AMNT: Akuco's Tale Chapter 1 Before the Incident, a teenage mutant ninja turtles fanfic

Author's notes: This story is still in progress, and I'm writing it for my sister mainly. It is AMNT, because the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are adults in this universe. However. Enjoy this to your heart's content. I amaze myself with how good I've written this story so far.

Chapter 1:
Before the Incident

Two figures are running with fear in the depths of a marshy region surrounded by tall trees infested with streaming vines, slime and moss. There is a third being carried over the shoulders of the oldest figure; immovable; unconscious; and a large bleeding wound across his torso. Upon closer inspection they look like anthro crocodiles from a certain tribe nearby, seeing as they all have a specific pattern painted on a certain area of their bodies with a single streak. There is an extra part of the symbol on each of them, that seems to explain the status of a hierarchy of sorts. All three of them have scales and scutes commonly found on crocodiles, including a darker ridge that separates where necessary; a powerful tail; sharp claws; specific colours that keep them apart; strong jaws and bony ridges on their heads. Clothing is sparing and typical for their social order, but the pair of them slowly start reaching a breathless state as they continue to flee from whatever may be chasing them.

"Hurry! Keep running!" the largest of the three shouts in a desperate masculine voice.

"But it's my fault, Akuco!" the youngest of the three remarks in a young masculine voice amidst his own guilt.

"There is no time to explain!" Akuco replies, raising his voice under the strain of his own breathlessness.

"But it's true! If I didn't do what I did, none of this would've happened! Jiszuzu wouldn't have gotten hurt! It's my fault. It's my fault!" he continues to shout, blaming himself for what he seems to have done.

"Ukkutsugu! There is a time, and a place to discuss this, but now is not it! Just run!"

"He'll still catch us! There's no point!" Ukkutsugu complains in a manner close to giving up.

"I will protect you! Just run!" There is a loud roar from behind close by and Akuco directs his gaze towards it, mentally processing what the beast will do next. "I will protect us all!" The same roar happens, but this time on his right.

Over there. He's trying to head us off. He knows this place well. Ukkutsugu! Why did you do it?! I can understand it was an accident, but still! You must've seen it wasn't safe, so why did you still do it?!

Akuco then begins to narrate, as they continue to run back towards their tribe. "Yes. Life here is constantly under threat, from war, beasts or others of our kind turned rogue. The last war nearly wiped us all out from what I've learned and witnessed, but I was just a child then when the bloodshed happened. Not even my youngest siblings Rexl and Renre were old enough to understand. They were simple yearlings when the war finally reached us too, and Ukkutsugu, Usunu and Ukrujass were still kids at the time. It was mine and Athrael's jobs to protect them despite our age with mother. But of those who survived the most recent conflict, we became a bustling clan once more, donning the proud symbol of my ancestor Aetuja, the one who founded our tribe many years ago. Dad told me the stories when I was little, and I still remember them now.

"I came to the depths of the Dylaroc Marshes for the daily tasks of my tribe, something that I as the chief's first son must deal with everyday. My sister from the same brood as me, deals with the errands within the clan, but I have to venture out here to these dangerous lands for my duties. It is understandable. I am more than capable of doing this, thanks to Master Achakzoa's teachings, and it does help out the whole clan when I return with the things they need from the marshes. It is my responsibility as future chief, but I never imagined it would become this treacherous, especially when Ukkutsugu and Jiszuzu come with me. Now both their lives are at stake, all because of one stupid accident I did not foresee! I failed my father! I failed my tribe! And now this brute might just decimate us out of sheer anger! The day started well this morning when I woke up bright and early, before this incident even happened. But all I can do is hope. Hope that I can get them safely back home." Akuco's narration ends as the morning before the incident begins, amidst the bellowing roar of the huge beast hunting them down.

Akuco opens his eyes to the rays of sunlight shining through the gaps of his cream satin curtains, straight into his line of sight. Slipping off his covers, he climbs out of bed to find his loincloth and a sash-like attire of silk fabric dyed fulvous, neatly folded on his bedside table. He is quick to question why that is. Em, okay. Why are they neatly folded? The last place I left them was on the floor of my room, because well, Sheisk was here. I swear we slept together last night in my bed. Did something happen between us? Or was that just a dream? Where did she go? He dresses himself accordingly after his thought, and walks out to the breakfast meal his mother should be setting on the table by now. His silk sash is draped over his right shoulder, then wrapped around his waist from the opposite side a few times, before the remainder is left hanging loose to his right. It is holding the start of the material in a manner that looks impeccable.

Entering the dining room of his dad's large abode, Akuco is surprised to see all his siblings are sitting at the table, clean and waiting patiently unlike himself. They all look at him wondering why he is up later than them, but then quickly direct their gaze to their father, who has just returned from refreshing himself it seems.

"Good morning father." Akuco bows as he addresses his father, and knows all his siblings had done the same.

"Good morning," he directs his gaze to Akuco. "Akuco. Fifteen minutes to refresh. No later please. Breakfast will be on the table in twenty. And we always pray to our God before we eat."

"Yes father," he bows again, before heading to the washroom of his home, but he sighs after his father sits down at the head of the table.

