#nly

Chapter 12

As the first light of dawn broke through the canopy, casting a pale almost blinding light across the forest floor, Leo and Yuichi emerged from their tent, stretching to banish the lingering fog of sleep from their minds. They worked to pack everything up, and soon enough the tent was packed away and the fire was extinguished, leaving no trace of their presence in the clearing. With their packs slung over their shoulders and their breath misting in the crisp morning air, the pair set out to continue their hunt for the mutant bear. Leo took the lead, his eyes scanning the ground for any sign of the creature's passing as they walked. Yuichi followed close behind, his own gaze darting from tree to tree, searching for any disturbance in the dense foliage that might indicate their quarry's path. As they climbed higher up the mountainside, the terrain grew more treacherous, the slope steepening and the footing becoming increasingly unstable. Leo and Yuichi had to rely on their strength and agility to navigate the rocky, snow-covered trails as they hauled themselves up by hand and foothold. After hours of hiking, Leo suddenly froze, his hand raised in a signal for Yuichi to halt. He crouched down, studying the ground intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. Yuichi hurried to his side, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"What is it, Leo?" Yuichi asked, his voice low and hushed. "Did you find something?" Leo pointed to a set of massive paw prints etched into the snow, the size and shape unmistakably those of the beast they were tracking. "These tracks are fresher than the ones we found yesterday. And look," He said, gesturing to a nearby tree, its trunk splintered and bark stripped away, "it seems our friend has been using his claws to mark his territory. But there's no sign of a recent kill, no blood or carcass around thankfully." Yuichi's heart sank slightly, a flicker of disappointment passing through him. He had been hoping they might catch a glimpse of the creature, bring this nightmare to a swift and decisive end. But Leo's words sent a chill down his spine.. They were getting closer…

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a mix of oranges and reds that seemed to bleed into the gathering dusk, the two found themselves growing weary from the long day of tracking. They had followed the mutant bear's trail for what felt like miles, over steep and treacherous terrain, but had yet to catch even a glimpse of their elusive beast. The only signs of the creature's passing were the occasional massive paw print and the occasional tree bearing the scars of its razor-sharp claws. As the light faded and the temperature dropped, Leo paused, his hand raised in a signal for Yuichi to halt again. He studied the darkening forest ahead, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a narrow opening in the rock face, barely visible behind the tangle of underbrush and dead trees. "There," Leo said, pointing towards the cave mouth. "It looks like a natural formation, but it's the only shelter I've seen around here. If the beast is looking for a place to hole up for the night, that could be it." Yuichi peered in the direction Leo was pointing, spotting the gaping darkness of the cave entrance. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of something so scary hiding in the dark just waiting for its chance to pounce. He swallowed hard before nodding slowly. "I see it," He said, his voice low and tight with a mix of apprehension and anxiety. "What's the plan, Leo? Do we set up camp here and wait for it to show itself, d-do we go in after it?" Leo was silent for a moment, considering their options. A few years ago he would've ran in swords blazing without considering his or anyone else's safety.. But that was the old Leo, the version of him that died on this same mountain.

Finally, he shook his head, his expression grim and determined. "We go in," He said, his voice a low, resolute rumble. "We can't afford to let it slip away again, not after coming this far. We can make camp outside the entrance, but we'll take turns keeping watch through the night. If it shows itself, we'll be ready. Does that sound good?" Yuichi nodded, he had no intention of questioning Leos lead. With that, the pair began to make their way towards the cave, their footsteps crunching in the snow and dead leaves that littered the forest floor. As they drew closer, the darkness seemed to press in around them.. Yuichi couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes tracking their every move from the shadows. But Leo seemed undeterred, unsure if he felt that same anxiety creeping in or if he just didn't pay it any mind after having been in worse situations. As the last light faded and the night closed in around them, Leo and Yuichi set their small camp at the mouth of the cave. They worked together, the flickering light of their small fire casting a warm, inviting glow against the caves face. The meal they shared was a simple combination of the rations they had brought with them and some of the game Leo had managed to hunt along the way with Yuichi's help. They sat close together, their shoulders brushing and their hands occasionally touching as they passed the bowls of rice and vegetables between them. While they ate, the conversation turned to lighter matters, a welcome distraction from the grim quest that had brought them to this place.

"Leo.. While we have some time, do you think I could ask something of you? A-And it's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but since we're all alone I thought it might be a good place to talk about some of the things.. The things you don't usually say aloud while in the village." Leo looked a bit confused, "..Like what?" Yuichi didn't meet Leos eyes, instead he stared down at the empty bowl in his hands as he spoke. "I want to know about your childhood, about your family.. I want to know everything you're willing to talk about." Leo was a bit surprised at his response, it made sense that he'd be curious though. And Yuichi already promised himself to Leo, in all the good and bad, he'd already seen more of his darkness than even his own family had. Yuichi was being considerate, even now he wasn't demanding anything even though he honestly had the right to answers.. Things that had been on his mind all this time, he didn't even make it seem like Leo owed him the answers. Leo hesitated of course, but nodded at his request, "Might not be the best topic before bed but.. Anything you want to know I'll tell you. You deserve that much." Yuichi smiled, unable to hide his excitement as he set his bowl down and took Leo's hands into his, "Tell me about your family then! I want to know everything!"

Leo was quiet for a moment, maybe collecting his thoughts? Then he took a breath and started talking. "Well, I was born as an experiment with my brothers. My dad, the guy who was part of the experiment and who's DNA was used to make us, escaped with us before the scientist could take us. He tried to raise us, but he was a human newly mutated into a rat yokai, so I know it was a lot to deal with.. We had this human friend, April we'd met as kids. She was like our sister, and she grew up around us really as our only long term friend.. I don't want to imagine what she'd think of me now… T-Then there was my brother Raphael, he was the oldest. He took care of us the most, he was big, and strong- But kind. He'd be the one taking the blames, kissing scrapes, and tucking us in when our dad didn't. Then there was Donatello, we weren't even the same kind of turtle but we called ourselves twins. Maybe cause we were the same age? He was, well- A genius. He could build anything, solve any problem, and was a pretty good dancer believe it or not.. Him and our little brother Michelangelo. Mikey was the smallest, but he was headstrong, fierce, confident… He was a great cook, and the artist of the family, he and Donnie had this.. This bond, y'know? I think, because Donnie's a softshell, and Mikey's the youngest they both were sheltered a bit more than me and Raph, so they found other things to do together, like the dancing and building things. Anything Mikey drew up Donnie would build, he had this wall just covered in ideas, years worth of blueprints and-" Leo paused for a moment, his shred of optimism starting to fade. "Then we got older, and it happened.."

"..It?"

"The Shredder, he destroyed our home, he killed our ancestor who swore to keep that.. That thing locked away.. Even when they got their hands on the dark armor, we managed to pull through.. And I wish I could say that was the worst of it." Yuichi squeezed Leo's hands back, "The Shredder.. Like from the old legends?" Leo nodded, "I didn't believe it at first. I didn't think it was a real threat, I mean we'd fought a lot of weird things before but armor with the ability to possess the wearer? I didn't take my brothers seriously at all, and it cost us so much.."

"But Leo-sama, you didn't know- It was years ago so you were only a child, one who hadn't been properly warned at that! And you say you won, so you did something right to have made it so far right?" Leo let out a dry chuckle, unable to fully meet Yuichi's eyes. "Maybe, but that should've been my wake up call to take my duty seriously. To listen to my brothers, but even then I couldn't help but be stuck in my way of ignoring the bigger picture.. Then the invasion happened.."

