeah, we're almost at the turn off. Then it's a few miles up, before we continue on foot"
"Good thing too, I need to get out of this truck" Raph muttered, his arm resting on the windowsill, hand resting on his palm.
"We all do" Leo told him, and soon I made the turn onto the dark road, feeling the truck bump and groan and complain as it was forced to go uphill.
Exhaustion rushed over me, and I couldn't help but let out a yawn, tears springing to my eyes as I did.
"You okay Jade?" Leo was now looking at me, sounding worried.
"Yeah, just-" I yawned again "Tired from the trip"
"We can all rest soon enough" He said, and I nodded.
Soon enough, we came to a stop, and I pulled out my camping bag, the boys pulling out their own smaller bags, and we started to trek upwards still.
I woke up a bit, finding the path had overgrown, trying to make my way around and almost slipping once or twice.
After an hour or so, I got the familiar sensation of being turned around, knowing we were close now.
"We're going around in circles!" Raph growled.
"No... it's... what you're meant to think" I stepped over a large trunk, watching as Leo then Raph followed.
"No, I remember that tree!" He pointed, and I stopped, going to move back down to him.
"Remember what I told you about this-ah!" I slipped, moving my arms forward to catch myself when I hit the ground, finding I'd stopped moving, looking up to see Leo had grabbed me around the waist.
"Thanks Leo" I said, letting him pull me back up and to my feet, finally looking at Raph, who now looked concerned.
"Trust me. I know it might seem like we're lost, but we're not. That's the way the Ellimist made it"
He huffed again, but didn't say anything, instead moving forward and gently grabbing my arm and moving me along with him.
"Just don't fall again"
I grinned "Didn't plan on it"
We finally made our way through the barrier of sorts, finally starting to feel like we were moving forward again, coming up to a crest and seeing the start of the valley.
"We made it" I finally breathed a sigh of relief, seeing some Hork-Bajir there eating bark from one of the trees. They looked at us as we came close, and I recognized one of them.
"Tehn, hey" I waved happily, seeing recognition in his eyes. I couldn't pronounce his full name, but I was glad he remembered me.
"Jade, I get Toby" He and his mate then took off, and we followed. Soon I saw Toby, and her father Jara Hamee, waiting for us.
"There you are. We were wondering if you would make it tonight or not" She smiled at us, and I finally reached her, dropping my large pack.
"Toby, this is Leo and Raph. I'm sure you've heard about them"
"Yes, Cassie told me a little, but not alot. I'm glad you both came along" She smiled at them, and I saw Leo bow.
"We are honored to have been invited here"
"Oh please, the honor is ours" She moved to take my arm "Let's feed you and get you settled. Your family is here, but they're alseep at the moment"
"Oh" I felt my spirits drop a little, but I knew it was best to let them sleep. Tomorrow I would be able to spend all day with them. Or... today.
I looked at my watch, realising it was about four in the morning. We really had driven pretty much all night.
The Hork-Bajir had been nice enough to find us something suitable for us to eat, and I was surprised how hungry I was.
Afterwards, they let us to a makeshift cabin, and the three of us went inside, finding the three beds inside had already been set up.
I collapsed into the first one, barely remembering my head hitting the pillow.
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Slower chapter, but what do you think?
And as always, Constructive Criticism appreciated :D