Typical. He always orders me first thing. Either because I'm late up, failed to correctly dress, incorrectly sat down, or even got my etiquette wrong. Oh well. I'm used to it. But now I know I got up late this time. Usually me and all my siblings have refreshed before father is even awake. What exactly happened last night, that caused me to oversleep?

Amidst his thoughts he heads into the bathing suite and disrobes himself, before walking under the makeshift shower to refresh himself.

Ah yes. Now I remember. Sheisk's hatching day party. And we shared more than just a little intimacy between us. I know she enjoyed it, because I did too.

Turning it on, he suddenly cries out. "GAH!"

Why do I suffer the worst every morning?! This shower is freezing!

He continues showering without issue, knowing his family are probably laughing right now after his shout, but his mind says otherwise.

Did father plan this?! I wouldn't put it past him. He does like a good laugh. Anyway, I better hurry. Time is short.

He is out and ready in ten minutes before heading back into the dining room to sit at the table, but with the look he is given the moment he walks in by his father and siblings, he knows something is just about to be said.

"So, Akuco. How was your shower?" his father smirks as his siblings seem to laugh.

"It was very refreshing, father," he bows his head again. "Thank you for your kindness."

There's no use arguing or accusing. He always manages to work around my words. But I know father planned it. I can only get him back, and he does like a good joke. But I know he's expecting it and that's where the difficulty lies. How do I get him without him knowing? There have been many attempts on a joke on my part at him, but he always manages to see the joke before it happens, or goes around as though he knew the prank was waiting for him. Jokes meant for dad, tend to strike mother or my siblings, mainly mother. I'm surprised she stays with father after almost everything meant for him gets her instead.

He sits down with his two brothers, Ukkutsugu and his youngest on one side of the table, in the order oldest to youngest. The table is quite huge, and made out of thick tree wood, polished and lacquered fulvous, which is the regal colour of his tribe.

Breakfast is soon ready and set on the table, where the entire family prays before eating like they do every big meal, with hands together and against their heads as they bow. The one who speaks the morning prayer this time is Akuco, as it always passes round the oldest members of the household. "Our Lord Bakarahju. We bow our heads to your grace in acceptance for prosperity and peace, and thank you for giving us our home and our meal. We pray that you may give us a day of good harvest and trade, for the season of the red moon. And we pray that no ill luck befall us, on this wondrous autumn day. Amen."

"Amen," everyone else in the room repeats.

"Thank you son. Now we may eat," Akuco's father says, before the food is handed round the table equally between them all.

The late morning in the clan is bustling now, with all the tribe residents going about their business. Akuco has his camouflage vest on, a large knapsack on his waist, a small leg pouch on his left, a small dagger in its holster on his right, and what looks like a wakizashi in its sheath strapped to his back over his shoulder. Holding a medium-sized empty sack in his right, he has a dull look to his otherwise joyful visage that he wears every time these errands need doing. He notices another one of his kind a little way off from him, already talking to the members of his clan in the trading district where he should be as well.

You're just lucky you don't have to go out into the swamp like I do, Athrael. Father's goody daughter who never does anything wrong. Humph. All she ever does is boss me around.

Akuco has never really liked his sister. She always acts as though she was the first hatched, when Akuco knows she hatched after him in the same nest. He even sat and watched her egg crack, before she poured out amidst a squeak. It is a memory he will never forget, and one that Athrael always disagrees with.

Akuco and Athrael have always had their ups and downs, and today is no better. She never has to go out into the dangerous Dylaroc Marshes like he does, and sometimes Akuco thinks his father cares more about his first daughter than his first son.

There's no use complaining about it, Akuco, he thinks to himself, then heads over to the trader's district.

"Ah, little brother Akuco. You better get all your errands in the swamp done."

"Get it right sis. I'm the oldest."

"Hah! By two seconds! Hardly counts for an older brother." She measures herself up against him proudly. "You're still shorter than I am. So I'm the oldest."

"Who told you it was two seconds? We were just a day old. And age doesn't count when it comes to height. But you better get your errands done in the tribe. Father will be none too pleased if you mess it up."

"Don't mess up yourself. And please refrain from stinking when you return." She turns her back and walks off, raising her hand to wave a backhand.

Refrain from stinking? Why I oughta…!?

"Ah, Akuco."

"Huh?" He turns towards the voice, seeing a member of his tribe waving him over. "Oh!" He heads to them. "Criursha. What are you in need of from the swamp today?"

"Healing herbs, those berries from before and healing leaves please. We used the last of them yesterday. Thank you, Akuco."

"No worries." He reaches into the sack and pulls out a slate and coal shard, before scraping onto it Criursha's list. "It's all written down now." He bows to her.

"Thanks again Akuco." She goes back to work, while Akuco heads to the next stall.

"Anything needed Uttaresk?" Akuco asks.

"I'll need the hide of a crocasile or two to make some leather, and a lot of scales from the huge dylarocs out there please. There should be a bunch of shed scales in places due to the mating season. But be careful. The males are very aggressive this time of year."

"Understood Uttaresk. I'll get them for you."