"Invasion.." Leo nodded, his hands squeezing Yuichi's a little tighter. "A few years ago now, we found out our biggest enemy, the Foot clan, was after a key to open a timeless prison holding aliens, tall creatures that didn't know sympathy, or mercy…" Yuichi's expression darkened, "The Foot? That can't be.. The history books say we banished them from the land decades ago!"

"Banished them from your land maybe. But they came to mine, and their descendants are still there.. Sort of. We kept beating them, kept driving them away, saving the city as vigilantes. But they kept coming back.." Leo sighed, thinking about what New York must look like now without them, and it was all his fault.. "We'll have to update our history books when we get back.. If you don't mind telling the keeper most of this information about you and your family's bravery?" Leo looked back to the fire, not meeting Yuichi's eyes or paying attention to his words. "That's not even the worst part.. The real failure was when I lost the key, I let the monsters out of their prison, I caused the pain and suffering of so many… I nearly lost my family, I nearly lost my life.. I should've lost my-"

"Don't say that!"

"It's true though!" Leo spat back, letting go of Yuichi's hands as he stood up, pacing around the fire, "It's my fault, it always is- It's my fault the future was doomed, my fault the city was in danger to begin with and got wrecked, that our home was destroyed, that we kept failing! My fault Donnie got hurt, my fault Raph lost his eye, my fault Mikey stopped drawing! Its my fault Karai died, that dad died, that my brothers are dead, that my sword is broken, that my powers are gone, that April's alone, that the Foot clan is probably running rampant around New York-! It's all.. I-It's all…" Yuichi shot up after him, pulling Leo into his arms and holding onto him tightly, "Leo-sama please.. Please stop this, it won't do you any good to carry this weight on your heart! You were a child, you were unprepared, and you did your best with what you had. You alone cannot be to blame! Your family, the people, the enemy, they all had their parts, it cannot all rest upon you- You have to know that deep down! And.. Because of those things, of those troubles, you were able to be here.. With… With me" Leo froze, tensed and unable to let himself relax in Yuichi's arms like he usually would.

"I.. Yuichi, I was never meant to be here, to make it this far… I still don't understand why you could possibly want me after all this- You could have anyone! Jun is a great cook, you'd never go hungry if you picked him, Kaizo is the only one in the village who can build anything by himself, he'd make you a house if you asked and wouldn't even ask you to pay! Raiko has the best voice I've ever heard, he'd write songs for you and you could hear any song you wanted any time! Why pick the guy that kills things and can't sleep at night-? I just… I don't get it-" Yuichi rolled his eyes and pulled Leo into a kiss, something deep and maybe a little angry. He dragged Leo to the ground pinning him there in the snow where he could properly yell at him for being such a dumbass, "You don't get to pick for me. I chose you, isn't that enough?"

"But it doesn't make sense! Why? Why did you choose me! I don't have any talents, I don't have any useful skills! I can't give you a family, I cant cook, or clean or sing or show affection like I should! I can't even work up the nerve to kiss you when I want to-"

"Stop worrying about what you can't do you idiot! I love you because you are you, that's all there is to it! I like that you need my help, I like that you're reserved and not wild and not flirty without anyone, I like that you don't want anyone but me, I like that you miss the notes of songs because it makes me laugh, I like how kind you are to Hana, how gentle you are with Oba-san, how calm you are when I get anxious, how you always lean into my hands when I hold you! I like you! Please.. please stop second guessing yourself… Please stop doubting my judgement.. Please…"

Leos eyes widened when he saw the tears form in the corners of Yuichi's eyes, fuck- fuck fuck fuck he messed up, he didn't mean to say all that, and he definitely didn't mean to make him cry! "Wait- I-Im sorry, fuck I- I didn't mean- I just…" He let out a sign, letting his head fall back into the snow, "I'm sorry… I'm such an idiot.."

Yuichi shook his head, letting his hold on Leo slip and he rested his head against his chest. "You are.. But I love you anyway." Leo closed his eyes, his stomach felt like it was in knots, his eyes burned like he might cry if he didn't hold it together.. "Yuichi I-"

Suddenly there was a sharp sound in the distance of branches being broken apart by something heavy. They both perked up and scrambled to their feet but by the time their hands reached for their weapons the beast was upon them. The creature was a grotesque mix of nature and nightmare, a twisted form that shook Yuichi to his core, Leo however could only describe this animal with one word.

Kraangified.

Its hulking frame was covered in patches of matted, coarse fur that exposed muscle tissue. Rising from the creature's back was a forest of jagged, red spines, long and sharp, jutting out in a painful show. They rose with each labored step the beast took, casting eerie shadows that danced and flickered across the snow from the fire light.

The mutant bear's limbs had been elongated and misshapen, the muscles bulging beneath its warped skin. Its claws were massive, serrated blades, each one easily as long as Leo's head. They scraped against the ice-encrusted ground with each step, sending showers of snow scraps flying into the darkness behind it.

But perhaps the most horrifying aspect of the creature was the writhing mass of tentacles that emerged from the grotesque, gaping maw where its mouth should have been. Thick and ropey, they pulsed and writhed like a nest of serpents, dripping with a viscous fluid. The tentacles were covered in a slick, iridescent skin, leaving only the glint of a hidden, pulsing core visible in its throat. They twisted and coiled, as if tasting the air, seeking out the warmth of the two figures huddled by the cave entrance. Leos looked at it in horror, confused as to how something like this could even exist- They beat the Kraang.. Right?

Yuichi's eyes widened in horror as the monstrous bear inched closer, his heart raced, breath coming in short, panicked gasps as a wave of revulsion and terror washed over him. He felt his stomach churn, the meager contents of his dinner threatening to make a reappearance as he took in the creature's figure. Yuichi stumbled back, his legs trembling beneath him as the beast took a lumbering step towards them. Its elongated limbs, tipped with serrated claws that gleamed like daggers, reached out towards them, as if eager to rend and tear. Yuichi's heart pounded in his chest, his mind screaming at him to run, to flee this abomination before it was too late, every fiber of his being screamed that rabbits were prey, not meant to be fighters. He clutched at Leo's arm, his fingers digging into the firm muscle as he sought desperately to anchor himself, to keep from being consumed by the terror that threatened to overwhelm him.

Leo, however, reacted with the speed and ferocity of the trained warrior he was. As the monstrous bear lurched into the circle of firelight, his hand flew to the hilt of his katana, drawing the blade in one smooth, fluid motion. "Yuichi, get behind me!" Leo barked, his voice a low, commanding rumble. He stepped in front of the rabbit yokai, his body a shield between his beloved and the looming horror. The creature roared, a sound that was half bear and half something far more terrible, the tentacles emerging from its maw writhing and lashing the air between them. Leo charged forward, his katana flashing in a silver arc as he struck at the beast's outstretched front limb. The blade bit deep, shearing through muscle and sinew with a sickening crunch, sending a spray of viscous, pink blood arcing through the air and into the snow. The creature bellowed in pain and rage, its other paw lashing out tearing into Leo's clothes. Yuichi tried desperately to aid Leo in the fierce battle against the mutant bear, his heart pounding with a mix of terror and determination. He grabbed a thick branch from the firewood pile, wielding it like a club as he attempted to strike at the beast's flank. The first blow glanced off the creature's exposed muscle, sending a shock wave of pain up Yuichi's arm, but failing to leave more than a shallow gouge in the decaying flesh.