"Thanks Akuco. I'll pay you for the trouble."

"Nah. You don't have to."

"I don't mind. You deserve some form of pay for helping us all out. In fact. I'll upgrade your sack for you too. The crocasile hide I made it with is losing it's tarnish now."

"Thanks Uttaresk." He repeats the same as before, scraping into a slate from the bag what is needed.

I'll have to inform father about this though.

Heading to another stall, he speaks to a third clan member.

"Perfect timing Akuco."

"Anything you need Eqaettex? I'll need to hunt down a crocasile or two for Uttaresk. He needs crocasile hide."

"Sure. I'll cut off the hide for him if you want, and crocasile meat is filling. And yes. I will need one hippesiton hunted and a sack of swamp fish please. Just to stock up on what we need for the next week." He hands him the sack to carry the fish in.

"Thanks." Taking it he repeats again, then heads off to another member of his clan. Before he could though, a familiar face comes charging his way from the direction he was heading to.

"Here Akuco. To save you from heading to my mother's stall, I'll tell you what she wants."

"Any reason why Qrinji? I don't mind walking there."

"No, no. I insist. I'll give you the list in mother's stead."

"Sure, okay." He readies himself to listen without problem, but deep down knows why Qrinji insists on keeping him from heading over there.

I know why you won't let me go to Oqage. You're planning on keeping your engagement to Athrael secret from me. I know that's where she went. Probably having a ring fitted. Pfft. Please. Her fingers are so fat no ring will fit.

"So. Mother mainly wants some vines, strong ones, that she can weave together. But has also asked for some tree bark from the swamp trees."

"She wants some tree bark. Whatever for?"

"I think it's for a dye."

"Oh, yes. Of course. The tree bark here has a unique colour on the soft side. We can only get that colour here."

"Yes. I believe so."

"So is that all?"

"Yes. Thanks Akuco." He hurries back in the direction he came from, leaving Akuco to mentally process how he will get his errands done.

This is what Akuco has to do every day for all the families that sell the necessary items around his abode that he sometimes collects for them, or so they can use them for anything that leads into profit for the entire clan. Akuco knows that it all goes to his father by the end of each month so he can pay himself, then use the remainder for improvements to the tribe. The recent addition the other week, had been a few new bridges above the trenches that were dug last year, and these excavations turn into a makeshift river whenever the swamp floods every rainy season. It helps the clan out quite a bit and also keeps their homes from flooding, so he knows his father cares for his tribe. But just when Akuco is ready to leave the safety of his home, the worst possible thing happens.

"Akuco! Wait!" a young masculine voice cries a short distance away.

"Jiszuzu?" Akuco says turning himself to the voice, then he quickly witnesses Jiszuzu suddenly trip and lose his balance from a stray grassy mound.

"Whoa!" He repeats the screaming in different ways, every time he tries to regain his footing all the way to Akuco.

"Jiszuzu!" Akuco catches him before he falls on his front before him amidst a grunt of success.

"Thanks, Akuco." He returns to his feet now balanced. "That really hurt my toe."

"You need to look where your feet go Jiszuzu. That's the third time this week. And always at exactly the same time."

"Sorry. But I wanted to see you."

"I know. You see me every day. How are things?"

"Eh. Same old…"

"Jiszuzu!" another Aetuja Hanakan cries running towards them, this time female.

"Oh perfect. She just had to hear my scream."

"Are you alright? I heard you scream."

"I'm fine, Acuza. I just stubbed my toe."

Acuza gasps. "Then we must dress it. It could fester."

"Mother!" Jiszuzu shouts towards her. "Why did you have to train her about healing?! She never leaves me alone!"

"Jiszuzu darling," Criursha replies walking up to them. "She's your sister. She's just caring about you."

"Too much! It's just a stubbed toe. It's not gonna swell up or anything. I'll be fine."

"I'll just dab it with a cold cloth."

"I'll be fine sis. Stop worrying about me."

"But…"

"Thank you for your concern Acuza, but I'm sure he'll be fine. He's with me now. I'll always bring him back safely. You know this."

"Yes. Sorry," Acuza apologises. "I shouldn't keep you, but Jiszuzu wanted to go with you this time."

"That way I get to learn about everything you do out there in the swamp!" he states, then pauses. "Please, Akuco."

"Sure. Why not?" He smiles and starts to head off. "I promise you Criursha, that I'll bring him back safely."

"I know you will." She gently grabs Acuza on her shoulders, before heading off with her. "Come on sweetie. Your brother will be fine. Maybe helping me set up the stall will take your mind off of things."

"So. Shall we go, Jiszuzu?"

"Absolutely!"

Entering the swamp always seemed to amaze Akuco, and even now it still does. Out here, he is free to do as he pleases, so long as the respect for nature remains. Akuco would never for the life of him abuse the natural balance. His tribe is just too close to it. As it sustains them, they need to help protect and maintain it, for it can be very hostile. They can only take what they need, and must never hunt for sport. Hunting is still legal, but after that, life must be allowed to swing back. And even the rogues know this.

Akuco knows to respect the swamp more than anything, and so he teaches his siblings to do the same. Yet he could not help but notice that a presence seems to be near, like someone or something is following him and Jiszuzu. Akuco notices Jiszuzu looking at him every time he looks over his shoulder, just wondering why. But every time Akuco checks, nothing seems to be there. Even this far into the swamp where the forest begins, he still feels it nearby. Could it be an ambush predator that has stalked them this far north? Could it be one of the rogues out here? Either way, he will be very much alert just in case anything plans to attack.

"Akuco? Is something following us? You've been checking over your shoulder for a while now."

"Yes. Whatever or whoever it is, has been following us since we entered the marshes. Stay alert. It might be a juvenile dylaroc, a crocasile, or even a rogue hunting us."

"A rogue? You mean…!"

"Yes, I do. Perhaps one of Druqaorok's rogues."

"If it's that Dampatery again, I swear I'll seriously feed him to the dylarocs."

"Heh. So you do have a dark side underneath that innocence of yours?"

"What?! Dampatery always disturbs you from your errands out here. Haven't you had enough! He'll get the hint sooner or later though, right?"

"If it was up to you. He wouldn't have a head to get the hint."

"You know I'd never harm anyone. He just annoys us, that's all. And sometimes I just feel like feeding him to the carnivores, even though I'd never do it."

"I know. So do I. But he just mainly spies on us for Druqaorok. You know me. I never attack unless they attack first."

"Yeah. I know." He soon notices an area of herbs in the distance. "Look! The herbs mum has asked for. Over there!"

Akuco looks there and recognises them. "Perfect." Heading over, he picks the necessary amount needed and moves on.

"So. Any idea where the scales might be?"

"Anywhere the dylarocs scent spread for territorial purposes no doubt, as the heart of the swamp is too far. That is where they often gather."

"But that could be anywhere!"

"Guess we'll have to search around for a while." They both head off in search of the dylaroc scales if they find any, and anything else they come across that is on Akuco's list.

Coming to the river, Akuco is already carving a wooden branch into a makeshift spear, ready to stab it through enough fish to help feed the whole clan. Finding the scales can wait for the time being, as they have not found any signs of scent marking anywhere. Jiszuzu on the other hand, is already stuffing each catch into his sack every time he succeeds with the carved weapon he made. Akuco just casually watches while still sharpening with his dagger.

"Goodness, Jiszuzu. At this rate, I won't need to work."

"Sorry. Is it bad that I can catch them well?"

"No, not at all. Just don't forget everything else that needs to survive on these fish too. Only hunt what the tribe needs to survive. If there is too little, neither the fish nor their predators will be able to sustain themselves."

"I understand. I'll stop."

"You don't need to stop, just slow down and wait for the right targets." He heads to the riverbank and waits spear in hand, before spotting a large fish and stabbing it through with one quick thrust. Jiszuzu is amazed at the size of it. All he was doing was stabbing any fish that swam by.

"So. Only aim for large targets? I can do that." He tries to do the same, but instead of striking true, he ends up slipping in. "Whoa!" Raising his arms and dripping with water after returning to his feet, he looks to Akuco at a loss. "Oh…"

"Careful Jiszuzu. You don't want to scare away the fish."

He walks out dully. "I'm sorry, Akuco." He continues towards a tree, where he then sadly lets himself slide down to the ground.

"Come on Jiszuzu. Don't give up."

"But I'm being a burden again."

"No you're not. It was just a tiny mistake. You're still learning."

"But I should be getting things right by now."

"You're only thirteen Jiszuzu."

"Exactly! Old enough to do things correctly."

"Not quite. Come on. I'll show you."

"I'll only mess it up. I mess up everything."

"You don't mess up everything. You have your own skills, just like I do." He pauses amidst a smile. "And you could learn another if you just come on over so I can teach you."

"But… What about your errands? I only wanted to come out with you, so I could help with your errands too. But I'm only slowing you down."

"Jiszuzu. Just come on over here. You've never slowed me down before. So what makes you think you are now? We have plenty of time."

"I guess." He stands to his feet. "Alright. I'm coming over now." He walks towards Akuco who is kindly waiting for him, and then is handed the makeshift spear before being taught how to hold and use it.

"Now then. Keep watching the water for a large fish." Akuco watches Jiszuzu searching the waters, until he sees him following a particularly large fish as it swims happily without hesitation, eating off of plants here and there. "Keep your eyes fixed on your target." Akuco is surprised Jiszuzu has not blinked once, knowing full well how focussed he is now, as the target moves closer to the bank unsuspecting. "Take a step forward quietly." Jiszuzu does so. "Now thrust the spear into your prize." Akuco steps back when Jiszuzu makes the strike count, proudly clapping when he returns with a huge catch on the end of the spear.

"I did it." He soon starts jumping with joy, his cheeks all warm with fulfilment. "I did it!"

"Yes you did."

SNAP!

Jiszuzu gasps in seconds at the sound that just occurred, prompting Akuco to stand defensively ahead of him facing the same direction.

"Stay behind me!" He unsheathes his wakizashi and prowls forwards, ready to pounce at a moment's notice, clearly seeing the evidence of a branch from a shrub, now broken and on the ground in front of it. Without delay, he vaults behind the tree grappling the culprit and pinning them down into the ground, blade pressing against the neck amidst a scowl of hostility.