Taken over by the need to help his beloved, Yuichi pressed his attack, dancing around the thrashing tentacles and lashing claws. He managed to land a few more blows, each one driving the makeshift weapon deep into the beast's grotesque hide, but the creature seemed barely to notice. As Yuichi struggled to keep the bear at bay, Leo fought with the skill and ferocity of a man possessed by death itself. His katana flashed in the firelight, the blade singing as it bit deep into the monster's flesh again and again. His muscles bunched and flexed beneath his robes as he wielded the sword with all the strength and power he could muster, determined to protect Yuichi and end this abomination's reign of terror. The bear swung and sent Yuichi flying back, just missing his vitals as he landed into the trunk of a tree. In a short break between the beast's frenzied attacks, Leo turned to Yuichi, his eyes blazing with a fierce, intense light. "Yuichi," he called out, his voice a low, urgent whisper, despite being scared for his life he forced himself to smile. "I love you." The words hung in the air for a single, eternal second before Leo launched himself at the monster, his katana held high ready to give everything he had so that Yuichi could make it home.

With a final, mighty cry, Leo buried the blade to the hilt in the creature's chest, piercing its twisted heart. The beast let out a deafening roar, a sound of agony and fury that shook the very earth. It thrashed and spasmed, its claws scrabbling at the ground as the life drained from its misshapen form. But as it collapsed, its massive weight bearing down upon him, Leo felt a sickening wrench and a searing pain in his right arm. The joint gave way with a sickening crunch, the bones shattering beneath the titanic force. Leo gritted his teeth, a bead of sweat rolling down his brow as he strained with every ounce he had left. He could feel the tendrils forcing their way under his skin, trying to find a new host as the bears heart came to a stop. Leo raised his sword and with a pained, desperate cry, forced the sword down onto this arm just above the elbow.

He hacked at it making sure nothing was worming its way up further and used his legs to push himself away from the bears corpse. He watched the core wrap around the severed arm and tangle itself trying to suck the life from it to keep on. But Leo refused to let it get any further, he grabbed the stick Yuichi had used and let it catch fire, then shoved the flame into the core, heaving and panting as he knelt there making sure the core was nothing but ash then right after made sure to catch the bear in the flames, he had to be sure there was no chance of it coming back.. He heard a voice behind him but it felt distant, like a dream. He went to turn around but his eyes closed before he got to see what was going on, there was just the feeling of the chilling air around him, the snow beneath him.. Then, warmth and someones hands on him, someone soft, gentle..

Maybe he'd finally atoned and could be reunited with his family, maybe he'd finally be free of that heavy guilt that'd been following him all this time?

Private Photos of Saoirse Ronan 640-643/2000

Chapter 2

Leos eyes slowly opened, a painfully cold shiver threw him out of his make shift bed. He let out a heavy sigh and gathered his things which consisted of his tool belt, the small pile of wood he'd cut off the dying trees he came across, and the rare bits of trash and scrap fabric left by hikers now long gone. He'd found an old, worn out kimono that he kept like it was the most valuable treasure he'd ever had. It was the only thing keeping the burning cold from hitting him directly. Leonardo trudged through the knee-deep snow, unsure what direction he was even going. His muscles burning from the exertion and the biting cold, the once vibrant greenish blue of his shell had faded to a dull, lifeless almost gray color, matching the bleak landscape that stretched out before him as far as his eyes could see. The jagged peaks of the other mountains loomed overhead, their icy summits glinting cruelly in the meager sunlight that filtered through the thick, gray clouds overhead. He had been stranded on this godforsaken mountain for what felt like an eternity, though in truth, only a few short weeks had passed since the Odachi blade had shattered and sent him hurtling across the globe. Those unbearable weeks had been a nightmarish ordeal, a constant battle for survival in one of the harshest environments imaginable. He only hoped his brothers were somewhere nicer, somewhere more kind to their bodies then the cold had been to his.

Leonardo's stomach growled as he walked, a painful reminder of the meager rations he had managed to scavenge after the few snacks in his belts pockets and pouches quickly ran out. The once well-fed and muscular turtle was now a little more than a shadow of his former self, his shell protruding over his atrophied frame. He had long since run out of the few supplies he had with him, and the mountain offered little in the way of sustenance. He paused for a moment, catching his breath and surveying the terrain. The snow-covered pines stretched out before him, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers grasping at the leaden sky. Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled mournfully, a sound that seemed to echo the deep despair that had taken root in Leonardo's heart. Leo had searched tirelessly for any sign of human (or yokai) habitation, any way to escape this frozen hell. He had shouted until his voice was hoarse, hoping to catch the attention of a passing hiker or a search and rescue team as the days went by. But the mountain remained stubbornly silent and empty, as if it were guarding something it didn't want to be found. He thought of his brothers, of Donatello and his endless inventions and over prepared-ness. Of Raphael's fiery determination and warm hugs, and of Michelangelo's unshakable optimism and culinary skills. He needed them now more than ever, but they were gone, scattered to the winds by the same force that had once been used to save the world. The same force that had now abandoned him.. 

Leonardo's hand drifted to the fragment of the Odachi sword tucked securely in his belt, the only remaining thing to remind him of the power that had once bound them. He'd clung to the desperate hope that the shattered pieces of the mystic blade still held some remnant of their original power, that they might somehow guide him back to his lost brothers. But as the days turned to weeks and the weeks pilled into a month, that hope had begun to fade, like the warmth draining from his limbs. He pushed himself onward, driven by a stubborn refusal to succumb to the icy embrace of the mountain. He had to find a way off this godforsaken peak, had to find his way back to his brothers. He couldn't let them down, not again. As he crested a particularly steep hill, Leonardo spotted a glint of metal in the distance, half-buried in the snow. His heart raced as he stumbled towards it, his frozen fingers scrambling to unearth the object hoping to find something he could eat. It was a battered old tin can, its paint long since chipped away by the unrelenting cold and the harsh winds. Inside, Leonardo found a single scrap of paper, its edges brittle and worn. It appeared to be a map, drawn in faded ink, depicting a winding path down the mountain and through the surrounding wilderness. At the bottom of the map, the lines formed into words was scrawled in shaky Japanese characters: "安全" - Safety.

Leonardo's eyes widened and his heart rate quickened as he studied the map, his mind racing with the possibilities it presented. Could this be the key to his salvation, the way off this frozen prison? He didn't know for certain, the chance that this could be some cold induced hallucination was high, but he knew he had to try. With renewed determination, Leonardo set off down the winding path the map showed, the paper clutched tightly in his shaking hand. The journey would be treacherous, just waking up was treacherous honestly. And yet the promise of safety, of an end to his solitary torment, spurred him onward. He didn't know what he would find at the end of this path, if "safety" meant people, a town, an empty shelter, or even if he would find his way back to his brothers. But he knew one thing for certain - He would not give up, not until he had searched every inch of this world to reunite with them and get back home. He was Leonardo fucking Hamato after all, the leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and he would never abandon his family, no matter the cost..

And so, with a heart full of determination and a soul weary from the trials he had endured, Leo continued to press on, melting into the snowy wilderness as the last light of day faded behind the distant horizon. The days blurred together in a never-ending nightmare of snow, ice, and bone-chilling cold. But he still trudged onward, his body growing weaker with each passing day as he struggled against the unrelenting elements. The winding path on the map seemed to stretch on forever, each turn revealing yet another expanse of white, each incline pushing him to the brink of exhaustion. He passed out twice in the first week, his body giving in to the overwhelming fatigue and painful cold that seeped into his bones. He awoke each time to find himself half-buried in the snow, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he clawed his way back to a sitting position. He knew he had to keep moving, had to find shelter before the icy tendrils of death could claim him. But he'd learned the hard way that there were no shortcuts, every twist and turn was laid out so he could avoid feral animals and drop offs that would make it impossible to get out alive. He had to follow the map as it showed, no shortcuts.. 