"Wait! Akuco! Stop! It's me!"

"Ukkutsugu?" Akuco now sees the fear in his brother's eyes, causing his gut to drop as he retrieves his weapon from slicing. "You idiot! I could've killed you! What the hell are you doing here?!"

"I, I…" Ukkutsugu is speechless.

"Go home! Right now!"

"Stop shouting at me!" He kicks his brother in the shin before clambering away to hide behind the tree.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"For yelling!" he cries from hiding.

"I'm, sorry, Ukkutsugu. I didn't know it was you."

"No, you never do!"

By now Akuco is walking round the tree, finding his brother hiding his face in his arms. "Ukkutsugu, I…" He drops his wakizashi in guilt.

"No! I won't hear it!" He begins to shuffle away. "You always forget about me!"

"Th-that's not it at all." He rests a hand on his brother's shoulder, coaxing him to look up at him with tears in his eyes, yet Ukkutsugu is also frowning with disgust at Akuco's poor excuse of an apology. This was all the incentive Akuco needed, to hug his brother lovingly. "I'm sorry that I frightened you, Ukkutsugu. I never meant to."

"I'm sorry that I followed you both in here, but I wanted to come too." He sniffles and cries into Akuco's scales, the wetness of his tears rolling down like streams. Then he squeezes his brother tightly before calming down and letting go.

"Does father know you are out here?"

"No. I snuck out after you left with Jiszuzu."

"Hm. Guess this'll be your prank on father today then."

"I guess so. So what were you teaching Jiszuzu?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just a little training in the ways of spearfishing."

"Spearfishing? Can I help?"

"Sure. But only hunt for the larger fish. I taught Jiszuzu that only moments ago."

"Larger fish means more food to go around the whole clan, which also gives the smaller fish time to prosper and grow. I know all that."

"I taught you well. But you see. That proves I never forget about you."

"Thanks, Akuco." Without further ado, Ukkutsugu hurries off to help hunt for fish with Jiszuzu, who after seeing him could relax once more. Akuco simply watches again from beside the tree, before collecting his wakizashi and placing it back in its sheath. However, upon looking around, he ends up meeting the eyes of a rogue peering at them in the distance.

Don't think I haven't noticed you, Dampatery. Go back to Druqaorok already! Akuco states in his mind, not taking his eyes off of him as he scowls.

Moments go by before Dampatery seems to realise he has been noticed, where he then simply just disappears.

Heh. So much for a spy, but honestly. Because I didn't know Ukkutsugu was following us, I thought he was Dampatery. I sure hope this experience doesn't scar him for life. I never meant to frighten him like that. He had pure fear in his eyes, as though I became a monster before him. And I don't want my younger brother to think I'm like them ever again.

Gathering what the tribe needs never proves too difficult for Akuco, as he knows where everything tends to be. Yet he prefers doing it alone where there are no distractions other than what he needs to listen out for. But now that he has Jiszuzu and Ukkutsugu with him, hearing dangers becomes that much more challenging. Only having one ear listening through the surroundings is never enough. He is constantly double checking every minute sound and shadow in case it is a predator, then checking back at his brother and Jiszuzu moments after, just to reassure himself that they are still there. He would tell them both to head back, if it were not for the fact that they had already travelled this far into the swamp. But then he spots the berries and healing leaves Criursha had asked for, a deep relief knowing he is another step closer to completing his errands and getting his helpers back home safely.

"Make sure to gather more than enough for your mother, Jiszuzu." He places the gathering sack on the ground in front of the bush.

"Yes, Akuco."

"And be careful of the thorns."

"I know, Akuco. Mother makes sure I learn about all the flora here."

"And Ukkutsugu. Make sure to pick the largest healing leaves and don't touch the plant's stems."

"I know, Akuco. You taught me how to pick them before."

"Okay. Sorry. I'm not used to having you both out here with me. I'm a little anxious."

"Don't worry about us, Akuco. We can take care of ourselves," Jiszuzu states matter-of-factly.

And that's what worries me the most, Jiszuzu. You're both still young. Akuco thinks.

"Okay. I'll be back in a bit."

"Where are you going, Akuco?" Ukkutsugu asks.

"To search for potential prey."

"Oh, okay."

"The sack has specific pockets for the specific items, so please place what you pick in their respectful places. I won't be long."

"Yes, Akuco," they both reply in unison.

Akuco soon heads on ahead in search of the signs of the prey the clan is needing, while also keeping an eye on his surroundings for any dylaroc scales, flaking fulvous tree bark and predators.

I hope I'm not being too bossy, but I'm trying to make the most of this. The more we are, the easier it is to gather what we need. I won't stray too far from them, because I can't leave them alone for too long. But while I know they are busy gathering, I can listen out better and search for signs of predators and prey without issue.

It is not long before he spots a recently stripped section of a tree with the noticeable claw marks of a bull dylaroc in rut. He strips the flaking bark with his dagger until the trunk is smooth again then slots what he took on the inside of his belt, before eyeing a pile of fresh scales in the same vicinity. This is proof that a dylaroc recently came through, heading in the direction ahead of him. After collecting a number of scales but still leaving enough for scent to be little reduced and for him to still know of the direction best avoided, he returns to Jiszuzu and Ukkutsugu ready to give an update.

"Back already, Akuco?"

"A dylaroc has recently passed through nearby. We have to be cautious from here on out. We don't want to provoke them with our presence."

"Okay. But don't you need dylaroc scales for one of your errands?"

"I do, yes. But I can't just take every scale I find on the territorial paths for this time of year. The dylarocs would sense something amiss."

"Yes. They rub off their old scales to smooth themselves up, but also to spread their scent around to keep others at a distance."

"Well done Ukkutsugu. But they also smooth themselves up for display and a burst of speed when it comes to procuring a mate during the mating season."

"Why would they need speed? They're huge!" Jiszuzu questions.

"Males will fight while running at fast speeds, in order to prove their worth to the females."

"But what happens when they lose?"

"Then they get up and try again. It's all to gain the necessary interest. The more they keep at it, the more they gain respect."

"They must have amazing endurance."

"Indeed they do. They are built to withstand endurance for quite a long time, which is why hunting one is a feat of power and respect. Only a select few hunters have skill enough to do so."

"Cool. I'll aim to be one."

"Jiszuzu. I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Why not? I hunted fish alright."

"Dylaroc's are much much worse than fish, Jiszuzu." Ukkutsugu acclaims.

"But…"

"Think of it this way, Jiszuzu. Not even Druqaorok has the ability to hunt one, and he is revered by the rogues as a powerful and skillful leader. You'd need to be twice as good to even last in a battle with a dylaroc. That's why dylarocs are one of the deadliest apex predators of our world."

"I understand. So I would need to defeat Druqaorok in a duel, to even come close to being better than him."

"You would, but I wouldn't recommend it. You'd be better off remaining safely in the clan. It can get very dangerous."

"Oh… But then I'm just useless junk."

"I didn't say that," he pauses. "If you're really adamant in defeating him, then you'd need to surpass me first."

"But. You're like an idol to me. I wouldn't want to defeat you."

"Then I thank you for your concern. Anyway. Have you both gathered enough?"

"We have. Can we get some scales now?" Ukkutsugu impatiently replies.

"We would have to find them first, Ukkutsugu. And they are not easily found."

"Then why don't we go to the heart of the swamp where their running tracks are."

"Who told you about that?" Akuco frowns at his brother.

"Em. Maybe Acuthroa might have, mentioned it."

He grunts with disgrace. "Typical."

"Why the tone all of a sudden?"

"Because. Acuthroa. Why else? Sure, he's right about it. We'll find a variety of scales there, but it's too dangerous to go without the proper preparations. Though it is a marvel to see the dylarocs charging and fighting while racing to the other end of the running tracks, then winning the hearts of mates, but why do you listen to him?"

"What have you got against Acuthroa?"

"He's all talk and no action, and a coward too. You could push him into the midst of a fight between two clan members, and the first thing he'll do is cower."

"That's not true! He'll stop them fighting."

"You haven't seen it. He just says how brave and courageous he is so his idols and the single females respect him, but deep down he is a hatchling who would cry for his mum the first chance he got. And he's a show off too." He pauses. "You don't have to believe me. He does know his stuff. I just dislike him. I won't hold a grudge though. He does know as much about fighting as I do."

"That's still no reason to talk down about him!"

"Alright. I'm sorry. Let's just get these errands done." Without further question, he collects his sack and hurries on ahead with Ukkutsugu and Jiszuzu in search of more dylaroc scales.

With the sack full of the necessary articles the tribe asked Akuco to gather, he is now on the trail of a wounded beast in hope he can hunt it down for the week ahead back at the clan. But right now, he is scouring the ground for signs of its blood after losing it in the mossy, damp and slimy trees of the marshes. Jiszuzu is close by with Ukkutsugu, searching the soggy ground for track marks in hope they have better luck with its current location.

"Any luck?!" Akuco calls, turning his gaze to the other two.

"Nothing!" Ukkutsugu shouts back in return. "These tracks are frantic and all over the place!"

"Damn it! I'll never hunt the hippesiton down like this! I'm letting everyone down!"

"Don't say that?!" Jiszuzu shouts, running up to him. "You aren't a failure. We've gathered the materials everyone asked for. And we've got enough fish."

"It wouldn't be enough, Jiszuzu. We're low on meat. That hippesiton will feed our entire clan for a week, and here we are still trying to find the damned beast."

"What about the crocasiles? I think you needed two, right."

"I do, yes. But that'll mean entering the deeper waters, and I don't want either of you two being there."

"Please stop treating us like we are weak, Akuco! We can help you!" Ukkutsugu cries before rushing over. "After all. That is why we wanted to go with you."

"I can't allow either of you to go there. Crocasiles are ambush predators. You wouldn't know they had you in their sights until after they've already dragged you down. Trust me on this, Jiszuzu. I'd be better off hunting them alone, where I won't have to worry about losing either of you. You're both too important to me. Please understand. Once I make the mercy kill, I'm taking you both back with it, then going out again alone."