In the second week, he spotted a small cave nestled in the side of the mountain a little ways off the marked path. With the last of his strength, he dragged himself inside, collapsing onto the hard stone floor as the warmth of the enclosed space washed over him. He huddled there for two days, shivering and delirious, as his body fought to regain some semblance of heat and strength while he chewed on the pizza stained fabric of his mask and bark. But the respite was short-lived. On the third night, he awoke to the sound of howling, the unmistakable cries of a pack of wolves that had caught his scent in their home and weren't too happy about it. Heart pounding, Leonardo scrambled to his feet, grabbing the remains of his pack and the map that had become his only solace in this frozen hell. He fled into the night, the howls growing louder and closer with each passing second. The wolves gave chase, their paws crunching through the snow as they gained on his exhausted form. Leonardo's lungs burned as he ran, his heart threatening to explode in his chest. Suddenly, his foot caught on a hidden root, and he went tumbling down a steep incline, the world spinning in a dizzying array of white. He hit the bottom hard, a sickening crack echoing through the night as searing pain shot up his right arm. He laid there, groaning, as the wolves circled above, their eyes glinting with cruel hunger. But they couldn't reach him without jumping down and taking their chances with the mountain, and they were smarter than that. Leo laid there for a good while, catching his breath and coming to terms with his grim situation for the hundredth time that day. Then forced himself back up, if he died here his ancestors would never let him live it down.

He followed the map like it was his salvation, partly hoping the end was with warm embrace of death where he could at least be with his ancestors who were probably watching over him in grim annoyance. And at the mark of the second month, frozen and numb limbs and a stomach growling like it might tear through his skin for food, he was so close to the end. And finally, at long last, he saw a faint light, a flicker that means fire, warmth, people. And raced towards it to find a small Japanese village under attack from a small gang of what looked like bandits. Leo stumbled into the small village, his eyes wide with a mix of desperation and disbelief at the sight before him. The flickering light he had seen in the distance was indeed a fire, but it was not the warm, inviting hearth he had hoped for. Instead, it was the chaos and destruction of the village being ravaged by a gang of what appeared to be bandits, or perhaps more accurately, a pack of vicious thugs. They were a crew of yokai, covered in a haphazard mix of traditional Japanese clothing and dented, mismatched armor. Their faces were twisted in cruel sneers as they reveled in the chaos they had wrought, snatching coin purses and valuables from the terrified villagers. Easily knocking away the unkempt weapons from the older men of the village when they threatened those without means of defense. The bandits laughed and jeered as they pointed their swords at the huddled women and children, who cowered in fear and desperation. Leonardo's heart dropped at the sight, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his frozen limbs. He knew he was in no state to fight, his body weakened and battered from his harrowing journey across the mountain. But he also knew he couldn't stand idly by and watch as these monsters tore apart the one glimmer of hope he had left. With a roar that echoed through the village square, Leonardo charged forward, his one good arm outstretched and his fingers curled into a claw. The bandits turned to face him, their eyes narrowing as they took in his ragged, emaciated form. They laughed, a harsh and grating sound, as they leveled their swords at the approaching turtle.

But Leonardo was beyond reason, beyond the point of fear or caution. His hunger, both for food and warmth, had consumed him utterly. In his mind, these bandits were no more than a pack of wild animals, and he was a starving man who had been pushed to the brink of desperation. He launched himself at the nearest thug, his claws raking across the man's face and drawing a spray of blood. The bandit screamed in pain and outrage, but Leonardo was already moving on, his eyes wild and his body driven by a hunger he could no longer control. He felt a strange sensation as his claws sank into the bandit's flesh, a warmth that he hadn't felt in months showering him and dripping to stain the snow around them. The heat of the man's blood, the solidity of his body beneath Leonardo's grip. He felt a hunger he had never felt before, a blinding rage that he couldn't control. The Yokai bandits were technically, if nothing else, free for the taking... And who would deny Leo saving them? Riding their town of criminals? As the bodies dropped he felt the blood dripping down his chin, before he had any idea what he was doing his mouth moved. Ripping flesh and from bone with his teeth, he couldn't think or form the words, he saw their fearful looks but was too busy to register if the looks were for him or for the bodies. The men from before had their weapons held by their sides, no fully drawn but not retracted fully either. There was rabbit yokai among them, his ears twitching nervously as he analyzed Leo. He cautiously approached the crouched form of Leo who'd stooped down to better reach his first meal in nearly three months, not paying any mind to the towns people. It wasn't till his third bite that his vision started to clear and he could recognize what he'd done. 

The yokai had never seen this strange, ragged creature before, and the sight of the blood-splattered, half-eaten bandit corpse lying beside him filled the young yokai with a mix of revulsion and awe. "Sumimasen, sumimasen," the rabbit said softly, his voice pitched low and soothing as he crouched down beside Leonardo. "You're hurt, aren't you? Let me help you." But Leonardo, lost in a haze of exhaustion, pain, and the lingering red mist of his blood lust, could not understand the yokai's gentle words. His eyes, once bright and clear, were now glazed and distant, staring at something only he could see. The rabbit's gaze fell upon the blood-stained map clutched weakly in Leonardo's crooked hand. He plucked it carefully from the turtle's grip, smoothing out the crumpled paper to reveal the faded ink lines and the Japanese characters scrawled at the bottom: 安全 - Safety.

The rabbit's eyes widened in understanding. He turned to the group of village men who had approached cautiously, their rusted and broken weapons lowered in a show of tentative peace once they saw the younger yokai approach him without a fight. They had never seen this strange creature before, and they were unsure of how to approach him, fearful of provoking his blind wrath once more. But the sight of the map, and the desperate, exhausted state of the turtle, had swayed their hearts. They could see the pain etched into every line of his battered shell, the hunger that could have driven him to such desperate acts. How even in that state he managed enough control not to hurt any innocent people, to stand down when approached. The rabbit yokai urged the men to carefully lift Leonardo, taking great care not to jostle his injured arm. They carried him through the village, past the shocked and grateful faces of the women and children who had been saved from the bandits' cruelty. 

As they reached the village doctor's home, a modest but clean and well-kept affair, the yokai turned to Leonardo, placing a gentle paw on his least bloody shoulder. "We'll take care of you," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of compassion and determination. "You don't have to fight anymore. You're safe now." With those words, they carried Leonardo inside, laying him down on a clean futon as the doctor began to examine his wounds, his face etched with concentration and the desire to mend the.. Unique... New face. He was covered in blood so it was near impossible to tell what was his and what was from the bandits. "You there-" The doctor pointed to the rabbit yokai, "Usagi. Yuichi Usagi."

"I'm going to get some tools to make a cast for his arm, you get to bathe him."

"Wha-"

"All the men here have jobs to get back to, families to check on. Unless you'd rather haul the bodies?" Usagi huffed and took a wooden bucket with a spiteful expression, but he didn't complain again or argue. He filled the bucket with warm water and sat beside Leo, just watching him for a moment. His breathing was more even now, a pained but much calmer expression on his face as he laid there. He hesitated fora moment, then dabbed a rag into the water and started to clean the blood off him. Leo flinched at each touch no matter how gentle, but after he always leaned into the warmth, "What a strange creature you are.." Usagi muttered, shaking his head as he worked. It took a bit, but he got most of the blood off and brought out some of the spare clothes he found so he could change once he woke up. "Been a long time since we've seen kappa around here.." The doctor added as he came back into the room, "They usually can't handle the cold, no wonder he's half dead."