"Oh, okay."

"I know it sounds harsh, but you are both still learning and growing. Once you both get to my age, I'll take you both out to hunt a crocasile together. I give you my word."

"But that's years from now."

"Only a few, Ukkutsugu. You never know. The time may come sooner than you think, but please respect my decision for the time being. Your safety comes first before anything."

"Alright. But let's continue searching for this hippesiton. It shouldn't be difficult to miss from a higher location. It's not exactly small."

"Okay. Please be careful."

"Always." Ukkutsugu looks around for a tree with a good view from the top, then climbs it with Jiszuzu and Akuco spotting from below. Upon reaching high enough, he spots the fatally injured hippesiton still bleeding from its wound quite a way from the bank of the swamp. Eyeing it as well, a float of crocasiles looking to procure a meal, and communicating with their kin in a coded plot only they can understand. Inflating their throat sacs to immense sizes in an array of patterns, they sound like a choir of noise disorientating their prey, or teasing.

By now, Ukkutsugu is pointing in the direction of the beast from on high so Akuco gets an understanding as to where it is.

"So. It's near the bank of the swamp over on that side." Yet I can't make a kill with all these crocasiles in the water. That'd spark a frenzy I'd never walk away from. All I can do is leave it for now and come back later to try again elsewhere. Would this mean I've failed my errands? I'm sure we still have enough food for another day. The fish we hunted should cover it, until I can hunt what is needed, but then again. That leather won't get made if I don't come back with at least a crocasile. What to do? Maybe taking Jiszuzu and Ukkutsugu back to the clan should come first. That way I won't have to worry about them when I come back here to finish the job.

Amidst his thoughts, he never notices the creaking sound from the tree until the branch snaps, taking Ukkutsugu screaming along with it. He crashes off a sleeping dylaroc's body Akuco only now sees, soon hitting the ground and rolling dangerously close to the water before the appendage even falls to the soggy earth.

Akuco is speechless hoping the beast does not wake, but a deep rumble of a growl tells him everything he needs to know. At the same time, the crocasiles look towards the sound then to Ukkutsugu struggling to stand, conversing with each other in a way Akuco knows means 'time for a feeding frenzy'.

"Ow..." Ukkutsugu cries, awkwardly standing to his feet, but the dylaroc opens one eye before looking right at him.

"Ukkutsugu! Get away from there!"

"Huh? Akuco?" He squints his eyes in confusion then glances at what broke his fall, freezing with fear in seconds unable to speak another word when his eyes meet that of the dylaroc's.

"Get away from there! Right now!" Soon the dylaroc opens the other and rears up its jaws growling a threat, as it lumbers to its feet with a few loud stomps. The crocasiles begin croaking more frantically, backing themselves away at the same time the hippesiton fearfully flees despite its wound.

"Ukkutsugu! Run! Ukkutsugu!" Jiszuzu desperately cries, wishing for his words to be heard. However, Akuco acts in moments now knowing his brother is too frightened to move, running as fast as he can to his aid.

"Ukkutsugu!" He reaches then grabs him on the shoulders, trying to shake him back into reality. "Pull yourself together! Come on Ukkutsugu! You need to move!"

The dylaroc stomps its huge clawed forefeet into the ground with such force, it causes the water to ripple nearby, making the crocasiles cower like hatchlings. Akuco turns to face the beast, pulling out his dagger ready to strike while protecting his younger brother.

"You'll have to get through me first, beast!" Akuco threatens.

The dylaroc broadcasts a loud and powerful roar that forces the crocasiles to propel themselves as far through the murky waters as possible, just to get away. Akuco freezes up just like his brother now, unable to hear his surroundings or notice the oncoming attack until he was already on the ground coming back to his senses beside Ukkutsugu.

Everything happened so fast he could not comprehend it; Jiszuzu there for just a moment, before hurtling across the ground crashing back first into a tree by the brutal swipe of the monster's forefoot; his motionless body now silent and bleeding from the three clawed gash in his torso. With horror overwhelming him instantly, Akuco can do nothing except scream.

"JISZUZU!" He grabs Ukkutsugu and pulls him clear of the dylaroc's jaws before rushing to Jiszuzu's aid. With no time to act, he pushes Ukkutsugu further ahead and fireman carries Jiszuzu's wounded body, vaulting safely away from the powerful lunge of the carnivore. The collapsing tree behind him proves his success in evading, as the beast stumbles along with it amidst an angry grunt.

Refusing to look back, Akuco grabs his brother's hand and continues to run out of fear for their safety, knowing the predator will soon be on their tail.

"Hurry! Keep running!" Akuco shouts in a desperate voice.

"But it's my fault, Akuco!" Ukkutsugu remarks amidst his own guilt.

"There is no time to explain!" Akuco replies, raising his voice under the strain of his own breathlessness.

"Ukkutsugu! There is a time and a place to discuss this, but now is not it! Just run!"

"He'll still catch us! There's no point!" Ukkutsugu complains in a manner close to giving up.

"Is he still behind us!?"

"No! He's planning to head us off!"