"Dead??"

"Why does everything I say surprise you? I'm the doctor here ain't I? Yes, half dead. See the dark colors on the tips of his hands and feet? That's frostbite, the way his shell is too big for him, that's because he's supposed to be bigger, he probably got lost on the mountain somehow, typical tourist.. Think they own the place and can go where they please.."

"..Is he gonna be okay?"

"Well if I have a say in it he is. Scoot over, I'm going to have to set his arm, which means it'll probably wake him up. So you get to hold him down, and I'm sure he's freezing and hungry so-"

"Let me guess.. I get to take care of him till he's ready to leave?"

"Well I was going to ask if Noka wanted to but since you spoke up, yes, that's your job now."

"That's unfair! I don't wanna-"

"Ah ah ah, hold him, you can complain all you want after I'm done."

Chapter 11

Yuichi paced around their shared bedroom, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He knew the gravity of the situation, he'd gotten all the information from the merchants he could the night before, but a part of him couldn't help feeling a thrill at the thought of finally going on a real mission with Leo. Up until now, his role had been more supportive than active, helping to prepare for potential threats from the safety of the village, working with villagers to re-enforce their homes, training with Leo and just focusing on getting stronger. But this time, he would be out there, standing shoulder to shoulder with the man he loved, facing the unknown danger that lurked in the mountain forest. "Oh- I should bring some extra layers" Yuichi said, rummaging through their wardrobe. "And I'll pack some extra rations, in case we run out." He glanced over at Leo, watching as the stoic yokai methodically packed a bag with the essentials he would need for the hunt. Leo's expression remained as impassive as ever, but Yuichi could sense the tension in his movements, the way his hands tightened slightly around the strap of his pack. He knew that beneath that calm exterior, Leo was likely grappling with a storm of anxious thoughts and grim expectations.

Yuichi stepped close to Leo, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Hey," He said softly, leaning in to catch the Leo's gaze. "We'll get through this together. You and me, the village's finest warriors. We'll find this creature and put an end to it before anyone else gets hurt." Leo met Yuichi's eyes, and for a moment, all his doubts really did melt away. He never thought he'd find someone who did that to him, who actually cared that much to try.. Yuichi thought he glimpsed a flicker of uncertainty in those deep blue eyes of Leo's, but then he nodded, leaning up and pressing a gentle kiss to Yuichi's lips. "You're right," He said, his voice a low rumble as he turned his attention back to his packing, "The village is depending on us. And I... I'm glad you'll be there with me." Yuichi felt a wave of warmth and pride at Leo's words, it was rare for him to make the first move so this felt special.. He knew that Leo didn't give out such praise lightly, and the fact that he was placing his trust in Yuichi made him feel invincible. He squeezed Leo's shoulder, letting his fingers linger for a moment on muscle he could feel beneath the fabric of his dark robes. Sure Leo had never backed away from a kiss, but to be the one to initiate was hardly common. Yuichi hoped it meant Leo was getting more comfortable, since he seemed to struggle with it, something about not wanting to 'overdue' it or 'seem needy' even though Yuichi could never get enough of Leos affection. Not that any of that mattered, Yuichi promised he'd be there for Leo, even in his hesitant and awkward moments.

He knew Leo hated the mountains, he hated being reminded of the time he spent alone, freezing to death before he came to the village. So having someone there with him definitely seemed to make that weigh on him less.. "I won't let you down," Yuichi said, meaning every word. They stopped by the butsudan, (shrine to a deceased relative) of Oji-san, Yuichis uncle and Oba-sans late husband. The one who protected the village before Leo, they bowed their heads and Yuichi lit an incense stick for good luck. As they made their way to the door, ready to embark on their mission, they were stopped by Yuichi's aunt, Oba-san. The elderly woman walked over, her kind eyes filled with both concern and affection as she pressed two neatly wrapped packages into their hands. "Here, take these with you," Oba-san said, her voice soft but insistent. "A warm meal and a sweet treat can give you the strength you'll need out there." Yuichi accepted the offerings with a grateful smile, bowing his head slightly. "Arigato, Oba-san. Your care and support mean the world to us. We won't let your efforts go to waste." Leo nodded in agreement with Yuichi's words, bowing his head as thanks.  Just then, a blur of motion and a jingling of bells signaled the arrival of Yuichi's little sister Hana. The small girl threw herself at Leo's legs, her arms wrapping around them in a fierce hug, not wanting him to leave but knowing she couldn't hold him back for long. She looked up at the towering turtle, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Leo-sama, you have to wear this!" Hana declared, holding up a delicate string of lopsided beads and charms. "I made it special, just for you. It's a protection bracelet, to keep you safe from the monsters." Leo hesitated for a moment, his stoic facade cracking slightly at the child's innocent pleading. He glanced down at the bracelet, then back up at Hana's hopeful face. A slow smile, small but genuine, spread across his features.

"Thank you, Hana," Leo said, his deep voice softening with affection. "I promise to wear it, and to return safe and sound, no matter what okay?" Hana beamed up at him, her smile blinding like the morning sun, all too similar to Yuichi's. "Okay! Bye bye, Leo-sama! Bye bye, big brother! Be super careful, 'kay? And bring me back something cool!" Yuichi ruffled his sister's hair affectionately. "We will, Hana. Take care of Oba-san, and the village, while we're gone alright?" With that, Yuichi and Leo stepped out of the house, their packs slung over their shoulders. They walked side by side, their footsteps falling in sync as they made their way towards the edge of the village and into the woods.

As Yuichi and Leo trekked through the dense undergrowth of the forest, the village slowly faded from view behind them. The trees pressed in from all sides, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers grasping at the grey sky above. The air grew colder and damper with each passing step, the chill seeping into their bones despite the warmth of their winter clothing. Yuichi walked close to Leo, his breath misting in the air as he spoke. "Do you think we'll find anything? The merchants said the creature attacked them not long before they arrived at the village. It's trail shouldn't be too hard to follow, right?" Leo nodded, his eyes scanning the forest floor intently. "The ground is frozen, so any footprints the beast left behind should still be visible.. But be prepared, Yuichi...we may also come across the body of the merchant who was killed. It's not exactly the adventure you'd hoped for, but we need to be ready for it."

Yuichi's step faltered slightly at the thought, a shiver running down his spine that had nothing to do with the cold. He knew the realities of their mission, but hearing it spoken aloud by Leo made it feel all too real. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever they might encounter. "I understand," Yuichi said, his voice steady despite the unease churning in his gut. "I just... I hope we're not too late to give the merchant a proper burial. No one should be left to the mercy of the elements and scavengers." Leo was silent for a moment, and Yuichi could sense the heavy weight of his thoughts. The village people cared much more about paying respects to the body and spirit than Leo ever had, the last time he thought he killed something he'd just flushed it down the toilet and pretended they never  existed.. "You're right," Leo said at last, his voice low. "A proper send-off is the least we can do for the fallen. We'll make sure their spirit can rest easy, no matter what we find."

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the conversation turned to the creature they were hunting. "What do you think this thing could be?" Yuichi asked, his eyes darting nervously from shadow to shadow. "The merchants described it as some kind of mutant bear, but that doesn't tell us much. Have you ever heard of anything like this before?" Leo shook his head slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. "I can't say I have. I only encountered wolves when I was stuck in the mountains, but I was much further up." Yuichi nodded, unsure what else to say so he decided it was best to stay quiet for a bit. It didn't take long for his mind wander, despite his best efforts to focus on the task at hand. As they trudged through the increasingly dense forest, his thoughts drifted to the intimate scene he had imagined.. Leo and him, huddled together for warmth and comfort under the small shelter of a shared blanket, away from the watchful eyes of the village. He could almost feel the firmness of Leo's body pressed against his own, the steady beat of his heart like a soothing lullaby in the eerie stillness of the forest at night. A faint blush colored Yuichi's cheeks as he lost himself in the pleasant fantasy, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

However, a curious glance from Leo quickly brought Yuichi back to reality. Leo had paused, his hand raised in a silent signal for Yuichi to stop as well. Leo's eyes were fixed on a set of massive paw prints etched into the hard-packed snow, the size and shape unmistakably non-human. He crouched down, examining them closely, his brow furrowed in concentration. "They look fresh," Leo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "The edges are still crisp, and there are no signs of weathering. I think this is our beast's trail, and it doesn't look more than a day old." Yuichi blinked, shaking off the lingering haze of his daydreams to focus on the ominous discovery before them. He took a step closer to Leo, seeking the comfort of his boyfriends presence. "Do you think... Do you think this is the same one that attacked the merchants?" Yuichi asked, his voice hushed with a mixture of fear and awe. "It's so big...bigger than any bear I've ever seen. What do you think it wants, Leo-sama?" Leo straightened up slowly, his eyes never leaving the tracks. "I don't know," He admitted. "But I intend to find out. And to put an end to it before anyone else gets hurt..."

As the sun began to set, casting an eerie orange glow through the skeletal branches of the trees, Yuichi and Leo finally reached the grim scene of the merchant's demise. The tracks had led them to a small clearing, the snow trampled and stained with dark, frozen patches of blood. In the center of the clearing lay the gruesome remains of the unfortunate soul, half-eaten and partially buried beneath a thin layer of snow. Yuichi recoiled, his stomach churning at the horrific sight. He pressed a hand to his mouth, fighting back the urge to retch as he took in the mangled flesh and shattered bones. Tears stung his eyes as the reality of the merchant's final moments crashed over him like a wave of a tsunami. He couldn't begin to imagine the terror and pain they must have endured in their final moments.. 

Leo, however, remained stoic and focused, his expression never wavering as he approached the macabre scene. He circled the remains, his keen eyes searching for any clues that might aid their investigation. He used a small trowel from his pack to carefully extract a few of the merchant's jewelry and intact section of their clothing, knowing that these items would give the other merchants a sense of closure and something to remember them by. As he worked, Leo's mind raced with thoughts of the beast that had committed this atrocity. The sheer savagery and brutality of the attack, a creature driven by hunger and a twisted, primal rage.. There was no way this was done by a mutant or yokai like him or Yuichi, this had no trace of humanity. He knew that such a beast could not be reasoned with, could not be swayed from its murderous path. No, the only way to stop it would be to destroy it and leave no trace..  Leo finished his task and made his way back to Yuichi's side. He placed a comforting hand on the rabbit's shoulder, squeezing gently in a gesture of solidarity and support. "I'm sorry you had to see that," Leo said softly, his voice laced with sympathy. "I know it's a shocking and disturbing sight. But we need to be strong, for the sake of the merchant's and the rest of the village. We'll bring them closure, and we'll put an end to this beast." Yuichi nodded, swallowing back his previous meal. "Right.. You're right..." Leo hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around Yuichi, "It's okay if you need a minute. Or want to look away while I mark a grave?" Yuichi melted into Leos arms, shaking his head, "No.. No I should watch.. Get used to this sort of thing.. Right?" 

"If that's what you want. But don't push yourself, okay?" He let go after a moment and used his sword to carve out a place to dump all the remains, then cut down some branches and tied them together to mark the grave. After collecting the pieces and putting them into the pit he'd made he covered it back up with snow, it wasn't his best work but with the night setting in the cold made it hard to work. "That should do it, lets find a place to set up camp for the night, we can get back to tracking at dawn." Yuichi hesitated but nodded, he'd almost suggested to stay there in the clearing, but the thought of the merchants spirit watching them made him uneasy, there's no way he'd be able to sleep with that on his mind.

As the last light faded from the sky, Yuichi and Leo worked in tandem to set up camp for the night. Yuichi, ever the resourceful one, quickly found a suitable spot nestled between a cluster of large, gnarled trees. The dense spray of dying leaves above would provide some protection from the elements, while the clearing afforded them a bit of open space to work in if needed. He set to work assembling their small tent, his fingers nimble and sure as he connected the poles and stretched the fabric taut against the biting wind. Leo, meanwhile, focused on starting the fire. He gathered a small pile of dry leaves and branches, his mind wandering as he worked on instinct alone. His thoughts drifted to the path that had led him here, to this moment in time. He had never imagined that he would find himself in a position like this- On the hunt for a monstrous creature, with a boyfriend by his side who was as brave as he was kind.. All the way from New York to Japan..

A small, wistful smile tugged at the corner of Leo's mouth as he watched Yuichi work, the flickering light of the fire casting a warm glow across the rabbit's features. When they had first met, Leo had been a mess, a stoic and reserved turtle who had taken on the mantle of protector out of a sense of duty and honor that he'd been trying to escape with his life in the city.. But it found him anyway, out here in the middle of nowhere.. He had never expected to find someone who could understand and accept him, quirks and all after showing such a display of violence. But Yuichi had seen past the hard exterior to the man within, and had offered his heart so freely. Leo still marveled at the depth of the yoaki's compassion, the way he could find joy and beauty in even the darkest of circumstances. And now, here they were.. A team, bound together by love and purpose. As the fire took hold and the tent stood tall and sturdy, Leo and Yuichi shared a look of understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they shared. They would face whatever challenges tomorrow brought. For now, they could take solace in the warmth of their shared shelter and the knowledge that they had each other, no matter what the morning might bring.

As the night grew colder and the fire burned low, Leo and Yuichi retreated to the small but cozy tent for the evening. The interior was snug and warm, the heat from the fire outside radiating through the fabric to chase away the worst of the chill. They settled down side by side on the bedroll, their bodies naturally gravitating towards each other in search of shared warmth and comfort. Yuichi nestled close to Leo, his head coming to rest on the turtle's chest. He could feel the steady thrum of Leo's heartbeat, the rise and fall of his breath, and it soothed him like a lullaby. His arm draped across Leo's waist, his fingers curling into the fabric of the dark navy colored robes that had become as much a part of the stoic warrior as his katana or his unyielding spirit.

Leo wrapped an arm around Yuichi, pulling him closer until they were pressed together from shoulder to hip. He marveled at the way their bodies fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle designed by fate itself. The heat of Yuichi's body seeped into his own, and he felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over him, a rare and precious feeling for a man who had seen so much darkness in his life. As they lay there, Leo leaned in and captured Yuichi's lips in a soft, tender kiss. It lingered for a long moment, a silent expression of the love and gratitude he felt for this remarkable yokai who had managed to capture his heart. When they finally broke apart, Leo rested his forehead against Yuichi's, his voice a low, intimate rumble. "Thank you," he said, his breath warm against Yuichi's skin. "For being here with me, now and through everything before. I don't know what I would do without you, Yuichi." Yuichi smiled, his eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness at the praise. "I'm exactly where I want to be," He whispered back, his fingers tightening their grip on Leo's robes. "No matter what happens tomorrow, I want you to know that I love you, Leo. More than anything." Leo's heart swelled in his chest, a rare and precious emotion threatening to overwhelm him. He kissed Yuichi again, deeper and more passionately this time, pouring all of his love and devotion into the embrace. He wanted Yuichi to know exactly how much he meant to him, how badly Leo wanted to hold him at any given moment.. But before he could lose himself in it he pulled back, knowing there would be a better time, a better place, for his affections. "I.. Feel the same... Even though it's hard to say, and I probably sound dumb when I do say it.. I really do... Y'know.."