"Then maybe we should stop, and bind Jiszuzu's wound! I need to catch my breath!"

"Okay." He stops and places Jiszuzu down, checking the wound is not too bad. He had no time to bind Jiszuzu's injury back there. And now is as good a time as any to stop any further bleeding.

Ukkutsugu has a point. We are not yet out of the swamp and even if we kept going, the dylaroc would still get ahead of us. I can only wish he doesn't turn to our clan and attack them.

"Get me those healing leaves! I will find some vines!" He is quick to collect strong and long enough vines, ready to tie them with the leaves over Jiszuzu's wound.

"Okay." Ukkutsugu heads straight to the sack to pick out the largest healing leaves, before hurrying back to find his brother already tearing strips from his attire to help stem the bleeding before Jiszuzu loses any more. "But Akuco? That's your vest!"

"It's all I have to stop this bleeding!" He takes what Ukkutsugu hands to him. "Keep pressure on his wounds while I tie on the leaves with these vines!"

"Right!" Ukkutsugu does so without any further question, but no sooner after the tending is finished do they hear the thundering footsteps of the predator heading their way once again. "He's coming back!"

"Damn it! He found out we stopped!" He unsheathes his blade waiting to make the first attack. "Take Jiszuzu and the sack and get ahead!"

"But, I can't carry him!"

"Then drag him and hide somewhere ahead of me! Now! I'll buy us some time and find you!"

"Okay." After collecting the sack, he heads to Jiszuzu to drag him along the ground, quick to hide behind a tree further down the path. He hopes the beast does not find him or smell the blood once it arrives.

Akuco stands ready, watching the beast madly charge his way roaring. He jumps to the side when the dylaroc lowers its head and continues in an attempt to barge him down. It turns and rears back on its hinds before stomping, yet Akuco dodge rolls before slicing his blade on the predator's side. The chink of his wakizashi against its scales, proves how defensive they actually are as he tries to spot any softer areas susceptible to a sharp edge. Trying to strike its underbelly, he is forced to jump back when it swipes at him, before standing defensively with its head held low.

Damn it! He's fast! I'd slice at his neck if he didn't keep watching me, but I must keep him interested in me!

He swings his sword in an attempt to slice the dylaroc on the side of the neck, but it jumps backwards to avoid it with a growl, before dragging its foot along the ground ready to charge again. Akuco jumps to the side to dodge, soon jumping backwards over and over when the beast swings one forefoot then the other a few times until Akuco hits his back on a tree.

"Gah! Damn! He's cornered me!" He ducks another swipe as some bark falls around him from above, a three clawed gash now in the trunk where his head could have been. Akuco is quick to look around, spotting a branch thick and strong enough, yet partially attached to the tree he is trapped at.

Yes! That could work!

He ducks a second time and dives to the side a third, then quickly turns once again to wait for the dylaroc's next move. With an annoyed growl it lunges forward, coaxing Akuco to jump up and vault off of the beast's shoulders. With a roundhouse kick, he strikes it once across the head powerfully for good measure causing it to stagger, before returning his blade to its scabbard and kicking the branch clean off the tree. As it crashes on the ground, Ukkutsugu peers round to watch the scene unfold before his eyes, making sure to tie the sack tightly around his waist. With a skillful landing, Akuco grabs the branch off centre and holds it out behind him.

"Now then! Come at me, beast!" Akuco goads.

The dylaroc recovers its footing and turns before charging once more, but already Akuco is swinging himself around with the branch still in hand, striking the brute across the head with such force the entire appendage snaps clean in half. At the same time the predator is stunned amidst a painful grunt, Akuco hurries to his brother to fireman carry Jiszuzu and flee with them back to the clan.

It is not long before Akuco reaches the clearing with Jiszuzu over his shoulders and Ukkutsugu beside him, their clan only tens of metres ahead. The sentries in the towers are quick to notice something amiss, as they ready their bows and nock an arrow in place. However, upon a sudden bellow as the monster appears, they become completely overwhelmed by fear.

"DYLAROC!"

The shout is followed by screams within the clan, as Akuco and Ukkutsugu desperately try to reach the safety of the gates, but a twist of fate causes Akuco to trip from a swipe to his legs and drop Jiszuzu rolling along the ground ahead of him. "Guh! No! Jiszuzu!" His legs now trapped under the force of the dylaroc's forefoot, he tries all he can to crawl free but to no avail, then he spots a loose rock ahead of him and reaches for it.

The dylaroc drags its prey towards itself, but receives a rock to the face that Akuco throws. The surprise only angers the brute further, as it strikes Akuco across the side, forcing him to crash roll a short distance away amidst painful grunts.

"Akuco! No!" Ukkutsugu cries.

Before Akuco could even react, the dylaroc stomps down on him, clasping its digits and claws into his battered supine body. Akuco then feels himself slowly getting crushed, despite his attempts at constantly punching his fists into the beast's wrist hoping it would let him go, his adrenaline rushing through him masking any pain.

A displeased growl is all the dylaroc replies with, before it broadcasts a roar and forces Akuco into the ground, soon bearing down its jaws as he lies there paralysed with fear.

"AKUCO!"