"Hmm~? You what now?" Yuichi chuckled, teasing him of course, "You know what I mean right? That I- ...That I-" He huffed and gave Yuichi a quick kiss, "That. I feel that about you-" Yuichi rolled his eyes and held Leo a little tighter, "Nope, I'm afraid you'll have to spell it out for me~" Leo narrowed his eyes, sighing and taking a deep breath, how could three little words be so hard to say? He'd said them as a kid before, as a joke it was no problem, but suddenly it seemed impossible when he actually meant it! "I.. Well I... I really.. Just..." Yuichi laughed again and rested his head back on Leos chest, "You don't have to say it, I know." Leo struggled, even as Yuichi closed his eyes and started to drift off. He was determined to say it before their trip was over.

That much he was sure of.

Chapter 13

Raph and Mikey stumbled off the gangplank of the public transit ship, blinking in the early morning light that painted the small French port of Wissant in a warm, golden glow. Raph grabbed the railing letting his stomach settle as Mikey stretched his limbs. "Oh man, who would've thought you'd be sea sick?" Raph sighed, taking a moment to collect himself before he was ready to press on. "Makin' it to Donnie's all that matters, I'll ride a hundred boats if that's what it takes-" The brothers had scraped together every last bit of money they could just to afford the passage across the Atlantic. But their meager funds wouldn't stretch all the way to their ultimate destination in the Balkans, not without some creative thinking and hard work. "Well, bro, looks like it's time to put our skills to the test," Raph said, his voice starting to sound more lively as he surveyed their surroundings with his good eye. "We might not have enough chedda to make it all the way in one shot, but maybe we can rustle up some cash in each town we pass through right?"

Mikey grinned, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and mischief. "Hell yeah, I'm so down! We've still got our skills and our voices. Let's hit the streets and show these Euro folks what the Sunset Duo can do!" Raph nodded, smiling at the name Mikey had given them long ago because their mask colors looked like a sunset in his mind. Raph had always liked his suggestion of "Team Awesome" but he had to admit Mikey's idea was good too. They set off down the cobblestone streets of Wissant, their bag slung over their shoulders and their side plan at the ready. They had to make enough money on their way to the train station, where they could catch a ride to the next town, and the next, until they had earned enough to reach their goal and find Donnie. As they walked, they kept an eye out for a suitable spot to set up their impromptu performance. A busy square lay ahead, filled with locals shopping at the colorful market stalls and sipping coffee at the cafe tables that lined the perimeter. It was the perfect place to showcase their talents and hopefully earn a few euros in the process. "Okay, here's the plan," Raph said, his brow furrowed in concentration as he outlined their strategy. "I'll start by makin' some noise and gettin their attention, and you'll come in and fight me, but like, spar fighting not real fighting okay?"

"Yeah! Like busking! I can do that, yessir!" Mikey gave him a playful salute and split into the crowd to wait for his signal.

Raph strode confidently into the middle of the bustling square, his eyes scanning the crowd of shoppers and cafe patrons. He could feel the energy already starting to build, the excited chatter and laughter of the locals and tourists alike filling the air. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase his unique talents and earn a little extra cash for their journey. As he reached the center of the open space, Raph closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing his mind and channeling the mystical energy that flowed through his very being. He could feel it gathering in his core, the familiar sensation that always preceded the activation of his ninpo powers. With a grunt of exertion, Raph unleashed the energy, a projection of his body began to swell and grow before the astonished eyes of the onlookers. The groups of shoppers gasped in amazement as Raph's form expanded, his muscular frame increasing in size until he towered over the crowd. His shell, already an impressive sight, seemed to glow with an otherworldly light as the mystic energy coursed through it. Raph's eyes flashed with a fierce, fiery red as he opened them, his gaze sweeping over the now-silent square with a triumphant grin. With a flourish, Raph raised his tonfas above his head, the polished wood seeming to absorb the sunlight and reflect it back in a dazzling display. He began to spin them in a whirlwind of motion, the whooshing sound of their passage cutting through the air like a blade. The crowd watched in awe as Raph danced and twirled, his massive form moving with a grace and agility that contrasted his size.

As Raph performed, Mikey took his cue and stepped forward. With a roguish grin, Mikey reached into the pouch at his belt and withdrew his pair of nun-chucks, the polished steel chains glinting in the sunlight. He could feel the energy already humming within the weapons, eager to be unleashed. As Raph's performance reached a fever pitch, Mikey took a step forward, "Alright, let's kick this up a notch!" Mikey shouted, his voice booming over the cheering crowd. With a snap of his wrists, Mikey conjured a burst of flames to life along the length of the chains, the orange and red tendrils dancing and flickering as if possessed by a mind of their own. The fire cast a warm, inviting glow across Mikey's face, making his already striking features all the more mesmerizing. The crowd gasped and cheered at the sights, their eyes wide with wonder and delight. Mikey didn't miss a beat, his fingers already moving with lightning speed as he began to spin the flaming nunchucks in a dazzling display of skill and precision. They whirled and spun, painting arcs of fire through the air as Mikey put on a breathtaking exhibition. With a sudden burst of power, Mikey extended the chains to their full length, the burning tips leaving trails of flame in their wake. He used them like a pair of fiery poi, or like whips to be more precise, snapping and cracking them through the air, the crowd jumping back in mock terror and delight. Then, with a grunt of effort, Mikey began to swing the nunchucks in wide, looping circles, the flames stretching out behind them like the tail of a comet. As the crowd watched, Mikey spun and twirled, his body moving in perfect synchronization with the whirling chains. He dipped and swayed, the fire painting mesmerizing patterns in the air as he danced to the infectious beat from the live music cafe near by. The people were enraptured, their eyes glued to the incredible display before them. But Mikey wasn't done yet. With a final, dramatic flourish, he brought the burning nunchucks together with a resounding clang, the flames merging into a single, blazing funnel. He held it aloft, the crowd cheering and applauding, then outstretched his arms letting it dissipate entirely. The crowd cheered, tossing coins their way in passing as they began to disperse. They were both surprised it worked so well, but with a lot of luck and teamwork nothing was impossible for the two.

That was about two weeks ago.

Back in the present, in the cozy living room of their apartment, Draga and Marko lounged together on the couch in the living room, cuddling as they watched a documentary about the rich history and culture of Croatia. The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow through the window, bathing the room in a soft, inviting light. It had been two and a half years since that fateful day when they first crossed paths, a chance encounter that had forever changed both of their lives for the better. As the documentary played on, Draga and Marko let their fingers intertwine, their hands resting on the throw pillow between them. They had been dating for nearly a year now, a year filled with laughter, love, and countless shared adventures and shenanigans. Now, as the anniversary of their relationship becoming official approached, they found themselves musing over how they might celebrate this special milestone in their relationship.

"Mmm, this documentary is interesting," Draga murmured, his head resting on Marko's shoulder as he watched the ancient streets and landmarks of Dubrovnik and Zagreb fill the screen. "It's amazing to think about all the history that surrounds us here.. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live in a place like that? Like from a different time I mean?"

Marko smiled, his fingers absentmindedly stroking the back Draga's hand as he watched the show. "It's funny, I've always been fascinated by history, but I can't imagine wanting to live in a time before modern conveniences," he said with a chuckle. "But I do love exploring the old parts of cities, seeing how people lived centuries ago. Maybe we could take a trip to Dubrovnik one of these days, really immerse ourselves in the history of you're interested, we'll need a hotel for sure though, I refuse to use outside bathrooms." Draga's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I would love that!" he said, turning to gaze up at Marko with a look of affection and admiration. "We could stay in one of those little hotels in the old town, maybe even see where all those people died in the 40s. It would be so romantic!"

Marko laughed at how weird that connection was between the deaths in a world war and it somehow being romantic- "Draga moj that's not-" But Draga wasn't listening, he just explained further, "I want to see the names of those people.. I'm sure so many have been forgotten, but once I see them I can remember them! And we can add some of those names to the memorial here, I mean 300,000 people died, so I think it would be nice to go together and appreciate how nice we have it thanks to their sacrifice" Marko grinned, his heart swelling with love and respect at the thought. "It's a date then." he said, leaning down to place a soft, lingering kiss on Draga's lips. "But first, we should think about how we want to celebrate our anniversary. In a way that doesn't involve death or heavy emotions like that-" Draga nodded, looking towards the window, his mind went back to the word he used, Sacrifice, it felt like there was a deeper weight to that word but he couldn't quite place it.. He looked back at Marko, then around the room, he could feel there was something missing but it was impossible to know what exactly that something was.

"Draga, are you alright? Are the lights being too loud again?" Draga shook his head, "No no, just.. Had a thought is all…" Marko gave his hand a gentle squeeze, "A thought?" Draga nodded, turning his head back to rest it on Markos shoulder. "About my lost memories, some days I'll see something, or smell something, and I can feel like dots are trying to connect in my mind.. I feel things I normally wouldn't- Things that feel so foreign but so familiar at the same time, but the dots never fully connect.. And nothing ever makes sense in the end." Marko nodded as he listened, wishing there was something more he could do than just be there in the room with him, "Do you want to remember..?" Draga was quiet for a moment, "Sometimes. I want to know how I got these scars, why chewing gum gives me the creeps, where I learned about technology.. If anyone misses me… "

"Well.. judging by your shell scutes, you'd be about 20, probably turning 21 on your next birthday, I can't imagine you'd go that long without making any sort of friend."

"Wait, 20? Really?" Marko nodded and let go of Draga's hand to gently trace some of the natural marks on his shell, "Mhmm, like tree rings, you have these faint lines on your shell that come with age" Draga glanced over his shoulder, interested but confused as to why Marko knew that. "I saw it when we first met, I didn't get to count till a few months later but I wouldn't have asked to date you if I wasn't absolutely sure you were an adult."

"With your attention to detail everywhere else I guess I shouldn't be surprised.. Oh! I just remembered, we need to stop by the bakery, I ordered something special and it should be done soon."

"Special?" Draga nodded was a smile, a mischievous glint in his eye as he stood up and held his hand out for Marko, "Very~" Marko gave in and let Draga drag them downtown to the local bakery. After being handed a small but heavy bag Markos mind raced with questions and ideas but Draga refused to spoil the surprise. On their way out Marko perked up and told Draga to wait there for a moment before he ran back across the street and back into the bakery for something. As Draga waited patiently outside the bakery, his mind raced with excitement over the surprise he had planned for Marko. He clutched the bag of pizza dough close to his chest, a small but giddy smile on his face. It had been months since he last cooked for him and didn't ruin the food, but he'd been reading all about cooking and he was eager to treat him to a home-cooked meal, a labor of love to mark their special day coming up.

Lost in thought, Draga didn't immediately register the commotion on the street behind him. The sound of heavy footfalls and the rush of wind were almost drowned out by hi own musings. It wasn't until he heard the sound of a familiar voice calling her name that he snapped out of her reverie. "Donnie! Hey, over here!" Startled, Draga turned around, his eyes widening in shock as he found himself face to face with two hulking, shell-adorned figures. They were unmistakably turtle yokai, their muscular builds and the distinctive patterns etched into their shells marking them as something extraordinary. Draga's heart raced as they approached, their strides energetic and rushed. Before he could react, the two figures were upon him, their powerful arms wrapping around him in a crushing embrace. Draga let out a startled yelp, the bag of dough tumbling from his hands as he was engulfed in the tight hug. He struggled and squirmed, but the grip of the turtles was unbreakable.

"Tko si ti?!" Draga asked in a yell, his voice muffled by the firm muscles pressed against him. "Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" The turtles seemed oblivious to his distress, their faces splitting into wide, grinning smiles. "Donnie, it's us!" The taller of the two exclaimed, his voice a deep, booming rumble. "Don't you recognize us? It's Raph and Mikey, your brothers! I know we've gotten a little taller but c'mon now isn't the time for goofin-" Draga blinked, his mind reeling as he tried to process the revelation. Brothers? He had no brothers, at least not that he knew of. But as he looked closer, he began to notice the similarities in their features, the same strong jawline, the same piercing, if differently colored, eyes. "Brothers?" Draga repeated, his voice a mix of confusion and disbelief. "I- Uhh.."

Marko rushed over to where Draga was being embraced by the two hulking, shelled figures, a look of concern and confusion etched across his face. He had been in the middle of grabbing a small bag of treats for them to share as a little extra surprise to go with their outing since they usually got a snack if they had to go out, but now he found himself face to face with a situation he had never anticipated. As he approached, the taller of the two turtles released Draga, allowing him to stumble back and catch his balance. He immediately reached out to take Marko's hand, his fingers curling around his tightly as if seeking comfort and reassurance. Marko gave his hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze, his brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of the bizarre encounter.

"Is everything alright, Draga moj?" Marko asked, his voice low and tinged with worry, Draga rarely shied away from interacting with friendly people but then again these guys did just grab him without permission.. He turned his attention to the two turtles, offering them a tentative smile. "Greetings, I don't believe we've met before. Are you perhaps fans of the museum where Draga works? I'm sure he would be happy to answer any questions you might have, but I must ask that you not accost him." The taller turtle, the one who had been doing most of the talking, held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Whoa, whoa, take it easy, dude," he said, his voice a deep, rumbling baritone, but his expression was gentle. "We're not here to cause any trouble. We're here cause… well, cause Donnie here is our brother. We've been looking for him for a while now- You must be someone who took him in, can't thank you enough for that- I'm Raph, and this here is Mikey." Marko blinked, his confusion only growing as he tried to make sense of the turtle's words. He glanced at Draga, who looked equally baffled and more than a little nervous. "I'm sorry, I think there might be some misunderstanding," Marko said carefully. "Draga doesn't have any brothers. Are you sure you have the right person?" The turtle, who Marko now realized was called Raph, sighed and ran a hand over his head, "Draga? Is that how you say his name here? Anyway look, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but just hear me out," He said, his voice low and serious. "Donnie, c'mon, tell this guy we're family."

Draga just glanced between the two then to Mikey's hopeful expression. "Maybe.. We should talk about this at home" He whispered something to Marko and he nodded, raising Draga's hand in his and kissing the back of it, "I understand." He turned back to the two, "Follow us please, we can talk more at our place were we can sit down. You can call me Marko." Raph and Mikey glanced between each other with looks of worry and confusion. Just what was going on here? Donnie never liked people getting too close to him, or holding hands, let alone letting someone kiss him and get their germs on him- But those markings were unmistakable, the scars on his shell..

Everything about him was their Donnie, so why did he look like he didn't know who they were?

I was wondering if you're planning to finish your nine long years fic. I think it's wonderful. no pressure tho, just figured I'd ask :)

hope you have a beautiful day <3